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Title:
DENTAL TREATMENT APPLIANCE
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2020/016547
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A dental treatment appliance includes a fluid reservoir for storing a working fluid and a fluid delivery system which receives working fluid from the reservoir, and delivers working fluid to the oral cavity of a user. The fluid reservoir includes a fluid port and a wick for conveying working fluid to the fluid port.

Inventors:
MÜLLER TIMOTHY (GB)
TWEEDIE ROBERT (GB)
Application Number:
PCT/GB2019/051370
Publication Date:
January 23, 2020
Filing Date:
May 17, 2019
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
DYSON TECHNOLOGY LTD (GB)
International Classes:
A46B11/00; A46B15/00; A61C17/22
Domestic Patent References:
WO2016185166A12016-11-24
Foreign References:
US20110211901A12011-09-01
US20180168326A12018-06-21
US20170112604A12017-04-27
US20130340185A12013-12-26
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
BOOTH, Andrew et al. (GB)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. A dental treatment appliance comprising:

a fluid reservoir for storing a working fluid; and

a fluid delivery system for receiving working fluid from the reservoir, and for delivering working fluid to the oral cavity of a user;

wherein the fluid reservoir comprises a fluid port and a wick for conveying working fluid to the fluid port.

2. An appliance according to claim 1, wherein the wick is formed from an absorbent sponge material.

3. An appliance according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the wick is formed from hydrophilic material.

4. An appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein the wick is formed from polyurethane.

5. An appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein the wick comprises material which is dissolvable within the working fluid.

6. An appliance according to claim 5, wherein the dissolvable material comprises a phosphate material.

7. An appliance according to claim 6, wherein the phosphate material is a phosphate glass.

8. An appliance according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the phosphate material is one of a calcium sodium phosphate or a calcium sodium silicon phosphate.

9. An appliance according to any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the dissolvable material comprises a dissolvable matrix impregnated with solid particles which become dispersed within the stored working fluid as the matrix dissolves into the working fluid.

10. An appliance according to claim 9, wherein the solid particles comprise at least one of mica particles, glycine particles, titanium dioxide particles, and sodium phosphate glass particles.

11. An appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein the wick comprises a anti-microbial coating.

12. An appliance according to claim 11, wherein the anti-microbial coating is one of a silver coating, a silver zeolite coating and a silver nitrate coating.

13. An appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein the wick comprises activated carbon.

14. An appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein the fluid reservoir comprises a perforated wall which divides the fluid reservoir into an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber, and wherein the wick is located in the downstream chamber.

15. An appliance according to claim 14, wherein the wick substantially fills the downstream chamber.

16. An appliance according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the upstream chamber is substantially devoid of sponge material.

17. An appliance according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the upstream chamber surrounds the downstream chamber.

18. An appliance according to any of claims 14 to 17, wherein each of the upstream chamber and the downstream chamber is annular in shape.

19. An appliance according to any of claims 14 to 18, wherein the fluid reservoir comprises a base extending between an internal wall and an external wall of the fluid reservoir, and wherein the fluid port is formed in the base.

20. An appliance according to any of claims 14 to 19, wherein the fluid reservoir comprises a fluid inlet port, and wherein the upstream chamber is arranged to receive working fluid directly from the fluid inlet port.

21. An appliance according to claim 20, wherein the fluid reservoir is moveable relative to the fluid delivery system to expose the fluid inlet port to allow the fluid reservoir to be replenished.

22. An appliance according to any of claims 14 to 21, wherein the perforated wall is annular in shape.

23. An appliance according to any preceding claim, comprising a handle, and wherein the fluid reservoir extends about the handle.

Description:
DENTAL TREATMENT APPLIANCE

FIELD OF THE TNVENTTON

The present invention relates to a treatment appliance. The treatment appliance is preferably a handheld treatment appliance, and is preferably a surface treating appliance. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the appliance is a dental treatment appliance. In a preferred embodiment, the appliance is an electric toothbrush having a fluid delivery system for delivering a fluid to the oral cavity of the user. This fluid may be toothpaste, or a fluid for improved interproximal cleaning. Alternatively, the appliance may not include any bristles or other elements for brushing teeth, and may be in the form of a dedicated interproximal treatment appliance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electric toothbrushes generally comprise a tool which is connected to a handle. The tool comprises a stem and a brush head bearing bristles for brushing teeth. The brush head comprises a static section which is connected to the stem, and at least one moveable section which is moveable relative to the static section, for example with one of a reciprocating, oscillating, vibrating, pivoting or rotating motion, to impart a brushing movement to bristles mounted thereon. The stem houses a drive shaft which couples with a transmission unit within the handle. The transmission unit is in turn connected to a motor, which is driven by a battery housed within the handle. The drive shaft and the transmission unit convert rotary or vibratory motion of the motor into the desired movement of the moveable section of the brush head relative to the static section of the brush head.

