Oral health care

Abstract

An oral cleaning device for an oral care apparatus permits pivoting of a cleaning element unit having at least two sets of cleaning elements defining different respective spatial / geometric arrangements / patterns such that the two sets of cleaning elements may be angled, they can be applied to tooth surfaces to be cleaned at the same time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of oral cleaning and in particular to the field of oral cleaning devices. Background Art

[0002] In the field of personal oral cleaning, it remains a challenge to optimize the structure and configuration of oral cleaning devices to achieve optimal cleaning performance for all types of teeth and all areas of each tooth.

[0003] One growing area of ​​development is in toothbrushing mouthpieces. Toothbrushing mouthpieces are expected to disrupt the toothbrush market in the future as they have the potential to brush faster, more consistently and more completely than a toothbrush. However, to date, there are no acceptable cleaning mouthpieces on the market that can compete with regular toothbrushes in terms of cleaning capabilities. Designing a toothbrushing mouthpiece that works as well as a manual toothbrush has proven to be a major challenge. Summary of the invention

[0004] Research conducted by the inventors of the present invention has found that in any type of oral cleaning device, in order to achieve good overall interproximal and gum line cleaning, ideally, more than one cleaning element layout is required in a single device. For example, the optimal cleaning element length for interproximal cleaning is longer than the optimal cleaning element length for gum line cleaning, and the optimal extension angle of the cleaning elements may also be different. However, it has been found that providing these two optimal cleaning element layouts in one oral cleaning device will bring new problems. In particular, the inventors have recognized that different lengths or angular extensions of the cleaning elements have the effect of making it inconvenient for all types of cleaning elements to contact the tooth surface at the same time. For example, longer cleaning elements can prevent smaller gum line cleaning elements from reaching the teeth. Even in traditional toothbrushes, this can be a problem. Different angular extensions can cause similar problems: it is difficult to make all cleaning elements contact the teeth at the same time.

[0005] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0006] According to an example of one aspect of the present invention, an oral cleaning device is provided.

[0007] The oral cleaning device comprises: a main body; at least one cleaning element unit, the cleaning element unit comprising a base, and further comprising at least two groups of cleaning elements upright from the base, each group defining a spatial layout, a height profile and / or an angular profile of the cleaning elements relative to the base, and the two groups being separated from each other by a gap; wherein the cleaning element unit is linked to the main body by a coupling, the coupling permitting pivotal or angular movement of the cleaning element unit base relative to the main body; wherein the oral cleaning device is arranged to engage the user's teeth with the cleaning elements of at least one cleaning element unit during use, and wherein the coupling permits changing the angle of the base relative to the teeth engaged by the device.

[0008] Therefore, the proposed concepts are intended to provide schemes, solutions, concepts, designs, methods and systems related to oral cleaning devices.

[0009] In particular, embodiments are directed to providing an oral cleaning device having a pivotable cleaning element unit, thereby permitting optimal alignment of the cleaning element unit with the tooth surface so that at least two sets of cleaning elements can contact the teeth simultaneously. If the cleaning element unit cannot pivot, any longer cleaning element may push the cleaning element unit away from the teeth, potentially preventing any shorter cleaning element from reaching the teeth. Pivoting prevents this situation because the force from any longer cleaning element will pivot the cleaning element unit until the shorter cleaning elements also reach and push against the teeth.

[0010] In other words, proposing a pivotable cleaning element unit will allow the unit to pivot in response to forces on its cleaning elements. For example, if only the cleaning elements on one side of the cleaning element unit are engaged with the teeth, the forces on that side of the unit will be greater than the forces on that side of the unit when the cleaning elements are not engaged, and thus the unit will pivot until the forces become balanced, i.e. until the cleaning elements on both sides of the unit are engaged with the teeth.

[0011] By allowing the cleaning element unit to pivot, the cleaning element unit can include cleaning element groups of potentially different spatial arrangements, height profiles and / or angle profiles. This achieves good overall interproximal and gum line cleaning while avoiding the problem of different cleaning element groups interfering with each other.

[0012] By providing an oral cleaning device with a pivotable cleaning element unit, embodiments may support improved overall teeth cleaning.Thus, the proposed concept may provide improved oral health care.

[0013] Ultimately, improved oral cleaning devices may be supported by the proposed concept(s).

[0014] In some embodiments, the cleaning element unit may include two groups of cleaning elements. Studies by the inventors have shown that two groups of cleaning elements may be the optimal number for a good overall cleaning of the teeth.

[0015] In some embodiments, the coupling may define a linear axis of rotation, and wherein the base of the cleaning element unit is pivotable about the linear axis of rotation.

[0016] In some embodiments, the linear axis of rotation defined by the coupling extends through the body of the base of the cleaning element unit, preferably substantially parallel to the surface of the base from which the two sets of cleaning elements upstand, or at least overlap the area covered by the cleaning element base.

[0017] In some embodiments, the coupling may define a linear axis of rotation extending through a gap between at least two sets of cleaning elements.

[0018] In some embodiments, each of the groups of cleaning elements is spaced apart from an axis of rotation defined by the coupling.

[0019] In some embodiments, at least two sets of cleaning elements are located on different sides of a linear axis of rotation defined by the coupling.

[0020] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the cleaning device is adapted to be received in the mouth for normal use, and wherein the cleaning device is configured such that a point or axis of rotation defined by a coupling between the cleaning element unit and the body is positioned such that when the cleaning device is received in the mouth for normal use, the cleaning device is received within the mouth. This provides improved operability because during normal use, the cleaning unit can pivot about a point or axis inside the mouth.

