Synchronous and asynchronous sweep and power tapping operations

Abstract

A personal care device is provided that includes a cleaning unit having a body portion and a set of cleaning elements extending along an alignment axis, a controller, and an actuator assembly arranged to be driven by the controller. The actuator assembly includes an actuator configured to generate a first periodic motion and a second periodic motion, the first periodic motion and the second periodic motion operating at different frequencies or out of phase with each other. The first periodic motion moves the cleaning element in a first direction around a central axis of the personal care device or along a line tangential to a platen of the cleaning unit. The second periodic motion moves the cleaning element in a second direction different from the first direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the platen of the cleaning unit.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to personal care devices and systems that provide synchronized and asynchronous controllable sweeping and power tapping actions to achieve high performance cleaning results. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0002] Currently, modern powered personal care devices use a rotational motion about a central axis of the cleaning element platen. This motion is known as a sweeping motion. A simplified schematic diagram of a modern powered personal care device is shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, a powered device 10 has a handle 12 and a cleaning unit 14 or brush head. Cleaning elements 16 or bristles are shown extending from the cleaning unit 14. In use, the cleaning unit 14 is driven by a drive system housed within the handle 12. The cleaning element is typically rotated by the drive system about a central axis A in a sweeping motion SM. The sweeping motion is typically embodied as a motion that is linear, rotational, or a combination of both linear and rotational, and the motion is tangential to the direction in which the bristles are pointing.

[0003]

[0003] Unfortunately, toothbrush devices that use only sweeping motion are not optimized for all target areas in the mouth (e.g., interproximal areas, gum line areas, incisal surfaces, molar surfaces, and entire tooth surface areas). Achieving proper cleaning performance in all target areas depends on many factors, including toothbrush design, toothbrush movement, and user handling. Although manufacturers can adjust toothbrush designs or designs, it is challenging to design a toothbrush that performs optimally in all target areas due to discrepancies in the requirements for various areas. Thus, toothbrushes may suffer from suboptimal performance in certain areas of interest. Consumers can ideally use different types of toothbrushes to achieve the best cleaning in all target areas, but only use one toothbrush device for their daily oral care routine. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004]

[0004] Thus, there is a need in the art for improved powered personal care devices and systems that achieve stain and / or plaque removal and gum health objectives. There is also a need in the art for improved personal care devices and systems that are less dependent on user manipulation, yet synchronize and / or desynchronize various drive train operations to target specific areas or all target areas of the mouth. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005]

[0005] The present disclosure generally relates to an electric or powered personal care device of the present invention, such as a power toothbrush or shaver, and a method of using the electric or powered personal care device to provide high performance cleaning results. The system of the present invention achieves stain and / or plaque removal and improved gum health objectives by precisely and controllably generating a power tapping motion combined with a sweeping motion. Various embodiments and implementations herein relate to an improved system comprising a cleaning element, such as a cleaning unit having a set of bristles, and one of a variety of drive train assemblies. The improved drive train assembly (i) generates a first cyclical motion such that the cleaning element moves in a first direction about a central axis of the device or along a line tangential to the cleaning unit platen, and (ii) generates a second cyclical motion such that the cleaning element moves in a second direction that is perpendicular or perpendicular to the cleaning unit platen. In embodiments where the first cyclical motion involves rotating the cleaning element about a central axis of rotation of the personal care device, the second direction is perpendicular to the central axis of rotation of the first cyclical motion. Applicant recognizes and understands that electric or motorized personal care devices can be significantly improved by controllably moving a cleaning element in a first direction that is perpendicular to the alignment axis of the cleaning element (i.e., a sweeping motion) and controllably driving the cleaning element in a second direction that is parallel to the alignment axis of the cleaning element (i.e., a tapping motion), where the motion is within certain ranges of critical amplitudes and critical frequencies, and where the sweeping motion and tapping motion are operated at different frequencies and / or out of phase with each other.

[0006]

[0006] In one aspect, a personal care device is provided, the personal care device comprising: a body portion, a cleaning unit having a set of cleaning elements, a controller disposed within the body portion, and an actuator assembly arranged to be driven by the controller, the actuator assembly including an actuator configured to generate a first periodic motion and a second periodic motion of the cleaning unit, the first periodic motion and the second periodic motion operating at different frequencies or out of phase with each other.

[0007]

[0007] According to one embodiment, a first periodic motion is transmitted to the cleaning unit such that at least one cleaning element of the set of cleaning elements moves in a first direction around a central axis of the personal care device or along a line tangent to a platen of the cleaning unit, and a second periodic motion is transmitted to the cleaning unit such that at least one cleaning element of the set of cleaning elements moves in a second direction different from the first direction, the second direction being perpendicular to said platen of the cleaning unit.

[0008]

[0008] According to one embodiment, the set of cleaning elements is configured to move according to a first periodic motion at a first frequency, and the set of cleaning elements is configured to move according to a second periodic motion at a second frequency different from the first frequency.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the first frequency is lower or higher than the second frequency.

[0010]

[0010] According to one embodiment, the second frequency is approximately three times lower than the first frequency.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the second frequency is approximately twice higher than the first frequency.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the first periodic motion and the second periodic motion are phase shifted from each other by approximately 90 degrees or 270 degrees. The phase shift may be in the range of approximately 45 to 135 degrees or in the range of approximately 225 to 315 degrees.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the first periodic motion and the second periodic motion are phase shifted from each other by approximately 180 degrees. The phase shift may be in the range of approximately 135 to 225 degrees.

[0014]

[0014] In another aspect, a personal care apparatus is provided comprising a body portion, a cleaning unit having a set of cleaning elements, and an actuation assembly configured to drive the cleaning unit, the actuation assembly being disposed within the body portion and including: a drive train configured to periodically move the set of cleaning elements with a first periodic motion such that at least one cleaning element of the set of cleaning elements moves in a first direction, i.e., around a central axis of the personal care apparatus or along a line tangential to a platen of the cleaning unit; and a motion generator configured to move the set of cleaning elements with a second periodic motion such that at least one cleaning element of the set of cleaning elements moves in a second direction different from the first direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the platen of the cleaning unit.

[0015]

[0015] According to one embodiment, the second direction is parallel to an alignment axis of the cleaning element.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the first periodic motion and the second periodic motion are phase shifted from each other by approximately 90 degrees, approximately 180 degrees, or approximately 270 degrees.

[0017]

[0017] According to one embodiment, the motion generator includes a motion conversion element coupled to the drive train and a tapping plate configured to be actuated by moving the drive train, the tapping plate being configured to move the set of cleaning elements with a second periodic motion.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the drive train includes a first actuator and the motion generator includes a second actuator configured to move the set of cleaning elements with a second periodic motion.

[0019]

[0019] According to one embodiment, the personal care device further includes a controller configured to control the actuation assembly, the controller configured to receive an input signal from the first actuator and to control the second actuator based on the received input signal from the first actuator.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the controller is configured to generate a frequency difference and a phase difference of the second periodic motion relative to the first periodic motion based on the received input signal.

[0021] In various embodiments, the processor or controller may be associated with one or more storage media (generally referred to herein as "memory", e.g., volatile and non-volatile computer memory such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM, floppy disks, compact disks, optical disks, magnetic tapes, etc.). In some embodiments, the storage media may be encoded with one or more programs that, when executed by one or more processors and / or controllers, perform at least some of the functions discussed herein. The various storage media may be fixed within the processor or controller, or may be transportable such that one or more programs stored on the various storage media can be loaded into the processor or controller to implement the various aspects discussed herein. The term "program" or "computer program" is used herein in a generic sense to refer to any type of computer code (e.g., software or microcode) that can be used to program one or more processors or controllers.

