ROTATION ASSEMBLY FOR ORAL IRRIGATOR
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) and 37 C.F.R. § 1.78 to provisional application no. 63/619,979 filed on January 11, 2024, titled “ROTATION ASSEMBLY FOR ORAL IRRIGATOR” which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to health and personal hygiene equipment and more particularly, to oral irrigators.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Oral irrigators are typically used to clean a user’s teeth and gums by discharging a pressurized fluid stream into a user’s oral cavity. The fluid impacts the teeth and gums to remove debris. Often, the oral irrigator includes a fluid supply, such as a reservoir, fluidly connected by a pump to an oral irrigator tip, often through a handle. To direct the fluid in a desired direction, as well as to hold the handle in a comfortable position, a user often rotates either the handle or the tip relative to the handle. However, with traditional units, where the tip is fixed relative to the handle, it can be difficult for a user to comfortably and accurately position the tip of the oral irrigator to achieve the desired cleaning. Even with units in which the tip can move relative to the handle, it can be difficult to both grasp the oral irrigator with one hand, and rotate the tip with another hand, again leading to user discomfort and inefficient cleaning.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0004] In one embodiment, a rotation assembly for an oral irrigator includes: an actuator, a first rotary element in rotary contact with the actuator, a second rotary element in rotary contact with the first rotary element, and an output rotary element in rotary contact with the second rotary element, where a motion of the actuator in a first direction causes an output motion of the output rotary element in a second direction that is the same direction as the first direction. [0005] In another embodiment, an oral irrigator is disclosed that includes a handle, a tip coupled to the handle, and a rotational assembly coupled to the tip and the handle, where the rotational assembly amplifies an input motion provided to rotate the tip relative to the handle. [0006] Optionally, in some embodiments, the rotational assembly includes a gear system.
[0007] Optionally, in some embodiments, the gear system includes a plurality of gears arranged in a planetary gear transmission.
[0008] Optionally, in some embodiments, the rotational assembly includes: an actuator configured to receive the input motion from a user; and a sun gear of the planetary gear transmission is integrally formed with the actuator.
[0009] Optionally, in some embodiments, the input motion is an input rotational motion provided by a user and the rotational assembly generates an output rotational motion greater than the input rotational motion.
[0010] Optionally, in some embodiments, the output rotational motion is at least two times greater than the input rotational motion.
[0011] Optionally, in some embodiments, the input motion includes an input rotational motion provided by a user and the rotational assembly generates an output rotational motion in a same rotational direction as the input rotational motion.
[0012] Optionally, in some embodiments, the output rotational motion rotates the tip to direct a stream of fluid from an outlet of the tip.
[0013] Optionally, in some embodiments, the rotational assembly further includes a dampening medium configured to at least partially resist at least one of the input rotational motion or the output rotational motion.
[0014] In one embodiment, a rotation assembly for an oral irrigator includes: an actuator; a first rotary element in rotary contact with the actuator; a second rotary element in rotary contact with the first rotary element; and an output rotary element in rotary contact with the second rotary element, wherein a motion of the actuator in a first direction causes an output motion of the output rotary element in the first direction.
[0015] Optionally, in some embodiments, the rotation assembly amplifies the motion of the actuator to rotate a tip of the oral irrigator relative to a handle of the oral irrigator.
[0016] Optionally, in some embodiments, the output motion includes a greater angular motion than the motion of the actuator. [0017] Optionally, in some embodiments, the output motion is at least two times greater than the motion of the actuator.
[0018] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first rotary element, the second rotary element, and the output rotary element include respective first, second, and output gears.
[0019] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first, second, and output gears include a planetary gear transmission.
[0020] Optionally, in some embodiments, the actuator is configured to receive an input motion from a user; the motion of the actuator is based on the input motion; and the actuator further includes a sun gear of the planetary gear transmission in meshed contact with at least one of the first or second gears.
[0021] Optionally, in some embodiments, the rotation assembly further includes a dampening medium configured to at least partially resist at least one of the motion of the actuator or the output motion.
