Toothbrush sterilization system

Abstract

In one example, we describe a method and system for sterilizing and / or storing toothbrushes of higher quality in terms of hygiene and convenience, wherein the brush head and handle never come into contact with the compartment when entering the user's mouth. Furthermore, there is no compartment beneath the brush head and handle. If any droplets of water drip from the brush head, they will drip through the compartment and remain on the table on which the compartment is placed, which can later be easily removed or cleaned. In one example, we use a UV-C lamp as our sterilization technology. This choice has advantages over other sterilization technologies. In one example, we use a single lamp, but this lamp has a ring structure (also known as an annular, torus, or donut) that provides good toothbrush coverage from all angles.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application relates to and derives priority date and filing date from an earlier (provisional) U.S. patent application entitled "Toothbrush Sterilization System," filed January 31, 2014, Serial No. 61 / 934,500, which has the same assignee. All teachings of that provisional patent are incorporated herein by reference. Background of the Invention

[0003] Toothbrushes have been proven important for an individual's general health and oral hygiene. Due to the close relationship between the user and this particular product, toothbrushes can be a contributing factor to or exacerbating disease. Because of their perpetually moist nature, the part of the brush placed in the user's mouth can harbor pathogens. Even a toothbrush used by a healthy individual can harbor unhealthy microorganisms over time. These microorganisms may originate from the user's own oral cavity and / or from the environment in which the toothbrush was placed between uses.

[0004] Most toothbrushes are left in the bathroom, a fertile environment for microorganisms. Besides the dampness, it's difficult to remove all traces of food particles from the brush after use. These organic particles can act as a catalyst for the growth of mold and bacteria. In addition to cleaning between uses, it's necessary to ensure the brushes are clean before their initial use. Currently, there are no regulations requiring toothbrushes to be sterilized or meet specific hygiene standards before packaging and sale.

[0005] Therefore, there is a great demand from consumers for devices for sterilizing toothbrushes before and between use. In fact, inventions attempting to achieve this goal have been documented for over a century. The vast majority of these inventions involve the toothbrush and its compartment. Between uses, the user returns the brush to the compartment. The compartment contains a sterilization method. Over the years, the nature of this sterilization method has changed—sometimes due to technological advancements, and sometimes due to efficiency, safety, manufacturing costs, or convenience.

[0006] Table 1: The table below lists several inventions of typical sterilization methods.

[0007]

[0008]

[0009] An undesirable aspect of some prior art is that it requires the brush bristles, or a portion of the brush near the bristles, to enter the user's mouth and come into contact with a part of the sterilization chamber during insertion, removal, or sterilization. This undesirable contact can transfer pathogens or debris from the chamber back onto the brush, and vice versa. This leads to repeated cross-contamination, with some residual pathogens or debris always remaining in the system. An example of this type of invention can be found in Athon's U.S. Patent No. US PN 1,696,706. To prevent the brush from falling out, the present invention relies on frictional contact between the bristles and the interior of the chamber. Similarly, Farrar's U.S. Patent No. US PN 2,592,131 provides a lip for the bristles to rest on. The following inventions all suffer from this undesirable contact.

[0010] Table 2: Existing technologies with similar problems (as described above).

[0011]

[0012]

[0013]

[0014] Many prior art inventions require the user to perform additional actions, such as inserting the brush into the compartment, removing it, or activating the sterilization cycle. For example, Fowler's U.S. Patent 1,074,169 teaches a casing that completely encloses the brush. To insert or remove the brush, the user needs to open the cap to gain access. This is inconvenient if the user is already holding a container of dental powder in one hand. Thompson's U.S. Patent 1,553,648 is a typical solution where the brush can be inserted without opening the cap. In these solutions, the seal between the compartment and the brush assembly is achieved by utilizing a compatible plug or a compatible compartment. The user then needs to pull the compartment to maintain its stability while removing the brush, or the compartment needs to be mounted to a fixed surface, such as a wall. Mounting is an additional action, which is inconvenient or impractical in many environments. MacShane's U.S. Patent 1,708,423 requires the user to perform a separate action to begin the sterilization process.

[0015] Table 3: The following inventions are all affected by the following: users need to perform additional actions to load the brush into the chamber, remove it, or start the sterilization process.

