Mouthpiece for dental cleaning system and dental cleaning system

Abstract

The present invention provides a mouthpiece for a dental cleaning system, as well as the dental cleaning system itself. The mouthpiece has a base and an inner arch and an outer arch. An actuator is for applying movement to the inner arch and / or outer arch relative to the base. A linkage converts movement of one of the inner and outer arches in one direction relative to the base into movement of the other of the inner and outer arches in the opposite direction relative to the base. By forming the mouthpiece as a central, stationary base covered by two contour-following arches, anti-phase brushing motions are possible at opposing tooth locations along the dental arch, increasing reach toward molars and reducing device rocking within the mouth.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to dental cleaning systems, and more particularly to dental cleaning systems in the form of automatic brush systems based on actuated mouthpieces. [Background technology]

[0002] Automatic tooth brushing using a cleaning mouthpiece is becoming an emerging technology. Several mouthpiece-based dental cleaning systems are in the development stage, particularly those requiring short brushing times (e.g., 6–30 seconds). Therefore, speed and ease of use have become the main value drivers for these systems.

[0003] As used herein, the term "mouthpiece" refers to the part of the cleaning system that resides inside the mouth and attaches to the teeth. Typically, this is an arch that covers the teeth on one jaw, or a pair of arches that cover the teeth on both jaws. The system typically has other parts that remain outside the mouth during use. For example, each arch of the mouthpiece has a base and side walls.

[0004] For example, this type of dental cleaning system may include a mouthpiece that fits over the teeth on one or both jaws, with cleaning bristles facing the teeth, and only the mouthpiece or bristles are actuated to move or vibrate against the teeth to create a brushing motion.

[0005] One known problem is ineffective cleaning due to insufficient coverage / reach of the third molars and above the gum line, lack of contouring for different jaw shapes, and limited kinetic energy transferred to the teeth.

[0006] It has also proven difficult to provide sufficient energy transfer from the actuator to the bristles to allow for sufficiently long bristles strokes and large amplitudes required to remove plaque.

[0007] For example, U.S. Patent No. 8,636,677 discloses a dental cleaning system having an inner band that follows the inner surface of the teeth and an outer band that follows the outer surface of the teeth. The two bands and associated brush elements move toward and away from each other vertically up and down or in small circular motions to clean the teeth. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] There is a need for improved dental cleaning systems to address some or all of the problems discussed above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, A base and an inner arch for placement adjacent to the inner surfaces of the teeth of one jaw of a user; an outer arch for placement adjacent the outer surface of the teeth of the jaw; an actuator linkage for connecting to an actuator for applying movement to the medial arch and / or the lateral arch relative to the base; A mouthpiece for a dental cleaning system is provided, comprising: The base, medial arch, and lateral arch are connected by a linkage that converts movement of one of the medial arch and lateral arch in one direction relative to the base into movement of the other of the medial arch and lateral arch in the opposite direction relative to the base.

[0011] The mouthpiece has an inner arch and an outer arch for primarily brushing the inner and outer surfaces of the teeth (the inner surface is the surface facing into the oral cavity, i.e., closer to the oral cavity, and the outer surface is the surface facing outward from the oral cavity, i.e., further from the oral cavity). Bristles for cleaning the teeth are attached, for example, to the arches. Angled bristles are used to reach the occlusal tooth surfaces. The base forms a central, stationary part. For example, the base has a tooth-contacting part for the biting surfaces of the teeth, and a cleaning element is added to brush the occlusal tooth surfaces. The base is connected to the two arches. A linkage, for example, formed by a hinge or pivot, provides an anti-phase linkage between the movement of the inner and outer arches. This anti-phase linkage helps provide reach to the posterior molars and can cancel vibrations, thereby reducing shaking of the device inside the mouth or shaking of the user's head.

[0012] Note that the actuator connection may be fixed (so the mouthpiece is not detachable from the associated actuator) or may be a detachable connection, for example to allow cleaning of the mouthpiece once separated from the actuator.