[0022] In one embodiment, a rotation assembly for use in an oral irrigator includes an actuator configured to receive an input motion from a user; a gear system operatively connected to the actuator and adapted to amplify the input motion; and a base configured to receive a tip of the oral irrigator, wherein the amplified motion is transferred by the gear system from the actuator to a tip of the oral irrigator to rotate the tip relative to a body of the oral irrigator.
[0023] Optionally, in some embodiments, the amplified motion is in a same rotary direction as the input motion.
[0024] Optionally, in some embodiments, the amplified motion is at least two times greater than the input motion.
[0025] In one embodiment, a method of assembling a rotation assembly for an oral irrigator includes: assembling a plurality of rotary elements with a base, wherein the base is coupled to the oral irrigator; coupling a retainer to the rotary elements and the base; assembling a seal with a hub to form a hub assembly; coupling the hub assembly to the base; applying a dampening medium to the rotation assembly; coupling an actuator to the base; and coupling a tip with the rotation assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of oral irrigator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0027] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the oral irrigator of FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the oral irrigator of FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a detail view of a rotational assembly of the oral irrigator of FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a partial exploded view of the rotational assembly of FIG. 4.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a partial, detailed exploded view of the rotational assembly of FIG. 4.
[0032] FIG. 7 is a detailed perspective view of a portion of the rotation assembly of FIG. 4. [0033] FIG. 8 is a section view of the rotational assembly of FIG. 4 taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 3.
[0034] FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an example of a method of assembling a portion of the oral irrigator of FIG. 1.
[0035] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an example of a use of the oral irrigator of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] The present disclosure is generally related to a rotation assembly for an oral irrigator. The rotation assembly allows a user, typically through a single handed motion, to rotate a tip of the oral irrigator to a desired location, such as to enable more effective cleaning, better comfort, etc. The rotation assembly includes an actuator that enables the user to rotate the tip 360 degrees (or a smaller degree range) relative to the irrigator, such that as a user moves the actuator in various directions, the tip moves in a corresponding direction. In some examples, the actuator is a rotary actuator configured to be moved, e.g., rotated relative to the body of the irrigator by a user’s thumb, other finger, or portion of his or her hand. In other words, the rotation assembly enables the user to direct the irrigator tip in a desired direction, without necessarily moving the irrigator body itself.
[0037] Additionally, the rotation assembly is configured to include a gear assembly to amplify a motion input by the user, which can allow the user to easily reposition the tip with the same hand that is gripping the handle. Conventionally, a user may need to set the unit down and reposition the tip using multiple fingers since if a large angular displacement was desired, a finger could not easily rotate the tip the full movement while holding the handle in one hand. This type of conventional movement can be cumbersome and interrupt the flow of cleaning.
The present disclosure enables a user to easily reposition the tip without having to substantially interrupt cleaning and while holding the unit with one hand (e.g., in a cleaning position) which can allow more accurate positioning. [0038] With reference to Figs. 1-3, in one example, an oral irrigator 100 has a body 102 and a refillable reservoir 104 for storing fluid. The body 102 and the reservoir 104 are ergonomically shaped, having a slender upper portion 108 and a relatively enlarged lower portion 1 10. The body 102 is shaped such that a user 101 can comfortably grasp the oral irrigator 100 about the upper portion 108 while the enlarged lower portion 110 may enable the storage of a fluid within the reservoir 104 and also provide a stable platform to keep the oral irrigator 100 in an upright or vertical orientation when the oral irrigator 100 is placed on a supporting surface such as a table or a countertop. See, e.g., FIG. 10. The oral irrigator 100 further includes a tip 112 that extends from the body 102 through an orifice formed in the planar surface 138 of the actuator 116. The tip 112 has an outlet 114 through which pressurized fluid passes during operation by a user 101.
