A toothbrush

The present invention relates to a toothbrush, and more particularly to a toothbrush with a spherical head, adapted to set the head to various types of motion to provide the user with the opportunity to choose the preferred and most appropriate direction of brushing individual parts of the mouth and tongue.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Toothbrushes, and in particular mechanical and electrical toothbrushes, are commonly known and available in many versions differing in the mode of operation (see, e.g., document DE 8713 194 U1).

[0003] Mechanical toothbrushes with brushing heads rotated, oscillating and pulsating are commonly known. The movement of the brushing head is mechanically driven, so the user only has to place the toothbrush in the chosen location in the mouth. The brushing action, thanks to which you can brush teeth, tongue, gums and all other parts of the mouth, provides mechanical drive. This allows you to reduce the level of manual force that you need to use to clean your teeth with a mechanical brush compared to a manual toothbrush that the user sets in motion, and also provides a brushing method that is difficult to perform manually.

[0004] For some of the available mechanical toothbrushes, the brushing motion occurs in the direction away from the gums than transversely along the tooth surfaces or towards the gums. Brushing in the direction of the gums can cause the material to be pushed under the edge of the gum or the edge of the gum is removed from the tooth. The current mechanical toothbrushes offer different ways of brushing away from the gums only in some parts of the mouth. It is not possible to brush in the direction of the gums with these brushes in other parts of the mouth.

[0005] The effective cleaning of the tongue surface consists of brushing it only forwards.

[0006] In order to effectively clean the longitudinal recesses in the inner surfaces of the upper and lower anterior teeth, it is necessary to perform brushing movements parallel to their length and in the direction away from the gums.

[0007] Known toothbrushes provide a dual, omni-directional or diffuse brushing movement. The direction of the brushing movement in the case of mechanical brushes is essentially unchanged regardless of the part of the oral cavity or the teeth with which they touch. However, this single, unchanging type of motion is not effective or sufficient to clean all parts of teeth, gums and tongue.

[0008] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush that allows tooth brushing to be modified by the vibrating method (Bass).

The modified vibrating method is widely known and recommended by many dentists. This method involves making small circular movements with the toothbrush to clean the gum line and plaque along the gumline at the base of the teeth.

[0009] The modified vibrating method does not ensure a fully effective brushing of some parts of the teeth. For example, some interdental areas are insufficiently efficiently cleaned. However, the modified vibrating method allows effective cleaning of the curved edge, which is one of the most problematic areas when it comes to the accumulation of plaque and sludge on the teeth.

The modified vibrating method, however, is difficult to use manually, and the toothbrush can mechanically simulate this method of brushing. Due to the possibility of differentiation of the orientation of the brushing movements in order to obtain the most appropriate direction of brushing in individual parts of the mouth, this method is one of the most effective and safest methods of brushing teeth.

Summary of the Invention [0011] The present invention therefore includes a toothbrush having the functions described in claim 1.

[0012] Preferably, the head rotates about the first axis within the first type of brushing motion and independently about the second axis within the second type of brushing motion.

[0013] Preferably, the first and second axes are substantially perpendicular.

[0014] Preferably, the first and second axes pass through the center of the head.

Preferably, the head rotates continuously in a given direction around the first and / or second axis.

[0016] Preferably, the bristles projecting on the outside are provided on the head.

Preferably, the orientation of the bristles on the first and second hemispherical portion of the head, at the hemispherical contact or in the adjacent area, takes into account its descent and formation of a sheath substantially surrounding the contact area.

Preferably, the drive comprises at least one drive shaft configured to engage the head into one or both types of brushing motion.

[0019] Preferably, the at least one drive shaft has a reciprocating configuration for driving the head into a first type of brushing motion and rotating substantially around the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft for driving the head into a second type of brushing motion.

[0020] Preferably, the drive comprises a mechanism for translating the reciprocating movement of the at least one drive shaft into a rotational movement of the head about the first axis.

[0021] Preferably, the transmission mechanism includes a crankshaft.

[0022] Preferably, the transmission mechanism includes at least one cam connected to the head and a corresponding pusher connected to the drive shaft.

[0023] Preferably, the pusher is a sleeve surrounding the cam.

Preferably, the drive comprises a first and a second drive shaft, wherein the configuration of the first drive shaft allows the head to be engaged in a first type of brushing motion, and the configuration of the second shaft allows the head to be engaged in a second type of brushing motion.

Preferably, the first and second rolls are substantially concentric.

[0026] Preferably, the drive comprises at least one motor configured to drive the first and the second shaft.