[0013] The coupling device specifically couples adjacent regions of the medial arch and adjacent regions of the lateral arch and converts movement of one adjacent region of the medial arch or lateral arch in one direction relative to the base into movement of the other adjacent region of the medial arch or lateral arch in the opposite direction relative to the base.

[0014] The separation of the base from the arch allows the user to bite the base without affecting the anti-phase motion and therefore brushing performance. For example, by ensuring that the coupling device is at a different height than the tooth-contacting parts of the base, biting the mouthpiece does not increase the load on the motor. For example, the arch on which the bristles are formed is separated from the base that defines the mouthpiece body.

[0015] The mouthpiece also transmits sufficient energy to remove plaque, stains, or softer tartar, allowing for a desirable brushing motion along the dental arch.

[0016] The coupling arrangement may comprise a symmetric or asymmetric arrangement of connecting members, such as a flexible hinge.

[0017] The coupling device may, for example, comprise a coupling member extending between the medial arch and the lateral arch, the coupling member connecting to the base at a location between the medial arch and the lateral arch. The coupling member may, for example, function as a hinge, with a pivot point defined where the hinge connects to the base. The hinge may therefore swing in at least one dimension about at least one pivot point to provide anti-phase relative movement between the medial arch and the lateral arch. The pivot points may be located in different dimensions (axes) in space to provide more complex two- or three-dimensional movement, such as circular movement, transverse movement (using tapping), or movement along more than one axis.

[0018] The coupling device may be configured to provide, for example, an inner arch or outer arch actuation at the front of the mouthpiece. along a single horizontal axis, or Within the two-dimensional left-right and top-bottom plane, It is composed of:

[0019] The front of the mouthpiece is the area that sits on the front teeth.

[0020] The arch can be driven to have only a lateral translational motion, or it can produce more complex movements, such as an up-and-down motion combined with a lateral stroke to form a circular rotational motion, for example, by combining a one-dimensional movement, such as tapping (i.e., across the teeth, rather than along them), with a sliding movement along the teeth or a two-dimensional circular movement to enhance cleaning effectiveness.

[0021] In a first set of embodiments, the coupling device comprises: a first hinge at the rear of a first side (i.e., left or right) of the mouthpiece, the first hinge connecting the rear of the inner arch, the rear of the outer arch, and the base on the first side; a second hinge at the rear of the second side of the mouthpiece, the second hinge connecting the rear of the inner arch, the rear of the outer arch, and the base on the second side; Equipped with.

[0022] In this design, the connector has hinges at the rear of the arch on both sides (ie, the left and right sides of the mouthpiece).

[0023] In a second set of embodiments, the coupling device comprises: a first hinge along the first side of the mouthpiece located forward from the rear of the first side, the first hinge connecting the inner arch, the outer arch, and the base on the first side; a second hinge along the second side of the mouthpiece located forward from the rear of the second side, the second hinge connecting the inner arch, the outer arch, and the base on the second side; Equipped with.

[0024] In this design, the linkage has one hinge on each side, located forward from the rear of the arch.

[0025] The coupling device then further comprises a first connector between the medial and lateral arches at the rear of the first side and a second connector between the medial and lateral arches at the rear of the second side, which maintain the desired spacing between the medial and lateral arches and allow for counter-phase movement, which is generated / induced by the first and second hinges.

[0026] For example, the first and second hinges in these designs are respectively: Struts rigidly connected to the medial and lateral arches, with pivot points symmetrically or asymmetrically positioned along the struts and connected to the base; or a first U-bend or W-bend between the outer arch and at least one connecting node, and a second U-bend or W-bend between the connecting node and the inner arch; and the connecting node is coupled to the base.

[0027] Therefore, different hinge designs are possible to create the desired anti-phase linkage with the appropriate elasticity.

[0028] The mouthpiece (base, connector, and arch) can be formed from a single material. However, in one embodiment, the inner and outer arches are formed from, for example, a first material, and the connector or portions of the connector are formed from a material that is different from the first material. Using different materials can optimize the elastic coupling properties of the compliant system.