It is known to incorporate into an electric toothbrush a fluid delivery system for generating a burst of working fluid for interproximal cleaning. For example, WO2016/185166 describes a toothbrush having a handle and a brush head which includes a nozzle from which working fluid is delivered to the oral cavity of the user. The nozzle is moveable relative to the handle as the appliance is moved along the user’s teeth. The toothbrush is operable in a selected one of two different modes. In a first mode, the user depresses a button to actuate the delivery of working fluid from the nozzle. In a second mode, a control circuit actuates the delivery of working fluid to the nozzle automatically depending on a signal received from a sensor for detecting movement of the nozzle relative to the handle, for example as the nozzle moves into, or out from, an interproximal gap in the user’s teeth.

The toothbrush includes a fluid reservoir which surrounds a stem extending between the handle and the brush head. The fluid reservoir includes a fluid port which is connectable to the fluid delivery system, and through which working fluid is drawn into the fluid delivery system. The handle includes a seal which surrounds the fluid port to inhibit the leakage of working fluid from the fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir is rotatable about the stem to expose the fluid port to enable the fluid reservoir to be replenished. The fluid port is located towards the bottom of an external wall of the fluid reservoir. When the volume of working fluid is relatively low, depending on the orientation at which the appliance is being held there is a risk that the level of working fluid remaining in the fluid chamber may be located beneath the fluid port, and so, in that orientation, working fluid may be unable to be drawn into the fluid delivery system.

SUMMARY OF THU INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a dental treatment appliance comprising: a fluid reservoir for storing a working fluid; and

a fluid delivery system for receiving working fluid from the reservoir, and for delivering working fluid to the oral cavity of a user;

wherein the fluid reservoir comprises a fluid port and a wick for conveying working fluid to the fluid port.

The provision of a wick can improve the likelihood of working fluid being drawn into the fluid delivery system irrespective of the current orientation of the appliance.

The wick is preferably formed from an absorbent sponge or foam material. The wick is preferably formed from hydrophilic material, and preferably from a hydrophilic sponge material. Preferably the wick is formed from polyurethane. A commercially available material from which the wick may be formed includes Capu-Cell™ foam, which is available from Foam Sciences.

The wick may comprise a material which is dissolvable in the working fluid stored in the fluid reservoir. The dissolvable material may be provided in the form of a coating or layer of material applied to a surface of the wick. The dissolvable material may comprise a water-soluble phosphate. The phosphate material may be in the form of a phosphate glass, for example a calcium sodium phosphate or a calcium sodium silicon phosphate, which will slowly dissolve in the water stored in the fluid reservoir to release minerals such as calcium phosphate, sodium phosphate and silica. The calcium ions within the released materials can be beneficial for remineralization of voids or lesions formed in the enamel of the teeth of the user, whereas silica is widely used in toothpaste for stain removal.

The dissolvable material may comprise a dissolvable matrix impregnated with solid particles which become dispersed within the stored working fluid as the matrix dissolves into the working fluid. The solid particles may comprise, for example, mica or glycine particles which are delivered to the teeth of the user within a burst of working fluid, for example, to assist with the removal of matter located within the interproximal gap of the user, or with the disruption of plaque layers formed on the user’s teeth. The solid particles may comprise calcium sodium phosphate glass particles, which may fill channels present in sensitive teeth, or titanium dioxide particles.

The dissolvable matrix may comprise an inorganic or an organic material, such as an acrylate or a vinyl polymer. Such a material may also be provided without solid particles, and may be a surface active material which can assist with the teeth cleaning process. The organic polymer material may be functionalized, for example with lauryl sulphate groups, to improve the cleaning process, or to deliver fluoride or a chelator such as EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). The dissolvable material may also comprise an organic polymer which inhibits the build-up of scale or microorganisms within the fluid reservoir.

The dissolvable material may also comprise other materials, such as a fluoride for improved teeth cleaning, or an antibacterial material. For example, the dissolvable material may comprise silver particles having antibacterial properties.

The wick is preferably located within the fluid reservoir, and preferably extends along the length, as measured in a direction extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the appliance, of the fluid reservoir.

The wick may be shaped so as to occupy substantially the entire fluid reservoir, or so as to occupy only part of the fluid reservoir. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid reservoir comprises a perforated wall which divides the fluid reservoir into an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber. The downstream chamber receives working fluid from the upstream chamber and conveys working fluid to the fluid port. The wick is located in the downstream chamber. Preferably, the wick substantially fills the downstream chamber. The upstream chamber, on the other hand, is preferably substantially devoid of wi eking or sponge material.

To maximize the capacity of the fluid reservoir and to provide for a relatively even weight distribution about the longitudinal axis of the appliance, the fluid reservoir preferably extends around at least part of a handle of the appliance. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid reservoir surrounds the handle. The fluid reservoir is preferably annular in shape. The upstream chamber preferably extends about, or surrounds, the downstream chamber. Each of the upstream chamber and the downstream chamber is preferably annular in shape.

