Device for oral hygiene care

Abstract

Device (1) for oral hygiene, comprising a handpiece (2) and a replaceable interdental brush head (8), wherein - the handpiece (2) and the interdental brush head (8) are detachably connectable between a coupled and a decoupled state; - the handpiece (2) comprises an electric drive unit (5) for generating an oscillating and / or rotating movement, which can be transmitted to the interdental brush head (8) in the coupled state, and wherein the drive unit (5) is mounted within the handpiece by means of a damping package (7); - the handpiece has an electrical energy storage device (6) which is electrically connected to the drive unit (5); - a first control unit (10) which is connected at least in terms of signaling to the electric drive unit (5) and the energy store (6) and is configured to control the drive unit (5) in dependence on an operator input.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for oral hygiene care, in particular an electrically operated interdental brush.

[0002] Oral hygiene devices include a variety of hand-operated and electrically operated devices designed to remove food debris and dental deposits from the mouth. Electrical oral hygiene devices offer advantages over manual versions in terms of cleaning effectiveness by utilizing automated, high-frequency movements to enable more thorough cleaning. The operation of such devices is typically accompanied by vibrations, which are desirable on the one hand to enable a tooth cleaning attachment to move in a cleaning motion, but can also be perceived as unpleasant, as they are usually transmitted to the hand used to hold and guide the device.

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for oral hygiene care which is accompanied by improved comfort and at the same time a good cleaning effect.

[0004] The object is achieved by a device having the features according to claim 1. Advantageous further developments are the subject matter of dependent subclaims.

[0005] The device according to the invention is used for oral hygiene and comprises a handpiece and a replaceable interdental brush head. The handpiece and the interdental brush head can be releasably connected to one another between a coupled and a decoupled state. The handpiece has an electric drive unit for generating an oscillating and / or rotating movement, which, in the coupled state, can be transmitted to the interdental brush head. The drive unit is mounted within the handpiece by means of a damping package. The handpiece further has a first electrical energy storage device, which is electrically connected to the drive unit. A control unit, which is connected at least by signaling to the electrical drive unit and the energy storage device, is configured to control the drive unit in response to an operator input.

[0006] The handpiece serves as a gripping element for the device user and houses the drive unit and energy storage device, allowing for easy handling during use. The handpiece preferably extends along a main extension axis of the device and has an ergonomic shape, ensuring a comfortable fit and easy operation of the device.

[0007] The interdental brush head is a replaceable component which in particular has an elongated brush body which is in particular cylindrical, conical or flat and is preferably covered on the outside with deformable elements, for example bristles, fibres, fibre bundles or plastic elements.

[0008] During operation of the device, the brush body can engage in an interdental space and, in particular, enable cleaning of the teeth and / or gums by means of the deformable elements. In particular, the oscillating and / or rotating movement of the drive unit, when coupled, can be transferred to the brush body and, in particular, to the deformable elements arranged thereon.

[0009] As explained above, the electric drive unit serves to generate the oscillating and / or rotating movement that can be transferred to the replaceable interdental brush head. This movement is beneficial for thorough cleaning of the interdental spaces and for the effective removal of food residue, plaque, and deposits. The drive unit comprises, in particular, a motor that converts electrical energy supplied by the energy storage device into mechanical movement. The motor ensures that the oscillating or rotating movements are carried out at an adjustable and, in particular, controllable speed and intensity.

[0010] To generate an oscillating or rotating movement, the motor of the electric drive unit can be designed in various versions that utilize mechanical and / or electronic principles to enable the desired movement. A structurally simple solution involves the use of an electromechanical motor, particularly a DC motor. For an oscillating movement, the motor can be provided with an eccentrically mounted weight on an output shaft. When the motor is set in a rotating movement, the eccentric mounting of the weight leads to vibration of the output shaft and connected elements, particularly the interdental brush head when coupled.

[0011] The electrical energy storage device supplies the electrical drive unit with the energy required to operate the device. Typically, a rechargeable battery or battery pack is used for this purpose. This battery can be stored in the handpiece and allows the user to use the device wirelessly. The energy storage device can be available in various forms, with lithium-ion batteries being preferred due to their high energy density, long service life, and low self-discharge. The energy storage device can be referred to as the first energy storage device or first rechargeable battery.

