Cleaning appliance

Abstract

A tooth treatment appliance includes a driving mechanism for driving movement of a bristle carrier; a dental treatment system transmits signals to and receives signals returned from the oral cavity. The controller initiates treatment of the oral cavity based on the received signal. A transmission path of the received signal extends along a portion of the drive mechanism.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application date of May 17, 2019, application number 201980047233.8, and invention title "Cleaning Appliance". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a dental treatment appliance. The dental treatment appliance is preferably a hand-held dental treatment appliance and preferably a surface treatment appliance. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the appliance is a tooth treatment appliance. In a preferred embodiment, the appliance is an electric toothbrush having a fluid delivery system for delivering a fluid to the user's oral cavity. The fluid is toothpaste or a fluid for improved interdental cleaning. Alternatively, the appliance may not include any bristles or other elements for brushing teeth and may be in the form of a dedicated oral treatment appliance. Background Art

[0003] An electric toothbrush generally includes a tool connected to a handle. The tool includes a rod and a brush head carrying bristles for brushing teeth. The brush head includes a fixed section and at least one movable section. The fixed section is connected to the rod, and the movable section is movable relative to the fixed section, such as one of reciprocating motion, oscillation, vibration, pivoting or rotational motion, to provide a brushing movement to the bristles mounted thereon. The rod houses a drive shaft that is coupled to a transmission unit within the handle. The transmission unit is in turn connected to a motor that is driven by a battery housed within the handle. The drive shaft and the transmission unit convert the rotational or vibrational movement of the motor into a desired movement of the movable section of the brush head relative to the fixed section of the brush head.

[0004] It is known to incorporate a fluid delivery system into an electric toothbrush for generating a jet of working fluid for interdental cleaning. For example, WO2016 / 185154 describes a toothbrush having a handle, a brush head, and a rod extending between the brush head and the handle. The brush head includes: a nozzle and a brush unit. The working fluid is delivered from the nozzle to the user's oral cavity, and the brush unit moves relative to the nozzle to brush the user's teeth. The nozzle is movable relative to the handle when the appliance is moved along the user's teeth. The toothbrush can be operated in one of two different modes. In the first mode, the user presses a button to initiate the delivery of the working fluid from the nozzle. In the second mode, the controller automatically initiates the delivery of the working fluid to the nozzle based on a signal received from a sensor. The sensor is located within the handle of the toothbrush. A pivoting arm located within the rod connects the nozzle to a magnet that is located near the sensor and moves relative to the sensor when the nozzle moves relative to the handle (e.g., when the nozzle moves into or out of the interdental space between the user's teeth). Summary of the Invention

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a tooth treatment appliance, comprising:

[0006] Handle;

[0007] A tooth treatment system for delivering a treatment to a user's oral cavity, the tooth treatment system including a detection device for transmitting a signal to the oral cavity and for receiving a signal returned from the oral cavity, and a controller for initiating treatment of the user's oral cavity; and

[0008] A moving device for moving the detection device relative to the handle.

[0009] Unlike the apparatus described in WO2016 / 185154, treatment of the user's oral cavity is initiated based on the signal returned from the oral cavity to the detection device. For example, in the case where the detection device is configured to transmit an acoustic signal to the oral cavity, the returned signal is the acoustic signal reflected back from the oral cavity. As another example, in the case where the detection device is configured to transmit an optical signal to the oral cavity, the returned signal is the optical signal reflected back from the oral cavity, or the optical signal emitted by the oral cavity. For example, depending on the wavelength of the transmitted signal, due to the fluorescence of dental plaque excited by the transmitted signal, the signal can return to the detection device. The wavelength and / or intensity of the returned signal can also indicate the transmission of the signal to the interdental space between adjacent teeth of the user. Based on the returned signal, the controller initiates treatment of the oral cavity, for example, by spraying a fluid into the interdental area to remove substances located therein or removing dental plaque from the user's teeth.

[0010] During oral cavity treatment, the detection device moves relative to the handle. The detection device can move relative to the handle along a path of any desired shape. For example, the detection device can move relative to the handle along a curved path (such as an arcuate path or an S-shaped path) or a closed-loop path (such as a circular path). Compared with an arrangement where the detection device is fixed relative to the oral cavity, at a given position of the apparatus relative to the oral cavity, this can increase the size of the oral cavity area onto which the transmitted signal is incident. In a preferred embodiment, the moving device is arranged to move the detection device relative to the handle reciprocally, preferably along a curved path, more preferably along an arcuate path. Preferably, the moving device is arranged to move the detection device relative to the handle along a path arranged generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle. In a preferred embodiment, the detection device reciprocally sweeps an angle within a range of 10 to 30° about the longitudinal axis of the handle, preferably at a frequency within the range of 200 - 300 Hz.

