CN203693807U

CN203693807U - Oral cavity flusher

Info

Publication number: CN203693807U
Application number: CN201420006854.6U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 哈罗德·露缇恩; 布伦达李托马斯; 库尔特M.泰勒
Original assignee: Water Pik Inc
Current assignee: Water Pik Inc
Priority date: 2014-01-06
Filing date: 2014-01-06
Publication date: 2014-07-09
Anticipated expiration: 2024-01-06

Abstract

The utility model provides an oral cavity flusher which comprises a fluid container, a sealed link stopper, a charging plug, an insulating wall, a pump, a pressure control assembly and a nozzle, wherein the pressure control assembly comprises a valve cylinder and a member which can vertically move in the valve cylinder, the valve cylinder has an inlet and an outlet, the inlet is in fluid communication with the ejecting side of the pump, and the member comprises a cavity and an opening which leads to the cavity from the outer surface of the member; the nozzle is in fluid communication with the outlet of the valve cylinder, wherein the member is placed in a first position in the valve cylinder, so that the opening is in fluid communication with the inlet, thereby limiting a fluid channel extending and passing through the cavity from the inlet to the outlet. The member is placed in a second position of the valve cylinder to isolate the inlet from the outlet, thereby limiting a fluid channel which does not extend or pass through the cavity from the inlet to the outlet.

Description

Oral cavity flusher

Technical Field

The present invention relates to health and personal hygiene devices and methods of controlling such devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to an oral irrigator and a method of controlling the apparatus.

Background

Oral irrigators for emitting a high pressure fluid stream into the mouth of a user are well known in the art and are used to promote oral hygiene and health. For oral irrigators, it is advantageous to eject the fluid stream at a substantially constant selected pulse rate. For example, a particularly useful constant pulse rate is 1200 cycles per minute.

Depending on the user and the location of the oral cavity where the fluid stream impinges, either a high pressure fluid stream or a low pressure fluid stream may be preferred. Accordingly, it is preferable to provide the oral irrigator with the ability to vary the pressure of the fluid stream ejected from the oral irrigator. Prior art oral irrigators attempt to meet this requirement by adjusting the pumping speed. Unfortunately, this approach results in the oral irrigator not providing a substantially constant pulse rate.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

To solve the problems of the prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an oral irrigator for emitting a fluid flow at a substantially constant pulse rate, which allows the user to adjust the ejection pressure of the fluid flow emitted from the oral irrigator without the pulse rate of the fluid flow being significantly changed.

The utility model provides a hand-held type oral cavity flusher, include:

a fluid reservoir defining a drain hole in a bottom wall thereof; and

a sealing stopper removably connected to the fluid reservoir and configured to seal the discharge orifice;

a charging plug, comprising:

a first electrical pin;

a second electrical pin; and

an insulating wall positioned between the first electrical pin and the second electrical pin;

a pump comprising a suction side and a discharge side, wherein the suction side is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir;

a pressure control assembly comprising a valve barrel and a member longitudinally displaceable within the valve barrel, wherein the valve barrel has an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is in fluid communication with the discharge side of the pump, and wherein the member comprises a cavity and a port leading from an outer side surface of the member to the cavity; and

a nozzle in fluid communication with the outlet of the valve cartridge,

wherein placing the member in a first position within the valve barrel places the port in fluid communication with the inlet, thereby defining a fluid passageway extending through the cavity from the inlet to the outlet,

wherein placing the member in a second position within the valve barrel isolates the port from the inlet, thereby defining a fluid pathway from the inlet to the outlet that does not extend through the cavity.

Hand-held oral irrigators typically include a fluid reservoir, a pump, a pressure control assembly and a nozzle. In embodiments disclosed herein, the pump may include a suction side and a discharge side. The suction side is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. The pressure control assembly may include a housing and a member displaceable within the housing. The housing has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is in fluid communication with the discharge side of the pump, and the nozzle is in fluid communication with the outlet of the housing. In one embodiment, the member, which may be a piston, is longitudinally displaceable within the housing, and the piston may be formed of a water resistant material such as nylon 12.