Preferably, the fluid reservoir comprises a base extending between an internal wall and an external wall of the fluid reservoir, with the fluid port being formed in the base. The perforated wall is preferably annular in shape and preferably extends about the internal wall, with the external wall extending about the perforated wall. The fluid delivery system preferably comprises a flexible conduit for conveying working fluid away from the fluid reservoir. The flexible conduit comprises an inlet which is connectable to the fluid port to place the fluid delivery system in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir may be filled through the fluid port, by disconnecting the flexible conduit from the fluid reservoir, but in a preferred embodiment the fluid reservoir comprises a fluid inlet port, with the upstream chamber being arranged to receive working fluid directly from the fluid inlet port.

Preferably, the fluid reservoir is moveable relative to the handle, more preferably along the handle, to expose the fluid inlet port for replenishment of the fluid reservoir. By moving the fluid reservoir along the length of the handle, as opposed to rotating the fluid reservoir about the stem, wear of any seal for engaging the fluid reservoir can be reduced.

The fluid reservoir is preferably moveable between a first position, in which the fluid inlet port is occluded, and a second position in which the fluid inlet port is exposed for replenishment of the fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir may be free to move to one of a number of different positions intermediate the first position and the second position. Alternatively the fluid reservoir may be urged towards either the first position or the second position depending on its position relative to the handle. For example, the appliance may comprise a spring mechanism, such as an over-centre mechanism, for urging the fluid reservoir towards the first position or the second position, or an arrangement of magnets for attracting the fluid reservoir towards either the first position or the second position depending on its current position relative to the handle. The fluid reservoir is preferably slidable along the handle.

The fluid delivery system preferably comprises a nozzle for delivering working fluid to the oral cavity of the user. The fluid delivery system preferably further comprises a pump and a controller for actuating the pump to draw working fluid from the fluid reservoir and eject working fluid towards the nozzle. As the nozzle is moved between adjacent teeth of the user, the user may depress a button of a user interface provided on the handle to actuate the pump to cause working fluid to be ejected from the nozzle. Alternatively, the appliance may be configured to actuate the delivery of working fluid to the oral cavity of the user automatically at a fixed frequency, for example between 0.5 and 5 Hz. The controller is preferably arranged to actuate the pump to eject a burst of working fluid towards the nozzle. The volume of each burst of working fluid which is generated by the fluid delivery system is preferably less than 1 ml, more preferably less than 0.5 ml. In a preferred embodiment, the volume of the burst of working fluid generated by the fluid delivery system is in the range from 0.1 to 0.4 ml. The fluid delivery system is preferably configured to deliver a burst of working fluid to the nozzle at a static pressure in the range from 3 to 10 bar.

The handle preferably comprises a number of sections, which are preferably integral with each other. The handle preferably comprises a first section, or“grip section”, which is held or grasped by a user during use of the appliance. The grip section preferably comprises a user interface which is engaged by the user during use of the appliance, for example to actuate the delivery of working fluid from the fluid delivery system. The handle preferably further comprises a second section which is spaced from the grip section, and along which the fluid reservoir moves relative to the handle. The second section of the handle is preferably located proximate to an end of the handle, preferably the end of the handle which is closest to the nozzle, and so can be referred to as an“end section” of the handle. The end section preferably defines, at least in part, the end of the handle which is closest to the nozzle. When in its first position, the fluid reservoir preferably encloses the end section of the handle so that it is not visible to the user of the appliance.

The end section of the handle preferably has a cross-section, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle, which is smaller than that of the grip section of the handle. This can allow the appliance to have a relatively uniform appearance when the fluid reservoir is in its first position, for example when the fluid reservoir has an external diameter which is the same as that of the grip section of the handle. Alternatively, or additionally, this can also allow, for a given fixed capacity of the fluid reservoir, the width of the fluid reservoir to be minimised.

The appliance preferably comprises means for inhibiting rotation of the fluid reservoir as it moves between the first position and the second position. This can ensure that the fluid inlet port remains in angular alignment with a seal formed on the handle as it moves between the first position and the second position. For example, the fluid reservoir may move along an axially-aligned slot or groove formed in the end section of the handle. In a preferred embodiment, the end section of the handle comprises a tubular external surface and the fluid reservoir comprises a tubular internal surface which surrounds the external surface of the end section of the handle when the fluid reservoir is in its first position. The tubular external surface of the end section of the handle preferably has substantially the same shape as the tubular internal surface of the fluid reservoir, which is preferably non-circular in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle. In a preferred embodiment, the external surface of the end section has an irregular shape in that plane; two opposing parallel surfaces and two opposing curved surfaces which define a“racetrack” shape. However, the external surface may have any desired shape, such as a regular or irregular polygon, which, when matched by the internal surface of the fluid reservoir, inhibits rotation of the fluid reservoir relative to the handle. The perforated wall of the fluid reservoir preferably has substantially the same shape as the internal wall of the fluid reservoir.

