Device for the storage and supply of functional devices for oral hygiene

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for storing and supplying functional devices for oral hygiene, wherein the device is designed as a base station (1) which has an erectable base (2) and an orbit (4) which is rotatable in the erectable base (2) at least about a partial circumference, wherein the orbit (4) is designed as a flat cylindrical disc and is mounted in a driven manner with a partial circumference in the base (2), and wherein the orbit (4) has at least one receiving pocket for detachably receiving a functional device.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for storing and supplying oral hygiene devices.

[0002] Oral health devices are usually stored quite simply in a bathroom. Electric toothbrushes, in particular, are placed on a stand, and when they need charging, they are placed on a charging station or in a glass connected to an induction charger. The corresponding brush heads are usually stored on their own or in glass jars.

[0003] Such storage is not always truly hygienic. Additionally, the typical user is unaware of the most hygienic way to handle these devices. This leads to increased growth of pathogens and a reduced product lifespan.

[0004] However, highly complex oral hygiene devices in particular must meet hygiene standards that correspond to clinical or dental standards.

[0005] DE 11 2015 000 588 T5 describes a chamber for the contactless storage, drying, charging, and sterilization of electric toothbrushes, whereby the transfer of contaminants or pathogens to the brush is prevented. A sterilizing agent, such as a UV lamp, is provided in the chamber. Furthermore, the sterilization chamber is designed to prevent dripping water from remaining on the floor of the chamber, which can serve as a breeding ground for germs. The sterilization system can also be configured to allow data to be exchanged between the chamber and the toothbrush.

[0006] DE 20 2019 105 110 U1 describes a brush head for cleaning teeth that has a sensor unit. This is part of a toothbrush designed to monitor the user's health. Furthermore, a replacement station is disclosed that allows the sensor unit to be replaced. This replacement station can optionally also be used to charge the toothbrush or to record and evaluate measurement data.

[0007] US 2020 / 0 121 428 A1 describes methods and devices for improved dental care adapted to the respective user, for example, a device for tooth cleaning or an individually tailored oral care product or a dispenser for the same. A base with a receiving space for a dental care device is also disclosed (see, for example, Fig. 1A or Fig. 2).

[0008] US 2020 / 0 196 994 A1 describes a method for collecting saliva samples from the oral cavity using a special mouthpiece, which are then to be analyzed. This mouthpiece can also be used for cleaning or treating the oral cavity. The method also provides for cleaning the mouthpiece between uses in a base station, for example, using disinfectant or UV light. This base station can also be used for charging, analysis, data exchange, and as a fluid reservoir.

[0009] US 2021 / 0 085 436 A1 describes a system and a mouthpiece for individually tailored cleaning of a user's oral cavity. Oral microbiome analysis is also included. The system may have a base for holding the mouthpiece. This base may have a number of additional functions, such as a control system for coordinating fluid delivery, a memory for storing different application modes, or a tag or chip reader.

[0010] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a device for receiving and storing one or more oral hygiene devices, which ensures hygienic storage and supply of the device.

[0011] The object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1.

[0012] Advantageous further developments are identified in the dependent subclaims.

[0013] To solve the problem, the invention provides a base station in which the oral health devices are accommodated and stored as functional devices, which also carries out any electrical charging and, if desired, data transmission, dries the functional device as best as possible in order to keep the pathogens low, and allows the user to use the functional device easily without performing complicated movements in an appealing design.

[0014] In addition, such a device can also carry out additional disinfection.

[0015] The functional devices for oral hygiene included are, in particular, autonomously operating functional devices that are held by the user, for example, with a few teeth on the dentures. They have a base housing containing the control, drive, and communication means, and processing devices that perform routines in the oral cavity. These can be detection routines and cleaning routines.

[0016] The means of communication are, in particular, wireless means of communication for connection to the base station.

[0017] Advantageously, the base station and the autonomously operating functional devices are designed in such a way that they form a harmonious common shape when stored.

[0018] The invention is thus a station for the space-saving (and also aesthetically pleasing) storage, drying, and electrical charging of two or more functional devices intended for oral use. Additionally, the invention allows for user authentication and thus the automatic selection of the user profile, the selection of the functional device, and the convenient lifting of the functional devices from the base for easy access by the user.

[0019] The base of the station also includes an air filter at the air inlet and a drip tray to collect excess water.

[0020] Aesthetically pleasing storage is not an end in itself. The complete integration of the functional components into the device, except for an outer surface, allows for a reduction in the area exposed to external conditions during storage and enables good sealing, if desired.