[0022]

[0022] It should be understood that all combinations of the above ideas and further ideas discussed in more detail below (provided such ideas are not mutually inconsistent) are considered to be part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of the subject matter set forth in the claims appearing at the end of this disclosure are considered to be part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. It should also be understood that the terms expressly used in this specification, which also appear in any disclosures incorporated by reference, should be given the meaning most consistent with the specific ideas disclosed herein.

[0023]

[0023] These and other aspects of the various embodiments will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.

[0024]

[0024] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the various views. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the various embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1]

[0025] FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of an end view of a modern powered personal care device using a sweeping motion. [Diagram 2]

[0026] 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a portion of a powered personal care device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3]

[0027] FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of an end view of a powered personal care device configured to utilize sweeping and tapping motions, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]

[0028] 1 is a schematic diagram of a powered personal care device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5]

[0029] FIG. 13 is a graphical illustration of a tapping motion combined in phase and at double frequency with a sweeping motion, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6]

[0030] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an end view of a motorized personal care device moving according to one full cycle of the summation of the tapping and sweeping motions depicted in FIG. 5, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7]

[0031] FIG. 13 is a graphical illustration of a tapping motion coupled approximately 90 degrees out of phase with a sweeping motion, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8]

[0032] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an end view of a motorized personal care device moving according to one full cycle of the sum of the tapping and sweeping motions depicted in FIG. 7, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9]

[0033] FIG. 13 is a graphical illustration of a tapping motion coupled approximately 180 degrees out of phase with a sweeping motion, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10]

[0034] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an end view of a motorized personal care device moving according to one full cycle of the sum of the tapping and sweeping motions depicted in FIG. 9 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11]

[0035] 13A-13C show graphical illustrations of example sweep and tapping amplitudes where the sweep and tapping motions are approximately 180 degrees out of phase, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12]

[0036] FIG. 13 shows a graphical illustration of an example sweep amplitude and tapping amplitude when a cleaning element is driven to provide two taps during a single sweep cycle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13]

[0037] FIG. 13 shows a graphical illustration of an example sweep amplitude and tapping amplitude when a cleaning element is driven to provide four taps during a single sweep cycle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14]

[0038] FIG. 13 is a graphical illustration of a tapping motion coupled approximately 90 degrees out of phase with a sweeping motion, where the sweeping motion and the tapping motion have equal amplitude and the frequency ratio of the sweeping motion to the tapping motion is 3:1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15]

[0039] FIG. 13 is a graphical illustration of a tapping motion combined in phase and at double frequency with a sweeping motion, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16]

[0040] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of an end view of a motorized personal care device moving according to one full cycle of the sum of the tapping and sweeping motions depicted in FIG. 15 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17]

[0041] FIG. 13 is a graphical illustration of a tapping motion combined in phase and at double frequency with a sweeping motion, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18]

[0042] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of an end view of a motorized personal care device moving according to one full cycle of the sum of the tapping and sweeping motions depicted in FIG. 17, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19]

[0043] FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a powered personal care device with a single mechanical actuation system that drives cleaning elements to perform tapping and sweeping motions, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 20]

[0044] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary mechanical actuation system for driving a cleaning element of a cleaning device to perform tapping and sweeping motions, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 21]

[0045] 22 is a schematic diagram of the example mechanical actuation system of FIG. 21 as the coupling element rotates with the drivetrain shaft, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22]

[0046] FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a powered personal care device with a mechanical actuation system having two actuators that drive a cleaning element to perform tapping and sweeping motions, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 23]

[0047] FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a powered personal care device with a mechanical actuation system having two actuators that drive a cleaning element to perform tapping and sweeping motions, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 24]

[0048] 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating a powered personal care appliance according to an aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026]

[0049] The present disclosure describes various embodiments of an improved system for driving a cleaning unit of an electric or powered personal care device, such as a powered oral care device or shaver. The applicant recognizes and understands that a personal care device can provide improved cleaning performance in critical areas of a user's mouth by driving a cleaning element with a sweeping motion combined with a controllable periodic vertical motion that is parallel to the direction of the cleaning element or the alignment axis of the cleaning element, and the amplitude of the vertical motion (referred to herein as "power tapping") is greater than 0.25 mm. As used herein, the term "vertical" is used to indicate the relative direction of the motion shown in the figures, rather than to mean an absolute direction relative to the ground. As described herein, the power tapping action of the present invention in a powered personal care device can (i) achieve deeper reach into the gingival pocket to remove subgingival plaque, (ii) achieve higher peak forces at the surface to enhance plaque and / or stain removal, (iii) prevent bristle tufts from getting stuck to enhance plaque removal by restoring beneficial tuft sweeping behavior, (iv) achieve greater resilience to usage variables such as toothbrush placement, toothbrush angle, and toothbrush pressure, and (v) provide new options for experience modes for consumers. Thus, an exemplary improved system described or otherwise contemplated herein provides a cleaning unit having a set of cleaning elements, a controller, and one of a variety of actuation assemblies for generating dual cyclical motions. Applicant recognizes and understands that such controlled cyclical motions can be operated at different frequencies and / or out of phase with each other to provide improved cleaning performance.

[0027]

[0050] A particular purpose of the use of some embodiments and implementations herein is to provide a mechanism for providing a power tapping action in a powered personal care device, such as, for example, a Philips Sonicare™ power toothbrush (Koninklijke Philips NV). However, the components of the device may be used with many other personal care devices, including oral care devices, oral cleaning devices, mouthpieces, flossers, skin cleaners, and many other devices. The present disclosure should not be limited by the specific embodiments depicted and described.

[0028]

[0051] As shown in FIG. 2, a simplified schematic diagram of a portion of a personal care device 100 configured to generate a sweeping and tapping action is presented. The personal care device 100 comprises a brush head 114 that can be driven to rotate a cleaning element 116 about a central axis A. The orientation shown in FIG. 2 is included to clarify the spatially expansive terminology used in the art and in this application. As used herein, the term "vertical" refers to the orientation shown. An axial direction AD is parallel to the central axis A and extends along the y-axis of the personal care device 100. A radial direction RD1 is orthogonal to the central axis A and the radial direction RD2 and extends along the x-axis of the personal care device 100. A radial direction RD2 is orthogonal to both the axial direction AD and the radial direction RD1, parallel to the axis of the depicted cleaning element 116, and extends along the z-axis of the personal care device 100. A power tapping action as described herein refers to a controllable movement of the cleaning unit and / or cleaning element in the radial direction RD2. In some embodiments, a power tapping motion refers to the controllable movement of the cleaning unit and / or cleaning element in a radial direction RD2 by rotating the drive train shaft about an axis extending in the radial direction RD1 (i.e. about the x-axis of the device). In other words, a power tapping motion refers to the movement of the cleaning element parallel to the alignment axis of the cleaning element. A sweeping motion refers to the rotational and / or linear motion of the cleaning element perpendicular to the alignment axis of the cleaning element.