[0039] The body 102 may be rotatably coupled to the rotation assembly 106, which may include an actuator 116. The actuator 116 may be rotatably coupled to the tip 112, such that rotational motion of the actuator 116 relative to the body 102 may cause a rotation of the tip 112. For example, the actuator 116 may be adapted to be rotated by a finger, such as the thumb, of the user 101 in a one-handed operation, while using the oral irrigator 100. Rotation of the actuator 116 causes a rotation of the tip 112, such as in directions 120 about the axis 118 shown for example in Fig. 1. Rotation of the tip 112 enables the outlet 114 to be selectively positioned by a user 101 so that the direction of the fluid stream exiting the outlet 114 may be altered during use and tailored to a user 101's preferences. It should be noted that in some instances the actuator 116 or rotation assembly may rotate the tip in the same direction as the applied force and in other instances may rotate the tip in a different (e.g., opposite) position.
[0040] A lid 124 or cap may be associated with the reservoir 104 and configured to expose an opening to the reservoir 104 enabling a user 101 to fill the reservoir 104 with a fluid. When the reservoir 104 is filled to a desired level, the lid 124 may be closed to seal the opening and prevent the fluid from spilling out of the reservoir 104 when the oral irrigator 100 is placed in a variety of different orientations during use. In one embodiment, the lid 124 may be coupled to the reservoir 104 or to the body 102 (e.g., by way of a hinge or lanyard structure) to retain the lid 124 with the oral irrigator 100 when the opening is exposed for filling with fluid.
[0041] As seen in FIG. 2, a pair of contact members 130 may be positioned on the body 102 for contact with and electrical connection to a charging device (e.g., a charging cradle or a charging base, not shown) to charge a battery positioned within the body 102 of the oral irrigator 100. The contact members 130 may be located along an upwardly-extending surface of the body 102. For example, the contact members 130 may be positioned on an angled surface of the body 102 that tapers inwardly toward a bottom wall of the body 102. The contact members 130 may be substantially flush with an outer surface of the body 102.
[0042] An ejector 140 may be positioned within an aperture formed in the body 102 and may be used to actuate a latch mechanism to release the tip 112 from the remainder of the oral irrigator 100.
[0043] The oral irrigator 100 may include one or more user 101 input devices 122 that may be actuated by a user 101 to turn the oral irrigator 100 on or off, to alter the pressure, flow rate or pulsating pattern of the fluid stream, or to alter some other operational parameter of the oral irrigator 100. The user 101 input device 122 may be electrically and operationally coupled with a controller which may include a printed circuit board and an integrated circuit device. The controller may control, for example, the speed of a motor and, thus, the output of a pump, based on user 101 actuation of the user 101 input device 122.
[0044] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, are detailed and exploded views of the rotation assembly 106, respectively. The rotation assembly 106 includes a base 152, a seal 150, a retainer 148, a first rotary element 142, a second rotary element 144, a hub 146, and the actuator 116. The rotation assembly 106 is adapted to releasably receive a tip 112.
[0045] The tip 112 may have a flange 134 that is relatively broader than the shaft 136 of the tip 112. The tip 112 may include an elastomeric member 132 disposed between the flange 134 and the shaft 136. The elastomeric member 132 may provide for flex, or give while in use, for example, to reduce or limit the amount of force applied to a user’s mouth, teeth, or gums, or to allow for a more desired alignment for use. The tip 112 may include a bottom portion of the tip body 154 that extends below the flange 134 and is generally narrower than the flange 134. The bottom portion of the tip body 154 selectively, fluidically engages with a conduit that carries fluid from the reservoir 104 to the outlet 114 of the tip 112 via operation of a pump. When the tip 112 is assembled with the body 102, the bottom portion of the tip body 154 may extend through the orifice 128 to engage with a retainment mechanism operated by the ejector 140. Thus, the tip 112 may be replaceable, such as to achieve different flow characteristics, or to enable the changing of worn or dirty tips 112.
