Oral care system with sanitizing function

Abstract

The oral care system includes an oral care device. The oral care device includes or is designed to be attached to a cleaning or treatment portion, such as a brush head or mouthpiece. Thus, the oral care device has a cleaning or treatment function. The oral care device further includes an electromagnetic (EM) field or radiation generator adapted to generate and emit radio frequency or microwave frequency electromagnetic energy into a space around the emitter element (a sanitization area) used to emit radiation or an electromagnetic field. The EM radiation is configured to have electromagnetic properties suitable for heating water or a water-containing fluid placed in the sanitization area. This enables the sanitization or disinfection function in a dedicated mode, in which the EM radiation of the EM generator causes heating of water on any surface of the cleaning or treatment portion placed in the sanitization area to a temperature of at least 50°C, preferably at least 70°C. The heating has a sanitizing or disinfecting effect.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an oral care system including an oral care device, and in particular to an oral care system having a sanitizing function. [Background technology]

[0002] WO2017216606A1 and U.S. Patent Application No. US2008288007A1 disclose prior art oral care devices.

[0003] Sanitization is a process that aims to kill or deactivate bacteria and other microorganisms on a surface. Sanitization is a beneficial function for oral care devices that include parts that are placed in the mouth, in that the introduction of microorganisms can have health effects. Examples of oral care devices include electric toothbrushes, brushing mouthpiece devices, oral irrigators, and electric flossers. Each includes at least one portion (cleaning and / or treatment portion) that is received in the mouth during use (e.g., a brush head, or a mouthpiece portion).

[0004] Existing sanitization techniques for the oral-receiving parts of oral care devices are often ineffective or cumbersome and inconvenient. One example includes the use of UV light. This is often not effective or efficient due to the shading effect caused by parts of the oral care device, such as the bristle area, which prevents irradiation of some surfaces. The use of UV light also typically requires long exposure times (up to 15 minutes) or very high intensity that is dangerous or impractical. Another limitation of UV light sanitization is that the light interacts mainly with the surface of the bristles, especially in the case of brush heads or brushing mouthpieces, and cannot penetrate to the surface at the base of the platen between the bristles. Furthermore, the irradiation that reaches such surfaces may have low intensity due to the accumulation of toothpaste residue that results in the absorption or reflection of UV radiation, thereby making UV light sanitization in such places ineffective.

[0005] Thus, for example microorganisms at the base of the hair area or between the hairs are not reached by UV light. Insufficient sanitization of these areas can lead to the formation of mold.

[0006] Furthermore, existing sanitization solutions typically require the use of larger external accessories to perform the sanitization procedure, such as dedicated cleaning stations, which require the provision of their own power source and, in some cases, cleaning agents if they are to actively sanitize the oral cleaning and / or treatment portion of the oral care device. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] It is therefore desirable to provide a more effective and efficient cleaning and sanitization procedure for the portions of oral care devices that are received within the mouth. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.

[0009] According to an example according to one aspect of the present invention, an oral care system is provided that includes an oral care device, the oral care device including or operably connectable to a cleaning and / or treatment portion that is at least partially received within a user's oral cavity to perform a cleaning or treatment function.

[0010] The oral care device comprises a signal generator operable to generate radio frequency (RF) and / or microwave frequency electromagnetic radiation (and / or alternating electromagnetic fields) when operably coupled to an emitter component (e.g., a conductor component, an electroactive material component, or a metamaterial component).

[0011] The signal generator is selectively operable in a sanitization mode, in which the signal generator is adapted to generate a signal to cause the connected emitter arrangement to generate radio frequency (RF) and / or microwave frequency electromagnetic radiation within a sanitization zone around the emitter arrangement, the electromagnetic radiation being suitable for causing heating of (at least) water or a water-containing fluid in contact with any exposed surface of a cleaning or treatment portion disposed within the sanitization zone, for sanitizing the cleaning and / or treatment portion.

[0012] Preferably the radiation is suitable to cause heating of water in contact with any exposed surfaces of the cleaning or treatment area to a temperature of at least 50°C, preferably at least 70°C.

[0013] The radiation may also be suitable in some instances for heating other liquids or gases, such as ethylene glycol, ethanol, methanol, acetic acid, etc., which may be included, for example, in dedicated cleaning solvents for use during cleaning and / or sanitization of the treatment area.

[0014] In the context of this disclosure, the phrase "suitable for heating water" means suitable for heating water or water-containing substances (e.g., toothpaste or toothpaste suspension, saliva, mouthwash, or combinations thereof). More generally, microwave radiation may be suitable for heating any substance that contains polar molecules.

[0015] An embodiment of the present invention is based on achieving sanitization of a cleaning or treatment part (CTP) of an oral care device (e.g., a brush head of a toothbrush, or a brushing mouthpiece unit) by generating electromagnetic (EM) energy or radiation at a suitable frequency to cause heating and possibly evaporation (vaporization) of water in the space containing the oral cleaning or treatment part. At least any water-containing fluid (liquid or gas) in contact with the surface of the CTP is heated. This may be a residual fluid left after oral cleaning or treatment, or the CTP is submerged in a fluid during sanitization. The residual fluid may be, for example, a toothpaste suspension.

[0016] The control parameters are optionally set to sanitize the CTP by heating the water to a desired threshold temperature and preferably for a desired threshold time. For example, generating EM energy to heat the water to at least 70°C for at least 10 seconds has been shown to be sufficient for sanitization to kill 99.9% of bacteria. This is based, for example, on an assumed volume of water, e.g., approximately 1 ml of water, being heated from 15-25°C. Given knowledge of the radiation characteristics and structural arrangement of the emitter components, it is possible to provide a control program that achieves a desired level of heating for a desired time.

[0017] In some instances, the control parameters are set to sanitize the CTP by heating the surface material of the cleaning or treatment portion that is exposed to EM radiation to a desired threshold temperature and preferably for a desired threshold time, for example, the exposed surfaces of the cleaning and / or treatment portion in the sanitization area are heated to at least 50-70°C.

[0018] It is known that heating of water requires application of EM radiation or energy in a particular frequency range suitable for efficiently interacting with the water molecular dipoles to cause the dipoles to oscillate. For example, the generator is adapted to drive the emitter arrangement to generate EM radiation at frequencies between 300 MHz and 300 GHz, such as frequencies between 2 and 300 GHz, for example frequencies between 2 and 30 GHz, in the sanitizing mode.

[0019] Sanitization region simply means the region, space, or area exposed to the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter element when driven by the generator. Thus, the sanitization region is the space in which water or other substances are subject to heating and therefore sanitization can occur.

[0020] There are various options for the location and configuration of the emitter component. The emitter component may be located in or on the cleaning or treatment portion. This means that the sanitization area around the emitter component essentially encompasses a section of the CTP. The emitter component may be located at, in, or adjacent to the area intended to be sanitized during use. The sanitization mode may be performed when the CTP is outside the oral cavity.

[0021] Alternatively, the emitter arrangement may be located in a separate unit, e.g. a sanitization station, such unit defining a sanitization area, e.g. a cavity, capable of receiving the cleaning or treatment portion.

[0022] In either case, the oral care device is equipped with a signal generator and is adapted to be electrically coupled to the emitter arrangement at least during sanitization. For example, the device electrically docks with a separate sanitization station. Having the generator in the oral care device eliminates the need for active electronic components in a separate sanitization unit. Only passive components are required (the emitter arrangement). The oral care device typically already includes a local power source, for example for the generation of the vibrational motion. This is efficiently utilized to provide the dual function of powering the EM field or radiation generation.

[0023] Alternatively, if the emitter component is included in or on the cleaning or treatment part (CTP), the emitter component is configured to be electrically coupled to the generator when the cleaning or treatment part is coupled to the device, or is permanently electrically connected to the generator. Thus, here, the emitter component is carried by the CTP. The sanitization area thus corresponds to an area encompassing at least the section of the CTP that includes the conductive element. The oral care system may comprise the CTP, or the CTP may be the auxiliary unit.

[0024] According to one or more embodiments, the signal generator is further selectively operable in a cleaning or treatment mode, in which the signal generator is adapted to generate a signal to cause a connected emitter element to generate an electromagnetic field or radiation to perform an oral cleaning or treatment function, the aforementioned functions being to be performed when the emitter element is received in the oral cavity.

[0025] Thus, in this embodiment, the oral care device has an integrated cleaning or treatment function designed to drive an emitter component in the cleaning or treatment portion to generate an EM field or EM radiation for cleaning or treatment.

[0026] In this case, optionally the same emitter components and signal generators are utilized for the dual function of also performing sanitization actions.

[0027] In the cleaning or treatment mode, the generator may cause the production of an EM field or EM radiation at a lower electromagnetic frequency than in the sanitization mode. The generator may also generate a field or radiation of lower electromagnetic power and / or lower power density.

[0028] For example, the sanitization mode may be operated with EM radiation on the order of hundreds of MHz or GHz (e.g., 0.3-300 GHz), while the cleaning or treatment mode generates EM radiation on the order of between 1-300 MHz, for example between 1-100 MHz. For example, in the cleaning or treatment mode the generator drives the emitter arrangement to generate EM radiation at a frequency below 100 MHz, for example below 50 MHz, for example between 1-20 MHz, for example between 1-10 MHz.

[0029] According to one or more embodiments, in the sanitization mode, the generator is adapted or controlled to generate a signal to cause the emitter arrangement to generate an EM field or EM radiation having an average power of at least 10-20 W for at least 10-20 seconds. This can be done by generating a drive signal to cause the emitter arrangement to generate electromagnetic radiation, the drive signal having an average power of at least 10-20 W, and the drive signal being generated for at least 10-20 seconds. This has been found to be sufficient to heat a small amount of water, such as that found on the surface of the oral care device, to a temperature of at least 70°C. The generator may be further adapted to subsequently generate EM radiation having an average power of 10-20 W for a further 10-20 seconds. This has been found to be sufficient to maintain the water at said temperature of at least 70°C for a further 10-20 seconds.

