Electric field generating device for oral care and oral care device including the same

Abstract

An electric field generating device for oral care, which can effectively remove biofilms in the oral cavity by providing an electric field, and an oral care device including the same are provided. [Solution] The electric field generating device for oral care of the present invention comprises at least one electrode that receives a drive signal and generates an electric field corresponding to the drive signal, and a signal supply unit that mixes an AC signal and a DC signal to generate a drive signal and supplies the drive signal to the electrode.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric field generating device for oral care and an oral care device including the same, and more particularly to a device for generating an electric field useful for oral care and an oral care device including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Dental plaque is a sticky, transparent film that forms on the surface of teeth. It is formed when the numerous bacteria living in the mouth bind with certain components in saliva, and can form not only on and around teeth, but also around prostheses, orthodontic appliances, and dentures.

[0003] When a very thin and transparent film of plaque is formed, bacteria inside it multiply, and the bacteria in the plaque increase exponentially by using the sugars supplied when we eat food. The acidic substances produced by the bacteria in the plaque dissolve the calcification of the teeth, causing cavities, and the toxins cause inflammation of the gums.

[0004] Plaque itself is difficult to see with the naked eye, and it mainly occurs in deep grooves in the teeth, between the teeth, and in the narrow spaces between the teeth and the gums. Because it causes problems for the teeth and surrounding tissues in such narrow spaces, it is important to thoroughly remove plaque from every corner, but there has been a problem in that it is difficult to effectively remove such plaque using only existing toothbrushes. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electric field generating device for oral care that can effectively remove biofilms in the oral cavity by providing an electric field, and an oral care device including the same.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric field generating device for oral care, which amplifies the oral care effect by utilizing a driving signal generated by mixing an AC signal and a DC signal, and an oral care device including the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one embodiment of the present invention provides an electric field generating device for oral care, which comprises at least one electrode that receives a drive signal and generates an electric field corresponding to the drive signal, and a signal supply unit that mixes an AC signal and a DC signal to generate the drive signal and supplies the drive signal to the electrode.

[0008] The signal provider may change at least one characteristic of the driving signal in response to a user's control.

[0009] The characteristics of the drive signal may include amplitude, frequency, and DC offset.

[0010] The electric field generating device for oral care may further include a communication unit capable of wirelessly communicating with the user's terminal, and a control unit that transmits current characteristic information of the driving signal to the user's terminal through the communication unit.

[0011] The signal provider may change at least one of the characteristics of the driving signal in response to setting information transmitted from the user terminal through the communication unit.

[0012] The setting information may include at least one of the user's gender, age, and periodontal disease history.

[0013] The setting information may include at least one of an amplitude setting, a frequency setting, and a DC offset setting.

[0014] The signal provider may automatically change at least one of the characteristics of the driving signal for a preset period by unit time.

[0015] The signal supply unit may include a DC-DC converter that receives a battery voltage and converts it into an output voltage, a signal generation unit that generates the AC signal using the output voltage of the DC-DC converter, a filter that performs a filtering operation on the AC signal generated by the signal generation unit, and a calibration unit that mixes the DC signal with the AC signal supplied through the filter to generate the driving signal.

[0016] The signal supply unit may further include a voltage divider unit that divides an output voltage of the DC-DC converter to generate the DC signal.

[0017] The calibration section may include an operating amplifier.

[0018] The frequency of the drive signal can be set to a range from 1 kHz to 1000 MHz.

[0019] The amplitude of the drive signal can be set to 0.1 mV to 3V.

[0020] The voltage value of the DC signal may be set to be equal to or greater than the amplitude of the AC signal.

[0021] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an oral care device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a head portion having at least one electrode arranged thereon that generates an electric field in response to a drive signal, a handle portion connected to the head portion and having a shape that can be held by a user, and a signal supply portion located inside the handle portion that mixes an AC signal and a DC signal to generate the drive signal and supplies the drive signal to the electrode. Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electric field generating device for oral cavity care, which can effectively remove biofilms in the oral cavity by providing an electric field, and an oral cavity care device including the same.