[0046] The actuator 1 16 or collar enables a user 101 to rotate the tip 1 12 with respect to the body 102. In this example, the actuator 116 includes a disc-like cap with a planar face 138. Extending below the planar face 141 and circumferentially around the actuator 116, the actuator 116 includes one or more protrusions 126. The protrusions 126 may enhance friction and/or grip between the user 101 ’s fingers and the actuator, enabling easier manipulation of the actuator 116. The actuator 116 may include an orifice 128 through which a portion of the tip 112 is adapted to pass. With reference to FIG. 8, the actuator 116 may include a rotatory element 156 such as a ring gear 198 on an inner surface thereof. For example, the ring gear 198 may be formed by teeth 200 disposed on the inside of the main body of the actuator opposite the protrusions 126. The ring gear may mesh with one or more other rotary elements 156 to transmit rotary motion and/or torque into the rotation assembly 106. The rotary elements 156 maybe gears with involute teeth or hypocycloid teeth. Any of the rotary elements or the ring gear may be in meshed contact with one another to transmit desired angular motion, speed, and/or torque through the rotation assembly 106.
[0047] The rotation assembly 106 includes one or more rotary elements 156 that rotationally couple the actuator 116 to the tip 112 to enable the control of the tip 112 by the user 101. The rotary elements 156 may be gears, as in the example shown, or may be pulleys, wheels, discs, etc. or other elements to transmit torque and optionally vary speed between the various components of the rotation assembly 106. The rotary elements 156 may be rotationally coupled via gear teeth, such as in the example shown. In other embodiments, the rotary elements 156 may be coupled by belts, bands, or by contact of smooth surfaces (e.g., coupled by friction, rather than by gear teeth).
[0048] In the example shown, the rotary elements 156 include a ring gear 198 disposed inside the actuator 116 (see, e.g., FIG. 8), a first rotary element 142, a second rotary element 144, and an output rotary element 158. With specific reference to FIG. 6, the hub 146 includes a main body 184 through which an orifice 180 is formed. The main body 184 includes a flange 182 portion near its upper end. The end of the main body 184 opposite the flange 182 includes a clip 172. An output rotary element 158 is disposed longitudinally between the clip 172 and the flange 182. In the example shown, the output rotary element 158 is a gear.
[0049] The retainer 148 supports the rotary elements 156 and secures them within rotation assembly 106. As shown in FIG. 6, the retainer 148 includes a main body 168 through which an orifice 178 is formed. The main body 168 includes a sunken or recessed portion 170, and an elevated portion 166. The orifice 178 is adapted to receive the clip 172 of the hub 146. For example, the clip 172 may include one or more tangs that flex elastically when the hub 146 is assembled with the retainer 148, and then lock into place preventing dis-assembly of the hub and retainer 148. The sunken portion 170 couples the retainer 148 to the base 152. The elevated portion 166 receives the first rotary element 142 and second rotary element 144 thereunder, and provides, via appropriate orifices, the rotation axis 174 and the axis 176 about which the first rotary element 142 and second rotary element 144 rotate, respectively. See, e.g., FIG. 6. In some embodiments, the retainer 148 may be omitted and the rotary elements 156 may be attachable directly to the base 152 of the oral irrigator 100. For example, the rotary elements 156 may snap, click to the base 152 or be attached thereto with a bolt, screw, rivet, post, etc. [0050] The rotation assembly 106 includes a seal 150 that reduces or prevents fluid leakage from the base 152 and retains the fluid within the bottom portion of the tip body 154, to allow the fluid ultimately to pass to the outlet 114 of the tip 112.
[0051] The base 152 is coupled to the upper portion 108 of the body 102 and forms a foundation for the rotation assembly 106. The elements of the rotation assembly 106 ultimately attach to the body 102 via the base 152. The base 152 includes an orifice 160 through which a portion of the tip 112 (e.g., the bottom portion of the tip body 154 discussed herein) is adapted to pass, when assembled.
