Cleaning Section of an Oral Cleaning Device

Abstract

An oral cleaning system or section is provided. This includes an array of cleaning elements consisting of an ordered sequence of groups of cleaning elements aligned along an axis, each group including one of a set of various types or classes of elements that differ, for example, in layout, morphology, orientation, shape, dimensions, or other spatial characteristics. Thus, this provides a brushing field that includes elements suitable for multiple different types of brushing or other mechanical actions on oral surfaces. To optimize the application range of each tooth in each cleaning element category, it is proposed to provide the above array such that the array is formed by a sequence of units. Each unit includes at least one group of each category of cleaning elements. The array includes units of different widths along the above axis. This allows different widths to be matched to teeth of different widths, expanding the application range of all cleaning element categories for all types of teeth.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of oral cleaning devices.

Background Art

[0002] In the field of personal oral cleaning, it remains a challenge to optimize the structure and configuration of oral cleaning devices to enable the best cleaning performance on all types of teeth and all areas of each tooth.

[0003] Research by the inventors of the present invention has found that, for any type of oral cleaning device, to achieve excellent overall cleaning between adjacent teeth and along the gum line, ideally a plurality of cleaning element layouts are required in a single device. For example, the optimal length of the cleaning element for cleaning between adjacent teeth is longer than the optimal length of the cleaning element for cleaning along the gum line, and the optimal extension angle of the cleaning element is also different. However, providing both of these optimal cleaning element layouts in one oral cleaning arrangement has been found to create new challenges and new means for further optimization.

[0004] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 265638A1 discloses a toothbrush device in which a plurality of brush heads are disposed on an upper top surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface for cleaning all teeth in a human mouth.

[0005] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005 / 086755A1 discloses an improved grill brush for cleaning a grill grate and a cleaning system including a grill grate specialized for use with the disclosed grill brush, which includes a head portion and a handle portion. A plurality of metal bristles are attached to and extend from at least one surface of the head. Some of the bristles are made of a first metal and others are made of a second metal.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] For the purposes of the present application, the problems identified by the inventors are to provide a brushing section layout that includes a plurality of cleaning element layouts configured to optimally ensure that all teeth are mechanically engaged by all classes of brushing cleaning elements and (ideally) that all of all teeth are so engaged. Since the sizes of the teeth in the oral cavity vary, with a fixed pattern of oral cleaning elements, it is not clear how to provide a pattern that is arranged such that, during normal brushing operations (by manual strokes and / or automatic operating strokes), the teeth engaged by the pattern of cleaning elements are most assuredly in contact with all of the cleaning elements of a plurality of types (e.g., different heights, lengths, angular arrangements, diameters, etc.). Thus, the inventors recognize the above as a problem.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention is defined by the claims.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention provides a cleaning section (or cleaning array / system / device) for an oral cleaning device. The cleaning section comprises a substrate, an array of cleaning elements carried on the surface of the substrate, and the array is formed from sets of at least two different categories (A, B) of cleaning elements, and the cleaning elements of each category have a height, length, and / or angled extension that is different from the other category with respect to the substrate surface. The array of cleaning elements consists of a plurality of array units arranged in a row continuously along the longitudinal axis (X), each unit containing a plurality of groups of cleaning elements, each group containing only cleaning elements of one of the categories (A, B), and each unit having at least one group (and preferably at least one group for each category) of cleaning elements of at least two different categories. Preferably, each group of cleaning elements of each unit defines an elongated footprint having a length (l) dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) on the substrate, and the groups of cleaning elements within each unit are arranged continuously along the longitudinal axis (X). Each cleaning array unit has a total width (w) in the longitudinal direction of the unit along the longitudinal axis (X), and the plurality of cleaning array units includes units having different total widths (w) from each other.

[0009] Thus, the proposed concept is to provide a pattern of cleaning elements (which stand upright from the substrate and engage with the teeth, for example, in the brushing action during use) consisting of an ordered sequence of groups of cleaning elements aligned along the axis. Each group contains, for example, one of a set of various types or classes of elements that differ in layout, form, orientation, shape, dimension, or other spatial characteristics. Thus, this provides a brushing field containing elements suitable for a plurality of different types of brushing or other mechanical actions in relation to the oral surface. Theoretically, if the displacement amount of the pillars along the tooth arch (mesial - distal) is ≧ 1 tooth width, one tuft category is sufficient to clean an entire tooth. However, one pillar does not clean all the important areas, especially the gingival margin and the interdental spaces. Therefore, at least two different groups of specific tuft categories are proposed for gingival margin and interdental cleaning.

[0010] To address the above-described problems in optimizing the application range for all teeth in all cleaning element categories, the inventors propose providing an array of cleaning elements divided longitudinally into units, each unit containing at least one group of each category, and also giving these units different widths. By giving the units different widths, the units can be matched to teeth of different widths. As will become apparent, depending on the intended use case, the specific implementation of this will vary. For example, in the case of a brushing mouthpiece device, in normal use, the position of each unit relative to different specific teeth can be known with a high probability, and thus the width can be varied along the longitudinal axis of the pattern to match different typical tooth sizes. However, in other use cases such as an electric toothbrush, giving different widths still adds a technical effect because, for example, the user can control the brushing operation to match the appropriate group size to the teeth being brushed. Or, even if this cannot be done, providing different group sizes increases the probability that a given tooth of unknown size will be engaged by elements of every category compared to a variant where the unit width is fixed.

