Toothbrush for promoting dental plaque removal and method of making the same

Abstract

The present invention provides a toothbrush for promoting dental plaque removal and a method for manufacturing the same. The toothbrush for promoting dental plaque removal comprises: a head on which elements for cleaning the toothbrush are arranged; a first electrode located on the head; a second electrode located on the head, separated from the first electrode by a preset interval and grounded; and a voltage supply unit for superimposing an alternating current (AC) voltage and a direct current (DC) voltage to apply both the AC voltage and the DC voltage to the first electrode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a toothbrush for promoting dental plaque removal and a method for manufacturing the same, and more particularly, to a toothbrush for promoting dental plaque removal by removing dental plaque by applying an electric field and a method for manufacturing the same. Background Art

[0002] Biofilm refers to a thin film formed by bacteria to protect themselves when they form colonies. Dental plaque is a biofilm formed by inorganic substances such as calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) precipitated in the space between saliva and teeth and gums. Dental plaque is formed when microorganisms, gingival exfoliation cells, white blood cells, and food adhere to the film in a sterile state.

[0003] Bacteria proliferate in the oral cavity where dental plaque is formed, and the proliferated bacteria may cause severe inflammation in the tooth tissue. Therefore, inflammation in the tooth tissue caused by dental plaque, such as tooth decay, requires administration of 500 to 1000 times or more of the antibiotic dose administered to the tooth for bacterial infection to be treated. In addition, surgery is required to remove dental plaque formed in the form of bacterial biofilm, and a large amount of antibiotics need to be administered.

[0004] This surgical technique imposes a cost burden on patients, and there are also space and time constraints that require continuous visits to the hospital for treatment. In addition, in order to achieve the therapeutic effect, high volumes of antibiotics are administered, which may cause secondary problems such as antibiotic resistance.

[0005] Therefore, in fact, there is a continuous need to develop a new plaque removal system that can effectively remove dental plaque without temporal and spatial limitations.

[0006] The background art of the invention is described in order to make the present invention easier to understand. It should not be understood that the matters described in the background art of the present invention are admitted to exist as prior art. Summary of the invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] On the other hand, as a solution to the problems of the conventional plaque removal system as described above, a method has been proposed in which an electric field is applied to teeth to relax the structure of dental plaque to prevent the formation of bacterial biofilm on the tooth surface, thereby reducing the concentration of antibiotics.

[0009] In this case, the treatment method of applying an electric field may be a method of applying high voltage to the tooth surface to induce hydrolysis of water, thereby removing dental plaque. However, the method of removing dental plaque by high voltage that causes hydrolysis of water may cause electric shock to the body and induce pain.

[0010] The inventors of the present invention need to develop a new dental plaque removal system that can effectively remove dental plaque and reduce the risk of electric shock and the risk of pain induction.

[0011] As a result, the inventors of the present invention could develop a dental plaque removal system capable of adjusting the strength of the electric field applied to the teeth.

[0012] More specifically, the inventors of the present invention have discovered that when alternating current (AC) voltage and direct current (DC) voltage are superimposed to apply AC voltage and DC voltage together, an electric field that is harmless to the human body is applied to the teeth, effectively removing dental plaque.

[0013] In this case, the inventors of the present invention may apply the above-mentioned dental plaque removal system to a toothbrush in order to effectively remove dental plaque.

[0014] In particular, the inventors of the present invention can apply an electrode capable of supplying two types of voltages to a toothbrush, thereby making it possible to remove dental plaque in daily life without spatial or temporal constraints.

[0015] Furthermore, the inventors of the present invention can provide a toothbrush capable of removing dental plaque, thereby reducing treatment costs.

[0016] On the other hand, the inventors of the present invention have discovered a structure and arrangement of multiple electrodes in a toothbrush that can increase the electric field density, so as to efficiently provide an electric field to the teeth.

[0017] Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a toothbrush for promoting plaque removal, namely, a first electrode and a second electrode having various structures are arranged on the head, and further include a voltage supply part constructed in a manner of applying AC voltage and DC voltage together.

[0018] Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a toothbrush for promoting plaque removal, namely, configuring a first electrode and a second electrode separated from the first electrode by a preset interval and grounded, and configuring a voltage supply part configured in a manner of applying an AC voltage and a DC voltage together.

[0019] The problems of the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and ordinary technicians in the technical field to which the present invention belongs can clearly understand other problems not mentioned from the following description.

[0020] Solutions to the problem

[0021] In order to solve the above problems, a toothbrush for promoting dental plaque removal according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided. In this case, the toothbrush may include: a head on which elements for cleaning teeth are arranged; a first electrode located on the head; a second electrode located on the head, spaced apart from the first electrode by a preset interval and grounded; and a voltage supply unit for superimposing an AC voltage and a DC voltage to apply the AC voltage and the DC voltage together to the first electrode.

