Device for cleaning a plurality of teeth simultaneously

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for the simultaneous cleaning of a plurality of teeth, preferably all teeth, of a user, comprising a cleaning element for insertion into the mouth of the user, wherein the cleaning element comprises or forms cleaning structures, and a force transmission element which is detachably or fixedly connected to the cleaning element and to a drive unit, characterised in that the force transmission element comprises at least two rod-shaped elements which are arranged at a lateral distance from a central axis of the cleaning element, and wherein the rod-shaped elements can be deflected or are deflected in a linear lifting movement by the drive element and can be rotated or are rotated simultaneously about their axis.

Description

Radenkovic RAD200001DE Device for cleaning multiple teeth simultaneously

[0001] The present invention relates to devices for the simultaneous cleaning of a user's teeth, in particular devices optimized for use in hospitals, care facilities and similar contexts.

[0002] Thorough oral hygiene is not only an important part of daily care, but also contributes significantly to overall health. Conventional dental care methods often pose a challenge, especially for patients with limited mobility or self-care abilities, such as the elderly, bedridden patients, or people with disabilities.

[0003] Oral hygiene has a direct impact on the prevention of dental diseases such as caries and periodontitis, which in turn are associated with systemic diseases, for example, cardiovascular diseases or Alzheimer's disease. Against this backdrop, there is a growing need for efficient and automated solutions that can both reduce the workload for caregivers and improve patients' quality of life.

[0004] The state of the art includes, in particular, manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes and automated tooth cleaning systems, which use different cleaning mechanisms and movement patterns.

[0005] Manual toothbrushes are the most widespread method for cleaning teeth. They consist of a handle and a brush head with bristles that are available in various degrees of stiffness and arrangements. Cleaning efficiency depends largely on the user's technique. Circular motions are generally recommended to effectively remove plaque without injuring the gums.

[0006] Despite their widespread use, manual toothbrushes have several limitations. Their effectiveness depends heavily on manual dexterity and consistent use. Particularly for people with limited fine motor skills, such as the elderly or people with disabilities, cleaning may be inadequate. This often leads to... Radenkovic RAD200001DE Accumulation of plaque and tartar, as well as an increased risk of oral and dental diseases.

[0007] Electric toothbrushes represent a further development of the manual toothbrush and are able to optimize cleaning through automated movements. The most common models operate either with oscillating-rotating movements or sonic or ultrasonic technology.

[0008] In the case of oscillating-rotating movements, the brush head alternates between right and left, thus cleaning the tooth surfaces. Examples include toothbrushes with round heads, which are specifically designed for precise plaque removal.

[0009] With sonic or ultrasonic technology, the toothbrushes generate high-frequency vibrations that enable particularly gentle and effective cleaning. The sonic waves support the removal of plaque, even in hard-to-reach areas.

[0010] Electric toothbrushes are known for their high cleaning performance. They offer advantages such as consistent cleaning movements and a reduction in the manual dexterity required. Many models are also equipped with pressure sensors that prevent over-stimulation of the gums.

[0011] Nevertheless, they require a certain degree of user interaction, such as precisely positioning the brush head against the teeth. In care facilities and hospitals, where patients often require assistance, this can be time-consuming for caregivers.

[0012] In nursing homes and hospitals, conventional dental cleaning devices often reach their limits. Many patients are unable to use toothbrushes, whether manual or electric, independently, and nursing staff face limited resources. Furthermore, cleaning with electric toothbrushes still takes several minutes, as the brush head must be individually adjusted to each tooth surface.

[0013] As a solution to this problem, the prior art describes devices that can completely and simultaneously clean a user's teeth. Such devices are intended to fully automate the movements. Radenkovic RAD200001DE not only provide efficient cleaning, but also minimize the effort required by caregivers.

[0014] Various devices for the simultaneous cleaning of several teeth are known in the prior art, which are characterized by different approaches.

[0015] For example, USD 961,266 describes an electric tooth cleaning device that can clean all teeth simultaneously through vibration. This device is designed especially for people with limited mobility, as it allows for short cleaning times and easy handling.

[0016] Another example is WO 2012 / 085799 A1, which discloses an automated tooth cleaning device that provides different movement patterns for comprehensive cleaning. This device features pressure sensors that protect the gums and adapts to the shape of the teeth, enabling precise cleaning.

[0017] The device described in WO 2015 / 003681 A1 combines mechanical cleaning with fluid circulation, which effectively removes food debris and bacteria. This is intended to provide gentle cleaning, especially for hard-to-reach areas in the mouth.

