Apparatus for cleaning surfaces, and use of said apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning in the oral cavity, wherein the apparatus has a housing for receiving a movement device and, in addition, a bite piece is provided protruding from the housing and having a device for at least one incisor of an upper jaw and lower jaw to bite on in order to fix the apparatus on the oral cavity, wherein there is at least one shuttle for cleaning molars and at least one shuttle for cleaning incisors, wherein each shuttle is designed to engage around one branch region of the jaw and has filaments or filament bundles facing an area to be cleaned, wherein the shuttles are mechanically coupled to the movement device in such a way that the shuttles are at least displaceable along a predetermined region of a branch of the jaw, and the use of the apparatus.

Description

[0001] Device for cleaning surfaces and its use

[0002] The invention relates to a device for cleaning surfaces and its use.

[0003] In the field of dental cleaning, improvements are constantly being sought. Conventional cleaning with a toothbrush and toothpaste has numerous disadvantages.

[0004] Conventional toothpastes contain up to 20% abrasive ingredients, which, combined with excessive brushing pressure, can lead to significant tooth wear over time. With increasing average life expectancy, this now leads to teeth being virtually worn away by brushing in old age, causing problems.

[0005] Another disadvantage of toothbrushes is that they can damage the gums, especially if brushed improperly, making periodontal disease a common problem. The majority of the biofilm that creates contamination is located directly above or below the gums, making cleaning at or near the gums particularly important. This is particularly difficult for toothbrushes because the brush comes into contact with the gums and irritates them.

[0006] Manual tooth cleaning involves the user removing plaque using filaments on brush heads of various designs, in which the individual bristles abrasively scrub the tooth surface. This abrasive cleaning method is associated with a continuous reduction in tooth enamel. Incorrect use leads to increased enamel erosion and poor cleaning results.

[0007] The main cause of incorrect use is the limited space in the mouth, which means that a toothbrush doesn't reach all areas equally well. Another problem is that users are forced to move the toothbrush blindly over their teeth without receiving any feedback on the cleaning process. Modern electric toothbrushes, in which the brush head makes circular or vibrating movements, often have pressure control and apps that reduce human error, but this approach cannot completely eliminate it without significantly increasing cleaning time.

[0008] In addition, users' cleaning practices are not very systematic, resulting in areas that are over-plastered while others are under-cleaned. Furthermore, there is often little variation in cleaning practices, so such cleaning errors are not corrected.

[0009] The plaque (oral biofilm) that forms as a result of bacterial processes and from which tartar forms in later stages is a comparatively well-adhering and well-coherent film of dirt that cannot be easily removed, even if it is cleaned off in direct contact with the toothbrush, and certainly not in the interdental spaces, into which the toothbrush can only penetrate to a limited extent or not at all.

[0010] In addition, many attempts have been made to develop so-called ultrasonic toothbrushes, in which the vibration of the toothbrush, which serves to clean and ultimately, together with toothpaste, produces an abrasive cleaning effect, is superimposed with ultrasonic vibrations that supposedly produce a cleaning effect. However, it has been shown that such toothbrushes are not capable of coupling the ultrasound into the oral cavity in such a way that any cleaning effect would be detectable. Such so-called ultrasonic toothbrushes are therefore not significantly better than a conventional manual toothbrush.

[0011] Other electric toothbrushes, in which the brush head makes circular or vibrating movements, often have pressure control, but ultimately these movements also lead to abrasive brushing.

[0012] From DE 20 2016 101 191 Ul a brush head for an electric toothbrush is known, which is intended to encompass the tooth on all sides and on which bristles are arranged for cleaning.

[0013] From US 3,401,690 A a cleaning device is known in which ultrasound is applied to a surface via a liquid via a clamp which engages over at least one tooth.

[0014] US 2005 / 091,770 A discloses a toothbrush that works like a regular electric toothbrush, but also has an ultrasonic generator designed to inject acoustic energy into a cleaning fluid. US 2017 / 0189,149 A1 discloses a system for whitening teeth using an ultrasonic device. For this purpose, a mouthpiece is provided, each with a volume for the upper and lower jaws. Ultrasonic generators are arranged in the mouthpiece facing the teeth, which can apply ultrasonic energy to the tooth surface.