[0022] According to a feature of the present invention, the voltage supply unit may apply an AC voltage having an amplitude of 0.25V to 0.82V and a frequency of 0.1 MHz to 100 MHz and a DC voltage of 0.0001V to 0.82V together.

[0023] According to another feature of the present invention, the first electrode and the second electrode may have the same or different pillar structures, and a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes are arranged on the head at predetermined intervals.

[0024] According to another feature of the present invention, the first electrode and the second electrode may be multiple, at least one of the multiple first electrodes and at least one of the multiple second electrodes may have a quadrilateral column structure with a length of one side greater than the length of the remaining sides, and are respectively arranged at the center of the head. In this case, the remaining electrodes of the multiple first electrodes and the remaining electrodes of the multiple second electrodes may have a circular column structure, and are respectively arranged at the periphery of the head.

[0025] According to another feature of the present invention, the first electrode and the second electrode may have a quadrilateral column structure in which the length of a same surface is greater than the length of the remaining surface, and are respectively arranged at the center of the head.

[0026] According to another feature of the present invention, the first electrode and the second electrode may be multiple, have the same circular column structure, and are respectively arranged at a preset interval on the periphery of the head.

[0027] According to another feature of the present invention, one of the first electrode or the second electrode may have a quadrilateral column structure with a length of one face greater than the length of the remaining face, and is disposed at the center of the head. In this case, the remaining one of the first electrode or the second electrode may have a circular column structure and be disposed at the periphery of the head.

[0028] According to another feature of the present invention, the column may be a column with a concave upper surface.

[0029] According to yet another feature of the present invention, the width or diameter of the pillars may be between 0.1 mm and 10 mm.

[0030] According to another feature of the present invention, the present invention may further include a hair bundle portion located on the head, configured in a region different from the first electrode and the second electrode, and having a height higher than the first electrode or the second electrode.

[0031] According to another feature of the present invention, the preset interval may be 0.1 mm to 20 mm, and the height of the first electrode or the second electrode may be 1 mm to 20 mm.

[0032] According to another feature of the present invention, the present invention may further include a handle portion formed by extending one end of the head portion. In this case, the voltage supply portion may be configured on the handle portion.

[0033] According to another feature of the present invention, the present invention may further include an insulating layer externally surrounding at least a portion of the first electrode or the second electrode. In this case, the insulating layer may be formed by at least one of Al2O3, SiO2, Si3N4, silica gel, Teflon and plastic.

[0034] According to another feature of the present invention, the toothbrush according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a light irradiation portion disposed on the head in a region different from the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0035] In order to solve the above problem, another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a toothbrush for promoting dental plaque removal. The method includes the following steps: configuring a first electrode and a second electrode on a head where elements for cleaning teeth are arranged, the second electrode being spaced apart from the first electrode by a preset interval and being grounded; and configuring a voltage supply unit to superimpose an AC voltage and a DC voltage to apply the AC voltage and the DC voltage together to the first electrode.

[0036] According to a feature of the present invention, after the second electrode is disposed, the method may further include: disposing a hair bundle portion having a height higher than the first electrode or the second electrode in a region different from the first electrode and the second electrode on the head.

[0037] According to another feature of the present invention, configuring the second electrode may include: configuring at least one substrate among a printed circuit board (PCB), a printed wiring board (PWB) and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) on the head; and configuring the first electrode and the second electrode on at least one substrate.

[0038] According to another feature of the present invention, the first electrode and the second electrode may have the same or different pillar structures. In this case, configuring the second electrode may include: a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes may be arranged on the head at predetermined intervals.

[0039] According to another feature of the present invention, the first electrode and the second electrode may be multiple, respectively, and at least one electrode among the multiple first electrodes and at least one electrode among the multiple second electrodes may have a quadrilateral column structure in which the length of one side is greater than the length of the remaining side. Furthermore, the remaining electrodes among the multiple first electrodes and the remaining electrodes among the multiple second electrodes may have a circular column structure. In this case, configuring the second electrode may include: configuring the first electrode and the second electrode of the quadrilateral column structure at the center of the head respectively; and configuring the first electrode and the second electrode of the circular column structure at the periphery of the head respectively.

[0040] According to another feature of the present invention, the first electrode and the second electrode may have a quadrilateral pillar structure in which the length of one side is greater than the length of the remaining side. In this case, configuring the second electrode may include: configuring the first electrode and the second electrode having the same quadrilateral pillar structure at the center of the head, respectively.

[0041] According to another feature of the present invention, the first electrode and the second electrode may be multiple and have the same circular column structure. In this case, configuring the second electrode may include: configuring the first electrode and the second electrode having the same circular column structure at a predetermined interval on the periphery of the head.

[0042] According to another feature of the present invention, one of the first electrode or the second electrode may have a quadrilateral pillar structure with a length of one side greater than the length of the remaining side, and the remaining one of the first electrode or the second electrode has a circular pillar structure. In this case, configuring the second electrode may include the following steps: configuring one of the first electrode or the second electrode of the quadrilateral pillar structure at the center of the head; and configuring the remaining one of the first electrode or the second electrode of the circular pillar structure at the periphery of the head.