[0012] The energy storage device is at least indirectly electrically connected to the drive unit so that the stored energy can be used to generate the desired movements upon appropriate user input. The connection between the energy storage device and the drive unit is established via a suitable control unit, which monitors the energy supply and adjusts it as needed.

[0013] In possible embodiments, the energy storage device can be charged via charging contacts on the handpiece or an inductive charging station. The charging device required for this can be available separately. It is particularly advantageous for the energy storage device to be supplied with electrical energy via a mobile storage device, in particular a charging case. Furthermore, the control unit can also be designed with an energy storage management system that monitors the charge level of the energy storage device and ensures that the battery is operated efficiently and safely to prevent overcharging or deep discharge and extend the service life of the energy storage device.

[0014] The damping package is an important component of the device and serves, on the one hand, to mechanically support the drive unit within the handpiece and, on the other hand, to dampen unwanted mechanical vibrations so that these are essentially transmitted to the interdental brush head and only negligibly to the housing of the handpiece itself.

[0015] In an advantageous refinement, the damping package is made of plastic and injected into the handpiece using an injection molding process. This allows the damping package to be integrally connected to the handpiece. Assembly effort is reduced, as the damping package does not need to be handled separately and inserted into the handpiece. At the same time, a high degree of functional integration is achieved, as the damping package can be produced and installed simultaneously with the handpiece's manufacture, ensuring the desired damping during operation. Depending on the choice of plastic used, the damping properties can be specifically influenced.

[0016] In an advantageous further development, the damping package has a plurality of flat silicone elements which are arranged substantially parallel to one another and spaced apart and each extend between an outer side of the drive unit and an inner side of the housing of the handpiece.

[0017] The silicone material offers several advantages. Not only is it extremely flexible and durable, but it also has excellent damping properties that help reduce vibration transmission to the handpiece housing. These properties ensure quiet and comfortable use, as disruptive vibrations are largely absorbed by the silicone elements. Furthermore, due to their elasticity, the silicone elements can accommodate minor irregularities and movements of the drive unit, ensuring smooth and stable operation.

[0018] The arrangement of the silicone elements in parallel planes allows for even distribution of bearing forces and helps keep the drive unit stable during operation. At the same time, the risk of excessive wear or damage due to uneven loading is avoided.

[0019] In an advantageous development, the damping package is pressed into a housing of the handpiece. In this case, it is advantageous if the damping package has a plurality of flat silicone elements, which are in particular flexibly deformable. The thin-walled elements can be arranged substantially parallel to one another and fixed within the housing of the handpiece, in particular by means of an elastic clamping force exerted by the thin-walled elements when they are deformed. It is therefore particularly advantageous if the damping package is pressed into the housing of the handpiece for assembly purposes, whereby the thin-walled elements of the damping package are deformed and the damping package is thereby fixed in the handpiece. Due to the flexibility of the elements, vibrations generated by the drive unit can be decoupled from the handpiece.

[0020] In an advantageous further development, the damping package has a through-opening in which the drive unit is arranged, wherein a front end of the drive unit protrudes from the damping package and is mechanically connected to a shaft of the handpiece, by means of which the oscillating and / or rotating movement can be transmitted to the interdental brush head in the coupled state.

[0021] The through-hole in the damping package serves as a precise guide for the drive unit, ensuring it remains securely positioned and performs its function as a motion generator without disruptive movements or deviations. The front end of the drive unit, which protrudes from the damping package, can be connected to the shaft of the handpiece, creating a direct mechanical connection between the drive unit and the brush head. This connection ensures that the movement generated by the motor is reliably transferred to the brush head to create the desired oscillating or rotating movement.

[0022] The advantage of this design lies in the easy accessibility and strength of the mechanical connection, as the shaft is directly connected to the drive unit, thus ensuring extremely efficient motion transmission. This stable connection ensures that the transmission force from the drive unit to the brush head is not compromised, even during intensive movements or long-term use.

[0023] In an advantageous further development, the shaft is sealingly mounted by means of an elastic bearing element in a front area of ​​the handpiece.