The handle preferably comprises a seat for receiving the fluid reservoir when in its first position. The seat preferably comprises an aperture through which the flexible conduit is pulled as the fluid reservoir moves from its first position to its second position. The seat is preferably located between the grip section and the end section of the handle, and is preferably arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle. Each one of the seat and the base of the fluid reservoir is preferably annular in shape. The seat and the base of the fluid reservoir preferably have substantially the same external diameter. A seal is preferably provided on the seat for engaging the base of the fluid reservoir to inhibit the leakage of working fluid from the fluid inlet port when the fluid reservoir is in its first position.

The seat preferably has a locally-enlarged cross-section compared to the grip section of the handle. Adjoining external surfaces of the seat and the fluid reservoir preferably have substantially the same curvature, so that when the fluid reservoir is in its first position the fluid reservoir and the seat together appear as a single curved unit. In the preferred embodiment, the adjoining external surfaces of the seat and fluid reservoir preferably have a spherical or spheroidal curvature.

As mentioned above, the fluid reservoir is preferably urged towards its first position, in which the fluid inlet port of the fluid reservoir is occluded by the seat of the handle. This can reduce the likelihood of the fluid reservoir moving away from its first position during use of the appliance in the event that the fluid reservoir is accidentally knocked or otherwise impacted during use of the appliance. This can, in turn, reduce the risk of unwanted leakage of fluid from the fluid reservoir during use of the appliance.

The fluid reservoir moves away from the seat, and preferably towards the nozzle, as it moves from its first position towards its second position. The appliance preferably comprises a stem which extends between the handle and the nozzle. When the fluid reservoir is in its second position, preferably at least part of the fluid reservoir extends about the stem. In a preferred embodiment, substantially only the base of the fluid reservoir continues to extend around the handle when the fluid reservoir is in its second position.

To prevent the fluid reservoir from becoming fully detached from the handle as it moves away from the first position, the stem preferably comprises means for inhibiting movement of the fluid reservoir beyond the second position. The inhibiting means preferably comprises a stop member protruding from an external surface of the stem. As the fluid reservoir reaches the second position, the stop member engages part of the fluid reservoir to inhibit movement of the fluid reservoir beyond the second position. The stop member may be arranged to engage an internal wall of the fluid reservoir, for example a wall which defines the tubular internal surface of the fluid reservoir. In a preferred embodiment, the stop member is arranged to engage an external wall of the fluid reservoir when the fluid reservoir is in its second position. As mentioned above, the external wall of the fluid reservoir preferably has a curvature which is substantially spherical or spheroidal. The external wall is preferably shaped such that a portion of the external wall defines an aperture through which the stem passes when the fluid reservoir is in its second position. The stop member is preferably arranged to engage that portion of the external wall when the fluid reservoir is in its second position.

The stem is preferably detachably connected to the handle. This allows the stem to be replaced, for example, when the nozzle has become worn, to allow a replacement stem having a different size or shape to be connected to the handle, or to allow a different user to attach a personal stem to the handle. The stem preferably forms an interference fit with the handle.

The fluid reservoir is preferably detachably connected to the handle. The fluid reservoir may be detached from the handle, for example, for replacement of the fluid reservoir. Preferably, the fluid reservoir is detachable from the handle only following the detachment of the stem from the handle.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a fluid reservoir for a dental treatment appliance, the fluid reservoir comprising a fluid port and a wick for conveying a working fluid to the fluid port.

The appliance may be in the form of a dedicated interproximal cleaning appliance for cleaning between the gaps in the user’s teeth. Alternatively, the appliance may be in the form of a toothbrush which has the additional function of improved interproximal cleaning through the emission of working fluid into the interproximal gap. Where the appliance is in the form of a toothbrush, the cleaning tool, or stem, preferably comprises a plurality of bristles. The bristles are preferably arranged around the nozzle, and may be arranged circumferentially about the nozzle. A plurality of bristles may be attached to a static section of the cleaning tool, which section is not moveable relative to the handle. Alternatively, or additionally, a plurality of bristles may be attached to a moveable section of the cleaning tool, which section is moveable relative to the handle.

In a preferred embodiment, the appliance comprises a brush unit comprising a bristle carrier and a plurality of bristles mounted on the bristle carrier, with the bristle carrier being moveable relative to the handle. The appliance comprises a drive mechanism for driving the movement of the bristle carrier relative to the handle. The drive mechanism preferably comprises a transmission unit connected to the bristle carrier, and a drive unit for driving the transmission unit to move the bristle carrier relative to the handle. The drive unit is preferably located in the handle, and more preferably located in the end section of the handle. The fluid reservoir preferably extends about at least part of the drive unit. In a preferred embodiment, the drive unit comprises a motor and the fluid reservoir extends about the motor of the drive unit. Accommodating the motor in the end section of the handle can reduce the number of components of the appliance which are housed within the grip section of the handle, and so can enable the shape of the grip section to be optimized for being grasped by the user.

