Cleaning and / or treatment unit for oral care devices

Abstract

The shielding barrier 32 is carried by one or more electrodes 22 of the cleaning and / or treatment unit 12 for an oral care device and is configured to prevent contact by other elements or external objects with the exposed conductive portion 25 of the electrode 22. The shielding barrier is configured such that the exposed conductive portion is still at least partially open to the environment surrounding the electrode 22.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning and / or treatment unit for an oral care device, and more particularly to a cleaning and / or treatment unit having electrodes for generating electromagnetic radiation.

Background Art

[0002] US2012 / 233791A1 discloses a brush body for selectively applying a local current to an intraoral gap such as a periodontal pocket for oral care. The brush body has a plurality of tufts of bristles on the brush head. The tufts of bristles include bristles having a core and a sheath. The core has a conductive member, and the sheath has an insulating member covering the core. At the tip portion of the bristle, the core protrudes further than the sheath and functions as an electrode.

[0003] US2019 / 380482A1 discloses an attachment for an oral care device. The attachment has a treatment element. The treatment element includes a first electrode and a second electrode, and the electrodes are arranged such that when the first electrode and the second electrode come into contact with the tissue in the user's oral cavity, an applied current can flow from the first electrode to the second electrode through the tissue.

[0004] WO2017 / 216606A1 discloses an oral cleaning device, which includes a head portion supporting a cleaning element, a handle portion extending from the head portion, an RF generator disposed on the handle portion and connected to an electrode disposed on the head portion, and additionally or alternatively, a microcurrent source disposed on the handle portion and connected to one of a conductive surface located on the handle and an electrode located on the head portion, and a non-conductive barrier disposed on the head portion for separating the electrodes from each other.

[0005] In recent years, in the field of oral care, oral care devices that generate high-frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields or radiation for intraoral cleaning and / or treatment functions have been developed.

[0006] Radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation can be used to provide cleaning and / or treatment functions in the oral cavity. In particular, when an RF field interacts with the surface of teeth and gums, it can alter the surface properties of the surfaces in the mouth, which softens surface deposits such as plaque or tartar, making them easier to remove. RF radiation can also provide treatment functions by inducing a mild heating effect on the tissues. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] In some known examples, relatively rigid electrodes extending outward from the surface of the cleaning and / or treatment unit are used to generate RF radiation. However, these reduce the available surface area of ​​the cleaning filament, such as a bristle, and decrease the mechanical cleaning efficiency. As an alternative, flexible emitters with similar size and bending profile to the cleaning filament can be provided. They can be integrated into the cleaning filament field without significantly compromising surface area. In some cases, they can provide two functions: mechanical cleaning and RF field generation.

[0008] However, one difficulty associated with such a configuration is the high risk of short circuits due to contact between electrically exposed parts of adjacent emitters. This can occur, for example, through mechanical deformation, bending, spreading, and wear of the emitter. Short circuits result in damage to the emitter's function. Short circuits also pose a safety problem for the user, as a short circuit occurring in the mouth could potentially cause harmful burns.

[0009] Improvements in the field of cleaning and / or treatment units for oral care devices that can overcome the aforementioned problems would be beneficial. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.

[0011] According to embodiments of the present invention, a cleaning and / or treatment unit for an oral care device is provided, which comprises a support, a plurality of electrodes extending outward from the surface of the support, each electrode including a conductive element that is at least partially exposed, and at least one barrier including one or more walls configured to at least partially shield the exposed portion from physical contact, for example, contact by at least one other electrode of the plurality.

[0012] The barrier may have physical barrier elements. The barrier may be carried by at least one electrode that it shields. The barrier may be an electrically insulating barrier element.

[0013] The barrier is configured, for example, to prevent physical contact of the exposed portion of the conductive element by other elements of the cleaning and / or treatment unit or external objects. External objects may include, for example, amalgam fillings or metal elements in dental aligners.

[0014] One or more walls of the barrier can be positioned at a distance from the exposed portion of the conductive element. In some examples, there is no contact between the exposed portion of the conductive element and the barrier; i.e., there is a gap between the exposed portion of the conductive element and the barrier. In further examples, there may be solid contact between at least a portion of the barrier wall and the conductive element. Here, the concept of “wall” is not limited to rigid objects, but also includes the possibility of having a flexible barrier that can bend / flex along with the electrode. However, the important thing is that the wall is positioned (e.g., formed) in such a way that it prevents physical contact between the exposed portion of the electrode and the barrier.

[0015] A barrier can have a monolithic physical structure, or it can have a multi-material structure.