[0016]

[0017]

[0018]

[0019]

[0020]

[0021] Hecker's U.S. Patent 6,123,477 teaches a sterilizer that does not include a chamber. In this invention, a second brush is used to wipe the bristles of the toothbrush. This has obvious drawbacks, as the toothbrush is exposed to the surrounding environment during sterilization instead of being protected in the chamber. Furthermore, the effectiveness appears to be highly dependent on the user's technique. It also focuses only on sterilizing the bristles, in contrast to the state of all surfaces that will enter the user's mouth.

[0022] Table 4: The table below lists inventions that teach self-service toothbrush sterilization and those with the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0023] Patent number or serial number Release date / Publication date Inventor 2527741 31-10-50 Lamonde 5832940 10-11-98 Embry 6123477 26-09-00 Hecker 6669390 30-12-03 Porter 8168963 1-05-12 Ratcliffe

[0024] Lamonde, Embry, and Porter did not teach sterilization. These inventions delivered dental powder or mouthwash. However, sterilizing liquids can be considered a substitute for dental powder.

[0025] In all prior inventions that include a sterilization chamber, there is either contact between the toothbrush elements (as described above) or a chamber portion located directly beneath the bristles and handle when placed in the mouth. A disadvantage is that liquid or particles that detach from the toothbrush end up inside the chamber. Because the brush is placed in the chamber immediately after use, it contains a certain amount of water. A drop or two of water may fall from the brush, carrying food particles, tooth powder, or even pathogens from the user's mouth or the environment surrounding the brush.

[0026] To expel water from the chamber, some inventions allow for the presence of a dryer (e.g., Choi's patent US5,487,877). Even after the water is expelled from the chamber, particles contained in the water will remain. At best, this will result in the accumulation of particles in the chamber requiring frequent cleaning. At worst, it can become a breeding ground for microorganisms, exposing the brush to a more adverse environment than if it had never entered the chamber. Many prior inventions rely on completely sealed chambers to ensure that the sterilization tool does not leak into the surrounding environment (e.g., Hurley's patent US1,364,557, Eckhardt's patent US6,461,568, and Barham's patent US6,966,441).

[0027] Therefore, in general, the prior art (described below) is either a design patent or not a toothbrush sterilizer, or has disadvantages, in relation to the invention disclosed herein.

[0028] Table 5: List of relevant prior art that does not have the advantages of the present invention (described in this disclosure).

[0029]

[0030]

[0031]

[0032]

[0033]

[0034]

[0035]

[0036]

[0037]

[0038] However, the invention and embodiments described herein, having all the advantages mentioned below, are not described or shown in any prior art (including all of the foregoing). Invention Summary

[0039] In one embodiment, we describe a method and system in which the brush head and handle entering the user's mouth never contact the compartment. Similarly, there is no compartment beneath the brush head and handle. If any water droplets fall from the brush head, they will pass entirely through the compartment and remain on the countertop where the compartment is placed. While this does not eliminate particles, it ensures that particles are not present in the compartment, which could be difficult to remove or clean. All particles can be removed from the countertop during routine countertop cleaning.

[0040] In one embodiment of the invention, our sterilization tool is a UV-C lamp. This choice offers advantages over other sterilization tools. These advantages include: no liquid spillage (compared to liquid spray sterilizers), no hazardous substance leakage into the atmosphere (compared to gas-coated sterilizers), no hot surface (compared to autoclave sterilizers), rapid sterilization (compared to dry sterilizers), and quiet operation (compared to vacuum sterilizers). One disadvantage of UV sterilization compared to other tools is that it utilizes light, which is typically accompanied by inherent shadows. That is, if part of the brush head to be sterilized is in shadow, the sterilization effectiveness will be significantly reduced. Some prior art (e.g., Pinsky's patent US7,213,603) proposes using multiple UV lamps to achieve greater coverage. Undoubtedly, this directly increases manufacturing costs and requires a considerable number of bulbs to achieve the same coverage. Other prior art mentions introducing reflective surfaces inside the chamber to overcome this disadvantage. This also increases manufacturing costs. A typical method for forming the surface is to sputter metal onto a molded plastic surface. While effective, composite components like these are difficult to recycle.