[0043] Effects of the Invention

[0044] The present invention has the effect of solving the problem of a conventional toothbrush for promoting removal of dental plaque, that is, a strong electric current may be applied to a human body, which may cause electric shock to the body and induce pain.

[0045] More specifically, the present invention has the following effect, namely, providing a toothbrush for promoting plaque removal, which is constructed by superimposing AC voltage and DC voltage to apply AC voltage and DC voltage together, thereby applying an electric field that is harmless to the human body to the teeth and effectively removing dental plaque.

[0046] In particular, the present invention provides a toothbrush that can supply an electric field based on two voltages, so that the user can remove dental plaque in daily life without spatial and temporal restrictions.

[0047] In this regard, the present invention has the effect of contributing to reducing the treatment costs associated with the treatment of inflammation caused by dental plaque formation.

[0048] Furthermore, the present invention has the effect of providing various structures and arrangements of a plurality of electrodes capable of applying an electric field to teeth with high efficiency, that is, capable of increasing the electric field density.

[0049] Furthermore, the present invention provides a toothbrush including a light irradiation portion that provides a whitening effect, whereby a user can more easily achieve teeth whitening management.

[0050] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-exemplified contents, and more effects are included in this specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Figure 1 The structure of a dental plaque removal system of a toothbrush for promoting dental plaque removal according to an embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily shown.

[0052] Figure 2a to Figure 2c A toothbrush and its structure for promoting dental plaque removal according to an embodiment of the present invention are exemplarily shown.

[0053] Figure 3a to Figure 3c The structure of a toothbrush for promoting removal of dental plaque according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily shown.

[0054] Figure 4 , Figure 5a and Figure 5b The structure of a toothbrush for promoting removal of dental plaque according to another embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily shown.

[0055] Figure 6 The arrangement of the first electrode and the second electrode in the structure of a toothbrush for promoting plaque removal according to various embodiments of the present invention is exemplarily shown.

[0056] Figure 7 A diagram schematically shows the structure of a toothbrush for promoting plaque removal according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 8 The steps of a method for manufacturing a toothbrush for promoting dental plaque removal according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] References and Attachments Figure 1The advantages of the present invention and methods for achieving the same will become more apparent with the detailed embodiments described below. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be embodied in a variety of different forms. However, the embodiments are provided to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to inform the ordinary technicians in the technical field to which the present invention belongs of the full scope of the present invention. The present invention is defined by the scope of the scope of the invention claims.

[0059] The shapes, sizes, proportions, angles, quantities, etc. disclosed in the drawings for illustrating the embodiments of the present invention are illustrative, and therefore, the present invention is not limited to the matters shown. Furthermore, in the process of describing the present invention, if it is judged that the specific description of the relevant known technology makes the subject matter of the present invention unclear, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. When "including", "having", "forming", etc. mentioned in this specification are used, other parts may also be included as long as "only" is not used. When a structural element is expressed in the singular, as long as there is no special explicit recording matter, the case of having a plurality of them is included.

[0060] In the process of describing structural elements, even if there is no separate explicit description, it should be construed that the error range is included.

[0061] The various features of the multiple embodiments of the present invention may be partially or completely combined or combined with each other, and can technically realize a variety of linkages and drives that can be fully understood by ordinary technicians in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. The various embodiments can be implemented relatively independently, and can also be implemented together through related relationships.

[0062] In order to clarify the interpretation in this specification, the terms used in this specification are defined below.

[0063] The term "head" in this specification refers to a structure that is inserted into the oral cavity and substantially cleans the teeth, and can be provided with a first electrode, a second electrode, and toothbrush bristles.

[0064] In this case, the head may be formed of polypropylene, but is not limited thereto and may be formed of a wider variety of plastics, silicone, wood, and the like.

[0065] The terms “first electrode” and “second electrode” in this specification are conductive electrodes having conductivity.

[0066] In this case, the first electrode and the second electrode may be formed of at least one metal selected from Au, Ni, Cu, Zn, Fe, Al, Ti, Pt, Hg, Ag, Pb and alloys thereof. Furthermore, the electrode may be formed of at least one organic substance selected from carbon black, carbon graphite, graphene, fullerene and carbides. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first electrode and the second electrode may also be a conductor composed of aluminum alloy, plastic chrome plating, conductive silicone and conductive polymer.

[0067] In this case, the first electrode may be an electrode having a positive charge, and the second electrode may be a ground electrode, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0068] According to a feature of the present invention, the first electrode and the second electrode may respectively have the same or different polygonal or circular pillar structures, and are arranged on the head at a preset interval.