[0030] According to one or more embodiments, the sanitization mode includes a sanitization control program in which an electromagnetic field or radiation is generated at an appropriate power and for an appropriate time to heat a predetermined minimum volume of water, e.g., at least 1 ml of water, to a temperature of at least 70°C and maintain the temperature at or above 70°C for at least 10 seconds.

[0031] According to one or more embodiments, the oral care device further comprises a mechanical actuator for providing a source of mechanical action. The actuator is configured such that the mechanical action is mechanically coupled to the cleaning or treatment portion or is adapted to be mechanically coupled to said portion when the cleaning or treatment portion is operably connected. The mechanical actuator is preferably controlled to function during the sanitization mode.

[0032] This achieves a combination of mechanical cleaning (agitation) and electromagnetic sanitization of the cleaning or treatment area: the mechanical cleaning removes larger foreign particles (e.g., from the bristle area of ​​the toothbrush or mouthpiece area, or from the emitter components), while the emitted EM energy can kill or deactivate microorganisms.

[0033] According to one or more embodiments, the oral care system comprises an emitter component and further comprises an electromagnetic shielding unit configurable into a deployed position, in which the shielding unit is disposed in a defined spatial relationship relative to a sanitization area around the emitter component and adapted to at least partially suppress leakage of electromagnetic radiation or energy from the sanitization area.

[0034] The shield unit increases the efficiency of heating the water, thus reducing the time and energy requirements to perform sanitization. The shield unit also provides a safety feature to protect the user from exposure to EM radiation.

[0035] The shielding unit is adapted to at least partially confine electromagnetic radiation or energy within the sanitization area, and in some cases, redirect or focus the radiation through reflection.

[0036] The shield unit includes a plurality of shielding walls disposed around and facing the sanitization area.

[0037] The shield unit comprises one or more electromagnetic reflective elements or surfaces adapted to at least partially reflect electromagnetic energy generated by the emitter arrangement in the sanitization mode when the shield unit is disposed in the deployed configuration for use in at least partially containing said energy within the sanitization area. When in the deployed configuration, the shield unit reflects EM energy back to the emitter or otherwise towards the sanitization area.

[0038] The reflective surface or element should reflect radiation at the frequencies produced by the generator in the sanitizing mode.

[0039] The EM reflective surface or element is preferably configured to reflect at least 20%, such as at least 50%, such as at least 60%, such as at least 80% of any electromagnetic energy (generated by the sanitization mode) incident thereon.

[0040] The reflective surface may be integral to the shielding unit, for example the reflective surface is inherently provided by the material of the shielding unit itself, for example when the shielding unit is formed from an EM reflective material.

[0041] According to one or more embodiments, the oral care system includes a cleaning or treatment portion, and the shield unit includes a cap or cover defining an internal cavity or space, and is positioned to fit over at least a section of the cleaning or treatment portion with the cleaning or treatment portion at least partially received within the cavity in the deployed configuration.

[0042] A section of the cleaning and / or treatment portion comprising the emitter arrangement is received within the cavity when the shield unit is in the deployed configuration.

[0043] The cap or cover is positioned to at least partially confine the EM radiation generated by the emitter arrangement within the cavity.

[0044] According to one or more embodiments, the total unoccupied volume of the cavity when the cover or cap is deployed over at least a section of the CTP is less than 1 cm 3 From 10cm 3 The unoccupied volume forms a fluid receiving space that is filled completely or partially with the fluid to be heated during operation. The sanitization mode includes a sanitization control program configured to heat a volume of water that fills the entire unoccupied space to at least 50-70°C and maintain said temperature for 10-20 seconds. This is based on the assumption that the water starts at a room temperature, for example between 15-25°C.

[0045] In an advantageous example, the sanitization control program is configured to cause heating of all exposed surfaces of the cleaning or treatment portion within the cover or cap when deployed to at least 50-70° C. This may be achieved essentially through heating of water in contact with said surfaces, or further through forming the surfaces of a material susceptible to heating by electromagnetic radiation.

[0046] As one example, the oral care device is a toothbrush and the cap is designed to fit over a platen of the brush head, the platen carrying the emitter arrangement and the bristle region. As a further example, the oral care device is a toothbrush and the emitter arrangement is integrated into a handle portion of the device and positioned to extend from the handle to a position adjacent the brush head. The cap is fitted over the brush head and the emitter arrangement.

[0047] According to one or more embodiments, the shield unit is physically separable from the oral care device. In the undeployed configuration, the shield unit is separate from the oral care device. In the deployed configuration, the shield unit is mechanically attached or connected to the oral care device. In this set of one or more embodiments, the oral care system comprises a cleaning or treatment portion, and the cleaning or treatment portion comprises an emitter arrangement.

[0048] According to one or more embodiments, the shield unit is adapted to be mechanically (manually or electronically) movable between a non-deployed configuration and a deployed configuration, the shield unit being mechanically connected or attached to the oral care device in both positions; In the deployed configuration, the shield unit is positioned at least partially covering or at least partially facing the sanitization area (e.g., a section of the cleaning or treatment portion), and in the undeployed configuration, the shield unit is in a different position, which causes the shield unit to be in a stored configuration, in which the shield unit does not cover or face the sanitization area.

[0049] In this set of one or more embodiments, the oral care system comprises a cleaning or treatment portion, the cleaning or treatment portion comprises an emitter arrangement, and thus in this case, in the deployed configuration, the shield unit at least partially covers or faces an area including at least a section of the cleaning or treatment portion, e.g., a toothbrush head.

[0050] For example, in one set of examples, an oral care device includes a body portion having an operative end and a handle end, an oral cleansing or treatment portion adapted to be connectable to the operative end, and a shield unit adapted to be slidable along the body portion of the oral care device between the operative end and the handle end.

[0051] According to one or more embodiments, the oral care system further comprises a cover unit configurable into a deployed configuration, in which the cover unit is positioned to encapsulate or surround the sanitization area to at least partially inhibit heat escape to promote steam generation within the sanitization area / volume, and the cover unit has a pressure relief opening to allow controlled escape of steam.

[0052] The cover unit is reversibly positionable in the deployed configuration and is, for example, removably attachable to the CTP.

[0053] The shielding unit is, for example, a cover or cap configured to fit over the cleaning and / or treatment portion, for example surrounding and enclosing at least a portion of the cleaning and / or treatment portion.

[0054] The shield unit is positioned to fluidly seal around the sanitization area and optionally around a section of the cleaning or treatment portion, except for the pressure relief escape or opening.

[0055] The cover unit may comprise a silicone or rubber balloon or cap, as two non-limiting examples.

[0056] Optionally, the cover unit is also adapted to at least partially prevent EM leakage, for example by comprising an EM reflective surface or element.

[0057] According to one or more embodiments, the signal generator and emitter arrangement form a generating circuit, and the oral care device further comprises a sensing module, the sensing module being arranged to sense an electrical characteristic of the generating circuit, and the presence of moisture in the sanitized area based on the electrical characteristics of the generating circuit, and / or the temperature in the sanitized area based on the electrical characteristics of the generating circuit. The device is adapted to detect

[0058] Alternatively, the controller may detect the presence of moisture and / or temperature based on the output from the sensing module.

[0059] Moisture detection is particularly useful for application in combination with the steam generating embodiments described above. For example, moisture detection is used to detect whether steam is present within the sanitizing area / volume. This allows the progress of the device's sanitizing cycle to be monitored, which includes converting fluid / water to steam and the exit of the steam without leaving any moisture in the area (volume). Thus, the end of the steam generation or steam sanitizing cycle can be detected when the moisture level falls below a defined moisture threshold.

[0060] Additionally or alternatively, moisture detection may be used to detect when the sanitization area is dry, indicating that sanitization is complete.

[0061] Temperature sensing also allows for monitoring the progress of the device's sanitization cycle, and operation of the EM generator is optionally controlled based on the sensing to regulate the temperature or to guide the sanitization region through an intended sanitization cycle.

[0062] For example, according to one or more embodiments, the sensing module described above is configured and provided to sense an electrical characteristic of the generation circuit and adapted to detect a temperature in the sanitization area based on the electrical characteristic of the generation circuit. The oral care system further comprises a controller adapted to implement a sanitization control program that includes heating the fluid in the sanitization area to a temperature of at least 50-70°C and maintaining the fluid at said temperature for at least 10-20 seconds, the controller configured to receive a temperature sensing signal from the sensing module for use in implementing the control program (i.e., to detect when a minimum temperature has been reached) and to adjust the EM output of the generator circuit to maintain the temperature over a time window of at least 10-20 seconds.

[0063] According to one or more embodiments, the signal generator and emitter arrangement form a generating circuit, and the oral care device further comprises a sensing module configured to sense an electrical characteristic of the generating circuit; the shield unit comprises one or more electromagnetic reflective surfaces or elements adapted to at least partially reflect the electromagnetic field or radiation generated by the emitter arrangement; The sensing module is adapted to detect a placement of the shield unit in the deployed configuration based on the electrical characteristic.

[0064] Alternatively, a controller detects placement based on output from the sensing module. The sensing module or controller compares the detected signal characteristics to a reference signal associated with correct placement of the shield unit. The sensing module or controller detects a defined change in one or more electrical characteristics that exceeds a threshold or corresponds to a defined electrical signal associated with cap placement.

[0065] According to one or more embodiments, the oral care device comprises a handle or body portion for an electric toothbrush or mouthpiece.

[0066] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for producing a A cleaning or treatment element for performing a cleaning or treatment function in the user's oral cavity; an emitter arrangement operable to generate radio frequency (RF) and / or microwave frequency electromagnetic radiation when operably coupled to a signal generator; A cleaning or treatment portion comprising: The cleaning or treatment portion is selectively operable in a sanitization mode, in which radiation generated by the emitter arrangement is suitable for causing heating of water in contact with any exposed surfaces of the cleaning or treatment portion disposed within a sanitization area around the emitter arrangement to a temperature of at least 50°C, preferably at least 70°C, to effect sanitization of the cleaning or treatment portion.

