Jet assembly and oral irrigator

Abstract

This application relates to the field of oral irrigator technology, disclosing a nozzle assembly and an oral irrigator, including a housing, a nozzle, a camera, and a light-emitting element. The nozzle is connected to the housing for spraying water onto a designated location. The camera is connected to the housing for capturing images of the designated location. The light-emitting element is connected to the housing and emits red light towards the designated location. In use, the teeth are aligned with the designated location, allowing the nozzle to spray water onto the teeth, the camera to capture images of the teeth, and the light-emitting element to illuminate the teeth. Water is sprayed from the nozzle to rinse the teeth. During this process, the camera captures images of the teeth and sends the image information to a display screen or mobile phone for display, allowing the operator to accurately rinse the teeth by observing the images. Simultaneously, the light-emitting element emits red light towards the teeth. When the red light shines on the teeth, the fluorescence of tartar on the teeth is stronger than the fluorescence of the teeth themselves. This helps the operator pinpoint the location of tartar on the teeth.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of oral irrigator technology, specifically to a nozzle assembly and an oral irrigator. Background Technology

[0002] An oral hygiene device is an electronic device used for oral cleaning and health, effectively removing food debris, bacteria, and plaque from the mouth. A water flosser is one type of oral hygiene device that uses a nozzle assembly to spray water to rinse and clean hard-to-reach areas such as between teeth and the gingival sulcus.

[0003] To facilitate real-time observation of the oral cavity and teeth, the nozzle assembly often includes a camera. The camera can be used to take pictures of the inside of the mouth. However, the images captured by the camera only provide a basic view of the oral cavity and cannot clearly pinpoint the exact location of plaque.

[0004] Therefore, how to solve or improve the problem that the specific location of dental plaque cannot be clearly determined when using oral irrigators in related technologies has become an important technical problem to be solved by those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, this application provides a nozzle assembly and a water flosser to solve or improve the problem that the specific location of dental plaque cannot be clearly determined when using a water flosser.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a nozzle assembly, including:

[0007] case;

[0008] A nozzle, connected to the housing, is used to spray water at a designated location;

[0009] A camera, attached to the housing, is used to capture images of the designated location;

[0010] A light-emitting element is attached to the housing and is used to emit red light toward the designated location.

[0011] Optionally, the wavelength of the red light is 630-640 nanometers.

[0012] Optionally, the light-emitting element is also used to emit violet light toward the designated location.

[0013] Optionally, the wavelength of the violet light is 400-410 nanometers.

[0014] Optionally, the housing is provided with a mounting groove, and the inner wall of the mounting groove is provided with a first mounting part and a second mounting part. The camera is disposed in the mounting groove and connected to the first mounting part, and the light-emitting element is disposed in the mounting groove and connected to the second mounting part.

[0015] Optionally, it also includes:

[0016] A support plate has a first through hole and a second through hole. The support plate is disposed in the mounting groove, and the side of the support plate is in contact with the inner wall of the mounting groove. At least a portion of the camera extends into the first through hole, and the side wall of the camera is in contact with the inner wall of the first through hole. At least a portion of the light-emitting element extends into the second through hole, and the side wall of the light-emitting element is in contact with the inner wall of the second through hole.

[0017] Optionally, a groove is provided on the outer wall of the camera, and a protrusion is provided on the inner wall of the first through hole. The protrusion extends into the groove, and the outer wall of the protrusion fits against the inner wall of the groove.

[0018] Optionally, it also includes:

[0019] The lens has a recess on its housing, and a mounting groove is formed on the bottom surface of the recess. The lens is placed in the recess and fits against the bottom surface of the recess to close the mounting groove.

[0020] A gasket is disposed in the mounting groove, and the two end faces of the gasket abut against the lens and the camera, respectively.

[0021] Secondly, this application also provides a dental flosser, including a body and a water spray component mounted on the body, wherein the water spray component is configured as any of the nozzle assemblies described above.

[0022] Optionally, it also includes:

[0023] The controller is used to control the light-emitting element to emit light and to control the camera to take pictures.

[0024] A wireless transmitting module, electrically connected to the controller, is used for communication with a terminal having a wireless receiving module.