[0011] The appliance may be in the form of an appliance for treating a user's oral condition. For example, the appliance may be in the form of a dedicated interdental cleaning appliance for cleaning between the spaces in the user's teeth. The treatment system may include a fluid delivery system for delivering a working fluid to the user's oral cavity. Based on a signal returned from the oral cavity, the controller initiates the delivery of the working fluid to the oral cavity to expel a substance located within the spaces between the user's teeth. Movement of the detection device relative to the handle enables such spaces to be detected before the fluid delivery system is in an optimal position for delivering the working fluid to the spaces. Once the space has been detected, the fluid delivery system can be "primed" by the controller, for example, by pumping fluid from a fluid reservoir into the fluid chamber of the pump, so that the fluid delivery system is ready to deliver the working fluid to the space when it reaches the optimal position. This can minimize the length of time that the fluid delivery system is held in the primed position compared to an arrangement where, for example, the fluid delivery system is primed immediately after the working fluid has been discharged from the fluid chamber of the pump, which can cause the fluid delivery system to remain in the primed position if no other spaces are detected before the appliance is switched off.

[0012] In this case, the movement device may be arranged to move the detection device relative to a nozzle for delivering the working fluid to the oral cavity. The nozzle preferably extends along a nozzle axis that passes through a fluid outlet located at the end of the nozzle. The nozzle axis may be generally orthogonally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the handle. The movement device may include a drive mechanism for driving the movement of the detection device relative to the nozzle. Preferably, the drive mechanism includes a transmission unit (connected to the detection device) and a drive unit (for driving the transmission unit to move the detection device relative to the nozzle). The drive unit is preferably located within the handle and preferably includes an electric motor. The transmission unit may include a drive shaft extending between the electric motor and the detection device. The drive shaft may be accommodated within a rod that extends between the handle and the detection device. The rod may form part of a cleaning tool that is removably connected to the handle. The nozzle may be mounted on the rod such that the detection device moves relative to the nozzle.

[0013] Alternatively, the appliance may be in the form of a toothbrush that has an additional function of improving interdental cleaning by sending a working fluid into the interdental spaces. In the case where the appliance is in the form of a toothbrush, the cleaning tool or rod preferably includes a plurality of bristles. The bristles are preferably arranged around the nozzle and may be arranged to circumferentially surround the nozzle. The plurality of bristles may be attached to a fixed section of the cleaning tool that is not movable relative to the handle. Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of bristles may be attached to a movable section of the cleaning tool that is movable relative to the handle.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the appliance comprises a brush unit including a bristle carrier and a plurality of bristles mounted on the bristle carrier, wherein the bristle carrier is movable relative to the handle. The bristle carrier is preferably mounted on a rod of the cleaning tool. The appliance includes a drive mechanism for driving the bristle carrier to move relative to the handle. Preferably, the drive mechanism includes a transmission unit (connected to the bristle carrier) and a drive unit (for driving the transmission unit to move the bristle carrier relative to the handle). The drive unit is preferably located in the handle.

[0015] The drive mechanism is preferably arranged to drive the detection device to move relative to the handle. Preferably, the detection device is arranged to move relative to the handle together with the bristle carrier. The detection device may be arranged to move relative to the handle in the same movement pattern as or a different movement pattern from the bristle carrier. For example, both the detection device and the bristle carrier may be arranged to reciprocate relative to the handle in a sweeping movement. The detection device may be spaced apart from the bristle carrier or mounted on the bristle carrier. For example, the drive mechanism may be arranged to move the rod relative to the handle, so that both the brush unit and the detection device move relative to the handle simultaneously.

[0016] Preferably, the nozzle is arranged to move relative to the handle together with the detection device. For example, both the detection device and the nozzle may be mounted on the bristle carrier, so that the drive mechanism moves the bristle carrier, the nozzle and the detection device relative to the handle simultaneously.

[0017] The detection device may be arranged to transmit an optical signal or an acoustic signal to the oral cavity. For example, the detection device may include at least one acoustic transceiver or at least one optical transceiver. As another example, the detection device may include one or more light emitters (e.g., LEDs) for illuminating the oral cavity and a camera for receiving light returned from the oral cavity and capturing an image of the oral cavity.

[0018] Preferably, the detection device is arranged close to the nozzle such that the oral cavity region towards which the signal is transmitted is substantially the same as the region subsequently processed by the processing system. The detection device and the nozzle may be placed side by side on the cleaning tool. Alternatively, the detection device may be arranged to extend at least partially around the nozzle axis. As another alternative, the detection device may be directly arranged behind the nozzle such that the signal transmitted by the detection device and returned to the detection device passes through the orifice of the nozzle. As another alternative, the detection device may extend at least partially around the nozzle axis. For example, the detection device may include a C-shaped or horseshoe-shaped sensor or transceiver that extends partially around the nozzle axis. As another example, the detection device may include a transceiver around the nozzle axis.

[0019] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a dental appliance comprising:

[0020] a fluid reservoir for storing a working fluid; and

[0021] A fluid delivery system for receiving a working fluid from a reservoir, the fluid delivery system including a nozzle for delivering the working fluid to a user's oral cavity, a detection device for transmitting signals to and receiving signals from the oral cavity, and a controller for initiating the delivery of the working fluid based on the received signals;

[0022] Wherein, the detection device surrounds the nozzle axis.

[0023] Preferably, the moving device is arranged to move the detection device towards and away from at least one reference position. For example, in the case where the detection device moves in a reciprocating sweep along a curved path, the reference position may be located at the center of the path. Alternatively or additionally, the reference position may be intermediate between the center and the end of the path.