[0069] However, the first electrode and the second electrode can be formed on the head of the toothbrush in a variety of forms as long as an electric field is applied to the teeth.

[0070] In this case, the "preset interval" can be 0.1mm to 20mm. More specifically, when the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged on the head at an interval of 0.1mm to 20mm, a stable voltage of less than 0.82V can be generated, and an electric field of less than 1.25V / Cm can be applied to the teeth. On the other hand, when the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged on the head at an interval of more than 20mm, a voltage greater than 0.82V can be generated, and an electric field greater than 1.25V / Cm can be applied to the teeth, which can cause pain to the user.

[0071] The term "pillar structure" in the present specification may be a pillar shape with a polygonal or circular upper and lower surfaces, or may be a hemispherical shape with a concave upper surface.

[0072] For example, the first electrode or the second electrode may have a circular pillar structure of a circular pillar or a quadrilateral pillar structure of a quadrilateral pillar or a hemispherical shape with a recessed upper surface.

[0073] In this case, the diameter or width of the pillar may be 0.1 mm to 10 mm. For example, when the diameter or width of the first electrode or the second electrode of the pillar structure is greater than 10 mm, it may give the user a foreign body sensation.

[0074] Preferably, the diameter of the first electrode and the second electrode may be 0.1 mm, and may be in the form of a plurality of strands. In this regard, the surface area of ​​the first electrode and the second electrode may be larger than the surface area of ​​the electrode with a larger diameter, so that an electric field can be applied to the teeth with high efficiency. Furthermore, the function of toothbrush bristles can also be performed.

[0075] According to another feature of the present invention, the height of the first electrode or the second electrode of the pillar structure may be 1 mm to 20 mm.

[0076] The term "hair bundle portion" in this specification may refer to the toothbrush bristles formed on the head.

[0077] In this case, the height of the hair bundle portion may be higher than the heights of the first electrode and the second electrode. However, the height of the hair bundle portion is not limited thereto and may be changed according to the target area to which the electric field is applied. For example, when the height of the hair bundle portion is higher than the first electrode and the second electrode, the electric field may be concentrated on the lower surface of the head. Furthermore, when the height of the hair bundle portion is lower than the heights of the first electrode and the second electrode, the density of the electric field may be concentrated at the end of the hair bundle portion, that is, the portion adjacent to the toothbrush. Furthermore, when the height of the hair bundle portion is the same as the first electrode and the second electrode, the electric field may be distributed in all areas.

[0078] According to another feature of the present invention, the hair bundle portion can be detachably mounted on the head, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0079] The term "voltage supply unit" in this specification may be a unit connected to the first electrode or the second electrode to apply both an AC voltage and a DC voltage to the teeth.

[0080] According to a feature of the present invention, the voltage supply unit can apply an AC voltage having an amplitude of 0.25V to 0.82V and a DC voltage of 0.0001V to 0.82V at a frequency of 0.1MHz to 100MHz to the first electrode and / or the second electrode. However, the voltage supply unit is not limited thereto, and a voltage of 0.82V or less can be applied to the first electrode and / or the second electrode.

[0081] According to another feature of the present invention, the voltage supply unit may be configured to provide a total amount of energy of 1 nJ to 10 nJ to the tooth by applying an AC voltage and a DC voltage. In this case, the voltage supply unit may also be connected to a control unit configured to control the voltage provided to the tooth or the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0082] As a result, the first electrode or the second electrode can form an electric field based on a voltage obtained by superimposing the AC voltage and the DC voltage applied by the voltage supply unit.

[0083] On the other hand, the voltage supply unit can also be composed of an integrated circuit that receives electrical energy from an external power supply by magnetic resonance, or it can be a wireless battery pack composed of battery cells, and the above-mentioned battery cells include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and lithium-ion polymer batteries.

[0084] The term "insulating layer" in this specification may be an intermediate insulator formed as a coating on the surface of the first electrode or the second electrode.

[0085] For example, the insulating layer may be formed of at least one of Al2O3, SiO2, Si3N4, silica gel, Teflon, and plastic, but is not limited thereto.

[0086] Below, refer to Figure 1 , specifically describing a dental plaque removal system of a toothbrush for promoting dental plaque removal based on an embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Figure 1 The structure of a dental plaque removal system of a toothbrush for promoting dental plaque removal according to an embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily shown.

[0088] Reference Figure 1 The dental plaque removal system 10000 of an embodiment of the present invention can apply an electric field to the tooth 2000 on which the dental plaque is formed to remove the dental plaque formed on the surface of the tooth 2000.

[0089] More specifically, in a toothbrush 1000 for promoting plaque removal according to an embodiment of the present invention, the bristle portion 130 is formed on the head together with a first electrode 110 and a second electrode 120 connected to a voltage supply portion for supplying both AC voltage and DC voltage.