[0025] This application provides a spray nozzle assembly. A camera is connected to the housing and pointed at a designated location, enabling the camera to take a photograph or image of that location. A light-emitting element is connected to the housing and pointed at the designated location, emitting red light towards that location. In use, the teeth are aligned with the designated location, allowing the spray nozzle to spray water onto the teeth. The camera captures an image of the teeth, and the light-emitting element illuminates the teeth. Water sprays from the nozzle to rinse the teeth. During this process, the camera captures an image of the teeth and sends the image information to a display screen or mobile phone for easy viewing and precise rinsing by the operator. Simultaneously, the light-emitting element emits red light towards the teeth. When the red light shines on the teeth, the fluorescence of tartar on the teeth is stronger than the fluorescence of the teeth themselves, facilitating the operator's identification of the tartar's location. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments or related technologies of this application, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a view of a nozzle assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the mounting groove of a nozzle assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a nozzle assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a support plate structure for a nozzle assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the camera structure of a nozzle assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a dental flosser according to an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a water flosser according to an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 9 for Figure 6 Enlarged view of point B.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0037] 1. Nozzle; 2. Camera; 21. Groove; 3. Housing; 31. Waterway; 32. Recess; 33. Mounting slot; 331. First mounting part; 332. Second mounting part; 4. Lens; 5. Controller; 6. Light-emitting element; 7. Support plate; 71. First perforation; 711. Protrusion; 72. Second perforation; 8. Gasket; 81. Third perforation; 82. Fourth perforation; 9. Water pump; 10. Water tank; 11. FPC circuit board; 12. Main body. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0039] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 9 This describes an embodiment of the present application.

[0040] According to embodiments of this application, in one aspect, a nozzle assembly is provided, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, it includes: a housing 3, a nozzle 1, a camera 2, and a light-emitting element 6. The housing 3 has a water channel 31, and the nozzle 1 is connected to the housing 3 and communicates with the water channel 31, allowing the nozzle 1 to point at a designated location. Thus, when water is introduced into the water channel 31, water can be sprayed from the nozzle 1 to the designated location.

[0041] Camera 2 is attached to housing 3 and pointed at a designated location, enabling it to take photos or videos of that location. The images and photos captured by camera 2 can be sent to a display screen or mobile phone, among other terminals.

[0042] The light-emitting element 6 is connected to the housing 3 and pointed to a designated position, thus enabling the light-emitting element 6 to emit a red light beam to the designated position. Dental calculus is calcified plaque and tartar deposited on the tooth surface. When red light is irradiated onto the teeth, the teeth and the calculus on them will produce a significant fluorescence peak at a wavelength of 663 nm, and the fluorescence effect of the calculus is significantly stronger than that of the teeth.

[0043] The nozzle 1 can spray water into the first area, the camera 2 can capture images of the second area, and the light-emitting element 6 can illuminate the third area. The designated location is located in the overlapping area of ​​the first, second, and third areas. Thus, when the nozzle 1 can spray water into the designated location, the camera 2 can capture images of the designated location at the same time, and the light-emitting element 6 can illuminate the designated location at the same time.

[0044] In use, the nozzle assembly is mounted on the device body. The operator holds the device and inserts the nozzle assembly into the mouth, aligning the teeth with the designated position so that nozzle 1 can spray water onto the teeth. Camera 2 can capture images of the teeth, and light-emitting element 6 can illuminate the teeth. The device body inserts water pump 9 into the channel within housing 3, causing water to spray from nozzle 1 to rinse the teeth. During this process, camera 2 captures images of the teeth and sends the image information to a display screen or mobile phone for easy viewing and precise rinsing. Simultaneously, light-emitting element 6 emits red light onto the teeth. When the red light shines on the teeth, the fluorescence of tartar on the teeth is stronger than that of the teeth themselves. This helps the operator pinpoint the location of tartar, allowing the nozzle 1 to rinse it off.

[0045] Furthermore, when red light shines on the teeth, camera 2 can take pictures of the teeth and send the photos to the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal then uploads the images to the server. A deep learning model is pre-built on the server, and by comparing and calibrating images of normal teeth with images of teeth with tartar, combined with relevant image recognition algorithms, it can ultimately detect tartar problems on the teeth, generate corresponding reports, send them back to the mobile terminal, and even provide treatment suggestions.