[0021] In some embodiments, at least one cleaning element unit is located in a cavity or recess formed in the body. In some embodiments, at least one cleaning unit is supported in the cavity by a pivot coupling. The cleaning elements preferably have sufficient spacing in the cavity to pivot to different angles relative to the body.

[0022] In some embodiments, the cleaning element groups can define different spatial layouts, height profiles, and / or angular profiles of the cleaning elements relative to the base compared to each other. This allows the cleaning element groups to be specifically optimized for cleaning different areas of the teeth. For example, different cleaning element designs are required to effectively clean the gum line and interproximal areas. For example, the gum line area can be best cleaned with a 45° cleaning element roll angle, while the interproximal area can be best cleaned with a 90° cleaning element roll angle. Longer cleaning elements can better clean the interproximal area, while shorter cleaning elements can better clean the gum line area.

[0023] In some embodiments, the aforementioned coupling can allow a change in the angle between the main body and the directional axis of the cleaning element unit extending from the first cleaning element group to the second cleaning element group. The change in angle allows the cleaning element unit to pivot in a certain manner, thereby allowing the first cleaning element group and the second cleaning element group to contact the tooth surface for cleaning. For example, one group will be tilted toward the teeth, while the other group will be tilted away from the teeth, thereby allowing the two groups to contact the teeth with similar forces.

[0024] In some embodiments, the coupling may limit linear movement of the base relative to the body along a direction defined by an axis extending from the first cleaning element group to the second cleaning element group. This may prevent optimal brushing motion from being translated into movement of the coupling, thereby preventing brushing action and limiting the distance that can be reached. Brushing may be optimal if the cleaning element unit is rigid in the primary direction of brushing.

[0025] In some embodiments, each group of cleaning elements can define an elongated footprint on the base. Studies have shown that elongated (e.g., vertical) cleaning element groups can outperform other layouts of cleaning element groups. Cleaning element groups with elongated footprints can also require lower normal forces to effectively clean teeth, thereby minimizing the required brushing energy and increasing user comfort.

[0026] In some embodiments, the width of the elongated footprint may be less than 6 mm.Cleaning elements in a narrow layout may best access narrow vertical spaces between teeth and may follow the contours of the dentition more effectively than other layouts.

[0027] Each of the cleaning element groups is preferably spaced apart relative to any pivot axis about which the cleaning element unit pivots so that pivoting about that axis will change the angle of the cleaning element group relative to the tooth surface. In other words, the cleaning element groups are preferably not all at the position of the pivot axis.

[0028] In some embodiments, the coupling can permit rotational movement of the base relative to the body in at least a first rotational plane, the first rotational plane being oriented substantially orthogonal to a surface of the base from which the cleaning elements extend and in a direction from the first set of cleaning elements to the second set of cleaning elements, and preferably wherein the first set of cleaning elements and the second set of cleaning elements define parallel elongated footprints on the base having a length, and wherein the rotational plane is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the length. Rotational movement of the base relative to the body in the rotational plane permits the first set of cleaning elements and the second set of cleaning elements to contact the tooth surface to be cleaned with similar force in use.

[0029] In some embodiments, the coupling may also permit rotational movement relative to the body in a second rotational plane oriented substantially orthogonal to the base surface from which the cleaning elements extend and extending in a direction perpendicular to a line from the first set of cleaning elements to the second set of cleaning elements. This may allow the cleaning element unit to follow some additional contours, for example, if the lower portion of the tooth is thinner than the upper portion, such as is the case with incisor and canine geometry.

[0030] In some embodiments, the oral cleaning device can be used as part of a toothbrushing oral device. The oral cleaning device can include an oral device portion for at least partially receiving in the mouth during use. The body of the oral device portion can define a tooth receiving channel, which defines an arched profile, the shape of which roughly follows the profile of at least a portion of the user's dental arch to allow a row of teeth to be received in the channel. At least one cleaning element unit can be arranged so that the cleaning elements of the first cleaning element group and the second cleaning element group extend into the channel, for example, from the side, for engaging with the tooth surface during use. The coupling may include a connection point displaced from the cleaning element unit at a position between the sides of the channel, such as being integrated in the bottom plate of the channel. The coupling may also include an arm extending from the connection point to the cleaning element unit base. The connection point may allow angular motion or swinging motion (e.g., pivoting motion) of the arm, for allowing the cleaning element unit to swing along an arc relative to the connection point, thereby changing the angle of the cleaning element unit relative to the tooth surface of the tooth received in the channel.

[0031] Mouthpiece devices may particularly benefit from the pivotable oral cleaning apparatus described in this application because the user cannot adjust the orientation of the cleaning elements themselves.

[0032] In some embodiments, a teeth brushing mouthpiece device may include a plurality of cleaning element units at a series of positions along an arched contour defined by the mouthpiece portion for cleaning teeth at different positions along the dental arch. This may provide a mouthpiece device in which different cleaning element layouts may be optimally positioned at predetermined positions along the dental arch for engagement with predetermined tooth types.

[0033] In some embodiments, the oral cleaning device may include a pair of cleaning element units that face each other from opposite positions across the channel for cleaning different sides of the teeth received in the channel, respectively. The cleaning element units may be connected to the same connection point by arms that extend oppositely, respectively, wherein the pivoting motion of the pair of cleaning element units is coupled so that the two cleaning element units pivot and swing together about the connection point. This may allow cleaning of both sides of the teeth simultaneously.