Preferably, the drive comprises a sliding clutch between the engaged and disengaged condition, wherein in the engaged state the clutch allows synchronous rotation of the first and second shafts, while in the disengaged condition allows independent rotation of the first shaft.

[0028] Preferably, the toothbrush includes mechanisms for immobilizing the second shaft in the predetermined orientation when the clutch is in the disengaged condition.

Preferably, the drive comprises a pair of bevel gears arranged in the head, the first gear is attached to the first shaft and the second gear engages with the first gear and is mounted on an axis on which a pair of semicircular portions of the head is mounted.

[0030] Preferably, the second shaft is connected to a support on which the axis rests.

[0031] Preferably, the second shaft is connected to the bracket on which the head rests.

Brief description of the drawings [0032]

Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the toothbrush head according to an aspect of the first embodiment of the present invention in a front view.

Fig. 2 shows a cross-section of the toothbrush head from Fig. 1 in a side view.

Fig. 3 shows a cross section of the toothbrush according to the aspect of the second embodiment of the present invention in a front view.

Fig. 4 shows the cross-section of the toothbrush head from Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 shows the part of the toothbrush from Fig. 3 enlarged.

Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the toothbrush head according to a third embodiment of the present invention in side view.

Fig. 7 shows a cross section of the head from Fig. 6 in a front view.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the toothbrush of the third embodiment showing the head of Fig. 6.

Fig. 9 shows the view from Fig. 8 without the toothbrush head.

Fig. 10 shows the toothbrush from Fig. 8 and 9 in a side view.

Fig. 11 shows a cross section of the toothbrush head according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention in a front view similar to the head of Figs. 6 and 7.

Fig. 12 shows the part of the drive for use with the heads of Figs. 6, 7 and 11. Fig. 13 shows a cross section of the toothbrush head according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention in a front view.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the internal toothbrush mechanisms of the sixth embodiment of the invention with the coupling in the disconnected position.

Fig. 15 shows the toothbrush from Fig. 14 with the coupling in the engaged position. Fig. 16 shows the toothbrush from Fig. 14 and 15 in an exploded view.

Fig. 17 shows a toothbrush head according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention in an exploded view.

Fig. 18 shows the head from Fig. 17 after partial disassembly.

Detailed description of the drawings [0033] In the attached Figures 1 and 2, a part of the toothbrush 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The toothbrush 10 comprises a brush head 12, which in the illustrated embodiment consists of the first semi-circular portion of the head 14 and the second semicircular portion of the head 16. The semicircular portions of the head 14, 16 have a substantially semicircular shape and are mounted close to each other, which gives the brush head 12 basically a spherical overall shape. Each of the semicircular portions of the head 14, 16 includes less than a full range of 180 degrees, which range is reduced by a number of degrees allowing the channel 18 to be formed between the semicircular portions of the head 14, 16 while maintaining a generally generally spherical shape of the brush head 12. It should be noted

[0034] The toothbrush 10 further comprises a drive in the form of a first or an inner drive shaft 20 in the support sleeve 24 which during operation protrudes from the holder or handle part (not shown) of the toothbrush 10. The support sleeve 24 further protects - safety reasons - moving parts of the drive, in particular the first drive shaft 20, before the user touches the toothbrush, and provides a drive cover ensuring its durability. The drive shaft 20 extends through the entire sleeve 24 and then, coming out of it, passes through the channel 18 and ends within the brush head 12. The drive shaft 20 is internally connected to the brush head 12, which partly serves to support its weight, and in accordance with this description,

[0035] The first drive shaft 20, during operation, is propelled by another aspect (not shown) of the drive, which may be any of a plurality of known configurations to allow reciprocation, e.g. a variation of the configuration shown in Fig. 3 or 12, adapted to a single drive shaft 20. The drive further includes a gear mechanism in the form of a crank axle or crankshaft 26 placed in the brush head 12, the ends of which are connected to the first and second semi-circular parts of the head 14, 16. Crankshaft 26 is driven by a reciprocating motion of the first drive shaft 20, which causes the head portion 14, 16 to rotate about the first axis at the same time, thereby driving the head 12 into the first type of brushing motion.Preferably, the crankshaft 26 is mounted on a support flange (not shown) or a similar element that forms its support.