[0029] The present invention provides A mouthpiece as defined above; an actuator connected to a connection part of the mouthpiece; A dental cleaning system is also provided.

[0030] The dental cleaning system, for example, comprises a frame carrying an actuator, which is rigidly connected to a base. The base and the frame are therefore stationary parts of the system. The user can bite into the stationary base, while the motor is fixed to the frame, which is also fixed relative to the base. All movement is therefore performed solely by the mouthpiece, particularly by the arch, ensuring that the majority of the vibration energy enters the mouth for cleaning and minimizing vibration energy loss in the handle.

[0031] The actuator may, for example, be positioned in front of the mouthpiece (i.e., outside and in front of the user's mouth) and connected to the outer arch at the front of the mouthpiece. The frame and actuator may, for example, form a handle for the cleaning system.

[0032] The frame is connected to the outer arch by a connection that allows the outer arch to rotate relative to the frame about an axis of rotation, for example, behind the front of the mouthpiece. This axis of rotation may be, for example, a vertical axis, allowing for lateral rotation. Thus, the frame is rigidly connected to the base and flexibly connected to the outer arch, allowing the outer arch to move relative to the base.

[0033] In all embodiments, the actuator comprises a motor with an eccentric coupling element that connects to the outer arch. The eccentric coupling converts the output of the rotary motor into a desired one-, two-, or three-dimensional motion pattern that is applied to one of the arches. The eccentric motor may be integrated, for example, into the handle of the irrigation system, and actuate the outer arch with a suitable frequency in the range of 0.5-300 Hz and a stroke of approximately 0.5-10 mm to achieve a wide range of reach toward the molars.

[0034] In another set of embodiments, instead of forming the actuator outside and in front of the mouthpiece, the actuator is located in a space partially enclosed by the inner arch, and is therefore intended for placement within the user's mouth, allowing for a more compact device.

[0035] The coupling device then comprises a first swash plate and a second swash plate at the output of the actuator; The first swash plate connects to the rear of the opposite side of the inner arch, and the second swash plate connects to the rear of the opposite side of the outer arch, or The first swash plate connects to the rear of one of the inner and outer arches on the same side, and the second swash plate connects to the rear of the other of the inner and outer arches on the same side.

[0036] These swashplate designs are capable of producing the desired anti-phase motion directly at the output of an actuator, e.g., a motor.

[0037] In all embodiments, the dental cleaning system further comprises cleaning elements (silicone bristles, nylon bristles, etc.) on the inner and outer arches and on the base that can clean the occlusal tooth surfaces.

[0038] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

[0039] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] 1 shows a first embodiment of a dental cleaning system. [Figure 2] 1 shows the design of FIG. 1 from above. [Figure 3] It is more clearly shown that the design of Figure 1 has two U-shaped channels back to back to allow for simultaneous cleaning of the teeth of both jaws. [Figure 4] One unit is shown, which is an assembly of one U-shaped channel of the mouthpiece and one frame. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the design of FIGS. 1 to 4. [Figure 6] The shape of the mouthpiece and the portion of the frame that connects to the outer arch of the mouthpiece are shown. [Figure 7] Using the mouthpiece design shown in Figure 6, we demonstrate how anti-phase movements can be induced. [Figure 8] 1 shows the shape of the mouthpiece and the portion of the frame that connects to the outer arch of the mouthpiece for an alternative design. [Figure 9] 10 shows a further alternative design of the connecting member. [Figure 10A] 6 and 8 show how different materials can be used in the designs of FIGS. [Figure 10B] 6 and 8 show how different materials can be used in the designs of FIGS. [Figure 10C] 6 and 8 show how different materials can be used in the designs of FIGS. [Figure 11] 10 shows a modification of the frame to create an additional degree of freedom. [Figure 12] 1 shows a first alternative actuator design. [Figure 13] 1 shows a second alternative actuator design. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0042] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods, are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the figures are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the figures to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0043] The present invention provides a mouthpiece for a dental cleaning system and the dental cleaning system itself. The mouthpiece has a base and inner and outer arches. An actuator is used to impart movement (i.e., motion) to the inner arch and / or outer arch relative to the base. A linkage converts movement of one of the inner and outer arches in one direction relative to the base into movement of the other of the inner and outer arches in the opposite direction relative to the base. By forming the mouthpiece as a central, stationary base covered by two contour-following arches (connected via a linkage), anti-phase brushing motion is enabled at opposing tooth locations along the dental arch, increasing reach to molars and reducing head rocking or device rocking inside the mouth.