[0011] Regarding giving different unit widths, for example, the different widths can be achieved by having smaller-width units provide fewer groups of cleaning elements, or smaller-width groups (i.e., the longitudinal group width varies between different units of the array), or by adjusting the size of any gaps or regions included as part of the unit.

[0012] Details will become clearer with reference to the drawings later.

[0013] In some embodiments, each unit of the cleaning array has a total width of at least 2.5 mm and less than 15 mm along the longitudinal axis. This roughly corresponds to the width between half the width of a typical mandibular central incisor and the entire width of a maxillary first molar.

[0014] In some embodiments, the set of categories includes exactly two categories, exactly three categories, or exactly four categories.

[0015] In some embodiments, all units include the same number of groups of cleaning elements. In other embodiments, the number of groups in different units is different.

[0016] In some embodiments, the groups included in all units are accompanied by the same ordered sequence of cleaning element categories. In other embodiments, the specific sequence of categories provided by the units is different.

[0017] In some embodiments, all groups of units are arranged adjacent to each other along the aforementioned longitudinal axis (X).

[0018] In some embodiments, the total longitudinal width (w) of each unit is defined as being exactly equal to the width across the respective sequence of groups included in that unit (which may include any regions or gaps between groups of units).

[0019] In some embodiments, at least a subset of the units includes a cleaning element free region at one longitudinal end, either before or after the sequence of groups, and the total longitudinal width of each unit is the width across all groups and any cleaning element free regions at the longitudinal ends. This region is at the same end of all units having the region for the sake of consistency. Thus, the total width of the cleaning elements can be defined as the distance from the start of the first group in a unit to the start of the first group in the next unit in the arrangement (or, if there is no next group, to the end of the last group in the unit). In some embodiments, each unit includes a cleaning element free region as described above.

[0020] In some embodiments, in each unit, following an adjacent sequence of groups of cleaning elements arranged along the longitudinal axis (X) described above, a cleaning element free region follows at the same (longitudinal) end of the unit.

[0021] In some embodiments, the plurality of units of the cleaning array include cleaning element free regions of different widths in the longitudinal direction.

[0022] In some embodiments, the cleaning section further includes a functional component that performs an oral care function attached at a location in at least one of the plurality of cleaning element free regions. In some embodiments, the functional component is any one of a light source, a high-frequency field source, an electrochemical source, an ultrasonic source, one or more nozzles for discharging fluid, or one or more electrodes.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the units of the array are arranged adjacent to each other along the longitudinal axis (X) described above.

[0024] In some embodiments, all units include exactly two groups of cleaning elements, namely a first group of a first category (A) and a second group of a second category (B). In some embodiments, these are in the same order for all units, whereby the array defines an alternating pattern of cleaning element categories.

[0025] In some embodiments, each unit of the array includes exactly four groups of cleaning elements, with a sequence ordered along the longitudinal axis. In this sequence, the first group includes cleaning elements of a first category (A), the second group includes cleaning elements of a second category (B), the third group includes cleaning elements of the second category (B), and the fourth group includes cleaning elements of the first category (A). Thus, the sequence defined by the groups of units is ABBA.

[0026] In some embodiments, the array of cleaning elements includes at least 3 units, optionally at least 7 units, optionally at least 15 units, optionally at least 28 units, optionally at least 56 units. This provides a relatively large area of the field, within which any surface engaging the field is engaged by all the cleaning elements during the operating cycle. 28 units would mean one unit per tooth. 56 units would mean, for example, two units per tooth to clean both the front and back surfaces.

[0027] In some embodiments, the cleaning section is used as part of a brushing mouthpiece device.

[0028] In some embodiments, the cleaning section includes a mouthpiece portion of a mouthpiece device for at least partially entering the mouth during use, and the substrate is included in this mouthpiece portion. The body of the mouthpiece portion defines an arcuate contour shaped to generally follow the contour of at least a portion of the dentition arch of the subject, and the longitudinal axis of the array extends in the same direction as this arcuate contour. In this way, the sequence of units of the cleaning element array follows the contour of the user's teeth.

[0029] In some embodiments, the mouthpiece portion defines a tooth receiving channel, the channel having a shape following the arcuate contour so that the dentition can be received into the channel, and the array of cleaning elements extends into the channel to engage the tooth surfaces during use.

[0030] In some embodiments, the plurality of cleaning array units includes units having different total widths (w). Thus, this enables the unit width to be adjusted to various tooth widths around the dental arch. In the mouthpiece device, the positions of the different units relative to different specific teeth can be known with a certain degree of certainty. Thus, the unit width can be adjusted to the specific tooth type that is expected to be disposed facing each unit of the array when the mouthpiece is inserted into the mouth for normal use.

[0031] For example, in some embodiments, the plurality of array units includes units having at least seven different total widths.

[0032] This corresponds to at least seven different tooth types present in each quadrant of the mouth, namely, incisors (central incisors), incisors (lateral incisors), canines (cuspid), premolars (first premolars), premolars (second premolars), molars (first molars), molars (second molars).

[0033] In some embodiments, the plurality of cleaning array units includes units having at least eight different total widths. This also includes wisdom teeth (third molars), which have been extracted in some people.

[0034] In some embodiments, the plurality of cleaning array units includes units having at least four different total widths. In particular, since incisors are generally smaller than molars, it makes sense to provide one unit to address both incisors at once (especially, for example, when the length of the movement stroke is based on the widest molar section). Thus, although the minimum number of different unit widths may be four (incisors, canines, premolars, molars), a preferred arrangement includes at least seven different widths.