The drive unit may be arranged to move the bristle carrier relative to the stem. Alternatively, the drive unit may be arranged to move the stem, and thus the bristle carrier, relative to the handle. The stem is preferably mounted on the transmission unit. The fluid reservoir preferably extends about at least part of the transmission unit.

The transmission unit is preferably in the form of a shaft which is moved, preferably vibrated, relative to the handle by the motor. The frequency of the vibration of the shaft is preferably in the range from 200 to 300Hz. The motor preferably extends about the shaft so that the shaft vibrates relative to the handle upon excitation of the motor.

The transmission unit preferably defines part of the fluid delivery system. The shaft preferably comprises a bore which defines part of the fluid delivery system. The fluid delivery system preferably comprises a handle conduit system and a cleaning tool conduit system for receiving fluid from the handle conduit system. The cleaning tool conduit system preferably comprises at least one conduit for conveying the burst of working fluid to the nozzle. In a preferred embodiment, the stem comprises a bore which defines a fluid conduit of the cleaning tool conduit system. The handle conduit system preferably comprises the fluid inlet for receiving working fluid from the fluid port of the fluid reservoir, and a plurality of conduits for conveying working fluid between the fluid inlet, the pump and a fluid outlet of the handle. The plurality of conduits comprises the flexible conduit for conveying fluid from the fluid inlet towards the pump, and a fluid outlet conduit for conveying a burst of working fluid from the pump to the fluid outlet. At least part of the fluid outlet conduit is preferably defined by the bore of the transmission unit, and thus preferably extends through the motor. At least part of the flexible conduit preferably extends from the fluid inlet to the pump adjacent the external surface of the motor.

Features described above in connection with the first aspect of the invention are equally applicable to the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred features of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1(a) is a perspective view, from the front, of a dental cleaning appliance, with a fluid reservoir in a first position, and Figure 1(b) is a perspective view, from the rear, of the dental cleaning appliance of Figure 1(a);

Figure 2(a) is a right side view of the appliance of Figure 1(a), Figure 2(b) is a front view of the appliance of Figure 1(a) and Figure 2(c) is a left side view of the appliance of Figure 1(a); Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a fluid delivery system of the appliance;

Figure 4 is a sectional view along line B-B in Figure 2(b);

Figure 5 is a cutaway perspective view of parts of the fluid reservoir;

Figure 6(a) is a perspective view, from the front, of the dental appliance with the fluid reservoir moved away from the first position, and Figure 6(b) is a perspective view, from the rear, of the dental cleaning appliance of Figure 6(a); and

Figure 7(a) is a perspective view, from the front, of the dental appliance with the fluid reservoir in second position, and Figure 7(b) is a perspective view, from the rear, of the dental cleaning appliance of Figure 7(a).

DFTATT ED DESCRIPTION OF THE IW M I

Figures 1(a) to 2(c) illustrate external views of an embodiment of a dental treatment appliance 10. In this embodiment, the appliance is in the form of a handheld appliance, which is in the form of an electric toothbrush having an integrated assembly for dispensing a working fluid for improved interproximal cleaning, for plaque removal or for teeth whitening.

The appliance 10 comprises a handle 12 and a cleaning tool 14. The handle 12 comprises an external body 16 which is preferably formed from plastics material. The body 16 comprises a grip section 18 which is gripped by a user during use of the appliance 10. The grip section 18 is preferably generally cylindrical in shape. The handle 12 comprises a user operable button 20 which is located within an aperture formed in the body 16 so as to be accessible to the user. Optionally, the handle 12 may comprise a display which is positioned so as to be visible to a user during use of the appliance. The cleaning tool 14 comprises a stem 22 and a head 24. The stem 22 is elongate in shape, which serves to space the head 24 from the handle 12 to facilitate user operability of the appliance 10. In this embodiment, the head 24 of the cleaning tool 14 comprises a brush unit 26, which comprises a bristle carrier 28 and a plurality of bristles 30 mounted on the bristle carrier 28. However, in other embodiments the cleaning tool 14 may be provided without a brush unit 26 so that the appliance is in the form of, for example, a dedicated interproximal cleaning appliance for cleaning between the gaps in the user’s teeth.

The cleaning tool 14 also comprises a fluid reservoir 32 for storing a working fluid, and a nozzle 34 for delivering working fluid to the oral cavity of the user during use of the appliance 10. The working fluid is preferably a liquid working fluid, and in this embodiment is water. As described in more detail below, the fluid reservoir 32 is mounted on an end section 36 of the handle 12 so as to extend about the end section 36 of the handle 12. In this embodiment which includes a brush unit 26, the brush unit 26 extends at least partially around the nozzle 34.