[0018] Optimal tooth cleaning relies on a combination of different movement patterns. Horizontal movements help remove plaque along the gum line, while vertical movements are necessary to loosen food particles from between the teeth. Circular movements are particularly effective for thoroughly cleaning tooth surfaces during manual oral hygiene. Additionally, high-frequency vibrations can loosen plaque and bacteria, further enhancing mechanical cleaning.

[0019] Manual and electric toothbrushes are unsuitable for ensuring optimal oral hygiene, particularly in hospitals and care facilities, due to the time required. While existing devices address the time constraint, they are not Radenkovic RAD200001DE is able to provide the necessary combination of horizontal, vertical and circular movements for optimal tooth cleaning.

[0020] The present invention was therefore based on the objective of providing a device designed for both everyday use by caregivers and use by patients. It aims to combine three-dimensional movements that enable comprehensive cleaning with user-friendly handling and hygienic safety features for hospitals and care facilities.

[0021] This problem is solved by a device for the simultaneous cleaning of several, preferably all, of a user's teeth, comprising a cleaning element for insertion into the user's mouth, wherein the cleaning element includes or forms cleaning structures, and a force transmission element that is detachably or permanently connected to the cleaning element and a drive device, wherein the force transmission element comprises at least two rod-shaped elements that are arranged laterally spaced from a central axis of the cleaning element, and wherein the rod-shaped elements can be deflected or are deflected by the drive element in a linear stroke movement and are simultaneously and / or subsequently rotatable or rotated about their axis.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, a rod-shaped element is defined as an elongated component used to transmit movements or forces. These rod-shaped elements can be made of metal, plastic, or composite materials, depending on the requirements for stability, flexibility, and hygiene.

[0023] The rod-shaped elements transmit movements from the drive unit to the cleaning element. In the invention, they are arranged such that they distribute the movements precisely and evenly across all tooth surfaces. The drive unit is understood to be a mechanical or electrical component responsible for generating energy or movement.

[0024] The rod-shaped elements can move simultaneously or in opposite directions, forming complex movement patterns. It is intended that Radenkovic RAD200001DE that a linear motion is superimposed on a rotational motion or that these occur subsequently.

[0025] In the device according to the invention, the drive unit serves to generate linear and rotary movements, which are then transmitted to the cleaning element via the rod-shaped elements. Examples of such drive units are small electric motors or piezoelectric drives, which are characterized by precision and efficiency.

[0026] The laterally spaced arrangement of the rod-shaped elements enables precise force transmission. The linear stroke motion creates a back-and-forth movement along the tooth rows, while the rotary motion generates additional friction, which is particularly beneficial for cleaning the interdental spaces.

[0027] This combination of movements ensures a three-dimensional cleaning action, guaranteeing effective plaque removal. The advantage of this design lies in the simultaneous coverage of all tooth surfaces, which reduces cleaning time and significantly increases efficiency.

[0028] The invention is therefore based on the surprising finding that a combination of drive device, rod-shaped elements and cleaning device can generate a three-dimensional movement along the user's teeth, which corresponds to optimal cleaning.

[0029] In particular, it may be provided that the drive device causes or can cause a linear horizontal and a vertical movement in the form of a circle, an ellipse, a diagonal or a figure eight lying on its side.

[0030] According to this embodiment of the invention, the drive device is further specified to enable complex movement patterns that optimize tooth cleaning.

[0031] The ability to combine horizontal and vertical movements, creating circular, elliptical or figure-eight patterns, allows plaque to be effectively removed from the tooth surfaces and interdental spaces. Radenkovic RAD200001DE

[0032] Movement patterns such as the figure eight simulate manual cleaning movements, but are performed with precise consistency and intensity that cannot be achieved with conventional methods.

[0033] The aforementioned movement patterns contribute to maximizing the cleaning effect both along the teeth and in deeper areas. An additional benefit is the protection of the gums, as the movements are controlled and executed evenly by the drive mechanism.

[0034] Furthermore, it may be provided that the cleaning element has n upper and m lower incisions, with n = 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more, and with m = 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the incisions in the cleaning element are defined as structures that increase the freedom of movement and adaptability of the cleaning element. These incisions allow the cleaning element to flexibly adapt to the contours of the user's teeth and jaw structure.

[0036] The second important function of the incisions is to give the cleaning element internal flexibility to perform the multidimensional movements generated by the power transmission from the drive unit through the rod-shaped elements.

[0037] The number and arrangement of the incisions can vary to further optimize flexibility and movement dynamics.