[0029]

[0052] Referring to FIG. 3, a schematic diagram of an end view of the personal care device 100 is presented. The personal care device 100 is configured to generate various motions, each motion including the sum of sweeps or strokes and pulses or taps (i.e., cumulative action, action, or effect). The sweeps or strokes are directed in a direction SM (the sweeps or strokes are in a direction between the occlusal surface, i.e., the chewing surface, and the gum line, when the toothbrush is held with the bristle tips pointing toward the buccal side of the teeth). The pulses or taps are directed in a vertical direction TM (near the tongue in the facial direction, when the toothbrush is held with the bristle tips pointing toward the buccal side of the teeth). In some embodiments, the toothbrush is held with the bristle tips pointing toward the teeth at a 45 degree angle. As used herein, a tapping motion is defined as a vertical periodic motion (i.e., in the direction TM) with an amplitude of 0.25 mm or greater. As described in more detail herein, the oral care device 100 can be configured to turn on and off the sweeping and tapping motions (SM and TM) to optimize the action for the particular area where the particular action is most beneficial. In some cases, the particular action includes either only the sweeping action or only the tapping action. In other cases, the particular action includes some combination of the sweeping action and the tapping action. For example, in some embodiments, only the tapping action can be used on the lower anterior tongue area of ​​the mouth. A low power tapping action (i.e., a tapping action having an amplitude on the lower side of the critical range described herein) can be used with the sweeping action for the anterior cheek area of ​​the mouth. Alternatively, only the sweeping action can be used on the anterior cheek area of ​​the mouth. A high power tapping action (i.e., a tapping action having an amplitude on the higher side of the critical range described herein) can achieve better coverage to the interproximal areas between the teeth with or without the sweeping action.

[0030]

[0053] In some embodiments, the desired range of amplitude for the power tapping motion is approximately ±0.25 mm to approximately ±3 mm, and the power tapping motion generally includes a periodic vertical motion of 0.5 mm or more. Amplitudes higher than ±3 mm are undesirable due to the risk of cracking the teeth and the platen of the personal care device may affect the occlusal surface of the opposing jaw. Furthermore, amplitudes higher than ±3 mm may cause undesirable vibration of oral and nasal tissues and an unpleasant sensation to the treatment surface. Frequencies lower than 0.25 Hz are too slow to be effective. Frequencies higher than 520 Hz are more than twice the primary resonant frequency and are undesirable. Period frequency refers to the number of cycles for a given time interval, for example, 1 second. Period amplitude refers to the peak amplitude, which may include the maximum absolute value of the signal used herein.

[0031]

[0054] It should be understood that the recommended oral care routine lasts for 2 minutes, and considering an average of 32 teeth, approximately 3.75 seconds are available per tooth during the recommended oral care routine. Therefore, if the power tapping action occurs slower than 4 seconds, it is too slow to be applied uniformly throughout the mouth (i.e., at all interproximal points). Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the power tapping action occurs at least every 3.75 seconds (i.e., at a frequency of approximately 0.27 Hz). In some embodiments, the minimum frequency can be approximately 2 Hz (i.e., at least every 0.5 seconds). In further embodiments, the power tapping action can occur multiple times, each time passing through a single tooth, to ensure that the user receives a power tapping action uniformly throughout the mouth (i.e., at all interproximal points and / or each tooth). Thus, the required frequency is approximately 20 Hz (i.e., at least every 0.05 seconds). Of course, it should be appreciated that if the oral care routine is shorter or longer than two minutes, the occurrence of the power tapping action may be adjusted accordingly to occur evenly throughout the oral care routine. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, it may be desirable to have the occurrence of the power tapping action occur inconsistently or non-uniformly, for example due to an analysis of certain areas where tapping action is more beneficial than others.

[0032]

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, a sweeping motion is combined with a tapping motion having an amplitude of 0.25 mm, and the addition of the tapping motion can result in a 1% improvement in the gum line area, a 3% improvement in the interdental area, and an overall improvement of 1% in cleaning performance taking into account coverage of all surfaces to be cleaned.

[0033]

[0056] The tapping action improves the performance of the sweeping action by not trapping or fixing the bristle tufts. Trapped or stuck bristles are a phenomenon where under heavy load, the bristles can be bound or trapped such that they are no longer free to move with the sweeping action delivered by the drive train. If the user applies too much load while brushing, the bristle tufts can be partially bound in their movement on the tooth surface. As a result of the binding, the sweeping action can be reduced and the cleaning performance can be affected. If the user applies more load, the bristle tufts can be trapped or stuck, in which case the bristle tufts do not move at all when brushing. As a result of trapped or stuck bristles, there is no sweeping action and the user does not get any benefit from the sweeping action from the drive train assembly. If the bristles are trapped and trapped, the cleaning performance will only resume when the user manually moves the product in a new direction and releases the bristles from the heavy load.

[0034]

[0057] The sweeping motion is best performed when the bristles touch the tooth surface and can move freely along a large surface area without being bound. When brushing with a sweeping motion and a tapping motion, the bristle tufts spread as the load increases due to the drive train assembly generating a vertical up-down motion (i.e., a power tapping motion) or as the brush head moves in the direction DR1. For example, as the load increases due to the force applied by the drive train assembly or otherwise due to the load applied by the user, the tufts may become more and more bound. However, if the amplitude of the brush head motion in the direction DR1 is large enough, the large amplitude motion may cause buckling of bound or trapped bristles, which may actually release or free the bristles. Thus, adding a tapping motion of a large enough amplitude to the sweeping motion enhances cleaning performance by allowing the bristles to move more freely.

[0035]

[0058] Critically, if the brush head moves in direction DR2 during the cyclic tapping motion, the behavior is reversed and the tufts become increasingly restrained as the load is further reduced. The tapping motion can allow the tufts to cover a larger surface area during the sweeping motion, enhancing plaque removal by restoring the beneficial sweeping motion.

[0036]

[0059] Adding a tapping motion to a sweeping motion also achieves deeper coverage into the gum pocket to remove subgingival plaque. Within the gum pocket, the addition of a tapping motion achieves improved cleaning performance in marginal, interproximal, mesial, and buccal regions, as well as improved overall performance. In an exemplary embodiment, deeper coverage and improved cleaning performance is achieved at a roll angle of 30 degrees, 45 degrees, or 60 degrees, or any suitable roll angle. Thus, the addition of a tapping motion makes the cleaning efficiency of the brush more robust to user orientation and less dependent on user technique than using only a sweeping motion.

[0037]

[0060] Improved cleaning performance can be achieved by using key operating parameters for the tapping motion discussed herein. Although various drive train assemblies can be implemented to generate the tapping motion, two exemplary assemblies are discussed below simply to illustrate how the present invention can be implemented and practiced when phase or frequency shifting the sweeping and tapping motions.

[0038]

[0061] 4, an exemplary personal care device 100 is presented that includes a body portion 102 having a housing and a cleaning unit 104 attached to the body portion 102. The cleaning unit 104 includes a brush head 114 at its distal end remote from the body portion 102. The brush head 114 includes a bristle face 115 that provides a plurality of cleaning elements 116, e.g., bristles. According to one embodiment, the cleaning elements extend along an alignment axis or along an axis generally perpendicular to the elongated axis of the unit, although many other embodiments of the cleaning unit and cleaning elements are possible.