[0044] 1 shows a first embodiment of a dental cleaning system. The system comprises a mouthpiece 10 for insertion into a user's mouth and an external part 50 for placement in front of and outside the user's mouth. The external part 50 serves, for example, as a handle for the system.

[0045] The mouthpiece includes a first U-shaped channel for receiving the teeth of one jaw and a second U-shaped channel for receiving the teeth of the other jaw. The user bites into the mouthpiece with their teeth in both channels. The system may alternatively have only one channel, in which case cleaning is performed on one jaw at a time.

[0046] In Figure 1, the features of one of the U-shaped channels can be seen (facing upward). The opposite U-shaped channel, facing downward, is also the same. The features of one of the U-shaped channels will now be described.

[0047] For the illustrated U-shaped channel, mouthpiece 10 includes a base 12, an inner arch 14 for placement adjacent the inner surfaces of the teeth of a user's jaw, and an outer arch 16 for placement adjacent the outer surfaces of the teeth of the jaw.

[0048] The U-shaped channel of the mouthpiece conforms to the teeth of the jaw with inner and outer arches 14, 16 positioned against the inner and outer surfaces of the teeth. The base 12 is intended to be stationary during use so that a user can bite down on the base 12 (or an insert with a cleaning element mounted on the base (not shown in FIG. 1)), but the inner and outer arches 14, 16 are designed to move against the surfaces of the teeth, as described further below.

[0049] Note that in Figure 1 and some other figures, cleaning bristles have been omitted for clarity, as the focus of this invention is on motion production and reach. Bristles or tufts are provided on various parts of the mouthpiece, i.e., the inner arch, outer arch, and stationary base, at various angles, lengths, packing densities, etc.

[0050] There may be bristles on the base for the biting surfaces of the teeth, or the bristles may extend from the sides to contact the biting surfaces. A tooth-contacting part with cleaning elements (bristles) is preferably added to the top surface of the base to allow brushing of the occlusal tooth surfaces.

[0051] The outer component 50 includes an actuator 52 for applying movement to the inner and / or outer arches relative to the base. For systems with two U-shaped channels, a shared actuator is used. In this embodiment, the actuator 52 is in front of the mouthpiece and therefore most easily connects to the outer arch 16, as shown. However, it could also be connected to the inner arch 14. Similarly, in other embodiments where the actuator is inside the user's mouth within the U-shaped space formed by the inner arch, the actuator could most easily connect to the inner arch instead of the outer arch.

[0052] The base 12, medial arch 14, and lateral arch 16 are connected by connectors 18, 20. The connectors 18, 20 convert movement of one of the medial and lateral arches in one direction relative to the base into movement of the other of the medial and lateral arches in the opposite direction relative to the base. Specifically, each connector connects adjacent regions of the medial arch to adjacent regions of the lateral arch. These regions are adjacent in that they are at the same angular position around the jaw. The connectors connect the adjacent regions. The connectors perform, for example, a pivoting function.

[0053] Thus, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the actuator 52 imparts motion to the outer arch 16, and the linkages 18, 20 convert this motion into antiphase (ie, opposite direction) motion in the inner arch.

[0054] "Opposite directions" does not necessarily mean completely opposite motion vectors. Instead, one direction generally traverses the edge of the teeth from one side of the jaw to the other (e.g., right to left), and the opposite direction generally traverses the edge of the teeth from the other side of the jaw to one side of the jaw (e.g., left to right).