[0067] An example according to a further aspect of the invention is a method of sanitizing at least a cleaning or treatment portion of an oral care device, the cleaning or treatment portion being for receipt in a user's oral cavity to perform a cleaning or treatment function, the method comprising: The present invention provides a method comprising the steps of: generating, using a signal generator, a signal that causes a connected emitter arrangement to generate radio frequency and / or microwave frequency electromagnetic radiation within a sanitization area around the emitter arrangement, the radiation being suitable to cause heating of water present on any exposed surfaces of a cleaning or treatment portion disposed within the sanitization area.

[0068] Preferably the radiation is suitable to cause heating of the water present on any exposed surfaces of the cleaning or treatment area to a temperature of at least 50°C, preferably at least 70°C.

[0069] The embodiments of the cleaning or treatment portion and method are compatible with the above-described embodiments of the system.

[0070] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

[0071] Reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, for a better understanding of the invention and to show more clearly how the same may be carried into effect. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0072] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of components of an exemplary oral-care system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a schematic showing heating of a fluid (in contact with a surface of a cleaning or treatment area) using EM energy. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary oral care device. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an exemplary oral cleansing or treatment portion of an oral cleansing or treatment device including an emitter component of a generator circuit. [Diagram 5] A diagram showing an exemplary oral cleansing or treatment portion of an oral cleansing or treatment device including an emitter component of a generator circuit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a variation of the arrangement of FIG. 5, in which the emitter arrangement is embedded in the cleaning or treatment portion. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 shows a further variation of the arrangement of FIG. 5, in which the emitter arrangement is embedded in the surface of the cleaning or treatment portion and comprises one or more loop coils. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 shows a further variation of the arrangement of FIG. 5, in which the emitter arrangement is embedded in the surface of the cleaning or treatment portion and comprises one or more loop coils. [Figure 9]FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary oral cleaning and / or treatment portion. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary EM shielding unit in the form of a cap or cover that fits over a portion of the oral cleaning or treatment portion. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary EM shielding unit in the form of a cap or cover that fits over a portion of the oral cleaning or treatment portion. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary EM shielding unit in the form of a cap or cover that fits over a portion of the oral cleaning or treatment portion. [Figure 13] 13 shows a variation of the cap or cover of FIGS. 9-12 with a shaped reflector portion at the base that includes a concave reflector area. FIG. [Figure 14] 13 shows a variation of the cap or cover of FIGS. 9-12 with a shaped reflector portion at the base that includes a concave reflector area. FIG. [Figure 15] 13 shows a variation of the cap or cover of FIGS. 9-12 with a shaped reflector portion at the base that includes a concave reflector area. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 illustrates a further exemplary EM shield unit in the form of an umbrella unit. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 illustrates a further exemplary EM shielding unit in the form of an umbrella unit. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 illustrates a further exemplary EM shield unit in the form of an umbrella unit. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 shows a further exemplary EM shielding unit in the form of or incorporated into a charging base for an oral cleaning or treatment device. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a further exemplary EM shielding unit incorporated into a storage or travel case for an oral cleaning or treatment device. [Figure 21]13A-13C show further exemplary EM shield units including a sleeve item that is slidable along the body of the oral care device for placement in the deployed position. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 illustrates a further exemplary EM shield unit that is accordion-foldable for deployment and storage. [Diagram 23] FIG. 13 illustrates a further exemplary EM shield unit that is accordion-foldable for deployment and storage. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 illustrates a further exemplary EM shield unit that is accordion-foldable for deployment and storage. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 shows a cover unit for retaining heat to promote steam generation. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 shows a cover unit for retaining heat to promote steam generation. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 illustrates an EM generating circuit with sensing capabilities for sensing temperature and / or moisture within a sanitized area. [Figure 28] FIG. 1 shows an EM generating circuit having means for detecting the placement of an EM shield on an emitter arrangement. [Figure 29] FIG. 1 outlines one exemplary workflow for the operation of a sanitation protocol. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0073] The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0074] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while illustrating exemplary embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the figures are schematic only and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numbers are used throughout the figures to denote the same or similar parts.

[0075] The present invention provides an oral care system including an oral care device. The oral care device is designed to include or be attached to a cleaning or treatment portion, such as a brush head or mouthpiece, for performing a cleaning or treatment function when received in the mouth. Thus, the oral care device has a cleaning or treatment function during normal use. The oral care device further includes an electromagnetic (EM) field or radiation generator adapted to generate and emit radio frequency or microwave frequency electromagnetic energy in a space or volume ("sanitization area") around an emitter component used to emit the radiation or electromagnetic field. The EM radiation is configured to have electromagnetic properties suitable for heating at least water placed in the sanitization area. This allows the sanitization function in a dedicated mode, in which the EM radiation of the EM generator causes heating of water on or in contact with any surface of the cleaning or treatment portion placed in the sanitization area. The heating has a sanitizing effect.

[0076] For example, the water may be heated to at least 50-70°C for at least 10-20 s in some examples. During sanitization, the cleaning or treatment portion may be brought into the sanitization area in the case where the emitter component is a unit separate from (but e.g. electrically docked with) the oral care device. Alternatively, the emitter component is included in the cleaning or treatment portion itself such that the sanitization area around the emitter component essentially encompasses the surface of the cleaning or treatment portion within the sanitization area.

[0077] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an oral care system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system comprises an oral care device 12, which comprises or is operably connectable to a cleaning or treatment part 14 that is received in a user's oral cavity to perform a cleaning or treatment function. The cleaning and / or treatment part (abbreviated herein as CTP) is, for example, a brush head of a toothbrush or a head of an oral irrigator. In some cases (e.g., in the case of a cleaning mouthpiece unit), the entire oral care device is received in the mouth. In this case, the entire device forms the CTP (i.e., this part may form the entire device). In FIG. 1, the CTP 14 is shown physically separate from the oral care device 12, for example, a detachable brush head separate from an electric toothbrush. This is for the sake of schematic illustration only, as will become clear in the following examples.

[0078] The oral care device 12 includes an integrated signal generator 22 operable to generate radio frequency (RF) and / or microwave frequency electromagnetic (EM) radiation 32 (e.g., alternating EM field and / or EM radiation) when operably coupled to an emitter arrangement 24. The generator is a vibratory signal generator, e.g., an oscillator. The generator generates an alternating drive signal that is coupled to the emitter arrangement to cause the emission of EM radiation or generation of the EM field. The oral care device may include a local power storage, e.g., a battery, for powering the generator 22.

[0079] The emitter arrangement comprises, for example, a pair of electrodes driven with periodically reversing polarity by a generator to induce the generation of an alternating field between the electrodes. Alternatively, each electrode is driven with a separate alternating current or voltage to induce the emission of EM radiation. Another possibility is the use of one or more induction coils or loops driven with an alternating current to induce the generation of an alternating field along the axis of the loop or coil. The generation of an alternating field also leads to the generation of propagating EM radiation (waves). A further possibility is the use of metamaterial-based antennas that respond to the application of an alternating voltage by generating electromagnetic radiation, but utilizing metamaterial structural designs allows for miniaturization, wider bandwidth, and improved efficiency. In this specification, reference is made to the generation of EM radiation. However, it should be understood that in some embodiments an alternating EM field is also or instead generated.

[0080] The signal generator is selectively operable in a sanitization mode in which the signal generator is adapted to generate a signal to cause the connected emitter arrangement 24 to generate RF or microwave frequency EM radiation 32 within a sanitization zone, area, or region 34 about the emitter arrangement. The generated EM radiation is suitable to cause heating of at least water or water-containing material, such as water present on or in contact with any exposed surfaces of the cleaning or treatment portion 14 disposed within the sanitization region.

[0081] In some cases, the system includes a controller that is operably coupled to the signal generator 22 in use to selectively switch the signal generator to or enable the sanitation mode. The controller implements the sanitation mode by controlling the operation of the signal generator when the sanitation mode is selectively enabled. In some examples, activation of the sanitation mode is enabled by the user, for example, by a physical button on or external to the device, or by operably coupled software (e.g., a smartphone app). The controller may be included with the device or may be external to the device but operably connected to the signal generator. In other examples, the signal generator itself includes a processor or IC chip that allows for local activation and implementation of the sanitation mode.

[0082] Sanitization area refers to the volumetric area (space or volume) around the emitter component that will be exposed to the generated EM radiation. The sanitization area may be bounded or has no clear boundary. Within this area, any water present will undergo heating through absorption of EM energy. The sanitization area is therefore understood as the area in which heating of water occurs due to the action of EM radiation. The sanitization area is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1 by a dashed ring. It does not represent the actual physical shape or extent of the generated field or emitted radiation or the area in which water heating or steam production occurs.

[0083] 2 shows a schematic of an exemplary cleaning and / or treatment part (CTP) 14 in the form of a toothbrush head. A side view of the brush head platen forming a support 42 is shown from an upper surface 44 of the support 42 from which upstanding are a number of cleaning elements, such as bristle tufts 46. Residual water-containing fluid 38 (e.g., water, saliva, toothpaste suspension) is shown diagrammatically on the exposed surfaces of the bristles 46 and on the upper surface 44 of the support 42 of the CTP 14. During a sanitizing mode, the CTP 14 is placed in a sanitizing area 34 where it is exposed to the EM radiation 32 generated by the generator 22 such that the fluid 38 is exposed to the EM radiation. This causes heating of the moisture, which enables sanitization as the temperature of the water increases, killing microorganisms present on the surface of the bristles 46 and on the surface 44 of the CTP support 42 due to thermal contact from the water to the surface.

[0084] For heating water for sanitization, it is preferable to generate EM radiation having a frequency in the range of 300 MHz to 30 GHz. It is known that efficient heating of water (e.g., to temperatures of 70° C. or higher) requires the application of EM energy in a specific frequency range to cause vibration of the dipoles of the water molecules. For example, alternating EM fields or radiation below approximately 300 MHz induce only frictional heating of water (ionic agitation), resulting in heat. In contrast, at higher frequencies above 300 MHz, EM energy is more efficiently absorbed by the water molecules, resulting in vibrational changes in dipole orientation and molecular vibrations (kinetic energy). This heats the water faster.