[0039]

[0062] The cleaning unit 104, the brush head 114, and / or the bristle surface 115 are mounted so as to be movable relative to the body portion housing 102. The movement can be any of a variety of different movements, including, among others, oscillation or rotation. According to one embodiment, the cleaning unit 104 is mounted to the body portion housing 102 so as to be oscillating relative to the body portion housing 102, or, as another example, the brush head 114 is mounted to the cleaning unit 104 so as to be oscillating relative to the body portion housing 102, or, as another example, the bristle surface 115 is mounted to the cleaning unit 104 so as to be oscillating relative to the body portion housing 102. The cleaning unit 104 can be fixedly mounted to the body portion housing 102, or, alternatively, it may be removably mounted so that the cleaning unit 104 can be replaced with a new one when the cleaning element or another component of the device wears out and requires replacement.

[0040]

[0063] The body portion includes a drive train assembly 122 having an actuator or motor that generates motion, and a transmission component 124 or shaft that transmits the generated motion to the cleaning unit 104. For example, the drive train assembly 122 includes a motor or electromagnet(s) that generates motion on the drive train shaft 124, which is then transmitted to the cleaning unit 104. The drive train and motor 122 may include components such as a power source, an oscillator, and one or more electromagnets, among other components. In this embodiment, the power source includes one or more rechargeable batteries, not shown, which may be charged, for example, in a charging holder in which the personal care device 100 is placed when not in use.

[0041]

[0064] A user input 126 is further provided on the body portion for activating and deactivating the motion generator or drive train assembly 122. The user input 126 allows a user to operate the personal care device 100, such as turning the personal care device 100 on and off. The user input 126 may be, for example, a button, a touch screen, or a switch.

[0042]

[0065] The main body of the device also includes a controller 130. The controller 130 may be formed from one or more modules and is configured to operate the personal care device 100 in response to inputs, such as those obtained by the user input 126 or from one or more sensors in the device. The controller 130 may include, for example, a processor 132 and a memory 134, and may optionally include a connectivity module 138. The processor 132 may take any suitable form, including, but not limited to, a microcontroller, multiple microcontrollers, a circuit, a single processor, or multiple processors. The memory 134 may take any suitable form, including non-volatile memory and / or RAM. The non-volatile memory may include a read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid-state drive (SSD). The memory may store, among other things, an operating system and sensor data from the sensor(s). The RAM is used by the processor for temporary storage of data. According to one embodiment, the operating system may include code that, when executed by the controller 130, controls the operation of the hardware components of the oral care device 100. According to one embodiment, the connectivity module 138 may be any module, device, or means capable of transmitting collected sensor data and transmitting wired or wireless signals, including, but not limited to, Wi-fi, Bluetooth, near field communication, and / or cellular modules.

[0043]

[0066] In some embodiments, the body portion of the device also includes one or more sensors 140. Although the sensor(s) are shown in the body portion 102, the sensor(s) may be located anywhere in the device, including, for example, in the cleaning unit 104 or the head member 114. According to some embodiments, the sensor(s) may be integral with the controller 130. In some embodiments, the sensor 140 is configured to generate information indicative of the acceleration and / or angular orientation of the personal care device 100 relative to the user's teeth. The sensor 140 may include an internal motion sensor, such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or a magnetic sensor. According to one embodiment, the sensor 140 is configured to provide a 6-axis (3-axis translational and 3-axis rotational) reading of relative motion, for example, using a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis accelerometer. As another example, the sensor 104 is configured to provide a 9-axis reading of relative motion, for example, using a 3-axis gyroscope, a 3-axis accelerometer, and a 3-axis magnetometer. Other sensors may be used alone or in conjunction with these sensors, including, but not limited to, pressure sensors, and other types of sensors such as capacitive sensors, cameras, photocells, clocks, timers, and other types of sensors. Many different types of sensors may be used, as described herein or otherwise contemplated. Sensor 140 may include two or more sensors that function together as a 6-axis or 9-axis spatial sensor system.

[0044]

[0067] The frequency of the tapping motion TM can be the same as, higher than, or lower than the frequency of the sweeping motion SM. In some embodiments, the frequency of the tapping motion TM is lower than the frequency of the sweeping motion SM (preferably three times lower). In further embodiments, the frequency of the tapping motion TM is three times lower than the frequency of the sweeping motion SM and the tapping motion is approximately 90 degrees out of phase with the sweeping motion SM. In such embodiments, cleaning performance is optimized in all important or critical areas of the user's mouth (i.e., gum line, between teeth, and over the entire tooth surface). As described herein, in embodiments where the tapping motion has a lower frequency than the sweeping motion and is out of phase with the sweeping motion, particular improvement is seen in the interdental areas. Improvements are also seen in overall tooth surface cleaning performance when (i) the tapping motion has a lower frequency than the sweeping motion and is out of phase with the sweeping motion, (ii) the tapping motion has a frequency equal to the sweeping motion and is in phase and out of phase with the sweeping motion, and (iii) the tapping motion has a higher frequency than the sweeping motion and is in phase and out of phase with the tapping motion. Additionally, cleaning performance is less dependent on user handling for gum line cleaning.

[0045]

[0068] Further improvements in the resulting responsive force level are seen when the tapping motion has a lower frequency than the sweeping motion and is out of phase with the sweeping motion as explained above. Specifically, the resulting responsive force level at the platen of the electric personal care device is reduced, resulting in a gentler or more comfortable cleaning experience for the user. Furthermore, reducing the responsive force level means that less energy is required to drive the cleaning unit, resulting in a longer battery life. The reduced responsive force level is seen when (i) the tapping motion has a lower frequency than the sweeping motion and is out of phase with the sweeping motion, and (ii) the tapping motion has a frequency equal to the sweeping motion and is in phase and / or out of phase with the sweeping motion. The reduced responsive force level is even more noticeable when the tapping motion has a higher frequency than the sweeping motion and is in phase and out of phase with the tapping motion.

[0046]

[0069] As shown in FIG. 5, when both the sweeping motion and the tapping motion are synchronized or in phase, the waveforms of the motions move synchronously. In other words, when the sweeping motion and the tapping motion are synchronized, there is no phase angle difference between the sweeping motion and the tapping motion. Although the amplitudes are not the same in the diagram in FIG. 5, the maximum and minimum peaks of both waveforms occur at the same time. The phase angle is defined as the angle difference between the two periodic motions. In the specific embodiment shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the tapping motion TM can be combined with the sweeping motion SM in a V-shaped or "up and down" motion, where the tapping motion is in phase with the rotating motion but at twice the frequency. In such an embodiment, the combination of motions causes an asymmetric periodic motion. In FIG. 5, both motions start at the same time and reach their respective maximum peak points at 90 degrees from the start. Both motions are also synchronized at 180 degrees from the start and reach their respective minimum peak points at 270 degrees from the start. Finally, both motions are synchronized at 360 degrees from the start. Each cycle of each motion is represented between 0 degrees and 360 degrees. FIG. 6 shows an end view of a cleaning unit moving in a V-shaped or "up and down" motion over time relative to the x, y, and z axes of the device. With the exemplary sweeping motion depicted, the brush head starts in a substantially upward vertical orientation. As the motion progresses, the brush head tilts about the y axis of the device so that it faces upward and to the right. With a tapping motion, the brush head similarly moves upward in the z axis direction as it tilts about the y axis. As shown in FIG. 6, both motions are reversed as the cycle continues. As shown in FIG. 5, the maximum tapping translation and maximum rotation angle can occur at approximately 90 degrees of the cycle. The 90 degree point of the cycle is indicated by point 200 in FIG. 6. Similarly, the minimum tapping translation and minimum rotation angle can occur at approximately 270 degrees of the cycle. The 270 degree point of the cycle is indicated by point 250 in FIG. 6. The midpoint of the brush head follows the diagonal line DL up and to the right. In such an embodiment, the motion maximizes the opportunity for the cleaning elements to contact the oral surfaces.