[0034] In some embodiments, the teeth brushing mouthpiece device may have an upper tooth receiving channel and a lower tooth receiving channel for receiving both the upper and lower teeth, the upper and lower tooth receiving channels being separated from each other by a common channel floor of an integrated connection point and arm, and wherein the oral cleaning device includes at least one cleaning element unit arranged to engage with teeth received in each of the upper and lower tooth receiving channels, respectively. This may allow cleaning of both upper and lower teeth with the same device, and possibly simultaneously.

[0035] In some embodiments, each pair of opposing cleaning element units may have an upper section and a lower section arranged to engage teeth in both the upper and lower channels of the oral device, each section having a respective first set of cleaning elements and a second set of cleaning elements. This provides an effective means of cleaning both the upper and lower rows of teeth with the same oral device, and possibly simultaneously.

[0036] In some embodiments, the oral cleaning device may further include a functional component for performing an oral care function, the functional component being installed at a position within the gap between the first group of cleaning elements and the second group of cleaning elements, and optionally, wherein the functional component is one of the following: a light source, a radio frequency field source, at least one pair of electrodes, or one or more nozzles for ejecting a fluid. This may allow for optimization of the available space in the oral cleaning device, which is beneficial for further improving oral care.

[0037] In some embodiments, the oral cleaning device may form a brush head for a toothbrush. This may provide an enhanced toothbrush that is better able to fully clean teeth. For example, the body may be a pressure plate of the brush head. The body may be the portion of the brush head that is received in the mouth during use, such that the base of each cleaning element unit may be pivoted relative to the portion received in the mouth to improve maneuverability.

[0038] In some embodiments, the gap between the first and second cleaning element groups is greater than 2 mm, for example, at least between 3 mm and 20 mm, which corresponds to approximately 0.5 to 2 tooth widths, and studies have shown that such a gap between cleaning element groups is particularly beneficial.

[0039] In some embodiments, the maximum height of the first group of cleaning elements in a direction orthogonal to the base can be greater than the maximum height of the second group of cleaning elements in a direction orthogonal to the base, and preferably, wherein the maximum height of the first group of cleaning elements is between 4mm and 10mm, and preferably, wherein the maximum height of the second group of cleaning elements is between 2mm and 6mm. Studies have shown that these combinations of heights can be optimal for good overall tooth cleaning.

[0040] In some embodiments, the cleaning elements of the first set of cleaning elements may extend from the base at a first angle, and the cleaning elements of the second set of cleaning elements may extend from the base at a different second angle, wherein the second angle is shallower than the first angle, and preferably wherein the second angle is between 40° and 90°, more preferably about 45°, and preferably wherein the first angle is between 80° and 90°, more preferably about 90°. Studies have shown that a combination of these angles may be optimal for good overall tooth cleaning.

[0041] In some embodiments, the coupling can limit the rotational movement of the base relative to the body about a linear rotation axis orthogonal to the base surface from which the cleaning elements extend. This can prevent the optimal brushing motion from being converted into movement of the coupling, thereby preventing limitation of the brushing action and reachable distance.

[0042] In some embodiments, the coupling may define a linear axis of rotation at a distance from the base, and the cleaning element unit may be connected to the position of the axis of rotation by an arm structure. This may allow the pivot point to be at a distance from the cleaning element unit, while still allowing the first cleaning element group and the second cleaning element group to be tilted toward the tooth surface to be cleaned during use, thereby defining the orbital motion of the cleaning element unit.

[0043] In some embodiments, the cleaning device may further include an actuation device for driving cyclic or periodic motion of the oral cleaning device.Studies have shown that vibrating, percussive motion of the cleaning elements may provide improved teeth cleaning.

[0044] In some embodiments, the oral cleaning device may include a plurality of cleaning element units arranged side by side. This may allow for improved cleaning of multiple teeth at the same time.

[0045] Another aspect of the present invention is an oral care device comprising an oral cleaning apparatus according to any example or embodiment described in this disclosure or according to any claim of this application. The oral care device may be a teeth brushing mouthpiece device.

[0046] The oral care device may further comprise an actuation means for causing cyclical or periodic movement of the cleaning elements during operation.

[0047] In some embodiments, the cyclic or periodic motion may be a linear cyclic motion along a linear direction axis. In some embodiments, the coupling may enable the cleaning element unit base to pivot relative to the body of the oral cleaning device about an axis of rotation that is substantially parallel to the linear direction axis of motion. This may provide improved teeth cleaning with less effort by the user of the oral care device.

[0048] In some embodiments, the coupling of the oral care device can prevent linear movement of the cleaning element unit base relative to the body of the oral cleaning device along the direction of the linear axis. This can prevent the optimal brushing motion from being converted into movement of the coupling, thereby preventing the brushing action and the limitation of the reachable distance.

[0049] Therefore, a concept for providing an oral cleaning device may be proposed in which at least one cleaning element unit is pivotable relative to a main body so as to tilt the first cleaning element group and the second cleaning element group toward a tooth surface to be cleaned.