[0038] The integration of these incisions improves the force transmission from the rod-shaped elements to the cleaning element. This results in a more even distribution of cleaning movements across all tooth surfaces, increasing the thoroughness of the cleaning and improving user comfort.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it can be provided that the n upper and m lower incisions are formed essentially vertically, wherein in particular the n lower incisions are not opposite the m upper incisions. Radenkovic RAD200001DE

[0040] The vertical design of the incisions allows for targeted freedom of movement along the vertical and horizontal axes. The staggered arrangement of the upper and lower incisions prevents symmetrical blockage of movement, thus significantly improving cleaning dynamics.

[0041] The staggered incisions ensure that the movements transmitted to the cleaning element are optimally distributed. This is particularly advantageous when cleaning irregular tooth structures, as the movements can be flexibly adapted to the individual characteristics of the user's teeth. The benefit of this arrangement lies in the increased effectiveness of plaque and food debris removal, as well as gentle treatment of the gums.

[0042] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, it may be preferred that the incisions are wedge-shaped, tapering from the outside inwards towards the center of the device.

[0043] According to the invention, it may be preferred that the cleaning element is U-shaped, comprising a semicircular section for cleaning the front teeth, in particular incisors and canines, and two elongated sections, each adjoining one end of the semicircular section, in particular for cleaning the molars.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning element is defined as U-shaped to enable simultaneous cleaning of all tooth areas. The semicircular section adapts to the front teeth and ensures thorough cleaning of the incisors and canines. The elongated sections that connect to the ends of the semicircular section are specifically designed to clean the molars.

[0045] The advantage of this U-shaped design lies in its complete coverage of the teeth, enabling time-saving and efficient cleaning. This shape also ensures an even distribution of cleaning movements across all areas of the teeth, leading to improved plaque removal and a reduction in gum irritation. Radenkovic RAD200001DE

[0046] It may also be preferred according to the invention that the at least two rod-shaped elements are each detachably or permanently connected to the drive device at a first end and detachably or permanently connected to the cleaning element at an opposite second end.

[0047] The fixed or detachable connection at both ends enables reliable transmission of movements from the drive unit to the cleaning element. This connection can be flexibly designed as needed to facilitate the replacement or adjustment of the elements.

[0048] The advantage of this design lies in the safe and precise power transmission, which ensures optimal movement dynamics. Furthermore, the flexible connection options offer increased user-friendliness during maintenance and cleaning of the device.

[0049] It can also be provided according to the invention that the fastening points of the second ends are arranged symmetrically to each other, offset outwards from the center of the cleaning element, in particular in the area of ​​the transition from the semicircular section to the elongated sections.

[0050] This arrangement ensures an even distribution of the forces and movements acting on the cleaning element. Positioning it in the transition area between the semicircular section and the elongated sections guarantees effective transmission of the movements to all areas of the teeth.

[0051] The advantage of this symmetrical attachment lies in the stability and precision of the motion transmission. This results in even cleaning of all tooth areas and improves the ease of use of the device.

[0052] In the area of ​​the transition from the semicircular section to the elongated sections, the distance should not exceed 10% of the width and / or length of the device at the connection point of the semicircular and elongated sections, in particular not more than 5%.

[0053] According to one embodiment, it may be preferred that the cleaning element, in particular the semicircular section, is made in one piece. Radenkovic RAD200001DE is designed, wherein the individual upper and lower incisions create a high range of motion, wherein the elongated sections are formed in one with the semicircular section or are detachably or firmly connectable or connected to it.

[0054] According to this embodiment of the invention, the cleaning element is defined as a single piece to improve stability and hygiene. The incisions in the cleaning element increase the range of motion, allowing for flexible adaptation to the tooth structure.

[0055] The advantage of the one-piece design lies in the ease of use and cleaning of the device. Furthermore, the increased range of motion ensures effective and gentle cleaning of the teeth.

[0056] It may also be preferred that the drive device generates a pulling movement on the first rod-shaped element in a horizontal direction along the user's teeth and simultaneously a pushing movement on the second rod-shaped element, with movements occurring in opposite directions with an amplitude.

[0057] According to this embodiment of the invention, a counter-rotating motion dynamic is defined in which one rod-shaped element pulls in a horizontal direction while the other exerts pressure. These amplitude-like movements promote deep cleaning along the rows of teeth.

[0058] The advantage of this dynamic lies in the simultaneous generation of tensile and compressive forces, which enable thorough plaque removal and significantly increase the effectiveness of tooth cleaning.

[0059] It may be particularly preferred that amplitude-shaped horizontal movements of the force transmission element are superimposed by a rotary movement in order to produce circular or figure-eight movements of the cleaning element in the user's jaw.