[0016] As the unit is moved across the oral cavity surface, or as the electrodes degrade, the electrodes may bend toward each other, which poses a risk of short circuits due to contact. Short circuits pose a safety problem due to the excess heat generated and, if two or more of the electrodes are in close proximity, due to the high-intensity RF field generated. Embodiments of the present invention provide an additional barrier relating to at least a subset of electrodes, for example, coupled to or extending from the subset, configured to block or prevent physical contact of the exposed portions of the electrode conductive elements by the electrodes or by other physical elements of the cleaning and / or treatment unit. This helps prevent potential short circuits resulting from contact between electrodes of different polarities.

[0017] Thus, the electrode structure is designed to prevent physical contact between exposed conductive element portions of different electrodes carried by the cleaning and / or treatment unit.

[0018] The barrier is preferably electrically insulating. Electrical insulation means that it is at least more electrically insulating than the material of the conductive element.

[0019] In this context, "exposure" means that the conductive element is open to or in directional fluid communication with the environment surrounding the cleaning and / or treatment unit, for example, the oral environment upon which it is received.

[0020] The exposed portion of the conductive element is preferably the distal or apical portion, extending from the distal end to the proximal end of the conductive element. In this disclosure, proximal means close to the surface of the oral cleaning and / or treatment unit, and distal means far from the surface of the oral cleaning and / or treatment unit.

[0021] The barrier is preferably configured to prevent lateral contact with the electrode, where lateral means a direction perpendicular to the length dimension of the electrode.

[0022] In some examples, the plurality of electrodes can have pairs of the plurality of electrodes. During operation, a given pair of electrodes is driven with different (e.g., opposite polarity) voltages. This means that there is a potential difference between such a pair of electrodes, which generates an electric field between the pair of electrodes.

[0023] At least one barrier of the electrode can be configured to prevent physical contact of the exposed portion of the conductive element by another electrode, such as an adjacent electrode, on a surface that bends towards the exposed portion.

[0024] The barrier element can be configured, for example, to prevent contact of the exposed portions of each pair of electrodes when the electrodes bend towards each other.

[0025] The wall of the barrier may be spaced apart from the exposed portion of the conductive element.

[0026] In some examples, the cleaning and / or treatment unit can be an integral part of the oral care device (e.g., the integral mouthpiece part of the brushing mouthpiece device), or a removable accessory of the oral care device, such as the cleaning head of a toothbrush, or a removable mouthpiece part of a mouthpiece device.

[0027] Each of the electrodes may be flexible. In particular, each may be laterally flexible, where the lateral direction is perpendicular to the length of the electrode, and the length extends from the proximal end to the distal end of a member connected to the cleaning unit surface.

[0028] According to one or more embodiments, the cleaning and / or treatment unit can further include a plurality of cleaning elements extending outward from the surface of the support to mechanically engage the surface within the user's oral cavity with respect to the cleaning function. The cleaning elements have, for example, cleaning filaments such as bristles. The electrodes may be disposed within the bristle field.

[0029] The plurality of cleaning elements can have at least one space group of the cleaning elements. The space group covers an area of the support surface. At least a subset of the plurality of electrodes extends outward from a position on the support surface within that area. The space group forms, for example, the tufts of the cleaning elements.

[0030] The electrodes can extend from the surface to the same length as the cleaning elements.

[0031] In some cases, at least two electrodes can be arranged within the same tuft. This makes it easier to cause a short circuit. The electrodes can be, for example, a pair of electrodes driven at different voltages during operation. Thus, the barrier is particularly useful in such situations.

[0032] One or more walls of the barrier may each be arranged to face at least a part of the outer surface of the exposed portion of the conductive element. They may be arranged at a distance from the outer surface of the exposed portion.

[0033] Since the wall faces the outer surface of the exposed portion of the conductive element and is arranged opposite the outer surface, the wall forms a physical shield against physical contact of the exposed portion by an external body approaching from the back side of the wall. The wall is, for example, axially aligned with the exposed surface of the exposed portion of the conductive element, where the axial direction is defined by the length dimension of the electrode.

[0034] In some embodiments, the barrier may be an annular element having an annular wall that surrounds the exposed portion of the conductive element in an annular shape. There may be a radial distance between the annular wall and the exposed portion of the conductive element. For example, the annular wall can coaxially surround the exposed portion of the conductive element.

[0035] In some examples, the barrier can further include a base wall that extends radially from the annular wall towards the conductive element. In this example, the barrier is in the shape of a cup. The base preferably closes the barrier at the proximal end or side of the barrier, i.e., it closes the cup at the base.

[0036] According to one or more embodiments, the radial spacing between the annular wall and the conductive element may be non-uniform.

[0037] As an example, the barrier may be a conical element having an annular wall tapering radially outward from the conductive element in the direction of the conductive element's distal end. The distal surface of the barrier may be open. In this case, the wall is angled at a position away from the conductive element.