[0085] Thus, in the sanitization mode, the generator 22 drives the emitter arrangement 24 to generate EM radiation at a frequency of at least 300 MHz, e.g., between 300 MHz and 30 GHz, e.g., at least 2.4 GHz, e.g., at least 2.45 GHz, according to at least one set of embodiments.

[0086] Moreover, ideally, the sanitization cycle or operation takes the water through a specific heating cycle or heating protocol that involves heating the water to a defined minimum temperature and then maintaining that temperature for a predefined minimum time. For example, in a preferred case, the water is heated to at least 70-75°C for at least 10-15 seconds. This has been shown to be sufficient for sanitization (sanitization = log3 reduction = 99.9% microorganisms), specifically killing 99.9% of bacteria and other microorganisms. As a reference, pasteurization of milk requires heating at 70-75°C for 15s.

[0087] Heating to this particular threshold temperature may be achieved in a variety of ways. For example, the particular electrical characteristics (e.g., frequency, amplitude, power) of the EM signal generated by the generator 22 are specifically pre-set to achieve the desired heating in use based on assumptions regarding the size and surface area of ​​the CTP intended to be cleaned (and therefore the volume of water to be heated) and the relative spatial placement of the emitter components to the surface of the CTP. Another option is to include sensing means for sensing the temperature within the sanitization area 34 or on the surface of the CTP, and to control the generator 22 based on the output of the temperature sensing to raise the temperature to a threshold and then maintain (at least) said temperature for a defined or minimum period of time.

[0088] In one advantageous set of embodiments, in the sanitization mode, the generator 22 is adapted or controlled to generate a signal causing the emitter arrangement 24 to generate electromagnetic radiation 32 having an average power output of, for example, at least 10-20 W, for a period of at least 10-20 seconds. This may be achieved by generating a drive signal by the generator 22, the signal having an average power output of 10 W, and the signal being generated for a period of at least 10-20 seconds.

[0089] This setting can be understood from the following exemplary calculations.

[0090] Using the specific heat of water, we can calculate the amount of energy E required to heat approximately 1 ml (mass m = 1 g) of water from a room temperature of 20°C to a temperature of 70°C (ΔT = 50°C) and maintain the water at this temperature for 15 seconds. The specific heat capacity C of water is 4,200 Joules per kilogram per degree Celsius (J / kg°C). This means that it takes 4,200 J to raise the temperature of 1 kg of water by 1°C. Therefore, the energy E required to heat approximately 1 ml (0.001 kg) of water to 50°C can be calculated as follows: E = m C ΔT = 1.0 × 10 -3 kg x 4200 J / kg°C x 50°C = 0.210 kJ = 210 Joules

[0091] The electrical energy required to effect this temperature increase (1 ml of fluid or water to ΔT=50° C.) is therefore approximately 210 J. This can be achieved, for example, by exercising the EM field or generating EM radiation at a power of 10 W for approximately 21 seconds (by generating a drive signal from generator 22 having a voltage of 10 V and a current of 1 A for approximately 21 seconds), or at a power of 20 W for approximately 10 seconds.

[0092] This is well within the typical charge capacity of batteries contained in powered oral care devices. For example, the total energy available from a single cell AA lithium battery (3.7-4.2 V, 500 mAh) is approximately 7200 J (500 mAh capacity: 0.5 A x 3600 s x 4 V = 7200 J).

[0093] In summary, the EM radiation produced by a generator driving the emitter arrangement at a power P of at least 10 W (e.g., between 10-12 W) for at least 20 seconds is typically sufficient to heat residual water (assuming a volume of approximately 1 ml) on the surface of the CTP of the oral care device from room temperature to a temperature of 70° C. Similarly, the power or time can be adjusted up or down so that the total energy delivered over the period of radiation production is approximately 200 J, for example 210 J as mentioned above. If in use a larger or smaller volume of water is desired to be heated, the total energy delivered is adjusted accordingly.

[0094] This heating (temperature ramping) step is preferably followed by a further temperature maintenance step in which the water is maintained at the desired threshold temperature (eg at least 70° C.) for a minimum period of eg 10-15 seconds.

[0095] As an example, to maintain the temperature at an exemplary target temperature of 70° C. for a period of t=15 seconds (an exemplary target sanitization time), an additional energy E is theoretically required, with E consumption=P×t=10W×15s=150J. It is noted that this assumes dissipation of heat directly into the space, and therefore this effectively represents a maximum or worst case additional energy requirement.

[0096] Therefore, the total (maximum) energy requirement for both the heating and temperature maintaining steps in this example is 210J+150J=360J.

[0097] For a lithium AA battery with an energy capacity of 7200J, the energy consumption for a complete sanitization program / procedure according to this example with both stages is approximately 1 / 20 of the available battery energy (360J / 7200J).

[0098] The entire sanitization process in this example takes approximately 36 seconds. In this example, an average output power of at least 10 W is sufficient to power the generator 22 to generate the necessary EM field or radiation to perform the desired sanitization.

[0099] The above calculations represent only one example. The exact drive characteristics required for generator 22 to achieve and maintain the threshold fluid temperature for a given time window will depend on the size and surface area of ​​the CTP intended to be sanitized, as well as the spatial arrangement of the emitter components relative to the surface of the CTP intended to be sanitized, and the heat capacity of the water-containing fluid (water, saliva, toothpaste suspension) exposed to the EM field.

[0100] For example, assuming a standard fluid capacity of a brush head of 1 ml, a maximum of approximately 360 J of energy is required, which means approximately 10 W over the entire 36 second sanitizing process. For example, in some cases, a fluid-retaining cap is placed over the brush head while it is submerged to trap a large amount of water within the internal cavity of the cap surrounding the brush head and bristles. A typical volume of this cap is (for example) approximately 1 ml.

[0101] However, less power and / or energy is required when less water is present in the brush head, for example when only the residual water on the bristles is used for sanitization. In this case, the required amount of energy required is significantly less. In some examples, the power level is user configurable depending on whether the CTP is to be submerged or only the residual water is to be heated. Alternatively, this may be automatically detected using a sensing module in some examples.

[0102] As mentioned above, there are various options for the location of the emitter structure.

[0103] In one set of embodiments, the emitter component 24 is provided by an external unit, such as a sanitization station, which defines a dedicated sanitization area or cavity for receiving the CTP 14 during sanitization. In this case, the oral care device 12 is electrically docked or coupled with the sanitization station, establishing an electrical coupling between the generator 22 of the oral care device and the emitter component. This obviates the need for a separate power source or any active electrical components in a separate sanitization unit. The oral care device may typically already include a power source, for example for use in driving a mechanical actuator of the device (e.g., a power toothbrush).

[0104] In a further set of embodiments discussed in detail herein, the emitter component 24 is provided by the cleaning and / or treatment part (CTP) 14 of the oral care system itself. This integrated CTP and emitter component is understood to form a sanitization cell when the system is in sanitization mode. CTP refers to the part of the oral care device that is received in the mouth to perform the cleaning or treatment function, such as a toothbrush head or a brushing mouthpiece unit. It may be a part of the oral cleaning or treatment device 12 (either integrally included in the oral cleaning or treatment device 12 or removably connectable thereto), or it may be a separate part and operably connectable to the device 12 during operation. In other words, the oral care device may be provided alone, as long as it comprises the generator 22 and is connectable to at least the CTP 14, according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0105] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of an example of an oral care system 10 including an oral care device 12 in the form of an electric toothbrush, which is connectable to a removable CTP 14 in the form of a brush head attachment. A platen 42 of the brush head includes an emitter arrangement 24. An electrical connection is provided between a signal generator 22 integrated into a body portion 15 of the oral care device 12 and an emitter arrangement 24 integrated into the CTP 14. The electrical connection is established when the brush head 14 is connected or mated to the body portion 15. A toothbrush is only one example of a suitable oral care device. Other examples include a brushing mouthpiece unit and an oral irrigator, or an electric flossing device. The system 10 of the present invention may include only the body portion 15 of the oral care device 12, or may include both the body portion 14 and the cleaning and / or treatment portion 14.

[0106] FIG. 4 shows in more detail an exemplary CTP 14 carrying an emitter arrangement 24. In this example, the CTP comprises a support 42, e.g., a platen of a brush head (bristles not shown in FIG. 4), from whose upper surface 44 extend a pair of electrodes 52a, 52b forming the emitter arrangement 24. The electrodes are connected to a signal generator 22 which drives an alternating voltage or current between the electrodes. For example, the alternating voltage or current is driven with a periodically reversed polarity, thereby generating an alternating EM field or radiation between and in the space around the electrodes (the sanitization region). Optionally, a controller 26 is provided operably coupled to the generator 22 to control the operation of the generator. The controller controls, for example, the selective implementation of the sanitization mode. Both the signal generator and the controller may be implemented in a body portion of the oral care device (not shown in FIG. 3).

[0107] As shown in Fig. 5, the electrodes 52a, 52b may be surrounded on one or both sides by cleaning elements such as a bundle of bristles 46. The electrodes may for example be embedded in the group of bristles. The sanitization area 34 formed by the emitter arrangement 24 is shown diagrammatically. In this case, the sanitization area is the area between and around the emitter arrangements (pair of electrodes) that surround at least a portion of the cleaning and / or treatment portion 14, for example at least the support 42 carrying the cleaning elements 46 (e.g. bristles) that are received in the mouth during use. Thus, the bristles and the top surface of the support 42 to which the bristles are attached are exposed to electromagnetic energy for sanitization during the sanitization mode.

[0108] In an alternative example (FIG. 6), the emitter arrangement 24 includes electrodes 52a, 52b embedded beneath the surface 14 of the support 42 (e.g., platen) of the CTP 14. The electrodes 52a, 52b may be flush with the upper surface 44 and exposed conductive surfaces of the support 42, or may be buried beneath the surface. Otherwise, operation of the pair of electrodes 52a, 52b may be the same as previously discussed.

[0109] Figures 7 and 8 show a further variant, where instead of electrodes the emitter arrangement 42 comprises one or more inductive loops or coils 19, which are driven by a generator 22 with an alternating current or voltage to generate an alternating electromagnetic field along the axial direction relative to the loops. The alternating field also results in the emission of EM waves into the surrounding space.