[0055] The connectors 18, 20 are not clamped when the user bites down and are free to move, which is made possible by providing the connectors at a different height than the tooth-contacting parts of the base 12.

[0056] Thus, the cleaning system has inner and outer arches for brushing the inner and outer surfaces of the teeth. The base is the central stationary part. The anti-phase linkage helps provide reach to the rear molars and also reduces rocking of the device inside the mouth because it can cancel vibrations.

[0057] Because the base is separated from the arch, the user can bite on the base without affecting brushing performance. Biting on the mouthpiece does not increase the load on the motor and therefore does not dampen the driving vibration. This system allows for the desired brushing motion along the dental arch by transmitting sufficient energy to remove plaque and stains.

[0058] The connecting device includes connecting members 18, 20, each extending between the medial arch 14 and the lateral arch 16. Each connecting member 18, 20 connects to the base 12 via a flexible strut or web at a location 22 between the medial and lateral arches. The connecting members 18, 20 and the flexible strut function as a hinge, the primary pivot point of which is defined at a point on the flexible connecting member extending between the base 12 and the location 22 where the connecting member connects to the base. The hinge thus swings about the pivot point, providing anti-phase movement between the medial and lateral arches. Some pivoting at the connections between the ends of the connecting members and the medial and lateral arches allows the overall device to have the desired flexibility.

[0059] Figure 1 shows that the actuator 52 is mounted on a frame 54. The frame 54 is rigidly connected to the base 12 by a support plate 55 (more clearly shown in other figures), so that the base and frame are the stationary parts of the system.

[0060] The frame 54 also connects to the outer arch 16 by rims 56. These rims 56 provide a movable connection between the body of the frame and the outer arch 16. In particular, the rims 56 allow rotation of the outer arch relative to the frame 54 about an axis of rotation 58 behind the front of the mouthpiece. This movement is indicated by arrow 60.

[0061] In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the connector comprises a first connector member in the form of a hinge 18 along a first side of the mouthpiece (left side of the user's jaw) located from the rear of the first side to the front. This first hinge 18 connects the medial arch, lateral arch, and base on that first side. A second hinge 20 is along the other side of the mouthpiece (right side of the user's jaw) located from the rear of the other side to the front. The second hinge 20 connects the medial arch, lateral arch, and base on that second side. Thus, the connector comprises a hinge located from the rear of the arch to the front.

[0062] The linkage further includes a first connector 24 between the medial arch 14 and the lateral arch 16 at the rear of the first side and a second connector 26 between the medial arch and the lateral arch at the rear of the second side. These connectors 24, 26 maintain the desired spacing between the medial and lateral arches and allow for the transmission of counter-phase motion that is initially produced by the first and second hinges 18, 20.

[0063] The actuator 52 in this embodiment comprises a motor with a rotating output shaft. An eccentric linkage 57 converts the rotation into a desired movement of the outer arch 16. This desired movement may be a simple side-to-side oscillation (i.e., left to right) or may be more complex, such as movement in a two-dimensional plane (i.e., left to right and up and down, i.e., in the vertical plane in the device's normal orientation), such as a circular motion. It may even be three-dimensional movement, with a component in the two-dimensional plane (the vertical plane) and a component parallel to the output shaft axis. This is used to provide an additional tapping effect.

[0064] Thus, in a very basic embodiment, the actuator provides arch movement along a single lateral axis by applying a lateral, one-dimensional translational motion. However, more complex motions are possible. A combination of tapping motion (i.e., across the teeth, rather than along them) and sliding motion can enhance cleaning effectiveness.

[0065] The eccentric motor can be integrated, for example, into the handle of the mouthpiece to actuate the outer arch with a suitable frequency in the range of 0.5-300 Hz and a stroke of approximately 0.5-10 mm to achieve a wide range of reach towards the molars.

[0066] FIG. 2 shows the design of FIG. 1 from above.

[0067] FIG. 3 more clearly shows that the design of FIG. 1 has two back-to-back U-shaped channels 10a, 10b, with cleaning elements such as bristles 70 protruding inward (toward the teeth) from the inner and outer arches to allow for simultaneous cleaning of the teeth on both jaws.

