Device for cleaning surfaces in the oral cavity

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for cleaning surfaces, in particular in the oral cavity, said device comprising a cleaning unit (4) which has at least one filament carrier (11, 15) for holding filament arrangements or filaments for cleaning the surfaces, wherein the cleaning unit (4) is mounted on the device (1) such that it can be switched from an upper jaw cleaning position to a lower jaw cleaning position and vice versa, wherein the cleaning unit (4) is designed to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis, or at least the filament carriers (11, 15) are designed to be pivotable about a transverse axis relative to the cleaning unit.

Description

[0001] DEVICE FOR CLEANING ORAL SURFACES

[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 does not reach all areas of the mouth equally well.

[0008] For many users, cleaning one side of the mouth is easier than the other, but cleaning the lower jaw is also typically easier for the user because the contact pressure is generated almost automatically by gravity, whereas on the upper jaw you have to fight against it.

[0009] 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, with their brush head making 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] DE 20 2016 101 191 U1 discloses a brush head for an electric toothbrush, which is designed to encompass the tooth on all sides and on which bristles are arranged for cleaning. US 3,401,690 A discloses a cleaning device in which ultrasound is applied to a surface via a fluid via a clamp that encompasses at least one tooth.

[0015] From US 2005 / 091,770 A, a toothbrush is known which works like a normal electric toothbrush, but also has an ultrasonic generator which is intended to introduce acoustic energy into a cleaning fluid.

[0016] US 2017 / 0189,149 A1 discloses a system for whitening teeth using an ultrasonic device. A mouthpiece is provided for this purpose, each with a volume for the upper and lower jaws. Ultrasonic generators are arranged in the mouthpiece, facing the teeth, and can apply ultrasonic energy to the tooth surface.

[0017] 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.

[0018] The disadvantage here is that the energies introduced are so high that tissue damage is practically unavoidable.

[0019] The object of the invention is to provide a device for cleaning surfaces which enables systematic, simple, fast and efficient cleaning of biofilm.

[0020] The problem is solved with the features of claim 1.

[0021] Advantageous further training is indicated in the dependent subclaims.

[0022] It is a further object to specify a use of the device.

[0023] The problem is solved with the features of claim 24.

[0024] Advantageous further developments are characterized in the dependent claims. The device according to the invention is capable of significantly improving the cleaning of surfaces in the oral cavity and eliminating user-related errors.

[0025] In particular, it allows switching between the lower jaw and upper jaw without user intervention.

[0026] The device according to the invention provides for the placement of any complex mechanics and motors outside the oral cavity, which facilitates the interchangeability of the cleaning unit itself.

[0027] Teeth can be cleaned from up to three sides simultaneously. For this purpose, the tooth or teeth are enclosed in a housing, referred to as a shuttle, by at least one cleaning device.

[0028] The shuttle can contain flexible sealing elements that close off a cleaning space and increase user comfort.

[0029] Inside the shuttle there are filament arrangements to ensure mechanical removal of biofilm.

[0030] Using a movement device, at least one shuttle of the device can be guided over the teeth by the user or automatically.

[0031] To maintain the distance between the teeth and facilitate switching, the device has a fixing device with which the device can be secured to the oral cavity. Preferably, the fixation to the teeth is achieved via a bite piece, which is pressed down, particularly with the front teeth.

[0032] The device is designed in such a way that at least one shuttle is guided along a jaw branch, for example the upper jaw, and is then pivoted or switched to the opposite jaw branch, for example the lower jaw.

[0033] This is preferably done by a tilting device with which the shuttle can be tilted or pivoted between an upper jaw and a lower jaw position.

[0034] The aforementioned movements can be performed across multiple axes and are carried out in a very space-saving manner through the use of hollow shafts or cables. The use of such a movable cleaning device enables the selective cleaning of surfaces such as the teeth, interdental spaces, and gums.

[0035] Selectivity is ensured, among other things, by the type, shape, hardness, and arrangement of the filaments, the type or combination of cleaning motion, the intensity or residence time of the shuttle and thus of the filaments. Furthermore, by the frequency and amplitude of the cleaning movements, which can also be superimposed and consist of sweeping and piercing movement patterns.

[0036] This invention also makes it possible to completely omit areas or teeth on the upper or lower jaw. Furthermore, the switching and tilting mechanism allow for new movement patterns to be realized.