[0021] The invention thus relates in particular to a device for storing and supplying functional devices for oral hygiene, wherein the device is designed as a base station which has an erectable base and an orbit which is rotatable in the erectable base at least about a partial circumference, wherein the orbit is designed as a flat cylindrical disc and is mounted in the base in a driven manner with a partial circumference, and wherein the orbit has at least one receiving pocket for detachably receiving a functional device.

[0022] A further development provides that the base station has devices and connection means associated with the devices with the functional device, wherein the devices are designed to dry the functional device, to electrically charge it, to update it, to exchange data, to disinfect it, to fill it with liquids or gases.

[0023] A further development provides that the orbit comprises means for temporarily fixing the functional device in a desired position in the receiving pocket and / or for pushing the functional device out of the receiving pocket.

[0024] A further development provides for a movement mechanism and a fastening mechanism for the orbit and an air filter to be arranged in the base.

[0025] A further development provides that the base consists of a rectangular box with rounded corners, which has a receiving opening for the orbit in its upper side.

[0026] A further development provides that outer walls of the orbit, representing non-rotatable cylinder end faces, are arranged fixedly in the receiving opening.

[0027] A further development provides for the air filter and a fan to be located in the base so that air can be blown into the orbit.

[0028] A further development provides for a drive motor to be located in the base, which drives all movements of the orbit.

[0029] A further development provides that the orbit has two non-rotatable outer walls which are fastened to the base and are in particular rigidly and non-rotatably fastened, wherein at least one, in particular two receiving pockets are rotatably arranged in the orbit between the outer walls.

[0030] A further development provides that the receiving pockets are connected to a plate which has a slot in which a camshaft can move.

[0031] A further development provides that the plate is engaged directly or indirectly via further coupling elements with the drive motor of a rotation mechanism of the orbit via a toothing, a friction wheel pair, a cable pull or a belt drive.

[0032] A further development provides that the slot has a certain shape so that the cam rotates the orbit by a predetermined angle as it moves along.

[0033] A further development provides that the outer walls have a sliding or non-contact seal on the rotating part of the orbit for increased protection of internal components as well as for hygiene purposes.

[0034] A further development provides that the orbit in its basic form is designed as a cylindrical disc, wherein the orbit has one or two receiving pockets, wherein the receiving pockets are introduced into a cylinder jacket wall and protrude into the interior of the orbit.

[0035] A further development provides that a functional device is accommodated in each of the receiving pockets, wherein a functional device has an outer wall which corresponds to a cylinder segment and terminates with the cylinder jacket wall of the orbit when completely inserted into the receiving pocket.

[0036] A further development provides that the functional device is a detection device or a cleaning device.

[0037] A further development provides that two receiving pockets, each for a functional device, are arranged in orbit on diametrically opposite sides of the cylinder jacket wall.

[0038] A further development provides for flexible cables in orbit to electrically charge the functional devices. These cables are connected to pogo pins in the receiving pockets and can rotate.

[0039] A further development provides that the pogo pins are located only on one side of the receiving pocket per functional device, whereas in the case of the second functional device they are located on the other side of the receiving pocket.

[0040] A further development provides for an air duct between the receiving pockets, which can be supplied with an air flow by the fan in the base in a normal position of the orbit.

[0041] A further development provides for a heating element to be arranged in the air duct.

[0042] A further development provides that the air duct is designed so that excess water drips down and is collected in a drip tray.

[0043] A further development provides that a nozzle for injecting cleaning or disinfecting liquid is provided, which protrudes into the air duct, and / or a UV lamp is arranged in the orbit and / or in the base, in particular in the air duct.

[0044] A further development provides that magnets are arranged in the receiving pockets, which magnets form a magnetic field through a permanent magnet without current flow and which cancel the magnetic field generated by an electromagnet when current is flowing through it, wherein the functional devices have ferromagnetic plates at the position of the magnets in the receiving pockets.

[0045] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the top of the orbit there are a fingerprint sensor, two small pressure sensors for selecting the functional devices, and a gesture sensor, also for selecting the functional devices.