[0041] In this invention, a single lamp is shown, which has a ring-shaped structure (also referred to as an annular, torus, or donut), which is unique compared to the prior art. The toothbrush tip is placed within the ring, so the light approaches the brush head at multiple angles, and shadows are significantly reduced or eliminated. In practice, the ring shape is interrupted due to the conditions at the end of the lamp. However, this interruption is minor (small distance), and most of the lamp retains its annular shape and the advantage of (good toothbrush coverage from all angles). Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is a view of the toothbrush located in the adjacent compartment in an embodiment of the device of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 2 This is a view of the compartment in which the toothbrush is located in an embodiment of the device of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 3This is a view of the chamber during the process of inserting or removing the toothbrush from the chamber in an embodiment of the device of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 4 This is a view of an embodiment of the device of the present invention, in which the toothbrush is located in the compartment and the compartment is located on the table.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a view of the bottom of the compartment in an embodiment of the device of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a compartment containing a toothbrush in an embodiment of the device of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the device of the present invention, wherein the chamber containing the toothbrush is shown.

[0049] Figure 8 This is a view of an embodiment of the device of the present invention, wherein a compartment containing a toothbrush is provided.

[0050] Figure 9 This is a view of a compartment containing a toothbrush in another embodiment of the device of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 10 This is a view of a compartment containing a toothbrush in another embodiment of the device of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 11 This is a view of a toothbrush in an embodiment of the device of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the components of the system of the present invention in an embodiment of the device of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The accompanying invention describes an electric toothbrush sterilization system for consumer use. This invention introduces numerous novel features to improve cleanliness, convenience, and durability. Toothbrush sterilization systems have been known in industry and have been effective for a considerable period. Initially, toothbrushes were manual, consisting only of a handle and bristles. The sterilization source has changed over the years.

[0055] Initially, brushes were immersed in a sterilizing liquid to kill microorganisms present on them. Prior techniques for this were discovered as early as 1904. Later (around 1918), gases (such as formaldehyde) were used. Evidence also emerged of heat-based sterilization methods and the use of aerosols. Later still (around the 1940s), due to convenience and effectiveness, the sterilization source was changed to light, bathing the toothbrush in the UVC range. The central spectral wavelength of this light is approximately 240 nm. UVC light has a wavelength range of 100–280 nm. While light sources can emit light outside this range (e.g., into the visible spectrum), light within this range has sterilizing capabilities. Current products utilize manual toothbrushes and UVC light.

[0056] The first electric toothbrushes were adopted in the 1950s. These were initially targeted at users with reduced motor skills. Later, it became apparent that these devices were more effective than manual toothbrushes at cleaning teeth. The earliest brushes were plugged into an AC outlet. However, in the 1960s, battery-powered versions were introduced and began to be widely adopted.

[0057] Based on the motion of the bristles, electric toothbrushes can be classified into two groups. One group uses vibration. Because the vibration of the bristles is higher than 20kHz (the upper limit of human hearing), most vibrating toothbrushes today are called ultrasonic toothbrushes.

[0058] The second major category of electric toothbrushes is rotary. The bristles rotate continuously or vibrate in a rotary manner around a shaft.

[0059] Sterilization electric toothbrushes have been known for some time. These systems include a charging circuit that keeps the battery in the toothbrush handle fully charged. Additionally, they feature a UVC light source that illuminates the bristles. In all currently available products to our knowledge, the brush head is detached from the handle for the sterilization process. The bristles with a short handle (referred to uniformly as the brush head in this document) are placed in a separate chamber containing the UVC light source, and the light is activated.

[0060] The current technological limitations of electric toothbrush sterilization systems are as follows:

[0061] (1) When the user finishes brushing his / her teeth, the handle should be returned to the charging dock. This is very convenient when the charging dock provides a fixed surface for the product, and the user knows exactly where the product is when it needs to be used again. However, to ensure proper sterilization of the bristles, additional work is required to separate the brush head from the handle and place the brush head in the sterilization chamber. While this is not a lot of extra work, the result is that many users choose not to sterilize the brush head after brushing. This increases the growth of pathogens (such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi) on the wet brush head, which is a terrible consequence.

[0062] (2) The toothbrush is not immediately usable when the brush head is removed from the handle and placed in the sterilization container. The handle is present, but the brush head is not attached to it. The brush head needs to be removed from the sterilization container and attached to the handle.

[0063] (3) When the brush head is attached to the handle after use and is not placed in a sterilization chamber, it is exposed to the environment. This environment is typically a bathroom environment with numerous water sources (e.g., sinks, showers, toilets, and bathtubs). These water sources cause water droplets to disperse in a mist-like manner. These droplets can carry other elements such as urine, feces, and saliva throughout the bathroom. When the brush bristles are exposed to this environment, they can become unintentionally contaminated.