[0068] There is a single shared actuator 52, two back-to-back U-shaped channels 10a, 10b, and two separate frames 54a, 54b.

[0069] FIG. 4 shows an assembly of one U-shaped channel 10a of the mouthpiece 10 and one frame 54a (connected to the outer arch), excluding the support plate 55 which is a separate part.

[0070] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the design of FIGS.

[0071] The support plate 55 carries the actuator 52 and is sandwiched between the first and second frames 54a, 54b. The support plate has a mounting area 80 to which the bases 12a, 12b of the two U-shaped channels 10a, 10b of the mouthpiece 10 connect. The two bases and the mounting area are secured together by, for example, bolts or screws.

[0072] FIG. 6 shows the shape of mouthpiece 10 and the portion of frame 54 that connects to the outer arch of the mouthpiece, illustrating how anti-phase motions are induced by pairs of arrows pointing in different directions along the arch. The solid arrow motions occur simultaneously, while the dashed arrow motions occur sequentially. This is provided to allow comparison with the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 8.

[0073] FIG. 7 shows how anti-phase movements can be induced using the mouthpiece design shown in FIG.

[0074] The actuator induces lateral movement as indicated by the pair of arrows 90. Linking member 20 has a primary hinge pivot point defined at a point on the flexible connection between base 12 and location 22. In this example, the hinge point is asymmetrically located between the medial and lateral arches (although a symmetrical location is also possible, as shown below). Thus, the movement of the lateral arch is amplified (based on the ratio between distances 92a, 92b), which compensates for the loss of motion caused by the loss of the flexible hinge structure.

[0075] The asymmetric hinge design therefore improves the transfer of motion between the lateral and medial arches.

[0076] As a general guide to the approximate usable range of motion, the amplitude of the anti-phase movements is 1mm to For example, the actuation amplitude is about ±1.2 mm with an actuation input of ±1.5 mm. Larger actuation amplitudes, for example, about 3-4 mm (half the width of a molar), can be used, for example, using a geared motor.

[0077] In the embodiment of Figures 1-7, the linkage hinges from the rear to the front of the mouthpiece as described above, with additional connectors 24, 26. The advantage of the embodiment of Figures 1-7 is that the linkage transfers motion from the outer arch to the inner arch, which is closer to the actuator. This minimizes loss of motion and allows the molars to conform to the teeth.

[0078] 8 shows an alternative design in which the connector includes a first hinge 18 at the rear of a first side (left side) of the mouthpiece. This first hinge 18 connects the rear of the medial arch 14, the rear of the lateral arch 16, and the rear of the base 12 on said first side. A second hinge 20 is at the rear of the opposite side (right side) of the mouthpiece. The second hinge connects the rear of the medial arch 14, the rear of the lateral arch 16, and the rear of the base 12 on the opposite side. This structure has fewer complex parts.

[0079] The hinge is shown symmetrical in this example, with the primary pivot point midway between the medial and lateral arches, thus demonstrating that different hinge designs are possible by locating the primary hinge symmetrically or asymmetrically.

[0080] The above embodiment utilizes a connector formed as a first U-shaped connection between the lateral arch and location 22 (where the strut connecting to the base is located) and a second U-shaped connection between location 22 and the medial arch. An alternative design utilizes first and second W-shaped connections.

[0081] 9 shows a further alternative design of the connecting members 18, 20. A rigid strut 100 extends between the medial and lateral arches, and a pivot or rocker bearing 102 provides the connection to the base 12. Thus, at the interconnection of the three limbs of the strut there is a T-shaped connector with a pivot point.

[0082] The mouthpiece (base, connector, and arch) is formed from a single material. However, in one embodiment, the inner and outer arches are formed from, for example, a first material, and the connector or a portion of the connector is formed from a material different from the first material. Using different materials can optimize elastic coupling properties.

[0083] FIG. 10A shows the design of FIG. 8, showing region A formed of a different material (material A) than the rest of the structure.

