U.S. patent application number 14/956017 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-02 for oral irrigator.
The applicant listed for this patent is WATER PIK, INC.. Invention is credited to Blaine Hanson, Jonathan Huber, Harold A. Luettgen, Oscar Senff, Brian Woodard.
Application Number | 20160151133 14/956017 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55168352 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160151133 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Luettgen; Harold A. ; et
al. |
June 2, 2016 |
ORAL IRRIGATOR
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to an oral irrigator. In one
embodiment, the oral irrigator includes a motor, a pump body, a
connecting rod, and a diaphragm seal. The connecting rod is at
least partially received within the pump body and is movably
connected to the motor such that the motor moves the connecting rod
between a first position and a second position within the pump
body. The diaphragm seal is connected to the connecting rod and the
pump body and deforms from a first orientation to a second
orientation as the connecting rod moves from the first position to
the second position.
Inventors: |
Luettgen; Harold A.;
(Windsor, CO) ; Senff; Oscar; (Broomfield, CO)
; Woodard; Brian; (Fort Collins, CO) ; Hanson;
Blaine; (Fort Collins, CO) ; Huber; Jonathan;
(Longmont, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WATER PIK, INC. |
Fort Collins |
CO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55168352 |
Appl. No.: |
14/956017 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62132319 |
Mar 12, 2015 |
|
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|
62086051 |
Dec 1, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
433/80 ;
417/437 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 2204/002 20130101;
A61C 17/0202 20130101; F04B 23/02 20130101; F04B 17/03 20130101;
F04B 53/14 20130101; F04B 53/16 20130101; A61C 17/224 20130101;
F04B 19/22 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61C 17/02 20060101
A61C017/02; F04B 19/22 20060101 F04B019/22; F04B 53/02 20060101
F04B053/02; F04B 53/14 20060101 F04B053/14; F04B 53/16 20060101
F04B053/16; F04B 17/03 20060101 F04B017/03; F04B 23/02 20060101
F04B023/02 |
Claims
1. An oral irrigator pump comprising: a motor; a pump body; a
connecting rod at least partially received within the pump body and
movably connected to the motor, wherein the motor moves the
connecting rod between a first position and a second position
within the pump body; and a diaphragm seal sealing connected to the
connecting rod and to the pump body, wherein the diaphragm seal
deforms from a first orientation to a second orientation as the
connecting rod moves from the first position to the second
position.
2. The oral irrigator of claim 1, wherein a first portion of the
diaphragm seal contacting the pump body and a second portion of the
diaphragm seal contacting the connecting rod remains the same
between the first position and the second position.
3. The oral irrigator of claim 1, further comprising a lower
housing connected to the pump body, wherein a periphery of the
diaphragm seal is compressed between the lower housing and the pump
body to connect the diaphragm seal to the pump body.
4. The oral irrigator of claim 3, wherein the periphery of the
diaphragm seal comprises a beaded flange.
5. The oral irrigator of claim 3, wherein the diaphragm seal is
overmolded to at least one of the connecting rod or the lower
housing.
6. The oral irrigator of claim 1, wherein the diaphragm seal
comprises a rod aperture; and an engagement wall surrounding the
rod aperture; wherein the connecting rod is received through the
rod aperture; and the engagement wall contacts and seals against an
outer surface of the connecting rod.
7. The oral irrigator of claim 6, wherein the connecting rod
further comprises a first annular rib and a second annular rib,
wherein the engagement wall is positioned between the first annular
rib and the second annular rib.
8. An oral irrigator comprising: a reservoir; a tip fluidly
connected to the reservoir; a motor having a drive shaft; a pump
fluidly connected to the reservoir and the tip, the pump comprising
a pump body including a pump inlet fluidly connected to the
reservoir and a pump outlet fluidly connected to the tip; a pinion
gear placed on the drive shaft and including a plurality of pinion
gear teeth that curve along their length; a driven gear including a
plurality of driven gear teeth that mesh with the pinion gear
teeth, wherein the pinion gear teeth and the driven gear teeth are
spiral gears with beveled edges; a connecting rod eccentrically
connected to the driven gear; and a piston connected to a first end
of the connecting rod and received within the pump body, wherein
movement of the drive shaft of the motor causes the pinion gear to
rotate, which causes the driven gear to rotate, translating the
connecting rod and moving the piston laterally within the pump body
to pull fluid from the reservoir and push the fluid to the tip.
9. An oral irrigator comprising: a handle fluidly connected to a
reservoir; and a tip latch assembly connected to the handle
comprising a latch with an integrally formed biasing structure and
at least one prong selectively movable from an engaged position to
a disengaged position; and a tip release button engaging at least
one surface of the latch; wherein a force on the tip release button
causes the tip release button to exert a force against the at least
one surface of the latch, overcoming a biasing force exerted by the
biasing structure and causing the at least one prong to move from
the engaged position to the disengaged position; and when the force
is removed from the tip release button, the biasing structure
exerts the biasing force on the tip release button as the at least
one prong moves from the disengaged position back to the engaged
position.
10. The oral irrigator of claim 9, wherein the latch comprises a
first engagement arm extending from a first end of the biasing
structure and a second engagement arm extending from a second end
of the biasing structure.
11. The oral irrigator of claim 10, wherein the at least one prong
comprises a first prong extending from the first engagement arm and
a second prong extending from the second engagement arm.
12. A waterproof oral irrigator comprising: a body comprising a
front shell and a rear shell connected together to define a cavity;
an interior housing received within the cavity; a control assembly
connected to an outer surface of the interior housing and
positioned between an interior surface of the rear shell and the
interior housing; and a first sealing member connected to the front
shell and the interior housing and surrounds the control
assembly.
13. The waterproof oral irrigator of claim 12, wherein the interior
housing comprises a first sealing flange extending from the outer
surface, wherein the control assembly is surrounded by the first
sealing flange and the first sealing member is positioned around
the first sealing flange; and the front shell comprises a first
sealing feature extending from the interior surface; wherein the
first sealing feature fits around the first sealing flange and the
first sealing member to define a first waterproof compartment.
14. The waterproof oral irrigator of claim 12, wherein the interior
housing comprises an upper housing and a lower housing, wherein the
first sealing flange extends from an outer surface of the upper
housing.
15. The waterproof oral irrigator of claim 14, further comprising a
second sealing flange extending from an outer surface of the lower
housing and positioned below the second sealing flange; a second
sealing feature extending from an interior surface of the front
shell; and a second sealing member positioned around the second
sealing flange; wherein the second sealing feature is fits over the
second sealing flange and the second sealing member to define a
second waterproof compartment.
16. The waterproof oral irrigator of claim 15, further comprising:
a seal connected to an interior surface of the interior housing;
and a battery cap connected to a bottom end of the interior housing
and positioned within the cavity defined by the body, wherein the
seal, the battery cap, and the interior housing define a third
waterproof compartment.
17. The waterproof oral irrigator of claim 16, further comprising a
vent coupled to the battery cap, wherein the vent allows gasses to
pass therethrough.
18. An oral irrigation assembly comprising: an oral irrigator
comprising a housing; at least one rechargeable battery received
within the housing; and at least one housing magnet connected to
the housing; and a charging unit selectively connectable to the
housing of the oral irrigator and configured to provide a charge to
the at least one rechargeable battery, the charging unit comprising
at least one charger magnet connected to the charging unit; wherein
the at least one housing magnet and the at least one charger magnet
cooperate to removably connect the charging unit to the housing of
the oral irrigator.
19. The oral irrigation system of claim 18, wherein the oral
irrigator comprises a secondary charging coil; and the charging
unit comprises a primary charging coil, wherein at least one of the
secondary charging coil or the primary charging coil include a
plurality of twisted copper wires.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/086,051 filed Dec. 1, 2014 and entitled
"Waterproof Cordless Oral Irrigator," and to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/132,319 filed Mar. 12, 2015 and entitled
"Waterproof Cordless Oral Irrigator," the disclosures of which are
hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to health and personal
hygiene equipment and more particularly, to oral irrigators.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Oral irrigators typically are 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.
Many oral irrigators include electrical components, such as
batteries, a motor, or the like. For example, typically oral
irrigators include a motor driven pump that pumps fluid from a
reservoir to the tip. Often oral irrigators are used in a wet
environment, such as a bathroom and some users may even take the
irrigators into the shower or bath, but conventional oral
irrigators are not waterproof, merely water resistant. Hence,
conventional oral irrigators may be protected from splashes and
incidental fluid contact, but as they are not waterproof may not
protect electronic components when submersed in water or exposed to
large amounts of water. When water and other fluids reach the
electronic components, the fluids can cause the oral irrigator to
malfunction and may even prevent the oral irrigator from operating
completely. As such, there is a need for an oral irrigator that is
waterproof.
SUMMARY
[0004] One example of the present disclosure may take the form of
an oral irrigator pump. The oral irrigator pump may include a
motor, a pump body, a connecting rod, and a diaphragm seal. The
connecting rod may be at least partially received within the pump
body and movably connected to the motor and the motor moves the
connecting rod between a first position and a second position
within the pump body. As the connecting rod moves from the first
position to the second position, the diaphragm seal deforms from a
first orientation to a second orientation.
[0005] Another example of the present disclosure may take the form
of an oral irrigator. The oral irrigator may include a reservoir, a
tip fluidly connected to the reservoir, a motor having a drive
shaft, and a pump fluidly connected to the reservoir and the tip.
The pump may include a pump body including a pump inlet fluidly
connected to the reservoir and a pump outlet fluidly connected to
the tip, a pinion gear placed on the drive shaft and including a
plurality of pinion gear teeth that curve along their length, and a
driven gear including a plurality of driven gear teeth that mesh
with the pinion gear teeth. In this embodiment, the pinion gear
teeth and the driven gear teeth are spiral gears with beveled
edges. The pump may also include a connecting rod eccentrically
connected to the driven gear and a piston connected to a first end
of the connecting rod and received within the pump body. In
operation, movement of the drive shaft of the motor causes the
pinion gear to rotate, which causes the driven gear to rotate,
translating the connecting rod and moving the piston laterally
within the pump body to pull fluid from the reservoir and push the
fluid to the tip.
[0006] Yet another example of the present disclosure may take the
form of an oral irrigator including a handle fluidly connected to a
reservoir and a tip latch assembly connected to the handle. The tip
latch assembly may include a latch with an integrally formed
biasing structure and at least one prong selectively movable from
an engaged position to a disengaged position. The tip latch
assembly may also include a tip release button engaging at least
one surface of the latch. To operate the latch, a user exerts a
force on the tip release button, which causes the tip release
button to exert a force against the at least one surface of the
latch, overcoming a biasing force exerted by the biasing structure
and causing the at least one prong to move from the engaged
position to the disengaged position. When the user removes the
force from the tip release button, the biasing structure exerts the
biasing force on the tip release button as the at least one prong
moves from the disengaged position back to the engaged
position.
[0007] Another example of the present disclosure may take the form
of a waterproof oral irrigator. The waterproof oral irrigator may
include a body including a front shell and a rear shell connected
together to define a cavity, an interior housing received within
the cavity, and a control assembly connected to an outer surface of
the interior housing and positioned between an interior surface of
the front shell and the interior housing. The waterproof oral
irrigator may also include a first sealing member connected to the
front shell and the interior housing, where the first sealing
member surrounds the control assembly.
[0008] Yet another example of the present disclosure may take the
form of an oral irrigation assembly including an oral irrigator and
a charging unit. The oral irrigator includes a housing, at least
one rechargeable battery received within the housing, and at least
one housing magnet connected to the housing. The charging unit is
selectively connectable to the housing of the oral irrigator and is
configured to provide a charge to the at least one rechargeable
battery. The charging unit includes at least one charger magnet
connected to the charging unit, such that the at least one housing
magnet and the at least one charger magnet cooperate to removably
connect the charging unit to the housing of the oral irrigator.
[0009] While multiple examples are disclosed, still other examples
of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in
the art from the following detailed description, which shows and
describes illustrative examples of the invention. As will be
realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various
aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed
description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not
restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1A is a front isometric view of an oral irrigator.
[0011] FIG. 1B is a side elevation view of the oral irrigator.
[0012] FIG. 1C is a rear elevation view of the oral irrigator.
[0013] FIG. 2A is a front elevation view of the oral irrigator with
a charging unit connected thereto.
[0014] FIG. 2B is a side elevation view of the oral irrigator with
the charging unit connected thereto.
[0015] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the oral irrigator.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a rear isometric view of a front shell for the
oral irrigator.
[0017] FIG. 5A is a cross-section view of the oral irrigator taken
along line 5A-5A in FIG. 1B.
[0018] FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the cross-section view of
FIG. 5A.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the oral irrigator with
select elements removed.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the oral irrigator of
FIG. 6.
[0021] FIG. 8A is a cross-section view of the oral irrigator taken
along line 8A-8A in FIG. 1A.
[0022] FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of the cross-section view of
FIG. 8A.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of the oral irrigator taken
along line 9-9 in FIG. 10.
[0024] FIG. 10A is an isometric view of the drive assembly and the
pump assembly with certain elements removed from clarity.