[0064] (4) In existing devices, the sterilization chamber has a closed bottom with an opening for inserting and removing the brush head. Furthermore, this chamber often has numerous sharp interior angles within and between components (i.e., corners and crevices). The brush bristles placed in this environment are wet (recently used). This water can and does drip from the bristles and remain in the chamber. Unless directly in line of sight to a UVC light source, these water stains deteriorate and foster pathogen colonies.

[0065] (5) The light source in the existing sterilization chamber is a point light source or a line light source. It consistently produces shadows in the bristle area, and the light is not as effective as it is not bathing the entirety of the bristles.

[0066] (6) Regardless of the number of times the brush has been used during cleaning, the existing system always completes the same cleaning cycle.

[0067] (7) The sterilization chamber is very difficult to clean.

[0068] (8) The light source in the existing system is very easy for the user to be exposed to. In fact, the user may inadvertently touch the light source with his / her hand or the brush head. This can add contaminants (e.g., oil or particulate matter) to the surface of the light, thereby reducing its emission and efficiency.

[0069] One embodiment of the invention includes an integrated charging station and sterilization chamber. This base station is either connected to an AC power source by a wire or operates using its own internal battery. An electric toothbrush with the brush head tip facing down is inserted into the base station. Once inserted, the brush head is isolated from the environment, which is cleaner and more sterile than leaving the brush head in the environment between brushing sessions. This helps to address the problems present in the prior art as mentioned in section (3) above.

[0070] The toothbrush has an internal charging coil near the brush head. Non-contact inductive coupling is created between this coil and a similar coil in the base. Once the base detects the presence of the toothbrush, charging begins and a sterilization cycle commences. Sterilization is performed within the charging base using a UVC light source. This UVC light source can be a point source or a line source similar to those currently used in the art. In one embodiment, it is a light source surrounding the brush head to eliminate the shadows mentioned in section (5) above.

[0071] This ring light can be a mercury vapor tube light. It can also be a series of point light sources surrounding the brush head. Alternatively, it can be a single light source that is moved to and surrounds the brush head via a light tube. To further aid in eliminating shadows, the interior of the sterilization chamber can be made reflective. Aluminum coatings have proven to be very effective at reflecting UVC light. During the sterilization cycle, the UVC light is turned on for a predetermined time. The amount of time can vary based on the number of brushing cycles the toothbrush has completed since the last cleaning. This addresses the problem in section (6) above.

[0072] The brush handle can record usage data, and this information can be transmitted to the base via components such as RFID trackers or Bluetooth communicators. Once the brush is inserted into the base, a sterilization cycle begins. Because this does not require additional effort from the user, it addresses the shortcomings of current products cited in sections (1) and (2) above.

[0073] The optimally designed compartment lacks a slit that could become a water collector. If water drips from the brush head, it passes through the device via an opening in the bottom of the compartment. This solves the current problem described in section (4) above. Water can remain on the surface until it evaporates completely.

[0074] Optionally, an absorbent pad may be present and placed beneath the compartment. This pad allows water to dissipate via capillary action or along its surface. Because the water is dispersed, it has a larger surface area for evaporation and disappears into the environment at a significantly accelerated rate. This pad may also serve other functions, acting as a support and preventing the unit from tipping over. Because the compartment has openings at both ends and lacks crevices, it is easy to clean with devices such as baby bottle cleaners, toothbrush attachments, and even towels, addressing the concerns of section (7) above.

[0075] Because there can be a communication connection between the brush and the base, either of them can have a display to convey information to the user. This display can show, for example, the remaining charging time, the remaining sterilization time, the number of brushing cycles completed, the remaining brush head life, and the average brushing duration.

[0076] This design ensures that the bristles are not exposed to the light source while the brush is being inserted into the base. The light source is also deeply embedded in the chamber, minimizing the possibility of direct contact with it by the user. This effectively solves the problem mentioned in part (8) above.

[0077] All the structures described above in this invention can be applied to both manual and electric toothbrushes.