[0015] This is intended to create an effect known as ultrasound streaming, whereby the temperature must be controlled and the formation of bubbles prevented, as these impede the transmission of ultrasound. A frequency of 20 kHz to 100 kHz is used, with the goal of deliberately inducing cavitation, causing vapor bubbles to form and implode on the surface of the tooth, creating local temperatures of up to 5000 Kelvin and local pressures of up to 1000 atmospheres.

[0016] The disadvantage here is that the energies introduced are so high that tissue damage is practically unavoidable.

[0017] The object of the invention is to provide a device for cleaning surfaces which enables systematic, simple, fast and efficient cleaning of biofilm.

[0018] The problem is solved with the features of claim 1.

[0019] The invention provides a device for the selective, automated and error-free cleaning of surfaces in the oral cavity.

[0020] For this purpose, the device has a so-called bite piece which is placed in the middle of the mouth so that a controlled fixation over the incisors can be ensured.

[0021] Two different cleaning devices, each for a hemi-branch of the upper or lower jaw, are symmetrically arranged on the bite piece. A first cleaning device is specialized for the front 12 incisors, and a second cleaning device is for the rear 16-20 molars. These cleaning devices are also called shuttles.

[0022] This results in four shuttles that surround the teeth and clean them simultaneously from three sides. The division into two different shuttles is necessary to allow for specialized cleaning movements for the incisors and molars.

[0023] The shuttles are guided from the bite block toward the rearmost molars. This bite block is necessary for automated and selective cleaning. The bite block positions the jaws in a specific position and ensures a defined opening width of the oral cavity. This allows the shuttles to be guided over the cleaning surfaces without disturbing contact with teeth other than those being cleaned.

[0024] The shuttles are equipped with abrasive shearing elements, such as filaments or filament bundles (brushes). The shuttles can also be equipped with sealing elements, such as sealing lips, which form a cleaning chamber with the housing. Within the cleaning chamber are the corresponding filaments or filament bundles (brushes), as well as the respective tooth or tooth area, including the adjacent gum, to be cleaned.

[0025] In particular, this enables selective cleaning of surfaces such as teeth, interdental spaces and gums.

[0026] Selectivity is ensured by controlling the intensity, the duration of the shuttle, or the shuttle's movement. However, comprehensive cleaning of all surfaces in the oral cavity is also possible.

[0027] The cleaning intensity and duration can be adjusted to the respective area. This is particularly advantageous because it optimizes cleaning time and energy consumption. Furthermore, the intensity can be adjusted to the medically acceptable limits of the respective area or the level of soiling required.

[0028] This can take place in particular in conjunction with a detection device which, before cleaning, records the contamination status by means of a separate device or connected to the cleaning device and thus generates data which allows the intensity to be controlled depending on the contamination.

[0029] Contaminants such as biofilm or tartar or other contaminants such as food residues are removed by overcoming the cohesive forces in the contaminant and by overcoming the adhesive forces of the contaminant to the cleaning surface by applied shear forces and pressure forces, or their gradients.

[0030] The shear and compressive forces are transferred to the surfaces by the movement of the filaments or filament bundles (brushes).

[0031] These movements are generated by the movements of the entire shuttle or by motion devices within the shuttle. The shear forces can be increased by placing particles, specifically cleaning particles, between the filaments and the cleaning surface. This can be achieved using liquids or toothpaste.

[0032] Thus, the device is a device that can automatically and selectively clean surfaces in the oral cavity, such as tooth surfaces and gums, through a given fixation.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the bite piece is attached in the middle so that fixation can take place via the incisors.

[0034] The bitepiece is constructed asymmetrically so that it can adapt to the geometry of the upper and lower incisors.

[0035] Furthermore, the bite piece can be made of a soft material to increase comfort.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the shuttles are guided from the bite piece over the user's teeth via a drive so that the shuttles equipped with filaments or filament bundles (brushes) or the parts of the shuttle equipped with filaments or filament bundles (brushes) can remove contaminants and biofilm on the teeth.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the front shuttle is constructed asymmetrically so that cleaning is also possible above the bite piece.

[0038] In particular, the device is designed so that the front and side shuttle can move simultaneously towards the rearmost molar and then simultaneously back towards the incisors.