[0035] In some embodiments, the plurality of cleaning array units includes units having at least 14 different widths. This corresponds to at least seven different tooth types present in each quadrant, is applied to both quadrants of a single dental arch, where the tooth widths may differ between the two quadrants.

[0036] As already explained, each unit of the array includes at least a group of cleaning elements of a first category and a group of cleaning elements of a second category.

[0037] In some embodiments, the length of the cleaning elements of the first category along the direction of extension from the substrate is greater than the length of the cleaning elements of the second category along the direction of extension from the substrate. The length of the cleaning elements of the first category is, for example, 6 - 12 mm. The length of the cleaning elements of the second category is, for example, 4 - 8 mm. Preferably, the length of the cleaning elements of the first category has a minimum difference compared to the cleaning elements of the second category. Preferably, the minimum difference in length is at least 1 mm, more preferably at least 2 - 3 mm.

[0038] In some embodiments, the cleaning elements of the first category extend from the substrate at a first angle, and the cleaning elements of the second category extend from the substrate at a different second angle, where the second angle is shallower than the first angle. For example, the second angle is 40° - 80°, more preferably about 45°. For example, the first angle is 70° - 90°, more preferably about 90°.

[0039] Studies have shown that this provides more optimal cleaning of the interdental areas by the first group and more optimal cleaning of the gingival line by the second group.

[0040] Preferably, the extension angle of the cleaning elements of the first group has a minimum difference of, for example, at least 10°, more preferably at least 20°, and even more preferably at least 30° compared to the extension angle of the elements of the second group.

[0041] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided an oral cleaning device comprising a cleaning section according to any of the embodiments described herein or any of the claims of this application. The oral cleaning device is, in some examples, a mouthpiece device. The oral cleaning device is, in some examples, an electric toothbrush.

[0042] In some embodiments, the oral cleaning device further includes an operating mechanism for driving a periodic movement of the arrangement of the cleaning elements.

[0043] In some embodiments, the operating mechanism is for moving back and forth along a movement path that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0044] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from, and will be described with reference to, the embodiments described below.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0045] To better understand the present invention and to more clearly show how it is implemented, reference is made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings.

[0046]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] The present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0048] The detailed description and specific examples show exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, system, and method, but are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It should be understood that these and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, system, and method of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are only schematic and are not drawn to scale. Also, it should be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0049] The present invention provides an oral cleaning system or section that includes an array of cleaning elements consisting of an ordered sequence of groups of cleaning elements aligned along an axis. Each group includes, for example, one of a set of various types or classes of elements that differ in layout, form, orientation, shape, dimensions, or other spatial characteristics. Thus, this provides a brushing field that includes elements suitable for a plurality of different types of brushing or other mechanical actions in relation to oral surfaces. To optimize the application range of all teeth in all cleaning element categories, it is proposed to provide the above array such that the array is formed by a sequence of units. Each unit includes at least one group of each category of cleaning elements. The array includes units of different widths along the above axis. This allows different widths to be matched to teeth of different widths, expanding the application range of all cleaning element categories for all types of teeth.

[0050] An overview of the main features according to embodiments of the present invention will be outlined below and then detailed later.

[0051] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, an overview of the main features of the present invention is presented to assist the explanation. FIGS. 1-3 show the configuration according to one specific set of embodiments. Not all features of this specific implementation are essential to the general inventive concept, and it will be understood at this stage that the figures are referred to for the purpose of assisting understanding.

[0052] First, refer to FIGS. 1-3. FIGS. 1-3 schematically show at least a part of the cleaning section 10 of an oral cleaning device. FIG. 1 shows a fairly schematic plan view of the arrangement of the cleaning elements included in the cleaning section, showing the division of the arrangement into units and groups. FIG. 2 shows a schematic elevation view of the arrangement of the cleaning elements. FIG. 3 shows another schematic plan view. This more clearly shows the sequencing of the cleaning element categories followed by the groups of cleaning elements of this exemplary arrangement.

[0053] The cleaning section includes a substrate 12 carrying on its surface an array 16 of cleaning elements 18. The array of cleaning elements is an array of tufts of cleaning elements. The substrate is, for example, part of a cleaning unit that is received in a subject's oral cavity for oral cleaning during operation. For example, the substrate is part or all of a toothbrush bristle, a multi-surface brush, a partial mouthpiece, or a complete mouthpiece. The substrate can form part of the mouthpiece portion of a brushing mouthpiece device. The cleaning elements stand up from the surface of the substrate. The cleaning elements are hairs or hair-like elements. The cleaning elements are, in some examples, elastic elastomer rods. The cleaning elements are bundled into cleaning element tufts.

[0054] The array 16 of the cleaning elements 18 is formed of cleaning elements from a set consisting of at least two different categories (labeled A and B in this example) of cleaning elements. The cleaning elements of each category have a different height, length, and / or angled extension with respect to the substrate surface than each other category. For example, each category defines a different height, length, and / or angled extension of the tuft of cleaning elements with respect to the surface. As will be further explained later, cleaning elements with different heights or lengths are useful for cleaning the gingival line region and the interdental region. Cleaning elements with different extension angles are useful for cleaning the gingival line and the interdental space. For example, in the schematic view of FIG. 8, cleaning elements of two different categories A and B with different heights and lengths respectively are shown.