[0037] Of course, a complete cleaning of all cleaning surfaces in the mouth is also possible. The cleaning intensity and duration can be adjusted to the respective surfaces. This is particularly advantageous because it allows for optimized cleaning time and energy consumption, as the intensity can be adjusted to the medically acceptable limits of the respective selection area.

[0038] Contaminants such as biofilm, tartar, or other contaminants such as food residue are removed by applying shear and pressure forces, or their gradients, that overcome the cohesive forces within the contaminant and the adhesive forces between the contaminant and the cleaning surface. The shear and pressure forces are transferred to the surfaces by the movement of the filaments. These movements are generated by the movement of the shuttle or the filament carriers. The shear forces can be increased by placing particles between the filaments and the cleaning surface. This can be achieved using cleaning fluids or toothpaste.

[0039] The device also allows the height of the shuttle to be adjusted vertically to ensure that the appropriate pressure is always applied to the teeth to optimize cleaning or to increase user comfort by switching between positions.

[0040] The device can selectively clean surfaces in the oral cavity, such as tooth surfaces and gums. In a preferred embodiment, the user bites on the bitepiece, and the at least one shuttle is guided over the teeth by a movement device. In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning movements and the switching movements are performed and controlled by several coaxially arranged hollow shafts.

[0041] The shuttle's tilting mechanism is primarily achieved by tilting the entire movement, actuation, and tilting unit. This has the advantage that no complex mechanics or motors are located inside the oral cavity and controlled from outside. This prevents the complex and expensive parts from being exposed to the environmental influences of the oral cavity, and the shuttle itself can be made easily and cost-effectively replaceable.

[0042] This guidance over the teeth can be done manually or automatically by the user.

[0043] The invention allows the at least one shuttle to be configured in such a way that a jaw branch area, for example, one or more teeth, is enclosed on all sides, particularly beyond the gum line. The filament arrangements are then distributed accordingly so that the teeth are cleaned from up to three sides simultaneously.

[0044] The bite piece ensures this is perfectly secured without requiring the user's arms to move from the lower jaw to the upper jaw. This allows for switching back and forth, and the tilting mechanism ensures the required contact pressure is always maintained. This eliminates the common errors associated with manual brushing.

[0045] Cleaning is achieved by the filaments contacting the cleaning surface through a combination of one or more possible shuttle movement patterns. These movement patterns include varying degrees of linear movement toward the teeth, the overlying translational movement of the entire shuttle via the movement device, and superimposed tilting movements along various axes via the switching mechanism.

[0046] All these movements can be controlled from outside the oral cavity, thus allowing at least one shuttle to be easily and inexpensively replaced when the filaments have reached the end of their useful life.

[0047] As already mentioned, the intensity of the cleaning action can be controlled by the frequency and amplitude of the movements, as well as the time the brush is applied to the teeth. The abrasiveness of the cleaning action is controlled by the cleaning particles, which are either inserted directly into the shuttle by the user or automatically and continuously delivered to the cleaning surface by the device.

[0048] There are several possible modes of operation. In a first embodiment, the invention provides that the user bites down on the bite piece and the shuttle is guided over the teeth. To switch from the upper jaw to the lower jaw, the shuttle is tilted downwards via a deflection mechanism, e.g., bevel gears, via a hollow shaft parallel to the direction of travel of the jaw branch. The tilting mechanism then guides the shuttle to the lower jaw. No superimposed movement is required for this. Cleaning then continues in the same way as for the upper jaw. To switch from the lower jaw to the upper jaw, the steps are carried out in reverse order.

[0049] In a further embodiment of the invention, the user bites down on the bite piece and the shuttle is guided over the teeth. If the hollow shafts are parallel to the direction of travel of the jaw branch, the shuttle is first moved slightly downwards by the tilting mechanism to switch from the upper jaw to the lower jaw. The entire hollow shaft of the movement device then rotates, turning the shuttle to the side orthogonal to the direction of the jaw branch. The tilting mechanism then raises the shuttle slightly again, whereupon the switching mechanism turns the shuttle towards the lower jaw. Finally, the tilting mechanism brings the shuttle to the required height to clean the lower jaw. To switch from the lower jaw to the upper jaw, the steps are carried out in reverse order.