[0046] The invention is explained by way of example with reference to a drawing. It shows: Fig. 1: a partially sectioned side view of a broad side of the device showing base and orbit; Fig. 2: another partially sectioned side view; Fig. 3: a partially sectioned narrow side view with the orbit in a first position; Fig. 4: another partially sectioned narrow side view with a rotated orbit; Fig. 5: another partially sectioned narrow side view with a further rotated orbit; Fig. 6: a partially sectioned side view of the orbit on a broad side of the device showing base and orbit; Fig. 7: a side view of a broad side of the device showing base and orbit during the delivery of a functional device; Fig. 8: the device according to Fig. 7 in a view of the narrow side; Fig. 9: a highly schematic embodiment of an alternative release; Fig. 10: a highly schematic embodiment of an alternative storage; Fig. 11: a highly schematic embodiment of another alternative mounting and connection; Fig. 12: a schematic view of the narrow sides with the same or different functional devices.

[0047] The device 1 according to the invention, hereinafter also referred to as base station 1, consists of two parts. These are a base 2, in which the mechanics and an air filter 3 are installed, and an orbit 4, in which the devices are housed.

[0048] The base 2 consists in particular of a rectangular box 5 with rounded corners 6, which has a receiving opening 7 in the center. In the preferred embodiment, the non-rotatable outer walls 8 of the orbit 4 are attached in this receiving opening 7.

[0049] The base 2 also contains the air filter 3 and a fan 9 for blowing air into the orbit 4. In the preferred embodiment, the base 2 also contains a motor 16, which drives all movements of the orbit 4.

[0050] In addition, the Base 2 also houses the electronics.

[0051] Base Station 1 can be powered via a power adapter. Alternatively, or additionally, an integrated battery can be included, which can also be charged with the power adapter.

[0052] In the preferred embodiment, the orbit 4 consists of two non-rotatable outer walls 8, which are particularly rigidly and non-rotatably attached to the base 2. Two or more receiving pockets 12 are arranged in the orbit 4, in which the functional device 20 is located.

[0053] In the preferred embodiment, these receiving pockets 12 are connected to a plate which has a slot 14 in which a camshaft 15 can move.

[0054] The plate can simultaneously engage directly or indirectly via further coupling elements with the drive motor 16 of the rotation mechanism of the orbit 4 via a toothing 17, a friction wheel pair, a cable pull or a belt drive.

[0055] In one embodiment, this slot 14 has a certain shape so that the cam 15 rotates the orbit 4 by a certain angle as it moves along.

[0056] The outer walls 8 can have a sliding or a non-contact seal for the rotating orbit 4 for increased protection of the internal components as well as for hygiene purposes.

[0057] The orbit 4 is designed in its basic form as a cylindrical disc, with the orbit 4 having one or two receiving pockets 12. The receiving pockets 12 are incorporated into the cylinder wall 19 and protrude into the interior of the orbit 4.

[0058] A functional device 20 is accommodated in each of the receiving pockets 12. Preferably, a functional device 20 has an outer wall 21, which corresponds to a cylinder segment and terminates with the cylinder jacket wall 19 of the orbit 4 when fully inserted into the receiving pocket 12.

[0059] The functional device 20 is, for example, stored, dried, electrically charged, receives updates, exchanges data with the base station 1, is disinfected, or refilled in the orbit 4. The functional device 20 is, for example, a detection device (Dev x) or a cleaning device (Dev y).

[0060] In one embodiment, two functional devices 20 are arranged in the base station 1 and accordingly the orbit 4 is rotated by 90° when the functional device 20 is to be dispensed or inserted.

[0061] Then the shape of the slot 14 allows lifting of the receiving pocket 12 in which the functional devices 20 are located.

[0062] During the raising and lowering of the functional devices 20, a mechanism prevents the orbit 4 from rotating further, even though the drive motor 16 is activated (not shown). This allows the user to easily remove the functional devices 20 from the base station 1.

[0063] In one embodiment, the motor current is then reversed so that the plate can be moved through by the cam 15 in the opposite direction. Returning to the starting point, in one embodiment, the plate can then be rotated a further 90°, and then the second functional device 20 is lifted out of the base station 1. This has the advantage that only a single motor 16 is required to accomplish the entire rotation of the functional devices 20 as well as the lifting of the functional devices 20. In addition, this slotted plate is extremely thin, which has design advantages for the user.

[0064] For electrically charging the functional devices 20, flexible cables 23 are located in the orbit 4, which are connected to pogo pins 24 in the receiving pockets 12 and which can rotate.

[0065] This allows charging of the functional devices 20 in any rotational position. In the preferred embodiment, the pogo pins 24 are located on only one side of the receiving pocket 12 per functional device 20. For the second functional device 20, they are located on the other side of the receiving pocket 12. This has the advantage that the base station 1 immediately detects whether the functional devices 20 are correctly inserted, because an electrical connection can be measured via the pogo pins 24.