[0052] FIG. 7 shows a cutaway view of a portion of the rotation assembly 106 with the actuator 116 hidden. In this example, the rotary elements 156 form a planetary gear transmission, where various rotary elements 156 are in rotary contact with one another via their respective gear teeth. The ring gear 198 (shown on FIG. 7) is a “sun” gear formed on the inner surface of the actuator 116. In some embodiments, the sun gear is integrally formed (e.g., molded, machined, cast, etc.) with the actuator 1 16. In some embodiments, the sun gear is a separate piece adhered to the actuator 116 such as by an adhesive, fastener, press or interference fit, etc. The first rotary element 142 and the second rotary element 144 are planet gears. In other examples, such as where the rotary elements 156 are discs without gear teeth, the surfaces of various rotary elements 156 may be in rotary contact with one another via friction. In other examples still, the rotary elements 156 may be in rotary contact indirectly, such as via belts, chains, bands, or the like. Any combination of types of rotary elements 156 may be used, as desired.
[0053] With reference to FIG. 9, an example of a method 900 of assembling the rotation assembly 106 to the base 152 is shown. Although the example method 900 depicts a particular sequence of operations, the sequence may be altered without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, some of the operations depicted may be performed in parallel or in a different sequence that does not materially affect the function of the method 900. In other examples, different components of an example device or system that implements the method 900 may perform functions at substantially the same time or in a specific sequence. The rotation assembly 106 may be assembled in other orders or with other operations.
[0054] According to some examples, the method 900 includes assembling rotary elements with a base at operation 902. The base 152 may be coupled to the balance of the oral irrigator 100 such as by one or more fasteners, adhesives, clips, or the like. The first rotary element 142 and the second rotary element 144 may be attached to the base 152 or the retainer 148 such as by appropriate axles or pins to form the axis 174 and the axis 176 about which the first rotary element 142 and the second rotary element 144 spin, respectively.
[0055] According to some examples, the method 900 includes assembling the retainer 148 or retainer 148 / rotary element assembly with the base 152 at operation 904. For example, where the first rotary element 142 and second rotary element 144 are assembled with the base 152, the retainer 148 may be fitted over the first rotary element 142 and second rotary element 144 and attached to the base. In an example where the first rotary element 142 and second rotary element 144 are assembled with the retainer 148, the assembly of the first rotary element 142, the second rotary element 144, and the retainer 148 is assembled with the base 152. For example, the base 152 may have one or more posts rising from a surface thereof adapted to be received in apertures formed in the retainer 148. The retainer 148, first rotary element 142, second rotary element 144 sub-assembly may be affixed to the base 152, again by way of fasteners, adhesives, clips, etc.
[0056] According to some examples, the method 900 includes assembling the hub 146 with the seal 150 at operation 906. The seal 150 may be fitted over the clip 172 and the teeth 186 of the hub 146 and secured in an appropriate groove or other structure formed in the hub 146.
[0057] According to some examples, the method 900 includes assembling the hub assembly with the base 152 at operation 908. The hub 146 may be received into the orifice 178 of the retainer 148. The hub 146 / seal 150 assembly is further inserted into the orifice 160 until the clips 172 engage with one or more features below the base 152. For example, the clip 172 is engaged to hold the hub 146 to the base 152. In some embodiments, the clip 172 of the hub 146 may secure the retainer 148 to the base 152 such as by engaging with a corresponding structure within the base 152. Thus, the hub 146 may clip or snap into place in a structure below the base 152.
[0058] According to some examples, the method 900 includes adding a dampening medium 188 to the rotation assembly 106 at operation 910. The rotation assembly 106 may be packed or fdled with a dampening medium 188 such as a grease or other fluid. The dampening medium 188 may provide some resistance to the rotary motion (e.g., input motion or output motion) of the rotary elements 156, such as to improve the accuracy of adjustment of the rotation assembly 106. For example, the dampening medium 188 can reduce overshoot of reaching a desired position, and/or to retain the rotation assembly 106 in a desired position. The dampening medium 188 may also give the rotation assembly 106 a more robust feel to the user 101, thereby enhancing the user 101 experience. The dampening medium 188 may be a food-safe grease in many examples.