The nozzle 34 forms part of a fluid delivery system 40 for receiving working fluid from the fluid reservoir 32 and for delivering bursts of working fluid to the oral cavity of a user during use of the appliance 10. Each burst of working fluid preferably has a volume which is less than 1 ml, more preferably less than 0.5 ml. The fluid delivery system 40 is illustrated schematically in Figure 3. The tip of the nozzle 34 comprises a fluid outlet 42 through which a burst of working fluid is delivered to the oral cavity of the user. In overview, the fluid delivery system 40 comprises a fluid inlet 44 for receiving working fluid from the fluid reservoir 32. In this embodiment, the working fluid is a liquid working fluid, which is preferably water. The fluid delivery system 40 comprises a pump assembly for drawing working fluid from the fluid reservoir 32 through the fluid inlet 44, and for delivering a burst of working fluid to the nozzle 34. The pump assembly is located within the grip section 18 of the handle 12, and comprises a positive displacement pump 46 and a drive for driving the pump 46. The drive preferably comprises a pump motor 48. A battery 50 for supplying power to the pump motor 48 is also located in the handle 12. The battery 50 is preferably a rechargeable battery.

A first conduit 52 connects the fluid inlet 44 of the fluid delivery system 40 to a fluid inlet 54 of the pump 46. A first one-way valve 56 is located between the fluid inlet 44 and the pump 46 to prevent water from returning to the fluid reservoir 32 from the pump 46. A second conduit 58 connects a fluid outlet 60 of the pump 46 to the nozzle 34. A second one-way valve 62 is located between the pump 46 and the nozzle 34 to prevent water from returning to the pump 46. A control circuit 64 controls the actuation of the motor 48, and so the pump motor 48 and the control circuit 64 provide a drive for driving the pump 46. The battery 50 supplies power to the control circuit 64. The control circuit 64 includes a motor controller which supplies power to the pump motor 48.

In this embodiment, the control circuit 64 receives signals generated when the user depresses the button on the handle 12 of the appliance 10. Alternatively, or additionally, the control circuit 64 may receive signals which are generated by a sensor located within the appliance 10, or which are received from a remote device, such as a display or a personal device. For brevity, in the following description the control circuit 64 receives signals which are generated when the user operates the button 20.

The cleaning tool 14 is detachably connected to the handle 12. With reference also to Figure 4, the handle 12 comprises a male connector, preferably in the form of a spigot 66, which is received by a complementary female connector, preferably in the form of a recessed connector 68, of the cleaning tool 14. The spigot 66 protrudes outwardly from the end section 36 of the handle 12, and preferably in a direction which is parallel to, and more preferably collinear with, a longitudinal axis of the handle 12.

The appliance 10 comprises a drive mechanism for driving the movement of the stem 22, and thus the bristle carrier 28, relative to the handle 12. The drive mechanism comprises a transmission unit and a drive unit for driving the transmission unit to move the stem 22 relative to the handle 12. The drive unit comprises a drive motor 70 which is located within the end section 36 of the handle 12. The control circuit 56 includes a motor controller which supplies power to the drive motor 70. The button 20 may also be used to activate and deactivate the drive motor 70, for example by depressing the button 20 a predefined number of times within a preset time period, to start, and subsequently stop, a cleaning session. Alternatively, a separate button (not shown) may be provided for activating and deactivating the drive motor 70.

The transmission unit comprises a shaft 72 which is driven by the drive unit to oscillate relative to the handle 12. The spigot 66 is connected to, and is preferably integral with, the shaft 72. The drive unit is preferably arranged to oscillate the shaft 72 so that it oscillates about the longitudinal axis of the handle 12, preferably at a frequency in the range from 200 to 300Hz. In this embodiment, the drive motor 70 is arranged to rotate the shaft 72 about the longitudinal axis away from a central position by an angle which is preferably in the range from 5 to 15°, and in this embodiment is 10°. The drive unit further comprises a spring member 74 for engaging the shaft 72 to return the shaft 72 to its central position. The spring member 74 comprises a pair of torsion springs 76 located on opposite sides of the shaft 72, and each having a first end which engages the shaft 72 and a second end which is attached to a support ring 78 which is connected to, or otherwise held in a fixed position relative to, the handle 12.

The handle 12 comprises a seat 80 for receiving the fluid reservoir 32. The seat 80 is located between the grip section 18 and the end section 36 of the handle 12. The first conduit 52 of the fluid delivery system 40 comprises a flexible section 82 which extends through an aperture 84 formed in the seat 80 to connect to a fluid port 86 of the fluid reservoir 32. The flexible section 82 of the first conduit 52 thus passes along the outside of the drive motor 70, adjacent to the external surface of the drive motor 70, towards the pump 46.