[0038] According to one or more embodiments, each electrode may have an electrically insulating sheath having a first portion that is in solid contact with the conductive element along a first longitudinal portion of the conductive element, the first longitudinal portion of the conductive element forming a non-exposed portion of the conductive element.

[0039] At least one wall of the barrier may be formed by a second section of sheath extending from the distal end of a first section, the second section being radially spaced from a second length portion of the conductive element, the second length portion forming an exposed portion of the conductive element. Thus, the barrier is formed by the distal portion of an insulating sheath covering the proximal portion of the conductive element. This provides a structurally efficient configuration.

[0040] In some examples, the second section of the insulating sheath can be tapered radially outward from the conductive element, starting from the distal end of the first section of the sheath.

[0041] According to one or more embodiments, the barrier can extend to a maximum width greater than the maximum width of the electrode (without the barrier). This has the effect that the barrier forces a physical separation between any two electrodes, or at least between the sections of the electrode covered by the barrier element. The barrier element acts as a deflector of physical contact. In other words, the barrier element forms an extended portion of the electrode's width.

[0042] Further embodiments of the present invention provide an oral care device comprising an oral cleaning and / or treatment unit according to any embodiment or configuration described above or later, or according to any claim of the present application, and a signal generator configured to generate one or more drive signals for supplying to a plurality of electrodes of the oral cleaning and / or treatment unit, for example, to stimulate the generation of radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation or current from the electrodes.

[0043] In the context of this disclosure, “radiation” may refer to static or temporally changing electric or electromagnetic fields, and / or propagating electromagnetic waves.

[0044] The oral care device may further include a mechanical motion generator configured to apply vibratory motion to the support of a cleaning and / or treatment unit.

[0045] The vibrational motion of the electrodes increases the likelihood of contact between them. Therefore, a barrier is particularly useful in such embodiments.

[0046] According to one or more embodiments, the oral care device may be a toothbrush or a mouthpiece device.

[0047] These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiments described below and will be explained with reference to those embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0048] [Figure 1] This figure shows a perspective view of an exemplary electrode having a barrier according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 2] This figure shows a front view of an example electrode as depicted in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This figure shows a plan view of the example electrodes shown in Figures 1 and 2. [Figure 4] This figure shows a transparent view of an electrode having a further exemplary barrier according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 5]The figure shows an exemplary cleaning and / or treatment unit according to one or more embodiments, carrying a pair of electrodes, each electrode carrying a barrier. [Figure 6] Figure 5 illustrates the bending of the electrodes of the cleaning and / or treatment unit relative to each other and the shielding effect of the barrier. [Figure 7] This figure shows an exemplary cleaning and / or treatment unit according to one or more embodiments having multiple cleaning elements surrounding a pair of electrodes. [Figure 8] Figure 7 illustrates the bending of electrodes in an exemplary cleaning and / or treatment unit relative to each other, and the shielding effect of the barrier. [Figure 9] This diagram shows a plan view of an exemplary set of cleaning element spatial groups, with electrodes placed within a portion of the spatial groups. [Figure 10] This figure shows an electrode with an exemplary barrier formed from the distal portion of the electrode's insulating sheath. [Figure 11] This figure shows an exemplary drive circuit for driving RF radiation generation by electrodes of a cleaning and / or treatment unit. [Figure 12] This figure shows an exemplary cleaning and / or treatment unit in the shape of a toothbrush head. [Figure 13] This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary oral care device shaped like a toothbrush. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0049] For a better understanding of the present invention and to more clearly illustrate its implementation, the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only, are provided for reference.

[0050] The present invention will be described with reference to the figures.

[0051] While the detailed description and specific examples illustrate exemplary embodiments of oral cleaning and / or treatment units and oral care devices, it should be understood that they are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the oral cleaning and / or treatment units and oral care devices of the present invention will be better understood from the following description, the appended claims, and the appended drawings. The figures are for illustrative purposes only and are not drawn to scale. The same reference numerals are used throughout the figures to indicate identical or similar parts.

[0052] The present invention provides a physical shielding element that is transported by an EM emitter element of a cleaning and / or treatment unit of an oral care device and configured to block contact of the exposed conductive portion of the emitter element by other elements or external objects. The shielding element is configured such that the exposed conductive portion remains at least partially open to the environment surrounding the emitter element.

[0053] Figures 1-3 show exemplary electrodes 22 of an oral cleaning and / or treatment unit 12 according to one or more embodiments. Figure 1 is a perspective view. Figure 2 is a front view. Figure 3 is a top view.

[0054] When assembled, the electrode 22 is positioned to extend outward from the surface of the support 14 of the cleaning and / or treatment unit 12. It is preferably provided as one of a plurality of electrodes 22. A plurality of pairs of electrodes 22 may be provided.