In some embodiments, the oral irrigator includes a fluid reservoir and a charging plug. The charging plug includes a first electrical pin and a second electrical pin, wherein the two pins are separated by an insulating wall. The oral irrigator further comprises: a pump comprising a suction side and a discharge side, wherein the suction side is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; a pressure control assembly comprising a valve barrel and a member longitudinally displaceable within the valve barrel, wherein the valve barrel has an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is in fluid communication with the discharge side of the pump, and wherein the member comprises a cavity and a port leading from an outer side surface of the member to the cavity; and a nozzle in fluid communication with the outlet of the valve cartridge. During operation, the member is placed in a first position within the valve cylinder such that the port is placed in fluid communication with the inlet, thereby defining a fluid pathway from the inlet to the outlet extending through the chamber, and the member is placed in a second position within the valve cylinder, isolating the port from the inlet, thereby defining a fluid pathway from the inlet to the outlet that does not extend through the chamber.

In some embodiments, the member further comprises a groove defined in the outer lateral surface of the member, the port being located in the groove.

In some embodiments, the oral irrigator may further comprise: an actuator for displacing the member within the valve barrel, and wherein the member includes a portion extending through the valve barrel coupled to the actuator. Wherein the portion of the member is an arm that extends through a longitudinally extending slot in the valve barrel, and the member is longitudinally displaceable within the valve barrel.

In some embodiments, the oral irrigator may further comprise: an actuator for displacing the member within the housing. The member may have a portion extending through the housing to couple to the actuator. In one embodiment, the portion of the member is an arm that extends through a longitudinally extending slot in the housing. The fluid flow path may extend from the inlet to the outlet and may be modifiable between a first route extending along at least a portion of the member and a second route not extending along the member.

In some embodiments, the first position is proximate to the second position.

In some embodiments, the pump further comprises a piston movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the piston is formed from a nylon material.

In some embodiments, the reservoir has a capacity of 200 ml.

In some embodiments, the reservoir stores sufficient fluid to allow 55 to 60 seconds of operation of the oral irrigator.

In another embodiment, the oral irrigator may have a pump, an ejection nozzle and a pressure controller. The pump may have a substantially constant operating speed and supply the ejection nozzles. The pressure controller may be adapted to modify the ejection pressure at the nozzle without significantly changing the pump speed. The pressure controller corrects the level of fluid flow restriction between the pump and the nozzle. The pressure controller may modify the diameter of the fluid flow path extending through the pressure controller. The pressure controller may also modify the length of the fluid flow path extending through the pressure controller. The pressure controller may also correct for the number of directional changes of the fluid flow path extending through the pressure controller.

In yet another embodiment, the oral irrigator has a pump and a pressure regulating assembly. The pump supplies the nozzle. The pressure regulation assembly may be configured to provide a first fluid flow path associated with a high nozzle blow out pressure and a second fluid flow path associated with a low nozzle blow out pressure. The pressure regulating assembly may be located between the pump and the nozzle.

In one embodiment, the first fluid flow path provides a more direct route to the nozzle than the second fluid flow path. In another embodiment, the first fluid flow path has a length that is shorter than a length of the second fluid flow path. In yet another embodiment, the second fluid flow path has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the first fluid flow path.

The pressure adjustment assembly may have a housing and a member displaceable within the housing. The housing defines a first port and the member defines a second port. The second fluid flow path extends through both ports. The first fluid flow path extends only through the port of the housing.

In one embodiment, a pressure adjustment assembly may have a housing and a member displaceable within the housing. A portion of the second fluid flow path extends circumferentially about at least a portion of the member. The member may be generally cylindrical and define a groove extending about at least a portion of a circumferential outer surface of the member. The housing may define an inlet aligned with the groove to form a portion of the second fluid flow path. The member may also have a longitudinally extending central lumen in fluid contact with the groove via a port extending through a wall of the member.

In another embodiment, the oral irrigator may have a pump and a pressure regulating assembly. The pump supplies the nozzle. The pressure regulation assembly may have a first fluid flow friction setting associated with a high nozzle ejection pressure and a second fluid flow friction setting associated with a low nozzle ejection pressure.

In yet another embodiment, a method of controlling the discharge pressure of a nozzle of an oral irrigator having a pump supplying the nozzle is described. The method includes correcting a fluid flow friction value of a fluid flow path between the pump and the nozzle by correcting the fluid flow path. The fluid flow path may be modified by one or more of the following actions: changing its length, changing its diameter, or by the number of times it is deflected in its direction.

In some embodiments, the oral irrigator may also include at least one nickel metal hydride battery cell.

In some embodiments, the oral irrigator may further comprise: a securing strap positioned over the at least one nickel metal hydride battery cell and securing the battery cell in place.

In some embodiments, the at least one nickel metal hydride battery cell comprises a first nickel metal hydride battery and a second nickel metal hydride battery, and the fixation strap extends over both the first nickel metal hydride battery and the second nickel metal hydride battery.