[0025] FIG. 10B is a cross-section view of the drive and pump
assemblies taken along line 10B-10B in FIG. 10A.
[0026] FIG. 11A is a top isometric view of a diaphragm seal of the
oral irrigator.
[0027] FIG. 11B is a cross-section view of the diaphragm seal taken
along line 11B-11B in FIG. 11A.
[0028] FIG. 11C is a cross-section view of a diaphragm seal
included a beaded engagement wall taken along a line similar to
11B-11B in FIG. 11A.
[0029] FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-section view of the oral
irrigator similar to FIG. 5A.
[0030] FIG. 13A is an isometric view of a tip latch assembly for
the oral irrigator.
[0031] FIG. 13B is a cross-section view of the tip latch assembly
taken along line 13B-13B in FIG. 13A.
[0032] FIG. 14 is an enlarged top isometric view of the oral
irrigator with the tip collar removed for clarity.
[0033] FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the oral irrigator of FIG.
14.
[0034] FIG. 16A is an isometric view of a latch chassis for the tip
latch assembly for the oral irrigator.
[0035] FIG. 16B is an isometric view of a latch for the tip latch
assembly for the oral irrigator.
[0036] FIG. 16C is a top-front isometric view of the latch of FIG.
16B.
[0037] FIG. 17 is a top isometric view of a tip release button for
the tip latch assembly for the oral irrigator.
[0038] FIG. 18A is a top isometric view of a tip collar for the tip
latch assembly for the oral irrigator.
[0039] FIG. 18B is a bottom isometric view of the tip collar of
FIG. 18A.
[0040] FIG. 18C is a cross-section view of the tip collar taken
along line 18C-18C in FIG. 18A.
[0041] FIG. 19 is a rear isometric view of a charging unit for the
oral irrigator.
[0042] FIG. 20 is a cross-section view of the charging unit taken
along line 20-20 in FIG. 19.
[0043] FIG. 21 is an exploded view of a coil assembly for the
charging unit of FIG. 20.
[0044] FIG. 22 is an isometric view of the charging unit connected
to the oral irrigator with select components removed for
clarity.
[0045] FIG. 23A is a partial cross-section enlarged view of the
oral irrigator similar to FIG. 12 during an upstroke of the pumping
assembly.
[0046] FIG. 23B is a partial cross-section enlarged view similar to
FIG. 23A during a transition between the upstroke position and
down-stroke position.
[0047] FIG. 23C is a partial cross-section enlarged view similar to
FIG. 23A during a down-stroke of the pumping assembly.
[0048] FIG. 24 is a simplified view of the tip latch assembly with
select elements removed for clarity.
[0049] FIG. 25 is a cross-section view of another example of the
oral irrigator of FIG. 1 taken along line similar to line 5A-5A in
FIG. 1B.
[0050] FIG. 26 is bottom plan view of the oral irrigator of FIG. 1
including a slide latch.
[0051] FIG. 27 is an enlarged cross-section view of the oral
irrigator of FIG. 26 taken along line 27-27 in FIG. 26.
[0052] FIG. 28 is an isometric view of a latch for the slide latch
of FIG. 26.
[0053] FIG. 29 is a bottom plan view of the reservoir for the oral
irrigator of FIG. 26.
[0054] FIG. 30A is a top isometric view of a venting assembly for
the battery compartment.
[0055] FIG. 30B is a cross-sectional view of the venting assembly
of FIG. 30A taken along line 30B-30B in FIG. 30A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0056] Some examples of the present disclosure include a cordless
oral irrigator. The cordless oral irrigator may include an
integrated handle and reservoir to allow the irrigator to be held
in a user's hand without requiring cords or hoses extending to a
base station to provide fluid communication to a reservoir and/or
electrical communication to a power source. The oral irrigator of
the present disclosure may include a body, a tip, a reservoir, a
control panel, a power source, and a drive assembly. The power
source in many embodiments will be a battery or other rechargeable
component that can provide portable electricity to the drive
assembly. However, it should be noted that multiple aspects of the
present disclosure can be incorporated into a countertop oral
irrigator.
[0057] The oral irrigator may include a number of waterproofing
elements that help to ensure that water (and other fluids) do not
enter into certain compartments or reach certain components, e.g.,
the motor and battery. In one example, the oral irrigator may
include three separate waterproof compartments, one for the control
assembly, one for a charging assembly, and one for the motor and
batteries. The waterproofing elements may allow the oral irrigator
to be waterproof and be able to function even if dropped into a
meter or more of water. The waterproofing elements seal the outer
surface of the oral irrigator to prevent water from entering into
the internal compartments, as well seal internal compartments
within the irrigator, so that if there are internal leaks within
the oral irrigator, fluid from the reservoir, pump, and/or tip does
not damage any electrical components. The waterproofing elements
are discussed in more detail below, but some examples include seals
between the control panel and the body or housing, overmolded
buttons on the control panel, and ultrasonically welding a portion
of the control panel to the body of the oral irrigator.
Alternatively or additionally, the oral irrigator may include
components that are coated with a super-hydrophobic coating to help
protect electronic components from damage. The waterproofing
elements allow the oral irrigator to receive an IPX7 waterproof
rating under the International Protection Marking standard, which
means that the device is suitable in immersion in fluid up to 1
meter.
[0058] In some embodiments the drive assembly may include a motor,
a pump, and a linkage connecting the pump to the motor. The linkage
may include a pinion gear and a driven gear, with the pinion gear
being received around a drive shaft of the motor and the driven
gear meshing with the pinion gear. In one example the driven gear
and the pinion gear are bevel gears mounted on shafts arranged
approximately 90 degrees relative to one another. The gears of the
linkage may be configured to transmit an eccentric motion to the
pump, which will be discussed in more detail below. In one
embodiment, both the pinion gear and the driven gear may include
helical or spiral-shaped gear teeth. That is, the gear teeth on
both gears may be curved along their length. The spiral shape of
the pinion gear and the driven gear of the present disclosure,
although they may be more difficult to machine and manufacture,
have a reduced noise level as compared to straight teeth gears.
[0059] Conventional oral irrigating devices typically include
gears, such as crown gears, with substantially straight gear teeth
having a 90 degree pitch cone. Crown gears are relatively easy to
manufacture, allow larger tolerances, and have a high efficiency,
but with crown gears only one set of teeth carries the load at a
time. In particular, with straight cut gears (such as crown gears),
the load cannot be distributed. On the contrary, with the spiral
shape of the gears of the present disclosure, multiple teeth can
carry the load at a time, which increases the load that can be
handled by the linkage, as well as makes the gears less susceptible
to failure.
[0060] The spiral shape of the gear teeth further have effectively
larger sized teeth as compared to a similarly sized crown gear
since the teeth extend diagonally rather than straight across.
Also, the angle of the teeth of the gears engages more gradually,
since the pitch is less than 90 degrees. The gradual engagement of
the teeth of the spiral gears reduces the noise, as well as allows
the gears to mesh more smoothly. Spiral gears have an increased
durability as compared to crown gears and therefore have improved
reliability and create less noise. However, spiral gears require
tight tolerances to manufacture as the axial, radial, and vertical
positions, as well as the shaft angle, should be correct to allow
the gear to run smoothly and avoid excessive wear. Further, spiral
gears have a greater sliding friction as compared to crown gears
and therefore may be less efficient than crown gears.
[0061] In some embodiments, the oral irrigator may include a
diaphragm seal that seals the pump from the electrical components
of the oral irrigator (e.g., the motor and the power source). The
diaphragm seal connects to a piston rod or connecting rod of the
pump that moves a piston to pump fluid from the reservoir to the
tip. The diaphragm seal includes a rod aperture through which the
piston rod is received. The diaphragm seal is secured to the
position rod and is secured to a pump body or other location along
an exterior of the pump. The diaphragm is connected so that as the
connecting rod moves to drive the piston, the diaphragm moves
correspondingly, but does not rub against any surfaces as it moves.
This increases the durability of the diaphragm as it reduces wear
due to friction and, because the diaphragm does not experience
friction during use, the diaphragm does not reduce the efficiency
of the pump.
[0062] The oral irrigator may also include a removably attachable
charging device. The charging device may selectively attach to the
body and charge the power source, such as the battery, when
connected. As an example, the charging device may include one or
more magnets that magnetically couple to one or more body magnets
positioned with the body of the oral irrigator. When the charging
device is connected to the body, a first induction coil of the
charging device is positioned to align with a second induction coil
in the body of the oral irrigator so as to induce a current flow in
the second induction coil. In some embodiments, the charging device
may generally conform to the shape of the oral irrigator body. This
allows the charging device to more securely connect to the body, as
well as provide an aesthetically pleasing uniform appearance
between the body of the oral irrigator and the charger. Further,
the charger may also include a plurality of cooling grooves defined
on a side of the charger housing. The cooling grooves allow airflow
between the oral irrigator and the charger when the oral irrigator
is charging, which dissipates heat and helps to prevent damage to
components, such as the housing of the irrigator and/or charger,
due to the heat generated by the coils during charging.
Overview of the Oral Irrigator
[0063] Turning to the figures, FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate various views
of an oral irrigator 100 in accordance with the present disclosure,
FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the oral irrigator 100 with a removable
charger attached thereto, FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the oral
irrigator 100 of FIG. 1A. With reference now to FIGS. 1A-1C, the
oral irrigator 100 may include a body 102, a reservoir 104, a tip
106, and a control panel 108. The removable tip 106 connects to the
body 102 and is releasable through a tip release button 120. A tip
collar 110 may surround the tip 106 at the connection to the body
102. The various components of the oral irrigator will be discussed
in more detail below.
[0064] The body 102 may be contoured to comfortably fit in the hand
of a user. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C the body 102 may
include a broad bottom that tapers upward to form a waist having a
smaller diameter than the bottom, the body 102 then expands
outwards again to form a top portion. The location of the waist may
be selected so as to be about three-quarters of the height from the
bottom of the body 102, or in other locations that may be desired
or determined comfortable for a user's hand to grip the irrigator
100. The shape of the body 102 may also be selected to be a shape
that is aesthetically appealing, while still allowing a user to
comfortably grip the body 102.
[0065] The body 102 may also include one or more gripping elements.
As one example, the body 102 may include a grip surface 118 (see
FIG. 10) on a back surface of the body 102. The grip surface 118
includes a plurality of raised ridges, bumps, or other features,
that increase the friction coefficient of the body 102 to help a
user hold the body 102 without slipping. Other gripping features
may be defined on other elements of the irrigator 100, such as the
reservoir 104, tip collar 110, and so on, as discussed in more
detail below.
[0066] With reference to FIG. 3, the body 102 may include a front
shell 138 and a back shell 140 that connect together to form the
outer housing for the irrigator 100. The two shells 138, 140 may be
connected together to define a cavity that receives various
internal components of the oral irrigator 100, e.g., the drive
assembly and power assembly. The shells 138, 140 may be configured
with various internal features that are configured to receive and
support various components of the irrigator 100, as well as
features that allow the two shells to connect together in a sealing
manner. In one embodiment, the front shell 138 may be somewhat
longer than the rear shell 140 as the rear shell 140 is shaped to
accommodate the reservoir 104. However, in other embodiments, the
two shells may be substantially the same length and/or shape.
[0067] The front shell 138 will now be discussed in more detail.
FIG. 4 is a rear isometric view of the front shell 138 of the body
102. With reference to FIGS. 1A, 3, and 4, the front shell 138 may
include one or more sealing features 142, 144 extending from an
interior surface 150 of the front shell 138. The sealing features
142, 144 may be generally oval shaped and define a compartment for
receiving one or more components of the oral irrigator 100, e.g.,
the control and power assemblies. The sealing features 142, 144
also are configured to accommodate one or more sealing gaskets,
such as O-rings or other sealing members, to protect the components
positioned within the sealing features 142, 144 from fluid.
[0068] The front shell 138 may further include a plurality of
connecting posts 152a-152k. The connecting posts 152a-152k may
assist in aligning the front shell 138 with the back shell 140 as
well as connecting the two shells 138, 140 together. For example,
the connecting posts 152a-152k may be configured to align with
corresponding posts on the rear shell 140 and receive fasteners,
e.g., press fit pins, screws, or other mechanisms, to secure the
posts 152a-152k of the front shell 138 with those on the rear shell
140. Some of the connecting posts 152a-152k may instead be used to
connect various internal components as well.
[0069] With continued reference to FIGS. 1A, 3, and 4, the front
shell 138 of the body 102 may also include a window panel 146. The
window panel 146 seats within an aperture formed in the front shell
138 and connects along an edge to the front shell 138.
Additionally, the front shell 138 includes a plurality of light
windows 148a, 148b, 148c, 148d. The light windows 148a, 148b, 148c,
148d may include a transparent material positioned in front or
otherwise allow light to be transmitted therethrough. The window
panel 146 may be welded ultrasonically to the body 102 once the
control assembly and power assembly have been electrically
connected together, as discussed in more detail below. Thus, the
window panel 146 allows select components of the oral irrigator to
be connected together and accessible during assembly, but after
assembly, the panel 146 can be ultrasonically welded to the front
shell 138 to prevent fluids from leaking into the body 102.