[0110] According to an advantageous set of embodiments, the signal generator 22 is further operable selectively in a cleaning or treatment mode, in which the signal generator is adapted or controlled to generate a signal to cause a connected emitter arrangement 24 to generate electromagnetic radiation for performing an oral cleaning or treatment function within the oral cavity.

[0111] In the cleaning or treatment mode, the generator 22 causes the generation of an EM field or radiation having a lower electromagnetic frequency than in the sanitization mode. For example, electromagnetic fields or radiation at radio frequencies are known to be effective for use in cleaning or treating tooth surfaces or gingival tissue. For example, electromagnetic fields or radiation at radio frequencies can weaken biofilms on tooth surfaces, which can actively assist the cleaning or treatment portion 14 during tooth cleaning. Radio frequencies can also stimulate gingival tissue, which can have a local heating effect. A suitable frequency range for the cleaning or treatment mode is, for example, between 1 MHz and 300 MHz, for example between 1 MHz and 30 MHz.

[0112] In contrast, for the sanitized mode, a suitable frequency range is between 300 MHz and 300 GHz, for example between 2 GHz and 30 GHz.

[0113] A controller 26 is provided operatively coupled to the generator 22 and adapted to control the selective activation of the sanitation mode and the cleaning or treatment mode in response to user control signals from a user input element, such as one or more buttons provided on an exterior surface of the oral care device or an external computing device, such as a smartphone or tablet computer.

[0114] Thus, the same signal generator 22 and emitter arrangement 24 are used for both the electromagnetic cleaning and electromagnetic sanitization functions. Thus, in embodiments where the emitter arrangement is provided by the CTP, the integrated RF cleaning arrangement is reconfigured to become an integrated sanitization cell.

[0115] In some examples, the sanitation mode is automatically triggered at the end of an oral cleaning cycle, which may refer to, for example, the use of the device in a normal oral cleaning or treatment function, such as the use of an electric toothbrush to brush teeth or the use of an electric mouthpiece device to clean teeth. Thus, the cleaning or treatment portion is automatically sanitized after every use of the oral care device.

[0116] According to one or more embodiments, the oral care device 12 further includes a mechanical actuator for providing a source of mechanical motion, which is mechanically coupled to the cleaning or treatment portion 14 during use or adapted to be mechanically coupled to said portion when the cleaning or treatment portion is operably connected. The mechanical actuator is controlled to function during the sanitization mode to provide a combination of mechanical agitation and EM sanitization during the sanitization mode. This enhances the effectiveness of sanitization. The actuator is, for example, a drive train mechanism of an electric toothbrush configured to transmit a vibration motion to the brush head during use. This is just one example, but many types of oral care devices include a motion actuator.

[0117] According to one advantageous set of embodiments, the oral care system 10 further comprises an electromagnetic (EM) shielding unit 62 to assist in containing the generated electromagnetic energy within the sanitization area 34. The EM shielding unit 62 thus enhances the efficiency of the sanitization process by preventing the escape of EM radiation 32 from the sanitization space.

[0118] The EM shield unit 62 is configurable into a deployed position for use during a sanitization mode, in which the shield unit is disposed in a defined spatial relationship relative to the sanitization area 34 and adapted to at least partially inhibit leakage of electromagnetic energy from the sanitization area. In some examples, the EM shield unit 62 is further configurable into a non-deployed position, for example to enable normal use of the CTP 14.

[0119] In embodiments in which the emitter component 24 is not provided by the oral care device 12 or the cleaning or treatment portion (CTP) 14, the shield is part of the housing of the sanitization station, e.g., at least partially enclosing a sanitization chamber that can receive the cleaning or treatment portion.

[0120] In other embodiments, the EM shield unit 62 is a component configured to be connected or attached to the oral care device 12 or CTP portion 14 in a deployed configuration in a fixed spatial relationship relative to the sanitization area 34.

[0121] In general terms, the shield unit 62 should be formed of a structure or material suitable for preventing electromagnetic energy from passing through the shield unit 62. The shield unit comprises one or more shielding surfaces arranged to face the sanitization area in the deployed configuration to prevent leakage of electromagnetic field energy from the sanitization area. Thus, the shield unit serves to at least partially confine the electromagnetic radiation within the sanitization area. The shield unit is arranged to at least partially bound or delimit the sanitization area. The sanitization area is defined as an area that is at least partially bounded by the shield unit. The shield unit may comprise a single piece, or multiple pieces. The shield unit focuses the electromagnetic radiation within the sanitization area.

[0122] In a preferred example, the shield unit 62 is configured to at least partially reflect incident electromagnetic radiation towards the sanitization area 34. The shield unit comprises one or more electromagnetic reflective surfaces adapted to at least partially reflect electromagnetic energy generated by the emitter arrangement 24 in the sanitization mode for use in at least partially containing said radiation within the sanitization area when the shield unit is installed in the deployed configuration.

[0123] In the deployed configuration, the shield unit comprises at least one surface portion positioned facing the sanitization area and positioned to deflect the EM radiation back towards the sanitization area when the EM radiation is blocked.

[0124] Thus, in the deployed configuration, the reflective surface portions or elements are positioned to deflect radiation towards the sanitization area from one or more sides around the sanitization area.

[0125] This also provides an amplification effect. For example, if the shielding unit is shaped to at least partially bound or surround the sanitized region, the shielding unit forms a partial resonator cavity that encompasses the sanitized region and the CTP.

[0126] In some examples, the shield unit forms a partial cavity formed by one or more metamaterial units.

[0127] The shield unit may include a number of shielding walls disposed about an interior space or cavity that defines the sanitization area.

[0128] In one embodiment where the CTP is a toothbrush head, the deployed configuration causes the shield unit to reflect EM waves towards the bristles or platen surface of the cleaning or treatment part (CTP).

[0129] Next, some possible embodiments for the shield unit are outlined.

[0130] According to a first set of embodiments, the shield unit 62 is adapted to be physically separable from the oral care device 12 in the undeployed configuration and mechanically attachable or connectable to the oral care device in the deployed configuration.

[0131] We now outline various examples according to this first set of embodiments.

[0132] According to one set of examples, the shield unit 62 takes the form of a cap or cover defining an internal cavity or space and, in the deployed configuration, is arranged to fit over the cleaning or treatment portion 14 with at least a portion of said portion being at least partially received within the cavity.

[0133] The cap has a boundary wall formed of a material configured to at least partially retain the EM radiation within the cavity. The cap preferably reflects or redirects the EM energy towards the surface of the CTP.

[0134] This type of shield unit is suitable for embodiments in which the emitter arrangement 24 is included as part of the CTP 14 .

[0135] The emitter arrangement included in the CTP 14 is positioned to be received within the cavity when the shield unit is in the deployed configuration.

[0136] In a preferred example, the cap or cover is provided with an electromagnetically reflective surface or coating on the interior surface of the cap that faces inwardly toward the cavity defined by the cap or cover, and thus serves to reflect or deflect electromagnetic radiation toward the sanitized area around the emitter elements 24 contained in the CTP 14.

[0137] The reflective surface may be formed of a metal such as aluminium, silver or copper (polished or perforated). The reflective surface may comprise a coating or mesh cladding of the relevant material.

[0138] The reflective surface may alternatively be formed of a non-metallic material such as silicon, or a dielectric material containing metal inserts.

[0139] An example is shown in Figures 9-12.

[0140] 9 shows a cleaning or treatment part (CTP) 14 onto which a cap may be configured to fit. The CTP in this example takes the form of a brush head for a toothbrush. The brush head comprises a platen 42 forming a support from which a plurality of bristle tufts extend. The location of an exemplary emitter arrangement 24 is shown diagrammatically.

[0141] Figure 10 shows the cap shield unit 62 in a deployed position fitted onto the support 42 of the CTP 14. A cross section looking in the z direction shown in Figure 9 is shown. As shown, the cap surrounds the emitter arrangement (electrodes 52a, 52b) and the support 62 at least on the top, side, and rear surfaces. In some cases, the bottom of the shield is open since it is already substantially blocked by the support 42. In some cases, the front surface is also open.

[0142] As shown, the shield unit cap 62 includes an EM reflective surface portion 64 on an interior surface that reflects the incident portion of the EM field or radiation back toward the sanitization region 34 (toward the emitter components, the CTP 14, and the hair region). The conductive surface 64 may be a metal coating or a metal mesh structure (such as in a Faraday cage). In some cases, microwave metamaterial elements are provided.

[0143] Metamaterials are an emerging technology that relates to engineered materials that are characterized by their structure (the geometric arrangement of one or more materials) rather than by their material composition. Metamaterials enable the realization of new physical properties and characteristics that are not available or difficult to exploit in naturally occurring materials, such as a negative refractive index.

[0144] Microwave metamaterials are composed of a multiplicity of units whose effective properties (refractive index, dielectric constant, permeability) are novel (not found in natural materials) that allow for EM wave manipulation (e.g., promoting super-reflection or focusing) for desired frequency bands. A more detailed discussion of microwave metamaterials can be found, for example, in the article: Tie Jun Cui, Microwave metamaterials, National Science Review, Vol 5, March 2, 2018, pp. 134-136.

[0145] The body of the cap shield unit 62 may be formed of a different material, such as plastic. For example, in some cases a plastic protective cap is packaged with the toothbrush to protect the bristle area. This same cap may be modified to form the shield unit 62.

[0146] 11 shows a side view of shield unit 62 in a deployed configuration fitted (e.g., slid) over the CTP and emitter arrangement. A forward end 65 of shield unit 62 can be opened to allow reception of the top of CTP 14 into the cap.

[0147] In the deployed configuration, the cap 62 fits over the portion of the CTP 14 that includes the emitter configuration, and in the undeployed configuration, the cap is slid off of the CTP 14 so that the CTP can be used in connection with the oral cleaning or treatment device 12 for an oral cleaning or treatment function.