[0024] The bearing element can be an insert that can be mounted in a bore on the front of the handpiece and can have a bore in which the shaft is held in a sealed manner. The bearing element ensures that the handpiece is protected from moisture or dirt by a suitable seal, which is particularly advantageous when used in the humid environment of oral care. At the same time, the elasticity of the bearing element enables multi-axis movement of the shaft, so that a generated vibration movement, in particular, does not need to have a defined oscillation axis to which the shaft bearing must be aligned in order to achieve the desired cleaning effect.

[0025] The bearing element can be made of an elastic material such as rubber, silicone or a polymer that provides good sealing and at the same time allows the shaft to be mounted flexibly.

[0026] In an advantageous development, a storage container is provided which has a plurality of recesses, the geometries and dimensions of which each correspond at least partially to the handpiece or the interdental brush head, in order to accommodate the handpiece and the interdental brush head in the decoupled state.

[0027] In an advantageous development, a storage container is provided which has a plurality of recesses, the geometries and dimensions of which partially correspond to those of the handpiece and the interdental brush head. These recesses are designed to securely and stably accommodate the handpiece and the interdental brush head when decoupled.

[0028] The geometries and dimensions of the recesses are preferably tailored to the specific shapes of the device's detachable components, enabling precise and secure storage. This prevents the parts from slipping or becoming damaged during storage in the storage unit. The shape and size of the recesses, in particular, are designed to protect components such as the handpiece and brush head from external influences such as impacts or scratches.

[0029] Another advantage of this advantageous development is that the storage container allows for clear and organized storage of the detachable parts of the device. This allows users to conveniently place the handpiece and interdental brush head down and store them safely after use, which not only promotes hygiene but also supports the longevity of the device. The storage container can also be equipped with a ventilation opening, a mirror, and an antimicrobial coating.

[0030] In an advantageous further development, the storage container has an energy source which has an interface in the area of ​​the recess for the handpiece in order to charge the energy storage device of the handpiece when the handpiece is arranged in the corresponding recess.

[0031] This energy source can be an electrical accumulator, which in turn can be charged via an external energy source. Within the scope of the invention, the accumulator of the handpiece can be regarded as the first accumulator, and the energy source of the storage container as the second energy source, in particular as the second accumulator. The interface between the second energy source and the first energy source in the handpiece is positioned in the recess such that an automatic connection to the charging port of the handpiece is established as soon as the handpiece is inserted into the recess.

[0032] The charging technology can be based on various principles, such as a contact-based charging connection, where pins or contacts in the handpiece and the storage unit make direct contact with each other, or an inductive charging connection, where energy is transferred wirelessly. In both cases, this feature enables convenient and automatic charging of the handpiece without the user having to take additional steps, such as connecting a charging cable.

[0033] The advantage of this advantageous development lies in the user's convenience, as the handpiece can be simply placed into the recess of the storage case after use, where it is safely stored and charged simultaneously. This ensures that the handpiece is always ready for use when needed and optimizes charging efficiency by combining neat and organized storage with charging technology.

[0034] Additionally, the storage case can be equipped with charging indicators that indicate the charge level of the handpiece and help the user monitor the remaining charging time or charging progress. This further contributes to the device's ease of use and longevity, as the energy storage device is only charged when necessary, thus preventing overcharging.

[0035] In an advantageous further development, the handpiece can be magnetically fixed in the recess provided for it, in particular by means of one or more magnets which are arranged in the storage container in the region of the recess for the handpiece and at least one metal element which is arranged in the handpiece.

[0036] The storage case's at least one magnet ensures that the handpiece remains securely positioned in the designated recess, preventing it from falling out or shifting. The metal element built into the handpiece reacts to the magnetic field and securely pulls the handpiece into the correct position. This magnetic fixation allows for convenient and easy handling of the handpiece, as the user can simply insert the handpiece into the recess of the storage case, and it is automatically magnetically secured.

[0037] In an advantageous further development, the interdental brush head can be attached to the handpiece in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

[0038] The positive fit ensures that the interdental brush head and the handle are connected via a specially adapted geometry. For example, the brush head could be secured in the handle with a precisely fitting holder or a locking system. This precise fit prevents the brush head from loosening or shifting during use and ensures a stable and reliable connection.