[0066] Additionally, in the preferred embodiment, communication between the base station 1 and the functional devices 20 takes place via the pogo pins 24 via CAN bus. This has a further advantage with mirror-symmetrical functional devices 20, since the base station 1 can detect if the user attempts to insert the wrong functional device 20 into the base station 1, rotated by 180°.

[0067] In order to keep the functional devices 20 in the base station 1 as free from bacteria, fungi and viruses as possible, in one embodiment there is an air duct 25 between the receiving pockets 12, which can be blown through by the fan 9 in the base 2 in the normal position of the orbit 4.

[0068] This not only allows for the drying of the functional devices 20 but also for heating, since the heat from the electronics or a separate heating element 29 can be used. This has the advantage that the functional devices 20 are always stored hygienically in the base station 1 and are protected from pathogens floating around in the air, yet are not stored wet in the base station 1 for extended periods, which would lead to the growth of pathogens.

[0069] In one embodiment, this air channel 25 can also be used to allow excess water to drip down and be collected in a drip tray 26 at the bottom. The integrated heater 27 allows the dripping water to evaporate to the outside. In another embodiment, the drip tray 26 can be removed via a lid and emptied as needed.

[0070] Additionally, one or more fans 9 can be installed in orbit 4 to improve airflow. It may also be advantageous to inject cleaning or disinfectant fluid into the airflow using a nozzle 30 to create an additional hygienic effect. It is also advantageous to install UV lamps 31 in orbit 4 and base 2 to enable the killing of bacteria and viruses over longer periods of time.

[0071] To prevent the functional devices 20 from falling out, the preferred embodiment contains magnets 32 in the receiving pockets 12. These magnets form a magnetic field through a permanent magnet without current flow and cancel the magnetic field generated by an electromagnet 33 when current is flowing through them. This allows the functional devices 20 to be held in position without significant power consumption. In this embodiment, the functional devices 20 have ferromagnetic plates at the position of the magnets 32, 33 in the receiving pockets 12. In a further embodiment, the permanent magnets 32 are separated by the force applied when the receiving pockets 12 are lifted by the mechanism in orbit 4.

[0072] In one embodiment, the top of the Orbit 4 contains a fingerprint sensor 35, two small pressure sensors 36 for selecting the functional devices 20, and a gesture sensor 37, also for selecting the functional devices 20. This has the advantage for the user that, in one embodiment, only the fingerprint sensor 35 needs to be activated, and then a user profile is already loaded, which determines which functional device 20 is immediately selected. This reduces the number of bacteria, viruses, and fungi on the functional devices 20 and simplifies the user flow. Should the user nevertheless select the functional devices 20 themselves, this can be done via the pressure sensors 36 or the gesture sensor 37.

[0073] To facilitate handling by the user, it may be advantageous if the orbit 4, the functional devices 20 and the base 2 are equipped with display elements such as LED strips, displays 38, haptic vibration elements or loudspeakers so that the user has a better picture of what is happening.

[0074] In addition, it may be advantageous for security purposes if NFC readers are installed in the Orbit 4 to ensure that the functional devices 20 in the Orbit 4 can be read.

[0075] This has the further advantage that no incorrect functional device 20 from another base station 1 can be introduced into orbit 4.

[0076] Additionally, it may be advantageous to charge the functional devices 20 in the base station 1 contactlessly via induction instead of the pogo pins 24. This further increases the hygiene of the functional devices 20, since no electrical contacts to the outside need to be made.

[0077] In order to increase the connectivity from the base station 1 to the functional devices 20 as well as to other smart devices, it is advantageous to communicate via wireless communication 40 between the functional devices 20.

[0078] In order to store the functional devices 20 in the orbit 4 in the most space-saving manner, they can be partially nested in one plane or in space. List of reference symbols 1 base station / device 2 Base 3 air filters 4 Orbit 5 boxes 6 corners 7 Receiving opening 8 exterior walls 9 Fan 12 pockets 14 slot 15 Camshaft 16 Drive motor 17 Gearing 19 Cylinder jacket wall 20 Functional device 21 outer wall of 20 23 flexible cables 24 pogo pins 25 Air duct 26 drip tray 27 Heating 29 Heating element 30 Disinfectant nozzle 31 UV lights 32 magnets 33 electromagnets 35 fingerprint sensor 36 pressure sensors 37 Gesture sensor 38 displays 40 wireless communication