[0036] The connecting rod 26 is also rotatable and rotates substantially around its own longitudinal axis due to the aforementioned aspect (not shown) of the drive or any other suitable mechanism, rotating the brush head 12 around the second axis and thereby setting the head 12 into a second type of brushing motion. The inner diameter of the shaft support sleeve 24 is tapered near the longitudinal center and gradually expands toward both ends. The inner profile of the shaft support sleeve 24 supports the drive shaft 20 and allows it to rotate about a longitudinal axis. [0037] In the embodiment shown, the first and second axes are substantially perpendicular to each other. Preferably, the axes also run through the center of the spherical head

12. It should be noted that one or more electric motors can be used to provide the drive necessary to obtain the first and second types of brushing motion.

[0038] The brush head 12 can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise after switching the flow direction in one or each motor that provides the drive. It should be noted that according to the above description the brush head 12 can be continuously rotated in one direction around the first and / or second axis, which is a mode of operation showing many advantages. Furthermore, by switching on and off and / or varying the voltage supplied to a single or each electric motor providing the drive, the brush head 12 can move continuously in any direction, a reciprocating movement between two points, or at any point on the surface of the head 12, continuous movement in an arc or motion reciprocating on the arc.

[0039] Bristles 28 are attached to the outer surface of each hemispherical portion of the head 14, 16 and arranged on the hemispherical portions of the head 14, 16 in a manner that provides substantially continuous coverage with the bristles 28 of the entire brush head 12. Note that the bristles 28 can be arranged in any another appropriate configuration, and also replaced with any functional equivalent.

[0040] The bristles 28 located directly near the dividing duct 18 between the semicircular portions of the head 14, 16 are inclined from the right angle and overlap the channel

18. Thus, the orientation of the bristles 28 in these areas of each semi-circular portion of the head 14, 16 that are adjacent to the channel 18 allows the bristles to descend over the channel 18 and form a sheath substantially surrounding the channel 18. This prevents foreign substances from entering the head 12. Effect there is also a substantially homogeneous distribution of the bristles 28 on the surface of the brush head 12. Thus, regardless of the orientation of the brush head 12, the homogeneously distributed bristles 28 always touch the cleaned region of the mouth.

[0041] When the semicircular portions of the head 14, 16 rotate, the inclined bristles 28 bend, passing through the support sleeve 24, causing the bristles 28 to separate at this point. This allows the semi-circular heads 14, 16 to rotate in a manner substantially undisturbed by the support sleeve 24.

[0042] Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of a toothbrush substantially represented by reference numeral 110, wherein in this second embodiment like elements have been designated by like reference numbers and perform the same functions unless otherwise indicated.

[0043] The toothbrush 110 again includes a substantially spherical head 112 mounted at the end of the sleeve 124 (which in Fig. 3 symbolizes a divided circle, which allows the internal mechanisms of the toothbrush 110 to be shown). The head 112 includes a first and a second semi-circular portion of the head 114, 116 between which a channel 118 is located. The enlarged view of the head is shown in Fig. 4. As in the previous embodiment, the bristles 112 are provided with bristles 128. On the inside of the head 112 the first and second semicircular portions of the head 114, 116 are connected to a cranked or cranked axis 126, the detailed description of which is further down in the document.

The toothbrush 110 further comprises a first and a second motor 130, 132 drive that drives the first and second motor shaft 134, 136, respectively. The first and second motor shafts 134, 136 are concentrically arranged and connected to a transducer 138, which is adapted as described below, for converting the rotation of the motor shafts 134, 136 into reciprocating as well as rotary movement.

The transducer 138 includes a frame 140 that is mounted on the second shaft of the motor 136 and therefore rotates about the longitudinal axis of the motor shaft 136. The first motor shaft 134 passes through the frame 140 and is connected to the first bevel gear 142 mounted on the frame 140, and thus it drives it. The transducer 138 further comprises a second bevel gear 144 mounted perpendicular to the first bevel gear 142 and meshing it. A crankshaft 146 extends along the frame 140, which exits the second bevel gear 144. It should be noted that the first motor shaft 134 is able to drive the second conical gear 144 via the first bevel gear 142, and thus can drive the crankshaft 146.

From the crank shaft 146, a first drive shaft 120 and a second drive shaft 122 projecting next to it and forming a further drive part 122 extend, which together pass through the sleeve 124 to the head 112. One of the ends of the drive shafts 120, 122 is connected to the crankshaft 146 and the other end of each of the drive shafts 120, 122 is connected to the crankshaft 126 located in the head 112. It should be noted that the first motor 130 can be used to drive the crankshaft 146, causing the drive shafts 120, 122 to reciprocate relative to each other, and thus the rotation of the first and second hemispherical parts of the head 114, 116. According to Fig. 5, due to the stability of the drive shafts 120, 122, each drive shaft 120, 122 has a flat inner surface 148 during reciprocating movement.