[0070] With reference to FIG. 4, the front shell 138 may also
include a plurality of cavities to receive one or more magnets
which, as described in more detail below, are used to selectively
connect the charger to the oral irrigator 100 and/or to activate
the charger. For example, a first magnet recess 446 may be defined
on an interior of the shell 138 within a portion surrounded by the
second sealing feature 144. Two magnet pockets 448a, 448b may be
defined on opposing longitudinal sides of the sealing feature 144.
It should be noted that the magnet pockets 448a, 448b may be
defined in any location as desired, but typically will be located
adjacent the location of the power assembly and circuit board 196
(see FIG. 6), so as to align the charger unit 134 with the
induction coils and other related components.
[0071] The control panel 108 may be connected to the front shell
138 of the body 102. With reference to FIGS. 1A, 2A, and 3, the
control panel 108 includes a power button 112 and a mode button 114
that provide an input mechanism to allow a user to operate the oral
irrigator 100. The two buttons 112, 114 are connected to and extend
away from the front shell 138. The two buttons 112, 114 may be
compressed to selectively change a state of the oral irrigator 100,
such as turning the irrigator 100 on or off or changing the mode of
the irrigator 100, as will be discussed in more detail below. In
one embodiment, the buttons 112, 114 are overmolded with the front
shell 138, which helps to further waterproof the oral irrigator
100. For example the buttons 112, 114 may be formed of a
thermoplastic elastomer material and the front shell 138 may be a
thermoplastic material so that when the buttons 112, 114 are molded
to the front shell 138 a chemical bond is formed so that the seal
between the buttons 112, 114 and the front shell 138 is waterproof.
The buttons 112, 114 may also include raised areas that form
contacts for switches on the control assembly as will be discussed
in more detail below.
[0072] The reservoir 104 of the oral irrigator 100 will now be
discussed in more detail. FIG. 5A is a cross-section view of the
oral irrigator 100 taken along line 5A-5A in FIG. 1B. FIG. 5B is an
enlarged view of FIG. 5A. With reference to FIGS. 1B, 10, 3, 5A,
and 5B, the reservoir 104 may be removable from the body 102 or may
be formed integrally therewith. In embodiments where the reservoir
104 is removable, the user may refill the reservoir 104 while it is
connected to the body 102 through a fill port 122 or may remove the
reservoir 104 to refill it through the port or an aperture defined
on a top end of the reservoir 104. The reservoir 104 may have a
generally L-shape body that defines a fluid cavity 154. The
horizontal extension of the reservoir 104 may include a stepped
platform 158 extending from the top surface which helps to increase
the capacity of the reservoir. In one embodiment, see, e.g., FIG.
25, the reservoir 104 may further include a latch 477 that assists
a user in removing the reservoir 104 from the oral irrigator
100.
[0073] The refill port 122 is defined as an aperture through an
outer sidewall of the reservoir 104. A port recess 132 may surround
the refill port 122 and define a generally oval shape recessed
compartment in the outer surface of the reservoir 104. A lid 124 is
movably connected to the reservoir 104 by a hinge 126. The lid 124
extends over the refill port 122 and includes a flange 164 that is
received into the port recess 132. An O-ring 156 (see FIG. 5A) sits
around the flange 164 to seal against the walls of the refill port
122.
[0074] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 5A, the reservoir 104 may
include an outer sidewall 166 with two alignment grooves 168a, 168b
(see FIG. 3) defined longitudinally along its height. The top
surface of the reservoir 104 defines a main port 160 that is
fluidly connected to the reservoir cavity 154. A reservoir lip 170
extends upwards from the top surface of the reservoir 104 and
surrounds the main port 160. The main port 160 defines a larger
diameter aperture to allow the reservoir 104, when removed, to be
filed more quickly than through the refill port 122. Additionally,
the main port 160 fluidly connects the rear shell 140 to the
reservoir 104.
[0075] The oral irrigator 100 may further include a reservoir hose
206 that extends into the reservoir 104 from a tube protrusion
feature 165 extending from a surface of the rear shell and a tube
202 that fluidly connects a pump body 200 to a reservoir hose 206
(see FIG. 6). With brief reference to FIG. 25, in some embodiments,
a filter 479 may be connected to a bottom end of the reservoir hose
206. The filter 479 may filter the fluid from the reservoir 104
prior to the fluid being provided to the tip 106.
[0076] With reference to FIG. 1B, the reservoir 104 may also
include one or more finger grips 116 defined on the outer surface.
The finger grips 116 may be recessed from the outer surface and
optionally may include one or more raised elements, such as ridges,
that assist a user in griping the reservoir 104. The finger grips
116 assist a user in removing the reservoir 104 from the body 102
and in griping the reservoir 104 when refilling it. It should be
noted that in other embodiments, the finger grips 116 may be
omitted from the oral irrigator 100 or may be positioned at other
locations on the outer surface of the irrigator.
[0077] The internal components of the oral irrigator 100 will now
be discussed in more detail. FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of
the oral irrigator of FIG. 1A with the front shell 138 and the back
shell 140 removed for clarity. FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of
the oral irrigator of FIG. 6. With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the
oral irrigator 100 may include an upper housing 184 and a lower
housing 182. The two housings 182, 184 define interior compartments
for receiving various elements of the oral irrigator 100, as well
as provide a chassis structure for anchoring components to the
outer walls thereof. Each of the housings 182, 184 may include a
raised flange 208, 210 extending from a sidewall configured to
receive a sealing member, such as gaskets 212, 214 or O-rings. The
two housings 182, 184 are configured to be connected together and
received within the body 102 and act as a chassis for the
irrigator, supporting the various components within the body.
[0078] With reference to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 12, the lower housing
182 may define a dry compartment 276 that receives components of
the pump assembly 176 and the drive assembly 178. The lower housing
182 may be fluidly sealed from the wet components of the pump
assembly 176, discussed in more detail below. The wet and dry
compartments may be aligned so as to be generally parallel with one
another, which reduces the form factor and diameter of the oral
irrigator. The lower housing 182 includes a sealing end 278 defined
on a terminal end of the lower housing 182. The sealing end 278
includes an annular groove 280 defined in a top surface thereof.
The annular groove 280 defines an outer wall 282 and an inner wall
284 on the sealing end 278 of the lower housing 182. The sealing
end 278 further defines a rod aperture 286 extending through the
top surface thereof and in communication with the dry compartment
276 of the lower housing 182.
[0079] With continued reference to FIG. 5B, the oral irrigator 100
may also include a drive mount 304. The drive mount 304 is
configured to support the motor 172 and other components of the
drive assembly 178 as discussed in more detail below. The drive
mount 304 may be a somewhat rigid member received within the lower
housing 182 and secured thereto. In other embodiments, the drive
mount 304 may be omitted and the lower housing 182 may include
integral features that may be used to secure the motor 172 to the
lower housing 182.
[0080] With reference again to FIG. 6, the oral irrigator 100 may
include a first circuit board 204 having a power switch 186, a mode
switch 188, a plurality of indicator lights 190a, 190b, 190c, 190d
and may include a processing element, such as a microprocessor. The
power switch 186 and the mode switch 188 are selected by the user
to selectively activate the irrigator 100 and to change the mode of
the irrigator 100, respectively. The indicator lights 190a, 190b,
190c, 190d, illuminate and/or vary an emitted light color to
indicate a change in status of the irrigator 100. The indicator
lights 190a, 190b, 190c, 190d may be light emitting diodes, organic
light emitting diodes, or substantially any other type of light
emitting component.
[0081] The oral irrigator 100 may include a second circuit board
196 in electrical communication with the first circuit board 204
via a plurality of connection wires 192. The second circuit board
196 may include a secondary coil assembly 194 and other components,
such as one or more electrical components (e.g., capacitors,
resistors, microprocessor, or the like), for charging the oral
irrigator 100, discussed in more detail below.
Drive and Pump Assemblies
[0082] The drive assembly 178 will now be discussed in more detail.
FIG. 8A is a cross-section view of the oral irrigator taken along
line 8A-8A in FIG. 1B. FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of the oral
irrigator of FIG. 8A. FIG. 9 is a cross-section of the oral
irrigator taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 10. FIG. 10A is an isometric
view of the drive assembly with select elements removed for
clarity. FIG. 10B is a cross-section view of the drive assembly
taken along line 10B-10B in FIG. 10A. With reference to FIGS.
8A-10B, the drive assembly 178 is configured to pump fluid from the
reservoir 104 to the tip 106. The drive assembly 178 may include a
pump assembly 176, a motor 172, and a linkage 174 interconnected
between the pump assembly 176 and the motor 172.
[0083] The motor 172 includes a drive shaft 216 connected thereto
which is rotatably driven by the motor 172. The motor 172 may be
any type of suitable motor depending on the desired output of the
oral irrigator. The linkage 174 or transmission includes a drive or
pinion gear 218, a driven gear 220, and a gear pin 224. As will be
discussed in more detail below, the linkage 174 transforms the
rotational movement of the drive shaft 216 to longitudinal movement
of a piston of the pump assembly 176.
[0084] The pinion gear 218 includes a plurality of gear teeth 230
on an outer surface or engagement surface thereof. The gear teeth
230 are spiral shape and extend along a curve from a top edge 234
of the outer surface to a bottom edge 236 of the outer surface. In
other words, rather than extending in a substantially straight
line, the gear teeth 230 wrap around a portion of the outer
perimeter of the pinion gear 218. Additionally, the pinon gear 218
may include a frustum or conical shape having a larger bottom end
diameter than a top end diameter, i.e., the pinon gear may have a
tapered shape that narrows towards the top end of the component.
The shape of the pinion gear may allow the gear teeth to mesh as
desired with the driven gear.
[0085] The driven gear 220 may be oriented at substantially a 90
degree angle with respect to the pinion gear 218. The driven gear
220 includes a plurality of gear teeth 232 extending outwards from
an engagement surface of the driven gear 220. In some embodiments,
the gear teeth 232 may also extend outwards relative to the center
of the driven gear 220 such that the outer perimeter of the gear
220 expands from the beginning of the teeth to an end point of the
teeth. The gear teeth 232 are configured to mesh with the gear
teeth 230 of the pinion gear 218. Similar to the pinion gear 218,
the gear teeth 232 of the driven gear 220 may be helically shape
and may extend at a curve from the interior of the driven gear 220
towards an outer edge of the driven gear 220. In this manner, the
gear teeth 232 start and end at an angle with respect to each
other.
[0086] In other examples, the gears 218, 220 may be hypoid gears
having curved teeth, but with shaft axes that are offset from one
another. Also, it should be noted that in some embodiments,
different types of gears may be used together. For example, the
pinion gear 218 may be a helical gear whereas the driven gear 220
may be a face gear.
[0087] The driven gear 220 may also include an eccentric shaft 226
including a cam surface 222 and a gear pin aperture 228 defined
through a center of the driven gear 220. The eccentric shaft 226 is
offset from a center (and gear pin aperture) of the driven gear
220, the offset depends on the desired fluid pressure delivery, the
pump characteristics, and/or the rotational speed of the motor 172.
For example, as shown in FIG. 10B, the eccentric shaft 226 may be
positioned closer to one edge of the driven gear 220 to define the
eccentricity. The eccentric shaft 226 may include a crescent shaped
opening 238 therethrough. The crescent shaped opening 238 assists
in controlling the rotational inertia of the driven gear 220 as it
rotates by reducing the total inertia of the gear, as well as
simplifies the manufacture of the gear 220 and reduces material
costs. The pin aperture 228 receives the gear pin 224 and is used
to secure the driven gear 220 in position and forms an axle about
which the gear rotates. The eccentric shaft 226 may be formed
integrally with the driven gear 220 or may be a separate component
connected thereto. Typically, the eccentric shaft 226 will have a
larger width than the width of the driven gear 220.
[0088] With reference to FIGS. 8B, 10A, and 10B, the pump assembly
176 will now be discussed. The pump assembly 176 may include a pump
body 200, a connecting rod 240, a piston 248, an inlet valve body
250 having an inlet reed valve 252, and an outlet valve body 424
having an outlet reed valve 254. The pump assembly 176 is driven by
the drive assembly 178 to pump fluid from the reservoir 104 to the
tip 106.
[0089] The connecting rod 240 or piston rod is driven by the driven
gear 220 and connects to the piston 248. The connecting rod 240 may
include a ball 242 on a first end and a gear aperture 262 on a
second end. The gear aperture 262 is defined by a cylindrical wall
extending from the second end of the connecting rod 240 and is
configured to be placed around the eccentric shaft 226 of the gear.
The gear aperture 262 includes a radius that substantially matches
a radius of the eccentric shaft 226 of the driven gear 220 so as to
form a tight connection with the eccentric shaft 226, such that the
connecting rod will move with the eccentric shaft rather than
rotate about the connecting shaft. The connecting rod 240 may
include a first securing rib 244 and a second securing rib 246
spaced apart from and below the first securing rib 244 along the
shaft of the connecting rod 240. The two ribs 244, 246 extend
around an outer perimeter of the connecting rod 240 shaft and are
annular shaped following the outer surface of the connecting rod.