[0050] In yet another embodiment, the invention provides that the user bites down on the bite piece and the shuttle is guided over the teeth. In the event that the hollow shafts are at a certain angle to the direction of travel of the jaw branch, the shuttle is first moved slightly downwards by the tilting mechanism to switch from the upper jaw to the lower jaw. This is followed by a combined rotation of the entire hollow shaft of the movement device and a counter-movement of an actuating hollow shaft so that the resulting angle is compensated and the shuttle does not hit the teeth. This combined movement then turns the shuttle to the side orthogonal to the direction of travel of the jaw branch. The tilting mechanism then lifts the shuttle slightly again, whereupon the switching mechanism rotates the shuttle again towards the lower jaw in a combined movement of the hollow shaft, movement device and the actuating hollow shaft.Finally, the tilting mechanism raises the shuttle to the required height for cleaning the lower jaw. To switch from the lower jaw to the upper jaw, the steps are reversed.

[0051] The invention thus relates in particular to a device for cleaning surfaces, in particular in the oral cavity, comprising a cleaning device which has at least one filament carrier for receiving filament arrangements or filaments for cleaning the surfaces, wherein the cleaning device is mounted on the device so as to be switchable from an upper jaw cleaning position to a lower jaw cleaning position and vice versa, wherein the cleaning device is designed to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis or at least the filament carriers are designed to be pivotable about a transverse axis to the cleaning device.

[0052] A further development provides that the device has a bite piece which, in the working position, is arranged between the teeth of the upper and lower jaw and spaced the jaw.

[0053] A further development provides that a deflection is provided for switching from the upper jaw position to the lower jaw position, in particular by means of bevel gears, which are arranged to be driven via a hollow shaft in such a way that the cleaning device and / or the filament carriers are designed to be tiltable parallel to the running direction of the jaw branch.

[0054] A further development provides that a movement device with at least one hollow shaft is present, which is in rotating operative connection with the cleaning device in such a way that in a position in which the at least one hollow shaft is parallel to the running direction of a jaw branch, the cleaning device is arranged to be rotatable orthogonally to the direction of the jaw branch by rotating the entire hollow shaft of the movement device.

[0055] A further development provides that if the at least one hollow shaft is at an angle to the running direction of the jaw branch, the cleaning device is rotated in combination, wherein for a combined rotation, the hollow shaft of the movement device and a counter-movement of an additionally arranged actuating hollow shaft are present to compensate for the resulting angle, wherein the combined movement enables the cleaning device to be pivoted to the side orthogonal to the running direction of the jaw branch. A further development provides that a bite piece is present, which is arranged on the device in such a way that when the teeth bite on the bite piece, in particular at least one front tooth of the upper and lower jaw, the upper jaw and the lower jaw are held at a distance that allows the cleaning device to be inserted and guided along the teeth.

[0056] A further development provides that the cleaning device is mounted on the device via a mounting device so that it can pivot transversely to the teeth and perpendicularly to the teeth, wherein the mounting is also designed to enable a guided sliding movement out of the oral cavity or into it.

[0057] A further development provides that the cleaning device has a guide shaft which carries a base body of the cleaning device, on which one or more filament carriers are arranged, in particular rotatably.

[0058] A further development provides that the bite piece is designed such that an upper bite piece arm extends from the device into the oral cavity in the direction of the upper jaw and a lower bite piece arm extends from the device to the lower jaw, so that there is a distance between the two bite piece arms which is dimensioned such that the cleaning device with the guide shaft can be pivoted and moved between these two arms, so that all teeth, except for the teeth that bite on the bite piece, can be cleaned on both sides of the jaw, above and below.

[0059] A further development provides that the bite piece is arranged in the area of ​​the incisors and two cleaning devices (4) are arranged on each side of the bite piece.

[0060] A further development provides that the cleaning device grips a tooth and the adjacent gums in a U-shape from the tooth crowns so that the entire tooth, the interdental spaces and the adjacent gums can be cleaned.

[0061] A further development provides that the base body is designed to be pivotable sideways by means of the guide shaft until it is positioned at a 90° angle to its previous working position so that the U-shaped filament carriers point to the side with their free ends or a U-shaped opening. In this position, the base body can be lifted by means of the guide shaft so that rotation can continue toward the opposing jaw. A further development provides that the filament carrier(s) are mounted in the base body so that they can rotate freely or by a drive mechanism, allowing them to follow the contours of the teeth.