[0084] Figure 10B shows the design of Figure 6, showing regions B and C formed of a different material than the rest of the structure. Regions B and C can be the same material (material B) or two different materials (materials B and C), both different from the main structure.

[0085] Figure 10C shows the design of Figure 6, showing regions D formed of a different material (material D) than the rest of the structure. These regions formed of different material are the junctions between the connecting members and the arch, and the junctions between the connecting members and the base.

[0086] Materials A to D, for example, have a (relatively) low hardness and a low Young's modulus, which add flexibility and deformability to the hinge.

[0087] The material of the remainder of the structure may, for example, have a (relatively) medium or high hardness and a medium or high Young's modulus.

[0088] As an example, the primary material may be polyethylene (modulus of elasticity 1.1 GPa, Poisson's ratio 0.42), which is one food-grade material of choice for parts with flexure designs (living hinges), although there are other materials such as polyamides (e.g., nylon) and thermoplastic elastomers that can be used for this application.

[0089] The hinges are designed for low stress, long life, and minimal loss of energy within the system. The parts can be made, for example, by 3D printing or injection molding.

[0090] The whole system can be described as a compliant spring system. For example, the system can be driven at its resonant frequency, reducing the power requirements of the system. Because damping on the teeth varies from person to person, amplitude feedback can be used to individually adjust the frequency to the resonant frequency, and parts of the system can be customized for a better fit.

[0091] As explained above, a one-dimensional reciprocating brushing motion is used. Figure 11 shows a modification in which the rims 56 are made thinner and have cutouts 110 to create additional degrees of freedom for their movement. This can be used to generate three-dimensional motion from a two-dimensional eccentric drive. For example, by operating in a circular orbit, a more complex (two-dimensional) circular brushing motion is generated. By adding another pivot point, complex three-dimensional motion can be generated, for example, a circular motion superimposed with a tapping motion.

[0092] In the above examples, the actuator is in front of the mouthpiece, i.e., outside the mouth. In another set of examples, instead of forming the actuator outside and in front of the mouthpiece, the actuator may be located in a space partially enclosed by the inner arch. It may therefore be intended to be placed inside the user's mouth. This allows for a more compact device.

[0093] One option is, for example, to use an actuator similar to that shown above to drive the medial arch (closer to the actuator).

[0094] Alternatively, Figure 12 shows an alternative actuator design.

[0095] The actuator includes a dual-shaft motor 120 with a swash plate on the output shaft. A first swash plate 122 connects to the rear of one of the inner and outer arches 14 and 16 on the same side, and a second swash plate 124 connects to the rear of the other of the inner and outer arches on the same side. Thus, each swash plate ensures that the common ends of the inner and outer arches move in opposite directions. For example, the two shafts rotate in the same direction.

[0096] FIG. 13 shows a further alternative actuator design.

[0097] The actuator includes a dual-shaft motor 130 having two swash plates on its output shaft. A first swash plate 132 driven by one shaft connects to the rear of each side of the inner arch 14, while a second swash plate 134 driven by the other shaft connects to the rear of each side of the outer arch 16. Thus, each swash plate ensures that the two ends of each of the inner and outer arches move in opposite directions, and the two swash plates operate in antiphase with each other. For example, they rotate in opposite directions.

[0098] In this way, the benefits of an anti-phase brushing motion combined with a greater reach can be obtained.

[0099] 12 and 13, the swash plate functions as a linkage. The overall swash plate design reconnects adjacent regions of the inner arch to adjacent regions (ends in these examples) of the outer arch, and the adjacent ends are made to move in opposite directions by the overall swash plate design.

[0100] The U-shaped channel in the mouthpiece allows for the addition of bristles on the stationary base. The incisors bite against the anterior base, anchoring the stationary base. This stationary base is covered with cleaning structures (that contact the teeth) (e.g., a rough surface or short 0.5-1 mm bristles for some cleaning of the upper incisors). Increasing the thickness of this stationary base allows for more room for bristles in the molar to premolar area.

[0101] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the singular does not exclude a plurality.