[0039] Additionally, the friction-locking attachment is achieved through the application of targeted force, generated either by a mechanical latch, a twist mechanism, or a locking mechanism. This mechanism ensures that the brush head remains firmly and securely attached to the handle without loosening during use, even when exposed to vibrations or other mechanical forces.

[0040] It is conceivable for the interdental brush head to have a base body that can be mechanically connected to the handpiece in such a way that the movement generated by the drive unit can be transferred to the interdental brush head. Additionally, the interdental brush head can comprise a replaceable interdental brush that can be detachably connected to the base body, in particular by means of a positive and / or non-positive connection. The interdental brush can comprise a base with an elongated extension, which can be equipped with flexible bristle elements in the manner already explained above.

[0041] In an advantageous further development, the device comprises a flat brush head which can be optionally connected to the handpiece instead of the interdental brush head.

[0042] The flat brush head is specifically designed for surface cleaning of the teeth, gums, and tongue. Compared to the interdental brush head, which is particularly suitable for cleaning between the teeth, the flat brush head can be used for a wider and more even cleaning of tooth surfaces. The flat brush head features a larger brushing surface and a flatter shape, optimized for cleaning larger areas, such as the outer and inner surfaces of the teeth.

[0043] The flat brush head connects to the handle using a form-fitting and friction-locking mechanism, just like the interdental brush head, ensuring a stable and reliable attachment. The user can insert and remove the flat brush head quickly and easily, depending on their specific oral care needs and preferred cleaning style. The advantageous development includes the flat brush head having a base body with a flat brush that can be attached to it, which is particularly replaceable.

[0044] The ability to interchange the brush head increases the flexibility of the device and allows for customized oral care. The flat brush head can be used for thorough surface cleaning and the interdental brush head for interdental cleaning, providing the user with the best possible oral hygiene care, depending on their specific needs.

[0045] Features and advantages of the invention are explained below by way of example using embodiments and the figures.

[0046] It shows Fig. 1 an exploded view of an oral hygiene device; Fig. 2 an exploded view of a storage container for an oral hygiene device; Fig. 3 an interdental cleaning attachment and a flat brush attachment; Fig. 4 a functional diagram of the storage container and the oral hygiene device.

[0047] Fig. 1 shows an oral hygiene device 1 in an exploded view of its components.

[0048] The device 1 comprises a handpiece 2, which comprises two housing parts 3 and 4 mounted one inside the other. A first housing part 3 serves as a grip for a user to hold and move the handpiece 2. A second housing part 4 can be arranged within the first housing part 3 and serves to accommodate selected components, which are explained in more detail below. In an alternative design not shown here, the device can have a single housing part 3, within which all components of the handpiece 2 are mounted, so that the second housing part 2 can be omitted if necessary.

[0049] The handpiece 2 has a drive unit 5, which is a DC motor designed as a vibration motor. As soon as the device is switched on, an electric battery 6, which in this case serves as an energy storage device, supplies the drive unit 5 with power, which can be used to vibrate an interdental cleaning attachment or a flat brush head.

[0050] A weight is eccentrically attached to the axis of the drive unit 5—meaning the weight is not evenly distributed. When the drive unit is activated, rapid, regular vibrations occur due to the uneven weight distribution. These vibrations are transmitted to the interdental brush head 8, causing its bristle elements to oscillate back and forth at a high frequency. The rapid movements support cleaning by loosening plaque and food residue from the teeth—even in areas that are impossible or difficult to reach with a normal manual toothbrush.

[0051] On the one hand, the vibration generated by the drive unit 5 is desired so that it can be applied to an interdental cleaning attachment 8 (see Fig. 3) and leads to a good cleaning effect, especially in the interdental spaces. At the same time, for a good feeling of comfort, it is desirable that the vibration is not transmitted to the hand. For this purpose, the motor is held by a damping package 7, which can have an arrangement of several blade elements made of silicone arranged parallel to one another in a manner not shown in detail here. A front end of the drive unit 5 protrudes from the damping package and is mechanically connected to a shaft 9, by means of which the oscillating and / or rotating movement can be transmitted to the interdental cleaning attachment 8 in the coupled state. In the joined state, the shaft 9 is sealingly mounted in a front area of ​​the handpiece 2 by means of an elastic bearing element. This prevents water or other liquids from penetrating into the interior of the handpiece 2.