[0024] The controller is preferably configured to sample the signals received from the detection device when the detection device is in the above-mentioned reference position, and initiate the treatment of the user's oral cavity based on the sampled signals. This not only reduces the signal processing of the controller, but also ensures that the treatment of the oral cavity occurs when the nozzle, which moves with the detection device, is optimally positioned for the treatment. For example, in the case where the reference position is located at the center of the path (along which the detection device moves relative to the handle), the treatment of the oral cavity may occur when the nozzle moves towards and / or away from its central position.

[0025] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a dental treatment device, comprising:

[0026] A handle;

[0027] A dental treatment system for transmitting a treatment to a user's oral cavity, the dental treatment system including a detection device for transmitting signals to the oral cavity and for receiving signals returned from the oral cavity, and a controller for initiating the treatment of the user's oral cavity; and

[0028] A moving device for moving the detection device relative to the handle towards and away from at least one reference position, and wherein the controller is configured to sample the signals received from the detection device when the detection device is in the above-mentioned reference position, and initiate the treatment of the user's oral cavity based on the sampled signals.

[0029] Preferably, the moving device is arranged to oscillate the detection device relative to the handle at an oscillation frequency F. Depending on the number and position of the reference positions along the movement path of the detection device, the controller may be arranged to sample the signals returned from the oral cavity at the same frequency F, at a frequency nF (where n is an integer greater than 1), or at a frequency nF / m (where m is an integer, preferably equal to or less than 16). For example, m can take values of 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 or 16.

[0030] The detection device can be arranged to transmit signals to the oral cavity at the same frequency as the controller is arranged to sample the signals returning from the oral cavity. This can be particularly advantageous in cases where the detection device includes a camera; by transmitting optical signals to the oral cavity in pulses or stroboscopically, we have found that the clarity of the images captured by the camera can be improved compared to the case of continuously transmitting optical signals to the oral cavity.

[0031] Transmitting a pulsed signal towards the optical cavity can be provided separately from the periodic sampling of the signals received by the controller, and thus in a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a dental treatment appliance including a dental treatment system for transmitting a treatment to a user's oral cavity, the dental treatment system including a detection device for transmitting a pulsed signal to the oral cavity and for receiving signals returning from the oral cavity, and a controller for initiating treatment of the user's oral cavity based on the signals received from the detection device.

[0032] The appliance preferably includes a moving device for moving the detection device relative to the handle of the appliance. Preferably, the moving device is arranged to oscillate the detection device relative to the handle at an oscillation frequency F. The detection device is preferably arranged to transmit pulsed optical signals at a frequency nF (where n is an integer greater than 1) or at a frequency nF / m (where m is an integer, preferably equal to or less than 16). For example, m can take values of 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, or 16.

[0033] The controller is preferably located in the handle of the appliance. Although the signals can be transmitted wirelessly from the detection device to the controller, it is preferred that the signals are transmitted from the detection device to the controller along a physical transmission path located within the appliance. Preferably, the transmission path extends along a part of the drive mechanism. This can allow for a minimum number of components of the device.

[0034] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a dental treatment appliance including:

[0035] A handle;

[0036] A cleaning tool including a bristle carrier and a plurality of bristles mounted on the bristle carrier;

[0037] A drive mechanism for driving the bristle carrier to move relative to the handle.

[0038] A dental treatment system for treating a user's oral cavity, the dental treatment system including a detection device for transmitting signals to the oral cavity and for receiving signals returning from the oral cavity, and a controller for initiating treatment of the oral cavity based on the received signals;

[0039] Wherein the transmission path of the signals transmitted from the detection device to the controller extends along a part of the drive mechanism.

[0040] As described above, the drive mechanism is preferably located within the handle and preferably includes a transmission unit (connected to the bristle carrier) and a drive unit (for driving the transmission unit to move the bristle carrier relative to the handle). The transmission unit is preferably in the form of a shaft that is moved relative to the handle by an electric motor. The vibration frequency of the shaft is preferably in the range of 200 - 300 Hz. The electric motor preferably extends around the shaft such that when the motor is energized, the shaft rotates or vibrates relative to the handle. The rod of the cleaning tool is mounted on the shaft.

[0041] The transmission path preferably extends along a portion of the transmission unit, more preferably along the outer surface of the shaft. For example, conductive tracks for transmitting signals to the controller can be formed on the outer surface of the shaft. The track is preferably connected to a handle contact to engage a cleaning tool contact when the cleaning tool is attached to the handle. The handle contact is preferably an annular contact that extends around an end portion of the shaft. The cleaning tool preferably includes a recess for receiving this portion of the shaft to connect the cleaning tool to the handle. The cleaning tool contact is preferably located within the recess and preferably projects inwardly from the inner circumferential surface of the recess to engage the handle contact when the cleaning tool is attached to the handle. Wires, tracks, or other conductive members extend between the cleaning tool contact and the detection device to transmit signals from the detection device to the cleaning tool contact.