[0055] The array 16 of the cleaning elements 18 is composed of a plurality of array units 20, and the array units are arranged in a row continuously along the longitudinal axis (X). Each unit 20 includes a plurality of groups 22 of cleaning elements. Each group 22 includes a plurality of cleaning elements 18 of only one of the categories (A, B), and each unit 20 has at least one group 22 of each category of cleaning elements. In the specific example shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, each unit 20 includes exactly two groups 22a, 22b of cleaning elements 18, that is, a first group of the first category (A) and a second group of the second category (B). However, as will become apparent from further examples, this is only one possible configuration.

[0056] Each cleaning element group 22 defines an elongated footprint on the substrate. That is, it has a length dimension (l) that is longer than the width dimension (w). As shown in FIG. 3, the length dimension (l) is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) described above, and the cleaning element groups 22 within each unit 20 are arranged continuously along the longitudinal axis (X) described above.

[0057] Each cleaning array unit 20 has a longitudinal unit total width (w) along the longitudinal axis (X).

[0058] In the illustrated example, all units 20 contain the same number of cleaning element groups 22, and the groups 22 contained in each unit 20 follow the same ordered sequence of cleaning element categories. In this example, this sequence is AB. As a result, the entire cleaning element array 16 defines a periodically repeating pattern (such as ABABAB, etc.) of cleaning element categories, and in fact, each unit 20 is the minimum unit of this periodically repeating pattern (i.e., AB in this case). This represents one advantageous configuration, and it will become clear that it is not the only one. This type of configuration can extend to a periodically repeating sequence of any number of categories (e.g., ABCABCABC, where ABC is the sequence of categories followed by each unit).

[0059] Although not fully apparent from the schematic, according to this example, the groups 22 contained in each unit 20 are arranged adjacent to each other along the aforementioned longitudinal axis (X) within that unit. In the illustrated example as well, the units 20 are arranged adjacent to each other along the aforementioned longitudinal axis (X).

[0060] In the example shown in the figure, the longitudinal total width (w) of each unit is exactly equal to the width across the sequence of groups 22 of that unit.

[0061] Optionally, in some embodiments, as part of the cleaning section or as part of the system, an operating mechanism for driving the periodic movement of the cleaning element array 16 can be further provided. For example, the driving mechanism can drive the movement of the substrate 12. In some examples, this is the movement of the substrate relative to another object. In other cases, this is, for example, the overall vibration applied to the body of the substrate 12.

[0062] Note that the actuating mechanism is not explicitly shown in the figures. However, FIG. 4 shows an example of periodic / regular movement caused by the actuating mechanism along the linear movement path. The actuation with respect to a schematic view of the various rows of teeth 62 with which the cleaning element array 16 mechanically engages is shown.

[0063] The actuating mechanism moves the cleaning element array 16 back and forth along a movement path oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis X described above. The movement path has a first end and a second end, and the distance therebetween determines the stroke length Δx along the longitudinal axis. FIG. 4 (top) shows the array located at the first end of the movement path, and FIG. 4 (bottom) shows the array located at the second end of the movement path. Thereafter, the array of cleaning elements returns to the first position.

[0064] In one set of preferred embodiments, the plurality of units 20 of the cleaning element array 16 and the stroke length Δx of the actuation are configured such that the following conditions are met for each unit 20 within the array: Δx≧0.5ΔW_a Here, ΔW_a is the longitudinal minimum width section of the total longitudinal width of the units 20 over at least one group of each category of the set of categories of the cleaning elements.

[0065] Thus, the parameter ΔW_a is what each unit 20 of the array 16 has, and the condition should hold for any unit.

[0066] In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 1 - 4, since all units of the array 20 are identical, the parameter ΔW_a is the same for any unit 20 of the array 20. In FIGS. 1 - 4, the parameter ΔW_a is illustratively shown for one unit in FIGS. 3 and 4 (however, this parameter is the same for all other units). In this example, this parameter actually corresponds to the total longitudinal width (w) of the unit 20. This is because each unit has only one category from the category set.

[0067] Note that the minimum array of cleaning elements included by the embodiments of the present invention is an array including two units 20, and each unit has (at least) two groups 20 (one group of the first category (A), one group of the second category (B)).

[0068] However, more preferably, the cleaning element array includes at least three units, optionally at least seven units, optionally at least fifteen units, optionally at least twenty-eight units, optionally at least fifty-six units. When twenty-eight units are provided, there is one unit per tooth. With fifty-six units, there are, for example, two units per tooth to clean both the front and back sides.

[0069] FIG. 5 shows a further exemplary cleaning element array according to at least one set of embodiments.

[0070] In this array, each unit 20 includes exactly four groups 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d of cleaning elements. Here too, the groups 22 are arranged adjacent to each other along the longitudinal axis X within each unit 20. The units 20 are also arranged adjacent to each other along the longitudinal axis. The groups within each unit 20 follow a sequence that is ordered along the longitudinal axis. In this sequence, the first group includes cleaning elements of the first category (A), the second group includes cleaning elements of the second category (B), the third group includes cleaning elements of the second category (B), and the fourth group includes cleaning elements of the first category (A). Thus, in this case, the overall array 16 defines a periodically repeated sequence of a set consisting of two cleaning element categories in total, and each unit 20 is the smallest unit of its repeated sequence, that is, it represents ABBA. Thus, in this example, there are only two (A and B) in the set of possible categories of cleaning elements, but there are four groups in each unit, and there are two groups of each category of cleaning elements.