[0062] A further development provides that switching between the cleaning positions of the upper and lower jaw is carried out by pivoting the base body about a pivot axis running transversely to the guide shaft.

[0063] A further development provides that the guide shaft is forked at its free end with two fork arms, with the base body being present between the fork arms.

[0064] A further development provides that filament carriers are arranged on the base body, extending in the same direction to one side, for gripping a tooth and for cleaning it from the side, wherein the free ends of the filament carriers are designed to extend beyond the gum line.

[0065] A further development provides that the filament carriers are plate-like, wherein filament receiving openings are provided in the filament carriers for storing filaments or filament bundles directed towards the teeth.

[0066] A further development provides that a crown filament carrier for cleaning the dental crowns is arranged on the base body in such a way that it is formed in particular in one piece with and substantially transversely to the filament carriers and receives filaments or filament bundles which protrude into a U-shaped receiving space formed by the filament carriers.

[0067] A further development provides that the base body is designed with an eccentric drive, which consists of an eccentric arranged on a drive shaft which is mounted in the guide shaft and an eccentric counter-drive in order to move the filament carriers.

[0068] A further development provides that the base body is designed in particular as a truncated cylinder and is rotatable within the fork arms, relative to its vertical axis, about this with the eccentric drive, consisting of the eccentric and the eccentric counter-drive, wherein the vertical axis runs between the fork arms.

[0069] A further development provides that the eccentric counter-drive is a groove which extends radially from the outside to the inside and serves to accommodate the eccentric or the pin-like eccentric, wherein the groove is present twice in diametrically opposite radial areas of the base body.

[0070] A further development provides that a pivoting mechanism is provided with which the base body can be pivoted by 180° about the axis of rotation 24, which is perpendicular to the vertical axis and extends through both fork arms, wherein this axis of rotation is brought about by the fact that in particular shaft stubs extend from the base body into the fork arms, where they are rotatably mounted.

[0071] A further development provides that a pivot drive is provided, which is in particular a bevel gear, wherein the bevel gear output is connected to the base body in a twisted manner in such a way that the base body can carry out the eccentric back and forth movement, but is connected to the bevel gear output in a twisted manner with respect to the axis of rotation, wherein a bevel gear drive is also provided, which is arranged on a particularly flexible shaft, wherein a rotation of the shaft drives the bevel gear drive, which drives the base body via the corresponding bevel gear output, which is then pivoted about the pivot axis until the opposite groove, after a 180° pivot, now accommodates the eccentric drive and accordingly an eccentric oscillating movement is now possible on the other side of the jaw.

[0072] A further aspect of the invention relates to the use of the device described above, wherein a user bites on the bite piece and the movement device is guided over the teeth, wherein for switching from the upper jaw to the lower jaw the cleaning device (4) is tilted downwards via a deflection by, for example, bevel gears via a hollow shaft parallel to the running direction of the jaw branch and then the tilting mechanism guides the cleaning device to the opposing jaw.

[0073] A further development provides that the user bites on the bite piece and the shuttle is guided over the teeth, whereby in the event that the hollow shafts are parallel to the direction of travel of the jaw branch, for switching from the upper jaw to the lower jaw the cleaning device is turned to the side orthogonal to the direction of the jaw branch by rotating the entire hollow shaft of the movement device, whereby the cleaning device is then raised and the cleaning device then rotates towards the opposite jaw.A further development provides that the user bites on the bite piece and the cleaning device is guided over the teeth, wherein, when the hollow shafts are at a certain angle to the direction of travel of the jaw branch, the cleaning device is first moved downwards by the tilting mechanism and then a combined rotation of the entire hollow shaft of the movement device and a counter movement of an actuating hollow shaft takes place so that the resulting angle is compensated and the cleaning device does not hit the teeth, wherein the combined movement then turns the cleaning device to the side orthogonal to the direction of travel of the jaw branch, wherein the tilting mechanism then lifts the cleaning device, whereupon the cleaning device is rotated towards the opposing jaw in a combined movement of the hollow shaft of the movement device and the actuating hollow shaft.