[0052] A control unit 10 controls the drive movement and energy management of the battery 6. The movement of the interdental brush head 8 can be selectively initiated or stopped via an operator input on a button on the handpiece 2. It is conceivable that multiple control elements are available to select an operating mode or change it as needed. It is also conceivable that, in addition to selectively starting and stopping the movement of the interdental cleaning attachment 8, it is also possible to adjust the intensity or frequency of the vibration.

[0053] In a manner not shown in detail here, the handpiece 2 comprises a charging interface via which the rechargeable battery 6 can be supplied with electrical energy and thus charged. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the charging interface comprises several charging contacts with which the handpiece 1 can be electrically connected to a power source within a storage container 11 in order to be charged. The control unit 10 is configured to monitor and regulate the charging process.

[0054] Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of a storage container 11 for the device according to Fig. 1.

[0055] The storage container 11 has two outer shell elements 12, 13, which are hingedly connected to each other by means of two hinges 14. Furthermore, the storage container 11 has an energy source in the form of a further accumulator 15 and a further control unit 16, which in the Fig. 2 are arranged in the lower shell element 12. The shell element 12 has a plurality of ribs, which on the one hand have a stiffening effect for the shell element 12 and on the other hand serve to fix the accumulator 15 and the control unit 16. Furthermore, a receiving shell 17 is arranged between the shell elements 12 and 13. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, this essentially defines four recesses. A first recess has a geometry corresponding to the handpiece 2. A second recess has a geometry corresponding to the interdental brush head 8. A third recess has a geometry corresponding to a flat brush head, which can be arranged on the handpiece 2 instead of the interdental brush. A fourth recess is formed between the three remaining recesses and can serve as a storage area for dental floss or toothpaste.

[0056] By placing the handpiece 2 in the storage container 11, an electrical contact can be established between the energy source 15 of the storage container 11 and the energy storage device 6 of the handpiece in the manner described above. This allows the energy storage device 6 to be charged, making the device ready for operation. The upper shell element 13 can serve to accommodate a mirror 18, so that it is accessible when the storage container 11 is opened.

[0057] Fig. 3 shows in view a) the interdental cleaning attachment 8 and in view b) a flat brush attachment 21, for the handpiece 2 and the storage container 11.

[0058] As can be seen from view a), the interdental cleaning attachment 8 has a base body which has a curved geometry and is designed to be connected to the housing part 3 of the handpiece 2 in a first region for a positive and non-positive connection. In particular, the shaft 9, which is Fig. 1, engage with the interdental cleaning attachment 8 and transmit the vibration generated by the drive unit 5 thereto. At one end, the interdental cleaning attachment 8 has an interdental cleaning brush 20, which is detachably connectable to the base body 19. The interdental cleaning brush 20 has a base, which interacts with the base body 19 in order to be detachably connected thereto, as well as an elongated extension with a length of 11 mm, which can generally be between 5 mm and 20 mm, on which flexible bristle elements are arranged on the outer circumference.

[0059] View b) shows the flat brush attachment 21, which also has a base body 22 and a flat brush 23 that can be attached to it. With regard to the interaction with the handpiece and the vibration generated therein, the statements regarding the interdental cleaning attachment 8 apply accordingly.

[0060] It is an advantage that the interdental cleaning brush 20 and the flat brush 23 can be detachably attached to the respective base bodies 19 and 22, respectively, since they can thus be replaced as needed, for example, as soon as signs of wear are detected.

[0061] Fig. Figure 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of how the functional relationships between the components of the handpiece 2 and the storage container 11 can be realized. The same reference numerals are used for identical or equivalent features as in relation to the Fig. 1 to 3.

[0062] The storage container 11 includes a charging interface 24 in the form of a USB socket, via which the rechargeable battery 15 can be supplied with electrical energy. For this purpose, an external charger 25 can be connected to the storage container 11.