Claims

[1] Device for storing and supplying functional devices (20) for oral hygiene, wherein the device is designed as a base station (1) which has an erectable base (2) and an orbit (4) which is rotatable in the erectable base (2) at least about a partial circumference, wherein the orbit (4) is designed as a flat cylindrical disc and is mounted in a driven manner with a partial circumference in the base (2), and wherein the orbit (4) has at least one receiving pocket (12) for detachably receiving a functional device (20). [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the base station (1) has devices and connection means associated with the devices to the functional device (20), wherein the devices are designed to dry the functional device (20), to electrically charge it, to update it, to exchange data, to disinfect it, to fill it with liquids or gases. [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the orbit (4) comprises means for temporarily fixing the functional device (20) in a desired position in the receiving pocket (12) and / or for pushing the functional device (20) out of the receiving pocket (12). [4] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a movement mechanism and a fastening mechanism for the orbit (4) and an air filter (3) are arranged in the base (2). [5] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the base (2) consists of a rectangular box (5) with rounded corners (6), which has a receiving opening (7) for the orbit (4) in an upper side. [6] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that outer walls (8) of the orbit (4) representing non-rotatable cylinder end faces are arranged fixedly in the receiving opening (7). [7] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the air filter (3) and a fan (9) are located in the base (2) so that air can be blown into the orbit (4). [8] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a drive motor (16) is arranged in the base (2), which drives all movements of the orbit (4). [9] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the orbit (4) has two non-rotatable outer walls (8) which are fastened to the base (2) and are in particular rigidly and non-rotatably fastened, wherein in the orbit (4) between the outer walls (8) at least one, in particular two receiving pockets (12) are rotatably arranged. [10] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the receiving pockets (12) are connected to a plate which has a slot (14) in which a camshaft (15) can travel. [11] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the plate is in engagement directly or indirectly via further coupling elements with the drive motor (16) of a rotation mechanism of the orbit (4) via a toothing (17), a friction wheel pair, a cable pull or a belt drive. [12] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the slot (14) has a certain shape so that the cam (15) rotates the orbit (4) by a predetermined angle when moving along. [13] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the outer walls (8) have a sliding or contact-free seal on the rotating part of the orbit (4) for increased protection of internal components as well as for hygiene purposes. [14] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the orbit (4) is designed in its basic form as a cylindrical disc, wherein the orbit (4) has one or two receiving pockets (12), wherein the receiving pockets (12) are introduced into a cylinder jacket wall (19) and protrude into the interior of the orbit (4). [15] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a functional device (20) is accommodated in each of the receiving pockets (12), wherein a functional device (20) has an outer wall (21) which corresponds to a cylinder segment and terminates with the cylinder jacket wall (19) of the orbit (4) when fully inserted into the receiving pocket (12). [16] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the functional device (20) is a detection device (Dev x) or a cleaning device (Dev y). [17] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat two receiving pockets (12) for one functional device (20) each are arranged in the orbit (4) on diametrically opposite sides of the cylinder jacket wall (19). [18] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that for the electrical charging of the functional devices (20) there are flexible cables (23) in the orbit (4), which are connected to pogo pins (24) in the receiving pockets (12) and which can rotate. [19] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the pogo pins (24) are located only on one side of the receiving pocket (12) per functional device (20), whereby in the case of the second functional device (20) they are located on the other side of the receiving pocket (12). [20] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat an air duct (25) exists between the receiving pockets (12), which can be supplied with an air flow by the fan (9) in the base (2) in a normal position of the orbit (4). [21] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a heating element (29) is arranged in the air duct (25). [22] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the air channel (25) is designed so that excess water drips down and is collected in a drip tray (26). [23] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a nozzle (30) for injecting cleaning or disinfecting liquid is provided, which projects into the air duct (25), and / or a UV lamp (31) is arranged in the orbit (4) and / or in the base (2), in particular in the air duct (25). [24] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat magnets (32) are arranged in the receiving pockets (12), which magnets form a magnetic field through a permanent magnet without current flow and which cancel the magnetic field generated by an electromagnet (33) when current flows through it, wherein the functional devices (20) have ferromagnetic plates at the position of the magnets (32, 33) in the receiving pockets (12). [25] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that on the top of the orbit (4) there is a fingerprint sensor (35), two small pressure sensors (36) for selecting the functional devices (20), and a gesture sensor (37), also for selecting the functional devices (20).

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