[0050] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] For a better understanding of the invention, and to more clearly show how the same may be put into practice, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0052] Figure 1a and Figure 1b Schematically illustrates the problem that the inventor seeks to solve through the invention of this application;

[0053] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an oral cleaning device according to a proposed embodiment;

[0054] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of a cleaning element unit according to the proposed embodiment;

[0055] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the overall structure of an example oral device known in the prior art;

[0056] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a teeth brushing oral device including an oral cleaning device according to the proposed embodiment;

[0057] Figure 6 is in use Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a tooth brushing oral device;

[0058] Figure 7a is a schematic diagram of a side cross-sectional view of a toothbrush head including an oral cleaning device according to a proposed embodiment; and

[0059] Figure 7b yes Figure 7a Schematic diagram of a plan view of a toothbrush head. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating example embodiments of the apparatus, system and method, are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects and advantages of the apparatus, system and method of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used to represent the same or similar parts throughout the drawings.

[0062] Based on a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments when practicing the claimed invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0063] Embodiments according to the present disclosure relate to various techniques, methods, schemes and / or solutions related to assisting a user's oral health care routine. According to the proposed concepts, many possible solutions can be implemented individually or in combination. That is, although these possible solutions may be described separately below, two or more of these possible solutions may be implemented in one combination or another combination.

[0064] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an oral cleaning device for an oral care apparatus that provides improved tooth cleaning by permitting pivoting of a cleaning element unit having at least two sets of cleaning elements that define different respective spatial / geometric arrangements / patterns such that the two sets of cleaning elements can be angled so that they can be simultaneously applied to the tooth surface to be cleaned. If the cleaning element unit is not pivotable, any longer cleaning element may push the cleaning element unit away from the teeth, potentially preventing any shorter cleaning element from reaching the teeth. Pivoting prevents this because the force from any longer cleaning element will pivot the cleaning element unit until the shorter cleaning element also reaches and pushes against the teeth.

[0065] Therefore, the proposed concept aims to provide an oral cleaning device and an apparatus comprising the same, which oral cleaning device includes a pivotable cleaning element unit to ensure that two sets of cleaning elements are in contact with the teeth during brushing, thereby providing improved teeth cleaning.

[0066] The expected problem that the inventor tried to solve is still Figure 1a and Figure 1b In these figures, schematic diagrams of oral cleaning devices that do not embody the present invention are depicted. Figure 1a, the cleaning element unit 100 includes a set of longer cleaning elements 314 and a set of shorter cleaning elements 312. It can be seen that the long cleaning element set 314 keeps the cleaning element unit 100 too far from the teeth 150 so that the short cleaning element set 312 cannot reach the teeth. Figure 1b A similar problem is shown where both groups of cleaning elements include cleaning elements of the same height. It can be seen that the first group of cleaning elements 322 engages the tooth surface 150, but this prevents the other group of cleaning elements 324 from engaging the gaps between the teeth. In both of the above cases, since the cleaning elements cannot reach all areas of the teeth during the cleaning process, the cleaning of all oral surface areas is not adequate.

[0067] The inventive realization underlying the present invention is that the addition of a coupling linking the cleaning element unit to the body permits pivotal or angular movement of the cleaning element unit base 110 relative to the body, which will allow two sets of cleaning elements to contact the teeth. An additional degree of freedom is effectively introduced.

[0068] Reference now Figure 2 , depicts a schematic cross-sectional view of an oral cleaning device according to a proposed embodiment. Figure 2 (left) shows the cleaning device according to this set of embodiments alone, and Figure 2 (Right) A cleaning device for cleaning teeth is shown.

[0069] The oral cleaning device 10 comprises at least one cleaning element unit 100, which itself comprises a base 110 and at least two groups of cleaning elements 112 and cleaning elements 114 standing upright from the base, each group defining a different corresponding spatial arrangement, height profile and / or angular profile of the cleaning elements relative to the base. The two groups are separated from each other by a gap 116. The cleaning element unit is linked to the body 122 of the oral cleaning device by a coupling 120, which permits pivoting or angular movement of the cleaning element unit base 110 relative to the body 122.

[0070] In the illustrated example, the cleaning element unit 100 is located in a cavity or recess formed in the body 122 and is supported by a pivoting coupling so that the cleaning element unit has sufficient clearance in the cavity to pivot to different angles relative to the body 122. The body can be, for example, the entirety or part of an oral cleaning device, such as a toothbrush head or an oral piece. Such a device is not required, as will become clear from the introduction of further examples. This concept is illustrated here as a simple example. Although one cleaning element unit 100 is shown, a plurality of cleaning elements can be provided instead.

[0071] The oral cleaning device is arranged to engage the teeth 150 of the user with the cleaning elements 112 and the cleaning elements 114 of at least one cleaning element unit 100 during use, and wherein the coupling 120 permits the angle of the base 110 to be changed relative to the teeth engaged by the device. In some embodiments, the coupling can permit the angle between the main body 122 and the directional axis 124 extending from the first cleaning element group 114 to the second cleaning element group 112 of the cleaning element unit to be changed. The change in the angle allows the cleaning element unit to pivot in a certain manner, thereby permitting the first cleaning element group and the second cleaning element group to contact the tooth surface to be cleaned during use. The coupling 120 can also limit the linear movement of the base relative to the main body along the direction defined by the axis 124 extending from the first cleaning element group 114 to the second cleaning element group 112. This can prevent the optimal brushing motion from being converted into the movement of the coupling, thereby preventing the limitation of the brushing action and the distance that can be reached. If the cleaning element unit is rigid in the main direction of brushing teeth, brushing teeth can be optimal. In this way, the force required for optimal brushing is maintained, and embodiments are also possible in which a tapping motion is introduced into the cleaning elements to further enhance brushing performance.