[0055] The electrode 22 has a conductive element 24 that penetrates the core of the electrode structure axially. The distal portion 25 of the conductive element 24 is exposed, meaning that this portion of the conductive element 24 is open to the environment surrounding the cleaning and / or treatment unit 12, or is in directional fluid communication, for example, open to air. The electrode 22 is preferably laterally flexible, meaning that it is flexible laterally to a dimension defined by its length L.

[0056] A barrier 32, carried by electrodes, is further provided. The barrier 32 in this embodiment is in the form of a physical barrier element. The barrier 32 has one or more walls 34 positioned at a distance from the exposed portion 25 of the conductive element 24. The walls are configured to at least partially shield the exposed portion 25 from physical contact. The barrier 32 is optionally electrically insulating.

[0057] In this example, the exposed portion 25 of the conductive element forms a distal tip portion and extends to the distal end of the conductive element 24.

[0058] In the illustrated example, the barrier 32 has an annular wall 34 that surrounds the exposed portion 25 of the conductive element 24 in an annular manner. A radial gap S exists between the annular wall 34 and the exposed portion 25 of the conductive element 24. The gap S forms, for example, an air gap. The annular wall is positioned opposite at least a portion of the outer surface of the exposed portion 25 of the conductive element 24 and is positioned at a distance from the outer surface of the exposed portion 25. The annular wall 34 can coaxially surround the exposed portion 25 of the conductive element 24.

[0059] In the example shown in Figure 1, the annular wall 34 forms a continuous annular loop around the exposed portion 25 of the conductive element 24, but this is not mandatory. In some examples, the annular wall 34 may have one or more breaks and be discontinuous.

[0060] Furthermore, in the example of Figure 1, the barrier 32 has annular walls 34, but this is not mandatory. For example, in a modified example, the conductive element 25 may have a planar main surface on its back surface and may have a flat or planar shape, and the barrier 32 may have a pair of walls positioned opposite each of the planar main surfaces. The walls may be planar.

[0061] One or more walls 34 are configured to form a physical shield against physical contact of the exposed portion 25 of the conductive element 24 by other electrodes 22 or other external bodies approaching from the back of the wall 34. The wall 34 prevents contact by objects approaching from the sides of the electrodes.

[0062] In the illustrated example, the radial spacing S between the annular wall 34 and the conductive element 24 is non-uniform. In particular, the annular wall 34 tapers radially outward along its length. It tapers from a proximal end with a first diameter to a distal end with a second, larger diameter. The distal end is open. The proximal end is coupled to the distal end of an electrically insulating cover or sheath 28 that covers the stem portion of the conductive element 24, so that the stem portion is not exposed.

[0063] The barrier 32 consequently defines a frustrated conical shape. While the width of the wall 34 in this embodiment is uniform, this is not essential. The barrier effectively conforms to the shape of a funnel.

[0064] Figure 4 shows a further example in which the barrier 32 takes a cup-shaped form. In particular, the barrier 32 further comprises a base wall 36 extending radially from the annular wall 34 toward the conductive element. In the illustrated example, it extends (substantially) laterally from the proximal edge or rim of the annular wall 34 to the distal edge or rim of the insulating sheath 28 covering the stem portion of the conductive element 24. Thus, the base wall 36 closes the barrier 32 at its base. The barrier 32 remains open at its distal surface.

[0065] As a result of the barrier 32, the exposed portion 25 of the conductive element 24 is partially physically protected from contact by elements approaching from a direction across the electrode 22, while the distal portion of the conductive element 24 can be exposed. This allows for efficient output of EM energy from the electrode 22 and / or allows current to flow. The barrier 32 reduces the possibility of adjacent electrodes coming into contact with the exposed portion 25 on the surface of the oral cleaning and / or treatment unit, thereby reducing the possibility of short circuits.

[0066] As described above, the barrier 32 is formed of a non-conductive material and can prevent short circuits by forming a dielectric barrier around the exposed portion 25 of the conductive element 24. The open shape of the barrier 32 and its spacing from the conductive element allow the RF field to be generated at the tip, which favorably forms the point closest to the target surface (tooth and gum) during use. In a non-limiting example, the barrier 32 may be formed of a dielectric elastomer material such as rubber.

[0067] In some embodiments, one or more walls 34 of the barrier 32 may have small holes that allow ion flow while still preventing mechanical contact between the electrodes 22. The barrier 32 thus has a structure similar to that of a filter film. The size of the holes may be anywhere within a certain range. Its lower limit is constrained by the need for ions to pass through, and its upper limit is constrained by the need to maintain the structural integrity of the barrier 32. As an example, a suitable range may be 10 nm to 50 μm (diameter).