[0090] In this regard, when the user brushes his teeth, an electric field generated by the voltage supply of the voltage supply unit may be applied to the teeth 2000. In this case, even if the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are not directly rubbed, the electric field generated inside the toothbrush can be applied to the teeth 2000. As a result, the dental plaque structure formed on the teeth 2000 can be destroyed by the applied electric field. Furthermore, when an antibiotic is applied, the molecular motion of the antibiotic becomes active by the electric field, promoting the penetration of the antibiotic into the dental plaque, so that the dental plaque can be effectively removed.

[0091] Below, refer to Figure 2a to Figure 2c , illustrating the structure of a toothbrush for promoting plaque removal according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2a to Figure 2c A toothbrush and its structure for promoting dental plaque removal according to an embodiment of the present invention are exemplarily shown.

[0092] First, refer to Figure 2aThe toothbrush 1000 for promoting dental plaque removal is generally composed of a head 100 and a handle 200. The head 100 arranges elements for cleaning teeth, and the handle 200 is used to control the toothbrush.

[0093] More specifically, two electrodes 110 and 120 , namely, a plurality of first electrodes 110 and a plurality of second electrodes 120 , are formed on the head 100 , and a plurality of hair bundles 130 are formed in regions different from the first electrodes 110 and the second electrodes 120 .

[0094] Refer to Figure 2b , a plurality of first electrodes 110 and a plurality of second electrodes 120 can be arranged on the head 100 in a manner of being spaced apart by preset intervals. In this case, the two electrodes can be arranged on the head 100 at intervals of 0.1 mm to 20 mm. Furthermore, the height of the column can be 1 mm to 20 mm, and the width or diameter of the column can be 0.1 mm to 10 mm. On the other hand, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can be respectively in a circular column structure and a quadrilateral column structure, and arranged in a mutually symmetrical manner. More specifically, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 of the quadrilateral column structure are arranged at the center of the head 100, and the plurality of first electrodes 110 and the plurality of second electrodes 120 of the circular column structure are arranged on the periphery of the head 100 in a manner of surrounding the electrodes of the quadrilateral column structure. Through this structural feature, a high electric field density can be maintained in the toothbrush. Furthermore, a plurality of bristle bundles 130 can be formed in an area different from the area where the two electrodes are arranged.

[0095] Refer again Figure 2a A voltage supply unit 210 connected to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 and a control unit 220 for adjusting the energy thereof are formed on the handle unit 200 .

[0096] In this case, the voltage supply unit 210 may be configured to apply both the AC voltage and the DC voltage of the electrically connected first electrode 110 and / or second electrode 120. In this case, an electric field based on the two voltage supplies can be applied to the tooth.

[0097] The control part 220 may control the voltage of the voltage supply part 210. For example, the control part 220 may control the total amount of energy provided to the tooth to be 1 nJ to 10 nJ by applying the AC voltage and the DC voltage based on the voltage supply part 210.

[0098] On the other hand, the structure of the toothbrush 1000 for promoting dental plaque removal according to an embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0099] Reference Figure 2cIn the portion (a) of the head 100, the voltage supply unit 210 may be formed inside the head 100. In this case, the voltage supply unit 210 is connected to the ends of the first electrode 110 and / or the second electrode 120 disposed on the upper surface of the head 100, so that a DC voltage can be applied together with an AC voltage. On the other hand, the height of the hair bundle portion 130 may be greater than the heights of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120. In this regard, the foreign body sensation based on the electrodes can be reduced. However, the heights of the first electrode 110, the second electrode 120, and the hair bundle portion 130 are not limited thereto, and may be set differently depending on the target area to which the electric field is applied.

[0100] Reference Figure 2c In the portion (b), an insulating layer 140 surrounding the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 may be formed on the outside, so that even if the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 rub against the teeth, they can have high stability. In this case, the insulating layer 140 may be formed of at least one of Al2O3, SiO2, Si3N4, silica gel, Teflon and plastic, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the insulating layer 140 may also cover a portion of the voltage supply unit 210 on the outside.

[0101] On the other hand, in a toothbrush for promoting plaque removal according to an embodiment of the present invention, the shapes and configurations of the first electrode and the second electrode are not limited thereto, and may have various shapes and configurations as long as the electric field is stably applied.

[0102] The toothbrush for promoting dental plaque removal of the above embodiment can apply an electric field to teeth with high efficiency through the above structural features, thereby providing a dental plaque removal effect.

[0103] Below, refer to Figure 3a to Figure 3c , illustrating the structure of a toothbrush for promoting plaque removal according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3a to Figure 3c The structure of a toothbrush for promoting removal of dental plaque according to another embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily shown.

[0104] Reference Figure 3a A first electrode 110 , a second electrode 120 , and a hair bundle portion 130 may be disposed on the upper surface of the head 100 .

[0105] Reference Figure 3b , the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 may be formed on a substrate 150 pre-configured on the head 100. In this case, the substrate may be at least one of a printed circuit board (PCB), a printed wiring board (PWB), and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), but is not limited thereto.