The two ribs 244, 246 may be positioned in the middle or upper
portion of the connector rod 240. In other embodiments, the
connecting rod 240 may include other types of securing features,
other than ribs, such as, but not limited to, protrusions, nubs,
apertures, fasteners, adhesive, or the like.
[0090] The pump body 200 defines a volume as pump chamber 260 for
receiving fluid from the reservoir and is configured to receive the
piston 248 and a portion of the connecting rod 240. The pump body
200 includes a pump inlet 256 and a pump outlet 258 arranged
substantially perpendicularly to the pump inlet 256. The pump body
200 includes a piston section 239 having a substantially
cylindrical shape that terminates in a receiving section 241 having
a frustum shape terminating in a connecting flange 243. The
connecting flange 243 forms the bottom end of the pump body 200 and
includes a plurality of fastening brackets 245 configured to
receive fasteners that secure the pump body 200 to the lower
housing. The connecting flange 243 also acts to better seal the
pump chamber and fluid passageways within the pump.
[0091] The top end of the pump body 200 includes a pump head 247
defining the pump inlet 256 and pump outlet 258, optionally, the
pump head 247 includes a connecting portion that receives one or
more fasteners to secure the top end of the pump body 200 to the
outlet valve body 424. A valve receiving section 251 is defined on
a top end of the pump head 247 and defines a valve chamber for
receiving an outlet valve. The valve receiving section 251 may
include a cylindrical wall extending upwards from a bottom wall
that defines the outlet 258. Below and oriented perpendicular to
the pump outlet, an inlet valve receiving section 249 is formed on
the side of the pump head 247. The inlet valve receiving section
249 is configured to receive and connect to the inlet valve 250.
For example, the inlet valve receiving section 249 may include a
wall structure that mates with or receives the inlet valve 250 to
fluidly connect the valve to the inlet of the pump. The pump body
200 is configured to have a pump chamber and other components that
are substantially aligned with one another to allow the oral
irrigator to have a smaller diameter and thus easier to be held by
users having smaller hands (e.g., children).
[0092] A pump fluid passage 264 is defined within the pump body 200
and fluidly connects the pump inlet 256 to a pump chamber 260 and
fluidly connects the pump chamber 260 to the pump outlet 258. In
one embodiment, the fluid passageway 264 extends longitudinally
along a length of the pump body 200 and the pump chamber 260 is
located at a first end of the fluid passageway 264 and the pump
outlet 258 is located at a second end of the fluid passageway 264
with the pump inlet 256 being positioned between the pump chamber
260 and the pump outlet 258. In this embodiment, the pump inlet 256
may define an intersection in the fluid passageway 264 creating a
T-shape lumen through the pump body 200. In this example, the pump
inlet 256 is substantially perpendicularly oriented relative to the
pump outlet and pump chamber 260. Additionally, in some
embodiments, the pump inlet 256 may be positioned lower on the pump
body 200 as compared to the pump outlet which is formed at the top
end of the pump body 200, such that as fluid is pumped out of the
pump body 200, the fluid passes the fluid inlet into the pump body
200.
[0093] The inlet reed valve 252 is positioned in or on the inlet
valve body 250 at the pump inlet 256. The inlet reed valve 252 is
selectively opened and closed to regulate the flow of fluid to and
from the pump body 200. The inlet reed valve 252 includes a flap
that opens inwards toward the fluid passageway 264 of the pump body
200. The outlet reed valve 254 is positioned on top of the pump
outlet 258 and selectively controls flow into and out of the pump
body 200. The outlet reed valve 254 may be substantially similar to
the inlet reed valve 252 and may include a flap that opens outwards
away from a top end of the pump body 200. Operation of the reed
valves will be discussed in more detail below during a discussion
of the operation of the oral irrigator 100. Other types of inlet
and outlet one-way valves may be used as well.
[0094] With reference to FIGS. 8B and 10B, the piston 248 has a
generally cylindrically shaped body with a rod cavity 266 defined
on a bottom end 268 and configured to receive a portion of the
connecting rod 240. The piston 248 also includes a sealed top end
270 forming a pedestal with an annular groove 272 defined on the
top surface. The groove 272 defines a flexible top wall 271 for the
piston that expands outwards to form a seal against the internal
walls of the pump, while still allowing the piston to move smoothly
within the pump, as discussed in more detail below. The piston 248
is configured to selectively pull and push fluid within the pump
body 200 as it is moved by the connecting rod 240. In some
embodiments, the piston may have a diameter that varies in shape
along its length, the shape is selected based on the shape of the
pump body and allows the piston to seal against the walls of the
pump, while still move within the pump.
[0095] With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8B, the inlet valve body 250
may be substantially cylindrically shaped having an integrated tube
or a tube connector extending downward perpendicularly from the top
surface. The inlet valve body 250 defines a fluid passageway that
is in selective communication with the pump fluid passageway 264.
The inlet valve body 250 may also include fastening apertures to
receive fasteners to secure the inlet valve body 250 to the pump
body 200.
[0096] The outlet valve body 424 may be a somewhat tube shaped
member having a plurality of grooves and flanges defined an outer
surface thereof, as shown in FIG. 8B. The outlet valve body 424 may
define a main outlet pathway 426 that is fluidly connected to an
inlet chamber 432 fluidly connected to the pump outlet 258. The
inlet chamber 432 may have a larger diameter than the outlet
pathway 426. The outlet pathway 426 varies in diameter along its
length and at top end expands outward to form the tip cavity 428
that is configured to receive a portion of the tip 106. The annular
grooves on the outer surface of the outlet valve body 424 may be
configured to receive one or more sealing members 436, 440, 442,
such as O-rings, seal-cups, or the like. Additionally, a bottom end
of the outlet valve body 424 may include a flange 430 that is used
to secure to the outlet valve body 424 to the pump body 200 as will
be discussed below.
[0097] The oral irrigator 100 may also include one or more sealing
members that seal the pump from the electrical components of the
power assembly. FIG. 11A is a top isometric view of a diaphragm
seal for the oral irrigator. FIG. 11B is a cross-section view of
the diaphragm seal taken along line 11B-11B in FIG. 11A. FIG. 12 is
an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 9. With reference to FIGS.
11A-12, the oral irrigator 100 may include a diaphragm seal 274
that seals the pump assembly 176 from the lower housing 182. The
diaphragm seal 274 may be formed of a flexible and waterproof
material. For example, in some embodiments the diaphragm seal 274
may be elastomeric, rubber (one example being nitrile butadiene
rubber), or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). In embodiments where
the diaphragm seal 274 is a TPE material, the seal may be
overmolded to one or more components of the pump assembly 176, such
as to the connecting rod and/or lower housing, as discussed in more
detail below.
[0098] The diaphragm seal 274 includes a seal top surface 302 with
a rod aperture 292 defined through a center thereof. The seal top
surface 302 extends radially outwards from the rod aperture 292 and
then downwards at an angle to define a flexible skirt 296. The
skirt 296 may be conical or frustum shaped and may define a hollow
space in the seal 274. The skirt 296 is flexible and is configured
to deform and resiliently return to its original shape. At a bottom
end of the skirt 296, a crease 298 or bend is defined as the
diaphragm seal 278 extends back upwards and outwards. As will be
discussed in more detail below, the depth of the crease 298 varies
as the seal is deformed during operation of the pump. A beaded
flange 288 extends radially outwards from a top end of the crease
298. The beaded flange 288 has a substantially flat top surface 294
while the bottom surface 300 is convexly curved forming an annular
bead on the bottom surface. The top surface 294 may be
substantially flat and configured to be received between the pump
body and the lower housing 182.
[0099] With continued reference to FIGS. 11A-12, the diaphragm seal
274 further includes an engagement wall 290 surrounding and
defining the rod aperture 292. The engagement wall 290 forms a
sidewall conforming to the shape of the rod aperture 292 and
extends partially above the seal top surface 302 and extends
partially into the hollow space defined by the flexible skirt 296.
In this manner, the engagement wall 290 defines a cylindrically
shaped flange that is seated within the rod aperture 292.
[0100] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11A-12, the engagement wall
290 of the diaphragm seal 274 is a cylindrically shaped flange.
However, in other embodiments, the engagement wall 290 may take
other forms, in order to create a better seal and/or match the
configuration of the connecting rod. FIG. 11C illustrates a
cross-section view of another example of the diaphragm seal 274.
With reference to FIG. 11C, the diaphragm seal 275 may be
substantially the same as the diaphragm seal 274 of FIGS. 11A and
11B. However, in this example, the engagement wall 291 is a bead
extending around and defining the rod aperture 292. In particular,
the engagement wall 291 bead includes a rounded outer surface,
similar to an O-ring, rather than the relatively straight edges of
the engagement wall 290.
Tip Latch Assembly
[0101] The tip latch assembly will now be discussed in more detail.
FIG. 13A is a side elevation view of the tip latch assembly for the
oral irrigator 100. FIG. 13B is a cross-section of the tip latch
assembly taken along line 13B-13B in FIG. 13A. FIG. 14 is a top
isometric view of the oral irrigator with the tip collar removed to
illustrate certain features. With reference to FIGS. 13A-14, the
tip latch assembly 306 releasably secures the tip 106 to the oral
irrigator 100. The tip latch assembly 306 allows a user to remove a
tip, insert a new tip 106, as well as rotate the tip 106. The tip
latch assembly 306 may include a latch 318, a tip release 120, a
latch chassis 308, a return spring 316, a detent spring 310, and
the tip collar 110.
[0102] The latch chassis 308 supports various components of the tip
latch assembly 306 to the oral irrigator 100. FIG. 16A is a top
isometric view of the tip latch chassis. With reference to FIGS.
13A, 13B, and 16A, the latch chassis 308 includes a support plate
338 with a tip support column 322 extending above and below the
support plate 338. The tip support column 322 defines a passage in
which the tip 106 may be received. A top end of the tip support
column 322 includes two slots 328 defined as U-shaped cutouts
positioned across from one another on the column 322. Additionally,
two latch windows 336 are defined through the sidewalls of the
column 322. The latch windows 336 are aligned with one another and
may be rectangular shaped cutouts configured to receive tangs of
the latch 318, discussed in more detail below. Two alignment ribs
326 extend longitudinally along a portion of a length of the tip
column 322 and are positioned approximately above a center of the
latch windows 336 on the outer surface of the tip column 322. An
outer wall 324 extends downwards from the support plate 338 and
surrounds the tip support column 322. The outer wall 324 is
separated from the tip support column 322 to define an annular
compartment between the outer wall 324 and the column 322.
[0103] With reference to FIG. 16A, the latch chassis 308 may also
include a brace 340 extending upwards from an edge of the support
plate 338. The brace 340 is a curved wall that follows the
curvature of the support plate 338. The brace 340 includes two leg
notches 342 defined as cutouts through a sidewall to the brace 340
and extending inwards towards a center portion of the brace 340.
Two posts 314a, 314b extend upwards from a top end of the brace 340
and a fastening aperture 334 is defined between the two posts 314a,
314b. A spring recess 344 is defined as a generally circular recess
in the outer surface of the brace 340.
[0104] With reference to FIGS. 14 and 16A, the latch chassis 308
includes two latch posts 320a, 320b extending upwards from the
support plate 338 on an opposite edge of the plate 338 from the
brace 340. The latch chassis 308 may further include a plurality of
fastener brackets 332 extending outwards from a support bracket 331
of the support plate 338. The fastener brackets 332 may include
fastening apertures and may be configured to connect to fastening
mechanisms to secure the chassis to the oral irrigator 100. As
such, the configuration, size, and location of the fasteners
brackets 332 may be varied based on the type of fastening
mechanisms used.
[0105] With reference again to FIG. 14, the detent spring 310 may
be a U-shaped resilient member that includes two spring arms 346.
The spring arms 346 extend substantially parallel to each other and
include a detent 348 formed on a terminal end thereof.
[0106] The latch 318 of the tip latch assembly 306 will now be
discussed in more detail. FIG. 15 is a cross-section view of the
oral irrigator taken along line 15-15 in FIG. 1B. FIGS. 16B and 16C
are various views of the latch 318. With reference to FIGS. 14-16C,
the latch 318 includes a biasing structure 352 formed at a first
end and a pair of engagement arms 350a, 350b extending generally
parallel to each other from either end of the biasing structure
352. The biasing structure 352 forms a flexible and resilient
element of the latch 318 and is formed integrally with the latch
318. For example, in one embodiment, the biasing structure 352 is a
plastic component formed in a undulating or wave pattern that
provides flexibility to the structure. As shown in FIGS. 16B and
16C, the biasing structure 352 may be formed in a W shape with
rounded corners. However, other structures providing flexibility to
the structure are envisioned and the above-mentioned examples are
merely illustrative only.