[0060] According to this embodiment of the invention, the superposition of the movements enables a combination of amplitude and rotational movements. These movement patterns simulate the manually recommended Radenkovic RAD200001DE circular cleaning and extend this to figure-eight movements for more comprehensive coverage.

[0061] The advantage of this combination of movements lies in the improved cleaning effect, as both the surfaces of the teeth and the interdental spaces are optimally reached.

[0062] According to this embodiment of the invention, the movement is thus supplemented by a vertical inclination, thereby introducing an additional dimension into the cleaning movements. This maximizes the coverage of the tooth surfaces and optimizes plaque removal.

[0063] The advantage lies in the three-dimensional movement dynamics, which enables comprehensive and thorough cleaning, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

[0064] Furthermore, it may be preferred that the first and / or the second rod-shaped element comprises a boom extending in the direction of a central axis of the device and is fixedly or detachably connected to a mounting point arranged at a front, central point of the semicircular element, or that the first rod-shaped element and the second rod-shaped element are each connectable or connected to a mounting point spaced apart from the central point by means of a boom, wherein the attachment of the boom(s) to the rod-shaped element(s) is located between the drive device and spaced apart from the front end of the semicircular element.

[0065] The boom can be rectangular, curved, or of any geometric shape. Crucially, at its connection point with the rod-shaped element(s), it is positioned at a distance from the front end of the circular element, offset towards the drive unit. This distance can be between 0.1% and 90%, preferably between 10% and 30%, of the length of the rod-shaped element.

[0066] Furthermore, the boom must have a stiffness sufficient to transfer the force from the rod-shaped element(s) to the attachment point(s). Radenkovic RAD200001DE

[0067] Then, an additional movement of the semicircular element is triggered by a linear and / or rotational movement of the rod-shaped element(s).

[0068]

[0069] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it may also be advantageous for the cleaning element to comprise a plurality of recesses into which brushes are inserted.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning element is supplemented by brushes that are inserted into recesses provided for this purpose. These brushes enhance the mechanical cleaning and reach deeper plaque deposits.

[0071] The advantage of this integration lies in the additional cleaning effect, which enables a particularly thorough and gentle treatment.

[0072] Finally, it may be preferable for the drive device to generate high-frequency vibrations and to transmit them to the cleaning element separately or superimposed on the linear and / or rotary movements via the power transmission element.

[0073] The drive unit generates high-frequency vibrations that are transmitted to the cleaning element, either separately or in combination with linear and rotary movements. These vibrations effectively loosen plaque and bacteria.

[0074] The advantage of this technique lies in the increased efficiency and thoroughness of the cleaning, especially with stubborn deposits.

[0075] Further advantages of the invention are explained by way of example using schematic drawings. These show: Fig. 1: a perspective view of a device according to the invention; Fig. 2: a perspective side view of the device from Fig. 1; and Fig. 3: a further embodiment of a device according to the invention in a perspective view. Radenkovic RAD200001DE

[0076] Figures 1 and 2 show a device 1 according to the invention for simultaneously cleaning several, preferably all, of a user's teeth.

[0077] The device 1 comprises a cleaning element 3, which is inserted into the user's mouth and forms or comprises cleaning structures (not shown). These cleaning structures ensure thorough tooth cleaning by transmitting the movement of at least two rod-shaped elements 5, 5', which are arranged laterally spaced from a central axis of the cleaning element 3. The rod-shaped elements 5, 5' can be deflected into a linear stroke movement and rotated about their own axis via a drive device (not shown), thereby generating a three-dimensional cleaning movement.

[0078] The drive unit (not shown) also produces combined movement patterns, including circular, elliptical, diagonal, or figure-eight movements, enabling both horizontal and vertical cleaning. This is supported by a symmetrical arrangement of the attachment points 7, 7' of the rod-shaped elements 5, 5' on the drive unit and the cleaning element 3.

[0079] This symmetrical positioning, especially in the transition area from a semicircular section 9 of the cleaning element 3 to elongated sections 11 , 11 ', ensures uniform force transmission and movement dynamics.

[0080] The cleaning element 3 has n upper incisions 13 and m lower incisions 15, which are arranged vertically and allow flexible adaptation to the tooth contours.

[0081] The incisions 13 and 15 are designed so that they are not exactly opposite each other, thus avoiding movement restrictions.

[0082] The U-shaped geometry of the cleaning element 3 with a semicircular section 9 for the incisors and canines and elongated sections 11, 11' for the molars ensures complete coverage of the dentition and maximizes cleaning efficiency. Radenkovic RAD200001DE

[0083] The drive unit (not shown) transmits a tensile movement in a horizontal direction along the teeth to the first rod-shaped element 5 and simultaneously a compressive movement to the second rod-shaped element 5', with these movements occurring in opposite directions with varying amplitudes. Additionally, rotational movements of the drive unit superimpose the tensile and compressive movements, thereby generating circular or figure-eight motion patterns that extend over the entire length of the cleaning element 3.