[0072] As non-limiting examples, the cleaning elements may include tufts of bristles, individual bristles, or any other element or member suitable for cleaning tooth surfaces. As non-limiting examples, the coupling may be a pivot point, two pivot points, three pivot points, a plurality of pivot points, a hinge, a ball joint, a flexible structure, i.e., silicone rubber, a spring, two springs, three springs, a plurality of springs, or any other suitable coupling that permits a change in angle between the body and the orientation axis 124 of the cleaning element unit extending from the first cleaning element group 112 to the second cleaning element group 114.

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown in the embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning element unit 100 may include two groups of cleaning elements 112 and cleaning elements 114. Studies have shown that two groups of cleaning elements are the optimal number for good and comprehensive cleaning of teeth. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, this is particularly useful when the cleaning element groups can define different spatial arrangements, height profiles, and / or angular profiles of the cleaning elements relative to the base compared to each other. This allows the cleaning element groups to be specifically optimized for cleaning different areas of the teeth. For example, different cleaning element designs are required to effectively clean the gum line and interproximal areas. For example, the gum line area can be optimally cleaned at a 45° cleaning element roll angle, while the interproximal area can be optimally cleaned at a 90° cleaning element roll angle. Longer cleaning elements can better clean the interproximal area, while shorter cleaning elements can better clean the gum line area.

[0074] In some embodiments, the maximum height of the cleaning elements of the first group 114 in a direction orthogonal to the base 110 may be greater than the maximum height of the cleaning elements of the second group 112 in a direction orthogonal to the base, and preferably, the maximum height of the cleaning elements of the first group 114 is between 4 mm and 10 mm, and preferably, the maximum height of the cleaning elements of the second group 112 is between 2 mm and 6 mm.

[0075] The maximum height of the cleaning elements of the first set 114 may be between 4 mm and 10 mm, 5 mm and 9 mm, or 6 mm and 8 mm. The maximum height of the cleaning elements of the second set 112 may be between 2 mm and 6 mm, or 3 mm and 5 mm.

[0076] Despite Figure 2 In some embodiments, the cleaning elements of the first group 114 of cleaning elements may extend from the base 110 at a first angle, and the cleaning elements of the second group 112 of cleaning elements may extend from the base at a different second angle. The second angle may be shallower than the first angle. The second angle may be between 40° and 90°, more preferably about 45°. The first angle may be, for example, between 80° and 90°, more preferably about 90°. Studies have shown that a combination of these angles may be optimal for good overall tooth cleaning.

[0077] The second angle may be between 40 and 90 degrees, 50 and 80 degrees, or 60 and 70 degrees, but is most preferably approximately 45 degrees.

[0078] In some embodiments, the coupling can limit the rotational movement of the base 110 relative to the body about a linear rotational axis orthogonal to the surface of the base 110 from which the cleaning elements extend. This can prevent the optimal brushing motion from being converted into movement of the coupling, thereby preventing limitation of the brushing action and reachable distance.

[0079] In some embodiments, the coupling can permit rotational movement of the base 110 relative to the body in at least a first rotational plane, the first rotational plane being oriented substantially orthogonal to a surface of the base from which the cleaning elements extend and extending in a direction from the first set of cleaning elements 114 to the second set of cleaning elements 112, and preferably wherein the first set of cleaning elements and the second set of cleaning elements each define a parallel elongated shape having a length, and wherein the rotational plane is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the length. Rotational movement of the base relative to the body in the rotational plane permits the first set of cleaning elements and the second set of cleaning elements to be tilted toward the tooth surface 150 to be cleaned in use.

[0080] In some embodiments, the coupling may also permit rotational movement of the base 110 relative to the body in a second rotational plane that is oriented substantially orthogonal to the base surface from which the cleaning elements extend and that extends in a direction perpendicular to a line from the first set of cleaning elements 114 to the second set of cleaning elements 112. This may allow the cleaning element unit to follow some additional contours, for example, if the lower portion of the tooth is thinner than the upper portion, such as is the case with incisor and canine geometry.

[0081] In some embodiments, the gap 116 between the first group of cleaning elements 114 and the second group of cleaning elements 112 is at least between 3 mm and 20 mm. This is equivalent to approximately 0.5 to 2 tooth widths, and studies have shown that this gap between the cleaning element groups is optimal. The gap can be between 3 mm and 20 mm, 5 mm to 18 mm, 7 mm to 16 mm, 9 mm to 14 mm, or 11 mm to 12 mm.

[0082] In some embodiments, the oral cleaning device may further include a functional component for performing an oral care function, the functional component being installed at a position within the gap 116 between the first cleaning element group 114 and the second cleaning element group 112, and optionally, wherein the functional component is one of the following: a light source, a radio frequency field source, at least one pair of electrodes, or one or more nozzles for ejecting a fluid. This may allow for optimization of the available space in the oral cleaning device, which is beneficial for further improving oral care. For example, the functional component may be a toothpaste nozzle.

[0083] The cleaning device 10 may be a section or component or part of an oral care device or system. For example, the cleaning element unit may be attached to a body 122 of an oral care device or system. For example, in one set of embodiments, it is proposed that the cleaning unit is pivotally attached to the body of a brush head portion of a toothbrush, which is releasably attached to a toothbrush handle, for example. In other cases, it may form part of a toothbrushing oral device.

[0084] An oral cleaning device forms one aspect of the present invention. An oral care appliance, such as an oral cleaning device, comprising an oral cleaning device forms another aspect of the present invention.