[0078] The document includes the following: the chamber from different perspectives; the docking, placement, and gap between the brush and the chamber; the RFID chip and the cross-section of the brush; the ultraviolet light source and the interior of the chamber; the interior of the chamber with a reflective surface, such as a mirror, to maximize the reflective effect; the curved, annular ultraviolet bulb; the chamber pad, its shape and use, and the indicator lights and / or display options on the outer surface of the chamber for warning or notifying the user, such as regarding the remaining charge on the device and the amount of brushing time or frequency, such as having multiple lights or diodes, or bar lights or indicators, or floating indicators, or colored lights, or lights whose intensity changes proportionally to the value of the displayed parameters, such as light intensity proportional to the remaining charge on the battery, or red light when a low battery warning is indicated; the chamber cleaning brush; the brush with the chamber activated; the cleaning cycle sequence for self-cleaning; the charging cycle sequence; a description and advantages of the chamber / toothbrush system of the present invention and their design / parameters / components; the cleaning program (function 1); and the charging program (function 2). Advanced sonic brush with components shown from different angles. Detailed view of the chamber interior. Chamber interior with UV lamp ring. Brush placement in operation. Light tube inside the chamber. Retractable cable or wire for the system of this invention, for compact and clean setups, for example with optional springs to retract the wire, located at the bottom of the chamber interior, with optional hooks to release the springs for the retraction process. Drying process / sequence (function 3), with gaps for drying treatment, with thermal or radiant energy (as a means, with a transmission, conduction, or radiation mechanism), with increased airflow, with some air from the gaps around the chamber legs or feet. Units or devices for thermal or radiant energy can be inserted into the middle of the chamber cavity as movable parts, or they can be fixed to the wall or in the chamber.

[0079] Appendix 2, pages 1-11, shows different views of the compartment and toothbrush with more detailed descriptions and cross-sectional views.

[0080] In one embodiment, we have multiple compartments in a unit for supporting multiple toothbrushes, with a common power supply or backup battery for both the toothbrushes and the UV lamps. In one embodiment, we have multiple annular UV lamps in the same compartment. In one embodiment, the multiple annular UV lamps are connected in parallel with each other. In one embodiment, we have multiple annular UV lamps parallel to the ground or tabletop. In one embodiment, we have multiple annular UV lamps at an angle to a horizontal ground or tabletop, for example, at an angle of 15, 30, 40, 45, 55, 60, or 80 degrees relative to the horizontal ground.

[0081] In one embodiment, we have some fins, tracks, or grooves inside the chamber body or on the toothbrush handle (or both) to create some gaps between the toothbrush and the inner chamber for airflow, thereby allowing for better drying and drainage when the toothbrush is inserted into the chamber after each use.

[0082] In one embodiment, the invention includes a battery and charging coil inside the toothbrush body, supporting both types of RFID (active and passive), and an RFID chip installed on or within the system for communication with computers, smartphones, and compartments, such as for data transmission, authentication, and identification, and for displaying usage time, remaining battery power, etc. In one embodiment, the invention includes a Bluetooth device for short-range communication, one of which is installed on the toothbrush and / or compartment.

[0083] In one embodiment, the ultraviolet (UV) source is inside the chamber. In another embodiment, the UV source is outside the chamber, for example, from an optical fiber or waveguide. In one embodiment, the light is split into multiple rays by a splitter during the process for better coverage of the object being cleaned. In one embodiment, a mirror or a set of mirrors, a reflective surface, or a curved reflective surface is present inside the chamber to concentrate the light or direct it directly towards the toothbrush for cleaning purposes. This mirror may be spherical, cylindrical, or conical in shape, serving as a concave mirror or surface, for example, using a metallic coating.

[0084] In one embodiment, the focusing area is at the focal point of the mirror. In one embodiment, the light source can be ring-shaped, or a thick ring, or multiple rings, or a parallel ring, or a horizontal ring, or a radial ring, or a ring with different wavelengths in the ultraviolet range (or a diode, or a laser, or other light source).

[0085] In one embodiment, the compartment cleaning brush, having multiple replaceable brush heads on the device, on the toothbrush body, or on a separate stick or rod, is used by the user to clean the compartment. It may have several brushes of different shapes on the same stick or rod for better cleaning.

[0086] In one implementation, the compartment light, menu, or display can provide the user with function selection, such as allowing the user to input data; or provide the user with information or warnings, such as using colored light or diodes to indicate the charging stage of the toothbrush, or using red alarm light to indicate component malfunction.