[0106] More specifically, the first electrode 110 may have a rectangular column structure in which one side is longer than the other side, and three first electrodes 110 are arranged in an I form on the substrate 150. On the other hand, the grounded plurality of second electrodes 120 may have a circular column structure and may be arranged on both sides of the centermost first electrode 110.

[0107] Further references Figure 3c , the plurality of hair bundles 130 may have the same area as the head 100 and may be arranged on a detachable detachable portion 132. In this case, the detachable portion 132 may have the diameter (length or width) of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 and holes corresponding to the arrangement of these electrodes. In this regard, the hair bundles 130 may be arranged on the head 100 more stably. On the other hand, when damage occurs due to friction with teeth, the detachable hair bundles 130 may be replaced more easily.

[0108] On the other hand, in a toothbrush for promoting plaque removal according to another embodiment of the present invention, the shape and configuration of the first electrode and the second electrode are not limited thereto, and may have a variety of shapes and configurations as long as the electric field is stably applied.

[0109] The toothbrush for promoting dental plaque removal according to another embodiment of the present invention can apply an electric field to teeth with high efficiency through the above structural features, thereby providing a dental plaque removal effect.

[0110] Below, refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5a and Figure 5b , illustrating the structure of a toothbrush for promoting plaque removal according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 , Figure 5a and Figure 5b The structure of a toothbrush for promoting removal of dental plaque according to another embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily shown.

[0111] First, refer to Figure 4, on the upper surface of the head 100, a plurality of first electrodes 110 and a plurality of second electrodes 120 having a quadrilateral column structure may be arranged at the center of the head 100. More specifically, at the upper end of the head 100, the first electrodes 110 and the second electrodes 120 having a quadrilateral column structure may be arranged at predetermined intervals along a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the head 100. Next, at the center of the head 100, the first electrodes 110 and the second electrodes 120 having a quadrilateral column structure may be arranged at predetermined intervals along a direction parallel to the long axis of the head 100. Next, at the lower end of the head 100, the first electrodes 110 and the second electrodes 120 having a quadrilateral column structure may be arranged at predetermined intervals along a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the head 100. Furthermore, the hair bundle portion 130 may be arranged on the head 100 in a region different from the first electrodes 110 and the second electrodes 120.

[0112] That is, as the plurality of first electrodes 110 and second electrodes 120 having quadrilateral pillar structures are patterned, the toothbrush for promoting plaque removal according to another embodiment of the present invention can maintain a high electric field density.

[0113] Next, refer to Figure 5a and Figure 5b , the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 having a hemispherical pillar shape with a concave upper surface can be arranged on the head 100. More specifically, if the plurality of first electrodes 110 having a hemispherical pillar shape are arranged in a manner of surrounding one surface of the periphery of the head 100, the plurality of second electrodes 120 can be arranged in a manner of surrounding the remaining surface of the periphery of the head 100. That is, the two electrodes can be formed on the head 100 in a mutually symmetrical structure. In this case, the hair bundle portion 130 can be arranged on the head 100 in a region different from the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120.

[0114] On the other hand, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 having a hemispherical pillar shape with a concave upper surface can be configured on the head 100 together with the electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 having a circular pillar structure or a quadrilateral pillar structure. The limitation of the spatial distribution of the electric field can be overcome by configuring the electrodes having various structures.

[0115] In this case, the arrangement of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 is not limited thereto.

[0116] Below, refer to Figure 6 , illustrating the structure and arrangement of the first electrode and the second electrode of the toothbrush according to various embodiments of the present invention. Figure 6 The arrangement of the first electrode and the second electrode in the structure of a toothbrush for promoting plaque removal according to various embodiments of the present invention is exemplarily shown.

[0117] Reference Figure 6In part (a), the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 may have a quadrilateral pillar structure in which the length of one side is greater than the length of the remaining side, and may be respectively disposed at the center of the head 100. Figure 6 In part (b), the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 may have a plurality of identical circular column structures, and these electrodes may be arranged at a predetermined interval on the periphery except for the upper and lower parts of the head 100. Figure 6 In part (c), the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are electrodes that may have the same circular column structure and may be disposed at a predetermined interval at the upper and lower portions of the head 100, respectively. Figure 6 In the portion (d) of the head 100, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 may have a plurality of identical circular column structures and a plurality of identical quadrilateral column structures. In this case, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 with circular structures may be arranged at a predetermined interval on the periphery of the side portion of the head 100, and the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 with quadrilateral column structures may be arranged at the center of the head 100. Figure 6 In the portion (e), the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 may be electrodes having a plurality of identical circular column structures, and may be respectively arranged at a predetermined interval on the periphery of the upper portion, the lower portion, and the side of the head 100. Figure 6 In the (f) portion, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 may have the same circular column structure and quadrilateral column structure. In this case, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 with a circular structure may be respectively disposed at the upper and lower parts of the head 100, and the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 with a quadrilateral column structure may be disposed at the center of the head 100. Figure 6 In the portion (g), the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 may have a plurality of identical circular column structures and a plurality of identical quadrilateral column structures. In this case, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 of the circular structure may be arranged at the same intervals on the periphery of the upper part, the lower part and the side of the head 100, and the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 of the quadrilateral column structure may be arranged at the center of the head 100.