[0042] In addition to extending along a portion of the transmission unit, the transmission path preferably also extends along a portion of the drive unit. The drive unit preferably includes a device for engaging the shaft, and the engaging device is preferably arranged to transmit a signal to the controller. The drive unit is preferably arranged to move the shaft away from its equilibrium position, more preferably to rotate, to move the cleaning tool relative to the handle against the force of the engaging device. The engaging device is arranged to push the shaft back to its equilibrium position when the driving force of the drive unit is removed. The engaging device preferably includes a spring member, and in a preferred embodiment, includes a torsion spring. Wires, tracks, or other conductive members extend between the spring member and the controller to transmit signals from the spring member to the controller.

[0043] As described above, the tooth treatment system preferably includes a fluid delivery system for delivering a working fluid to the user's oral cavity. The fluid delivery system preferably includes a fluid reservoir and a pump, wherein the controller is arranged to actuate the pump to aspirate the working fluid from the fluid reservoir and eject the working fluid towards a nozzle. The controller is preferably arranged to actuate the pump to eject a jet of the working fluid towards the nozzle. The volume of each jet of the working fluid generated by the fluid delivery system is preferably less than 1 ml, more preferably less than 0.5 ml. In a preferred embodiment, the volume of the jet of the working fluid generated by the fluid delivery system is in the range of 0.1 to 0.4 ml. The fluid delivery system is preferably configured to deliver the jet of the working fluid to the nozzle at a static pressure in the range from 3 to 10 bar.

[0044] The drive unit preferably defines a part of the fluid delivery system. The shaft preferably includes a bore that defines a part of the fluid delivery system.

[0045] The appliance preferably includes a user interface that enables a user to select an operating mode of the appliance before the start of a treatment process. In this embodiment, the user interface is located on the handle of the appliance and preferably includes at least one user-operable switch or button. The user interface may include a display located on the handle for displaying information about the selected operating mode. Alternatively, the appliance may be wirelessly connected to a remote device having a display for displaying this information. The remote device may be in the form of a dedicated display or a personal device. The remote device may also include a user interface, such as a touch-sensitive display, to enable the user to select an operating mode for the appliance.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the appliance has a first operating mode and a second operating mode. In the first operating mode, in response to a signal received from a detection device, the tooth treatment system does not treat the oral cavity, so the appliance can be used as a conventional electric toothbrush and the brush unit moves relative to the handle during the cleaning process. In the second operating mode, in response to a signal received from a detection device, the tooth treatment system treats the oral cavity, so the appliance can be used as an electric toothbrush with an additional function of automatically performing interdental cleaning or other oral treatments during the cleaning process. In the second operating mode, during the cleaning process, the brush unit moves relative to the handle; in an optional third operating mode, the brush unit remains fixed during the cleaning process, so the appliance can operate as a dedicated oral treatment appliance.

[0047] During the treatment process, the user interface is preferably operable by the user to temporarily switch from the currently selected operating mode to another operating mode. This may allow the user to switch between operating modes as needed, for example, after the brushing phase of the cleaning process is completed, so that, for example, interdental cleaning can be automatically performed during the treatment phase of the cleaning process. Switching between operating modes may allow the user to temporarily suspend the treatment of the oral cavity during the cleaning process or to temporarily initiate the automatic treatment of the oral cavity during brushing.

[0048] In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a tooth treatment appliance comprising:

[0049] a handle;

[0050] a bristle carrier and a plurality of bristles mounted on the bristle carrier;

[0051] a drive mechanism for driving the bristle carrier to move relative to the handle;

[0052] A tooth treatment system for treating a user's oral cavity, the tooth treatment system comprising a detection device for transmitting signals to the oral cavity and for receiving signals reflected from the oral cavity, and a controller for initiating treatment of the oral cavity; and

[0053] A user interface;

[0054] Wherein, before the treatment process, the user interface is operable to place the appliance in a selected one of a first operating mode and a second operating mode. During the first operating mode, a drive mechanism moves a bristle carrier relative to a handle. During the second operating mode, the controller initiates treatment of the oral cavity based on the received signals. And wherein, during the treatment process, the user interface can be operated by the user to temporarily switch from the selected operating mode to another operating mode.

[0055] The user interface preferably includes a switch or a button located on the handle. The switch or the button can be slid or pressed to switch between the operating modes of the appliance. Thus, the switch or the button can have a first state and a second state. In the first state, the appliance remains in the selected operating mode. In the second state, the appliance is placed by the controller in another operating mode. The switch or the button is preferably biased towards the first state. When the switch or the button is held in its second state, the appliance is preferably placed in another operating state. For example, in the case where the user interface includes a button, when the button is pressed by the user, the appliance is placed in another operating mode. Once the button is released by the user, the appliance returns to the selected operating mode. The switch or the button is preferably positioned to be operable by the thumb of the hand holding the handle.

[0056] Once the switch or the button is placed by the user in its second state, the appliance can be placed in another operating mode. In a preferred embodiment, if the duration for which the switch or the button is placed in its second state is greater than a preset time period, the appliance is placed in another operating mode. The preset time period is preferably in the range of 0.5 - 2 seconds. Once the appliance is placed in another operating mode, the appliance can be configured to emit an audible or visual alert to the user. Once the appliance returns to the selected operating mode, the appliance can also be configured to emit an audible or visual alert to the user.