120, 122 are also flattened on the outside at the entry point to the head

112, which makes it possible to minimize the dimensions of the channel 118. Each of the shafts 120, 122 also includes a rounded outer portion 150, enclosed by a pair of plain and rotary bearings 152, which will be described later in the document.

[0046] Thus, the first motor 130 can be used to rotate the first and second hemispherical parts of the head 114, 116 around the first axis, in the manner described above, for obtaining the first type of brushing motion. When it is desired to rotate the head 112 about a second axis, preferably perpendicular to the first axis, to generate a second independent type of brushing motion, a second motor 132 is used. The second motor 132, upon actuation, rotates the second motor shaft 136 which is connected to the frame 140 This causes the whole frame 140 to rotate, which rotates the drive shafts 120, 122 in the sleeve 124. The rotations are transmitted directly to the head 112, which causes it to rotate.

[0047] As the frame 140 rotates, the second conical gearbox 144 is pulled around the first bevel gear 142, which would cause the first bevel gear 142 to rotate, but which is mounted at the end of the first shaft 134. The first bevel gear 142 encounters resistance, obstructing its rotation and resulting from its connection to the second motor 132. For this reason, the rotation of the second bevel gear 144 around the first bevel gear 142 could cause rotation of the second bevel gear 144. This in turn would have consequences in the form of reciprocating movement of the drive shafts. 120, 122, and thus would affect the combination of the first and second types of brushing motion in the same case. Although this mode of operation is provided for with the present invention, is less advantageous than the mutual independence of the first and second types of brushing motion. Thus, to allow the frame 140 to rotate without such effects, it is preferable to place a clutch (not shown) between the first bevel gear 142 and the second motor shaft 136 to selectively break the drive train when only rotation is required by the first motor 130. Both motors 130, 132 can however be driven at the same time, which will result in the head 112 rotating around both axes simultaneously. In this case, you do not have to interrupt the drive train with the clutch. it is preferable to place a clutch (not shown) between the first cone gear 142 and the second motor shaft 136 to selectively interrupt the drive train when only rotation due to the first motor 130 is required. Both motors 130, 132 can however be driven at the same time , which will result in the head 112 rotating around both axes simultaneously. In this case, you do not have to interrupt the drive train with the clutch. it is preferable to place a clutch (not shown) between the first cone gear 142 and the second motor shaft 136 to selectively interrupt the drive train when only rotation due to the first motor 130 is required. Both motors 130, 132 can however be driven at the same time , which will result in the head 112 rotating around both axes simultaneously. In this case, you do not have to interrupt the drive train with the clutch.

[0048] Figs. 6-10 show a third embodiment of a toothbrush substantially represented by reference numeral 210, wherein in this third embodiment like elements have been designated by like reference numbers and perform the same functions unless otherwise indicated.

Toothbrush 210 includes a substantially spherical head 212 with first and second semicircular portions of head 214, 216 mounted on central axis 254 as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. On the first semi-circular portion of the head 214 there is a gear mechanism in the form of a tongue. circular cam 256; a similar cam tongue 258 is provided on the second semi-circular portion of the head 216. The projections 256, 258 are arranged asymmetrical with respect to the axis 254.

[0050] According to Fig. 8-10, the toothbrush 210 further comprises a first drive shaft 220 and a second drive shaft 222 that operate in a manner similar to the drive shafts in the second embodiment described above. On each of them there is a pusher or a wheel-shaped coupler 260 mounted around a corresponding cam tongue 256, 258. At the opposite end of each drive shaft 220, 222 there is an identical connector 262, also in the shape of a circle, adapted as described in Fig. 12, to a further portion of the drive and intended to cause rotation of the head 212. Each drive shaft 220, 222 has a flat inner surface 248 and a curved portion 250, again as described in relation to the second embodiment. Preferably, guide 264 is provided with an elongated slot 268, through which the drive shafts 220, 222 pass. The shape of the slot 268 allows the drive shafts 220, 222 to move relative to each other, while at the same time preventing them from deflecting in the direction typical of this movement, and with respect to Figs. 8 and 9 - forwards or backwards. The guide 264 has a round shape and is preferably rotatable in an annular channel (not shown) on or near the top of the tube (not shown) in which the drive shafts 220, 222 are located. The guide 264 is thus free to rotate as it rotates Drive shafts 220, 222, in turn causing the brush head 212 to rotate. and referring to Figs. 8 and 9 - forwards or backwards. The guide 264 has a round shape and is preferably rotatable in an annular channel (not shown) on or near the top of the tube (not shown) in which the drive shafts 220, 222 are located. The guide 264 is thus free to rotate as it rotates Drive shafts 220, 222, in turn causing the brush head 212 to rotate. and referring to Figs. 8 and 9 - forwards or backwards. The guide 264 has a round shape and is preferably rotatable in an annular channel (not shown) on or near the top of the tube (not shown) in which the drive shafts 220, 222 are located. The guide 264 is thus free to rotate as it rotates Drive shafts 220, 222, in turn causing the brush head 212 to rotate.