In some embodiments, the oral irrigator may further comprise: a motor in communication with the at least one nickel metal hydride battery cell and connected to the pump, wherein the motor is positioned above the at least one nickel metal hydride battery cell and in parallel with the pump.

In some embodiments, the charging plug further comprises: a first chamber; and a second chamber; wherein the first electrical pin is received within the first cavity and the second electrical pin is received within the second cavity.

In some embodiments, the first chamber has a different shape than the second chamber.

In some embodiments, the first chamber is larger than the second chamber.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that the invention is capable of modification in various respects, 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 as restrictive.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a front view of a hand-held oral irrigator.

Fig. 1A is a top isometric view of a hand-held oral irrigator.

Fig. 2 is a top isometric view of the hand-held oral irrigator.

Fig. 3 is a control side elevational view of the hand-held oral irrigator.

Fig. 4 is a reservoir side elevational view of the hand-held oral irrigator.

Fig. 5 is a right side view of the hand-held oral irrigator as seen from the direction of arrow a in fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is a left side view of the hand-held oral irrigator as seen from the direction of arrow B in fig. 3.

Fig. 7 is a top view of the hand-held oral irrigator.

Fig. 8 is a bottom view of the hand-held oral irrigator.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the hand-held oral irrigator taken along section line 9-9 in fig. 4.

Fig. 10 is an isometric view of the motor side of the hand-held oral irrigator with the outer housing of the handle portion removed to show the internal elements of the irrigator.

Fig. 11 is the same type of view as shown in fig. 10, except for the pump side of the hand-held oral irrigator.

Fig. 12 is a longitudinal section through the pump.

Fig. 13 is an isometric view of the motor/pump/transmission arrangement with the base of the flusher 10 hidden for clarity.

Fig. 14 is an isometric view of the pressure control valve assembly 85 with most of the base of the hand-held oral irrigator 10 hidden for clarity.

Fig. 15 is a side view of the same elements depicted in fig. 14, viewed from the same direction as fig. 6.

Fig. 16 is a side view of the same elements as depicted in fig. 14, viewed from the same direction as fig. 4.

FIG. 17A is a longitudinal cross-section of the pressure control valve assembly taken along section line 17-17 in FIG. 15 with the valve spool in a rearward position (i.e., a high blow-off pressure position) within the valve barrel.

Fig. 17B is the same view as that depicted in fig. 17A, except that the spool is in a forward position (i.e., a low discharge pressure position) within the valve barrel.

FIG. 18A is a longitudinal cross-section of the pressure control valve assembly taken along section line 18-18 in FIG. 16 with the valve spool in a rearward position (i.e., a high blow-off pressure position) within the valve barrel.

Fig. 18B is the same view as that depicted in fig. 18A, except that the spool is in a forward position (i.e., a low discharge pressure position) within the valve barrel.

Fig. 19 is a side view of the pressure control valve assembly shown in fig. 15, except that the spout tube, nozzle and control button are hidden for clarity.

Fig. 20 is an isometric view of the valve assembly with the discharge tube, nozzle and control button hidden for clarity.

Fig. 21 is an isometric view of the spool and yoke.

FIG. 22 is an isometric transverse cross-section taken along section line 22-22 in FIG. 15.

FIG. 23 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 10, except that various components are shown in an alternative configuration.

FIG. 24 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 11, except that various components are shown in an alternative configuration.

Fig. 25 is a bottom perspective view of the reservoir of the hand-held oral irrigator.

Fig. 26 is a rear perspective view of a removable faceplate of the hand-held oral irrigator.

Fig. 27A is a side view of the oral irrigator of fig. 1A.

Fig. 27B is a rear view of the oral irrigator of fig. 1A.

Fig. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the oral irrigator of fig. 1A taken along line 28-28 in fig. 27B.

Fig. 29 is an enlarged front perspective view of the oral irrigator of fig. 1A showing the charging port.

Fig. 30 is a partial cross-sectional view of the oral irrigator of fig. 1A.

Fig. 31 is a front view of the oral irrigator of fig. 1A with the housing hidden to show selected internal components.

Fig. 32 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the oral irrigator of fig. 1A.