[0074] The invention is explained by way of example with reference to a drawing. It shows:

[0075] Figure 1: A schematic view of the device, showing a

[0076] Cleaning device in a cleaning position on the upper jaw;

[0077] Figure 2: the device according to Figure 1 with the upper jaw lowered;

[0078] Figure 3: the device according to Figure 2 in a lowered position during a

[0079] Rotation;

[0080] Figure 4: the device according to the previous figures in a lowered and sideways turned position;

[0081] Figure 5: the device according to Figure 4 is further rotated and raised again;

[0082] Figure 6: the device according to Figure 5 after a complete rotation from the

[0083] Upper jaw cleaning position into the lower jaw cleaning position before lowering onto the lower jaw teeth;

[0084] Figure 7: the device according to Figure 1 with the cleaning device in a

[0085] Cleaning setting of a lower jaw;

[0086] Figure 8: a detailed view of the cleaning device, showing a reversing

[0087] Drive of filament carriers for the purpose of cleaning in a perspective view; Figure 9: the device according to Figure 8 in a perspective view of the

[0088] Cleaning device on a guide shaft;

[0089] Figure 10: another embodiment of the device and a cleaning device arranged next to it.

[0090] The device according to the invention is shown in Figure 1 in a highly schematic manner, with only the cleaning device and its drive being shown, while other parts are omitted for the sake of clarity.

[0091] This includes in particular a bite piece (not shown) which is arranged on the device in such a way that when the teeth bite on the bite piece, in particular at least one front tooth of the upper and lower jaw, the upper jaw 2 and the lower jaw 3 are held at a distance which allows the cleaning device 4 to be inserted and the cleaning device 4 to be guided along the teeth 5.

[0092] The cleaning device 4 is mounted on the device 1 via a mounting device 6 so that it can pivot transversely to the teeth and perpendicularly to the teeth. The mounting also includes a sleeve 8 with which the cleaning device 4 can be moved out of the oral cavity or into it. For this purpose, the cleaning device 4 has a guide shaft 9 that supports a base body 10 of the cleaning device 4, on which one or more filament carriers 11 are arranged, in particular rotatably.

[0093] The bite piece (not shown) can be arranged in such a way that an upper bite piece arm extends from the device 1 into the oral cavity in the direction of the upper jaw and a lower bite piece arm extends from the device to the lower jaw, so that there is a distance between the two bite piece arms which is dimensioned such that the cleaning device 4 with the guide shaft 9 can be pivoted and moved between these two arms, so that all teeth, except for the teeth that bite on the bite piece, can be cleaned on both sides of the jaw, above and below.

[0094] Alternatively, the bite piece can be arranged in the area of ​​the incisors and, for example, two cleaning devices can be arranged on each side of the bite piece to carry out the cleaning.

[0095] According to the invention, the cleaning device 4 can be flexibly guided along at least one ramus of the upper jaw and the opposite ramus of the lower jaw. This requires the cleaning device 4 to be tiltable. The cleaning device expediently encompasses a tooth and the adjacent gums in a U-shape, starting from the tooth crowns, so that the entire tooth, the interdental spaces, and the adjacent gums can be cleaned.

[0096] In order to switch from the upper jaw mode to the lower jaw mode or vice versa, it is therefore necessary that the cleaning device 4 or the filament carriers 11 are disengaged from the teeth of one jaw branch and then the engagement is made accordingly on the opposite jaw branch.

[0097] For this purpose, by means of the guide shaft 9, which is mounted in the mounting device 6, the base body 10 with the filament carrier(s) 11 of the cleaning device 4, a position which can be seen in Figure 1, in this case removed from a branch of the upper jaw, i.e. lowered, until free ends 12 of the filament carriers 11 of the cleaning device are free from the teeth, so that the cleaning device can be pivoted.

[0098] Once this state has been reached, as shown in Figure 2, the distance set between the upper jaw 2 and the lower jaw 3 is expediently dimensioned so large that the cleaning device 4 with the base body 10 or the guide shaft 9 does not rest on or touch the teeth of the opposite jaw.

[0099] In this position, the base body 10 can then be pivoted sideways using the guide shaft 9 (Figures 3-5) until it is positioned at a 90° angle to its previous working position (Figure 1) so that the U-shaped filament carriers point to the side with their free ends or a U-shaped opening 13. In this position, the base body 10 can now be raised slightly again using the guide shaft 9 so that the rotation can be continued toward the lower jaw (Figure 5), so that, as can be seen in Figure 6, the rotation is completed.