[0023] In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electric field generating device for oral care, which amplifies the oral care effect by utilizing a driving signal generated by mixing an AC signal and a DC signal, and an oral care device including the same. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an oral care device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2a] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining the biofilm removal effect of a drive signal generated by mixing an AC signal and a DC signal. [Figure 2b] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining the biofilm removal effect of a drive signal generated by mixing an AC signal and a DC signal. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an electric field generating device for oral care according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4a] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing signal waveforms according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4b] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing signal waveforms according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4c] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing signal waveforms according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 shows an electric field generating device for oral care according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6a] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating how the characteristics of a drive signal are changed according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6b] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating how the characteristics of a drive signal are changed according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6c] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating how the characteristics of a drive signal are changed according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Hereinafter, the embodiments related to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and may be embodied in various different forms, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, or alternatives within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0026] When describing components of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) are used. Such terms are intended to distinguish the components from other components, and do not limit the nature or order of the components. In addition, when a component is described as being "coupled", "coupled", or "connected" to another component in this specification, it should be understood that the component is directly coupled or connected to the other component, but another component may be "coupled", "coupled", or "connected" between each component. In the case of "coupled", "coupled", or "connected", it should be understood that it is not only physically "coupled", "coupled", or "connected", but also electrically "coupled", "coupled", or "connected" as necessary.

[0027] The terms "unit", "device", "child", "module" and the like used in this specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and are realized in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. In addition, the terms "include", "constitute", "have", and the like used in this specification mean that components can be contained therein, unless otherwise specified to the contrary, and therefore do not exclude other components, and should be understood to include other components.

[0028] It should be made clear that the classification of components in this specification is merely a classification according to the main function of each component. That is, two or more components described below may be combined into one component, or one component may be divided into two or more components according to further subdivided functions. Each of the components described below may additionally perform some or all of the functions performed by the other components in addition to the main function performed by each component, and some of the main functions performed by each component may be exclusively performed by the other components.

[0029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an oral cavity care device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings related to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an oral cavity care device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 2a and 2b are diagrams for explaining the biofilm removal effect of a driving signal generated by mixing an AC signal and a DC signal.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, an oral cavity care device 1 according to this embodiment includes an electric field generating device 2, a head portion 10, a handle portion 20, and a battery 30.

[0032] The electric field generating device 2 includes at least one electrode 11 that generates an electric field in response to a drive signal Vd, and a signal supplying unit 40 that supplies the drive signal Vd to the electrode 11 .

[0033] The electrode 11 is disposed in the head portion 10 and is electrically connected to a signal supply portion 40 disposed in the handle portion 20 to receive a drive signal Vd.

[0034] The electrodes 11 generate an electric field based on the electric energy of the drive signal Vd. Such an electric field weakens the structure of dental plaque, so that the user can effectively remove dental plaque from the oral cavity using the oral care device 1.

[0035] In addition, the oral cavity care device 1 can provide a microcurrent to the gums through the electrodes 11, thereby relieving inflammation and pain in the gums.

[0036] A plurality of electrodes 11 are disposed on the head 10, and at least one of the electrodes 11 receives a driving signal Vd. In this case, an electrode acting as a ground electrode may be additionally disposed on the head 10.

[0037] 1, the electrode 11 is shown protruding from the head 10, but is not limited thereto. In one example, a separate groove or hole is formed in the head 10, and the electrode 11 is inserted into the groove or hole. In this case, the electrode 11 does not protrude to the outside.

[0038] The handle unit 20 is connected to the head unit 10 and has a shape that can be held by a user. A separate button or switch (not shown) for operating the oral care device 1 is disposed on the handle unit 20.

[0039] The signal supply unit 40 is located inside the handle unit 20 and generates a drive signal Vd using a battery voltage Vb supplied from the battery 30 .

[0040] In particular, the signal supply unit 40 generates the drive signal Vd by mixing an AC (Alternating Current) signal and a DC (Direct Current) signal.

[0041] As a result, the drive signal Vd contains both AC and DC components, and the simultaneous application of the AC and DC components generates a synergistic effect and resonance, thereby increasing the effectiveness of removing biofilm, which causes dental plaque.

[0042] Referring to Figure 2a, the electric field with the DC component induces an imbalance in the local charge distribution, increasing the structural stress of the biofilm, while the electric field with the AC component increases the permeability of the external protective body through the generation of specific vibrations.

[0043] The synergistic effect of the AC and DC components can be seen in Figure 2b. In other words, the biofilm removal effect is much higher when the electric field due to the AC component and the electric field due to the DC voltage are superimposed and provided simultaneously, compared to the biofilm removal effect when the electric field due to the AC component and the electric field due to the DC voltage are provided separately.

[0044] By the driving signal Vd supplied by the signal supply unit 40 in this embodiment, an electric field with a DC component and an electric field with an AC component are simultaneously provided from the electrode 11, thereby achieving the amplified removal effect associated with the biofilm described above.

[0045] In addition, since the drive signal Vd is set to a form in which an AC voltage and a DC voltage are superimposed as described above, the risk of electric shock to the body and pain induced in the body can be reduced compared to the case in which only a DC voltage is applied.