Detailed Description

In one embodiment, the handheld oral irrigator 10 allows the user to adjust the ejection pressure of the fluid stream while maintaining the pulse rate of the fluid stream generated by the irrigator. Thus, the handheld oral irrigator 10 is advantageous over the prior art because it allows the user to adjust the fluid stream ejection pressure to suit the comfort preferences of the user, while still allowing the oral irrigator to provide fluid stream at a preferred or most efficient pulse rate (e.g., 1200 cycles per minute).

For a discussion of the general external configuration of one embodiment of the hand-held oral irrigator 10, reference is made to fig. 1A-8. Fig. 1A and 2 are top isometric views of the hand-held oral irrigator 10. Fig. 3 is a control side elevation view of the hand-held oral irrigator 10. Fig. 4 is a reservoir side elevational view of the hand-held oral irrigator 10. Fig. 5 is a right side view of the hand-held oral irrigator 10 as seen from the direction of arrow a in fig. 3. Fig. 6 is a left side view of the hand-held oral irrigator 10 as seen from the direction of arrow B in fig. 3. Fig. 7 is a top view of the hand-held oral irrigator 10. Fig. 8 is a bottom view of the hand-held oral irrigator 10.

As shown in FIGS. 1A-7, in one embodiment, the irrigator 10 includes a handle portion 15 and a nozzle 20 with an orthodontic tip at its distal end. A nozzle 20 extends from the top end of the handle portion 15. The nozzle 20 is detachable from the handle portion 15 via a nozzle release button 25 located at the top of the handle portion 15.

As shown in FIGS. 1A-6, in one embodiment, the handle portion 15 has a deformed hourglass shape that gradually narrows from the wide base 30 (proximal end of the irrigator 10) to the narrow grip region 35, and gradually widens from the narrow grip region 35 to the medium width tip 40 (distal end of the irrigator 10). The hourglass shape is aesthetically and ergonomically shaped to fit a user's hand, which in one embodiment is a child or teenager's hand.

As indicated in fig. 1A, 2, and 4-8, in one embodiment, the handle portion 15 includes a reservoir 45, the reservoir 45 forming a portion of the base 30. The reservoir 45 is removable from the base of the handle portion 15 and includes a fill port 50 near the bottom of the reservoir 45. To fill the reservoir with fluid, the reservoir 45 is disengaged from the base of the handle portion 15 and removed, the cover of the fill port 50 is opened, and fluid is allowed to flow into the reservoir 45 via the opened fill port 50. Once the reservoir 45 is filled, the lid is closed over the fill port 50 and the reservoir 45 is reattached to the base of the handle portion 15.

As can be appreciated from fig. 1A, 2 and 4-8, the reservoir 45 can be filled while the reservoir 45 is still attached to the base of the handle portion 15. To do so, the lid of the fill port 50 is opened and fluid is allowed to flow into the reservoir 45 via the opened fill port 50. Once the reservoir 45 is filled, the lid is closed.

For a discussion of the disengagement of the reservoir 45 from the base of the handle portion, reference is made to fig. 8 and 25, where fig. 25 is a bottom perspective view of the reservoir of the hand-held oral irrigator. As best shown in fig. 8 and 25, the reservoir 45 includes a leaf spring lock 47 molded to a lower portion of the reservoir 45 for releasably securing the reservoir 45 to the handle portion 15. When the reservoir 45 is attached to the handle portion 15, the leaf spring lock 47 is biased to engage the handle portion 15. To disengage the leaf spring lock 47 from the handle portion 15, the user moves the lock portion 49 of the leaf spring lock 47 in the direction indicated by the arrow formed, printed or placed on the leaf spring lock 47. In one embodiment, the reservoir 45 moves downwardly relative to the handle portion 15 when the reed lock 47 is disengaged from the handle portion 15.

Referring again to fig. 1A, 3 and 5-7 to continue with the general external configuration of the handheld oral irrigator, in one embodiment, the control side of the grip region 35 includes an on/off control 52, a pressure control 54 and a removable panel 56 surrounding the location of the two controls 52, 54. The on/off control 52 enables a user to turn the washer 10 on or off. To turn on the flusher 10, the on/off control 52 is moved (e.g., slid or depressed) to complete the circuit between the flusher's internal power source and its motor, the on/off control 52 may be a slide, button, or the like. To shut down the flusher 10, the controller 52 is again moved to break the circuit.

The pressure controller 54 enables a user to adjust the ejection pressure of the fluid stream ejected from the distal tip of the nozzle 20. In one embodiment, the nozzle release button 25 is located on the opposite side of the reservoir from the controls 50, 52, which helps to limit accidental release of the nozzle 20 due to accidental depression or other engagement of the nozzle release button 25 when the controls 50, 52 are operated by a user.