[0100] Upon completion of the rotation of the base body 10 by means of the guide shaft 9 and the bearing device 6, the free ends 12 of the filament carriers 11 are again so far away from the teeth of the lower jaw that the cleaning device 4 can now be placed on the teeth of the lower jaw until the cleaning position (Figure 7) is reached.

[0101] In this position, cleaning of the corresponding jaw branch can then begin, wherein the guide shaft 9 is again or remains mounted in the mounting device 6 and, as cleaning progresses, can be moved further into the oral cavity with the mounting sleeve 8 or sliding therein, wherein the required pivoting is brought about by means of the mounting device 6.

[0102] Since the filament carriers 11 are rotatably mounted in the base body 10, they can follow the course of the teeth, whereby the filament carriers 11 are not only freely rotatably mounted in the base body, but are also drivably mounted.

[0103] In a further embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention (Figures 8, 9), switching between the cleaning positions of the upper and lower jaw is not carried out by pivoting the base body 10 by 180° to the side, but by pivoting the base body about a pivot axis 24 running transversely to the guide shaft 9.

[0104] For this purpose, the guide shaft 9 is forked at its end with two fork arms 25, with the base body 10 located between the fork arms 25. Filament carriers 11 for gripping a tooth and cleaning it laterally are arranged on the base body 10, extending in the same direction to one side. The free ends 12 preferably extend beyond the gum line. The filament carriers 11 are particularly plate-shaped, and filament receiving openings 14 can be provided in the filament carriers 11 for storing filaments or filament bundles directed toward the teeth.

[0105] In addition, a crown filament carrier 15 for cleaning the dental crowns is arranged on the base body 10 in such a way that it is formed in particular in one piece with the filament carriers 11 and also serves to receive filaments or filament bundles which protrude into a U-shaped receiving space 26 formed by the filament carriers 11, 15.

[0106] In order to move the filament carriers 11, 15, the base body 10 is designed with an eccentric drive, which consists of an eccentric 17, which is arranged on a drive shaft 16, which is mounted in the guide shaft 9, and an eccentric counter-drive 18.

[0107] The base body 10 is designed in particular as a truncated cylinder and is rotatable within the fork arms 25, relative to its vertical axis, and these with the eccentric drive, consisting of the eccentric 17 and the eccentric counterdrive 18. The vertical axis 19 runs between the fork arms 25. The eccentric counterdrive 18 is a groove that extends radially from the outside to the inside and serves to accommodate the eccentric 17 or the pin-like eccentric 17. Opposite one groove 18, another groove 18 is formed on the base body 10 in the same way, projecting radially inward.

[0108] In this embodiment, a pivoting mechanism is also provided with which the base body can be pivoted by 180° about a rotation axis 24 which is perpendicular to the vertical axis 19 and extends through both fork arms 25, wherein this pivot axis is effective in that shaft stubs in particular extend from the base body 10 into the fork arms 25, where they are rotatably mounted.

[0109] To achieve pivoting along the teeth, i.e., not rotation, as in the first embodiment, a drive is provided, which is in particular a bevel gear 20. A first bevel gear, namely the bevel gear output 21, is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the base body 10 such that the base body can perform the eccentric reciprocating movement, but is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the bevel gear output 21 with respect to the rotation axis 24. In addition, a bevel gear drive 22 is provided, which is arranged on a particularly flexible shaft 23.

[0110] If the shaft 23 is rotated and thus the bevel gear drive 22 is rotated, the bevel gear output 21 rotates accordingly and takes the base body with it, which is then pivoted about the pivot axis 24 until the opposite groove, after a 180° pivot, now accommodates the eccentric drive 17 and accordingly an eccentric oscillating movement is now possible on the other side of the jaw.

[0111] A further embodiment is shown in Figure 10, wherein the bite piece 26 is visible here and, next to the bite piece 26, the corresponding cleaning device 4, which can be rotated by means of the guide shaft 9. Furthermore, the housing 28 of the device 1 can be seen, wherein the housing 28 has a length adjustment device 27 with which the distance between the bite piece 26 and the housing 28 can be adjusted. If the bite piece 26 is split, with a lower and upper bite piece arm (not shown), the distance between the bite piece arms can also be adjusted relative to the distance from the housing 28 in such a way that a scissor bite, overbite, or underbite can be compensated.