[0039] According to the invention, specific movement patterns can be superimposed. To implement all cleaning movements or movement patterns for selective cleaning, the drive can generate controlled up and down movements (along the vertical axis of the tooth) as a single movement, ensuring that the pressure on the occlusal surface is maintained.

[0040] In addition, it can perform pivoting movements inwards and outwards along the transverse axis of the tooth, which runs radially from the inside of the mouth to the outside, so that the bite can be followed.

[0041] Furthermore, the drive can perform rotational movements around the drive axis and the longitudinal axis of the tooth (which runs from a back tooth area to a front tooth area) so that the shuttle tilts and thus better reaches the interdental areas or avoids buccal / lingual surfaces, or even rotations of the shuttle itself so that you are always standing parallel to the dentition.

[0042] A combination of all these movements allows for error-free and user-adapted selective cleaning.

[0043] Error-free cleaning is guaranteed because a known fixation point via the bite piece and the shuttle ensures that the shuttles act at the correct angle and in the optimal position with the optimal movement pattern.

[0044] The problems of excessive differences in size and shape between incisors and molars are overcome by providing at least one shuttle for the incisors and one shuttle for the molars.

[0045] The shuttle for the incisors, for example, starts at the first incisor and, if necessary, moves slightly beyond the last incisor.

[0046] The molar shuttle starts just a little ahead of the first molar. This allows for an overlap exactly at the border between the two molars, which optimizes cleaning.

[0047] Since the teeth are cleaned from three sides simultaneously by the shuttles, the required contact pressure and cleaning time as well as the intensity can be adjusted to the specific teeth.

[0048] Cleaning is achieved by the filaments touching the cleaning surface through a combination of one or more of the shuttle's possible movement patterns. These movement patterns include up / down movements of varying intensity, translational movements of the entire shuttle, inward and outward pivoting movements, tilting movements of parts or the entire shuttle, or rotational movements of the shuttle relative to the denture. The intensity of the cleaning can be controlled by the frequency of the movements and the duration of contact with the teeth. All of these precise movement adjustments are not possible without a defined fixation point.

[0049] The abrasiveness of the cleaning is controlled by the cleaning particles, which are introduced directly into the shuttle by the user or are automatically and continuously brought to the cleaning surface by the device.

[0050] In principle, different variants are possible in the application.

[0051] Variant 1:

[0052] The device is used by the user dispensing the cleaning fluid into all shuttles and biting down on the bitepiece. The shuttles are then automatically guided over the teeth, passively adapting to the shape of the teeth and providing optimal cleaning.

[0053] Variant 2:

[0054] The device is used by the user dispensing cleaning fluid into all shuttles and biting down on the bite piece. The shuttles are then automatically moved over the teeth. Some of the movements follow a predefined program that selectively cleans specific areas of the teeth, while others passively adapt to the specific characteristics of the teeth. Overall, optimal selective cleaning is achieved.

[0055] Variant 3:

[0056] The device is used by the user dispensing the cleaning fluid into all shuttles and biting down on the bitepiece. The shuttles are then automatically moved over the teeth. All movements are controlled by one or more predefined movement programs. This allows for a selective, specialized cleaning of the entire dentition.

[0057] In addition, different processes are conceivable:

[0058] Procedure 1: The cleaning process begins with the user dispensing the cleaning fluid into all shuttles and biting down on the bite piece. The side shuttle then moves to the end of the molars. Once the end of the molars is reached, the front shuttle cleans all incisors by moving slightly over the last incisor and then returning to its starting position. Once the front shuttle is finished, the side shuttle returns to its starting position, and the cleaning process is complete.

[0059] Process 2:

[0060] The cleaning process begins with the user dispensing cleaning fluid into all shuttles and biting down on the bite piece. The side shuttle then moves to the end of the molars. Once the end of the molars is reached, the side shuttle returns to a comfortable position for the user, leaving enough space for the front shuttle to complete its cleaning. The front shuttle then cleans all incisors by moving slightly over the last incisor and then returning to its starting position. Once the front shuttle is finished, the side shuttle returns to its starting position, and cleaning is complete.

[0061] Process 3:

[0062] The cleaning process begins with the user pouring cleaning fluid into all shuttles and biting down on the bite piece. The side shuttle and front shuttle move simultaneously to the end of their travel, cleaning the teeth. Afterward, both simultaneously return to their starting position, and the cleaning process is complete.