[0087] Cleaning cycle sequence. Note: The selectable cleaning intensity is based on the frequency of brush insertion; the higher the frequency, the higher the intensity. For different implementations, this intensity (I) can be linearly proportional to the frequency value (f) (where k is a coefficient) or non-linearly proportional. For example, one case could be: (I = k × f), where I is the light intensity, f is the frequency or number of brushing strokes per unit time, or the brushing time per unit time, such as per week, month, or day (or average, moving average, or cumulative average), where × represents multiplication. Intensity can be based on: radiant intensity, in watts per steradian (W / sr); or luminous intensity, in lumens per steradian (lm / sr); or candela (cd); or irradiance or intensity, in watts per square meter (W / m²); or radiance, in (W·sr⁻¹·m⁻²).

[0088] In one embodiment, charging is performed via direct metal contact and wiring, utilizing a backup power source or a rechargeable battery. In another embodiment, charging is accomplished via a remote induction coil, without leads or metal contact. The chamber material can be any synthetic or natural material as described in the prior art, such as plastic. In one embodiment, the curved surfaces of the brush and the internal chamber are designed to prevent them from contacting or cross-contaminating.

[0089] Figure 1-11 Equivalent to pages 1-11 in Appendix 2 ( Figure 1-11 ). Figure 5 This is one embodiment of the device of the present invention, for example, a schematic diagram of a compartment. Figure 1-4 , Figure 8-10 This is an embodiment of the device of the present invention, for example, a schematic diagram of a compartment with a toothbrush. Figure 6 (or Figure 7 (This is one embodiment of the device of the present invention, for example, a partial cross-sectional view of the compartment containing a toothbrush.) Figure 11 This is one embodiment of the device of the present invention, for example, a view of a toothbrush.

[0090] Figure 12This is one embodiment of the system of the present invention. For example, a schematic diagram of the components of the system of the present invention includes: a menu, manual buttons and a display; RFID, Bluetooth and an antenna; a user interface, indicator lights and alarm lights; a usage frequency, usage history, averaging module (for comparisons, baseline adjustments, or historical or performance values ​​to date), and a memory; a motor controller; a UV lamp; a brush dryer; mode lights; a charging circuit; and an external power supply.

[0091] Other implementation methods, including variations and examples, are as follows:

[0092] A dental hygiene system, comprising:

[0093] • An oral care appliance having a handle at one end, a mouth care end effect at the other end, and a shaft between the two.

[0094] • During normal use, the oral care tip and the rod body enter the user's mouth.

[0095] • A freestanding compartment for storing the oral care appliances.

[0096] • The compartment contains sterilization components (means).

[0097] • During storage or sterilization, if debris falls from the oral care end or the handle, the debris will not come into contact with any part of the compartment.

[0098] • When stored, the oral care end is located below the handle.

[0099] A heater that removes moisture from the end portion.

[0100] • The oral care appliances are electric and battery powered.

[0101] • The compartment includes a charging circuit for charging the battery of the oral care appliance.

[0102] A dental hygiene system, comprising:

[0103] • An oral care appliance having a handle at one end, a mouth care end effect at the other end, and a shaft between the two.

[0104] • During normal use, the oral care tip and the rod enter the user's mouth.

[0105] • A stand-alone compartment for storing the oral care appliance, wherein the oral care end and the handle are stored inside the compartment, while at least a portion of the handle is stored outside.

[0106] • The compartment contains sterilization components.

[0107] • When inserting, removing, or storing in the compartment, the compartment does not come into contact with the oral care tip or the rod.

[0108] • The oral care appliance can be inserted into or removed from the compartment without requiring additional action on the compartment or the oral care appliance.

[0109] • During sterilization and storage, the compartment is open to the environment (under gravity) beneath the oral care end and the shaft.

[0110] • When stored, the oral care end is located below the handle.

[0111] A heater that removes moisture from the end portion.

[0112] • The oral care appliances are electric and battery powered.

[0113] • The compartment includes a charging circuit for charging the battery of the oral care appliance.

[0114] A dental hygiene system, comprising:

[0115] • Oral care appliances.

[0116] • A stand-alone compartment for storing the oral care appliances.

[0117] • The compartment contains sterilization components.

[0118] The sterilization tool includes at least one lamp that emits light in the ultraviolet spectrum.

[0119] • At least one of the bulbs is a single light source, wherein most of the geometry can be described as ring-shaped.

[0120] Any variations of the above teachings are also included in this patent application.