The removable panel 56 may be replaced with other panels having other colors or designs, thereby enabling a user to customize the appearance of the flusher 10 to preferences. In one embodiment, the hand-held oral irrigator 10 is sold with a plurality of panels 56 of various designs and colors or provided with a plurality of panels 56 of various designs and colors. The user selects the panel they prefer and mounts it on the handle portion 15.

As shown in fig. 26, fig. 26 is a rear perspective view of a removable panel of the hand-held oral irrigator, the removable panel 56 having two or more L-shaped short projections 410a, 410b for receipt in corresponding slots or grooves defined in the handle portion 15 of the oral irrigator 10 to attach the removable panel 56 to the handle portion 15. When joined together, the short legs of the short tabs 410a, 410b are received in a slot or recess defined in the handle portion 15 to maintain the joined relationship between the removable panel 56 and the handle portion 15.

To disconnect removable panel 56 from handle portion 15, removable panel 56 is sufficiently flexible that a user can inwardly deflect edges 415, 420 of removable panel 56 to disengage tabs 410a, 410b from handle portion 15, thereby pulling panel 56 away from handle portion 15. When the user moves the edges 415, 420 of the removable panel 56 inwardly, the short legs of the short tabs 410a, 410b are removed from the slots or grooves in the handle portion 15, thereby enabling the user to remove the removable panel 56 from the handle portion 15.

To attach the removable panel 56 to the handle portion 15, the user deflects the edges 415, 420 of the removable panel 56 inwardly and places the rear surface 425 of the removable panel 56 against the handle portion 15. When the removable panel 56 is placed against the handle portion 15 in the proper position and orientation, the short legs of the short tabs 410a, 410b are generally aligned with the grooves or slots in the handle portion 15. In one embodiment, the handle portion 15 has a recessed surface surrounding the controls 50, 52 to assist the user in properly positioning and orienting the removable panel 56 relative to the handle portion 15. Once removable panel 45 is in the correct position and orientation against handle portion 56, the user ceases to squeeze the edges 415, 420 of the removable panel inwardly, thereby biasing the short legs of short projections 410a, 410b, which move outwardly, into the recess or groove defined in handle portion 15, by the internal force generated by the inward movement of edges 415, 420 of removable panel 56.

Referring again to fig. 1A, 3 and 5-7 to continue with the discussion of the general external configuration of the handheld oral irrigator, the reservoir side of the grip region 35 includes a soft overmolded grip region 58, in one embodiment the soft overmolded grip region 58 includes grip reliefs 60, textured grip surfaces or other grip enhancing features.

As shown in fig. 1A and 3, in one embodiment, a charging plug 63 exits in handle portion 15 near base 30. The charging plug 63 is used to place an external power source in electrical communication with an internal power source (e.g., a battery) located within the handle portion 15.

For a discussion of the general internal configuration of one embodiment of the hand-held oral irrigator 10, reference is made to fig. 9-11, 23 and 24. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the hand-held oral irrigator 10 taken along section line 9-9 in fig. 4. Fig. 10 is an isometric view of the motor side of the hand-held oral irrigator 10 with the outer housing 65 of the handle portion 15 removed to show the internal elements of the irrigator 10. Fig. 11 is the same type of view as shown in fig. 10, except for the pump side of the hand-held oral irrigator 10. FIG. 23 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 10, except that various components are shown in an alternative configuration. FIG. 24 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 11, except that various components are shown in an alternative configuration.

As shown in FIG. 9, the flusher 10 includes an outer housing 65 forming an outer surface of the handle portion 15. The housing 65 encloses the motor 70, pump 75, transmission 77, rechargeable NiCad battery 80, and pressure control valve assembly 85. In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 10 and 11, the motor 70 and pump 75 are located adjacent the base 30 in a side-by-side arrangement, the transmission 77 is located below the motor 70 and pump 75, the battery 80 is located above the motor 70 and pump 75, and the valve assembly 85 is located above the battery 80. In another embodiment, as shown in fig. 23 and 24, the battery 80 is located adjacent the base 30, the motor 70 and the pump 75 are located above the battery 80, the transmission 77 is located above the motor 70 and the pump 75, and the valve assembly 85 is located above the transmission 77. A transmission 77 couples the motor 70 to the pump 75 to convert the rotational output of the motor 70 into longitudinal reciprocation of the pump piston 120.