[0071] As already explained, optionally, the embodiment can include an actuating device. Also, as explained, a condition (Δx≧0.5ΔW_a) that holds for all units of the array can be imposed. As a reminder, ΔW_a is the longitudinal minimum width section of the longitudinal total width of each unit 20 of the array 16 over at least one group 22 of a set consisting of categories of cleaning elements. In the example of FIG. 5, ΔW_a only spans half of the longitudinal total width w of each unit (as shown in FIG. 5), because this is the smallest part of the width of each unit that completely spans both the group 20 of category A and the group of category B.

[0072] However, the array 16 of FIG. 5 can be provided without actuation and without the above-mentioned constraint regarding the actuation stroke length Δx.

[0073] Figure 6 shows a further exemplary cleaning element array according to at least one set of embodiments.

[0074] In this array, all units 20 include exactly four groups 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d of cleaning elements. Here too, the groups 22 are arranged adjacent to each other along the longitudinal axis X within each unit 20. The units 20 are also arranged adjacent to each other along the longitudinal axis. The groups within each unit 20 follow an ordered sequence along the longitudinal axis. In this sequence, the first group includes cleaning elements of the first category (A), the second group includes cleaning elements of the second category (B), the third group includes cleaning elements of the third category (C), and the fourth group includes cleaning elements of the fourth category (D). Thus, in this case, the entire array 16 defines a periodically repeated sequence of a set consisting of a total of four cleaning element categories, and each unit 20 is the smallest unit of its repeated sequence, i.e., representing A, B, C, D. Thus, in this example, there are four (A, B, C, D) in the set of possible cleaning element categories, there are four groups in each unit, and there is one group for each category of cleaning element.

[0075] As already explained, optionally, the embodiments can include actuating devices. Also, as explained, a condition (Δx≧0.5ΔW_a) can be imposed that holds for all units of the array. In the example of Figure 6, the parameter ΔW_a is shown. In this case, since the parameter ΔW_a is the smallest portion of the total width of the unit covering one group of each cleaning element category, for each unit, in fact the parameter ΔW_a extends over the entire longitudinal total width w of the unit.

[0076] In each of the arrays of the examples outlined so far, each unit 20 of a given array has the same width w in the longitudinal direction. Further, in the examples outlined so far, within each unit 20, the groups 22 of cleaning elements also have the same width as each other in the longitudinal direction. However, for any of the above examples, variations can be provided that give a given array units of different widths, or that give groups of different widths within the units of a given array or across different groups of a single array.

[0077] Figures 7-10 schematically show one exemplary array according to one or more embodiments.

[0078] Here, FIG. 7 shows a fairly schematic plan view of the array of cleaning elements included in the cleaning section, showing the division of the array into units and groups. FIG. 8 shows a schematic elevation view of the array of cleaning elements. FIG. 9 shows another schematic plan view. This more clearly shows the sequencing of the cleaning element categories followed by the groups of cleaning elements of this exemplary array. FIG. 10 schematically shows the array of cleaning elements in use, applied to a dental arch.

[0079] In every respect, the set of this embodiment is the same as that outlined in FIGS. 1-4, except for the fact that the plurality of array units 20 include units that have different total widths (w) from each other.

[0080] More specifically, in this example, all units 20 contain the same number of groups 22 of cleaning elements, and the groups 22 contained in each unit 20 follow the same ordered sequence of cleaning element categories. In this example, this sequence is AB. As a result, the entire cleaning element array 16 defines a periodically repeating pattern (such as ABABAB) of cleaning element categories, and in effect each unit 20 is the smallest unit of this periodically repeating pattern (i.e., AB in this case).

[0081] Although not readily apparent from the schematic, according to this example, the groups 22 included in all units 20 are arranged adjacent to each other within the unit along the aforementioned longitudinal axis (X). In the illustrated example, the units 20 are also arranged adjacent to each other along the aforementioned longitudinal axis (X).

[0082] In the example shown in the figure, the total longitudinal width (w) of each unit is exactly equal to the width over the sequence of groups 22 of that unit.

[0083] However, in contrast to the set of embodiments of FIGS. 1 - 4, among the arrayed units 20a - 20f, there are units with different total widths w. In this example, the different unit widths w are achieved by varying the width along the longitudinal axis X of the groups 22 within the unit. For example, units 20c and 20d each contain one category group 22a of A and one category group 22b of B, but these groups are smaller in width longitudinally than the equivalent category groups of A and B in each of units 20a and 20b, and are larger in width than the equivalent category groups of A and B in each of units 20e and 20f.

[0084] As shown in the schematic of FIG. 10, the advantage of providing optionally different - width cleaning array units 20 is that they can better match different - width teeth 62. For example, the widths can be configured in a continuous pattern of different widths known to correspond to a sequence of typical tooth widths in a subject's mouth. This has the advantage that, in use, each tooth is completely spanned by each unit 20 containing at least one group 22 consisting of each category of cleaning element.

[0085] For example, when the cleaning section 10 is used as part of an oral care device that provides a reliably predictable positioning of the cleaning array unit 20 for teeth, such as a brushing mouthpiece device (described below), the unit width w can be adjusted to match the expected width of a specific tooth along the dental arch.

[0086] Accordingly, by giving the units different widths, the units can be matched to teeth of different widths. As will become apparent, depending on the intended use case, the specific implementation of this will vary. For example, in the case of a brushing mouthpiece device, in normal use, the position of each unit relative to different specific teeth can be known with a high degree of certainty, and thus the width can be varied along the longitudinal axis X of the pattern to match different typical tooth sizes. However, in other use cases, such as an electric toothbrush, giving different widths still adds a technical effect in that, for example, the user can control the brushing operation to match the appropriate group size to the teeth being brushed. Alternatively, even if this cannot be done, providing different group sizes increases the probability that a given tooth of an unknown size will be engaged by elements of any category compared to a variant where the unit width is fixed.