[0047]

[0070] If the orientation of the device relative to the oral cavity geometry is known, the "up and down" motion can add a helpful adaptive behavior. For example, if a user is using the powered personal care device with a non-optimal handle rotation, this asymmetric behavior can allow the cleaning elements of the cleaning unit to always contact the desired oral cavity geometry by "stretching" its motion to the desired location. Similarly, if the user positions the handle in a way that causes a cracked tooth or another undesired behavior, the device can move the cleaning unit out of the way to try to minimize the impact.

[0048]

[0071] When the phase angle between the tapping and sweeping motions is approximately 90 degrees, the tapping motion TM can precede the sweeping motion, or the sweeping motion SM can precede the tapping motion. In FIG. 7, after the tapping or sweeping motion starts at point A, the other motion starts at point B, which is approximately 90 degrees of movement of the first motion from point A. The resulting motion of the tip of the cleaning element due to a 90 degree phase angle shift between the power tapping motion and the sweeping motion is shown in FIG. 8. In FIG. 8, the center point of the cleaning unit follows a pattern P, which is shown at the end of the sequence. The pattern involves moving the cleaning unit along (i) a first curve C1 upward and to the right, (ii) a second curve C2 downward and to the right, (iii) a third curve C3 downward and to the left, and (iv) a fourth curve C4 upward and to the left. The cleaning unit starts and ends the pattern P at the same position. The first curve C1, the second curve C2, the third curve C3 and the fourth curve C4 are all connected in the depicted embodiment.

[0049]

[0072] When the phase angle between the tapping and sweeping motions is approximately 180 degrees (i.e., the phase angle difference between them is approximately 180 degrees), the waveforms of the tapping and sweeping motions are depicted as mirror images of each other as shown in FIG. 9. The resulting motion of the tip of the cleaning element with a 180 degree phase angle shift between the power tapping and sweeping motions is shown in FIG. 10. The center point of the cleaning unit follows the diagonal line DL downward and to the right as shown at the end of the sequence shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 11 shows an exemplary embodiment with a 180 degree phase angle shift between the tapping and sweeping motions. Starting at the beginning of the cycle with no change in amplitude for either motion, the cleaning element can then be driven to a positive maximum value equal to an amplitude of 2 mm in the tapping motion. At the same time, the cleaning element can be rotated to a negative maximum value equal to a rotation amplitude of -6 degrees in the sweeping motion. Thus, at 90 degrees of the cycle, there is a maximum tapping translation and a maximum rotation in the counterclockwise direction for the cleaning element. Halfway through the cycle, there is again no change in amplitude for either motion. The cleaning element can then be driven to a negative maximum value equal to an amplitude of -2 mm in the tapping motion. At the same time, the cleaning element can be rotated to a positive maximum value equal to a rotational amplitude of +6 degrees in the sweeping motion. Thus, at 270 degrees of the cycle, there is a minimum tapping translation and a maximum rotation for the cleaning element in the clockwise direction. At the end of the cycle, there is again no change in amplitude for either motion. Simultaneously with the reciprocating tapping motion, the cleaning element can be driven counterclockwise by more than 5 degrees, then driven clockwise back to neutral, and then driven clockwise by more than 5 degrees again. The cleaning element can be driven clockwise back to neutral. FIG. 12 shows another embodiment in which the cleaning element is driven to provide two taps (i.e., the point of maximum tapping translation) during a single sweeping cycle. FIG. 13 shows another embodiment in which the cleaning element is driven to provide four taps (i.e., the point of maximum tapping translation) during a single sweeping cycle.

[0050]

[0073] In FIG. 14, the tapping motion starts at point A and the sweep motion starts at point B. The frequency of the tapping motion is three times lower than the frequency of the sweep motion, and the tapping motion is approximately 90 degrees out of phase with the sweep motion. Thus, the frequency ratio of the sweep motion to the tapping motion is 3:1. Of course, in other embodiments, the sweep motion starts before the tapping motion, but the frequency of the tapping motion is still three times lower than the frequency of the sweep motion, and the tapping motion is approximately 90 degrees out of phase with the sweep motion. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the tapping motion and the sweep motion may have equal amplitudes, but it should be understood that these motions may have different amplitudes in different embodiments.

[0051]

[0074] In FIG. 15, the tapping motion is combined with the sweeping motion in a "tap down-tap down" motion. The tapping frequency is faster than the sweeping frequency. More specifically, the tapping frequency is twice as fast as the sweeping frequency. FIG. 16 shows an end view of the cleaning unit, where the center of the cleaning unit traces the shape of a three-dimensional cone when the tapping frequency is twice as fast as the sweeping frequency as shown in FIG. 15. In such an embodiment, maximum tapping occurs while the bristles are pointing directly at the oral surface, thus delivering high impact forces because the cantilever beam has a higher compression stiffness than bending stiffness. The cleaning element has a smaller impact zone as it traces a three-dimensional cone in the air.

[0052]

[0075] In FIG. 17, the tapping motion is combined with the sweeping motion in an "up-up" motion where the tapping frequency is twice as fast as the sweeping frequency. FIG. 18 shows an end view of the cleaning unit, the center of the cleaning unit follows a V-shaped motion when the tapping motion is combined with the sweeping motion in an "up-up" motion. In such an embodiment, the motion maximizes the chance of the cleaning element contacting the oral surface, since the maximum tapping translation occurs at the maximum rotation angle similar to the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. However, in such an embodiment, the cleaning element also contacts in a bending scenario that tends to minimize the peak forces. While the peak forces can be minimized, such motion can be used to soften the tapping effect if desired.

[0053]

[0076] Rather than focusing on user positioning, since the user does not have a good idea of ​​where to position the cleaning unit in the mouth when cleaning, the above-mentioned actions can be used to obtain robust cleaning with variable position-independent action. For example, by using several of the above-mentioned actions together, the user can achieve a desired cleaning performance based on the action of the cleaning unit and / or cleaning elements regardless of where the user positions the cleaning unit in the mouth. Thus, the user is not required to place the product in the right place in the right mode. Rather than consistently performing the same cleaning behavior every cycle during a cleaning routine, the cleaning behavior can change over time during the cleaning routine to achieve variable position-independent action. If the cleaning behavior remains the same and does not change during the routine, some of the combined sweeps and taps can be more effective than others. If the cleaning behavior does not change over time, new areas are cleaned during the routine. In some embodiments, the device can include a sensor 140 that uses stimulation to change the mode of the device, i.e., from the gumline mode to the interproximal mode. In other embodiments, the device can passively achieve dynamic cleaning behavior.