As shown in fig. 9, removable reservoir 45 forms a significant portion of the underside of handle portion 15. The fill port 50 opens into the reservoir 45, and the reservoir 45 extends below a portion of the housing 65 that encloses the motor 70 and the pump 75. The transfer tube 90 extends horizontally from the bottom of the reservoir 45 to the sealed coupling 95. In one embodiment, the transfer tube 90 is part of a reservoir. In another embodiment, the transfer tube 90 is separate from the reservoir 45. When the reservoir 45 is coupled to the base of the handle portion 15, as best understood from fig. 11 and 24, the sealing coupling 95 sealingly mates with the bottom end of the suction tube 100 leading to the suction port 105 of the pump 75. Thus, the reservoir 45 is placed in fluid communication with the suction side of the pump 75.

As indicated in fig. 10 and 11 and fig. 23 and 24, the motor 70, pump 75, transmission 77, and valve assembly 85 are coupled to a chassis plate 110 that extends longitudinally through the housing 65 of the handle portion 15. In one embodiment, the controllers 52, 54, motor 70 and battery 80 are located on one side of the plate 110, while the pump 70 and valve assembly 85 are located on the other side of the plate 110.

As can be appreciated from fig. 9 and 11, by coupling the reservoir 45 to the base of the housing 65 of the handle portion 15, the suction tube 100 is removably and sealably coupled to the sealed coupling 95 such that the free end of the suction tube 100 is received in the sealed coupling 95. As shown in fig. 11, fluid traveling from the reservoir 45 to the distal end of the nozzle 20 is drawn through the transfer tube 90 into the suction tube 100 at the sealed coupling 95 and to the suction port 105 of the pump 75.

As can be understood from fig. 12, fig. 12 is a longitudinal section through the pump 75, when the piston 120 moves backward (backward movement indicated by an arrow X in fig. 12) in the cylinder 115 of the cylinder housing 118, the ejection sheet 121 of the ejection sheet valve arrangement is forced against the ejection valve seat 122, and fluid is sucked in through the suction port 105 of the suction housing 107 of the pump 75, through the suction sheet 108 forming the suction sheet valve arrangement, and into the cylinder 115. As the piston 120 moves forward (as indicated by arrow Y in fig. 12), the suction plate 108 is forced against the suction valve seat 125 and fluid is forced through the ejection plate 121, into the ejection port 130 of the ejection housing 135 of the pump 75, and into the ejection tube 140 leading to the valve assembly 85, as shown in fig. 11 and 24.

In one embodiment, as depicted in fig. 11 and 12, the pump 75 is formed of three housings (e.g., a suction housing 107, a cylinder housing 118, and a discharge housing 135). In one embodiment, the three housings 107, 118, 135 are held together via a linkage mechanism. For example, in one embodiment, screws 145 (shown in fig. 11) are received in screw receiving apertures 146 (shown in fig. 12) in the three housings 107, 118, 135.

For purposes of discussion of the motor/pump/transmission arrangement, referring to fig. 13, fig. 13 is an isometric view of the motor/pump/transmission arrangement with the base of the flusher 10 hidden for clarity. As shown in fig. 12, a pinion gear 150 extends from the motor 70 to drive a gear 155 carrying a cam 160. A piston rod 165 (see fig. 12 and 13) extends between the piston 120 and a cam follower end 170 of the piston rod 165. The cam follower end 170 receives the cam 160, and upon rotation of the cam 160, the cam follower 170 and cam 160 act to convert the rotary motion of the motor 70 into longitudinal reciprocal displacement of the piston 120 within the cylinder 115.

For purposes of discussion of the pressure control valve assembly 85, reference is made to FIGS. 14-22. Fig. 14 is an isometric view of the pressure control valve assembly 85 with most of the base of the hand-held oral irrigator 10 hidden for clarity. Fig. 15 is a side view of the same elements depicted in fig. 14, viewed from the same direction as fig. 6. Fig. 16 is a side view of the same elements as depicted in fig. 14, viewed from the same direction as fig. 4. FIG. 17A is a longitudinal cross-section of the pressure control valve assembly 85 taken along section line 17-17 in FIG. 15 with the valve spool 180 in a rearward position (i.e., a high discharge pressure position) within the valve cylinder 185. Fig. 17B is the same view as that depicted in fig. 17A, except that the valve spool 180 is in a forward position (i.e., a low discharge pressure position) within the valve barrel 185. FIG. 18A is a longitudinal cross-section of the pressure control valve assembly 85 taken along section line 18-18 in FIG. 16, with the valve spool 180 in a rearward position (i.e., a high discharge pressure position) within the valve cylinder 185. Fig. 18B is the same view as depicted in fig. 18A, except that the valve spool 180 is in a forward position (i.e., a low discharge pressure position) within the valve barrel 185. Fig. 19 is a side view of the pressure control valve assembly 85 as shown in fig. 15, except that the ejection tube 140, nozzle 20 and control button 54 are hidden for clarity. Fig. 20 is an isometric view of the pressure control valve assembly 85 with the ejection tube 140, nozzle 20 and control button 54 hidden for clarity. Fig. 21 is an isometric view of the spool 180 and yoke 190. FIG. 22 is an isometric transverse cross-section taken along section line 22-22 in FIG. 15.