[0051] Fig. 11 shows a toothbrush according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, substantially referenced reference number 310, in this fourth embodiment similar elements have been designated by like reference numbers and perform the same functions unless otherwise indicated. The brush 310 includes a brush head 312, the configuration and operation of which are very similar to the head 210. The head includes the first and second semi-circular portion of the head 314, 316 which include respectively the first and second protrusions of the cam 356, 358 and on which the first is mounted. and a second drive shaft 320, 322 as described in relation to the third embodiment. However, the head 310 includes the arm 370 on the outside of the tab of the first and second cam 356, 358,

[0052] Fig. 12 shows a transducer 438 for converting a drive provided by a pair of motors (not shown) to a first and a second kind of brush movement of the brush head (not shown). The transducer 438 could be used in the case of a toothbrush according to the first and third embodiments of the present invention, optionally with some basic modifications, the introduction of which, however, should not cause difficulties to the person skilled in the art. Converter

438 includes a frame 440 with a first bevel gear 442 and a second bevel gear 444, the second bevel gear 444 drives the crankshaft 446. On the crank shaft 446, a pair of cams 472, 474 are pushed relative to each other to which shafts are connected during operation. drive 20, 120, 122, 220, 222, 320, 322 toothbrushes. In this way, if the crankshaft 446 is driven via the second bevel gear 444, a reciprocating movement of the drive shaft pair relative to each other is enforced, which in turn drives the two semicircular parts of the brush head as described in the previous section in a manner enabling the first type of brushing movement.

[0053] Fig. 13 shows a portion of a toothbrush according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, generally designated reference numeral 510. In this fourth embodiment, like elements have been designated by like reference numbers and perform the same functions unless otherwise indicated. The toothbrush 510 again includes the brush head 512, which in turn includes the first and second hemispherical head portion 514, 516 disposed at the end of the support sleeve 524, which may be part of the external handle or toothbrush body 510. Brush head 510, as in previous the embodiments are preferably covered with bristles (not shown) or its functional equivalent. The first and second hemispheres 514, 516 are slightly apart from each other, as a result, a channel 518 is created to provide access to the first and second drive springs 520, 522 to the interior of the head. In this fourth embodiment, the first and second drive shafts 520, 522 are concentrically arranged one in the other, and further concentrically in the support sleeve 524. The first and second drive shafts 520, 522 form a part of the toothbrush drive 510. The drive further includes a transmission mechanism in in the form of a first bevel gear 542 attached to the first drive shaft 520 and a second bevel gear 544 connected to it, which is mounted on an axis 546. One of the ends of the axle is attached to a corresponding semicircular portion of the head 514, 516. The axis 546 is located in the support 576 attached on the free end of the second drive shaft 522,

[0054] It should be noted that driving the first drive shaft 520 independently of the second drive shaft 522 causes the semi-circular parts of the head 514, 516 to rotate around the first axis corresponding to the longitudinal axis axis 546, thereby allowing the first type of movement of the brushing head 512. If the first drive shaft 520 is then stopped and the second drive shaft 522 is independently driven, the entire axle 546, due to being mounted on the bracket 576, will rotate about a second axis corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the first and second drive shaft 520, 522 Rotation of the axis 546 will cause the pair of semicircular portions of the head 514, 516 to rotate simultaneously, and thus provide a second type of brushing motion. The first and second axis around which the 512 head rotates

[0055] It should be noted that any suitable mechanism, for example one or two electric motors (not shown) or the like may be used to drive the first and second drive spindles 520, 522, but this has not been shown. It should also be noted that instead of continuously driving the first and / or second drive shaft 520, 522 in one direction, any one of the drive shafts may be oscillated in order to make a similar oscillating movement of the brush head 512 within the first or the second type of brushing motion. .