[0054]

[0077] One passive technique for achieving dynamic cleaning behavior naturally involves rapidly switching between two behaviors. For example, if the "tap down-tap down" behavior referred to herein with reference to Figs. 15 and 16 is the correct behavior ideal for interproximal spaces, while the "up-up" behavior referred to herein with reference to Figs. 17 and 18 is more suitable for larger surfaces, the user is more likely to have the optimal mode in the optimal place for at least some duration of the cleaning routine when the device quickly switches between both behaviors. Considering an average of 32 teeth for a user, and assuming a recommended oral care routine lasts for 2 minutes, it should be understood that approximately 3.75 seconds are available per tooth during the recommended oral care routine. By not switching between two or more behaviors, the user is more likely to use a non-optimal mode to clean certain areas (e.g., "up-up" behavior for interproximal spaces or "tap down-tap down" for larger surfaces). In some embodiments, the device is capable of rapidly switching between at least two actions during an oral care routine so that the user receives both actions on the tooth surfaces and interproximal spaces.

[0055]

[0078] To achieve the two actions in the exemplary embodiment, the frequencies of the sweeping and tapping actions can be close to each other, but not exactly the same as each other. With reference to Figs. 15 and 16 showing the "tap down-tap down" action and Figs. 17 and 18 showing the "up-up" action, by shifting the frequency of the tapping action relative to the frequency of the sweeping action, the resulting action is a "beat" action. The "beat" action includes the tapping and sweeping actions being in phase and out of phase over time. Thus, sometimes the maximum tapping occurs while the cleaning element is pointing directly at the oral surface (e.g., as shown in the "tap down-tap" configuration shown in Figs. 15 and 16), and other times the maximum tapping translation occurs at the maximum rotation angle (e.g., as shown in the "up-up" configuration shown in Figs. 17 and 18). When the "beat" occurs at least several times per second, multiple cleaning actions occur faster than the user can move the product, and therefore the optimal mode is used for each tooth area.

[0056]

[0079] Another passive technique for achieving dynamic cleaning behavior involves harmonic spacing. In embodiments using harmonic spacing, the resulting cleaning behavior repeats at integer multiples. For the cleaning behavior, the motion is periodically varied by the selected harmonic spacing.

[0057]

[0080] Referring to FIG. 19, in one embodiment, a schematic personal care device 500 is provided that simultaneously generates periodic rotational motion and periodic linear motion, where the frequency of the tapping motion is lower than the frequency of the sweeping motion and the tapping motion is out of phase with the sweeping motion. Of course, it should be understood that the controller of the personal care device 500 can vary the frequency and phase difference between the tapping motion and the sweeping motion. The embodiment depicted in FIG. 19 is not intended to be limited to embodiments where the frequency of the tapping motion is lower than the frequency of the sweeping motion. The personal care device 500 generally comprises a device housing or body portion 502, a cleaning unit 504, a controller 506, and a drive train assembly including an actuator 508 and a mechanical actuator system 509. The body portion 502 is similar to the body portion 102 in FIG. 4. The cleaning unit 504 is similar to the cleaning unit 104, which is movable relative to the body portion 102. Thus, the cleaning unit 504 is movably attached to the body portion 502. Additionally, the cleaning unit 504 includes a cleaning element or set of bristles, with the cleaning elements extending from the platen in one or more directions. The controller 506 is similar to the controller 130 and is located within the body portion 502. The controller 506 is configured to control an actuator 508 of the drive train assembly to generate a periodic rotational motion. The rotational motion generated by the actuator 508 is transmitted to a drive train shaft 510 of the mechanical actuator system 509. The drive train shaft 510 transmits the periodic rotational motion to the cleaning unit and cleaning elements such that the set of cleaning elements moves in a first direction about a central axis A or along a line tangential to the cleaning unit platen in a first motion pattern (i.e., a sweeping motion SM). The controller 506 is configured to send a control signal 512 to the actuator 508 to control the first motion pattern about a central axis or along a line tangential to the cleaning unit platen.

[0058]

[0081] To provide the out-of-phase tapping motion TM, the cleaning apparatus 500 further includes a coupling element 520 and a tapping plate 522 in a mechanical actuator system 509. The coupling element 520 and the tapping plate 522 in combination with the drive train shaft 510 constitute a mechanical actuator system 509 that provides the sweeping and tapping motions from only a single drive train actuator, i.e., from the actuator 508. In some embodiments, the single actuator that generates the sweeping and tapping motions is a sweeping motion actuator, such as a sweeping drive train shaft. For example, the controller 506 can be configured to send a control signal 512 to the actuator 508, which can then send an electrical or drive train signal 514 that rotates the drive train shaft 510, via any suitable mechanical coupling 516, about the central axis A or along a line that is tangential to the cleaning unit platen. The coupling element 520 and tapping plate 522 use the sweeping motion from the drive train shaft 510 of the mechanical actuator system 509 to mechanically translate the sweeping motion with an inherent tapping inducing component as further shown and described with reference to Figures 20 and 21. Thus, the cleaning apparatus can control both the sweeping and tapping motions of the cleaning unit 504 using a single control signal 512. The coupling element 520 is mechanically coupled to the drive train shaft 510 by any suitable mechanical coupling 519. Similarly, the tapping plate 522 is mechanically coupled to the coupling element 520 by any suitable mechanical coupling 521. The tapping plate is mechanically coupled to the cleaning unit 504 by any suitable mechanical coupling 523.

[0059]

[0082] One exemplary embodiment of the coupling element 520 and the tapping plate 522 is shown in Figures 20 and 21. The controller 506 controls the actuator 508 to generate a sweeping motion in the drivetrain shaft 510. The tapping plate 522 is also actuated by vibrating the sweeping drivetrain shaft 510 and the coupling element 520 and generating a sweeping motion SM. The tapping plate 522 can be connected by joints 524A, 524B, which can slide on a fixed sliding shaft 526. The joints 524A and 524B slide on the shaft 526 by shape sliders or sliders 528A, 528B that must follow the profile in the coupling element 520. As shown in Figure 20, the coupling element 520 is attached to the drivetrain shaft 510 to rotate with the shaft 510. The coupling element 520 includes a profile 530 on the outer periphery of the coupling element 520. Profile 530 includes any suitable specific tapping inducing element(s) (e.g., V-shaped grooves) for interacting with sliders 528A and 528B. The frequency and phase can be controlled by the shape of the V-shaped grooves. For example, different shapes (e.g., engraving, linearly increasing / decreasing translation of the grooves, and / or spacing between the grooves) result in different frequencies and / or phases.

[0060]

[0083] Starting from the position of the sliders 528A and 528B and the joints 524A and 524B shown in FIG. 20, as the coupling element 520 rotates in a first direction with the drivetrain shaft 510 about the central axis A, moving to the position of the sliders 528A and 528B and the joints 524A and 524B in FIG. 21 causes the sliders 528A and 528B to be drawn toward each other along the V-shaped groove in the profile 530. As the sliders 528A and 528B move toward each other, the proximal ends of the joints 524A and 524B are also drawn toward each other. As the proximal ends of the joints 524A and 524B are drawn toward each other, as shown in FIG. 21, the tapping plate 522 is pushed upward in the vertical direction DR2. The tapping plate 522 can be further pushed in the direction DR2 by further drawing the proximal ends of the joints 524A and 524B toward each other along the profile 530. Similarly, the tapping plate 522 can be pushed in the opposite direction (ie, direction DR1) by pulling the proximal ends of the joints 524A and 524B away from each other within the V-shaped groove of the profile 530.