[0057] In the case where the duration for which the switch or the button is placed in its second state is shorter than the preset time period, the controller is preferably arranged to initiate a single treatment of the oral cavity. In the case where the tooth treatment system is configured to deliver a working fluid to the oral cavity, the controller can be arranged to initiate the delivery of a single jet of the working fluid or a single series of jets of the working fluid to the oral cavity.

[0058] The feature descriptions related to the first aspect of the present invention described above are equally applicable to the second to sixth aspects of the present invention, and vice versa. Description of the Drawings

[0059] Preferred features of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0060] Figure 1(a) is a perspective view of a tooth cleaning appliance as viewed from the front, and Figure 1(b) is a perspective view of the appliance of Figure 1(a) as viewed from the rear;

[0061] Figure 2(a) is a side view of the brush unit of the appliance of Figure 1(a), Figure 2(b) is a perspective view of the brush unit, in which some bristles are omitted to reveal the brush unit sensor and the nozzle, and Figure 2(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 2(a); and

[0062] Figure 3 The fluid delivery system of the appliance is schematically shown;

[0063] Figure 4(a) is a front view of a part of the appliance of Figure 1(a), in which the fluid reservoir and a part of the handle are removed, Figure 4(b) is a side view of the part of the appliance of Figure 4(a), and Figure 4(c) is a perspective view of the part of the appliance of Figure 4(a) as viewed from above;

[0064] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Figure 4(a);

[0065] Figure 6 is Figure 5 an enlarged view of a part of;

[0066] Figure 7 is along Figure 5 in line C-C of;

[0067] Figure 8(a) is a view similar to Figure 2(a), but showing the field of view of the sensor when in a first angular position relative to the handle, Figure 8(b) is a view similar to Figure 8(a) when the sensor is in a reference position relative to the handle, Figure 8(c) is a view similar to Figure 8(a) when the sensor is in a second angular position relative to the handle, and Figure 8(d) is a view similar to Figure 2(a), but showing the delivery of the working fluid from the nozzle when the sensor is in the reference position. Detailed Description

[0068] Figures 1(a) and 1(b) show external views of an embodiment of a tooth cleaning appliance 10. In this embodiment, the appliance is in the form of a hand-held appliance, which is in the form of an electric toothbrush and has integrated components for dispensing a working fluid to improve interdental cleaning.

[0069] The appliance 10 includes a handle 12 and a cleaning tool 14. The handle 12 includes an outer body 16, which is preferably formed of a plastic material. The body 16 is generally cylindrical in shape. The handle 12 includes a user interface. The user interface includes a user-operable button 18, which is located within a hole formed in the body 16 so as to be pressed by the thumb of a hand holding the body 16 of the handle 12. Optionally, the handle 12 may include a display, which is positioned so as to be visible to the user during use of the appliance. The appliance 10 may be connected to a remote display, such as the display of a personal device or a mobile phone, to enable the user to select an operating mode or parameters for the appliance 10 using the button 18 and / or the remote display, as described in more detail below.

[0070] The cleaning tool 14 includes a stem 20 and a head 22. The stem 20 is of an elongated shape and is for spacing the head 22 from the handle 12 to facilitate the user operability of the appliance 10. In this embodiment, the head 22 of the cleaning tool 14 includes a brush unit 24, which includes a bristle carrier 26 and multiple groups of bristles 28 mounted on the bristle carrier 26. In this embodiment, the brush unit 24 may be rigidly connected to the stem 20. However, in other embodiments, the cleaning tool 14 may be provided without the brush unit 24 so that the appliance is in the form of a dedicated oral treatment appliance, for example for cleaning between the gaps in a user's teeth or for delivering a cleaning or whitening fluid to the user's teeth.

[0071] Also referring to FIGS. 2(a)-2(c), the cleaning tool 14 further includes a fluid reservoir 30 and a nozzle 32. The fluid reservoir is for storing a working fluid, and the nozzle is for delivering the working fluid to the user's oral cavity during use of the appliance 10. The working fluid is preferably a liquid working fluid, which is water in this embodiment. The fluid reservoir 32 is mounted on the handle 12 so as to extend around an end of the handle 12. The nozzle 32 is mounted on the head 22 of the cleaning tool 14. In this embodiment, which includes the brush unit 24, the bristles 28 are arranged to at least partially surround the nozzle 32. The nozzle 32 extends along a nozzle axis A as shown in FIG. 2(c), and the axis A is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Z of the handle 12.

[0072] The nozzle 32 forms part of a fluid delivery system 34 for receiving the working fluid from the fluid reservoir 30 and for delivering a jet of the working fluid to the user's oral cavity during use of the appliance 10. Each jet of the working fluid preferably has a volume of less than 1 ml, more preferably less than 0.5 ml. The fluid delivery system 34 is in Figure 3is schematically shown. Generally speaking, the end of the nozzle 32 includes a fluid outlet 36 through which a jet of the working fluid is delivered to the user's oral cavity. The fluid delivery system 34 includes a fluid inlet 36 for receiving the working fluid from the fluid reservoir 30. In this embodiment, the working fluid is a liquid working fluid, which is preferably water. The fluid inlet 36 is located on the handle 12, preferably at the end of the body 16 of the handle 12, and is arranged to be connected to the fluid port of the fluid reservoir 30 when the fluid reservoir 30 is connected to the handle 12. As described below, the cleaning tool 14 is detachable from the handle 12, and once the cleaning tool 14 has been detached from the handle 12, the fluid reservoir 30 can be pulled away from the handle 12 for replenishment.