[0118] In this case, the diameter or width of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 of the circular column and the quadrilateral column structure may be 0.1 mm to 10 mm. Furthermore, the height of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 may be 1 mm to 20 mm, and the interval between them may be 0.1 mm to 20 mm.

[0119] In the above Figure 6The toothbrush for promoting dental plaque removal of various embodiments of the present invention with electrode arrangements disclosed in parts (a) to (g) of the present invention has the following effect: compared with toothbrushes of other structures, the density of the electric field is high, and the electric field can be applied to the teeth more effectively, thereby promoting dental plaque removal. On the other hand, the arrangement of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 is not limited thereto, and can be more diverse as long as a voltage of 0.82V or less can be generated and an electric field of 1.25V / cm or less can be applied to the teeth.

[0120] Below, refer to Figure 7 , illustrating the structure of a plaque removing toothbrush according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 The structure of a toothbrush for promoting removal of dental plaque according to another embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily shown.

[0121] Reference Figure 7 , a plurality of first electrodes 110 and a plurality of second electrodes 120 may be respectively arranged on the head 100 in a manner of being separated by a preset interval. In this case, the two electrodes may be arranged on the head 100 at an interval of 0.1 mm to 20 mm. Furthermore, the height of the column may be 1 mm to 20 mm, and the width or diameter of the column may be 0.1 mm to 10 mm. On the other hand, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 may respectively form a circular column structure and may be arranged in a mutually symmetrical manner. In this case, a light irradiation portion 160 may be arranged at the center of the head 100, and light may be irradiated to the teeth to provide a whitening effect. More specifically, the light irradiation portion 160 is arranged at the center of the head 100, and a plurality of first electrodes 110 and a plurality of second electrodes 120 of the circular column structure are arranged in a manner of surrounding the light irradiation portion 160. Through this structural feature, an electric field may be applied to the tooth surface, and light may also be irradiated. On the other hand, a plurality of hair bundle portions 130 may be formed in an area where the two electrodes are arranged, and further, in an area different from an area where the light irradiation portion 160 is arranged.

[0122] On the other hand, the light irradiation unit 160 may be a light-emitting diode (LED), but is not limited thereto. The light irradiation unit 160 may be disposed at a plurality of positions of the head 100 as long as it irradiates light to the teeth.

[0123] Below, refer to Figure 8 , specifically describes a method for manufacturing a toothbrush for promoting plaque removal according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 The steps of a method for manufacturing a toothbrush for promoting dental plaque removal according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0124] In the manufacturing method of a toothbrush for promoting the removal of dental plaque, first, a first electrode having a positive charge and a second electrode having conductivity and being separated from the first electrode by a predetermined interval are arranged on a head portion where elements for cleaning teeth are arranged (step S710). Next, a voltage supply unit configured to apply an AC voltage or a DC voltage to the first electrode is arranged (step S720).

[0125] More specifically, in the step S710 of configuring the first electrode and the second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode may be configured on the head at intervals of 0.1 mm to 20 mm.

[0126] According to the features of the present invention, in the step S710 of configuring the first electrode and the second electrode, at least one of a printed circuit board (PCB), a printed wiring board (PWB) and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) can be configured on the head, and the first electrode and the second electrode can be configured on at least one substrate.

[0127] According to another feature of the present invention, the first electrode and the second electrode may have the same or different pillar structures, respectively. In the step S710 of configuring the first electrode and the second electrode, a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes may be arranged on the head at preset intervals, respectively.

[0128] According to another feature of the present invention, the first electrode and the second electrode may be multiple, respectively. In this case, at least one electrode among the multiple first electrodes and at least one electrode among the multiple second electrodes may have a quadrilateral pillar structure in which the length of one side is greater than the length of the remaining side, and the remaining electrodes among the multiple first electrodes and the remaining electrodes among the multiple second electrodes may have a circular pillar structure. In this case, in the step S710 of configuring the first electrode and the second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode of the quadrilateral pillar structure may be respectively configured at the center of the head, and the first electrode and the second electrode of the circular pillar structure may be respectively configured at the periphery of the head.

[0129] According to another feature of the present invention, the first electrode and the second electrode may have a quadrilateral pillar structure in which the length of one side is greater than the length of the remaining side. In this case, in the step S710 of configuring the first electrode and the second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode having the same quadrilateral pillar structure may be respectively configured at the center of the head.