[0063] The control unit 10 has already been explained with reference to the remaining figures and can comprise a controller with a battery management module. The control unit 10 is connected between the charging interface 24 and the rechargeable battery 15 and is configured to regulate the charging process by means of a program implemented thereon. The control unit 10 is further configured to regulate the discharging process of the rechargeable battery 15, in particular when the handpiece 2 is inserted in the storage container 11 and is supplied with electrical energy from the rechargeable battery 15 of the storage container 11. The discharging process of the rechargeable battery 15 is also controlled via the control unit 18, which initiates the discharging process depending on a trigger, for example a signal output by a proximity switch 27 that detects the presence of the handpiece 2 in the storage container 11.Furthermore, the control unit outputs a signal to a status display 26 of the storage container 11, which outputs information about a charge state of the accumulator 15.

[0064] As indicated above, the discharging process of the accumulator 15 can take place as soon as the handpiece 2 is arranged in the storage container 11. Due to the corresponding geometries of the handpiece 2 and the corresponding recess of the storage container 11, an electrical contact is automatically established via a corresponding contact pair, which includes the charging contacts 28 of the storage container and the charging contacts 29 of the handpiece 2.

[0065] A battery management module of the control unit 10 in the handpiece 2 serves to regulate the electrical energy flow both during the charging process of the rechargeable battery 6 and during its discharging process when the device is in use. The energy flow for generating the vibration is controlled by the control unit 10 and can be initiated by a button 30 on the handpiece 2. This establishes an electrical connection between the rechargeable battery 6 and the drive unit 5. A charge level indicator 31 indicates the charge level of the rechargeable battery 6.

Claims

[1] Device (1) for oral hygiene, comprising a handpiece (2) and a replaceable interdental brush head (8), wherein - the handpiece (2) and the interdental brush head (8) are detachably connectable between a coupled and a decoupled state; - the handpiece (2) comprises an electric drive unit (5) for generating an oscillating and / or rotating movement, which in the coupled state can be transmitted to the interdental brush head (8), and wherein the drive unit (5) is mounted within the handpiece by means of a damping package (7); - the handpiece has an electrical energy storage device (6) which is electrically connected to the drive unit (5); - a first control unit (10) which is connected at least in terms of signaling to the electric drive unit (5) and the energy store (6) and is configured to control the drive unit (5) in dependence on an operator input. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the damping package (7) comprises a plurality of flat silicone elements which are arranged substantially parallel to one another and spaced apart and each extend between an outer side of the drive unit (5) and an inner side of the housing of the handpiece (2), wherein the damping package (7) is in particular pressed into a housing of the handpiece (2). [3] Device according to claim 1, wherein the damping package (7) consists essentially of plastic, is designed to be deformable and is injected into a housing of the handpiece (2) by means of an injection molding process. [4] Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the damping package (7) has a through-opening in which the drive unit is arranged, wherein a front end of the drive unit (5) protrudes from the damping package (7) and is mechanically connected to a shaft (9) of the handpiece (2), by means of which the oscillating and / or rotating movement can be transmitted to the interdental brush head (8) in the coupled state. [5] Device according to claim 4, wherein the shaft is sealingly mounted by means of a bearing element in a frontal region of the handpiece (2). [6] Device according to one of the preceding claims, with a storage container (11) which has a plurality of recesses, the geometries and dimensions of which correspond at least partially to the handpiece (2) and the interdental brush head (8) in order to accommodate the handpiece (2) and the interdental brush head (8) in the decoupled state. [7] Device according to claim 6, wherein the storage container (11) has an energy source (15) which has an interface in the region of the recess for the handpiece (2) in order to charge the energy store (6) when the handpiece is arranged in the corresponding recess. [8] Device according to claim 7, wherein the handpiece (2) can be magnetically fixed in the recess provided for it, in particular by means of a magnet which is arranged in the storage container (11) in the region of the recess for the handpiece (2) and a metal element which is arranged in the handpiece (2). [9] Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the interdental brush head (8) can be fastened to the handpiece (2) in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner. [10] Device according to one of the preceding claims with a flat brush head (21) which can be optionally connected to the handpiece (2) instead of the interdental brush head (8).

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