[0046] On the other hand, the battery 30 is housed inside the handle portion 20 and provides a battery voltage Vb to the signal supply portion 40 .

[0047] For example, the battery 30 is set as a primary battery or a secondary battery.

[0048] When the battery 30 is a primary battery, the user replaces the battery 30 periodically, and when the battery 30 is a secondary battery, it is charged through various charging methods.

[0049] For example, the battery 30 can be charged wirelessly or via a wired charging method while it is located within the handle 20, or can be separated from the handle 20 and charged via a separate charging device.

[0050] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an electric field generating device for oral care according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 4a to Fig. 4c are diagrams showing signal waveforms according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, Fig. 4a shows a filtered AC signal Sac', Fig. 4b shows a DC signal Sdc, and Fig. 4c shows a driving signal Vd generated by mixing the filtered AC signal Sac' and the DC signal Sdc.

[0051] 3, the signal supply unit 40 according to the present embodiment includes a DC-DC converter 41, a signal generating unit 42, a filter 43, and a calibration unit 44, and further includes a voltage dividing unit 45.

[0052] The DC-DC converter 41 receives the battery voltage Vb from the battery 30, converts the battery voltage Vb to an output voltage Vo of a predetermined level, and outputs the output voltage Vo.

[0053] The signal generating unit 42 operates based on the voltage supplied from the DC-DC converter 41, and uses the output voltage Vo of the DC-DC converter 41 to generate an AC signal Sac having a predetermined frequency.

[0054] The signal generating unit 42 is realized using a known configuration capable of generating an AC signal, such as an oscillator, a function generator, etc.

[0055] For example, the AC signal Sac is set to a frequency of 1 kHz to 1000 MHz. When the AC signal Sac is set to a low frequency of less than 1 kHz, the effect of removing dental plaque is reduced, and when the AC signal Sac is set to an ultra-high frequency of more than 1000 MHz, the effect of removing dental plaque is also reduced. For example, the frequency of the AC signal Sac is set to a frequency of 5 MHz to 15 MHz, which is suitable for removing dental plaque.

[0056] In addition, the amplitude of the AC signal Sac is set to 0.1 mV to 3 V. If the amplitude of the AC signal Sac is less than 0.1 mV, it is difficult to expect a plaque removal effect, and if the amplitude of the AC signal Sac exceeds 3 V, there is a risk of toxic substances being generated due to electrolysis of bodily fluids.

[0057] The filter 43 performs a filtering operation on the AC signal Sac generated by the signal generating unit 42. For example, the filter 43 includes a low pass filter and converts the AC signal Sac in a sawtooth wave form into an AC signal Sac' in a sine wave form. However, the type of the filter 43 is not limited thereto, and various types of filters can be used depending on the design structure.

[0058] The calibration unit 44 generates the driving signal Vd by mixing the DC signal Sdc with the AC signal Sac' supplied through the filter 43. In one example, the calibration unit 44 is embodied as an operating amplifier capable of adding (or superimposing) the AC signal Sac' and the DC signal Sdc, but is not limited thereto.

[0059] As a result, an offset corresponding to the DC signal Sdc occurs in the AC signal Sac', and a driving signal Vd having both an AC component and a DC component is generated.

[0060] Since the driving signal Vd includes both the characteristics of the AC signal Sac and the DC signal Sdc, the driving signal Vd is set to a frequency of 1 kHz to 1000 MHz, for example, a frequency of 5 MHz to 15 MHz that is more suitable for removing dental plaque. The amplitude of the driving signal Vd is set to 0.1 mV to 3 V.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 4a, the calibration section 44 receives an AC signal Sac' having an amplitude of A volts (V) from the filter 43, and generates a final drive signal Vd as shown in FIG. 4c by superimposing a DC signal Sdc of B volts (V) as shown in FIG. 4b on the AC signal Sac'.

[0062] At this time, the voltage value of the DC signal Sdc is set to be equal to or greater than the amplitude of the AC signal Sac', thereby setting the voltage value of the drive signal Vd to be equal to or greater than 0V.

[0063] As a result, the DC offset value of the drive signal Vd is set to be equal to or greater than the amplitude of the drive signal Vd.

[0064] Meanwhile, the DC signal Sdc is generated by the voltage divider 45. For example, the voltage divider 45 receives the output voltage Vo of the DC-DC converter 41, and performs voltage division on the output voltage Vo to generate the DC signal Sdc.

[0065] The voltage divider 45 is configured with a resistor string for dividing the output voltage Vo, but is not limited to this.