[0059] According to some examples, the method 900 includes assembling actuator 116 with the base 152 at operation 912. The actuator 116 may be fitted over the hub 146, retainer 148, the first rotary element 142, and the second rotary element 144. The actuator 116 may be snap or clip-fitted to the balance of the oral irrigator 100, or may be attached by one or more fasteners, such as screws, pins, bolts, and/or an adhesive. When the first rotary element 142 and the second rotary element 144 are fitted to the retainer 148, the teeth 162 and the teeth 164 should mesh with one another. Similarly, the teeth 164 of the second rotary element 144 and the teeth 186 of the hub 146 should mesh with one another. As the actuator 116 is fitted over the hub 146, the first rotary element 142, and the second rotary element 144, the teeth 162 of the first rotary element 142 should mesh with the teeth 200 of the ring gear 198 of the actuator 116.
[0060] According to some examples, the method includes inserting the tip 112 at operation 914. The bottom portion of the tip body 154 of the tip 112 may be placed into the orifice 128 of the actuator 116, the orifice 178 in the retainer 148, and the orifice 160 in the base 152, and the bottom portion of the tip body releasably locked in place with the hub 146 by the ejector 140. Thus, the tip 112 may rotate in unison with the hub 146.
[0061] In FIG. 7, the first rotary element 142 and the second rotary element 144 can be seen captured below the upper portion 108 of the retainer 148 (the elevated portion 166 of the retainer 148 is sectioned away). The retainer 148 forms the rotational axis 174 and axis 176 of the first rotary element 142, and the second rotary element 144, respectively. The hub 146 is received through the orifice 178 formed in the retainer 148.
[0062] With reference to FIG. 10, a user 101 may apply a rotation to the actuator 116, such as by gripping the protrusions 126, or by pressing their thumb against the actuator 116, etc. As shown for example in FIG. 7, if rotary motion with an input direction 190 is imparted to the actuator 116, (e.g., clockwise when viewed from the top of the oral irrigator 100), the gear mesh between the teeth 200 of the ring gear 198 and the teeth 162 of the first rotary element 142 causes the first rotary element 142 to rotate in a first intermediate direction 192 that is the same direction as the input direction 190 (e.g., clockwise) about the axis 174. The mesh between the teeth 162 of the first rotary element 142 and the teeth 164 of the second rotary element 144 cause the second rotary element 144 to rotate in a second intermediate direction 194 opposite that of the first intermediate direction 192 and the input direction 190 (e.g., counter-clockwise) about the axis 176. The mesh between the teeth 164 of the second rotary element 144 and the teeth 186 of the hub 146 causes the hub 146 to rotate about the axis 118 in an output direction 196 opposite that of the second intermediate direction 194, and the same as the input direction 190 (e.g., clockwise). Thus, the rotation assembly 106 amplifies a user 101 input motion and transfers the amplified motion by the gear system from the actuator 116 to the tip 112 to rotate the tip 112 relative to the body 102 of the oral irrigator.
[0063] As the tip 112 is releasably secured to the hub 146, the movement of the hub 146 in the output direction 196 causes the tip to move in a direction 120 the same as the hub 146 (e.g., clockwise). Similarly, if the input direction 190 is in a counter-clockwise direction, the directions of rotation of the rotary elements 156 of the rotation assembly 106 described above in this paragraph are reversed. For example, a counter-clockwise motion of the actuator 116 results in a counter-clockwise rotation of the tip 112. Thus, an input from the user 101 in an input direction 190 results in an output direction 196 in the same direction, making the use of the rotation assembly 106 intuitive for a user 101. As can be understood, the gearing relationship allows a reduced application of motion by the user 101 to rotate the tip further relative to the body than would otherwise be required. This allows the user 101 to easily rotate the tip, e.g., via a single finger, while holding the handle in his or her hand.