[0087] As described above, the embodiments can include an actuating device. Also, as described, a condition (Δx≧0.5ΔW_a) can be imposed on the actuation stroke length Δx, which holds for each unit of the array. In the examples of FIGS. 7 - 10, the parameter ΔW_a is shown. In this case, since the parameter ΔW_a is the minimum portion of the total width of the unit that covers one group of each cleaning element category, for each unit, the parameter ΔW_a actually extends over the entire longitudinal total width w of the unit.

[0088] In the set of this embodiment, since there are units with different widths, the constraint actually corresponds to the requirement that the stroke length Δx should satisfy the constraint Δx≧0.5ΔW_a with respect to the parameter W_a of the maximum longitudinal width (w) of all the units 20 (unit 20a or unit 20b).

[0089] In some embodiments, the constraint on the operating stroke length is simplified. In particular, in some embodiments, instead of the aforementioned constraint, each of the plurality of array units 20 and the stroke length Δx may be configured as follows: Δx≧0.5ΔW_b Here, ΔW_b is the total longitudinal width (w) of the widest unit in the longitudinal direction of the array.

[0090] In the specific examples of FIGS. 7 to 10, actually, ΔW_a is the same as ΔW_b. However, this is not always the case. For example, in the cleaning array of FIG. 5, ΔW_b is the total width of the largest unit among the units, while ΔW_a only corresponds to half of the width of any one unit. Another example is shown in FIGS. 11 and 13 and will be described below.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 11, a schematic plan view of an array 16 of cleaning elements is shown. In this example, each unit 20 of the array 16 includes a cleaning element free region 32 at one longitudinal end (one end) before or after the sequence of the group. Actually, in the example of FIG. 11, each unit has a cleaning element free region at the distal end after the sequence of the group 22 of units.

[0092] In this case, the total longitudinal width w of each unit 20 is the width across all the groups 22 of the unit and the cleaning element free region 32 at the end. The units 20 are arranged adjacent to each other along the longitudinal axis. Therefore, the total longitudinal width w of each unit 20 can be defined as the width along the longitudinal axis from the start of the first group 22a of the unit to the longitudinal end of the cleaning element free region at the end of the unit.

[0093] Therefore, in this case, the cleaning element free space can be understood as a periodically repeated pattern, i.e., a part of A-B-space-A-B-space, where the array unit 20 represents the minimum unit (A-B-space) of the periodically repeated sequence.

[0094] In the specific example of FIG. 11 (and actually the specific examples of FIGS. 12 and 13), the array includes units 20 with different widths w along the longitudinal axis X. Further, these different widths are achieved by providing each unit with a group 22 of cleaning elements with widths different from other groups along the X-axis. Similarly, the plurality of cleaning array units 20 include cleaning element free spaces 32 with different widths along the longitudinal axis X. However, it is not essential to provide units with different widths. It is possible to provide units 20 that still include the cleaning element free space 32 with all the same width w.

[0095] Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 11, each unit is configured such that a cleaning element free space 32 follows an adjacent sequence of a group 22 of cleaning elements arranged along the above-mentioned longitudinal axis (X). However, this is also not essential, and in some embodiments, each unit includes at least one cleaning element free space 34 between two groups 22 of the unit 20 (therefore, these two groups are not adjacent). Thus, this forms a region between the two groups.

[0096] FIG. 12 shows an example of such an array. This shows an array of cleaning elements in which each unit 20 of the array consists of two groups 22a, 22b of cleaning elements (one for each category of a set consisting of two categories (A and B) of cleaning elements), and further includes a cleaning element free region 34 that separates (i.e., is between) the two groups. Thus, each unit defines an A-space-B continuous pattern. FIG. 12 is merely illustrative, and as a general principle, some or all of the units of the array of any embodiment may include one or more cleaning element free regions located between two groups of cleaning elements along a sequence extending along the longitudinal axis, and thus the two groups are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis. Similarly, in FIG. 12, the different units have different widths w, but in other variations, the units can have the same width as each other.

[0097] FIG. 13 shows a further example. In this example, each unit 20 of the cleaning array 16 includes a cleaning element free region 32 at one longitudinal end after a sequence of groups, and further includes a cleaning element free region 34 between the two groups of the unit. Thus, this is substantially a combination of the embodiment of FIG. 11 and the embodiment of FIG. 12, and the options described in connection with these can also be optionally applied to the embodiment of FIG. 13. In the illustrated example, each unit includes exactly two groups of cleaning elements, and each group includes cleaning elements of one of a set consisting of two categories (A and B). Thus, each unit defines an A-space-B-space sequence. In this example, the units are adjacent to each other along the longitudinal axis X. In this specific example, the array 16 includes units of different widths w. However, this is not essential, and in other examples all the units can have the same width.

[0098] Regarding the cleaning element empty regions 32, 34, in some embodiments, the cleaning section 10 further includes a functional component that performs an oral care function attached at a location in at least one of the cleaning element empty regions 32, 34. Optionally, the functional component is any one of a light source, a high-frequency field source, an electrochemical source, an ultrasonic source, one or more nozzles for discharging fluid, or one or more electrodes. Thereby, a structurally convenient position for arranging the functional component is provided.