[0112] The invention is advantageous in that, with little mechanical effort and with drives arranged outside the oral cavity, a rotation or pivoting of a cleaning device from a working position on one jaw branch to a working position on the opposite jaw branch can be brought about in a precise, comprehensible and simple manner.

Claims

Claims 1. Device for cleaning surfaces, in particular in the oral cavity, comprising a cleaning device (4) which has at least one filament carrier (11, 15) for receiving filament arrangements or filaments for cleaning the surfaces, wherein the cleaning device (4) is mounted on the device (1) so as to be switchable from an upper jaw cleaning position to a lower jaw cleaning position and vice versa, wherein the cleaning device (4) is designed to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis or at least the filament carriers (11, 15) are designed to be pivotable about a transverse axis to the cleaning device.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (1) has a bite piece which, in the working position, is arranged between teeth of the upper and lower jaw and spaced apart the jaw.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that for switching from the upper jaw position to the lower jaw position, a deflection is provided, in particular by bevel gears, which are arranged to be driven via a hollow shaft in such a way that the cleaning device (4) and / or the filament carriers (11, 15) are designed to be tiltable parallel to the running direction of the jaw branch.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a movement device with at least one hollow shaft is provided, which is in rotating operative connection with the cleaning device (4) such that in a position in which the at least one hollow shaft is parallel to the running direction of a jaw branch, the cleaning device (4) is arranged to be rotatable orthogonally to the direction of the jaw branch by rotating the entire hollow shaft of the movement device.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the at least one hollow shaft is at an angle to the running direction of the jaw branch, the cleaning device (4) is rotated in combination, wherein for a combined rotation of the hollow shaft of the movement device and a counter-movement of an additionally arranged actuating hollow shaft to compensate for the resulting angle is present, wherein the combined movement enables the cleaning device (4) to be pivoted to the side orthogonally to the running direction of the jaw branch.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a bite piece is present which is arranged on the device (1) in such a way that when the teeth bite on the bite piece, in particular at least one front tooth of the upper and lower jaw, the upper jaw (2) and the lower jaw (3) are held at a distance which allows the introduction of the cleaning device (4) and the guidance of the cleaning device (4) along the teeth (5).

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning device (4) is mounted on the device (1) via a mounting device (6) so as to be pivotable transversely to the teeth (5) and pivotable perpendicular to the teeth (5), wherein the mounting is also designed to enable a guided displaceable movement out of the oral cavity or into it.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning device (4) has a guide shaft (9) which carries a base body (10) of the cleaning device (4), on which one or more filament carriers (11, 15) are arranged, in particular rotatably.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bite piece is designed such that an upper bite piece arm extends from the device (1) into the oral cavity in the direction of the upper jaw and a lower bite piece arm extends from the device to the lower jaw, so that there is a distance between the two bite piece arms which is dimensioned such that the cleaning device (4) with the guide shaft (9) is pivotable and movable between these two arms, so that all teeth (5), except for the teeth (5) which bite on the bite piece, can be cleaned on both sides of the jaw, above and below.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the bite piece is arranged in the region of the incisors and two cleaning devices (4) are arranged on each side of the bite piece.

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning device (4) surrounds a tooth (5) and the adjacent gums from the tooth crowns in a U-shape, so that the entire tooth (5), the interdental spaces and the adjacent gums can be cleaned.

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base body (10) is designed to be pivotable to the side by means of the guide shaft (9) until it is arranged at a 90° angle to its previous working position such that the U-shaped filament carriers (11) point to the side with free ends (12) or a U-opening 13, wherein the base body (10) can be lifted in this position by means of the guide shaft (9) so that the rotation can be continued in the direction of the opposing jaw.

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filament carrier(s) (11) are mounted in the base body (10) so as to be freely or drivenly rotatable that they can follow the course of the teeth.

14. Device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the switching between the cleaning positions of the upper and lower jaw takes place by pivoting the base body (10) about a pivot axis (24) running transversely to the guide shaft (9).

15. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the guide shaft (9) is forked at its free end with two fork arms (25), the base body (10) being present between the fork arms (25).