[0130] According to another feature of the present invention, the first electrode and the second electrode may be a plurality of first electrodes and second electrodes having the same circular column structure. In this case, in the step S710 of configuring the first electrode and the second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode having the same circular column structure may be configured at a preset interval on the periphery of the head.

[0131] According to another feature of the present invention, one of the first electrode or the second electrode may have a quadrilateral pillar structure in which the length of one face is greater than the length of the remaining face, and the remaining one of the first electrode or the second electrode may have a circular pillar structure. In this case, in the step S710 of configuring the first electrode and the second electrode, one of the first electrode or the second electrode having the quadrilateral pillar structure may be configured at the center of the head, and the remaining one of the first electrode or the second electrode having the circular pillar structure may be configured at the periphery of the head.

[0132] On the other hand, after the step S710 of arranging the first electrode and the second electrode, the hair bundle having a height greater than that of the first electrode or the second electrode may be arranged in a region different from the first electrode and the second electrode on the head.

[0133] In this case, the hair bundle portion can be attached to and detached from the head.

[0134] Thereafter, in step S720 of configuring a voltage supply unit, the voltage supply unit configured to apply an AC voltage and a DC voltage to the first electrode may be configured on the head of the toothbrush or a handle extending from one end of the head of the toothbrush.

[0135] According to another feature of the present invention, after the step S720 of configuring the voltage supply unit, a step of externally surrounding the first electrode, the second electrode and at least a portion of the voltage supply unit with an insulating layer may be performed.

[0136] In this case, the insulating layer may be formed of at least one of Al2O3, SiO2, Si3N4, silica gel, Teflon, and plastic.

[0137] The embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to such embodiments and can be implemented in various modifications without departing from the technical concept of the present invention.

[0138] Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are used to illustrate the technical ideas of the present invention, but are not used to limit the present invention, and the scope of the technical ideas of the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. Therefore, the embodiments described above are illustrative embodiments in all aspects, but are not used to limit the present invention. The protection scope of the present invention is explained by the following invention claims, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope are included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A toothbrush for promoting the removal of dental plaque, characterized in that: include: the head, arranging the elements for cleaning the teeth; A first electrode, located on the head; A second electrode is located on the head, separated from the first electrode by a preset interval and grounded; a voltage supply unit that superimposes an AC voltage and a DC voltage to apply both the AC voltage and the DC voltage to the first electrode; and The hair bundle portion is located on the head, is provided in a region different from the first electrode and the second electrode, and has a height higher than the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are arranged in a direction parallel to the long axis of the head and have a quadrilateral column structure arranged in a direction perpendicular to the long axis and are protrudingly arranged at the center of the head. The above preset interval is 0.1mm to 20mm.

2. The toothbrush for promoting dental plaque removal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The voltage applied to the surface of the toothbrush is an AC voltage with an amplitude of 0.25V to 0.82V and a DC voltage of 0.0001V to 0.82V at a frequency of 0.1MHz to 100MHz.

3. The toothbrush for promoting dental plaque removal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The width of the above-mentioned pillars is 0.1mm to 10mm.

4. The toothbrush for promoting dental plaque removal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The height of the first electrode or the second electrode is 1 mm to 20 mm.

5. The toothbrush for promoting dental plaque removal according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a handle portion extending from one end of the head portion. The voltage supply unit is disposed on the handle unit.

6. The toothbrush for promoting plaque removal according to claim 1, characterized in that: further comprising an insulating layer externally surrounding at least a portion of the first electrode or the second electrode, The insulating layer is formed of at least one of Al2O3, SiO2, Si3N4, silica gel, Teflon and plastic.

7. The toothbrush for promoting plaque removal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device further includes a light irradiation unit disposed on the head portion in a region different from the first electrode and the second electrode.

8. A method for manufacturing a toothbrush for promoting plaque removal, characterized in that: The steps include: A first electrode and a second electrode are arranged on the head of the arrangement of elements for cleaning teeth, wherein the second electrode is spaced apart from the first electrode by a predetermined interval and is grounded; On the head, a hair bundle portion is provided in a region different from the first electrode and the second electrode; and A voltage supply unit is configured to superimpose an AC voltage and a DC voltage to apply the AC voltage and the DC voltage together to the first electrode, The steps of configuring the first electrode and the second electrode include the following steps: The first electrode and the second electrode are arranged in a direction parallel to the long axis of the head, and the first electrode and the second electrode having a quadrilateral column structure arranged in a direction perpendicular to the long axis are protruded and arranged at the center of the head. The above preset intervals are 0.1mm to 20mm. The hair bundle portion has a height higher than the first electrode and the second electrode.

9. The method for manufacturing a toothbrush for promoting dental plaque removal according to claim 8, characterized in that: Configuring the second electrode includes: At least one substrate selected from the group consisting of a printed circuit board, a printed wiring board, and a flexible printed circuit board is disposed on the head; and The first electrode and the second electrode are disposed on at least one of the substrates.

Images