[0107] The engagement arms 350a, 350b of the latch 318 include a
first portion 366 and a second portion 368, with the first portion
366 being connected to the biasing structure 352 and the second
portion extending from the first portion 366. The engagement arms
350a, 350b may be mirror images of each other and so the discussion
of any component for one of the arms 350a, 350b may be understood
to apply to the other arm. Each arm 350a, 350b may include a
fastening aperture 354a, 354b defined on a top surface and
extending through a height or a portion of the height of the
engagement arm 350a, 350b.
[0108] The ends of the engagement arms 350a, 350b are configured to
both engage with the tip release 120 as well as the tip 106, as
discussed in more detail below. The engagement arms 350a, 350b
include a tang 356a, 356b extending towards the opposite arm 350a,
350b from an interior surface 358 of its respective arm 350a, 350b.
The tang 356a, 356b includes a locking surface 370 that is somewhat
parallel to the extension of the engagement arms 350a, 350b.
Additionally, a top surface 364 of each tang 356a, 356b slopes
downwards as it extends outwards from the top surface of the
engagement arm 350a, 350b to transition into the locking surface
370. The ends of the engagement arms 350a, 350b include an
actuation surface 360 that begins at the terminal end of each
engagement arm 350a, 350b and extends at an angle in towards the
opposite engagement arm and towards the biasing structure 352. For
example, the actuation surface 360 may extend at an angle of about
45 degrees from the end of the engagement arm 350a 350b. A lip 362
is formed at the end of the engagement arms 350a, 350b; the lip 362
defines a relatively flat surface that is perpendicular to the top
surface of the engagement arms 350a, 350b.
[0109] With reference to FIG. 17, the tip release 120 of the tip
latch assembly 306 will now be discussed in more detail. The tip
release 120 includes an input surface 378 or button that is
configured to extend outside of the oral irrigator 100 body. In
some embodiments, the input surface 378 may be curved to
substantially match the curvature of the tip ring 388 or other
exterior surface of the oral irrigator 100. The tip release 120
also includes two actuation prongs 372a, 372b that extend outward
from a rear side of the tip release 120. The actuation prongs 372a,
372b are substantially parallel to one another and may be mirror
images of each other. In some embodiments, each of the actuation
prongs 372a, 372b include a stop 374 projecting outwards from an
interior surface of the actuation prong 372a, 372b towards the
opposite prong 372a, 372b. The stops 374 may be located along a
length of each respective actuation prong 372a, 372b and the
location of each stop 374 may be selected based on a desired
extension of the input surface 378 from the tip ring 388. In other
words, the stops 374 may determine the amount that the input
surface 378 extends outwards from the exterior of the oral
irrigator. The stops 374 help to prevent the tip release 120 from
disconnecting from the tip release assembly 306.
[0110] With continued reference to FIG. 17, a terminal end 376 of
each actuation prong 372a, 372b may have a flat surface and an
angled surface 379. The angled surface 379 may correspond to the
angle of the actuation surface 360 of the latch 318. For example
the angled surface 379 may be a beveled edge where the angle of the
bevel from the terminal end 376 substantially matches as an
opposing angle to the angle of the actuation surface 360 of the
latch 318.
[0111] The tip release 120 may also include a spring seat 380
including a stud 382 portion. The spring seat 380 is formed as a
cylindrical extension that extends from a back wall 390 of the tip
release 120. The spring seat 380 seats within a recess 384 formed
in the back wall 390. The stud portion 382 has a smaller diameter
than the spring seat 380 and extends outward from the spring seat
380. The diameter differential between the stud 382 and the seat
380 defines a seat configured to receive a spring 316 as discussed
in more detail below.
[0112] The tip collar 110 allows a user to change the orientation
of the tip 106. FIGS. 18A-18C are various views of the tip collar
110. With reference to FIGS. 18A-18C, the tip collar 110 is
generally frustum shaped and includes a relatively flat top end 396
transitioning into a skirt 392 extending outward and downward at an
angle therefrom. A bottom end 410 of the skirt 392 defines a bottom
of the collar 110. A plurality of finger grips 394 extend outward
from and longitudinally along an outer surface of the skirt 392.
The finger grips 394 are spatially separated from one another and
extend at spaced intervals around the skirt 392.
[0113] With continued reference to FIGS. 18A-18C, an inner collar
406 extends downward from the top end 396 of the collar 110. The
inner collar 406 defines a tip passageway 398 therethrough, the tip
passageway 398 being configured to substantially match the diameter
of the support column 322 of the support plate. The tip passageway
398 may vary in diameter along its length. For example, a first
shelf 404 and a second shelf 402 may be formed at two separate
locations along the length of the tip passageway 398. The first
shelf 404 may be positioned closer to the top end 396 of the collar
110 than the second shelf 402. With reference to FIGS. 18A and 18C,
a keyed sidewall 400 having a plurality of facets or angled walls
are defined on the interior sidewall of the inner collar 406. The
facets of the keyed sidewall 400 extend in length between the first
shelf 404 and the second shelf 402.
[0114] With reference to FIG. 18B, the tip collar 110 further
includes a plurality of fluted feedback teeth 408 along an outer
surface of the inner collar 406. The feedback teeth 408 are
cylindrical bumps extending longitudinally along a length of the
inner collar 406. In one embodiment, the feedback teeth 408 extend
only along a portion of the inner collar 406. However, the length
and other dimensions of the feedback teeth 408 may be varied as
desired.
Assembly of the Oral Irrigator
[0115] Assembly of the oral irrigator 100 will now be disused in
more detail. It should be noted that the below discussion is meant
as illustrative only and that although certain components are
discussed as being assembled in a particular order, the components
of the oral irrigator 100 may be assembled in any manner as
desired. With reference to FIGS. 5B and 5A, in one embodiment, the
drive assembly 178 may be coupled together first. In this example,
the motor 172 may be secured to the drive mount 304 with two
fasteners 205a, 205b. The motor 172 may be positioned so that the
drive shaft 216 extends through a bottom wall of the drive mount
304. The pinion gear 218 may then be received around the drive
shaft 216 and secured thereto.
[0116] With reference to FIGS. 5B and 10A, the connecting rod 240
is placed around the cam 226 of the driven gear 220. The driven
gear 220 is arranged so as to be substantially perpendicular to the
pinion gear 218 where the teeth of both gears 218, 220 mesh
together. The driven gear 220 is also mounted between the two
sidewalls of the drive mount 304. The gear pin 224 is then
connected to a first sidewall of the drive mount 304, through the
gear aperture 262 in the driven gear 220 and out through a second
sidewall of the drive mount 304 to secure the driven gear 220 and
connecting rod 240 in position.
[0117] The drive assembly 178 may be received in the lower housing
182. With reference to FIGS. 5B and 12, the drive assembly 178 is
connected to the lower housing 182 such that the lower portion of
the connecting rod 240, the driven gear 220, and the pinion gear
218 are positioned within the dry cavity 276. Once the drive
assembly 178 is positioned within the lower housing, with reference
to FIGS. 11B and 12, the diaphragm seal 274 may then be connected
to the connecting rod 240. In particular, the connecting rod 240
may be slid through the rod aperture 292 and the engagement wall
290 of the seal 274 may be positioned between the upper rib 244 and
the lower rib 246 on the outer surface of the connecting rod 240.
As shown in FIG. 12, the engagement wall 290 of the seal 274 may be
dimensioned so as to be exactly the same thickness as the space
between the ribs 244, 246, so as to prevent the seal 274 from
sliding along the outer surface of the connecting rod 240 when the
connecting rod 240 moves. In instances where the diaphragm seal 275
of FIG. 11C is used, rather than the diaphragm seal 274 of FIGS.
11A and 11B, the rounded or bead engagement wall 291 may be
positioned between the upper rib 244 and the lower rib 246, with
the rounded outer surface of the bead engaging the outer surface of
the connecting rod 240. Additionally, similar to the engagement
wall 290, the engagement wall 291 may be dimensioned so as to fit
within the space between the ribs 244, 246.
[0118] With reference to FIG. 10B, the ball 242 of the connecting
rod 240 may then be connected to the piston 248. Specifically, the
ball 242 may be received into the rod cavity 266 defined on the
bottom end 268 of the piston 248, the rod cavity 266 may snap fit
or otherwise frictionally fit around the ball 242. The connecting
rod 240 extends through the rod aperture 286 defined in the top end
of the lower housing 182 and the diaphragm seal 274 seats on the
sealing end 278 of the lower housing 182. In particular, with
reference to FIG. 12, the beaded flange 288 of the seal 274 is
positioned in the annular grove 280 between the inner wall 284 and
the outer wall 282 of the lower housing 182. In this embodiment,
the seal 274 extends from the annular groove 280 upward and over
the inner wall 284 and then downward so that the crease 298 extends
along a portion of the interior surface of the inner wall 284.
[0119] Once the drive assembly 178 is connected to the lower
housing 182, the batteries 412a, 412b may be connected to the lower
housing 182. In particular, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 8A, the
batteries 412a, 412b may be received into respective battery
cavities in the lower housing 182. A battery cable 416 may extend
between terminals for the two batteries 412a, 412b to electrically
couple them together. A seal 414 may be positioned around the
battery cap 198, which may then be inserted into a bottom end of
the lower housing 182 and connected thereto with a plurality of
fasteners 418. In another embodiment, as shown, for example in FIG.
25, the battery cap 198 may be ultrasonically welded to the lower
housing 182. In this embodiment, the seal 414 and the fasteners 418
may be omitted as the cap may be connected to the lower housing 182
in a substantially leak proof and secured manner.
[0120] With reference to FIG. 6, after the battery cap 198 is
connected, the power circuit board 196 may be connected to the
lower housing 182. In particular, the circuit board 196 may be
positioned within a recess defined by the flange 208 on the outer
surface of the lower housing 182. The circuit board 196 may be
secured to the lower housing 182 by one or more fasteners.
Additionally, the circuit board 196 may be electrically connected
to the motor 172 and batteries 412a, 412b by one or more wires
connected to the various components within the lower housing 182
and extending through an aperture in the sidewall of the lower
housing 182 to connect to the circuit board 196.
[0121] The circuit board 196 may be assembled prior to connecting
it to the lower hosing 182 and the secondary coil 194 assembly may
be positioned on the circuit board 196 and mounted to the lower
housing 182 with the circuit board 196.
[0122] With reference to FIG. 8B, the drive assembly 178 may then
be connected to the pump body 200. In particular, the piston 248
may be received into the pump chamber 260 and the bottom end 422 of
the pump body 200 may seal against the flange top surface 294 of
the diaphragm seal 274. One or more fasteners may then be used to
secure the bottom end 422 of the pump body 200 to the seal end 278
of the lower housing 182.
[0123] With continued reference to FIG. 8B, the reed valves 252,
254 may be positioned over the pump inlet 256 and pump outlet 258,
respectively. The inlet valve body 250 may then be connected to the
valve receiving section 249 of the pump body 200 and may optionally
include a seal 438, such as an O-ring, around an outer surface to
seal against the outer surface of the inlet valve body 250 and
interior surface of the valve receiving section 249 of the pump
body 200. Additionally, the outlet valve body 424 may be connected
to a top end of the pump body 200 by being received in the valve
receiving section 251. For example, the outlet valve body 424 may
be inserted into the valve receiving section 251 with the inlet
chamber 432 being aligned with the outlet reed valve 254. As with
the inlet valve 250, a seal 436 (such as an O-ring or cup seal) may
be positioned on an outer surface of the portion of the outlet
valve 424 that is received into valve receiving section 251 of the
pump body 200 to seal the connection between the two components.
Fasteners 434 may then be used to secure the outlet valve body 424
to the top end of the pump body 200.
[0124] Once the outlet valve body 424 is connected to the pump body
200, the upper housing 184 may be connected to the assembly. With
reference to FIGS. 5B-8B, the pump body 200 and outlet valve body
424 may be received into bottom end of the upper housing 184. A
seal 440 may seal against the outer surface of the outlet valve
body 424 and the upper housing 184. In some embodiments, the outer
flange 210 of the upper housing 184 may extend downwards and
outwards over a portion of the lower housing 182 and be aligned
with the flange 208 of the lower housing 182 (see, FIG. 7).
[0125] With reference to FIG. 6, the control assembly 180 may be
connected to the upper housing 184. In particular, the control
assembly 180 may be positioned within the recessed area defined by
the flange 210 of the upper housing 184 and connected to the upper
housing 184 with a plurality of fasteners.
[0126] With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8B, when the upper housing 184
is connected to the pump assembly 176, the hose 202 is connected to
the bottom tube portion of the inlet valve body 250. The hose 202
may be secured in place with friction fit, one or more hose clamps,
adhesive, and/or other types of fasteners.
[0127] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the alignment and securing
magnets 450a, 450b and the activation magnet 420 for the charger
may be connected to the front shell 138. For example, with
reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the activation magnet 420 may be
received within the magnet recess 446 and the two lateral magnets
450 may be positioned in the magnet pockets 448a, 448b defined on
either side of the sealing feature 144. It should be noted that in
embodiments where a non-magnetic charger or a power cord are used
the magnets and magnet pockets can be omitted.