[0073] The fluid delivery system 34 includes a pump assembly for sucking the working fluid from the fluid reservoir 30 through the fluid inlet 36 and for delivering a jet of the working fluid to the nozzle 32. The pump assembly is located within the body 16 of the handle 12 and includes a positive displacement pump 38 and a driver for driving the pump 38. The driver preferably includes a pump motor 40. A battery 42 for supplying power to the pump motor 40 is also located in the handle 12. The battery 42 is preferably a rechargeable battery.

[0074] A first conduit 44 connects the fluid inlet 36 of the fluid delivery system 34 to the fluid inlet 46 of the pump 38. A first check valve 48 is located between the fluid inlet 36 and the pump 38 to prevent water from flowing back from the pump 38 to the fluid reservoir 30. A second conduit 50 connects the fluid outlet 52 of the pump 38 to the nozzle 32. A second check valve 54 is located between the pump 38 and the nozzle 32 to prevent water from flowing back to the pump 38. A control circuit 56 controls the actuation of the pump motor 40, and thus the pump motor 40 and the control circuit 56 provide a drive for operating the pump 38. The battery 42 supplies power to the control circuit 56. The control circuit 56 includes a motor controller that supplies power to the pump motor 40.

[0075] The control circuit 56 receives a signal generated when the user presses the button 18 of the user interface. The control circuit 56 can also transmit signals to and receive signals from a remote device (such as a display or a personal device). In this embodiment, the control circuit 56 also transmits signals to and receives signals from a sensor 66. Referring to FIGS. 2(b) and 2(c), the sensor 66 is mounted on the head 22 of the appliance 10, and preferably on the bristle carrier 26 of the brush unit 24. In this embodiment, the nozzle 32 is also mounted on the bristle carrier 26 of the brush unit 24. The sensor 66 is located on the head 22 such that it is adjacent to the nozzle 32. In this embodiment, the sensor 66 is annular and is positioned to extend about or around the nozzle axis A, preferably so as to extend around at least a portion of the nozzle 32.

[0076] The sensor 66 is preferably in the form of an optical transceiver or an acoustic transceiver as in this embodiment, driven by the control circuit 56. The sensor 66 is preferably a piezoelectric transceiver arranged to emit sound waves, preferably ultrasonic waves, from the head 22 and to receive sound waves that return to the sensor 66, for example, sound waves reflected by the oral cavity. The signal received by the sensor 66 is transmitted to the control circuit 56. Based on one or more parameters of the signal received from the sensor 66, such as the frequency and / or amplitude of the signal, the control circuit 56 actuates the pump assembly to deliver one or more jets of the working fluid to the oral cavity. For example, the amplitude of the signal received by the sensor 66, or the temporal variation of the amplitude of the signal received by the sensor 66, may indicate the transmission of the acoustic signal in the interdental space between adjacent teeth of the user.

[0077] The cleaning tool 14 is detachably connected to the handle 12. Also referring to FIGS. 4(a) to 6, the handle 12 includes a male connector, preferably in the form of a plug 68, which is received by a complementary female connector, which is preferably in the form of a recessed connector 70 of the stem 20 of the cleaning tool 14. The plug 68 projects outwardly from the end of the handle 12 and preferably in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis Z of the handle 12 (and more preferably collinear with the longitudinal axis Z of the handle 12).

[0078] The appliance 10 includes a drive mechanism for driving the stem 20 and thereby moving the bristle carrier 26 relative to the handle 12. Referring to FIGS. 4(a) to 7, the drive mechanism includes a transmission unit and a drive unit for driving the transmission unit to move the stem 20 relative to the handle 12. The drive unit includes a drive motor 72 located within the body 16 of the handle 12. The control circuit 56 includes a motor controller that supplies power to the drive motor 72. The button 18 can also be used to activate and deactivate the drive motor 72, for example, by pressing the button 18 a predetermined number of times within a preset time period to start and subsequently stop the cleaning period. Alternatively, a separate button (not shown) can be provided for activating and deactivating the drive motor 72.