The second conduit 58, which connects the pump 46 to the nozzle 34, comprises a handle conduit section located within the handle 12, and a cleaning tool conduit section located within the cleaning tool 14. The handle conduit section extends from the fluid outlet 60 of the pump 46 to a handle fluid outlet 88 located at the end of the spigot 66. The handle conduit section comprises an outlet section 90 which is defined by the bore of the shaft 72, and which passes through the drive motor 70 towards the cleaning tool 14. Working fluid thus passes external to the drive motor 70 in a first direction towards the pump 46, and subsequently through the drive motor 70 in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, away from the pump 46. The cleaning tool conduit section extends from a cleaning tool fluid inlet port defined by the recessed connector 68 of the cleaning tool 14 towards the nozzle 34. The cleaning tool conduit section comprises a conduit which is defined by a bore of the stem 22 of the cleaning tool 14.

The fluid reservoir 32 preferably has a capacity in the range from 5 to 50 ml, and in this embodiment has a capacity of 10 ml. The fluid reservoir 32 comprises a base 92 in which the fluid port 76 is formed. The base 92 is annular in shape, and extends outwardly from a tubular inner wall 94 of the fluid reservoir 32. The inner wall 94 of the fluid reservoir 32 has a tubular internal surface which surrounds the external surface of the end section 36 of the handle 12. Each of these surfaces preferably has a non-circular cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle 12. In this embodiment, each of these surfaces has such a cross-section having a“racetrack” shape, insofar as the cross-sectional shape comprises two parallel opposing side surfaces and two curved opposing side surfaces.

The fluid reservoir 32 further comprises an external wall 96 which extends from the edge of the base 92 to the end of the inner wall 94 which is remote from the base 92. At least part of the external wall 96 of the fluid reservoir 32 is preferably transparent to allow a user to observe the contents of the fluid reservoir 32, and so assess whether the fluid reservoir 32 requires replenishment prior to the desired use of the appliance 10. The external wall 96 preferably has a shape which is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the handle 12. The external wall 96 preferably has a curved shape, more preferably a convex curved shape, but alternatively the external wall 96 may have a polygonal or faceted shape. In this embodiment, the external wall 96 has a spherical curvature. The adjoining portion of the external side surface of the seat 80 also has a similar spherical curvature so that, as shown in Figures 2(a) to 2(c), together the fluid reservoir 32 and the seat 80 appear to the user as a single spherically curved unit. The end of the external wall 96 which is remote from the base 92 defines a circular aperture 98 through which the shaft 72 of the drive mechanism passes.

With reference to Figures 4 and 5, the fluid reservoir 32 comprises a perforated wall 100 which divides the fluid reservoir 32 into an upstream chamber 102 and a downstream chamber 104. Each of the upstream chamber 102 and downstream chamber 104 is annular in shape, with the upstream chamber 102 surrounding the downstream chamber 104. The perforated wall 100 is tubular in shape, and has a shape which is substantially the same as that of the internal wall 94. The base 92 comprises a fluid inlet port 106 through which the fluid reservoir 32 is replenished with working fluid. The fluid inlet port 106 is positioned so that, as described in more detail below, working fluid enters the upstream chamber 102 from the fluid inlet port 106. The fluid port 86 is positioned to receive working fluid from the downstream chamber 104. In this embodiment, the fluid port 86 extends partially about the longitudinal axis of the handle 12, preferably by at least 180°.

The downstream chamber 104 also includes a wick 108 for conveying working fluid towards the fluid port 86. The wick 108 is annular in shape, and in this embodiment substantially fills the downstream chamber 104. The wick 108 is preferably formed from a sponge or foam material, and in this embodiment is formed from a polyurethane sponge material, such as Capu-Cell™ foam available from Foam Sciences. The wick 108 serves to convey working fluid towards the fluid port by capillary action, but the wick 108 may be configured so as to provide additional benefits. For example, the wick 108 may comprise a material which is dissolvable in the working fluid, which is preferably water, stored in the fluid reservoir 32.

The dissolvable material may comprise a water-soluble phosphate. The phosphate material may be in the form of a phosphate glass, for example a calcium sodium phosphate or a calcium sodium silicon phosphate, which will slowly dissolve in the water stored in the fluid reservoir 32 to release minerals such as calcium phosphate, sodium phosphate and silica. The calcium ions within the released materials can be beneficial for remineralization of voids or lesions formed in the enamel of the teeth of the user, whereas silica is widely used in toothpaste for stain removal.