[0085] Reference now Figure 3 , depicts a simplified plan view of a cleaning element unit 100 according to a proposed embodiment. An example embodiment of two groups of cleaning elements 112 and cleaning elements 114 having different spatial arrangements can be seen. Group 114 includes three rows of cleaning elements. Group 112 includes one row of cleaning elements. In addition to having different spatial arrangements from each other, the two groups may also have cleaning elements at different heights and / or angles relative to base 110.

[0086] like Figure 3 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment, each group of cleaning elements 112 and cleaning elements 114 can define an elongated footprint on the base 110. Studies have shown that an elongated shape, i.e., a vertical line cleaning element group, can be superior to other layout cleaning element groups. A cleaning element group with an elongated footprint can also require a lower normal force to carry out good cleaning, thereby minimizing the required brushing energy and increasing the user's comfort. In some embodiments, the width of the elongated footprint can be less than 6mm. The cleaning elements in the narrow layout can optimally enter the narrow vertical space between the teeth 150 and can more effectively follow the contour of the dentition than other layouts. The narrow layout can include one row of cleaning elements, two rows of cleaning elements, three rows of cleaning elements, or any other suitable number, while maintaining the narrow layout of the cleaning element group. For multiple rows of cleaning elements, the cleaning elements should be small and closely spaced together to maintain a narrow layout for optimal cleaning.

[0087] To help understand the embodiments to be described in the next part of this disclosure, Figure 4 A simplified diagram showing the overall structure of an example teeth brushing mouthpiece device known in the art is depicted. The mouthpiece device 8 is shown having an arched mouthpiece portion 12 for insertion into the mouth and a handle 52 attached thereto. The mouthpiece portion body 12 includes an upper tooth receiving channel and a lower tooth receiving channel 16 (the lower channel is not visible), each channel being defined on both sides by boundary walls 18a, 18b, from which an array of cleaning elements 20 extending into the channel 16 is extended. The tooth receiving channel defines an arched profile 30, the shape of which generally follows the profile of at least a portion of the user's dental arch. Compared with a toothbrush, such devices can clean teeth faster and more effectively, but profile following is a key issue in current mouthpiece devices.

[0088] As briefly mentioned above, in some embodiments, the coupling 120 can define a linear axis of rotation that is a certain distance from the base 110, and the cleaning element unit 100 can be connected to the location of the axis of rotation by an arm structure. This can allow the pivot point to be a certain distance from the cleaning element unit, while still allowing the first cleaning element group 114 and the second cleaning element group 112 to tilt toward the tooth surface 150 to be cleaned in use, thereby defining the orbital motion of the cleaning element unit. An example of a device embodying this type of design will now be discussed.

[0089] refer to Figure 5, depicts a simplified cross-sectional view of a section of a teeth brushing mouthpiece device including an oral cleaning device 401 according to the proposed embodiment. A cross-sectional plan view of a length segment 12a of the arched mouthpiece portion body 12 is depicted, shown as straight for ease of illustration. The direction of the arched profile 30 is depicted. The mouthpiece portion defines a tooth receiving channel 16. In the illustrated example, the oral cleaning device includes a plurality of cleaning element units 400. However, this is not required, and only one cleaning element unit may be provided.

[0090] In the illustrated example, the cleaning element units 400 are arranged so that the cleaning elements of the first cleaning element group 314 and the second cleaning element group 312 of each cleaning element unit 400 extend from one side of the channel into the channel 16 for engagement with the tooth surface during use. The channel may have boundary walls 18a, 18b, and wherein the cleaning element units 400 are supported so that the cleaning elements extend from the walls into the channel 16. Alternatively, the cleaning element units 400 may themselves define the boundaries of the channel.

[0091] A coupling is provided between the cleaning element unit 400 and the mouthpiece body 12. In this set of embodiments, the mouthpiece body 12 provides the main body 120 mentioned previously in the present disclosure, to which the cleaning element unit is coupled. In this case, the coupling comprises at least one connection point 430 displaced from each cleaning element unit 400 at a position between the sides of the channel 16, for example integrated in the bottom plate of the channel. In the illustrated example, there are a series of connection points 430, one for each pair of cleaning element units, which are opposite to each other from opposite sides of the channel 16.

[0092] For each cleaning element unit 400, the coupling also includes an arm 435 extending from a respective connection point 430 to the cleaning element unit base 110. The connection point permits pivotal movement of the arm, thereby permitting each cleaning element unit 400 to swing along an arc 432 relative to the connection point 430, thereby changing the angle of the cleaning element unit 400 relative to the tooth surface of the tooth received in the channel. The arm or each arm 435 may include a horizontal section embedded in a cavity below the floor of the channel 16, and a vertical section directly connected to the cleaning element unit 400 so that the unit can be supported in a position above the channel floor in the channel.

[0093] exist Figure 5In the device, the oral cleaning arrangement 401 includes a series of pairs of cleaning element units 400, which face each other from opposite positions across the oral passage 16, for cleaning opposite sides of the teeth received in the passage respectively. The two cleaning element units 400 of each pair can be connected to a common connection point 430 by arms 435 extending oppositely respectively. The pivoting motion of the pair of cleaning element units can be coupled together so that the two pivot together about the connection point. This allows cleaning both sides of the teeth at the same time.