[0079] The drive unit includes a shaft 74 which is driven by a drive unit to oscillate relative to the handle 12. A plug 68 is connected to the shaft 74 and is preferably integrally formed with the shaft 74. The drive unit is preferably arranged to oscillate the shaft 74 such that it oscillates about the longitudinal axis Z of the handle 12, preferably at a frequency in the range of 200 - 300 Hz. In this embodiment, the drive motor 72 is arranged to rotate the shaft 74 through an angle α about the longitudinal axis from a central position. The angle α is preferably in the range of 5 to 15°, and in a preferred embodiment is 10°. The drive unit also includes a spring member 76 which serves to engage the drive shaft 74 to return the shaft 74 to its central position. The spring member 76 includes a pair of torsion springs 78, 80 located on opposite sides of the drive shaft 74, each torsion spring having a first end which engages the drive shaft 74 and a second end which is attached to a support ring 82, the support ring 82 being connected to the handle or otherwise held in a fixed position relative to the handle 12.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 8(a) - 8(c), this movement of the shaft 74 relative to the handle 12 causes the bristle carrier 26, and thus the nozzle 32 and the sensor 66 mounted on the bristle carrier 26, to move back and forth along a corresponding curved path. In this embodiment, the nozzle 32 and the sensor 66 each move about the longitudinal axis Z of the handle 12 between a first angular position shown in FIG. 8(a) and a second angular position shown in FIG. 8(c), each of them being angularly spaced from a central reference position (as shown in FIG. 8(b)) by an angle α.

[0081] During use of the appliance 10, a drive signal is transmitted from the control circuit 56 to the sensor 66 to prompt the transmission of sound waves from the sensor 66. A data signal representing the sound waves which subsequently return to the sensor 66 by reflection through the oral cavity is transmitted back from the sensor 66 to the control circuit 56, and the control circuit 56 accordingly prompts the delivery of the working fluid from the nozzle 32. The control circuit 56 is located in the body 16 of the handle 12, while the sensor 66 is located on the bristle carrier 26 of the cleaning tool 14. In this embodiment, the transmission path of the signals transmitted between the control circuit 56 and the sensor 66 extends along the drive unit. Refer Figure 6 and 7, the second end of each torsion spring 78, 80 is connected to a corresponding circuit contact 84, 86 formed on the support ring 82. An electrical wire (not shown) extends from each circuit contact 84, 86 to the control circuit 56. The first end of each torsion spring 78, 80 is connected to a corresponding shaft contact 88, 90 formed on the shaft 74. A first insulating sleeve 92 is located between the shaft 74 and the shaft contacts 88, 90 to electrically insulate the shaft contacts 88, 90 from the shaft 74. Each shaft contact 88, 90 is connected to a corresponding handle contact 94, 96 by a conductive track 98, 100 extending along the first insulating sleeve 92. Each handle contact 94, 96 is located on the plug 68. A second insulating sleeve 102 is located on the conductive tracks 98, 100 so that only the various different electrical contacts of the handle 12 are exposed along the transmission path. The female connector 70 of the cleaning tool 14 includes a pair of cleaning tool contacts (one of which is in the Figure 6 104 ) for engaging the corresponding handle contacts 94, 96 when the cleaning tool 14 is attached to the handle 12. Each cleaning tool contact 104 projects inwardly from the inner peripheral surface of the female connector 70 and is connected to the sensor 66 by a corresponding wire.

[0082] The second conduit 50, which connects the pump 38 to the nozzle 32, includes a handle conduit section located within the handle 12 and a cleaning tool conduit section located within the cleaning tool 14. The handle conduit section extends from the fluid outlet 52 of the pump 38 to a handle fluid outlet 106 located at the end of the plug 68. The handle conduit section includes an outlet section 108 defined by the bore of the shaft 74. The cleaning tool conduit section includes a conduit (not shown) that extends within a bore 110 of the wand 22 to the nozzle 32.

[0083] To operate the appliance 10, the user turns on the appliance 10 by pressing the button 18, which is detected by the control circuit 56. Before starting a treatment process using the appliance 10, the user can use the button 18, the remote display, or a combination of the button 18 and the remote display to select an operating mode for the appliance 10. In this embodiment, the appliance 10 has a first operating mode and a second operating mode.

[0084] In these operating modes, the drive mechanism moves the bristle carrier 26 relative to the handle 12. In this mode, the control circuit 56 does not drive the sensor 66 to transmit a signal to the oral cavity, and therefore, the working fluid is not automatically transmitted to the user's oral cavity based on the signal received from the sensor 66. During this first operating mode, the user can actuate a single jet of working fluid from the nozzle 32 by pressing the button 18 for less than a preset time period. The time period is preferably in the range of 0.5 to 2 seconds, and in this embodiment is 1 second. In response to the pressing of the button 18, the control circuit 56 starts the pump 38 to cause a large amount of water to flow from the fluid chamber of the pump 38 to the nozzle 32, and to replenish the fluid chamber by drawing a large amount of water from the fluid reservoir 30.

[0085] In the second operating mode, in addition to the functions of the first operating mode, the control circuit 56 actuates the sensor 66 to transmit an acoustic signal away from the head 22 of the appliance 10 and thus towards the user's oral cavity during use. The signal reflected back from the oral cavity is detected by the sensor 66, and in response to a signal received from the sensor 66 representing the intensity of the received signal, the control circuit 56 is arranged to initiate treatment of the oral cavity through the fluid handling system 34 in the same manner as when the button 18 is pressed by the user during the first operating mode. As shown in FIGS. 8(a) to 8(c), during treatment, as the bristle carrier 26 moves relative to the handle 12, the "field of view" 120 of the sensor 66 moves relative to the handle 12. Thus, during one "sweep" of the sensor 66 from the first angular position shown in FIG. 8(a) to the second angular position shown in FIG. 8(c), the field of view 120 sweeps through an angle of 20° relative to the handle 12. Depending on the frequency at which the control circuit 56 is arranged to sample the signal received from the sensor 66, the signal received from the sensor 66 can provide an indication of the cleaning tool 14 moving towards or away from the interdental space. The control circuit 56 can then time the actuation of the fluid delivery system 34 such that a jet of the working fluid delivered by the fluid delivery system enters the interdental space to optimize the removal of debris or other substances from the space.