The dissolvable material may comprise a dissolvable matrix impregnated with solid particles which become dispersed within the stored working fluid as the matrix dissolves into the working fluid. The solid particles may comprise, for example, mica or glycine particles which are delivered to the teeth of the user within a burst of working fluid, for example, to assist with the removal of matter located within the interproximal gap of the user, or with the disruption of plaque layers formed on the user’s teeth. The solid particles may comprise calcium sodium phosphate glass particles, which may fill channels present in sensitive teeth, or titanium dioxide particles.

The dissolvable matrix may comprise an inorganic or an organic material, such as an acrylate or a vinyl polymer. Such a material may also be provided without solid particles, and may be a surface active material which can assist with the teeth cleaning process. The organic polymer material may be functionalized, for example with lauryl sulphate groups, to improve the cleaning process, or to deliver fluoride or a chelator such as EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). The dissolvable material may also comprise an organic polymer which inhibits the build-up of scale or microorganisms within the fluid reservoir 32. The dissolvable material may also comprise other materials, such as a fluoride for improved teeth cleaning, or an antibacterial material. For example, the dissolvable material may comprise silver particles having antibacterial properties.

As the fluid reservoir 32 is replenished through the fluid inlet port 106, the fluid reservoir 32 is moveable along the end portion 36 of the handle 12 between a first position, as illustrated in Figures 1(a) to 2(c), in which the fluid inlet port 106 is occluded by the seat 80, and a second position, as illustrated in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), in which the fluid inlet port 106 is exposed to allow the fluid reservoir 32 to be replenished. Figures 6(a) and 6(b) illustrate the fluid reservoir 32 intermediate the first position and the second position.

In this embodiment, the fluid reservoir 32 is slidable along the end section 36 of the handle 12 as it moves between the first position and the second position. Rotation of the fluid reservoir 32 relative to the handle 12 is inhibited through the use of non-circular cross-sectional shapes for the external surface of the end section 36 of the handle 12 and the internal surface of the inner wall 94 of the fluid reservoir 32. As the fluid reservoir 32 moves from the first position to the second position, the flexible section 82 of the first conduit 52 is pulled through the aperture 84 formed in the seat 80, and so inhibiting rotation of the fluid reservoir 32 ensures that the flexible section 82 is fully pushed back through the aperture 84 as the fluid reservoir 32 returns to its first position. Inhibiting rotation of the fluid reservoir 32 also ensures that the fluid inlet port 106 remains angularly aligned with any seal formed on the seat 80 to prevent leakage of working fluid from the fluid inlet port 106.

As the fluid reservoir 32 moves towards its second position, the base 92 of the fluid reservoir 32 moves along the end portion 36 of the handle 12 towards the stem 22. When in its second position only the base 90 of the fluid reservoir 32 still extends around the end portion 36 of the handle 12; a portion of the fluid reservoir 32 now extends around the stem 22. To prevent the fluid reservoir 32 from becoming fully detached from the handle 12 as it moves away from its first position, the appliance 10 includes a stop member 110 which engages the fluid reservoir 32 when in its second position to inhibit movement of the fluid reservoir 32 beyond its second position. The stop member 110 protrudes from the stem 22, and is arranged to engage the peripheral portion of the external wall 96 which defines the aperture 98 through which the shaft 72 passes.

To fill the fluid reservoir 32 with working fluid, which in this embodiment is water, the user inverts the appliance 10 from the orientation shown in Figures 1(a) to 2(c) and pulls the fluid reservoir 32 towards the head 24 of the appliance 10 so that the fluid reservoir 32 moves to its second position. The user may place the exposed fluid inlet port 106 beneath the spout of a tap and turn on the tap so that water from the spout enters the fluid reservoir 32 through the fluid inlet port 106. As the external wall 96 of the fluid reservoir 32 is transparent, the user can observe the filling of the fluid reservoir 32. When the fluid reservoir 32 is full, the user returns the fluid reservoir 32 to its first position, and then to the orientation shown in Figures 1(a) to 2(c) for use.

To operate the appliance 10, the user switches on the appliance 10 by depressing button 20, the action of which is detected by the control circuit 64. The control circuit 64 activates the drive motor 70 to move the brush unit 26 relative to the handle 12. When the button 20 is pressed again, a burst of water is emitted from the nozzle 34. The control circuit 64 activates the pump 46 to urge a volume of water from a fluid chamber of the pump 46 to the nozzle 34, and to replenish the fluid chamber through drawing a volume of water from the fluid reservoir 32. The wick 108 improves the likelihood of working fluid being drawn from the fluid reservoir 32 during use of the appliance 10, wherein the appliance 10 may be held at a variety of different orientations for treating the oral cavity. This continues until the user switches off the appliance 10 using the button 20, or until the fluid reservoir 32 has become depleted.

To replace the fluid reservoir 32, the user first pulls the stem 22 from the spigot 66. The user may then slide the fluid reservoir 32 towards its second position, detach the flexible section 82 of the first conduit 52 from the fluid port 86, and then slide the fluid reservoir 32 from the end section 36 of the handle 12.