[0094] In the illustrated example, the connection points of multiple pairs of cleaning element units are mechanically linked via shaft 420. The sections of the shafts connecting any two pairs of adjacent cleaning element units can have different lengths to allow the cleaning element units to be placed in limited positions along the dental arch of the user, for example, to adapt to the increase of tooth size from incisors to molars. The length of each arm 435 can also vary to adapt to the varying tooth widths. The layout of each group of cleaning elements on each different cleaning element unit can also vary to optimize the cleaning of different teeth that different teeth are positioned to clean. Since the user cannot directly manipulate the orientation of the cleaning element itself, the oral piece can particularly benefit from the pivotable oral cleaning device described in the present application.

[0095] In general, the provided mouthpiece device can be adapted to clean teeth around the user's entire dental arch, or to clean only a portion of the dental arch, such as half of the dental arch, or a smaller section of the dental arch. For example, the overall shape of the brushing mouthpiece device can be a C-shape for treating the entire jaw, or a J-shape for treating half the jaw, for example, or an even smaller shape to treat multiple teeth across a smaller portion of the jaw.

[0096] Reference now Figure 6 , depicting the Figure 5 Schematic diagram of a section of a tooth brushing mouthpiece device. It can be more clearly seen how the cleaning element unit 400 engages both sides of the tooth 150. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a plurality of cleaning element units are positioned at a series of positions along an arched profile 30 defined by the oral piece portion of the teeth brushing oral piece device for cleaning teeth at different positions along the dental arch. This allows the oral piece device to brush multiple teeth at a time. The teeth brushing oral piece device may also have an upper tooth receiving channel and a lower tooth receiving channel for simultaneously receiving the upper and lower teeth, which are separated from each other by a common channel bottom plate integrated with connection points and arms, and wherein the device includes at least one cleaning element unit, which is arranged to engage with teeth received in each of the upper and lower tooth receiving channels, respectively. This may allow the upper and lower teeth to be cleaned with the same device, and possibly at the same time.

[0097] In some embodiments, each pair of cleaning element units 400 can have an upper section and a lower section arranged to engage teeth 150 in both the upper and lower channels of the oral device. Each section can have a corresponding first set of cleaning elements and a second set of cleaning elements. This provides an alternative in which the upper and lower teeth can be cleaned with the same oral device, and possibly at the same time.

[0098] In some embodiments, the oral cleaning device can also include a motor for driving the vibration in the oral cleaning device. The motor can be positioned on the rigid rod 420, connecting a pair of arms 435 together. Alternatively, the motor can be positioned in the handle 52. There can also be more than one motor or different types of actuators to cause the expected movement. Studies have shown that the vibration and percussion motion of the cleaning element can provide improved tooth cleaning.

[0099] In some embodiments, Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the oral cleaning device may include a plurality of cleaning element units 400 arranged side by side. This may allow for improved cleaning of a plurality of teeth 150 simultaneously.

[0100] Reference now Figure 7a and Figure 7b , depicting a side profile and plan view of a toothbrush head including an oral cleaning device according to the proposed embodiment. For example, in one embodiment, an oral cleaning device may be provided, the oral cleaning device comprising two cleaning element units 100a, 100b and a main body 122, each cleaning element unit 100a, 100b being pivotally connected to the main body 122 via a coupling 120. In this case, the main body 120 forms the main body of the toothbrush head 430, or a pressure plate of the toothbrush head. The cleaning element unit may have a mirrored layout of the cleaning element group 112 and the cleaning element group 114. Using two cleaning element units can reduce interference between cleaning elements compared to more than two. Adding any more cleaning element units may be suboptimal because interference between cleaning elements may reduce profile compliance. The coupling may be a rotating pivot or a flexible rubber coupling. The flexible rubber coupling may be a rotating pivot providing similar functionality, but with less risk of contamination, i.e., less likelihood of dry toothpaste interfering with the performance of the coupling. This may provide an enhanced toothbrush that is better able to clean teeth overall.

[0101] In any embodiments described herein, the cleaning device comprises at least a portion for being received in the mouth during use. Preferably, the coupling between the cleaning unit(s) and the body of the device defines at least one axis of rotation that passes through at least a portion received in the mouth.

[0102] Another aspect of the present invention provides an oral care device comprising an oral cleaning apparatus according to any embodiment described in the present disclosure or according to any claim of the present application.

[0103] In some embodiments, the oral care device is a toothbrush.

[0104] In some embodiments, the oral care device is specifically an electric toothbrush.

[0105] The cleaning device may form the head of the toothbrush. This may, for example, be adapted to be releasably coupled to a handle section of the toothbrush.

[0106] The aforementioned body relative to which the cleaning unit(s) can pivot may be the whole or part of a pressure plate of the brush head, wherein the pressure plate is intended to be received in the mouth during operation.

[0107] In some embodiments, the oral care device may be a teeth brushing mouthpiece device.

[0108] The cleaning device may form the mouthpiece portion of the mouthpiece apparatus, meaning the portion designed to be received in the mouth during operation.

[0109] The oral care device may further comprise an actuation means for causing cyclical or periodic movement of the cleaning elements during operation.

[0110] In some embodiments, the cyclic or periodic motion can be a linear cyclic motion along a linear direction axis, and wherein the coupling 120 enables the cleaning element unit base to pivot relative to the body of the oral cleaning device about a rotational axis substantially parallel to the linear direction axis of the motion. This can provide improved teeth cleaning with less effort by the user of the oral care device.

[0111] In some embodiments, the coupling of the oral care device can prevent linear movement of the cleaning element unit base 110 relative to the body of the oral cleaning device along the linear axis. This can prevent the optimal brushing motion from being converted into movement of the coupling, thereby preventing the brushing action and the limitation of the reachable distance.