[0084] To enhance flexibility of movement, the cleaning element has three recesses into which brushes (not shown) can be inserted. These brushes reinforce mechanical cleaning by effectively treating hard-to-reach interdental spaces and plaque.

[0085] Furthermore, the drive unit is capable of generating high-frequency vibrations which are transmitted to the cleaning element 3 either separately or superimposed with the linear and rotary movements in order to maximize cleaning performance.

[0086] The one-piece construction of cleaning element 3, with its incisions 13 and 15 and brushes, offers high freedom of movement and stability. The symmetrical attachment and opposing movements ensure even pressure distribution and protect the gums from excessive strain. Overall, the device provides time-saving, effective, and thorough tooth cleaning.

[0087] Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of the present invention with a boom 19. The boom 19 is connected to the rod-shaped element 5 at a mounting point 17 and to the semicircular element 9 at a mounting point 21 in the center.

[0088] The attachment point 21 is designed such that the boom can move linearly through it, with the boom 19 having a stop 23. This is advantageous if the boom 19 moves upwards or downwards relative to the semicircular element 9 due to a rotational movement of the rod-shaped element 5, and this movement needs to be compensated for.

[0089] The preceding description, the claims, and the The drawings revealing features of the invention can be shown both individually and as a whole. Radenkovic RAD200001DE in any combination may be essential for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments.

Claims

Radenkovic RAD200001DE Patent claims 1. Device for the simultaneous cleaning of several, preferably all, teeth of a user, comprising a cleaning element for insertion into the user's mouth, wherein the cleaning element comprises or forms cleaning structures, and a force transmission element that is detachably or permanently connected to the cleaning element and a drive device, characterized in that the force transmission element comprises at least two rod-shaped elements that are arranged laterally opposed to a central axis of the cleaning element, and wherein the rod-shaped elements can be deflected or are deflected by the drive element in a linear stroke movement and are simultaneously and / or subsequently rotatable or rotated about their axis.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive device causes or can cause a linear horizontal and a vertical movement in the form of a circle, an ellipse, a diagonal or a figure eight lying on its side.

3. Device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the cleaning element has n upper and m lower incisions, with n = 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more, and with m = 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more.

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the n upper and n lower incisions are essentially vertical, wherein in particular the n lower incisions are not opposite the m upper incisions. Radenkovic RAD200001DE 5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning element is U-shaped, comprising a semicircular section for cleaning the front teeth, in particular incisors and canines, and two elongated sections, each adjoining one end of the semicircular section, in particular for cleaning the molars.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least 2 rod-shaped elements are each detachably or permanently connected to the drive device at a first end and detachably or permanently connected to the cleaning element at an opposite second end.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening points of the second ends are arranged symmetrically to each other offset outwards from the center of the cleaning element, in particular in the area of ​​the transition of the semicircular section to the elongated sections.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning element, in particular the semicircular section, is formed in one piece, wherein the individual upper and lower incisions create a high range of motion, wherein the elongated sections are formed in one piece with the semicircular section or are detachably or permanently connectable or connected to it.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Radenkovic RAD200001DE generates the drive device on the first rod-shaped element a pulling movement in a horizontal direction along the user's molars and simultaneously a pushing movement on the second rod-shaped element, with movements occurring in opposite directions with amplitude.

10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the amplitude-shaped horizontal movements of the force transmission element are superimposed by a rotary movement in order to effect multidimensional movements, in particular circular or figure-eight movements, of the cleaning element in the user's jaw.

11. Device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the first and / or the second rod-shaped element comprises a boom extending in the direction of a central axis of the device and is fixedly or detachably connected to a mounting point arranged at a front, central point of the semicircular element, or the first rod-shaped element and the second rod-shaped element are each connectable or connected to a mounting point spaced apart from the central point by means of a boom, wherein the attachment of the boom(s) to the rod-shaped element(s) is located between the drive device and spaced apart from the front end of the semicircular element.

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning element comprises a plurality of recesses into which brushes are inserted.

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive device generates high-frequency vibrations and transmits them to the cleaning element separately or superimposed on the linear and / or rotary movements via the power transmission element. Radenkovic RAD200001DE can.

14. Method for cleaning a user's teeth, comprising the following steps: a) providing a device according to any one of claims 1 to 13; b) inserting the device into the user's mouth and closing the jaw so that the device surrounds the teeth; c) activating the drive device.

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