[0056] Figs. 14-16 show a fifth embodiment of a toothbrush according to the present invention, generally designated reference number 610. In this fifth embodiment, similar elements have been designated by like reference numbers and perform the same functions unless otherwise indicated.

[0057] The toothbrush 610 again includes a substantially spherical head 612, however, only its internal mechanisms are shown in Figs. 14 and 16, and it is completely omitted in Fig. 15. Figs. 14-16 show the basic internal mechanisms of the toothbrush 610; it should be noted that during operation they will be housed in a suitable housing, preferably including a handle, a section with space for a battery or the like and circuits associated with the action of a toothbrush 610.

[0058] The toothbrush 610 includes a first drive shaft 620 and a second drive shaft 622 that are concentrically arranged. The toothbrush 610, however, includes only one motor 630 capable of - as described in the following - for driving both drive shafts 620, 622. To this end, the toothbrush 610 includes a coupling 680 which is mounted on shaft 634 of the first motor 630 and rotates with him. The coupling 680 may be of any suitable form, for example a friction clutch, a magnetic coupling or any functional equivalent thereof. In this embodiment, the clutch 680 is a friction clutch and includes a first clutch disc 682 attached to the motor shaft 634 and rotating with it as well as to the first drive shaft 620. The clutch 680 further includes a second clutch disc 684, which is located at the free end of the sleeve 686, displaced along the second drive shaft 622 for engaging and disengaging the first and second clutch discs 682, 684. In Fig. 14 the clutch 680 is shown in the disengaged state, whereas in Fig. 15 the clutch 680 is shown in coupled state. The disengaged condition of the motor 630 causes only the first drive shaft 620 to be driven; in the engaged state, the motor 630, via the coupling 680, synchronously drives both the first and the second drive shaft 620, 622, as described in detail in the further part of the document. The clutch 680 is shown in the engaged condition. The disengaged condition of the motor 630 causes only the first drive shaft 620 to be driven; in the engaged state, the motor 630, via the coupling 680, synchronously drives both the first and the second drive shaft 620, 622, as described in detail in the further part of the document. The clutch 680 is shown in the engaged condition. The disengaged condition of the motor 630 causes only the first drive shaft 620 to be driven; in the engaged state, the motor 630, via the coupling 680, synchronously drives both the first and the second drive shaft 620, 622, as described in detail in the further part of the document.

[0059] It is clearly indicated in Fig. 16 that the first drive shaft 620 is attached to the first clutch disc 682 and rotates with it. The second drive shaft 622 is hollow and, after the toothbrush 610 is assembled, it surrounds the first drive shaft 620. The second drive shaft 622 includes the first section 687 and the second section 688 separated by the shoulder 689. The second section 688 has an elongated slot 690, and the first section 688 687 has a threaded end 691.

which is slid onto the second section 688 until it rests against the shoulder 689. The spring is compressed and its end opposite the shoulder 689 passes through the unrelshiped bolt 696 placed in the sleeve 686. The unscrewed screw 696 can then be inserted through the side wall of the sleeve 686 into the elongated slot 690. The unluck screw 696 prevents the spring 695 from being stretched and maintains its tension. The entire assembly is then placed on the first drive shaft 622, as shown in Fig. 15, and the head 612 is mounted on drive shafts 620, 622 according to Fig. 14. The interior of the head 612 includes a first bevel gear 642, the threading of which is in contact with the free the end of the first shaft 620, as well as a second bevel gear 644 mounted on axis 646 located on the bracket 676.

With reference to the operation of the toothbrush 610 and to Fig. 15, the engaged position of the coupling 680 can influence the first type of brushing movement. In this mode of operation, the motor 630 drives the first drive shaft 620, which in turn drives the clutch 680, resulting in synchronized rotation of the outer drive shaft 622. This is due to the position of the unscrew screw 696 in the elongated slot 690 that secures the sleeve 686 on the second drive shaft. 622 for the purpose of rotation, but permits longitudinal displacement of the sleeve 686 with respect to the second drive shaft 622, as the non-wire screw 696 can slide up and down the elongated slot 690 while simultaneously opposing the action of the spring 695 compressed. The compressed spring 695 presses the sleeve 686 and in particular the second clutch disc 684, to the first clutch disc 682 to maintain the coupled clutch position 680. Since the two drive shafts 620, 622 rotate uniformly, both the 646 axle support bracket 676 and the first bevel gear 642 mounted on the first drive shaft 620 rotate together. As a result, the brush head 612 rotates about an axis corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the first and second drive shaft 620, 622 to activate the first type of brushing motion. The rotation of the first bevel gear 642 with the bracket 676 and at the same speed prevents rotation of the second bevel gear 644 on the axis 646. If the first bevel gear 642 is stationary,