[0046] The wavelength of the red light emitted by the light-emitting element 6 can be 630 nanometers, 640 nanometers, or any value between 630 nanometers and 640 nanometers. When red light within this wavelength range shines on the teeth, the tartar on the teeth shows a more obvious fluorescent effect compared to using red light outside this wavelength range, making it easier for the operator to pinpoint its location.

[0047] When the wavelength of the red light emitted by the light-emitting element 6 is 635 nanometers, the fluorescent effect of the tartar on the teeth is most obvious.

[0048] As an optional embodiment, the light-emitting element 6 includes a first light-emitting body and a second light-emitting body, wherein the first and second light-emitting bodies can be LED beads. The designated location is located within the illumination area of ​​the first and second light-emitting bodies, so that the first light-emitting body can emit a red light beam to illuminate the designated location, and the second light-emitting body can emit a violet light beam to illuminate the designated location. Dental plaque is mainly composed of bacteria and bacterial metabolites. After these bacteria colonize the tooth surface, they secrete pigments (such as porphyrins) through their metabolic processes. These pigments can produce a fluorescent reaction under violet light, exhibiting red fluorescence.

[0049] In this way, when rinsing teeth, the first light emitter can be controlled to emit red light. When the red light shines on the teeth, the fluorescence of the tartar on the teeth is stronger than that of the teeth themselves. After the operator determines the location of the tartar on the teeth, the nozzle 1 can be used to rinse the tartar off the teeth.

[0050] The second light source can also be controlled to emit violet light. When the violet light shines on the teeth, the dental plaque on the teeth will fluoresce red. After the operator determines the location of the dental plaque on the teeth, the nozzle 1 can be used to rinse the dental plaque off the teeth.

[0051] Furthermore, when ultraviolet light shines on the teeth, camera 2 can take pictures of the teeth and send the photos to the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal then uploads the images to the server. A deep learning model is pre-built on the server, and by comparing and calibrating images of normal teeth with images of teeth with plaque, combined with relevant image recognition algorithms, plaque problems on the teeth can ultimately be detected.

[0052] The system uses images of teeth illuminated with red light to detect tartar buildup. It generates reports on tartar and plaque issues, sends them back to a mobile device, and even provides treatment suggestions.

[0053] The wavelength of the violet light emitted by the light-emitting element 6 can be 400 nanometers, 410 nanometers, or any value between 400 nanometers and 410 nanometers. When violet light within this wavelength range shines on the teeth, the red fluorescence of dental plaque on the teeth is more obvious compared to using violet light outside this wavelength range, making it easier for the operator to locate the plaque.

[0054] When the wavelength of the violet light emitted by the light-emitting element 6 is 405 nanometers, the red fluorescence of dental plaque on the teeth is most obvious.

[0055] As an optional embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the nozzle assembly also includes a mounting groove 33. A first mounting portion 331 and a second mounting portion 332 are provided on the inner wall of the mounting groove 33. A camera 2 is placed inside the mounting groove 33 and connected to the first mounting portion 331, allowing the camera 2 to pass through the opening of the mounting groove 33 to capture images of a designated location. A light-emitting element 6 is placed inside the mounting groove 33 and connected to the second mounting portion 332, allowing the light-emitting element 6 to emit light and illuminate the designated location through the opening of the mounting groove 33.

[0056] This configuration places the camera 2 and the light-emitting element 6 inside the mounting slot 33, reducing the external space occupied and protecting the camera 2 and the light-emitting element 6.

[0057] Both the first mounting part 331 and the second mounting part 332 can be protrusions formed inward on the inner wall of the mounting groove 33. The camera 2 is connected to the side of the first mounting part 331 near the opening of the mounting groove 33, and the light-emitting element 6 is connected to the side of the second mounting part 332 near the opening of the mounting groove 33.

[0058] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the nozzle assembly also includes a support plate 7. A first through hole 71 and a second through hole 72 are formed on the support plate 7, and the outer side of the support plate 7 is shaped to match the mounting groove 33. After the support plate 7 is placed in the mounting groove 33, the side of the support plate 7 fits against the inner wall of the mounting groove 33, preventing the support plate 7 from shaking.

[0059] The shape of the first perforation 71 matches the shape of the camera 2. After at least part of the camera 2 is inserted into the first perforation 71, the outer wall of that part of the camera 2 fits against the wall of the first perforation 71. This reinforces the camera 2 and prevents it from shaking.