16. Device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that filament carriers (11) for gripping a tooth (5) and for cleaning the same from the side are arranged on the base body (10) and extend in the same direction to one side, wherein the free ends (12) of the filament carriers (11) are designed to extend beyond the gum line.

17. Device according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the filament carriers (11) are plate-like, wherein in the filament carriers (11) Filament receiving openings (14) are provided for storing filaments or filament bundles directed towards the teeth (5).

18. Device according to one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that a crown filament carrier (15) for cleaning the dental crowns is arranged on the base body (10) in such a way that it is formed in particular in one piece with and substantially transversely to the filament carriers (11) and receives filaments or filament bundles which protrude into a U-shaped receiving space (26) formed by the filament carriers (11, 15).

19. Device according to one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the base body (10) is designed with an eccentric drive, which is formed from an eccentric (17) arranged on a drive shaft (16) which is mounted in the guide shaft (9) and an eccentric counter-drive (18) in order to move the filament carriers (11, 15).

20. Device according to one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that the base body (10) is designed in particular as a truncated cylinder and is rotatable within the fork arms (25) about its vertical axis (19) with the eccentric drive, consisting of the eccentric (17) and the eccentric counter-drive (18), wherein the vertical axis (19) runs between the fork arms (25).

21. Device according to one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that the eccentric counter-drive (18) is a groove which extends radially from the outside to the inside into the base body (10) and serves to receive the eccentric (17) or the pin-like eccentric (17), wherein a groove (18) is also present on the diametrically opposite radial regions of the base body (10).

22. Device according to one of claims 14 to 21, characterized in that a pivoting mechanism is provided with which the base body can be pivoted by 180° about the axis of rotation (24) which is perpendicular to the vertical axis (19) and extends through both fork arms (25), wherein this axis of rotation (24) is formed in that shaft stubs in particular extend from the base body (10) into the fork arms (25), where they are rotatably mounted.

23. Device according to one of claims 14 to 22, characterized in that a pivot drive is provided, which is in particular a bevel gear (20), wherein a bevel gear output (21) is connected to the base body (10) in a rotationally fixed manner such that the base body (10) can carry out the eccentric back and forth movement, but is connected to the bevel gear output (21) in a rotationally fixed manner with respect to the axis of rotation (24), wherein a bevel gear drive (22) is also provided, which is arranged on a particularly flexible shaft (23), wherein a rotation of the shaft (23) rotates the bevel gear drive (22), wherein the base body (10) rotates via the corresponding bevel gear output (21), which is thereby pivoted about the pivot axis (24) until the opposite groove (18) now receives the eccentric drive (17) after a 180° pivoting and accordingly an eccentric oscillating movement is now possible on the other side of the jaw.

24. Use of a device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a user bites on the bite piece and the movement device is guided over the teeth, wherein for switching from the upper jaw to the lower jaw the cleaning device (4) is tilted downwards via a deflection by e.g. bevel gears via a hollow shaft parallel to the running direction of the jaw branch and then the tilting mechanism guides the cleaning device to the opposing jaw.

25. Use according to the preceding claim, wherein the user bites on the bite piece and the shuttle is guided over the teeth, wherein in the event that the hollow shafts are parallel to the running direction of the jaw branch, for switching from the upper jaw to the lower jaw the cleaning device (4) is turned to the side orthogonal to the direction of the jaw branch by rotating the entire hollow shaft of the movement device, wherein the cleaning device (4) is then raised and the cleaning device subsequently rotates towards the opposing jaw.

26. Use according to claim 24, characterized in that the user bites on the bite piece and the cleaning device (4) is guided over the teeth, wherein, when the hollow shafts are at a certain angle to the running direction of the jaw branch, the cleaning device is first moved downwards by the tilting mechanism and then a combined rotation of the entire hollow shaft of the movement device and a counter-movement of an actuating hollow shaft takes place so that the resulting angle is compensated and the cleaning device does not hit the teeth, wherein the combined movement then turns the cleaning device to the side orthogonal to the running direction of the jaw branch, wherein subsequently 5 the tilting mechanism lifts the cleaning device (4), whereupon the cleaning device is rotated towards the opposing jaw in a combined movement of the hollow shaft of the movement device and the actuation hollow shaft.

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