[0102] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0103] It should be noted that when the term "adapted" is used in the claims or the specification, it is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured."

[0104] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A base and an inner arch for placement adjacent to an inner surface of the teeth of a user's jaw; an outer arch for placement adjacent to an outer surface of the teeth of the jaw; an actuator coupling for connecting to an actuator for applying movement to the medial arch and / or the lateral arch relative to the base; A mouthpiece for a dental cleaning system comprising: The inner arch and the outer arch are connected by a connecting device, The connecting device connects an area adjacent to the inner arch and an area adjacent to the outer arch, and converts movement of the adjacent area of ​​one of the inner arch and the outer arch in one direction relative to the base into movement of the adjacent area of ​​the other of the area adjacent to the inner arch and the area adjacent to the outer arch in an opposite direction relative to the base.

2. 2. The mouthpiece of claim 1, wherein the connecting device comprises a connecting member extending between the inner arch and the outer arch, the connecting member connecting to the base at a location between the inner arch and the outer arch.

3. such that the coupling device provides actuation of the inner arch or the outer arch at the front of the mouthpiece; Along a single horizontal axis, or Within the two-dimensional left-right and top-bottom plane The mouthpiece according to claim 1 or 2,

4. The coupling device comprises: a first hinge at the rear of a first side of the mouthpiece, the first hinge connecting the rear of the inner arch, the rear of the outer arch, and the base at the first side; a second hinge at the rear of a second side of the mouthpiece, the second hinge connecting the rear of the inner arch, the rear of the outer arch, and the base at the second side; The mouthpiece according to claim 2 or 3, comprising:

5. The coupling device comprises: a first hinge along the first side of the mouthpiece located forward from the rear of the first side, the first hinge connecting the inner arch, the outer arch, and the base at the first side; a second hinge along the second side of the mouthpiece located forward from the rear of the second side, the second hinge connecting the inner arch, the outer arch, and the base at the second side; The mouthpiece according to claim 2 or 3, comprising:

6. 6. The mouthpiece of claim 5, wherein the coupling device further comprises a first connector between the inner and outer arches at the rear of the first side and a second connector between the inner and outer arches at the rear of the second side.

7. The first and second hinges each include: Struts rigidly connected to the medial and lateral arches, the struts having pivot points disposed along the struts and connected to the base; or a first U-bend or W-bend between the outer arch and a connecting node, and a second U-bend or W-bend between the connecting node and the inner arch; 7. The mouthpiece of claim 4, wherein the connecting node is coupled to the base.

8. 8. The mouthpiece of claim 7, wherein the inner arch and the outer arch are formed from a first material, and the connector or a portion of the connector is formed from a material different from the first material.

9. A mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 8, an actuator coupled to the actuator coupling portion of the mouthpiece; A dental cleaning system comprising:

10. The dental cleaning system of claim 9 , wherein the actuator is disposed at a front portion of the mouthpiece and is coupled to the outer arch at the front portion of the mouthpiece.

11. 11. The dental cleaning system of claim 10, further comprising a frame carrying the actuator, the frame being rigidly connected to the base, the frame connecting to the outer arch by a connection that allows the outer arch to rotate relative to the frame about an axis of rotation rearward of the front portion of the mouthpiece.

12. A dental cleaning system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the actuator comprises a motor having an eccentric coupling element connecting to the outer arch.

13. The dental cleaning system of claim 9 , wherein the actuator is disposed in a space partially enclosed by the inner arch.

14. the coupling device comprising first and second swash plates at an output of the actuator; The first swash plate connects to the rear of the opposite side of the inner arch and the second swash plate connects to the rear of the opposite side of the outer arch, or 14. The dental cleaning system of claim 13, wherein the first swash plate connects to a rear portion of a same side of one of the inner and outer arches and the second swash plate connects to a rear portion of a same side of the other of the inner and outer arches.

15. 15. The dental cleaning system of claim 9, further comprising cleaning elements on the inner and outer arches and a structural cleaning element attached to a top surface of the base.

Images