[0060] The shape of the second perforation 72 matches the shape of the light-emitting element 6. After at least part of the light-emitting element 6 extends into the second perforation 72, the outer wall of that part of the light-emitting element 6 fits against the wall of the second perforation 72. This reinforces the light-emitting element 6 and prevents it from shaking.

[0061] This design increases overall stability.

[0062] In a further embodiment, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a groove 21 is formed on the outer wall of the camera 2, and a protrusion 711 is formed on the outer wall of the first through hole of the support piece 7. After the camera 2 is at least partially inserted into the first through hole, the protrusion 711 extends into the groove 21, and the outer wall of the protrusion 711 fits against the inner wall of the groove 21. This arrangement increases the support for the support piece 7 and prevents the support piece 7 from wobbling along the depth direction of the mounting groove 33.

[0063] The groove 21 is formed on the outer wall of the camera 2 near the opening of the mounting groove 33 and extends through the camera 2 on the side near the opening of the mounting groove 33. The protrusion 711 is provided on the inner wall of the first through hole of the support piece 7 near the opening of the mounting groove 33 and extends through the support piece 7 on the side near the opening of the mounting groove 33.

[0064] With this setup, the camera 2 can be placed into the mounting slot 33 and connected to the first mounting part 331 first, then the light-emitting element 6 can be placed into the mounting slot 33 and connected to the second mounting part 332, and then the support piece 7 can be placed into the mounting slot 33 until the protrusion 711 extends into the groove 21 and abuts against the inner wall of the groove 21, making installation more convenient.

[0065] At this time, at least part of the camera 2 extends into the first through hole 71, and the outer wall of this part of the camera 2 is in contact with the hole wall of the first through hole 71. At least part of the light-emitting element 6 extends into the second through hole 72, and the outer wall of this part of the light-emitting element 6 is in contact with the hole wall of the second through hole 72.

[0066] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the nozzle assembly also includes a lens 4. A recess 32 is provided on the housing 3, and an installation groove 33 is provided on the bottom surface of the recess 32. When the lens 4 is placed in the recess 32, the lens 4 closes the opening of the installation groove 33.

[0067] Specifically, after the camera 2 and the light-emitting element 6 are placed in the mounting groove 33, the lens 4 is placed in the recess 32, so that the lens 4 is in contact with the bottom surface of the recess 32. At this time, the lens 4 encloses the camera 2 and the light-emitting element 6 in the mounting groove 33, enhancing the protection of the camera 2 and the light-emitting element 6. The camera 2 can take pictures of the designated location through the lens 4, and the light-emitting element 6 can emit light and illuminate the designated location through the lens 4.

[0068] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the nozzle assembly also includes a gasket 8, which has two opposing end faces. After the camera 2 and the light-emitting element 6 are placed in the mounting groove 33, the gasket 8 is placed in the mounting groove 33 such that one end face of the gasket 8 abuts against the side of the camera 2 near the opening of the mounting groove 33. Then, the lens 4 is placed into the recess 32 such that the lens 4 fits against the bottom surface of the recess 32 and abuts against the other end face of the gasket 8. In this configuration, the gasket 8 is firmly positioned between the camera 2 and the lens 4, providing stability to the camera 2 and preventing the camera 2 from wobbling along the depth direction of the mounting groove 33.

[0069] A third through hole 81 and a fourth through hole 82 are provided on the gasket 8. This allows the camera 2 to pass through the third through hole 81 to take pictures, preventing the gasket 8 from blocking the camera 2. The light emitted by the light-emitting element 6 can pass through the fourth through hole 82, preventing the gasket 8 from blocking the light-emitting element 6.

[0070] According to embodiments of this application, another aspect, a dental flosser is also provided. For example... Figure 7 As shown, it includes the body and the water spray component, which can be any of the nozzle assemblies mentioned above. The technical effect of this water flosser is the same as that of the water spray component, so it will not be described in detail.

[0071] The unit includes a main body 12, a water pump 9, and a water tank 10. The water pump 9 is located inside the main body 12, and the nozzle assembly is connected to the main body 12. The outlet of the water pump 9 is connected to the water channel 31 inside the nozzle assembly housing 3 via a pipe. The water tank 10 is connected to the main body 12 and is used to hold water. The inlet of the water pump 9 is connected to the inside of the water tank 10 via a water pipe. Thus, starting the water pump 9 draws water from the water tank 10. The water enters the inlet of the water pump 9 through the water pipe, flows out from the outlet, and is then transported through the pipe to the water channel 31 inside the nozzle assembly housing 3, and finally sprayed out through the nozzle 1 of the nozzle assembly.