Claims

1. An oral care system, characterized in that, The system includes: warehouse; The compartment has a cavity in the middle, which extends from an opening at the top of the compartment to an opening at the bottom of the compartment; The bottom of the compartment is provided with at least one support leg for allowing air to enter; A toothbrush, comprising: a handle end and a brush end that enters the user's mouth; the toothbrush is an electric toothbrush; The brush end can enter, hold, and exit the cavity, while only the handle end contacts the chamber, and the brush end does not contact the chamber. When the brush end is held in the cavity through the upper opening and the lower opening is located below the brush end, if water or particles fall from the brush end, the water or particles will not contact any part of the system and will be discharged from the system through the opening at the bottom of the chamber and fall onto the pad on the table. In the aforementioned chamber, when the brush end is placed in the cavity, only a portion of the cavity is directly below the brush end; A light source that emits ultraviolet light; The light source is located inside the cabin; The light source is basically ring-shaped or circular in shape; The light source surrounds the end of the brush; The ultraviolet light is present in at least a portion of the cavity; the interior of the compartment has an aluminum-coated curved reflective surface that concentrates the light or directs the light directly toward the toothbrush for cleaning purposes. Once the compartment detects the presence of the toothbrush, charging begins and a sterilization cycle begins; during the sterilization cycle, the light source is turned on for a predetermined time, the duration of which varies based on the number of brushing cycles the toothbrush has completed since the last cleaning. There is a gap between the handle end and the recessed neck of the compartment. The gap allows air to flow out of the compartment through fins, tracks, or grooves provided inside the compartment or outside the handle end. The legs and the fins, tracks or grooves form a continuous flow of air through the cavity from below the lower opening to above the upper opening; A charging circuit between the compartment and the toothbrush.

2. The oral care system according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the toothbrush is inside the cavity, the brush head is located below the handle of the toothbrush.

3. The oral care system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system includes a drying device.

4. The oral care system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system includes a radiation energy source located inside the compartment.

5. The oral care system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system includes a heat source located inside the compartment.

6. The oral care system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system includes a convection source located inside the compartment.

7. The oral care system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The toothbrush is battery powered.

8. The oral care system according to claim 1, characterized in that, There is a gap between the toothbrush and the chamber.

9. The oral care system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultraviolet light source is a mercury vapor lamp.

10. An oral care system, characterized in that, The system includes: warehouse; The compartment has a cavity in the middle, which extends from an opening at the top of the compartment to an opening at the bottom of the compartment; The compartment has an open interface leading from the outside of the compartment to the cavity; the bottom of the compartment is provided with at least one support leg for allowing air to enter. A toothbrush comprising a brush end and a handle end; the toothbrush is an electric toothbrush; The handle end is connected to the compartment. When docking, the brush end is stored in the cavity and does not contact the chamber, while the handle end is stored outside the chamber. During docking, a gap exists between the brush end and the chamber; When the brush end is held in the cavity through the upper opening and the lower opening is located below the brush end, if water or particles fall from the brush end, the water or particles will not contact any part of the system and will be discharged from the system through the opening at the bottom of the chamber and fall onto the pad on the table. In the aforementioned chamber, when the brush end is placed in the cavity, only a portion of the cavity is directly below the brush end; There is a gap between the handle end and the recessed neck of the compartment. The gap allows air to flow out of the compartment through fins, tracks, or grooves provided inside the compartment or outside the handle end. The legs and the fins, tracks or grooves form a continuous flow of air through the cavity from below the lower opening to above the upper opening; Ultraviolet light source; The light source is located inside the cabin; The light source is basically ring-shaped or circular in shape; The light source surrounds the end of the brush; During the docking process, the ultraviolet light source automatically provides illumination. The compartment contains a curved reflective surface with an aluminum coating, which concentrates light or directs light directly toward the toothbrush for cleaning purposes. Once the compartment detects the presence of the toothbrush, charging begins and a sterilization cycle begins; during the sterilization cycle, the light source is turned on for a predetermined time, the duration of which varies based on the number of brushing cycles the toothbrush has completed since the last cleaning. A charging circuit between the compartment and the toothbrush.

11. The oral care system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The brush end of the toothbrush is located below the handle end of the toothbrush.

12. The oral care system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The system includes: Drying device.

13. The oral care system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The system includes: A radiation energy source located inside the chamber.

14. The oral care system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The system includes: A heat source located inside the compartment.

15. The oral care system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The system includes: A convection source located inside the compartment.

16. The oral care system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The toothbrush is battery powered.

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