[0112] As described above, different arrangements of cleaning elements are optimal for different types of cleaning, such as gum line or interproximal cleaning. For a particular type of tooth cleaning, the cleaning elements may have different optimal heights, lengths, and / or angular extensions. In the context of the present application, at least two groups of cleaning elements may define different spatial arrangements, height profiles, and / or angular profiles of the cleaning elements relative to the base compared to each other.

[0113] Purely by way of illustration, Table 1 below summarizes the properties of a set of four example cleaning element layouts that may be used in one or more sets of cleaning elements provided in embodiments of the present application:

[0114]

[0115]

[0116] Table 1

[0117] The table indicates how different properties of each possible layout of cleaning elements vary, including the length of the cleaning elements, the roll angle of the tufts into which the cleaning elements are organized (meaning the angle at which the cleaning element tufts extend from the base), the cross-sectional area of ​​each tuft, and the number of tufts included as part of the layout. As an example, each of the different cleaning element groups mentioned above can be filled with a group of cleaning elements that follows one of these layouts. Other layouts are also possible, and the present invention is not limited to those mentioned above.

[0118] According to the study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments when practicing the claimed invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "one" or "an" does not exclude multiple. A single processor or other unit can implement the functions of several items listed in the claims. The fact that certain measures are cited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that the combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously. If a computer program is discussed above, it can be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or solid-state medium provided with or as part of other hardware, but can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems. If the term "suitable for" is used in a claim or specification, it should be noted that the term "suitable for" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to". Any figure mark in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. An oral cleaning device, comprising: main body; at least one cleaning element unit, the cleaning element unit comprising a base and further comprising at least two groups of cleaning elements upstanding from the base, the groups defining different spatial arrangements, height profiles and / or angular profiles of the cleaning elements relative to the base compared to each other, and the two groups being spaced apart from each other by a gap; wherein the cleaning element unit is linked to the body by a coupling which permits pivotal or angular movement of the cleaning element unit base relative to the body; wherein the oral cleaning apparatus is arranged for engaging teeth of a user with cleaning elements of the at least one cleaning element unit during use, and wherein the coupling permits changing the angle of the base relative to the teeth with which the device is engaged; wherein the oral cleaning device is used as part of a teeth brushing oral device, wherein the oral cleaning device comprises a mouthpiece portion for at least partially receiving in the mouth during use, wherein the body of the mouthpiece portion defines a tooth receiving channel, the tooth receiving channel defining an arcuate profile shaped to generally follow the contour of at least a portion of a user's dental arch to permit receipt of a row of teeth into the channel; wherein the at least one cleaning element unit is arranged such that the cleaning elements of the first cleaning element set and the second cleaning element set extend laterally into the channel for engagement with a tooth surface during use; and The oral cleaning device comprises a plurality of cleaning element units, wherein the plurality of cleaning element units are located at a series of positions along the arch contour defined by the mouthpiece portion for cleaning teeth at different positions along the dental arch.

2. The oral cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the cleaning element unit comprises two groups of cleaning elements.

3. An oral cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coupling permits variation in the angle between the body and a directional axis of the cleaning element unit, the directional axis extending from the first cleaning element group to the second cleaning element group.

4. The oral cleaning device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the coupling restricts linear movement of the base relative to the body along a direction defined by an axis extending from the first cleaning element group to the second cleaning element group.

5. An oral cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each set of cleaning elements defines an elongated shaped footprint on the base.

6. An oral cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the connecting member permits rotational movement of the base relative to the body in at least a first rotation plane, the first rotation plane being oriented substantially orthogonal to a surface of the base, the cleaning elements extending from the surface and extending in a direction from the first group of cleaning elements to the second group of cleaning elements, and preferably, wherein the first group of cleaning elements and the second group of cleaning elements each define a footprint on the base, the footprint defining a parallel elongated shape having a length, and wherein the rotation plane is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the length.

7. An oral cleaning device according to claim 6, wherein the connecting member also permits rotational movement relative to the body in a second rotation plane, the second rotation plane being oriented substantially orthogonal to a surface of the base, the cleaning elements extending from the surface and extending in a direction perpendicular to a line from the first group of cleaning elements to the second group of cleaning elements.

8. An oral cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the coupling comprises a connection point displaced from the cleaning element unit at a position between the sides of the channel and integrated into the floor of the channel, and the coupling further comprises an arm extending from the connection point to the cleaning element unit base; And wherein the connection point permits angular movement of the arm for permitting the cleaning element unit to swing along an arc relative to the connection point to thereby change the angle of the cleaning element unit relative to a tooth surface of a tooth received in the channel.

9. An oral cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the device comprises a pair of cleaning element units, the pair of cleaning element units facing each other from opposite positions across the channel, for respectively cleaning different sides of the teeth received in the channel, and connected to the same connection point by arms extending oppositely, respectively, The pivotal movements of the pair of cleaning element units are coupled such that the two units pivot and swing together about the connection point.

10. An oral care device comprising: An oral cleaning device according to any one of the preceding claims; as well as An actuating device is used to cause periodic movement of the cleaning element during operation.

11. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the periodic motion is a linear cyclic motion along a linear direction axis; and wherein the connecting member enables the cleaning element unit base to pivot relative to the main body of the oral cleaning device about a rotation axis, and the rotation axis is substantially parallel to the linear direction axis of the motion.

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