[0068] As described above, preferably, each electrode 22 is flexible. In some advantageous examples, at least a subset of electrodes 22 may be configured to double as cleaning filaments. Thus, at least a subset of electrodes 22 may be adapted to perform a mechanical cleaning function in addition to the RF emission function. This arrangement is preferred because no compromise needs to be made between the efficacy of mechanical brushing and the efficacy of RF field output. The presence of electrodes 22 does not take away available space on the cleaning and / or treatment unit surface 12 for the presence of mechanical cleaning elements (e.g., bristle).

[0069] The barrier 32 according to the embodiment of the present invention is particularly advantageous in such a case because the flexible electrodes 22 are likely to bend and potentially come into contact with each other, leading to a short circuit.

[0070] Therefore, the barriers 32 supported by each electrode 22 may preferably be configured to prevent contact between the exposed portions 25 of each pair of conductive elements 24 of adjacent electrodes 22 when the electrodes 22 are bent toward each other.

[0071] In the example above, the annular wall 34 of the barrier 32 is angled or inclined (i.e., tapered) with respect to the length of the electrode 22, but this is not mandatory. The wall 34 can extend parallel to the length dimension of the electrode 22.

[0072] In the examples outlined above, the entire wall 34 of the barrier 32 is separated from the exposed portion of the conductive element 24 by an air gap, but this is not mandatory. In further examples, part or all of the barrier 32 may be in contact with the conductive element 24. For example, the barrier 32 has an annular wall 34 surrounding the conductive element 24, with a filler between the annular wall 34 and the conductive element 24. The filler may be a dielectric filler. Instead of a wall 34 with a dielectric filler, the barrier 32 may be a monolithic solid structure formed, for example, from a single material, and designed to prevent the exposed portion 25 of one electrode 22 from being physically contacted by another electrode 22. In these cases, the exposed portion of the conductive element may protrude from the top of the barrier 32.

[0073] For example, the barrier 32 may have conical or cup-shaped elements, as shown in the examples in Figures 1 and 5. However, if the barrier 32 is firmly filled between the conductive element 24 and the wall 34, and the conductive element 24 protrudes from the distal end of the barrier 32, this protrusion forms an exposed portion 25 of the conductive element 24, the barrier 32 still provides protection for the exposed portion 25 of the conductive element 24 because its extended maximum width compared to the lower part of the electrode 22 (proximal to the barrier element) acts to divert physical contact or to force a greater physical separation between the distal regions of nearby electrodes.

[0074] Preferably, in all cases, the barrier 32 is not a coating. Here, coating has the meaning as commonly used in the art, i.e., a thin, usually uniform thickness film or covering of a conductive element.

[0075] Figures 5 and 6 schematically illustrate an exemplary cleaning and / or treatment unit 12 for an oral care device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The cleaning and / or treatment unit 12 comprises a support 14 and a plurality of electrodes 22 extending outward from the surface 16 of the support 14. Although only two electrodes 22 are shown in Figures 5 and 6, two or more electrodes can be provided. The plurality of electrodes 22 may consist of one or more pairs of electrodes 22. During operation, a given pair of electrodes 22 may be driven at different voltages. As a result, there is a potential difference between them. Therefore, contact between electrodes 22 may result in the generation of heat due to a short circuit.

[0076] Figure 5 shows an exemplary cleaning and / or treatment unit 12 in a state of minimal wear or deterioration of the electrodes 22 (e.g., a new factory-shipped condition), where the electrodes 22 are straight and not bent relative to each other. Alternatively, it represents the stationary state of the unit when the electrodes 22 are not deflected by contact with the oral cavity surface.

[0077] Figure 6 shows an exemplary cleaning and / or treatment unit 12 in an advanced state of wear or deterioration, such that the electrodes 22 are bowed or deformed, resulting in them bending toward each other or losing structural rigidity to resist bending toward each other during use. Alternatively, it can represent a less worn state, where the electrodes 22 are bent toward each other during use of the unit in the oral cavity, which results in the application of force to the electrodes 22. In either case, in the prior art device, this poses a risk of short circuits due to contact between the exposed portions 25 of the conductive elements 24 of the electrodes 22. As shown in Figure 6, the barriers 32 carried by each of the electrodes 22 according to this embodiment of the invention are in the form of physical barrier elements configured to block contact between the exposed portions of the conductive elements 24 of each electrode by the other electrodes 22 (as the electrodes 22 are bent toward each other).

[0078] In Figures 5 and 6, both electrodes of the illustrated pair of electrodes 22 have a barrier 32, but this is not mandatory. More generally, only one of the pair of electrodes 22 may have a barrier 32, because this itself guards against physical contact between the exposed conductive portions 25 of the pair of electrodes. More generally, only one or more subsets of the multiple electrodes 22 included in the cleaning and / or treatment unit 12 are required to have a physical barrier element.