[0128] After magnets 420, 450 are connected to the front shell 138,
with reference to FIGS. 4 and 6, the front and rear shells 138, 140
may be connected together around the pump and drive assemblies 176,
178. The front shell 138 may be connected to and around a portion
of the upper and lower housings 182, 184. In particular, the first
sealing wall 142 may be placed around the gasket 214 positioned
around the flange 210 on the upper housing 184. The sealing feature
142 compresses the gasket 214 and defines a seal around the
interior section of the flange 210 to form a first waterproof
compartment. The power button 112 of the front shell 138 aligns
with the power switch 186 on the control assembly 180 and the mode
button 114 aligns with the mode switch 188. The window 146 section
of the front shell 138 is aligned with the bottom portion of the
control assembly 180 so that the LED windows 148a, 148b, 148c, 148d
align with the LEDs 190a, 190b, 190c, 190d.
[0129] The second sealing feature 144 of the front shell 138 may be
positioned around the outer edge of the second flange 208,
compressing the gasket 212 between the feature 144 and the flange
208 to form a second waterproof compartment. A plurality of
fasteners, such as press fit pins or screws, may be connected to
the lower and upper housings 182, 184 and into the connecting posts
152a-152k to secure the front shell 138 to the upper housing 184
and the lower housing 182. It should be noted that depending on the
type of fasteners used, the connecting posts may be omitted.
[0130] In some embodiments, the connection wires 192 may then be
connected to the control assembly 180 and the power circuit board
196 after the front shell 138 has been connected to the upper and
lower housings. In these embodiments, the window panel 146 may not
be connected to the front shell 138 until the connection wires 192
are connected. Once the connection wires 192 are connected, the
window panel 146 is ultrasonically welded to the front shell 138.
The welding connection helps to prevent fluid from entering into
the front shell 138 through the window 146 by creating a leak-proof
seal, but because the panel 146 may be added after the connection
wires 192 have been connected, the wires may be accessible during
manufacturing and assembly of oral irrigator 100.
[0131] To connect the rear shell 140 to the oral irrigator 100, the
hose 202 is connected to the tube projection feature 165 on the
rear shell 140 and the reservoir 206 hose is connected to the
opposite side of the feature 165, fluidly connecting the reservoir
hose 206 to the hose 202 (see FIG. 5B). As shown in FIG. 5B, the
rear shell 140 may include a dividing wall 452 that extends
outwards from an interior surface of the rear shell 140 and then
extends downwards parallel to the lower housing 182. In this
manner, the dividing wall 452 acts to fluidly separate the
reservoir 154 from the housings 182, 184. The rear shell 140 may
then be secured to the front shell 138 and the lower and upper
housings 182, 184.
[0132] Once the two shells 138, 140 are connected, the reservoir
hose 206 is connected to the hose 202 and the reservoir 104 may be
secured to the oral irrigator 100. With reference to FIGS. 5A, 5B,
and 9, the reservoir 104 may be connected to the bottom end of the
rear shell 140. The upper rim 170 of the reservoir 104 is connected
to a ledge in the rear shell 140 and the battery platform 158 of
the reservoir 104 is positioned beneath the battery cap 198 (see
FIG. 5A). The battery platform 158 is raised to provide an
increased capacity for the reservoir. The battery cap 198 and the
diaphragm seal 274, along with the interior surface of the lower
housing 182 act to define a third waterproof compartment for the
oral irrigator.
[0133] The tip latch assembly 306 may then be connected to the top
end of the outlet valve body 424. In one embodiment, the top end of
the outlet valve body 424 may be positioned between the outer wall
324 and the tip support column 322 of the latch chassis 308. A seal
442 may be positioned around the outlet valve body 424 to seal
against the interior surface of the outer wall 324 of the latch
chassis 308.
[0134] Once the latch chassis 308 is connected, the remaining
components of the tip latch assembly 306 may be connected and
secured to the oral irrigator 100. With reference to FIGS. 14 and
16, a first end of the return spring 316 is positioned within the
spring recess 344 and a second end of the return spring 316 is
placed onto a portion of the stud 382 on the tip release 120. The
tip release 120 is then connected to the latch chassis 308 as the
actuation prongs 372a, 372b are inserted into the leg notches 342
on the latch chassis 308. The actuation prongs 372a, 372b are
positioned so that the stops 374 on each prong 372a, 372b are
positioned on an interior side of the brace 340 (see FIG. 14), as
will be discussed in more detail below, this positioning of the
stops 374 helps to prevent inadvertent removal of the tip release
120.
[0135] After the tip release 120 is connected to the latch chassis
308, the latch 318 may be connected to the chassis 308. With
reference to FIGS. 14, 16A-16C, the fastening apertures 354a, 354b
of the latch 318 are received around the posts 320a, 320b of the
latch chassis 308. The engagement arms 350a, 350b of the latch 318
are oriented so as to extend across the latch chassis 308 and
interface with the actuation prongs 372a, 372b of the tip release
120 for purposes of selectively releasing the tip 106 as will be
discussed in more detail below. Further, the engagement arms 350a,
350b of the latch 318 seat beneath the ribs 326 positioned on
either side of the tip support column 322 on the latch chassis 308.
The tangs 356a, 356b of each engagement arm 350a, 350b are
partially received into the latch windows 336 also defined on
opposing sides of the tip support column 322 (see FIG. 13B).
[0136] The tip ring 388 may be connected to the tip latch assembly
306. For example, with reference to FIG. 14, the tip release 120
may be positioned through an aperture defined through a sidewall of
the tip ring 388 and a plurality of fasteners may be inserted
through fastening apertures defined on both the tip ring 388 and on
the fastener brackets 332 of the latch chassis 308. The fasteners
secure the tip ring 388 to the latch chassis 308 and to the two
shells 138, 140.
[0137] With continued reference to FIG. 14, the detent spring 310
may be connected to the latch chassis 308. In one embodiment, the
detent spring 310 may be a flexible, integral component that
includes two post apertures that are received around the posts
314a, 314b of the latch chassis 308. A fastener 312 may then be
received through a fastening aperture defined in the top surface of
the detent spring 310 and the fastening aperture 334 defined on the
top surface of the brace 340 of the latch chassis 308. The detent
spring 310 may be oriented so that the arms 346 extend inwards
towards and extend on either side of the tip support column 322 of
the latch chassis 308. In one embodiment, the terminal end of the
arms 346 may be configured to align in part with the ribs 326 on
the tip support column 322.
[0138] Once the tip latch assembly 306 is connected to the oral
irrigator 100, the tip collar 110 is connected to the tip latch
assembly 306. With reference to FIG. 13B, the inner collar 406 of
the tip collar 110 is received around the outer surface of the tip
support column 322 of the latch chassis 308. Additionally, the arms
346 of the detent spring 310 are positioned around the outer
surface of the inner collar 406 of the tip collar 110 and each
detent 348 prong on the arms 346 engages a channel between a
respective pair of teeth 408 on the outer surface of the inner
collar 406. The rim 330 of the tip support column 322 seats on top
of the second shelf 402 on the interior of the tip passageway 398
of the tip collar 110. The slots 328 defined in the tip support
column 322 provide flexibility to the tip support column 322 to
allow it to flex radially inward as the inner collar 406 is placed
around the tip support column 322 to allow the two components to be
more easily connected.
[0139] Once the tip collar 110 is connected, the tip 106 may be
inserted into the oral irrigator 100. With continued reference to
FIG. 13B, the tip 106 is slid into the tip passageway 398 in the
tip collar 110 and extends into the tip support column 322. The
bottom of the tip 106 causes the latch 318 to open to allow the tip
106 to pass by the latch windows 336 and the engagement tangs 356a,
356b extend into the tip column 322 to grip the tip 106, securing
it in position. The identifier ring 128 around the outer surface of
the tip 106 is configured to seat on the first shelf 404 of the tip
collar 110 once the tip 106 is in the proper position. With
reference to FIG. 5B, the bottom end of the tip 106 is received in
part into the outlet valve body 424 and is fluidly connected to the
pump body 200.
Operation of the Oral Irrigator
[0140] Operation of the oral irrigator 100 will now be discussed in
more detail. With reference to FIGS. 1A and 6, when the power
button 112 is selected by a user, the button 112 compresses,
compressing the power switch 186 on the control assembly 180. The
power switch 186 causes the control assembly 180 to transmit a
signal to activate the motor 172. The speed of the motor 172 may be
varied by a user selecting the mode button 114, which activates the
mode switch 188. The mode switch 188 varies the average value of
the voltage transmitted to the motor to vary the speed of the motor
172. In one embodiment, the motor may be powered by a pulse width
modulation signal that is used to vary the motor speed and the mode
switch 188 may be used to change the output of the motor by
selectively changing the signal applied thereto.
[0141] With reference to FIGS. 5B and 10B, as the motor 172 is
powered the motor drive shaft 216 rotates, causing the pinion gear
218 to rotate. The gear teeth 230 of the pinion gear 218 mesh with
the gear teeth 232 on the driven gear 220. The helical shape of the
gears 230, 232 causes the teeth to engage along their entire
length, increasing the torque transmitted between the pinion gear
218 and the driven gear 220. The rotation of the pinion gear 218
causes the driven gear 220 to rotate about the gear pin 224. The
connecting rod 240, connected to the cam 226 of the driven gear 220
also begins to move. The cam 226 acts to convert the rotational
movement of the motor drive shaft 216 and driven gear 220 into a
longitudinal reciprocal displacement of the piston 240 within the
pump body 200.
[0142] FIG. 23A is a partial cross-section enlarged view of the
oral irrigator during an upstroke of the pump assembly. FIG. 23B is
a partial cross-section enlarged view of the oral irrigator
transitioning between the upstroke and a down-stroke. FIG. 23C is a
partial cross-section enlarged view of the oral irrigator during
the down-stroke. With reference to FIGS. 23A-23C, the piston 248
moves longitudinally within the pump cavity 260 to varyingly
increase and decrease the volume of the pump cavity 260. As the
piston 248 moves due to the movement of the connecting rod 240, the
diaphragm seal 274 moves therewith to maintain the seal between the
pump cavity 260 and the drive assembly. As can be seen by comparing
FIGS. 23A-23C, the depth of the crease 298 increases as the piston
248 moves from the upstroke position to the down-stroke position.
The bellows allows the seal 274 to deform with movement of the
connecting rod 240 without introducing friction into the
system.
[0143] Due to the bellows of the seal 274 forming the crease 298,
the seal 274 allows the piston to reciprocate linearly without
introducing friction into the system. In particular, the diaphragm
seal 274 deforms as the connecting rod 240 moves longitudinally and
as the perimeter edge forming the beaded flange 288 of the
diaphragm seal 274 is clamped and prevented from moving, the seal
274 does not rub against any surfaces as it deforms, reducing the
risk of wear and tear on the seal 274. Additionally, as there is
substantially no friction between the seal 274 and the connecting
rod 240, parasitic energy losses are reduced as compared to
conventional oral irrigators with piston seals, as the motor 172
does not have to overcome friction in addition to the energy
required to deform the seal 274. The configuration of the diaphragm
seal allows it to stay in position relative to the connecting rod
and pump body, even at high frequencies such as those typically
used with oral irrigators. Additionally, the diaphragm seal allows
the omission of a radial shaft seal or lip seal that are typically
placed on rotary elements, such as the motor or driven gear. These
seals are prone to leak and wear over time and create friction on
the rotary element, which requires more energy to operate and
reduces the efficiency of the irrigator.
[0144] With reference to FIG. 8B, on a down-stroke of the piston
248, a vacuum is created in the pump body 200, which causes fluid
to flow from the reservoir cavity 154 into the reservoir hose 206,
into the hose 202, and into the inlet valve body 250. The fluid
flows through the passageway defined in the inlet valve body 250
and causes the flap of the reed valve 252 to open, allowing the
fluid to flow into the pump chamber 260. With continued reference
to FIG. 8B, on an upstroke of the piston 248, the connecting rod
240 forces the piston 248 upwards, thus pushing the fluid in the
pump chamber 260 upwards into the pump fluid passageway 264 towards
the pump outlet 258. The fluid forces the reed valve 254 open and
closes the inlet reed valve 252 so that the fluid flows into the
inlet chamber 432 of the valve outlet body 424. The fluid then
enters the outlet passageway 426 and flows into the tip 106
connected to the outlet valve body 424 and is expelled into a
user's oral cavity.
[0145] With reference to FIG. 13B, if a user wishes to vary the
orientation and position of the tip 106, he or she may grip and
rotate the tip collar 110. As the tip collar 110 rotates, the teeth
408 on the inner collar 406 are rotated past the arms 346 and the
detent spring 310 deforms slighting and the detents 348 on the arms
346 of the return spring 310 provide haptic feedback to the user.
As the tip collar 110 rotates, the tip 106 which is engaged with
the keyed sidewall 400 of the tip collar 110 rotates therewith.
Thus, the tip collar 110 allows a user to more easily rotate the
tip 106 to a desired location as the tip collar 110 provides a
larger gripping surface than rotating the tip 106 itself and also
provides feedback via the teeth 408 regarding the rotational
movement of the tip 106.