[0148] 12 shows the shielding cap 62 in an undeployed configuration. Thus, the shielding unit 62 is physically separable from the CTP 14 in the undeployed configuration and is mechanically attached to the CTP in the deployed configuration. The shielding unit 62 has a shielding wall 63 that encloses an internal cavity 66. A reflective surface portion 64 may be formed on an interior surface of the wall, or the wall itself may have an inner surface that forms the reflective surface portion.

[0149] 13 shows an exemplary shielding unit 62 in the form of a cap, which comprises a shaped lower part having recesses / pits 72 including reflective surfaces 64 for realizing directional deflection of the electromagnetic field or EM waves emitted by the emitter arrangement 52, facing towards the sanitization area 34 and in this example towards the support 42 and the hair area. The shaped lower part may form a first part 62a of the shielding unit 62, while the remaining shell of the shielding unit, for example surrounding the sanitization area 34, forms a second part 62b.

[0150] The shaped lower portion 62b is formed with, for example, a concave surface 72. The concave surface may be provided with a coated metal disk resonator 64, and this portion 62b is provided on the side of the cap that faces the hair. This may promote optimal reflective properties. For example, the curved shape of the reflector 64 may be configured to achieve directionality of direct reflection within the cap to maximize sanitizing efficiency. The reflective surface may be made to be frequency selective in some examples.

[0151] The molded lower portion is formed, for example, by 3D printing.

[0152] A continuous reflective surface 64 may be formed within the recess 72, or as shown in Figure 14, reflective elements 64 are provided at spaced intervals around the inner surface to provide the required directional reflectivity. The result may be as shown in Figure 15, where a parabolic or other concave reflector form forms a plane EM reflection front. The continuous reflective surface 64 or reflective elements may be formed of any suitable EM reflecting material including, for example, EM metamaterials.

[0153] In instances where the EM sanitation process is combined with mechanical agitation cleaning provided by a mechanical actuator (e.g., a toothbrush drive train mechanism), the cap may generate noise due to contact between the cap rim and the CTP 14. The cap is optionally formed of conductive rubber to reduce noise. Alternatively, the cap is formed of a combined acoustic and microwave metamaterial that attenuates sound radiation to avoid noise issues.

[0154] Microwave metamaterials have been described above. Acoustic metamaterials can be formed that exhibit negative or near-zero dynamic density and / or elastic modulus. Acoustic metamaterials can be composed of subwavelength unit cells, for example in an intermittent arrangement. Acoustic metamaterials are characterized by exhibiting mechanical (acoustic) frequency bands where wave propagation through the material cannot occur. These non-propagating frequency bands are known as the band gap of the material. Different units of the material can have different band gaps. These allow for unconventional ways of manipulating energy. Combination metamaterials can be formed with structures designed to achieve both EM wave manipulation (reflectivity) and suppression of specific resonant acoustic vibrations (to reduce noise).

[0155] According to one or more embodiments, the top surface of the platen 42 (or other support structure) that faces the sanitization area includes one or more reflective surface portions for reflecting or redirecting electromagnetic energy toward the sanitization area.

[0156] 16-18 show a further example of a shield unit 62. The shield is in the form of an umbrella structure 72 that forms a cover over the top of the CTP 14 of the oral care device and extends somewhat downwardly along the length of the CTP 14. The umbrella structure 72 includes an EM reflective coating on its lower surface facing the CTP 14 to provide the ability to at least partially keep EM radiation within the sanitization area 34.

[0157] The umbrella 72 is mounted within an internal bore channel formed through the axial core of the CTP (e.g., the neck of the toothbrush head in this example) and is slidably arranged along said bore channel to move the umbrella 72 from a non-deployed position (stored within the neck of the toothbrush head) to a deployed position (protruding from the top of the toothbrush head). A user control element (e.g., a lever) 76 is provided projecting outwardly from the neck of the toothbrush head to enable a user to manually move the shield into the deployed configuration.

[0158] FIG. 19 shows a further example of an electromagnetic shield unit 62, where the shield unit is a component of a charging station for an oral care device 12 or is integrated into the body of the charging station. In the example shown, the charging station comprises a cup 112 that can be placed on a base part 110, the base part containing an inductive electronic device for inductively charging an oral care device, e.g. a toothbrush. The shield unit 62 comprises a shielding wall, e.g. a reflecting wall, integrated into the base part 110 to reflect electromagnetic fields or radiation from the bottom of the charging station. The shield unit 62 is further integrated around the bottom rim of the cup 112. This is used in some examples in combination with the shield 62 described above.

[0159] Another example is shown diagrammatically in Figure 20 in the form of a storage or travel case capable of receiving an oral care device 12. This example shows an oral care device 12 in the form of a mouthpiece unit that can be received in the mouth to perform an oral cleaning function. The case for holding the mouthpiece unit has an electromagnetically reflective inner surface to at least partially prevent escape of electromagnetic fields or radiation generated by an emitter arrangement 24 included in the mouthpiece unit.

[0160] The shield unit 62 is also integrated into the walls and / or lid of the travel case designed to receive the electric toothbrush in some instances and is designed to at least partially deflect the electromagnetic field or radiation towards the toothbrush. In this way, sanitization can be performed with the toothbrush received in the travel case allowing for portable sanitization capability. The travel case also allows for drying of the toothbrush via evaporation of residual water on the surface of the cleaning or treatment portion 14. The sanitization mode can be active during travel. When the user arrives at the destination, the toothbrush head is not only dry but also sanitized.

[0161] According to a second set of embodiments, the shield unit 62 is adapted to be mechanically (manually or electronically) transitionable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position, where the shield unit is mechanically connected or attached to the oral care device in both positions. The deployed position has the shield unit at least partially covering or at least partially facing the sanitization area (e.g., cleaning or treatment portion), and the non-deployed configuration has the shield unit in a different position (e.g., retracted and not facing the sanitization area).

[0162] Thus, in these embodiments, the oral care device and / or cleaning or treatment portion 14 has an integrated shield unit 62 .

[0163] One example is shown in FIG. 21 in the form of a retractable sleeve item 82 designed to slide along the body of an oral care device.

[0164] Generally, in this configuration, the oral care device 12 includes a body portion 15 having an operative end 84 and a handle end 86. The oral cleansing or treatment portion 14 is connectable to the operative end 84 of the body portion 15, and the shield unit 62, 82 is adapted to be slidable along the body portion of the oral care device 12 between the operative end and the handle end.

[0165] In the example shown, the shield unit is in the form of a sleeve that wraps coaxially around the body 15 of the electric toothbrush. The left side of Fig. 21 shows the sleeve in a non-deployed configuration, and the right side of Fig. 21 shows the sleeve in a deployed configuration, in which the sleeve is positioned surrounding the cleaning or treatment portion 14 (in this case the brush head). Reflective surface portions or elements may be provided on the inner surface of the sleeve to help reflect the electromagnetic field or radiation towards the sanitization area 34 inside the sleeve.

[0166] The sleeves 62, 82 (similar to the caps in Figures 10-12) serve the dual function of protecting the bristle area of ​​the brush head and providing enhanced sanitation.

[0167] In a further exemplary embodiment, the shield unit 62 is adapted to at least partially cover the sanitization area when in the deployed configuration, and the shield unit is adapted to be folded and unfolded to move between the undeployed configuration and the deployed configuration.

[0168] An example is shown diagrammatically in Figs. 22-24. In the example shown, the shield 62 is designed to be used with an oral care device 12, 14 in the form of a mouthpiece unit. The shield may be unfolded in a concertina-like manner from a stored position received in a cavity in the top or bottom surface of the mouthpiece unit. The shield may be integrated into the mouthpiece or provided as a separate attachment. Fig. 22 shows the unfolding of the shield unit 62 from the stored position. Fig. 23 shows the shield in a deployed position, in which the shield may completely surround the mouthpiece unit. Fig. 24 shows the storage of the shield unit 62 in an arc-shaped cavity at the rear of the top surface of the mouthpiece unit. The mouthpiece unit generally includes two protruding upper wall portions 92a, 92b that define a tooth-receiving channel 16 therebetween. An additional arc-shaped channel may be provided, for example at the outer periphery of the mouthpiece unit, in which the shield is foldably stored. The shield unit is preferably hidden from view in the retracted position.

[0169] According to one or more advantageous embodiments, in sanitization mode, the generator 22 generates an electromagnetic (EM) field or radiation using the emitter arrangement 24 to convert water-containing fluids in the sanitization space 34 into steam, typically at atmospheric pressure and 100° C. Since steam enables disinfection, converting water into steam makes sanitization much more efficient.

[0170] For example, residual water on the cleaning or treatment part (CTP) 14 is heated with the electromagnetic field or radiation to a temperature at which the water is converted to steam. For example, referring to the toothbrush example, it has been found that there is typically less than 0.1 g of water on the wet brush after the brush has been wetted and removed from the water source. By way of example, such a volume of water, when heated by energy generated from the electromagnetic field or radiation at a power of 10 W, allows for steam generation within a period of only 4 seconds, provided that all or most of the electromagnetic energy is absorbed by the residual water.

[0171] To aid in the efficient absorption of EM energy to generate steam, this embodiment employs the use of a cover to contain or retain heat. This may be a thermally stable (and ideally insulating) cover, and may optionally perform an EM shielding function as described in connection with any of the examples above. The cover may have sufficient structural strength to withstand the pressure caused by the steam within the cover.

[0172] By way of example, a cover unit is provided having a deployment configuration positioned to surround the sanitization area to at least partially limit heat leakage and promote steam generation in the sanitization area, and a pressure relief opening (or valve) to allow controlled leakage of steam, for example if pressure continues to rise.

[0173] In one set of examples, the cover unit takes the form of a balloon or cap, in some examples formed of a temperature stable rubber. In the sanitizing mode, a moist or pre-wetted brush head is received within the balloon. The balloon has pressure relief holes or vents. The cover unit is either integrated into the oral care device (e.g., movable between deployed and retracted configurations) or is supplied as a separate part, which in some examples is attachable to the CTP so that it is in the deployed configuration. In examples where the emitter component is separate from the CTP 14, the cover unit is formed by a housing of a separate sanitizing unit, which can, for example, seal around a sanitizing area designed to receive the CTP 14.