[0063] Process 4:

[0064] The cleaning process begins with the user dispensing cleaning fluid into all shuttles and biting down on the bite piece. The side shuttle and the front shuttle move simultaneously and execute their preset cleaning program. The cleaning time and the time of return to the starting position are independent for both shuttles. If the side shuttle finishes faster than the front shuttle, it waits in a comfortable position for the user until the front shuttle leaves enough space for the side shuttle to return to its starting position. This completes the cleaning process.

[0065] The invention therefore relates in particular to a device for cleaning the oral cavity, wherein the device has a housing for receiving a movement device and also a bite piece protruding from the housing, which has a device for biting at least one incisor of an upper and lower jaw for fixing the device to the oral cavity, wherein at least one shuttle is provided for cleaning molars and at least one shuttle is provided for cleaning incisors, wherein each shuttle is designed to engage around a jaw branch region and has filaments or filament bundles to be directed towards a surface to be cleaned, wherein the shuttles are mechanically coupled to the movement device such that the shuttles are at least displaceable along a predetermined region of a jaw branch.

[0066] A further development provides that the movement device is designed to bring about an overlay of certain movement patterns of the shuttles.

[0067] A further development provides that the movement device is designed to carry out controlled up and down movements of the shuttles along the vertical axis of the tooth, in particular so that the pressure on the occlusal surface is maintained.

[0068] A further development provides that the movement device is designed as a movement pivoting movements along the transverse axis of the tooth, which runs radially from the inside of the mouth to the outside, inwards and outwards, in particular so that the bite can be followed.

[0069] A further development provides that the movement device is designed to carry out rotational movements about the drive axis and the tooth longitudinal axis, which runs from a rear tooth region to a front tooth region, in particular in order to tilt the shuttle and cause filaments to be immersed in interdental areas or to cause rotations of the shuttles so that a parallel position to the dentition occurs.

[0070] A further development provides that the bite piece is constructed asymmetrically and is designed to adapt to the geometry of the upper and lower incisors or the upper and lower jaw.

[0071] A further development provides for the biting device to be offset relative to the position of the upper and lower jaws, taking into account the position of the incisors in a scissor bite, and thus extending the biting area of ​​the lower jaw further into the oral cavity. A further development provides for the bite piece to have mutually adjustable biting devices, allowing the bite piece to be adapted to the user's geometric requirements.

[0072] A further development provides for the devices to be made of a soft material in the biting area of ​​a tooth in order to increase wearing comfort.

[0073] A further development provides that the filaments or filament bundles protrude into a cleaning chamber which is formed by a housing of the shuttle, in which a tooth and possibly adjacent surfaces can be accommodated for the purpose of cleaning.

[0074] A further development provides that the shuttles are designed to form a cleaning chamber which is formed by a U- or V-shaped open housing.

[0075] A further development provides that the shuttles have sealing elements such as sealing lips, which each delimit the cleaning space from the housing to a cleaning surface with a shuttle housing.

[0076] A further development provides that the corresponding filaments or filament bundles (brushes) as well as the respective tooth or tooth area including the adjacent gum that is to be cleaned are located within the cleaning chamber.

[0077] A further development provides that the movement device or shuttle is designed to transfer shear forces and pressure forces through the movement of the filaments or filament bundles (brushes) to the surfaces to be cleaned.

[0078] Further training requires that the movement device is trained to move the entire shuttle.

[0079] A further development provides that the shuttles are designed to transfer shear forces and pressure forces to the surfaces to be cleaned by means of movement devices in the shuttle through the movement of the filaments or filament bundles (brushes).

[0080] A further development provides that the movement device is designed to guide the shuttles from the bite piece over the user's teeth so that the shuttles equipped with filaments or filament bundles (brushes), or parts of the shuttle equipped with filaments or filament bundles (brushes), can remove contaminants and biofilm from the teeth. A further development provides that the movement device is designed so that the different shuttles move simultaneously toward the rearmost molar and then simultaneously back toward the incisors.