[0099] As described above, in some embodiments, an operating mechanism can be provided. Also as described, a condition (Δx≧0.5ΔW_a) can be imposed on the operating stroke length Δx, which holds for each unit of the array. Also, as previously described, additionally or alternatively, a condition (Δx≧0.5ΔW_b) can be imposed on the operating stroke length, where ΔW_b is the total longitudinal width (w) of the widest unit in the longitudinal direction of the array.

[0100] In the examples of FIGS. 11 - 13, the parameter ΔW_a is shown and the parameter ΔW_b is shown. In the example of FIG. 12, ΔW_b is the same as ΔW_a, but in the examples of FIGS. 11 and 13, they are different.

[0101] Regarding operation, FIG. 14 schematically shows the operating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 11, and FIG. 15 schematically shows the operating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 13. The parameters ΔW_a and ΔW_b are shown. It can be seen that the cleaning element empty regions can assist in matching a single common operating stroke length Δx to different tooth widths. Instead of extending the width of group 22 in each unit to widen the unit width, the unit width can be kept relatively narrow by the regions. As described above, in some examples, the regions can be used to accommodate functional elements.

[0102] According to any embodiment, the cleaning section 10 can be used as part of a brushing mouthpiece device. FIG. 16 shows an exemplary oral care device in the form of a brushing mouthpiece device 100. This device includes a mouthpiece portion 102 for at least partially inserting into the mouth during use. The body of the mouthpiece portion defines an arcuate contour 130 formed to substantially follow at least a part of the contour of the user's dental arch. The mouthpiece portion defines a tooth receiving channel 106. This channel has a shape that follows the aforementioned arcuate contour 130 so that the dental arch can be received into the channel.

[0103] In the context of such a device, the cleaning section forms the mouthpiece portion 102 of the device, and the longitudinal axis X of the cleaning element array 16 extends in the same direction as the aforementioned arcuate contour 130.

[0104] For example, the cleaning element array 16 extends into the channel 106 so as to engage the tooth surface during use. For example, the channel is bounded on both sides by substrates 12a, 12b, and each of these substrates carries an array 16a, 16b of corresponding cleaning elements according to any of the embodiments described in this document or any claim of this application. The mouthpiece device further includes a handle portion 110.

[0105] In some embodiments, the device 100 further includes an actuating mechanism that periodically moves the array of cleaning elements back and forth along a movement path that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

[0106] When the actuated movement is parallel to the longitudinal axis X, the above-mentioned constraints related to Wa and / or Wb become relevant options that are applied as necessary.

[0107] The handle portion may include a driving unit that drives the actuating mechanism.

[0108] Note that the tufting of the cleaning elements within the cleaning mouthpiece is generally a challenge in terms of manufacturability. Therefore, it is preferable to use fewer different tuft categories that are arranged in a very efficient manner to obtain an optimal range of application and maximize cleaning. The arrangement according to what is described in this document serves this purpose. Further, an efficient arrangement of the cleaning elements can reduce the total area used for the tuft field, thereby advantageously creating additional free space that can be utilized for integrating additional functions such as lighting elements, ultrasonic elements, high-frequency elements, or one or more sensors.

[0109] As described above, in some embodiments, the plurality of cleaning array units includes units having different total widths (w) from each other. Thus, this enables the unit width to be adjusted to the various tooth widths around the dental arch. In a mouthpiece device, the positions of the different units relative to different specific teeth can be known with a certain degree of certainty. Therefore, the unit width can be adjusted to the specific tooth types that are expected to be positioned facing each unit of the array when the mouthpiece is inserted into the mouth for normal use.

[0110] For example, in some embodiments, the plurality of array units includes units having at least seven different total widths. This corresponds to at least seven different tooth types present in each quadrant of the mouth, namely, incisors (central incisors), incisors (lateral incisors), canines (cuspid), premolars (first premolars), premolars (second premolars), molars (first molars), and molars (second molars).

[0111] In some embodiments, the plurality of cleaning array units includes units having at least eight different total widths. This also includes wisdom teeth (third molars), which are missing in some people.

[0112] In some embodiments, the plurality of cleaning array units includes units having at least four different total widths. In particular, since incisors are generally smaller than molars, it makes sense to provide one unit to address both incisors at once (especially, for example, when the length of the movement stroke is based on the widest molar section). Thus, while the minimum number of different unit widths can be four (incisors, canines, premolars, molars), a preferred arrangement includes at least seven different widths.

[0113] In some embodiments, the plurality of cleaning array units includes units having at least fourteen different widths. This corresponds to the at least seven different tooth types present in each quadrant and is applied to both quadrants of a single dental arch, where the tooth widths may vary between the two quadrants.

[0114] As described throughout, the array of cleaning elements includes cleaning elements from a set consisting of at least two different categories of cleaning elements. The cleaning elements of each category have a different height, length, and / or angled extension with respect to the substrate surface than each other category.

[0115] The set of categories includes at least two categories (a first category and a second category) at a minimum, and each unit of the array includes a group of cleaning elements of the first category and a group of cleaning elements of the second category.

[0116] In some embodiments, the length of the cleaning elements of the first category in the direction of extension from the substrate is greater than the length of the cleaning elements of the second category along the direction of extension from the substrate.

[0117] The length of the cleaning elements of the first category is, for example, 6 to 12 mm. The length of the cleaning elements of the second category is, for example, 4 to 8 mm. Preferably, the length of the cleaning elements of the first category has a minimum difference compared to the cleaning elements of the second category. Preferably, the minimum difference in length is at least 1 mm, more preferably at least 2 to 3 mm.