[0079] As described above, the cleaning and / or treatment unit 12 may further include a plurality of mechanical cleaning elements 52 extending outward from the surface of the support 14 to mechanically engage with the surface of the user's oral cavity for cleaning purposes. The cleaning elements may have, for example, bristle-like cleaning filaments and / or bundles of bristle-like cleaning filaments. Each electrode 22 may be nested within the field of the cleaning element.

[0080] Figures 7-8 schematically show an exemplary cleaning and / or treatment unit 12 comprising a plurality of cleaning elements 52 and a plurality of electrodes 22 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The electrodes 22 may be configured to surround the cleaning elements 52 or a bundle of cleaning elements 52. For example, the plurality of cleaning elements 52 may have at least one space group of cleaning elements 52. The space group covers a region of the surface 16 of the support 14. At least a subset of the plurality of electrodes 22 extend outward from their position on the support surface 16 within the region. The space group may form a tuft of the cleaning elements 52 or a field of the cleaning elements 52, and the field may have a plurality of tufts or a plurality of individual cleaning filaments.

[0081] The electrode 22 is preferably flexible in the lateral direction, meaning it is bendable in a direction across the dimension defined by its length L.

[0082] At least a subset of the multiple electrodes 22 may extend to the same height as the cleaning element 52 (from the surface 16 of the cleaning and / or treatment unit 14). The distal tip of the cleaning element 52 in the spatial group of cleaning elements may define a height profile that is or may not be uniform in height from the surface 16. The distal tip of the electrodes lies within this height profile.

[0083] One or more pairs of electrodes 22, driven by different drive voltages, can be placed within the same spatial group of the cleaning element 52. This facilitates short circuits, making the barrier 32 particularly useful in this situation.

[0084] Figure 8 shows, for example, the state of mechanical wear or deterioration of the cleaning and / or treatment unit 12, where the electrodes 22 and bristle 52 are partially deformed and bent or have lost their bending rigidity, resulting in them being easily bent. Alternatively, it could represent a unit operating in the oral cavity, such that the electrodes 22 are deflected by contact with the oral cavity surface or by vibration by a mechanical vibrator. As illustrated, the distal portions of the electrodes 22 may have a greater risk of contact with each other, especially if they are located in the same field (or other spatial group) of the cleaning element 52. The barrier 32 according to embodiments of the present invention prevents contact between at least the exposed portions 25 of the electrode conductive element 24, thereby preventing short circuits.

[0085] Figure 9 further schematically illustrates exemplary spatial configurations (plan views) of the electrodes 22 and cleaning elements 52. As shown, the cleaning and / or treatment unit may have multiple spatial groups 62 of cleaning elements 52. In Figure 9, these are illustrated in the form of tufts of cleaning elements 52. One subset 62a of the spatial groups of cleaning elements 52 includes electrodes 22 nested between the group of cleaning elements 52 (extending from points on the surface 16 of the cleaning and / or treatment unit within the footprint area of ​​the spatial group). Providing multiple electrodes 22 in the same spatial group of cleaning elements (e.g., tufts) is functionally advantageous because it allows for the delivery of a larger amount of electromagnetic (EM) energy per unit area. Each of the first subset 62a of the spatial groups of cleaning elements may, during operation, include at least one pair of electrodes 22 driven by different voltages.

[0086] A further subset 62b of the spatial group of cleaning elements 52 does not include electrodes 22. However, this is not essential, and in further embodiments, all spatial groups of cleaning elements 52 may have one or more electrodes 22. As can be seen from the figure, when multiple electrodes 22 are contained within the same spatial group of cleaning elements 52 (e.g., tuft or field), there is a high probability of contact between the electrodes 22. The tuft is spatially confined, and even when it is in a static neutral state, for example, adjacent cleaning elements 52 come into contact with each other. Therefore, the use of barrier 32 is particularly advantageous in such examples.

[0087] In a further set of examples, the electrode 22 can be positioned outside the space group of the cleaning element 52, for example, between two or more space groups of the cleaning element 52. Preferably, in this case, the electrode 22 can extend from a surface smaller than the height of the cleaning element 52 to a certain height. This avoids mechanical interference between the electrode 22 and the action of the cleaning element 52 when the electrode 22 engages with the oral cavity surface.

[0088] Figure 10 schematically shows the structure of an exemplary electrode 22 with a barrier 32 for use in a cleaning and / or treatment unit 12 according to one or more embodiments. The electrode 22 has an electrically insulating sheath 42 having a first section 42a that makes solid contact with the conductive element 24 of the electrode along a first length portion of the conductive element. The first section 42a of the sheath coaxially surrounds and covers the first length portion of the conductive element 24, which forms the core of the electrode. The first length portion of the conductive element 24 forms the non-exposed portion of the conductive element 24.