[0081] A further aspect of the invention relates to the use of the device described above, wherein the different shuttles move simultaneously towards the rearmost molar and then simultaneously again towards the incisors, wherein the shuttles start cleaning when they reach the first molar, while the shuttles immediately start cleaning and stop and move back when they reach the first molar.

[0082] A further development of the use provides for an overlap of the areas over which the shuttles travel in order to prevent uncleaned areas.

[0083] A further development of the application provides that as a cleaning movement the drive generates controlled up and down movements (along the vertical axis of the tooth) in one movement so that the pressure on the occlusal surface is maintained.

[0084] A further development of the use provides that as a cleaning movement the drive carries out pivoting movements inwards and outwards along the transverse axis of the tooth, which runs radially from the inside of the mouth to the outside, so that the bite can be followed.

[0085] A further development of the use provides that as a cleaning movement the drive performs rotary movements around the drive axis and the longitudinal axis of the tooth, which runs from a posterior tooth area to a front tooth area, so that the shuttle tilts and thus reaches interdental areas better or avoids buccal / lingual surfaces.

[0086] A further development of the use provides that one, several or all cleaning movements are carried out and superimposed.

[0087] The invention is explained by way of example using a drawing, which shows:

[0088] Fig. 1: the device according to the invention in a plan view on one half of the jaw;

[0089] Fig. 2: the device according to Figure 1 in a highly schematic perspective

[0090] View of one half of the jaw; Fig. 3: the device according to Figure 2 in a highly schematic view from above of the movement device.

[0091] The device 1 according to the invention has a housing 2 for receiving a movement device 3 and also a bite piece 4 protruding from the housing 2, which has a device 5 for biting at least one incisor of an upper and lower jaw for fixing the device to the oral cavity.

[0092] In addition, there is at least one shuttle 6 for cleaning molars and at least one shuttle 7 for cleaning incisors, each shuttle 6, 7 being designed to encompass a jaw branch area.

[0093] Filaments 9 or filament bundles are arranged on the areas of the shuttles 6, 7 facing the jaw branches 10 and a surface 8 to be cleaned, wherein the shuttles 6 are mechanically coupled to the movement device 3 in such a way that the shuttles 6, 7 are at least displaceable along a predetermined area of ​​a jaw branch.

[0094] The bite piece 4 is preferably positioned in the center of the mouth, such that the biting device 5 is in contact with the incisor crown of at least one maxillary incisor and one mandibular incisor. This ensures controlled fixation of the device over the incisors.

[0095] For this purpose, the bite piece 4 should be as narrow as possible but as wide as necessary. If the contact area between the incisors and the bite area 5 is kept as small as possible, and in particular, the front and back tooth flanks are not covered, these flanks can be cleaned. Due to their constant use, the incisor crowns are the surfaces least susceptible to contamination anyway.

[0096] The shuttles 7 are arranged adjacent to the bite piece 4 in the starting position. The shuttles 7 can have portions that extend beyond the bite device 5 of the bite piece 4 in the area of ​​the tooth flanks, thus cleaning at least the tooth flanks, even if the tooth crowns are not accessible.

[0097] In the initial position, shuttles 6 for the molars are arranged next to shuttles 7. Shuttles 7 are guided from bite piece 4 toward the rearmost molars (Fig. 3). Bite piece 4 is necessary for automated and selective cleaning. Bite piece 4 positions the jaw ramus 10 and ensures a defined opening width of the oral cavity. This allows shuttles 6, 7 to be guided over the cleaning surfaces without disruptive contact with teeth other than those being cleaned.

[0098] The bite piece 4 is particularly asymmetrically constructed so that it can adapt to the geometry of the upper and lower incisors or the upper and lower jaw. This means that, in particular, the biting device 5 is offset with respect to the position of the upper and lower jaws in such a way that the position of the incisors in a scissor bite is taken into account, thus, for example, the biting area 5 of the lower jaw is designed to protrude further into the oral cavity.

[0099] Preferably, the bite piece 4 can have mutually adjustable devices 5 for biting so that the bite piece 5 can be adapted to the geometric conditions of a user.

[0100] Furthermore, the devices 5 can be equipped with a soft material to increase wearing comfort.

[0101] The shuttles 6, 7 are equipped with abrasive shearing elements, such as filaments 9 or filament bundles 9 (brushes). The filaments 9 extend into a cleaning chamber 11, into which a tooth and any adjacent surfaces can be accommodated for cleaning purposes.