[0061]

[0084] In one embodiment, the tapping plate 522 is connected to a bearing or any suitable alternative in the drivetrain shaft 510. Thus, when the tapping plate 522 moves in a direction DR2, the drivetrain assembly also moves in the direction DR2. Similarly, when the tapping plate 522 moves in a direction DR1 opposite to the direction DR2, the drivetrain assembly also moves in the direction DR1.

[0062]

[0085] Referring to FIG. 22, in one embodiment, a schematic personal care device 800 is provided that simultaneously generates periodic motions, where the frequency of the tapping motion is lower than the frequency of the sweeping motion and the tapping motion is out of phase with the sweeping motion. The personal care device 800 generally comprises a device housing or body portion 802, a cleaning unit 804, a controller 806, and a mechanical actuator system 808 including two actuators, a first actuator 810 and a second actuator 812. The body portion 802 is similar to the portions 102 and 502. The cleaning unit 804 is similar to the units 104 and 504. Thus, the cleaning unit 804 is movably mounted relative to the body portion 802. Additionally, the cleaning unit 804 includes a set of cleaning elements, which extend from the unit in one or more directions. The controller 806 is similar to the controller 506 and is within the body portion 802.

[0063]

[0086] The controller 806 is configured to control the actuators 810 of the mechanical actuator system 808 to generate a periodic sweeping motion for the cleaning unit 804. The sweeping motion generated by the actuators 810 is transmitted to the cleaning unit 804 by a drive train shaft. The drive train shaft transmits the periodic sweeping motion generated by the actuators 810 to the cleaning unit and cleaning elements such that at least some of the cleaning elements move in a first direction about a central axis A or along a line tangential to the cleaning unit platen in a first motion pattern (i.e., a sweeping motion SM). The controller 806 is configured to send control signals 814 to the actuators 810 to control the first motion pattern about a central axis A or along a line tangential to the cleaning unit platen.

[0064]

[0087] To provide the tapping motion TM, the cleaning device 800 further comprises a second actuator 812 (e.g., a vibrator, or a tapping plate with a sliding shaft). Instead of the mechanical actuation described above with reference to the cleaning device 500, in FIG. 22, a drive train signal 820 of the first actuator 810 can trigger an actuation signal 822 for the second actuator 812. The drive train signal 820 can also constitute an operation asynchronous control signal for the second actuator 812. In other words, the combined sweeping and tapping motions are achieved by using an operating frequency and phase (asynchronous) drive scheme, in which the drive train / brush movement signal (e.g., signal 820) of the sweep shaft of the first actuator 810 is used as a trigger and control signal to control the operating characteristics of the second actuator 812. Thus, the sliding shaft or eccentric rotating mass vibration motor of the tapping plate can be electrically controlled to drive the tapping motion separate from the sweeping motion.

[0065]

[0088] One exemplary embodiment of an oral care device having a mechanical actuator system including two actuators is shown in FIG. 23. Elements 902, 904, 906, 910, and 912 are similar or equivalent to elements 802, 804, 806, 810, and 812 in FIG. 22. A two-dimensional motion or summation including a sweeping motion and a tapping motion can be generated by a mechanical actuator system 908 including a first actuator 910 and a second actuator 912. The sweeping motion and the tapping motion are independent or decoupled from each other. In one embodiment, the actuator 910 includes a drive train assembly configured to generate a vibratory sweeping motion. In some embodiments, the actuator 910 includes a drive train shaft to transmit the vibratory sweeping motion to the cleaning unit 904. The actuator 912 can include a vibration motor (e.g., an eccentric rotating mass (ERM) vibration motor or a linear resonant actuator (LRA) vibration motor, such as available from Precision Microdrives, UK) or any suitable alternative.

[0066]

[0089] During the care routine, the controller 906 can send a control signal 914 to the actuator 910 to control a sweeping motion around the central axis A of the device or along a line tangential to the cleaning unit platen. The actuator 910 sends an electrical signal or drive train signal 920, and the controller 906 uses the drive train signal 920 from the actuator 910 to generate a control signal 922 to provide a required frequency and complementary phase difference of the second motion for the second actuator 912. In other words, the signal 920 triggers the activation and desynchronization of the motion generated from the second actuator 912 with respect to the motion generated from the first actuator 910. In one embodiment, the first actuator 910 generates a sweeping motion SM such that the cleaning element of the cleaning unit 904 moves in a direction tangential to the direction the bristles are pointing. The tangential direction can be, for example, along a direction parallel to the central axis A or around the central axis A. The second actuator 912 generates a tapping motion TM to move the cleaning element along the z-axis of the device at right angles to the cleaning unit platen with an amplitude of at least 0.25 mm. The frequency of the tapping motion may be three times lower than the frequency of the sweeping motion in some embodiments. In other words, the frequency of the sweeping motion SM is f s , in some embodiments the tapping motion TM has a frequency equal to f t =f s / 3 In such an embodiment, the frequency ratio of the sweeping motion to the tapping motion is 3:1.

[0067]

[0090] Generating the tapping motion TM at a lower frequency than the sweeping motion SM may be used for purposes other than optimizing cleaning performance. For example, if the tapping motion occurs every 2-4 seconds, the tapping motion TM can act as a sensory tooth pacer. Each time the cleaning unit and / or cleaning element is pressed down, pulsed or tapped, the user is informed to move the cleaning unit to the next space in the mouth.

[0068]

[0091] 24 shows a flow chart illustrating a method 1000 of operating a personal care device according to an exemplary embodiment in which the device controllably provides sweeping and tapping motions asynchronously. In other words, the device controllably provides sweeping and tapping motions, where the motions operate at different frequencies and / or out of phase with each other.

[0069]

[0092] The method begins at step 1010 with providing a personal care device. The personal care device includes a body portion, a cleaning unit, a controller, and an actuation assembly, as described or otherwise intended herein. The cleaning unit includes a set of cleaning elements extending from the platen along an alignment axis or an axis perpendicular to the cleaning unit platen. The actuation assembly includes an actuator configured to generate a periodic sweeping motion about a central axis of the device or along a line tangential to the cleaning unit platen, and a drive train shaft configured to transmit the periodic motion to the cleaning unit. The actuation assembly also includes a motion generator configured to generate and transmit a periodic linear motion to the cleaning unit and / or cleaning elements. The cleaning unit is configured to move with a first motion pattern and a second motion pattern, which are different and at least partially overlap due to the transmitted periodic motion. The first motion pattern and the second motion pattern operate at different frequencies and / or out of phase with each other, as described or otherwise intended herein.

[0070]

[0093] In step 1020, the controller controls the actuators and drive train shafts of the actuation assembly to drive the cleaning element in a first motion pattern that includes a first direction about the central axis of the device or along a line tangential to the cleaning unit platen. The first motion pattern may embody any of the sweep motion graphical illustrations described herein, but is not limited to only those described or otherwise depicted. Any suitable actuator may oscillate the sweep shaft about the central axis A or along a line tangential to the cleaning unit platen.

[0071]

[0094] In step 1030, the motion generator provides a periodic linear motion, and the drive train shaft of the actuation assembly transmits such linear motion to the cleaning unit. The cleaning elements are driven in a second motion pattern including a second direction different from the first direction. The second direction refers to a direction along the z-axis of the personal care device or a direction parallel to at least some of the cleaning elements. In other words, the second direction is perpendicular to the cleaning unit platen (i.e., perpendicular to the cleaning unit platen or perpendicular to the central axis of the device). The second motion pattern can embody any of the graphical illustrations of tapping motions described herein, but shall not be limited to only those described or otherwise depicted. In some embodiments, the motion generator includes a coupling element and a tapping plate to generate the periodic linear motion. A tapping-inducing element of the coupling element is configured to generate a frequency difference and / or a phase difference between the sweeping motion and the tapping motion. In an alternative embodiment, the frequency and / or phase difference between the sweeping and tapping motions is generated by a controller and a tapping actuator based on a signal from the sweep actuator.