[0089] The sheath further has a second section 42b extending outward from the distal end of the first section 42a. The second section 42b of the sheath forms a barrier 32. In particular, in the illustrated example, the second section 42b of the sheath is radially spaced from the second length portion of the conductive element 24 and forms an annular wall 34 that surrounds it in an annular shape, and the annular wall defines the barrier 32. The second length portion forms an exposed portion 25 of the conductive element 24.

[0090] Figure 10 (left) shows a perspective view of the electrode 22. Figure 10 (upper right) shows a plan view of the electrode 22, showing the second section 42b of the sheath that forms the barrier 32. Figure 10 (lower right) shows a cross-section passing through the electrode, across a plane perpendicular to the electrode's length L (i.e., axial dimension), and through the portion of the electrode covered by the first section 42a of the sheath. As shown, the first portion 42a of the sheath is in solid contact with the first length portion of the conductive element 24.

[0091] Therefore, the barrier 32 in this example is formed by the distal portion 42b of the insulating sheath that covers the proximal portion of the conductive element. This is a structurally efficient configuration.

[0092] The second section 42b of the insulating sheath is tapered radially outward from the distal end of the first section 42a of the sheath in the direction of the distal tip of the electrode 22. In other words, it defines a conical shape with a larger diameter at the (open) distal end than at the proximal end, which is coupled to the distal end of the first section 42a of the sheath.

[0093] A further embodiment of the present invention provides an oral care device 70.

[0094] Figure 11 shows the basic elements of an exemplary oral care device 70 according to one or more embodiments. The oral care device 70 has an oral cleaning and / or treatment unit 12 according to any example or embodiment described above or later, or any claim of the present application. The oral care device 70 further includes a signal generator 72 configured to generate one or more drive signals to be supplied to a plurality of electrodes 22a, 22b of the oral cleaning and / or treatment unit 12 in order to stimulate the generation of RF electromagnetic radiation from the electrodes.

[0095] The example in Figure 11 shows a pair of electrodes 22a and 22b, but in further examples, more electrodes 22 may be provided in pairs or as even more individual electrodes.

[0096] The signal generator 72 can generate drive signals in the form of alternating current or voltage to supply to electrodes 22a and 22b. The drive signals are intended to stimulate the generation of time-varying electromagnetic fields and / or electromagnetic waves by the electrodes in the radio frequency band. For example, a suitable frequency range can be between 30 Hz and 300 GHz.

[0097] The signal generator 72 can supply different voltages to a pair of electrodes 22a and 22b. It can supply voltages of opposite polarity to both. It may be configured to supply the same drive signal to all electrodes 22 or all sets of electrodes, or it may be operable to supply different drive signals to different subsets of electrodes 22, for example, different spatial groups of electrodes included in the cleaning and / or treatment unit 12. The electrodes 22 are configured to generate electromagnetic radiation when driven by the drive signal from the signal generator 72.

[0098] Optionally, the oral care device 70 may further include a controller 74 configured to control the operation of the signal generator 72. For example, it can control the driving method of the electrodes 22, control the activation and deactivation of different spatial groups of electrodes 22, and / or control the timing of RF radiation (RF field or RF wave) generation.

[0099] In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning and / or treatment unit 12 of the oral care device 70 further comprises a plurality of cleaning elements (e.g., bristle) 52.

[0100] In a preferred embodiment, the oral care device further comprises a mechanical motion generator (not shown in Figure 11) configured to apply vibratory motion to the support of the cleaning and / or treatment unit 12. This may be coupled to a controller 74. The vibratory motion causes vibration of the cleaning element 52, which enhances the cleaning and / or treatment action when the cleaning element 52 is applied to the oral surface.

[0101] The vibrational motion can also result in movement of the electrode 22. The vibrational motion of the electrode 22 increases the possibility of contact between the electrodes 22. Therefore, the barrier 32 is particularly useful in such embodiments.

[0102] Figures 12-13 show an example of an oral care device 70 in the shape of a toothbrush. In this example, the oral cleaning and / or treatment unit 12 is in the form of a detachable brush head of a toothbrush. A support 14 bearing the electrodes 22 and bristle field 52 is formed by the platen portion of the brush head. In this example, the brush head forms a detachable attachment to the base portion 82 of the toothbrush, and the base portion forms the handle of the device. A signal generator 72 and an optional controller 74 are housed within the base portion 82. A vibration motion generator can also be housed within the base portion 82 and configured to apply vibration motion to the cleaning and / or treatment unit 12.