[0062] According to Fig. 14, to disengage the coupling 680, the sleeve 686 is pulled away from the clutch disc 680 against the action of the spring 695. A suitable support mechanism (not shown) can be used to prevent the sleeve 686 from engaging the clutch disc 682. This mechanism may be in any form, e.g. one or more ratchets (not shown) on the outside of the sleeve 686 or any other suitable functional equivalent thereof. Such a retaining mechanism should preferably allow for manual disconnection of the toothbrush 610 from the outside, although it should be noted that an electronic release mechanism can be used. Similarly, a switch / lever or similar device (not shown) that could move the sleeve 686 between the engaged and disengaged positions,

[0063] After disengagement of the clutch 680, the motor 630 drives only the first drive shaft 620, and thus the first bevel gear 642 is driven, while the bracket 676 remains stationary. Thus, a second conical gear 644 is driven, which then rotates the two semicircular portions of the head (not shown), mounted on one of the axle ends 646, about an axis corresponding to the longitudinal axis 646. This simultaneous rotation of the hemispherical parts of the head makes it possible to obtain a second type a brushing motion whose direction is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the first type of brushing motion.

[0064] It should be noted that while the first and second types of brushing movements occur substantially parallel to each other and will always be carried out in this way, it may be necessary to orientate these movements taking into account the user's teeth. In the case of the first type of brushing motion, the user always knows in which direction the brush head 612 rotates, because it rotates about an axis that corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the first and second drive shaft 620, 622 located inside the toothbrush holder or handle, which can be a reference point. However, the angular orientation of the axis 646 on which the semicircular portions of the head rotate within the second type of motion is not apparent to the user activating the second type of brushing motion, because the axis is inside the brush head 612. It would be desirable to align the axle 646 substantially perpendicular to the surface of the user's teeth for the duration of the second type of brushing motion, in particular when brushing the anterior or posterior surface of the anterior teeth. It is therefore necessary for the axle 646 to be in a predetermined location after disengagement of the clutch 680 in order to activate a second type of brushing movement. For this reason, the toothbrush 610 is provided with positioning mechanisms, which are partly a truncated end 693 and an incision 694. The positioning mechanisms further include a pin 697 attached to the inner surface of the outer casing or body (not shown) to the toothbrush 610, during operation. in which the first and second drive shaft 620, 622 are located in use. The pin 697 is located slightly higher than the beveled end 693 of the sleeve 686 when the clutch 680 is in the engaged position. It is therefore to be noted that after pulling the sleeve 686 away from the clutch disc 682 to the disengaged position, the truncated end 693 is in contact with the pin 697 and the two elements act like a cam and a plunger. This makes it necessary to rotate the sleeve 686 around the pin 697, which in turn causes the second drive shaft 622 to rotate, and consequently also the support 676 and the axle 646. The sleeve 686 rotates until the incision 694 is aligned with the pin 697 which in it will not fit. This corresponds to the fully disengaged position of the coupling 680, which is maintained in this position by means of support mechanisms (not shown) described above. Because the pin 697 is attached to the outside of the toothbrush 610, after fully disengaging the clutch 680, regardless of the initial position of the second drive shaft 622, when the clutch 680 was first shifted from the engaged position to the disengaged position, the final position of the sleeve 686 and consequently also the axis 646, remains unchanged. This designates a reference point against which the user can determine the direction of the second type of brushing motion and allows to properly orient the second type of brushing movement relative to the user's teeth. On the outside of the toothbrush body, a simple mark or similar element may be provided to indicate this reference point; in addition, the toothbrush can be orientated relative to its specific part,

[0065] It should be noted that, where appropriate, similar or positioning mechanisms or functional equivalents thereof can be used in any of the other embodiments of the invention as described herein.

[0066] Figs. 17-18 show a sixth embodiment of a toothbrush according to the present invention, generally designated reference numeral 710. In this sixth embodiment, similar elements have been designated by like reference numbers and perform the same functions unless otherwise indicated.

[0067] A toothbrush fragment 710 is shown: a head 712 and a drive in the form of drive shafts 720,722 placed in the support sleeve 724, which however is not shown in Fig. 17. The head 712 covers the first and second hemispherical portion of the head 714, 716 on which there is bristles 728. The first drive shaft 720 is concentrically located within the second drive shaft 722, which in turn is arranged concentrically in the support sleeve 724. A ring 776 protrudes from the free end of the second drive shaft 776 in the shape and dimensions corresponding to the edges of the semi-circular parts of the head. 714, 716, with which the edges of the semicircular portions of the head 714, 716 are in contact and on which they rotate.