[0102] The shuttles 6, 7 can also have sealing elements such as sealing lips (not shown), which each delimit the cleaning chamber 11 with a shuttle housing 12.

[0103] Within the cleaning chamber 11 there are then the corresponding filaments 9 or filament bundles (brushes) 9 as well as the respective tooth or tooth area together with the adjacent gums that are to be cleaned.

[0104] In particular, this enables selective cleaning of surfaces such as teeth, interdental spaces and gums.

[0105] Selectivity is ensured by controlling the intensity, the dwell time of the shuttles 6, 7, or the movement sequence of the shuttles 6, 7. However, comprehensive cleaning of all cleaning surfaces in the oral cavity is also possible. The cleaning intensity and duration can be adjusted to the respective surface. This is particularly advantageous because it allows for optimization of cleaning time and energy consumption.

[0106] In addition, the intensity can be adjusted to the medically acceptable limits of the respective area or the pollution-dependent requirement.

[0107] This can take place in particular in conjunction with a detection device which, prior to cleaning, records the contamination status by means of a separate device or connected to the cleaning device 1 and thus generates data which allows the intensity to be controlled depending on the contamination.

[0108] In order to effect cleaning, shear forces and pressure forces are transferred to the surfaces to be cleaned by the movement of the filaments 9 or filament bundles (brushes) 9.

[0109] These movements are generated by the movements of the entire shuttle 6, 7 or by movement devices (not shown) in the shuttle 6, 7.

[0110] The shear forces can be increased by placing cleaning particles between filaments 9 and the cleaning surface. This can be done using liquids or toothpaste.

[0111] In a preferred embodiment, the shuttles 6, 7 are guided from the bite piece 4 via the respective movement device 3 over the teeth of the user so that the shuttles 6, 7 equipped with filaments 9 or filament bundles (brushes) 9 or the parts of the shuttle 6, 7 equipped with filaments 9 or filament bundles (brushes) 9 can remove impurities and biofilm on the teeth.

[0112] In particular, the device 1 is designed so that the different shuttles 6, 7 can move simultaneously toward the rearmost molar and then simultaneously back toward the incisors. Shuttles 6 begin cleaning when they reach the first molar, while shuttles 7 begin cleaning immediately and stop and retract when they reach the first molar.

[0113] According to the invention, specific movement patterns can be superimposed. To implement all cleaning movements or movement patterns for selective cleaning, the drive can generate controlled up and down movements (along the vertical axis of the tooth) as a single movement, ensuring that the pressure on the occlusal surface is maintained.

[0114] In addition, it can perform pivoting movements inwards and outwards along the transverse axis of the tooth, which runs radially from the inside of the mouth to the outside, so that the bite can be followed.

[0115] Furthermore, the drive can perform rotational movements around the drive axis and the longitudinal axis of the tooth (which runs from a back tooth area to a front tooth area) so that the shuttle tilts and thus better reaches the interdental areas or avoids buccal / lingual surfaces, or even rotations of the shuttle itself so that you are always standing parallel to the dentition.

[0116] A combination of all these movements allows for error-free and user-adapted selective cleaning.

[0117] Error-free cleaning is guaranteed because a known fixation point via the bite piece and the shuttle ensures that the shuttles act at the correct angle and in the optimal position with the optimal movement pattern.

[0118] The problems of excessive differences in size and shape between incisors and molars are overcome by providing at least one shuttle 7 for the incisors and one shuttle 7 for the molars.

[0119] The shuttle 7 for the incisors, for example, starts at the first incisor and, if necessary, moves slightly beyond the last incisor.

[0120] Shuttle 6 for the molars starts just a little ahead of the first molar. This allows for an overlap exactly at the border between the two molars, which optimizes cleaning.

[0121] Since the teeth are cleaned from three sides simultaneously by the shuttles, the required contact pressure and cleaning time as well as the intensity can be adjusted to the specific teeth.

[0122] Cleaning is achieved by the contact of the filaments 9 with the cleaning surface through a combination of one or more of the shuttle's possible movement patterns. These movement patterns include up / down movements of varying intensity, translational movements of the entire shuttle, inward and outward pivoting movements, as well as tilting movements of parts or the entire shuttle, or rotational movements of the shuttle relative to the denture. The intensity of the cleaning can be controlled by the frequency of the movements and the dwell time on the teeth. All of these precise movement adjustments are not possible without a defined fixation point.