[0174] In a further example, the cover unit takes the form of a cap of similar outer shape and configuration to the caps described above in connection with the EM shielding options and with reference to Figures 9-12.

[0175] An example is shown in Figures 25 and 26. In this example, the CTP 14 is in the form of a brush head for a toothbrush. A cover unit 102 is provided in the form of a cap surrounding a portion 42 of the CTP 14 carrying cleaning elements in the form of bristles and an emitter arrangement 24 (not visible in Figure 25). Figure 25 shows the cover unit 102 in its deployed position fitted onto the support 42 of the CTP 14. The cap may surround the emitter arrangement and support 42 at least on the top, side and rear surfaces. The cap is arranged to surround a sanitizing area formed around the emitter arrangement on the support 42 in order to trap the generated heat and thereby promote a more efficient generation of steam.

[0176] 26, the cover unit is positioned to seal around the CTP 14 with sealing lip 108, thereby sealing the portion of the CTP received within the cover. Sealing lip 108 seals the sanitization area to ensure that steam can be generated most efficiently. Thus, the cap fluidly seals the sanitization area except for pressure relief opening 104. This better traps heat within the space and allows for a controlled release of steam.

[0177] Optionally, the cover unit further comprises one or more electromagnetic reflective surfaces 64 or elements for at least partially reflecting the electromagnetic field or radiation towards the sanitization area 34 .

[0178] The generator 22 may be selectively operable in a steam mode (e.g., a "flush steam" mode), which may be understood as a specialized example of a sanitizing mode. The steam mode may be designed for use with the cover unit 102, particularly when only a small amount of fluid is present in the sanitizing area (e.g., a wet brush head after washing and shaking off excess water). In the steam mode, the generator generates EM radiation for a shorter period of time than during a normal sanitizing mode, for example. For example, as described above, the generator generates radiation at a power of at least 10 W for approximately 4-10 seconds. The generator 22 may be selectively operable in either the steam mode or the normal sanitizing mode, in some examples. A control device may be provided to facilitate switching between the modes.

[0179] According to one or more embodiments, the system includes means for detecting moisture and / or temperature in the sanitized area by analysis of electrical properties of the emitter arrangement.

[0180] For example, as shown diagrammatically in Fig. 27, the generator 22 and the emitter arrangement 24 are understood to form a generating circuit. The oral care device 12 further comprises a sensing module 114 configured to sense an electrical characteristic of the generating circuit and adapted to detect moisture present in the sanitization area based on the electrical characteristic of the generating circuit or a change therein. The operation of the generator is optionally adjusted in response to an output of the sensing module. This may be done, for example, using an optional controller 26 configured to receive the output from the sensing module 114 and operably coupled to the generator 22. For example, the sanitization cycle or process is controlled to stop in response to detection of a moisture level below a predetermined threshold (dryness detection) and / or detection of a temperature level above a predetermined threshold.

[0181] For example, when used in connection with the optional steam mode, the steam mode cycle should end when (substantially) all of the steam has evaporated, which may be detected using the sensing module, and the steam sanitization mode ends when the moisture level falls below a threshold associated with the evaporation of steam.

[0182] Due to the difference in dielectric constant between air and water, the voltage or current detected across the electrodes 52a, 52b, or the voltage or current detected in the circuit of the one or more coils 92, changes depending on the moisture level (humidity) of the atmosphere inside the sanitization area 34. For example, the effective capacitance between the electrodes 52a, 52b changes depending on the atmospheric moisture level, and this change can be detected in the voltage or current of the generator circuit by the sensing module. In the example of FIG. 27, the sensing module 114 detects a voltage change, but the sensing module 114 may instead be connected in series with the generator circuit and detect a current. A look-up table or predefined function or algorithm may be stored locally in the sensing module 114 or the controller 26 to allow the sensed electrical characteristic (or change therein) to be associated with a particular moisture or humidity level (or change therein).

[0183] In this way, it can be detected when (substantially) all of the steam has evaporated. Additionally, or alternatively, sensing can be used to determine whether sufficient moisture remains on the bristles or within the sanitization area to perform a sanitization mode. In some cases, this is done after performing a standard (non-steam) sanitization mode to determine whether there is sufficient residual moisture to perform a steam flush mode.

[0184] Furthermore, the dielectric constant of water varies with temperature, as shown for example in Figure 1 of the paper: Andrei Andryieuski et al., Water: Promising Opportunities For Tunable All-dielectric Electromagnetic Metamaterials. August 2015, Scientific Reports 5:13535.

[0185] These known relationships may be used to determine the temperature, or at least changes thereto, of the water in the sanitization area 132 based on an output from the sensing module 114 indicating a detected fluctuation in the current or voltage of the generation circuit. This may be used to control the output or duration of operation of the generator 22, for example, to prevent overheating, or to detect when a certain threshold temperature has been reached, for example to detect the end of the heating part of the sanitization cycle (described above) and begin the temperature maintenance part.

[0186] As moisture levels and temperatures change during the sanitization cycle (time), a reference lookup table or function may be used that associates different combinations of temperature and moisture level with different pre-defined sets of one or more measured electrical characteristics of the generation circuit, which in some instances is determined experimentally from which a factory calibration master curve and lookup table are determined.

[0187] According to one or more embodiments, a sensing module 114 is provided configured to sense an electrical characteristic of the generating circuit, and an output of the sensing module is adapted to detect placement of the EM shield unit 62 (described above) in a deployed configuration relative to the sanitization area 34 based on the electrical characteristic. Thus, the emitter arrangement is used to detect correct placement of the shield unit on the sanitization area 34 (e.g., a portion of the CTP 14). In a preferred example, the shield unit comprises an EM reflective surface portion or element, as in the various examples described above.

[0188] When the cap is correctly placed, the EM field characteristics inside the sanitization area change compared to when the cap is not correctly placed, due to blocking or reflecting of the EM field or radiation, which can be detected by the sensing module 114 in a change in voltage or current in the generating circuit. Thus, the placement of the cap can be detected.

[0189] An exemplary circuit arrangement for implementing the embodiment is shown in FIG.

[0190] The placement detection may be triggered in response to a control command from a user control element, for example, pressing the sanitization button 122 by a user. As shown in FIG. 28, the detection module 114 outputs a detection signal 130 indicative of a detected signal characteristic of the generating circuit (voltage in FIG. 28, but current may be detected in alternative configurations). This detection signal 130 is compared with a reference signal REF indicative of the presence (or absence) of a shield unit. Depending on the result, the control electronics (e.g., as implemented by the controller 26) will enable the sanitization mode 126 ("Y") or reset the system 128 ("N") and enter a sleep mode. Optionally, a timeout mechanism is implemented, whereby the controller automatically switches off the sanitization mode if a detection signal from the detection module 114 is not received within a predefined time window.

[0191] According to each of the above sensing options, the sensing function is performed based on monitoring an electrical characteristic of an electrical circuit including the emitter arrangement 24 (e.g. the first electrode 52a and the second electrode 52b, or at least one loop coil 19). For example, the signal generator 22 is electrically connected to the first electrode 52a and the second electrode 52b and configured to apply an alternating drive signal across the electrodes. The circuit including the generator 22 and the first and second electrodes forms an RF generating circuit. The sensing is based on monitoring an electrical characteristic of the generating circuit, such as a complex impedance or inductance. The change in capacitance can be measured, for example, based on sensing a voltage change across the electrode pair formed by the first electrode and the second electrode. Current changes can also be detected and used. The current and / or voltage may be directly used as the sensing electrical characteristic.

[0192] 27 and 28 are shown as separate physical units, it is noted that the module may simply be a functional module, whose functions may be performed by another unit, for example circuitry or processing components provided by the controller 26.

[0193] According to one or more embodiments, the oral care device includes a sensory output element, such as one or more lights visible on an exterior surface of the device, or an audio or tactile feedback element. Optionally, following completion of the hygiene mode, the controller uses the output element to provide sensory feedback to the user, for example by triggering an alarm sound, vibration, or illumination of one or more lights.

[0194] An example according to a further aspect of the present invention provides a method for sanitizing at least the cleaning or treatment portion 14 of an oral care device 12, where the cleaning or treatment portion is intended to be received in a user's oral cavity to perform a cleaning or treatment function.

[0195] The method includes the step of generating a signal using a signal generator 22 to cause a connected emitter arrangement 24 comprising one or more conductive elements to generate a radio frequency and / or microwave frequency electromagnetic field or radiation within a sanitization area 34 around the emitter arrangement, the EM field or radiation being suitable for causing heating of water or water-containing fluid present on any exposed surface of a cleaning or treatment portion disposed within the sanitization area.

[0196] In accordance with one or more advantageous embodiments, controller 26 is configured to implement a cleaning protocol having two or more of the following ordered steps:

[0197] Step 1: Performing mechanical cleaning of the cleaning or treatment portion 14 of the oral care device based on the activation of a mechanical actuator provided by the device and configured to couple mechanical action to the oral cleaning or treatment portion (CTP). For example, this may include activating a vibration mechanism or drive train mechanism of an electric toothbrush or of a cleaning mouthpiece unit. This may be performed with the cleaning or treatment portion submerged in water with or without added active ingredients. This mechanical cleaning step may remove larger particles of dirt or foreign matter, such as toothpaste or food debris.

[0198] Step 2: Activating a standard sanitization mode in which EM radiation is generated to heat the water on or around the CTP to at least 70° C. and maintain said temperature for at least 10 seconds. This can be done with or without a shielding unit according to any of the examples above.

[0199] Step 3: Performing a disinfectant / germicide type sanitization mode, which includes generating electromagnetic radiation to heat water on or around the CTP 14 and turn the water into steam. This may be done with a cover unit deployed over the sanitization area (e.g., over the bristle area of ​​a brush head of a toothbrush) to at least partially retain heat within the sanitization area, the cover unit having steam pressure relief holes.

[0200] For optimal effectiveness, these three different steps ("clean-sanitize-disinfect") may be performed in sequence as part of a defined cleaning control program or protocol. The execution of step 2 and / or step 3 may be dependent on sensed atmospheric conditions within the sanitization area, for example based on sensing temperature and / or moisture levels as described above.