[0072]

[0095] In step 1040, the controller controls the actuation assembly to simultaneously provide a first cyclic motion and a second cyclic motion in a first operating mode (e.g., gumline mode, interproximal mode, or global mode) during a single cleaning routine.

[0073]

[0096] In step 1050, during a single cleaning routine, the controller controls the actuation assembly to switch from a first operating mode to a second operating mode. Like the first operating mode including a combination of a first cyclical motion and a second cyclical motion to target a specific area of ​​the user's mouth, the second operating mode also includes a combination of a first cyclical motion and a second cyclical motion, but the combination is different to target a different area of ​​the user's mouth. Thus, if the first operating mode is a gumline mode, the second operating mode can be, for example, an interproximal mode or a global mode, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the switching between the first operating mode and the second operating mode can be natural and dynamic, regardless of the position of the personal care device or cleaning unit. In other embodiments, the switching between the first operating mode and the second operating mode can be based on the position of the device or cleaning unit or the time since the user started the cleaning routine. The switching between the first operating mode and the second operating mode can also be based on a stimulus from a sensor in the device to change modes.

[0074]

[0097] The operational advantage of the powered personal care device described herein is that the device can provide improved cleaning performance in critical areas of the mouth by driving the cleaning elements in a cyclic vertical motion that is parallel to the alignment axis of the cleaning elements, with the amplitude of the vertical motion being 0.25 mm or more (i.e., power tapping). The power tapping action of the present invention in a powered personal care device can (i) achieve deeper reach into the gingival pocket to remove subgingival plaque, (ii) achieve higher peak forces at the surface that enhance plaque and / or stain removal, (iii) prevent bristle tufts from getting stuck which enhances plaque removal by restoring beneficial tuft sweeping behavior, (iv) achieve greater resilience to usage variables such as device placement, device angle, and device pressure, and (v) provide new options for experience modes for the consumer.

[0075]

[0098] All definitions and those used herein should be understood to supersede any dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0076]

[0099] As used in the specification and claims, the singular terms "a," "an," and "the" should be understood to mean "at least one" unless expressly indicated otherwise.

[0077]

[0100] The phrase "and / or" as used in the specification and claims should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and / or" should be construed in the same manner, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the "and / or" clause, whether or not associated with the specifically identified elements.

[0078]

[0101] As used herein and in the claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and / or" shall be interpreted as inclusive, i.e., including at least one, but also including more than one, and optionally including additional items not listed. Only terms clearly indicating otherwise, such as "only one" or "exactly one," or, when used in the claims, "consisting of," refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a list or elements. In general, the term "or" as used herein shall be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e., one or the other, but not both) only when preceded by an exclusive term, such as "any," "one," "only one," or "exactly one."

[0079]

[0102] As used herein and in the claims, the phrase "at least one" in reference to a list of one or more elements should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed in the list of elements, and not excluding any combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows for the optional presence of elements other than those specifically identified in the list of elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether or not related to the specifically identified element.

[0080]

[0103] In the claims and the above specification, all transitional phrases such as "comprising," "including," "having," "having," "including," "involving," "holding," "consisting of," and the like, are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., meaning to include and not to be limited. The transitional phrases "consisting solely of" and "consisting essentially of" are intended to be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

[0081]

[0104] It should also be understood that, unless expressly indicated otherwise, in any claimed method including two or more steps or actions, the order of the method steps or actions is not necessarily limited to the order in which the method steps or actions are recited.

[0082]

[0105] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated herein, those skilled in the art will readily envision various other means and / or structures for performing the functions and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each such variation and / or modification is deemed to be within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary, and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend on the particular application or applications in which the teachings of the present invention are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the present invention described herein. Thus, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and that within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, the embodiments of the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. The inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. Furthermore, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent.

Claims

1. The main body part and a cleaning unit having a set of cleaning elements; a controller disposed within the body portion; an actuator assembly arranged to be driven by the controller, the actuator including an actuator for generating a first periodic motion and a second periodic motion of the cleaning unit, the first periodic motion and the second periodic motion operating at different frequencies and / or out of phase with each other; the first cyclical motion is transmitted to the cleaning unit such that at least one cleaning element of the set of cleaning elements moves in a first direction about a central axis of the personal care device or along a line tangential to a platen of the cleaning unit; the second periodic motion is transmitted to the cleaning unit such that at least one cleaning element of the set of cleaning elements moves in a second direction different from the first direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the platen of the cleaning unit; the set of cleaning elements move according to the first periodic motion at a first frequency, and the set of cleaning elements move according to the second periodic motion at a second frequency different from the first frequency; The first frequency is higher than the second frequency.

2. 10. The personal care device of claim 1, wherein the second frequency is approximately three times lower than the first frequency.

3. 10. The personal care device of claim 1, wherein the second frequency is approximately twice as high as the first frequency.

4. 10. The personal care device of claim 1, wherein the first cyclical motion and the second cyclical motion are phase shifted from each other by approximately 90 degrees or 270 degrees.

5. 10. The personal care device of claim 1, wherein the first cyclical motion and the second cyclical motion are phase shifted from each other by approximately 180 degrees.

6. The main body part and a cleaning unit having a set of cleaning elements; an actuation assembly for driving the cleaning unit, the actuation assembly is disposed within the body portion; The actuation assembly includes: a drive train that cyclically moves the set of cleaning elements in a first cyclic motion such that at least one cleaning element of the set of cleaning elements moves in a first direction about a central axis of the personal care device or along a line tangential to a platen of the cleaning unit; a motion generator that moves the set of cleaning elements in a second periodic motion such that at least one cleaning element of the set of cleaning elements moves in a second direction different from the first direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the platen of the cleaning unit; the set of cleaning elements move according to the first periodic motion at a first frequency, and the set of cleaning elements move according to the second periodic motion at a second frequency different from the first frequency; The first frequency is higher than the second frequency.

7. The personal care device of claim 6 , wherein the second direction is parallel to an axis of alignment of the cleaning element.

8. 7. The personal care device of claim 6, wherein the first cyclical motion and the second cyclical motion are phase shifted from each other by approximately 90 degrees, approximately 180 degrees, or approximately 270 degrees.

9. The motion generator a motion-transforming element coupled to the drivetrain; a tapping plate actuated by moving the drive train, the tapping plate moving the set of cleaning elements in the second cyclical motion; 7. The personal care device of claim 6, comprising:

10. 7. The personal care device of claim 6, wherein the drive train includes a first actuator and the motion generator includes a second actuator that moves the set of cleaning elements in the second cyclical motion.

11. The personal care device comprises: Further comprising a controller for controlling the actuation assembly, the controller comprising: receiving an input signal from the first actuator; 11. The personal care device of claim 10, further comprising: a control unit configured to control the second actuator based on the input signal received from the first actuator.

12. 12. The personal care device of claim 11, wherein the controller generates a frequency difference and a phase difference of the second periodic motion relative to the first periodic motion based on the received input signal.

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