As can be appreciated from fig. 14-18B and 22, fluid pumped from the pump 75 through the discharge tube 140 enters the inlet 210 of the pressure control valve assembly 85. As depicted in fig. 19 and 22, in one embodiment, to enter the valve cartridge 185, fluid passes through the slot openings 215 in the cartridge wall 220.

17A-18B, the valve spool 180 is located in the valve cylinder 185 and is longitudinally displaceable within the valve cylinder 185. As shown in fig. 21, the valve core 180 is cylindrical with a pair of arms 257 extending outward and rearward from a middle part of the valve core 180. The cavity 258 extends longitudinally through the length of the spool 180. The free ends of the arms 257 are received in pivot eyes 259 of the yoke 261. The distal end of the spool 180 includes a pair of o-ring receiving grooves 260, a fluid groove 265 positioned between the o-ring grooves 260, and a port 275 extending between the fluid groove 265 and a cavity 270. The proximal end of the valve spool 180 includes an o-ring receiving groove 277.

As indicated in fig. 17A and 18A, when the valve spool 180 is located rearwardly in the valve cylinder 185, fluid passes through the slot openings 215 (see fig. 19 and 20) and exits the distal tip of the nozzle 20 as a high discharge pressure fluid stream directly from the front of the valve cylinder 185, through the valve assembly outlet 225, through the cavity 230 of the nozzle 20. As indicated in fig. 17B, 18B, and 21, when the valve spool 180 is forwardly located in the valve barrel 185, fluid passes between the slot openings 215 (see fig. 19 and 20) and the fluid groove 265 and the inner circumferential surface of the valve barrel 185, through the port 275, into the cavity 258 of the valve spool 180, through the valve assembly outlet 225, through the cavity 230 of the nozzle 20, and out the distal tip of the nozzle 20 as a low discharge pressure fluid stream.

As can be appreciated from fig. 17A-20, when the valve spool 180 is in a forward position (i.e., a low blow-out pressure position) within the valve cylinder 185, fluid flow through the pressure control valve assembly 85 must overcome a substantially increased frictional resistance as compared to when the valve spool 180 is in a rearward position (i.e., a high blow-out pressure position) within the valve cylinder 185. Accordingly, when the valve spool 180 is in the low discharge pressure position, the pressure control valve assembly 85 establishes a substantially higher pressure drop in the fluid flow through the assembly 85 than when the valve spool 180 is in the high discharge pressure position. Thus, without adjusting the operating speed of the pump 75, the user can adjust the ejection pressure of the fluid stream emitted from the nozzle 20 of the oral irrigator 10 by adjusting the position of the valve cartridge 180 within the valve cylinder 185. Accordingly, the user may substantially correct the ejection pressure without substantially changing the preferred pulse rate of the fluid flow.

As will be understood from fig. 17A to 20, moving the valve spool 180 from the high discharge pressure position (see fig. 17A and 18A) to the low discharge pressure position (see fig. 17B and 18B) modifies the fluid flow path through the discharge pressure control assembly 85 in several ways, and as a result, modifies the fluid flow path between the pump 75 and the nozzle 20. First, because the flow is diverted about the fluid groove 265, through the port 275, and through the cavity 258 before the flow can pass through the cartridge outlet 225 to the nozzle 20, moving the spool 180 from the high discharge pressure position to the low discharge pressure position increases the length of the fluid flow path. Second, because the diameter or flow area of the fluid groove 265, the port 275, and the cavity 258 is substantially smaller than the inner diameter or flow area of the valve cartridge 185, moving the valve spool 180 from the high discharge pressure position to the low discharge pressure position substantially reduces the diameter or flow area of the fluid flow path. Third, because the fluid must follow a tortuous path around groove 265 and through port 275 and chamber 258 before the flow can pass through cartridge outlet 225 to nozzle 20, moving the valve spool 180 from the high discharge pressure position to the low discharge pressure position increases the number of directional excursions that the fluid flow must pass through.