[0066] When the output voltage Vo of the DC-DC converter 41 is suitable for direct use in generating the driving signal Vd, the output voltage Vo serves as the DC signal Sdc. In this case, the voltage divider 45 is omitted, and the output voltage Vo of the DC-DC converter 41 is input to the calibration unit 44.

[0067] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an electric field generating device for oral cavity care according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 6a to Fig. 6c are diagrams showing how the characteristics of a drive signal Vd are changed according to another embodiment of the present invention. In particular, Fig. 6a shows how the amplitude of the characteristics of the drive signal Vd is changed, Fig. 6b shows how the frequency of the characteristics of the drive signal Vd is changed, and Fig. 6c shows how the DC offset of the characteristics of the drive signal Vd is changed.

[0068] 5, in an electric field generator 2' for oral cavity management according to another embodiment of the present invention, a signal supplier 40 changes at least one of the characteristics of a driving signal Vd in response to a user's control. Also, the electric field generator 2' for oral cavity management further includes a controller 50 for controlling the signal supplier 40 in response to a user's input.

[0069] For example, the characteristics of the drive signal Vd include the amplitude, frequency, and DC offset of the drive signal Vd.

[0070] That is, the user can set the optimum driving signal Vd for himself / herself by adjusting the characteristics of the driving signal Vd. Through this function, personalized oral care that takes into account the individual characteristics of the user, such as gender, age, and the presence or absence of periodontal disease, becomes possible.

[0071] At this time, the user may input various methods for controlling the characteristics of the driving signal Vd. For example, the user may adjust the driving signal Vd by operating a button or switch installed on the electric field generating device 2' or the oral cavity care device 1.

[0072] In addition, the electric field generating device 2' further includes a communication unit 60 capable of wirelessly communicating with a user's terminal 70, so that the user can adjust the characteristics of the driving signal Vd through his / her terminal 70.

[0073] The user terminal 70 is not particularly limited as long as it is a device having a communication function connected to the electric field generating device 2' and a display function for outputting images and texts. For example, the user terminal 70 may include, but is not limited to, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet PC, a wireless phone, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a smart watch, smart glass, a wearable device, and the like.

[0074] Also, the communication unit 60 is wirelessly connected to the user's terminal 70 to transmit and receive data to and from the user's terminal 70. For example, the communication unit 60 is wirelessly connected to the user's terminal 70 through a short-range wireless communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), WiFi, etc. However, the wireless communication method of the communication unit 60 is not limited thereto, and various well-known wireless communication methods may be adopted.

[0075] A user can check current characteristic information of the driving signal Vd through a user terminal 70 wirelessly connected to the electric field generating device 2'. For example, the control unit 50 transmits current state values ​​such as the amplitude, frequency, and DC offset of the driving signal Vd to the user terminal 70 in response to a request from the user terminal 70.

[0076] The user can refer to such characteristic information of the drive signal Vd and change the characteristics of the drive signal Vd when necessary.

[0077] That is, a user who needs to change the characteristics of the driving signal Vd can transmit setting information for changing the characteristics of the driving signal Vd to the electric field generating device 2' using the user's terminal 70.

[0078] For example, the setting information includes at least one of the user's gender, age, and periodontal disease status.

[0079] The control unit 50 determines the characteristics of the driving signal Vd suitable for the user by referring to the user's gender, age, periodontal disease status, etc. transmitted from the user's terminal 70. In one example, the control unit 50 utilizes a separate table or data in which setting information such as the user's gender, age, and periodontal disease status, and corresponding characteristic information of the driving signal Vd are stored.

[0080] When the characteristic value of the driving signal Vd corresponding to the setting information input by the user is determined, the control unit 50 controls the signal supply unit 40 so that the driving signal Vd has the determined characteristic value.

[0081] Meanwhile, the user can control the characteristics of the drive signal Vd by directly inputting the characteristic values ​​of the drive signal Vd that he or she desires.

[0082] In this case, the setting information provided from the user's terminal 70 includes at least one of an amplitude setting value, a frequency setting value, and a DC offset setting value.

[0083] In response to such setting information, the control unit 50 controls the signal supply unit 40 so that the drive signal Vd has a characteristic value corresponding to the setting information (or setting value).

[0084] The control unit 50 changes the amplitude and / or frequency of the AC signal Sac by controlling the signal generating unit 42. In addition, the control unit 50 adjusts the voltage value of the DC signal Sdc by controlling the DC-DC converter 41 and / or the voltage dividing unit 45. As a result, the characteristics of the driving signal Vd are finally changed.

[0085] Referring to Fig. 6a, the signal supplying unit 40 changes the amplitude of the drive signal Vd, and referring to Fig. 6b, the signal supplying unit 40 changes the frequency of the drive signal Vd, and referring to Fig. 6c, the signal supplying unit 40 changes the DC offset of the drive signal Vd.