Tip Release Operation
[0146] The operation of the tip latch assembly 306 will now be
discussed in more detail. FIG. 24 is a cross-section view of the
oral irrigator 100 with select elements removed for clarity. With
reference to FIGS. 15, 16B, 17, and 24, to release the tip 106, the
user exerts a force F on the input surface 378 of the tip release
120. The force F overcomes the biasing force exerted by the
retention spring 316 and the actuation prongs 372a, 372b translate
laterally towards the latch 318. As the tip release 120 moves
laterally, the spring 316 is compressed. The chamfered or angled
surfaces 378 on the ends of the actuation prongs 372a, 372b
interface with the actuation surface 360 of the latch 318 and the
terminal ends 372 of each prong 372a, 372b exert a portion of the
force F against the actuation lip 362 of each engagement arms 350a,
350b of the latch 318. For example, each side may exert half of the
force F, and the force F is translated into a perpendicular force
component due to the interface of the angled faces of the tip
release 120, and then into torque around pins 320 (which is
resisted by biasing element 352).
[0147] The force exerted by the tip release 120 causes the
engagement arms 350a, 350b of the latch 318 to pivot in the
rotation direction R. In particular, the engagement arms 350a, 350b
pivot around the posts 320a, 320b. This pivoting motion causes the
tangs 356a, 356b of each arm 350a, 350b to pivot away from the
center of the oral irrigator 100 and move out of the latch windows
336 in the latch chassis 308. With reference to FIG. 13B, the
movement of the tangs 356a, 356b causes the tangs 356a, 356b to
disengage from the groove 317 formed in the tip 106. Once the tangs
356a, 356b are disengaged from the groove 317, the tip 106 can be
easily removed by the user.
[0148] With reference again to FIGS. 15 and 24, once the user force
F is removed from the tip release 120, the retention spring 316
exerts a biasing force in the opposite direction of the user force
F and the tip release 120 moves laterally away from the latch 318.
As the tip release button 120 moves, the actuation prongs 372a,
372b disengage from the engagement arms 350a, 350b and the biasing
structure 352 of the latch 318 exerts a biasing force to cause the
engagement arms 350a, 350b to move into the latch windows 336 of
the latch chassis 308. That is, biasing structure 352 of the latch
318 will return to its natural shape after being deformed by the
user force F and will move back inward when the force F is removed.
If a new tip 106 has been inserted into the tip support column 322,
the tangs 356a, 356b will be inserted into the groove of the tip
106 and if a tip is not inserted, the tangs 356a, 356b will
protrude into the interior passage of the tip support column
322.
[0149] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the retention
spring 316 may be omitted and the biasing force of the biasing
structure 352 of the latch 318 may be configured to exert a
sufficient force to not only pivot the engagement arms 350a, 350b
back to a locked position, but also force the actuation prongs
372a, 372b of the release button 120 laterally away from the latch
318 to the locked orientation.
[0150] The movement of the tip release button 120 by the retention
spring 316 is limited by the stops 374 on the interior surfaces of
the actuation prongs 372a, 372b. In particular, with reference to
FIGS. 15 and 24, the stops 374 abut against the brace 340 to
prevent further movement away from the latch 318 to help prevent
the button 120 from being inadvertently removed from the tip latch
assembly 306.
[0151] With the latch assembly 306, both engagement arms 350a, 350b
of the latch 318 may engage with the tip 106 in the locked
position. This structure is more reliable than conventional tip
latch assemblies where a single arm engaged with the tip 106.
Further, the dual-arms allow greater assembly tolerances and help
to prevent inadvertent disengagement of the tip 106 from the oral
irrigator 100. Further, the integrated biasing structure 352 of the
latch 318 reduces the complexity and number of components for the
tip latch assembly 306, which makes manufacturing easier as the
chances for error during assembly are reduced. The biasing
structure 352 allows the latch 318 to be created as a single part
and thus a single mold is needed to form the latch 318 of the
present disclosure as compared to other latch assemblies including
separate biasing elements.
The Charger and Charging The Oral Irrigator
[0152] The charger 134 for the oral irrigator 100 will now be
discussed in more detail. FIG. 19 is a rear isometric view of the
charger 134. FIG. 20 is a cross-section view of the charger taken
along line 20-20 in FIG. 19. FIG. 21 is an exploded view of a
primary charging coil assembly 478 for the charger 134. With
reference to FIGS. 19-21, the charger 134 may include a charger
housing 454, a power cord 136, a primary coil assembly 478, and
interior electronic components. Each will be discussed in turn
below.
[0153] The charger housing 454 may define a somewhat oval shaped
body having a curved interior surface 460 configured to match the
exterior curve of the front shell 138 of the oral irrigator 100, as
well as be aesthetically appealing. The interior source 460 may
include two cooling grooves 462a, 462b that extend parallel to each
other from a top end to a bottom end of the charger 134. The
cooling grooves 462a, 462b allow airflow between the charger 134
and the oral irrigator 100 when the charger is connected. The shape
and dimensions of the cooling grooves 462a, 462b may be configured
not only to enhance airflow but also to provide an aesthetically
appealing appearance for the charger 134. The exterior surface 480
may be convexly curved and bow outwards at a middle section (see
FIG. 20). In some embodiments, the exterior surface 480 may be
removable from the charger housing 434 and may connect to the
sidewalls of the charger 434.
[0154] With reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, the charger 134 may also
include a power cord 136 electronically coupled via a wire 474 to a
circuit board 472 positioned within the charger housing 454. The
power cord 136 extends from a sidewall of the charger housing 454
and may include a strain relief 458 section at the connection
location to help prevent the cord from being damaged due to bending
and flexing at the connection to the housing 454. In some
embodiments, an O-ring 473 may be received between the strain
relief 458 and the charger housing 453 to help prevent fluids from
entering into the charger housing.
[0155] Adjacent the outer edges of each of the cooling grooves
462a, 462b the charger 134 may include one or more magnet pockets
464a, 464b configured to receive one or more magnets 476a, 476b
(see FIG. 20).
[0156] The charger 134 may also include one or more activation
switches that activate the charger 134 when it is connected to the
oral irrigator 100. In one embodiment, the activation switch 487
may be a Hall effect sensor that interacts with magnet 420 on the
oral irrigator to activate the charger 134. This type of activation
prevents the charger from being activated when it is not in a
position to charge the oral irrigator 100, which reduces power
consumption and increases the energy efficiency of the irrigator
100 and charger. Other types of sensors or switches may also be
used, for example, mechanical or optical switches, that switch the
charger into a charging mode once it is secured to the body of the
oral irrigator 100. However, in embodiments where waterproofing is
desired, a magnetic sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor, may be
preferred as the sensor is not affected by fluids, such as water or
mouthwash and the magnets can be concealed within the housings of
the oral irrigator and charger to allow for a cleaner aesthetic
appearance.
[0157] With reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, the charger 134 also
includes the primary coil assembly 478. The primary coil assembly
478 may include a primary coil 466, a bobbin 468, and a core 470.
The primary coil assembly 478 may be substantially similar to the
secondary coil assembly 486. For example, with reference to FIG.
22, the secondary coil assembly 194 in the lower housing 112 of the
oral irrigator 100 may include a secondary coil 486, a bobbin 488,
and a core 490, each being substantially similar to its counterpart
in the primary coil assembly 478. As will be discussed in more
detail below, the coil assembly 478 is configured to couple with
circuit board 196 in the oral irrigator 100 to charge the batteries
412a, 412b.
[0158] In one embodiment, the primary coil 466 and the secondary
coil 486 may include a plurality of twisted copper wires, such as
Litz wires, and each of the multiple wires may be insulated from
each other. In these embodiments, the coils 466, 486 may allow for
fast inductive charging of the oral irrigator 100, while having a
low amount of heat generation. In conventional charging devices for
oral care products, such as electric toothbrushes, an inductive
coil may be made from a solid enameled copper wire. However, these
types of coils have a low charging rate to prevent heat generation.
On the contrary by using the twisted wires for the coils 466, 486,
the multiple wires reduce the heat generated by the coils during
charging due to reduced skin effect and proximity effect losses.
This allows the charger 134 to be made of plastic or other low-heat
resistant products since the heat generated by the coils 466, 486
is much lower. Further, the coil 466, 486 configurations with
multiple wires charges faster than conventional single-wire
structures as current has multiple pathways to flow.
[0159] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the primary
coil 466 and the secondary coil 486 may be made with multiple
parallel wires, rather than twisted wires. As another example, in
some embodiments, the coils 466, 486 may be braided, woven, or
otherwise formed. The wires forming the coils 466, 486 may be
substantially any type of multiple wire arrangement and may be
round or rectangular in cross section and may include a core, such
as a fiber core that the wires are wound around, and/or may include
insulating sleeves or the like around the group of wires,
individual wires, or the like.
[0160] The core 470 may be a ferrite core or other type of magnetic
core. In one embodiment, the core 470 may be "E" shaped and include
a central prong and two peripheral prongs on either side of the
central prong.
[0161] With reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, to assemble the charger
134, the coil assembly 478 is connected together. In particular,
the primary coil 466 is wound around the outer surface of the
bobbin 468 and the central prong of the core 470 may be inserted
through a center of the bobbin 468 with the outer prongs be
positioned on a top and a bottom of the bobbin 468 and primary coil
466. The coil assembly 478 is then mounted to the circuit board
472, which may be a printed circuit board, and electronically
connected to the connection wire 474.
[0162] With reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, the magnets 476a, 476b
may be inserted into the respective magnet pockets 464a, 464b in
the charger housing 434. The coil assembly 478 and circuit board
472 can then be received into the charger housing 434 and the
connection wire 474 may be electrically connected to the power cord
136. The exterior surface 480 may then be connected to the charger
housing 434 and secured thereto.
[0163] Operation of the charger 134 to charge the batteries of the
oral irrigator 100 will now be discussed in more detail. With
reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the user aligns the charger 134 with
the outer surface of the front shell 138 of the oral irrigator 100.
In particular, the interior surface 460 is aligned and abuts the
outer surface of the front shell 138. The magnets 476a, 476b of the
charger 134 are attracted to and align with the magnets 450a, 450b
connected to the front shell 138 to align the charger 134 with the
power assembly circuit board 196 and secure the charger 134 to the
oral irrigator 100. Additionally, the activation switch 487
interacts with the magnets within the front shell 138 to turn on
the charger 134. For example, when the activation switch is a Hall
effect sensor, as the charger 134 is secured in position, the
magnet activates the Hall effect sensor, allowing the charger to
begin to charge the batteries of the oral irrigator.
[0164] Once the charger 134 is connected to the oral irrigator 100,
the user may connect the power cord 136 to an electrical source,
such as a wall outlet, battery, or the like. Once connected to a
power source, the charger 134 causes a current to be induced in the
coil assembly 194 of the oral irrigator. FIG. 22 is a simplified
diagram illustrating the operation of the charger 134. With
reference to FIG. 22, during charging, current is transmitted from
the power cord 136 of the charger 134 to the primary coil assembly
478 via the circuit board 472 and wire 474. Current moves through
the primary coil 466, which creates a magnetic field due to the
core 470. As the two coil assemblies 194, 478 for the oral
irrigator 100 and charger 134 are separated by a small gap 456
(defined by the thickness of the front shell 138 and the charger
housing 454); the magnetic field generated by the primary coil
assembly 478 induces a current in the secondary coil 486 of the
secondary coil assembly 194. The current induced in the secondary
coil 486 is then transmitted to the batteries 412a, 412b to charge
the battery pack.
[0165] As discussed above, due to the twisted copper wire
configuration of the coils 466, 486 the charge currents generated
are larger as compared to conventional inductive charging devices.
This allows the oral irrigator 100 to charge more quickly than
conventional inductive devices. Additionally, the multiple wires
reduce heat generated by the coils during charging, which reduces
the risk of damage to other components of the oral irrigator 100,
such as the shell 138, housings, etc., and helps to prevent the
outer surfaces of the oral irrigator 100 from becoming heated,
which could present a risk to a user.
[0166] Further, the cooling grooves 462a, 462b allow airflow to
flow between the charger 134 and the outer surface of the oral
irrigator 100, even when the charger 134 is connected to the
irrigator 100. The cooling grooves 462a, 462b may be spaced around
the primary coil assembly 478 to allow heat dissipation from the
coil assembly 478 during charging. The heat dissipation provided by
the cooling grooves 462a, 462b helps to cool the coil 478 and helps
to prevent the heat generated during charging from damaging other
components, such as the charger housing 454 and/or oral irrigator
housing. This allows the charger housing 454 to be made out of
plastics or other similar materials as the risk of melting or other
damage is minimized by the cooling grooves 462a, 462b.