[0103] The base unit 82 and the cleaning and / or treatment unit 12 may include complementary electrical connectors configured to establish an electrical connection between the signal generator 72 and the electrodes 22 included in the cleaning and / or treatment unit when the cleaning and / or treatment unit 12 is mechanically coupled or docked to the base unit.

[0104] In the examples shown in Figures 12-13, an oral care device 70 in the form of a toothbrush is shown, but this is not mandatory. In further non-limiting examples, the oral care device may take the form of a mouthpiece device including a body that defines a tooth-receiving channel, where the bristle is positioned to protrude into the channel for the tooth-cleaning function. The body may be, for example, U-shaped, C-shaped, or J-shaped. Further examples include oral irrigators, electric flossing devices, or any other oral care device.

[0105] Modifications to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art who practice the claimed invention, based on a consideration of the figures, disclosures, and appended claims. In the claims, the word “has” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude plurality.

[0106] As described above, certain embodiments utilize a controller. The controller can be implemented in various ways using software and / or hardware to perform various required functions. A “processor” is an example of a controller employing one or more microprocessors that can be programmed using software (e.g., microcode) to perform the required functions. The controller may or may not employ a processor, and may be implemented as a combination of dedicated hardware for performing some functions and a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuits) for performing other functions.

[0107] Examples of controller elements that may be used in various embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, conventional microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0108] In various implementations, a processor or controller may be associated with one or more storage media, such as volatile and non-volatile computer memory, including RAM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM. The storage media may be encoded with one or more programs that perform the required functions when executed by one or more processors and / or controllers. The various storage media may be fixed within the processor or controller, or they may be transportable so that one or more programs stored therein can be loaded into the processor or controller.

[0109] Means described in mutually distinct dependent claims may be advantageously combined. Note that where the term “adapted to” is used in the claims or specification, it is intended to be equivalent to the term “configured to.” Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A cleaning and / or treatment unit for an oral care device, Support and The electrode comprises a plurality of electrodes, each electrode having a distal exposed portion that includes a portion of the electrode that is exposed radially, extending outward from the surface of the support, and each electrode having a distal exposed portion that includes a portion of the electrode that is exposed radially. A cleaning and / or treatment unit comprising an electrode, a barrier attached to the electrode, the barrier including a wall configured to prevent the distal exposed portion from being physically contacted by another electrode of the plurality of electrodes.

2. The cleaning and / or treatment unit according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of cleaning elements extending outward from the surface of the support, which are used to mechanically engage with the surface of the user's oral cavity for cleaning and / or treatment functions.

3. The cleaning and / or treatment unit according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of cleaning elements have at least one space group of cleaning elements, the space group covers a region of the surface of the support, and the electrodes extend outward from their position on the surface of the support within the region.

4. The cleaning and / or treatment unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each electrode has a length extending between the proximal and distal ends of an electrode connected to the surface of the cleaning and / or treatment unit, and each electrode is flexible in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the length.

5. The cleaning and / or treatment unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the barrier prevents physical contact of the distal exposed portion of the conductive element by other electrodes on the surface bending toward the distal exposed portion.

6. The cleaning and / or treatment unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the barrier has one or more walls arranged radially apart from the distal exposed portion of the conductive element.

7. The cleaning and / or treatment unit according to claim 6, wherein one or more walls of the barrier are each positioned to face at least a portion of the outer surface of the distally exposed portion of the conductive element.

8. The cleaning and / or treatment unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the barrier is an annular element having an annular wall that annularly surrounds the distal exposed portion of the conductive element.

9. The cleaning and / or treatment unit according to claim 8, wherein there is a radial gap between the annular wall and the distal exposed portion of the conductive element, and the radial gap increases distally along the length of the annular wall.

10. The cleaning and / or treatment unit according to claim 9, wherein the barrier is a cone-shaped element, and the annular wall is tapered radially away from the conductive element in the direction of the distal end of the conductive element.

11. The cleaning and / or treatment unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein each electrode has an electrically insulating sheath having a first section that makes solid contact with the conductive element along a first length portion of the conductive element, and the first length portion of the conductive element forms a non-exposed portion of the conductive element.

12. The cleaning and / or treatment unit according to claim 11, wherein at least one wall of the barrier is formed by a second section of the electrical insulating sheath extending from the distal end of the first section, the second section being radially spaced from a second length portion of the conductive element, the second length portion forming a distal exposed portion of the conductive element.

13. The cleaning and / or treatment unit according to claim 12, wherein the second section of the electrical insulating sheath is tapered radially outward from the conductive element from the distal end of the first section of the sheath.

14. Oral care device, A cleaning and / or treatment unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13, An oral care device comprising a signal generator that generates one or more drive signals to be supplied to multiple electrodes of the cleaning and / or treatment unit.

15. The oral care device according to claim 14, wherein the oral care device is a toothbrush or a mouthpiece device.

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