[0064] The number and relative sizes, and/or gear teeth of the rotary elements 156 may be selected to achieve certain rotary ratios and/or torque values between the actuator 116 and the tip 112. In many examples, the ratios are selected to amplify a user 101 input such that an output motion is of a greater angular motion than the input motion. For example, the size ratios may be such that one revolution of the actuator 116 causes three revolutions of the tip 112. In other words, a ratio of 1 :3. In another example, the rotary angle swept by the actuator 1 16 may be a first value, and the rotary angle swept by the output rotary element 158 may be a second value greater than the first value. For example, the angle swept by the actuator 116 may be 120° and the angle swept by the output rotary element 158 may be 360°. In many examples, a user 101 can keep their thumb on the actuator 116 and rotate 45° in either direction to get full rotation of the tip 112. In other examples still, other ratios may be used, such as 1 : 1, 1 :2, 1 :4, 1 :5, 1 :6, 2:3, 2:5, 2:7, 2:9, 4:3, 4:5, 4:7: 4:9, 4: 11, 4: 13, 4: 15, 2: 1, 3 : 1, 4: 1, 5: 1, etc. These ratios apply to either full revolutions and/or partial revolutions, and in either direction. The ratios can be selected such that a user 101 has a wide degree of control over the motion and position of the tip 112 with a relatively small input from the actuator 116, thereby enabling enhanced user 101 comfort and efficient placement of the outlet of the tip, and thus the stream of fluid, for effective cleaning of the oral cavity.
[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the first rotary element 142 and the second rotary element 144 have an outer diameter of about 0.375 inches (9.53 mm). In the preferred embodiment, the output rotary element 158 has an outer diameter of about 0.454 inches (11.5 mm). Other embodiments are contemplated in which the outer diameters of one or more of the first rotary element 142, the second rotary element 144, and/or the output rotary element 158 are about +/- 10% from their respective diameters in the preferred embodiment. For example, the outer diameters of the first rotary element 142 and/or the second rotary element may be in the inclusive range of about 0.338 inches (8.57 mm) to about 0.413 inches (10.5 mm). The outer diameter of the output rotary element 158 may be in the inclusive range of about 0.409 inches (10.4 mm) to about 0.5 inches (12.7 mm). For example, either or both of the first rotary element 142 or secondary rotary element 144 may have any of the following outer diameters: 0.338 inches, 0.345 inches, 0.353 inches, 0.36 inches, 0.367 inches, 0.375 inches, 0.383 inches, 0.39 inches, 0.397 inches, 0.405 inches, or 0.413 inches (8.57 mm, 8.76 mm, 8.95 mm, 9.14 mm, 9.335 mm, 9.53 mm, 9.72 mm, 9.91 mm, 10.1 mm, 10.3 mm, or 10.5 mm), or diameters between these values. For example, the output rotary element 158 may have any of the following outer diameters: 0.409 inches, 0.418 inches, 0.427 inches, 0.436 inches, 0.445 inches, 0.454 inches, 0.463 inches, 0.472 inches, 0.482 inches, 0.491 inches, 0.5 inches (10.4 mm, 10.6 mm, 10.8 mm, 1 1.1 mm, 1 1.3 mm, 1 1.5 mm, 1 1.8 mm, 12.0 mm, 12.2 mm, 12.5 mm, or 12.7 mm), or diameters between these values. In other embodiments, the outer diameters of one or more of the first rotary element 142, the second rotary element 144, and/or the output rotary element 158 may be +/- 10% to 15% of their respective diameters in the preferred embodiment.
[0066] Other arrangements of rotary elements 156 may be used to achieve other desired effects. For example, the rotation assembly 106 could have more sets of planet gears for selfcentering, multiple sets of gears to even the load on the hub 146 and/or actuator 116, etc. In other embodiments, the first rotary element 142 or second rotary element 144 could be omitted, with the rotary elements 156 re-arranged so as to still mesh, resulting in an output direction 196 opposite that of the input direction 190. As another example, a rack and pinon arrangement could be used, e.g., with a portion of the rack being defined on the interior surface of the actuator and a pinion provided coupled to the tip.
[0067] The rotation assemblies 106 disclosed herein can be used to control other aspects or features of an oral irrigator 100. For example, a rotation assembly 106 may be adapted to control a fluid pressure delivered by the oral irrigator 100 or a pulsation intensity, frequency, etc.