[0167] With continued reference to FIG. 22, during charging, the
microprocessor 484 or microcontroller (or other processing
element), which may be on the main circuit board 204 and/or the
circuit board 196, may monitor the status of the batteries 412a,
412b. When the voltage (or other characteristic, e.g., a "battery
full signal") sensed by the microprocessor 484 drops below a
predetermined threshold, the microprocessor 484 may determine that
the batteries 412a, 412b are charged to a desired percentage. The
microprocessor 484 may then deactivate the charger to preserve
energy. For example, the microprocessor 484 may send a signal to
the charger 134 to indicate that the connection to the power supply
should be deactivated. By deactivating the charging process when
the batteries have been fully charged, the lifespan of the
batteries 412a, 412b may be increased. For example, in some
instances the batteries 412a, 412b may be nickel metal hydride
(NiMH) batteries 412a, 412b and overcharging the batteries once
they have reached capacity may reduce the life span. Because the
charging system of the oral irrigator 100 may monitor the charging
capacity of the batteries during charging, and deactivate the
charging when capacity is reached, the batteries 412a, 412b may
have an increased life span as compared to conventional batteries.
Further, because the charging system terminates charging when
capacity is reached, the charging system is more energy
efficient.
Slide Latch for the Removable Reservoir
[0168] As discussed above, in some embodiments, the reservoir 104
may be removable from the body 102. In these embodiments, the oral
irrigator 100 may include a latching system to selectively secure
and release the reservoir 104 from the body 102. FIGS. 26-28
illustrate a slide latch for the oral irrigator. With reference to
FIGS. 26-28 in this embodiment, a latch assembly 500 may include a
latch 516 and a button 518 connected thereto. The latch assembly
500 is connected to reservoir 104 and assists in securing the
reservoir 104 to the body 102.
[0169] With reference to FIG. 28, the latch 516 may be formed as a
latch body 538 that defines a void area 521 surrounded by a
perimeter 523. A first finger 526 and a second finger 528 may each
extend from the perimeter 523 into the void area 521 parallel to
each other. The two fingers 526, 528 are connected on one end to
the latch body 538 and are free on the opposite end so that the
fingers 526, 528 are flexible relative to the latch body 538. The
two fingers 526, 528 may be secured on opposite ends relative to
each other so that the secured end of the first finger 526 is
adjacent to the free end of the second finger 528 and vice versa.
Each of the fingers 526, 528 may include a securing element on
their respective free ends. For example, the first finger 526 may
include a nub 524 formed on its free end and the second finger 528
may include a tang 520 formed on its free end. The two securing
elements may be oriented so as to extend upwards from a top surface
525 of the latch 516.
[0170] With reference to FIGS. 27 and 28, the latch 516 may also
include two pegs 522a, 522b extending from a bottom surface 527 of
the latch body 538. The pegs 522a, 522b may be parallel to each and
extend from the latch body 538 so as to border the ends of the
fingers 526, 528 on the bottom surface 527. The button 518 of the
latch assembly 500 may be connected to the latch 516 via the pegs
522a, 522b. For example, the pegs 522a, 522b may include apertures
529 defined therein may extend through the latch body 538 to the
top surface 525 and that may be configured to receive corresponding
pegs on the button 518. This may allow the button 518 to be
removable from the latch 516. However, in other embodiments, the
latch 516 and the button 518 may be formed as an integral, single
component or be permanently connected to one another.
[0171] With reference to FIG. 29, in embodiments including the
latch assembly 500, the reservoir 104 may include a latch cavity
504 or recess defined on a bottom surface 502. The latch cavity 504
may include a track 506 for the latch 516, the track 506 including
a first end and a second end forming a first stop 508 and a second
stop 510, respectively. The latch cavity 504 may also include a
first detent 534 and a second detent 536 aligned adjacent to and
set off from the track 506. The bottom surface 502 of the reservoir
104 may also include an unlock icon 530 and a lock icon 532
painted, molded, etched, or otherwise formed in the bottom surface
502. Alternatively, the icons may be attached via adhesive or the
like (e.g., as a decal or sticker). The unlock icon 530 corresponds
to a position of the latch 516 where the reservoir 104 is removable
from the body 102 and the lock icon 532 corresponds to a position
of the latch 516 where the reservoir 104 is secured to the body
102.
[0172] With reference to FIGS. 26-29, the latch assembly 500 may be
connected to the reservoir 104 and body 102 so that the latch 516
is arranged in the latch cavity 504 with the first finger 526 being
aligned with the first and second detents 534, 536 and the second
finger 528 being aligned with the track 506. The tang 520 is
positioned between the first stop 508 and the second stop 510
within the track 506 and the nub 524 is positioned within one of
the detents 534, 536. The button 518 is connected so as to face
away from the bottom surface 502 of the reservoir 104.
[0173] Operation of the latch assembly 500 will now be discussed in
more detail. With continued reference to FIGS. 26-29, in the locked
position, the latch 516 may be positioned so that a first end of
the button 518 abuts against the body 102 and the latch body 538
extends between a first shelf 512 and a bottom surface 514 of the
front shell 138 of the body 102. The first shelf 512 and the bottom
surface 514 act to sandwich the latch 516 therebetween and prevent
vertical movement of the latch 516. This restraint assists in
securing the reservoir 104 to the body 102. The reservoir 104 may
be restrained from lateral movement by the flange 171 that seals
against the interior surface of the front shell 138. Thus, when in
the locked position, the latch assembly 500 helps to prevent the
reservoir 104 from being removed from the body 102.
[0174] To unlock the reservoir 104, a user slides the button 518 in
the DU direction towards the unlock icon 530. As the button 518
slides, the latch 516 moves correspondingly, and the first finger
526 flexes downward and the nub 524 disengages from the first
detent 534 and slides towards the second detent 536, flexing
upwards to seat the nub 524 in the second detent 536. At the same
time, the second finger 528 moves within the track 506 and the tang
520 moves from abutting against the second stop 510 to abutting
against the first stop 508. Once the tang 520 abuts against the
first stop 508 and the nub 524 is seated in the second detent 536,
the latch 516 is positioned in the unlock position and adjacent the
unlock icon 530. This lateral movement of the latch 516 within the
latch cavity 504 locates the latch 516 so that the latch 516 is no
longer positioned between the first shelf 512 and the bottom
surface 514 of the front shell 138. With the latch 516 disengaged
from the front shell 138, a user may move the reservoir 104
vertically downwards away from the body 102 and front shell 138,
disconnecting the flange 171 of the reservoir 104 from its sealed
position, allowing the reservoir 104 to be removed.
[0175] To secure the reservoir 104 back to the body 102, the
reservoir 104 flange 171 is repositioned within the body 102 and
the bottom surface 502 of the reservoir 104 is aligned with the
bottom surface 514 of the front shell 138. Once aligned, the user
slides the button 518 in the lock direction DL towards the lock
icon 532. As the button 518 moves laterally, the latch 516 moves
correspondingly and seats between the first shelf 512 and the
bottom surface 514 and the fingers 526, 528 move to the locked
positions, with the nub 524 seated in the first detent 534 and the
tang 520 positioned adjacent the second stop 510. In these
embodiments, the tang 520 and nub 524 provide haptic and audible
feedback to a user to indicate that the latch 516 has moved to the
unlocked or locked positions.
[0176] It should be noted that in embodiments where the reservoir
104 is removable from the body 102, other latching or securing
mechanisms may be used as well. For example, a spring latch
including a molded integral spring body may be used. The type of
latch or securing assembly may be varied based on the shape and
configuration of the reservoir and body.
Battery Venting
[0177] In some embodiments, the oral irrigator includes a venting
assembly for the battery compartment. FIGS. 30A and 30B illustrate
various views of the venting assembly. With reference to FIGS. 30A
and 30B, the venting assembly 600 is formed as a part of the
battery cap 198 and includes a vent 608 that attaches to the
battery cap 198. As will be discussed below, the vent 608 provides
mitigation for battery outgassing and will equalize the pressure
within the battery compartment. Depending on the configuration of
the oral irrigator and batteries, the vent assembly 600 may be
positioned on a number of different walls of the battery
compartment. However, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 30A and 30B,
the venting assembly 600 is formed as part of the battery cap
198.
[0178] With reference to FIGS. 30A and 30B, the battery cap 198 in
this example includes one or more battery stabilizing walls 604
extending upwards from a top surface 610 of the cap base 602. The
stabilizing walls 604 may be shaped so as to match the diameter and
shape of the batteries and may be modified depending on the
configuration and desired stabilization of the batteries. The top
surface 610 of the cap base 602 may be raised or elevated relative
to the edge of the base 602, which allows the reservoir to have an
increased capacity as discussed above. The top surface 610 may also
include a plurality of positioning brackets 606a, 606b, 606c, 606d
that are used to position the vent 608 on the battery cap 198. The
positioning brackets 606a, 606b, 606c, 606d may be substantially
any type of configuration, but in one embodiment are L or U shaped
brackets having rounded corners. The positioning brackets 606a,
606b, 606c, 606d may be spaced apart from one another and are
typically configured so that the vent 608 can be positioned within
a space defined between each of the brackets 606a, 606b, 606c,
606d.
[0179] With reference to FIG. 30B, the battery cap 198 also
includes a venting aperture 614 defined through the top surface 610
of the cap base 602. The venting aperture 614 is positioned in
generally a central region between each of the positioning brackets
606a, 606b, 606c, 606d. The venting aperture 614 has a diameter
selected to allow proper venting for the battery cavity and may be
determined based on the size, number, and type of batteries used
for the oral irrigator 100.
[0180] With continued reference to FIG. 30B, in some embodiments,
the venting assembly 600 may also include an attachment protrusion
612 extending upwards from the top surface 610. The attachment
protrusion 612 may surround the venting aperture 614 but be spaced
apart therefrom by a groove 616 concentric with the venting
aperture 614. The attachment protrusion 612 is used to form a seal
with the vent 608 as will be discussed in more detail below.
[0181] The vent 608 is positioned over the venting aperture 614 and
is a material impermeable to fluids, but allows gases and air to
pass therethrough. For example, the vent 608 may be a laminated
product of porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or porous
ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE), such as DeWAL
235ep by DeWal Industries. The vent 608 is sized and shaped so as
to cover the vent aperture 614 and may be varied as desired.
[0182] With reference to FIGS. 30A and 30B, the connection of the
venting assembly 600 will now be discussed in more detail. The vent
608 is positioned between the positioning brackets 606a, 606b,
606c, 606d and over the vent aperture 614 and the attachment
protrusion 612. The vent 608 typically may be centered over the
vent aperture 614, but as long as the vent 608 is positioned so as
to completely cover the vent aperture 614 and the attachment
protrusion 612, it does not need to be centered (e.g., as shown in
FIG. 30A). Once the vent 608 is aligned with the venting aperture
614 and the attachment protrusion 612, the vent 608 is attached to
the battery cap 198. For example, a heat staking process may be
used that heats the vent 608 and the battery cap 198 so that the
material forming the attachment protrusion 612 melts to the vent
608 material and fuses therewith. As the material from the
attachment protrusion 612 melts to the battery cap 198, a seal is
formed around the venting aperture 614, which acts to prevent
liquids from entering in or exiting the battery compartment via the
venting aperture 614, as well as secures the vent 608 to the
battery cap 198. After the vent 608 is attached to the battery cap
198, the battery cap 198 is connected to the oral irrigator as
discussed above.
[0183] In operation, the venting assembly 600, in particular the
vent 608 and venting aperture 614 allow gasses, such as gases due
to outgassing from the batteries, to pass through the battery cap
198 and exit the battery compartment. This allows the pressure
within the battery compartment and other locations within the dry
compartments to be equalized with ambient pressure. This
equalization feature helps to prevent the sealing features, such as
the diaphragm seal 274, from being damaged due to variations in air
pressure (e.g., shipping the product from a low altitude to a high
altitude).
Conclusion
[0184] As discussed above, the oral irrigator of the present
disclosure may be waterproof and be able to be immersed within 1
meter of water without damage to the internal components. Further,
internal leakage, such as leakage from the pump, may be sealed from
reaching any electronic components. In some embodiments, the oral
irrigator may also include a waterproofing spray, such as a
super-hydrophobic coating, on certain electronic components, such
as the batteries, circuit boards, and so on. In these embodiments,
the coating may repel water and some fluids and thus further help
to prevent damage to the electronic components due to fluid.
[0185] It should be noted that any of the features in the various
examples and embodiments provided herein may be interchangeable
and/or replaceable with any other example or embodiment. As such,
the discussion of any component or element with respect to a
particular example or embodiment is meant as illustrative only. It
should be noted that although the various examples discussed herein
have been discussed with respect to oral irrigators, the devices
and techniques may be applied in a variety of applications, such
as, but not limited to, toothbrushes, bath appliances, or the
like.
[0186] 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 examples of the 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 the 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.
[0187] In some instances, components are described by reference to
"ends" having a particular characteristic and/or being connected
with another part. However, those skilled in the art will recognize
that the present invention is not limited to components which
terminate immediately beyond their point of connection with other
parts. Thus the term "end" should be broadly interpreted, in a
manner that includes areas adjacent rearward, forward of or
otherwise near the terminus of a particular element, link,
component, part, member or the like. In methodologies directly or
indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are
described in one possible order of operation but those skilled in
the art will recognize the steps and operation may be rearranged,
replaced or eliminated without necessarily departing from the
spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all
matter contained in the above description or shown in the
accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and
not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without
departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the
appended claims.
* * * * *