[0201] Optionally, steps 1 and 2 are performed simultaneously. For example, the CTP is submerged in water and a mechanical actuator is triggered to induce mechanical cleaning. At the same time, the generator 22 can be controlled to generate an electromagnetic field or radiation to perform sanitization. Since the CTP is in contact with water, the water can be heated to perform sanitization.

[0202] An exemplary control workflow for the cleaning protocol is outlined in Figure 29. Each of the steps has been described individually in detail above and therefore will not be repeated in detail here. The method is described in the context of an electric toothbrush, but may be similarly applied to any exemplary oral care device 12 including any exemplary cleaning or treatment portion 14.

[0203] The protocol begins with a user pressing 302 a sanitize button on the oral care device. Optionally, the controller detects 304 whether the shield unit 62 is correctly positioned based on a sensing module monitoring electrical characteristics of the generator circuit. If the shield is not correctly positioned, the sanitize button is reset 306. If the shield is detected as correctly positioned, the sanitize mode is initiated 308.

[0204] The controller detects 310 whether the brush head is submerged in water based on detecting the moisture level based on monitoring the electrical characteristics of the generator circuit. If submersion is detected, steps 1 and 2 of the cleaning protocol described above are performed. This involves performing mechanical cleaning 314 via triggering the operating mechanism of the oral care device, and simultaneously or subsequently performing a sanitization mode 316 in which microwave or radio frequency electromagnetic radiation is generated to heat the water to a sanitization level. The controller then detects whether the moisture level in the sanitization space is low enough (e.g., the bristle area surface is dry enough) for the steam mode to be enabled. If not, the sanitization mode 316 is continued until a dryness level is reached. Once the dryness level is reached, a steam flush mode 322 for disinfection is enabled. The controller further detects 324 whether substantially all of the water has evaporated based on detecting the moisture level in the sanitization space based on monitoring the electrical characteristics of the generator circuit. If the required dryness level has not been reached, the steam flush mode is continued 322. If not, the sanitation protocol is terminated 326 and preferably sensory feedback is generated to inform the user of this.

[0205] Embodiments according to the present invention provide advantages over known sanitization approaches for oral care devices.

[0206] One advantage is the enhanced effectiveness of sanitization compared to UV sanitization, which cannot penetrate all surfaces of the cleaning or treatment portion of the oral cleaning device.

[0207] A further advantage resides in shorter sanitization times, eg, typically less than 30 seconds.

[0208] A further advantage is the low power / energy requirements (eg, less than 10-20 W and 100-200 J for one cleaning cycle).

[0209] As mentioned above, the embodiments utilize a controller. The controller can be implemented in many ways, including software and / or hardware, to perform the various functions required. The processor is one example of a controller that uses one or more microprocessors that can be programmed using software (e.g., microcode) to perform the functions required. However, the controller may be implemented with or without a processor, and may be implemented as a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions and a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry) to perform other functions.

[0210] Examples of controller components that may be used in various embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, conventional microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0211] In various embodiments, a processor or controller may be associated with one or more storage media, such as volatile and non-volatile computer memory, such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM. The storage media may be encoded with one or more programs that perform the required functions when executed on the one or more processors and / or controllers. The various storage media may be fixed within the processor or controller or may be portable, such that the one or more programs stored thereon can be loaded into the processor or controller.

[0212] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0213] A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims.

[0214] The measures recited in mutually different dependent claims may be combined to advantage.

[0215] It is noted that when the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or specification, the term "adapted to" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to."

[0216] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. 1. An oral care device comprising or operably connectable to a cleaning or treatment portion for at least partial receipt within a user's oral cavity to perform a cleaning or treatment function, the oral care device comprising: A signal generator operable to generate radio frequency (RF) and / or microwave frequency electromagnetic radiation when operably coupled to an emitter arrangement. Equipped with For oral care purposes, the signal generator is selectively operable in a cleaning or treatment mode, in which the signal generator generates a signal to cause the emitter arrangement to generate electromagnetic radiation to perform an oral cleaning or treatment function; An oral care device wherein to sanitize the cleaning or treatment area, the signal generator is selectively operable in a sanitization mode, in which the signal generator generates a signal to cause the emitter arrangement to generate RF and / or microwave frequency electromagnetic radiation within a sanitization area around the emitter arrangement, the electromagnetic radiation being suitable for causing heating of water in contact with any exposed surfaces of the cleaning or treatment area positioned within the sanitization area to a temperature of at least 50°C.

2. 10. The oral care device of claim 1, wherein in the cleaning or treatment mode, the signal generator generates a signal to cause the emitter arrangement to generate electromagnetic radiation having a lower electromagnetic frequency than in the sanitization mode.

3. 3. The oral care device of claim 1 or 2, wherein in the hygiene mode, the signal generator generates a drive signal to cause the emitter element to generate electromagnetic radiation, the drive signal having an average power of at least 10-20 W, and the drive signal is generated for a period of at least 10-20 seconds.

4. The oral care device of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a mechanical actuator for providing a source of mechanical action and coupling the mechanical action to the cleaning or treatment portion in use, the mechanical actuator functioning during the hygiene mode.

5. The signal generator and the emitter arrangement when coupled form a generating circuit, the oral care device further comprising a sensing module, the sensing module sensing an electrical characteristic of the generating circuit, and Moisture present in the sanitized area based on the electrical characteristics of the generating circuit; and / or A temperature within the sanitized area based on an electrical characteristic of the generating circuit. The oral care device of claim 1 , wherein the oral care device detects

6. 6. The oral care device of claim 1, wherein the oral care device comprises the cleaning or treatment portion, the cleaning or treatment portion comprising the emitter arrangement.

7. An oral care device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, an emitter arrangement for operatively coupling to the signal generator; an electromagnetic shielding unit capable of a deployed configuration, wherein in the deployed configuration the electromagnetic shielding unit is disposed in a defined spatial relationship relative to the sanitization area around the emitter arrangement, and wherein the electromagnetic shielding unit at least partially inhibits leakage of electromagnetic energy from the sanitization area; An oral care system comprising:

8. 8. The oral care system of claim 7, wherein the electromagnetic shield unit comprises one or more electromagnetic reflective elements or surfaces that at least partially reflect the electromagnetic radiation generated by the emitter arrangement in the sanitizing mode for use in at least partially containing the electromagnetic radiation within the sanitizing area when the electromagnetic shield unit is disposed in the deployed configuration.

9. The oral care system comprises the cleaning or treatment portion, the cleaning or treatment portion comprises the emitter arrangement, 9. The oral care system of claim 7 or 8, wherein the electromagnetic shield unit defines an internal cavity and comprises a cover unit arranged to fit over at least a section of the cleaning or treatment portion when in the deployed configuration with the section being at least partially received within the internal cavity.

10. The oral care system comprises the cleaning or treatment portion, the cleaning or treatment portion comprises the emitter arrangement, the electromagnetic shield unit is capable of being in a deployed configuration and a non-deployed configuration, the electromagnetic shield unit being physically separable from the oral care device to place the electromagnetic shield unit in the non-deployed configuration, and being mechanically attachable or connectable to the oral care device to place the electromagnetic shield unit in the deployed configuration; The oral care system according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

11. The oral care system comprises the cleaning or treatment portion, the cleaning or treatment portion comprises the emitter arrangement, the electromagnetic shield unit is mechanically movable between an undeployed configuration and a deployed configuration, the electromagnetic shield unit being mechanically connected or attached to the oral care device in both positions; In the deployed configuration, the electromagnetic shield unit is positioned at least partially covering or at least partially facing the sanitization area, and in the non-deployed configuration, the electromagnetic shield unit is in a different position. The oral care system according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

12. The signal generator and the emitter arrangement form a generating circuit, the oral care device further comprising a sensing module configured to sense an electrical characteristic of the generating circuit; the electromagnetic shield unit comprises one or more electromagnetic reflective surfaces or elements that at least partially reflect the electromagnetic radiation generated by the emitter arrangement; the sensing module detects a position of the electromagnetic shield unit in the deployed configuration based on the electrical characteristic. An oral care system according to any one of claims 7 to 11.

13. An oral care device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, a cover unit capable of being deployed and arranged to enclose or surround the sanitization area to at least partially limit heat escape to promote steam generation in the sanitization area, the cover unit having a pressure relief opening to allow escape of steam; An oral care system comprising:

14. An oral care device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. An oral care system comprising: the signal generator and the emitter arrangement when coupled form a generating circuit, the oral care device further comprising a sensing module for sensing an electrical characteristic of the generating circuit and detecting a temperature within the sanitization area based on the electrical characteristic of the generating circuit; The oral care system further comprises a controller implementing a sanitation control program including heating fluid in the sanitization area to a temperature of at least 50-70°C and maintaining the fluid at that temperature for at least 10-20 seconds, the controller receiving a temperature detection signal from the detection module for use in implementing the sanitation control program.

15. A cleaning or treatment element for performing a cleaning or treatment function in the user's oral cavity; an emitter arrangement operable to generate radio frequency (RF) and / or microwave frequency electromagnetic radiation when operably coupled to a signal generator; A cleaning or treatment portion comprising: A cleaning or treatment portion, the cleaning or treatment portion being selectively operable in a sanitization mode, in which the electromagnetic radiation generated by the emitter arrangement is suitable for causing heating of water in contact with any exposed surfaces of the cleaning or treatment portion positioned within a sanitization area around the emitter arrangement to a temperature of at least 50°C to effect sanitization of the cleaning or treatment portion.

16. 1. A method for sanitizing at least a cleaning or treatment portion of an oral care device, the cleaning or treatment portion being intended to be received in a user's oral cavity to perform a cleaning or treatment function, the method comprising: generating a signal using a signal generator provided by the oral care device to cause a connected emitter element to generate radio frequency and / or microwave frequency electromagnetic radiation within a sanitization area around the emitter element, the electromagnetic radiation being suitable to cause heating of water in contact with any exposed surfaces of the cleaning or treatment portion disposed within the sanitization area to at least 50°C. The method comprising:

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