[0068] The rotation assemblies 106 disclosed herein can be applied to other oral care or general healthcare applications than oral irrigators. For example, a rotation assembly 106 could be applied to a powered or unpowered toothbrush to enable a user 101 to achieve better oral care relative to a toothbrush without a rotation assembly 106.
[0069] In some embodiments, the rotation assembly 106 may be motorized. For example, the cap (actuator 116) may be stationary and a button, proximity sensor, or other device suitable to receive a user 101 input may activate a motor that causes one or more rotary elements of the rotation assembly 106 to turn thereby rotating the tip 112 or other implement attached to the rotation assembly 106.
Examples
[0070] In one example, an oral irrigator includes: a handle; a tip coupled to the handle; and a rotational assembly coupled to the tip and the handle, wherein the rotational assembly amplifies an input motion provided to rotate the tip relative to the handle.
[0071] Optionally, in some examples, the rotational assembly includes a gear system. [0072] Optionally, in some examples, the gear system includes a plurality of gears arranged in a planetary gear transmission.
[0073] Optionally, in some examples, the rotational assembly includes: an actuator configured to receive the input motion from a user; and a sun gear of the planetary gear transmission is integrally formed with the actuator.
[0074] Optionally, in some examples, the input motion is an input rotational motion provided by a user and the rotational assembly generates an output rotational motion greater than the input rotational motion.
[0075] Optionally, in some examples, the output rotational motion is at least two times greater than the input rotational motion.
[0076] Optionally, in some examples, the input motion includes an input rotational motion provided by a user and the rotational assembly generates an output rotational motion in a same rotational direction as the input rotational motion.
[0077] Optionally, in some examples, the output rotational motion rotates the tip to direct a stream of fluid from an outlet of the tip.
[0078] Optionally, in some examples, the rotational assembly further includes a dampening medium configured to at least partially resist at least one of the input rotational motion or the output rotational motion.
[0079] In one example, an oral irrigator includes: an actuator; a first rotary element in rotary contact with the actuator; a second rotary element in rotary contact with the first rotary element; and an output rotary element in rotary contact with the second rotary element, wherein a motion of the actuator in a first direction causes an output motion of the output rotary element in the first direction.
[0080] Optionally, in some examples, the rotation assembly amplifies the motion of the actuator to rotate a tip of the oral irrigator relative to a handle of the oral irrigator.
[0081] Optionally, in some examples, the output motion includes a greater angular motion than the motion of the actuator.
[0082] Optionally, in some examples, the output motion is at least two times greater than the motion of the actuator.
[0083] Optionally, in some examples, the first rotary element, the second rotary element, and the output rotary element comprise respective first, second, and output gears. [0084] Optionally, in some examples, the first, second, and output gears comprise a planetary gear transmission.
[0085]
Optionally, in some examples, the actuator is configured to receive an input motion from a user; the motion of the actuator is based on the input motion; and the actuator further includes a sun gear of the planetary gear transmission in meshed contact with at least one of the first or second gears.
[0086] Optionally, in some examples, the rotation assembly further includes a dampening medium configured to at least partially resist at least one of the motion of the actuator or the output motion.
[0087] In one example, a rotation assembly for use in an oral irrigator includes: an actuator configured to receive an input motion from a user; a gear system operatively connected to the actuator and adapted to amplify the input motion; and a base configured to receive a tip of the oral irrigator, wherein the amplified motion is transferred by the gear system from the actuator to a tip of the oral irrigator to rotate the tip relative to a body of the oral irrigator.
[0088] Optionally, in some examples, the amplified motion is in a same rotary direction as the input motion.
[0089] Optionally, in some examples, the amplified motion is at least two times greater than the input motion.
[0090] In one example, a method of assembling a rotation assembly for an oral irrigator includes: assembling a plurality of rotary elements with a base, wherein the base is coupled to the oral irrigator; coupling a retainer to the rotary elements and the base; assembling a seal with a hub to form a hub assembly; coupling the hub assembly to the base; applying a dampening medium to the rotation assembly; coupling an actuator to the base; and coupling a tip with the rotation assembly.
[0091] All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader’s understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention unless specifically set forth in the claims. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other.