[0086] Although Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c illustrate the changing of only one of the characteristics of the drive signal Vd, this is illustrative only and it will be appreciated that multiple characteristics of the drive signal Vd can be changed in a complex manner.

[0087] Also, the signal supplying unit 40 automatically changes at least one of the characteristics of the driving signal Vd for each unit time (P1, P2, P3) during a preset period.

[0088] In one example, a user can determine a suitable use mode and set the use mode through the above-mentioned input method, in which case the control unit 50 automatically changes the characteristics of the driving signal Vd over time in accordance with the set use mode.

[0089] As shown in Fig. 6a, the amplitude characteristic of the driving signal Vd is automatically changed for each unit time (P1, P2, P3) during a preset period, and as shown in Fig. 6b, the frequency characteristic of the driving signal Vd is automatically changed for each unit time (P1, P2, P3) during a preset period. Also, as shown in Fig. 6c, the DC offset characteristic of the driving signal (Vd) is automatically changed for each unit time (P1, P2, P3) during a preset period.

[0090] As described above, in this automatic change mode, many of the characteristics of the drive signal Vd can be changed in a complex manner.

[0091] Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without changing the technical idea or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be understood to be illustrative and not limiting in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than the above detailed description, and all modifications and variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents should be understood to be included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1 Oral management device 2, 2' (for oral care) Electric field generating device 10 Head section 11 electrodes 20 Handle 30 Battery 40 Signal supply unit 41 DC-DC converter 42 Signal Generator 43 Filters 44 Calibration section 45 Voltage distribution section 50 Control section 60 Communications Department 70 User's terminal P1, P2, P3 unit time Sac, Sac' AC signal Sdc DC signal Vb Battery voltage Vd drive signal Vo output voltage

Claims

1. at least one electrode that receives a drive signal and generates an electric field corresponding to the drive signal; a signal supply unit that generates the driving signal by mixing an AC signal and a DC signal, changes at least one characteristic of the driving signal in response to a user's control, and supplies the driving signal to the electrodes; a communication unit capable of wirelessly communicating with the user's terminal; and a control unit for transmitting current characteristic information of the driving signal to the user's terminal through the communication unit.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the characteristics of the drive signal include amplitude, frequency, and DC offset.

3. 2. The electric field generating device for oral care according to claim 1, wherein the signal supplying unit changes at least one of the characteristics of the driving signal in response to setting information transmitted from the user's terminal through the communication unit.

4. The electric field generating device for oral cavity care according to claim 3 , wherein the setting information includes at least one of the user's gender, age, and periodontal disease history.

5. The electric field generating device for oral care according to claim 3, wherein the setting information includes at least one of an amplitude setting value, a frequency setting value, and a DC offset setting value.

6. 2. The electric field generating device for oral care according to claim 1, wherein the signal supplying unit automatically changes at least one of the characteristics of the driving signal for a preset period of time by unit time.

7. The signal supply unit is A DC-DC converter that receives battery voltage and converts it into an output voltage; a signal generating unit that generates the AC signal by using an output voltage of the DC-DC converter; a filter for performing a filtering operation on the AC signal generated by the signal generating unit; 2. The electric field generating device for oral care according to claim 1, further comprising: a calibration unit that generates the driving signal by mixing the DC signal with the AC signal supplied through the filter.

8. 8. The electric field generating device for oral care according to claim 7, wherein the signal supplying unit further comprises a voltage dividing unit which divides an output voltage of the DC-DC converter to generate the DC signal.

9. The electric field generating device for oral care according to claim 7, wherein the calibration unit includes an operational amplifier.

10. 2. The electric field generating device for oral care according to claim 1, wherein the frequency of the drive signal is from 1 kHz to 1000 MHz.

11. The electric field generating device for oral care according to claim 10, wherein the amplitude of the drive signal is 0.1 mV to 3 V.

12. The electric field generating device for oral care according to claim 11, wherein the voltage value of the DC signal is set to be equal to or greater than the amplitude of the AC signal.

13. a head portion having at least one electrode disposed thereon that generates an electric field in response to a drive signal; a handle portion connected to the head portion and configured to be gripped by a user; a signal supply unit located inside the handle unit, mixing an AC signal and a DC signal to generate the driving signal, and changing at least one characteristic of the driving signal in response to a control by the user to supply the driving signal to the electrodes; a communication unit capable of wirelessly communicating with the user's terminal; and a control unit for transmitting current characteristic information of the driving signal to the user's terminal through the communication unit.

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