At the free end of the first drive shaft 722, the first bevel gear 742 is mounted, and the second bevel gear 744 engaging with it is mounted on the axis 746 at which one of the semi-circular parts of the head 714, 716 is mounted on one of the free ends. By virtue of this independent rotation of the first drive shaft 722, the semi-circular portion of the head 714, 716 rotates around a first axis corresponding to the longitudinal axis axis 746, the annular support 776 acting as a bearing or sleeve helping to obtain the first type of brushing motion. Similarly, independent rotation of the second drive shaft 722 causes rotation of the bracket 776 and consequently simultaneous rotation of the semi-circular parts of the head 714, 716 around the second axis, corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the first and second drive shaft 720, 722, helping to obtain a second type of brushing movement. In contrast to the previous embodiments, the annular bracket 776 closes the channel between the semicircular portions of the head 714, 716, thereby preventing the ingress of foreign matter into the interior of the head 712.

[0069] The action of the toothbrush 10,110, 210, 310, 510, 610, 710 can be controlled by means of suitable mechanisms. The brush can be fully controlled manually using a four- or eight-point switch. The 10,110, 210, 310, 510, 610, 710 toothbrush can also be operated semi-automatically by means of a combination of automatic and manual controls.

[0070] Manual four-point switching enables convenient brushing directly from the gums at all locations in the mouth. It also allows comfortable brushing the tongue in the forward direction only. The table below shows examples of actions assigned to individual switch positions, enabling the brush head to rotate in the indicated plane and direction:

<td>Switch position</td><td>Direction</td><td>Plane</td>

<td>Midnight</td><td>Right</td><td>vertical</td>

<td>South</td><td>Left</td><td>vertical</td>

<td>East</td><td>Right</td><td>Landscape</td>

<td>West</td><td>Left</td><td>Landscape</td>

[0071] Manual eight-point switching provides the same control method as the four-point switching and additionally allows replication of brushing by a modified vibration method. The table below shows examples of actions assigned to individual switch positions, enabling the brush head to rotate simultaneously in the indicated planes and directions:

Switch position. Rotation of the brush

NW

Northeast

SW

Southeast

Right in the vertical plane and left in the horizontal plane

Right in the vertical plane and right in the horizontal plane

Left in the vertical plane and right in the horizontal plane

Left in the vertical plane and right in the horizontal plane [0072] Within the above-mentioned positioning mechanisms, gravitational switches can be used, thanks to which the direction of rotation in the vertical plane will be selected automatically. This makes it easier to brushing the back of the upper and lower anterior teeth, because the brush head automatically rotates in the correct direction after placing the device in the correct orientation for cleaning the back of the upper and lower anterior teeth.

[0073] Manual or automatic switching mode can be selected by the user.

For example, you can use a switch to select automatic mode and disable manual mode. The user could in this case only manually control the movement of the brush head to the right or to the left in the horizontal plane. This simplifies the use of the 10,110, 210, 310, 510, 610, 710 toothbrush by the operator.

[0074] The brushing movement of the toothbrush 10,110, 210, 310, 510, 610, 710 can also be controlled fully automatically. For example, the brushing motion sequences may be stored in a memory chip in a toothbrush 10, 110; 210, 310, 510, 610, 710 and selected automatically or manually by the user before brushing. Saved brushing sequences can, for example, take into account the brushing of teeth, gums and the tongue of a child or the teeth, gums and language of an adult.

[0075] It should be noted that the drive mechanism may have any mechanical system that provides the necessary properties, not necessarily identical to those described herein.

[0076] It should be noted that the toothbrush can be used to clean the teeth, gums, tongue and other parts of the mouth in humans, animals and other creatures.

It should be noted that the toothbrush can be used to clean any other surface with the required properties.

[0077] The vertical plane is the plane through which the longitudinal axis of the brush axis passes and the horizontal planes are perpendicular to this vertical plane.

It should be noted that the vertical and horizontal planes can be any other plane substantially perpendicular to one another in which the toothbrush can rotate.

[0078] It should also be noted that the head drive can be provided by any suitable mechanisms, for example using some form of hydraulic systems. In addition, the sleeve connecting the toothbrush body to the head may include a flexible or deformable joint that allows bending at a right angle to the toothbrush body.