Mouthpiece for dental cleaning system and dental cleaning system

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dental cleaning system, and in particular to a dental cleaning system in the form of an automatic brush system based on an actuated mouthpiece. [Background technology]

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

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

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

[0005] One problem identified is a lack of cleaning effectiveness due to insufficient coverage / reach above the third molars and gum line, lack of contour conformance to different jaw shapes, and limited kinetic energy delivered to the teeth.

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

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

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

[0009] The invention is defined by the claims.

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

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

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

[0013] The connecting device is particularly adapted to the adjacent region of the medial arch. and Adjacent area of ​​lateral arch And Connect , inside The adjacent area of ​​one of the side arch and lateral arch , in one direction relative to the base Movement , inside The other adjacent area of ​​the side arch and lateral arch , in the opposite direction to the base Convert it into movement.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0020] The arch can be driven to have only a lateral translational motion or it can produce more complex movements, for example an up and down movement combined with a lateral stroke forming a circular rotational movement. More complex movements are formed, for example, by combining a one-dimensional movement, such as tapping (i.e. across the teeth, not along them), with a sliding movement along the teeth or a two-dimensional circular movement, enhancing the cleaning effect.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0045] The mouthpiece includes a first U-shaped channel for receiving the teeth of one jaw and a second U-shaped channel for receiving the teeth of the other jaw. The mouthpiece is bitten by a user with the teeth in the two channels. The system may instead have only one channel, in which case cleaning is done on one jaw at a time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0058] The connecting device includes connecting members 18, 20 that extend between the medial arch 14 and the lateral arch 16, respectively. The connecting members 18, 20 each connect to the base 12 at a location 22 between the medial and lateral arches via a flexible strut or web. The connecting members 18, 20 and the flexible struts function as a hinge, the main pivot point of the hinge being defined at a point on the flexible connecting members that extend between the base 12 and the location 22 where the connecting members connect to the base. The hinge thus swings about the pivot point to provide anti-phase movement between the medial and lateral arches. Some pivoting at the connections between the ends of the connecting members and the medial and lateral arches allows the overall device to have the required flexibility.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0076] As a general guide to the approximate usable range of motion, the amplitude of the anti-phase movements is 1mm to 5 mm. For example, the actuation amplitude will be about ±1.2 mm with an actuation input of ±1.5 mm. Larger actuation amplitudes, for example about 3-4 mm (half the width of a molar), are used, for example, using geared motors.

[0077] In the embodiment of Figures 1-7, the hinge of the coupling device is located from the rear to the front of the mouthpiece as described above, with additional connectors 24, 26. The advantage of the embodiment of Figures 1-7 is that the coupling members transfer motion from the outer arch to the inner arch closer to the actuator, minimizing loss of motion and allowing the molars to conform to the teeth.

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

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

[0080] The above embodiment utilizes a connector formed as a first U-shaped connection between the outer arch and location 22 (where the struts connecting to the base are) and a second U-shaped connection between location 22 and the inner arch. An alternative design utilizes first and second W-shaped connections.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0100] The U-shaped channel in the mouthpiece allows for the addition of bristles on the stationary base. The incisors bite into the anterior base, fixing the stationary part. This stationary part is covered with cleaning structures (which contact the teeth) (e.g. rough surfaces or short 0.5-1 mm bristles for some cleaning of the upper incisors). By increasing the thickness of this stationary part, room can be made for bristles in the molar to premolar area.

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

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

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

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

Claims

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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