[0123] The abrasiveness of the cleaning is controlled by the cleaning particles, which are introduced directly into the shuttle by the user or are automatically and continuously brought to the cleaning surface by the device.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 21 October 2024 (21.10.2024) 1. A device for cleaning the oral cavity, wherein the device (1) has a housing (2) for receiving a movement device (3) and also a bite piece (4) protruding from the housing (2), which has a device (5) for biting at least one incisor of an upper and lower jaw for fixing the device to the oral cavity, wherein at least one shuttle (6) is provided for cleaning molars and at least one shuttle (7) is provided for cleaning incisors, wherein each shuttle (6, 7) is designed to encompass a jaw branch region and has filaments (9) or filament bundles to be directed towards a surface (8) to be cleaned, wherein the shuttles (6, 7) are mechanically coupled to the movement device (3) such that the shuttles (6, 7) are at least displaceable along a predetermined region of a jaw branch, wherein the movement device (3) is designed toas a movement to perform rotational movements around the tooth longitudinal axis, which runs from a rear tooth region to a front tooth region, in particular to tilt the shuttle (6, 7) and cause filaments (9) to be immersed in interdental areas or to cause rotations of the shuttles (6, 7) so that a parallel position to the dentition is achieved.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the movement device (3) is designed to bring about a superposition of certain movement patterns of the shuttles (6, 7).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the movement device (3) is designed as a movement to carry out controlled up and down movements of the shuttles (6, 7) along the vertical axis of the tooth, in particular so that the pressure on the occlusal surface is maintained.

4. Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the movement device (3) is designed as a movement to carry out pivoting movements along the transverse axis of the tooth, which runs radially outwards from the inside of the mouth, inwards and outwards, in particular also so that the bite can be followed. 21 AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) 5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bite piece (4) is constructed asymmetrically and is designed to adapt to the geometry of the upper and lower incisors or the upper and lower jaw.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (5) for biting is arranged offset with respect to the position of the upper and lower jaws so that the position of the incisors in a scissor bite is taken into account and thus the biting area 5 of the lower jaw is designed to project further into the oral cavity.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bite piece (4) has mutually adjustable devices (5) for biting so that the bite piece (4) can be adapted to the geometric conditions of a user.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the devices (5) are formed with a soft material in the biting area of a tooth in order to increase wearing comfort.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filaments (9) or filament bundles (9) protrude into a cleaning chamber (11) which is formed by a housing (12) of the shuttle (6, 7), in which a tooth and possibly adjacent surfaces can be received for the purpose of cleaning.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shuttles (6, 7) are designed to form a cleaning chamber (11) which is formed by a U- or V-shaped open housing shape.

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shuttles (6, 7) have sealing elements such as sealing lips, which each delimit the cleaning space (11) from the housing (12) to a cleaning surface with a shuttle housing (12).

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that within the cleaning space (11) the corresponding filaments (9) or 22 AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) Filament bundles (brushes) (9) as well as the respective tooth or tooth area including adjacent gums that are to be cleaned.

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movement device (3) or shuttle (6, 7) are designed to transmit shear forces and pressure forces through the movement of the filaments (9) or filament bundles (brushes) (9) to the surfaces to be cleaned.

14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movement device (3) is designed to move the entire shuttle (6, 7) 15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shuttles (6, 7) are designed to transmit shear forces and pressure forces to the surfaces to be cleaned by means of movement devices in the shuttle (6, 7) through the movement of the filaments (9) or filament bundles (brushes) (9).

16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movement device (3) is designed to guide the shuttles (6, 7) from the bite piece (4) over the teeth of the user so that the shuttles (6, 7) equipped with filaments (9) or filament bundles (brushes) (9) or parts of the shuttle (6, 7) equipped with filaments (9) or filament bundles (brushes) (9) can remove impurities and biofilm on the teeth.

17. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movement device (3) is designed such that the different shuttles (6, 7) move simultaneously in the direction of the rearmost molar and then simultaneously again in the direction of the incisors. AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)

Images