[0118] In some embodiments, the cleaning elements of the first category extend from the substrate at a first angle, and the cleaning elements of the second category extend from the substrate at a different second angle, and the second angle is shallower than the first angle. For example, the second angle is 40° to 80°, more preferably about 45°. For example, the first angle is 70° to 90°, more preferably about 90°.

[0119] Preferably, the extension angle of the cleaning elements of the first category has a minimum difference of, for example, at least 10°, more preferably at least 20°, more preferably at least 30° compared to the extension angle of the elements of the second category.

[0120] The study has found that this provides more optimal cleaning of the interdental areas by the first group and more optimal cleaning of the gingival line by the second group.

[0121] As an example, Table 1 below shows, as a non-limiting example, a set consisting of four exemplary cleaning element categories (in this case, the cleaning elements are tufts, for example having a circular cross-section, for example made of nylon filaments / hairs).

Table 1

[0122] Variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art when implementing the invention according to the claims, from consideration of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and a single element does not exclude a plurality.

[0123] A single processor or other unit may perform the functions of several items recited in the claims.

[0124] The mere fact that certain means are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of these means cannot be used advantageously.

[0125] A computer program can be stored / distributed on any suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid state medium, supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless communication systems.

[0126] It should be noted that when the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or the description, the term "adapted to" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to".

[0127] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A cleaning section for an oral cleaning device, comprising: a substrate; an array of cleaning elements carried on the surface of the substrate; wherein the array of cleaning elements is formed from sets of at least two different categories of cleaning elements, and the cleaning elements of each category have a height, length, and / or angled extension that is different from the other categories with respect to the substrate surface; the array of cleaning elements consists of a plurality of array units arranged in a continuous row along a longitudinal axis, each array unit including a plurality of groups of cleaning elements, each group including cleaning elements of only one of the categories, and each unit having at least one group of cleaning elements of each category; each cleaning element group of each unit defines an elongated footprint having a length dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis on the substrate, and the cleaning element groups within each array unit are arranged continuously along the longitudinal axis; each array unit has a total width along the longitudinal axis; the plurality of array units includes units having different total widths from each other, the cleaning section.

2. The cleaning section according to claim 1, wherein all array units include the same number of groups of cleaning elements.

3. The cleaning section according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the groups included in each array unit are accompanied by the same ordered sequence of categories of cleaning elements.

4. The cleaning section according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the groups of each array unit are arranged adjacent to each other along the longitudinal axis.

5. The cleaning section according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the total longitudinal width of each array unit is exactly equal to the width over the sequence of the groups of the array unit.

6. At least a subset of the plurality of array units includes a cleaning element free region at one longitudinal end, before or after the sequence of the group, and the total width in the longitudinal direction of each array unit is the width across all of the groups and the cleaning element free region, and optionally, each array unit includes the cleaning element free region, the cleaning section according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The cleaning section according to claim 6, wherein each array unit is configured such that the cleaning element free region follows after an adjacent sequence of the groups of the cleaning elements arranged along the longitudinal axis.

8. The cleaning section according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of array units includes a plurality of cleaning element free regions having different widths in the longitudinal direction.

9. The cleaning section according to any one of claims 6 to 8, further including a functional component that performs an oral care function attached at a location in at least one of the plurality of cleaning element free regions, and optionally, the functional component is any one of a light source, a high frequency field source, an electrochemical source, an ultrasonic source, one or more nozzles for discharging fluid, or one or more electrodes.

10. The cleaning section according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the array units are arranged adjacent to each other along the longitudinal axis.

11. All units include exactly two groups of cleaning elements, namely, a first group of a first category and a second group of a second category, in the same sequence order for each array unit, whereby the array defines an alternating pattern of categories of cleaning elements, the cleaning section according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The cleaning section according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the array of the cleaning elements includes at least three units, optionally at least seven units, optionally at least 15 units, optionally at least 28 units, optionally at least 56 units.

13. The cleaning section according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the plurality of array units includes array units having at least four different total widths.

14. The set consisting of at least two categories includes at least a first category and a second category. The length of the cleaning element of the first category along the extending direction from the substrate is greater than the length of the cleaning element of the second category along the extending direction from the substrate. Preferably, the length of the cleaning element of the first category is 6 to 12 mm, and preferably, the length of the cleaning element of the second category is 4 to 8 mm. The cleaning element of the first category extends from the substrate at a first angle, and the cleaning element of the second category extends from the substrate at a different second angle. The second angle is shallower than the first angle. Preferably, the second angle is 40° to 80°, more preferably about 45°. Preferably, the first angle is 70° to 90°, more preferably about 90°. The cleaning section according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A cleaning mouthpiece device including the cleaning section according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the cleaning section includes a mouthpiece portion of the cleaning mouthpiece device for being at least partially inserted into the mouth during use, and the substrate is included in the mouthpiece portion. The body of the mouthpiece portion defines an arcuate contour shape that substantially follows at least a part of the contour of the dental arch of the subject. The longitudinal axis of the array extends in the same direction as the arcuate contour. Preferably, the mouthpiece portion defines a tooth receiving channel. The tooth receiving channel has a shape that follows the arcuate contour so that the dental arch can be received into the tooth receiving channel. The array of cleaning elements extends into the tooth receiving channel so as to engage the surface of the teeth during use. A cleaning mouthpiece device.

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