[0072] Among them, water pump 9 is a plunger pump, which has a greater impact force and a faster response than diaphragm pump.

[0073] As an optional embodiment, the oral irrigator also includes a controller 5 and a wireless transmission module. For example... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, both camera 2 and the light-emitting element 6 are electrically connected to controller 5 via a circuit board. Controller 5 controls camera 2 to capture images and controls the light-emitting element 6 to emit light. Controller 5 is electrically connected to a wireless transmission module. Images or pictures captured by camera 2 can be converted into signals by controller 5 and transmitted to the wireless transmission module, which then emits the signals. The wireless receiving module of each terminal can receive and process these signals. For example, a mobile terminal can receive the signal and convert it into an image or video.

[0074] Mobile devices can upload images to a server. A deep learning model is pre-built on the server, and by comparing and calibrating images of normal teeth with images of teeth with tartar or plaque, and using relevant image recognition algorithms, it can ultimately detect tartar or plaque problems on teeth, generate corresponding reports, send them back to the mobile device, and even provide treatment suggestions.

[0075] Both the camera 2 and the light-emitting element 6 are electrically connected to the controller 5 via the FPC circuit board 11. The controller 5 is a control circuit board located inside the main body 12. The water pump 9 is electrically connected to the control circuit board, facilitating the control of the water pump 9's start and stop.

[0076] The wireless transmission module can be a Wi-Fi module or a Bluetooth module.

[0077] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0078] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0079] Although embodiments of this application have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of this application, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by this application.

Claims

1. A nozzle assembly, characterized in that, include: Shell (3); A nozzle (1) is attached to the housing (3) and is used to spray water to a designated location; A camera (2) is attached to the housing (3) and is used to capture images of the designated location. A light-emitting element (6) is attached to the housing (3) and the light-emitting element (6) is configured to emit a red light beam toward the designated location.

2. The nozzle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wavelength of the red beam is 630-640 nanometers.

3. The nozzle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light-emitting element (6) is also configured to emit a purple beam toward the designated location.

4. The nozzle assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The wavelength of the violet light beam is 400-410 nanometers.

5. The nozzle assembly according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The housing (3) has a mounting groove (33), and the inner wall of the mounting groove (33) is provided with a first mounting part (331) and a second mounting part (332). The camera (2) is disposed in the mounting groove (33) and connected to the first mounting part (331). The light-emitting element (6) is disposed in the mounting groove (33) and connected to the second mounting part (332).

6. The nozzle assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: The support plate (7) has a first through hole and a second through hole. The support plate (7) is disposed in the mounting groove (33). The side of the support plate (7) is in contact with the inner wall of the mounting groove (33). At least a portion of the camera (2) extends into the first through hole, and the side wall of the camera (2) is in contact with the inner wall of the first through hole. At least a portion of the light-emitting element (6) extends into the second through hole, and the side wall of the light-emitting element (6) is in contact with the inner wall of the second through hole.

7. The nozzle assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The outer wall of the camera (2) is provided with a groove (21), and the inner wall of the first through hole is provided with a protrusion (711). The protrusion (711) extends into the groove (21), and the outer wall of the protrusion (711) fits against the inner wall of the groove (21).

8. The nozzle assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: The lens (4) has a recess (32) on the housing (3), and the mounting groove (33) is formed on the bottom surface of the recess (32). The lens (4) is placed in the recess (32) and fits against the bottom surface of the recess (32) to seal the mounting groove (33). A gasket (8) is disposed in the mounting groove (33), and the two end faces of the gasket (8) are respectively pressed against the lens (4) and the camera (2).

9. A dental flosser, characterized in that, It includes a body and a water spray component mounted on the body, the water spray component being configured as a nozzle assembly according to any one of claims 1-8.

10. The oral irrigator according to claim 9, characterized in that, Also includes: The controller (5) is electrically connected to the camera (2) and the light-emitting element (6) via a circuit board. The controller (5) is used to control the light-emitting element (6) to emit light and to control the camera (2) to take pictures. The wireless transmitting module is electrically connected to the controller (5) and is used for communication with a terminal having a wireless receiving module.

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