[0086] In this embodiment, when the sensor 66 is in a reference position relative to the handle 12, the control circuit 56 is arranged to sample or process the signal received from the sensor 66. In this embodiment, the reference position is located midway between the first and second angular positions and is shown in FIG. 8(b). Thus, the control circuit 56 samples the signal received from the sensor 66 once during each "sweep" of the field of view 120 of the sensor 66 across the oral cavity. However, more generally, in the case where the sensor 66 moves relative to the handle 12 at an oscillation frequency F, the control circuit 56 is preferably arranged to sample the signal at a frequency of nF / 16, where n is an integer greater than 1 and in this embodiment n = 32. However, depending on the number of reference positions located along the movement path of the sensor 66 relative to the handle 12 and the frequency at which the control circuit 56 is arranged to sample the signal when the sensor 66 is in a reference position, the value of n can be higher or lower than 32.

[0087] When the control circuit 56 is arranged to sample a signal at a particular frequency, the control circuit can be further arranged to activate the sensor 66 to transmit a signal to the oral cavity at the same frequency as the control circuit 56 samples the signal. In the case where the sensor 66 is in the form of an optical transceiver, or a combination of an optical transmitter (such as an LED) and an optical receiver (such as a camera), this can result in a "stroboscopic" effect as the appliance 10 moves along the oral cavity. By transmitting a pulsed optical signal to the oral cavity and having the pulsed optical signal return from the oral cavity to the camera, an image of the oral cavity captured by the camera can be clearer compared to when the optical signal is continuously transmitted to the oral cavity. Based on the signal or image received by the control circuit 56, the generation of a clearer image can be beneficial for improving the processing accuracy of the oral cavity.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 8(d), the control circuit 56 can also be configured to initiate the processing of the oral cavity when the sensor 66 is in a reference position, where the ejection of water is indicated by 130 in FIG. 8(d).

[0089] During either of the two operating modes, the button 18 can be operated by the user to temporarily switch from the currently selected operating mode to the other operating mode. In this embodiment, the control circuit 56 is arranged such that when the button 18 is pressed for a duration longer than a preset time period, for example, to temporarily switch from the first operating mode to the second operating mode. Once the button 18 is pressed for this time period, the control circuit 56 operates the appliance 10 in the second operating mode until the user releases the button 18. Once the button 18 is released, the control circuit 56 returns the operation of the appliance 10 to the first operating mode. If, when the appliance 10 is in the second operating mode, the button 18 is pressed for a duration shorter than the preset time period, then, as in the first operating mode, the control circuit 56 initiates a single processing of the oral cavity.

Claims

1. A dental treatment instrument, comprising: A handle; A cleaning tool, including a bristle carrier and a plurality of bristles mounted on the bristle carrier; A drive mechanism for driving the movement of the bristle carrier relative to the handle; A dental treatment system for treating a user's oral cavity, the dental treatment system including a detection device and a controller, the detector for transmitting a signal to the oral cavity and for receiving a signal returned from the oral cavity, the controller for initiating the treatment of the oral cavity based on the received signal, Wherein, the transmission path of the signal transmitted from the detection device to the controller extends along a part of the drive mechanism.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The drive mechanism includes a transmission unit and a drive unit for driving the transmission unit to move the bristle carrier relative to the handle.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The transmission path extends along the transmission unit.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The drive unit includes a motor, and the transmission unit includes a shaft, and the shaft is moved relative to the handle by the motor.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein The transmission path extends along the outer surface of the shaft.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The shaft includes a track for transmitting a signal towards the controller.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The cleaning tool is detachable from the handle, and wherein, the shaft includes a handle contact, and the cleaning tool includes a cleaning tool contact, and when the cleaning tool is attached to the handle, the cleaning tool contact is used to engage the handle contact.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The handle contact extends around a part of the shaft.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The cleaning tool includes a recess for receiving the above part of the shaft, and wherein, the cleaning tool contact is located within the recess.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The cleaning tool contact projects inwards from the inner circumferential surface of the recess.

11. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The transmission path extends along a part of the drive unit.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The drive unit includes a device for engaging the shaft, and wherein the engaging device is arranged to transmit a signal to the controller.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, The motor is arranged to move the shaft away from the equilibrium position, and wherein, the engaging device is arranged to push the shaft towards the equilibrium position.

14. The instrument according to claim 12, wherein the engaging device includes a torsion spring.

15. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The dental treatment system includes a fluid delivery system for delivering a working fluid to the user's oral cavity.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, The drive mechanism defines a part of the fluid delivery system.

17. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The dental treatment system includes a fluid delivery system for delivering a working fluid to the user's oral cavity, and wherein, the shaft includes a hole defining a part of the fluid delivery system.

Images