Each of these modifications to the fluid flow path achieved by moving the valve spool 180 from the high discharge pressure position to the low discharge pressure position increases the magnitude of the fluid flow friction between the pump 75 and the nozzle 20. Accordingly, while the pump 75 continues to operate at substantially the same speed and provide fluid flow at substantially the same pulse rate, the discharge pressure of the fluid flow at the distal end of the nozzle 20 is reduced from the high discharge pressure to the low discharge pressure because the valve spool 180 moves from the high discharge pressure position to the low discharge pressure position within the valve barrel 185.

Studies have shown that some fluid flow pulse rates are more efficient than others. For example, in one embodiment, the pump 75 of the oral irrigator 10 is cycled at a rate such that it ejects the fluid stream out of the nozzle 20 with a pulse rate of 1000-1600 pulses per minute, in one embodiment 1100-1400 pulses per minute, and in one embodiment 1200 pulses per minute. As discussed in Mattingly, U.S. patent 3,227,158, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, a pulse rate of 1000-. Other very effective pulse rates for oral hygiene and health uses also include 1100-.

This pressure control feature is advantageous because it enables a user to adjust the fluid stream ejection pressure to accommodate the user's comfort preferences while maintaining the pulse rate at approximately the preferred pulse rate. For example, whether the pressure control valve assembly 85 is configured to emit a low discharge pressure fluid stream or a high discharge pressure fluid stream from the nozzle 20, the fluid stream will have a preferred number of pulses per minute (e.g., 1000-.

For discussion of the configuration of the valve cartridge, reference is again made to FIGS. 14 and 17A-20. As best understood from fig. 14, 19 and 20, the valve barrel 185 of the pressure control valve assembly 185 includes a proximal portion 185a that is received within a collar portion 185b of a distal portion 185 c. A slot 300 extends longitudinally along each side of the valve barrel 185 and the arms 257 of the valve spool 180 extend through the slot 300 to couple with the arms of the yoke 261. As indicated in fig. 17A-18B, the valve cartridge 185 is hollow to receive the valve spool 180 and the wall of the proximal end of the valve cartridge proximal portion 185c is removed so that when fluid flows into the cavity 258 of the valve spool 180, the fluid impacts the proximal end of the valve cartridge proximal portion 185c to establish a backpressure condition within the pressure control valve assembly 85. As can be appreciated from fig. 17A and 17B, the o-rings 260, 277 prevent fluid from escaping the valve cartridge 185 through the slot 300.

For a discussion of the linkage 305 used to displace the valve spool 180 within the valve cylinder 185, reference is again made to fig. 9, 14, 15, 18A-21. As best understood from these figures, linkage 305 includes yoke 261 and pressure controller 54. The yoke 261 includes a pair of arms, and each arm has a pivot eye 259 near its free end. The pivot aperture 259 pivotally receives a free end of the spool arm 257 therein. The yoke includes an arcuate slotted tongue 310 opposite the yoke arms for pivotally receiving therein a ball 315 extending from the pressure controller 54.

As indicated in fig. 9, in one embodiment, the pressure controller 54 is a slide supported by the housing 65 of the handle portion 15 of the flusher 10. As shown in fig. 19 and 21, the yoke 261 has a rocker portion 320, and the tongue 310 extends from the rocker portion 320. As shown in fig. 18A and 18B, the rocker arm portion 320 resides in an aperture or slot 325 in the chassis plate 110, which enables the tongue 310 to swing toward the nozzle 20 or toward the base 30 depending on how the slide 54 is displaced along the housing 65.

As indicated in fig. 18A, when the slide 54 is moved toward the nozzle 20, the tongue 310 swings toward the nozzle 20, thereby pivoting the yoke 261 about the orifice 325 in the case plate 110, such that the yoke arm moves toward the base 30 and the spool arm 257 is pulled toward the base 30, which moves the spool 180 toward the base 30 (i.e., the spool 180 moves to the high ejection pressure position). As indicated in fig. 18B, when the slide 54 is moved toward the base 30, the tongue 310 swings toward the base 30, thereby pivoting the yoke 261 about the orifice 325 in the case plate 110, so that the yoke arm moves toward the nozzle 20 and the spool arm 257 is pulled toward the nozzle 20, which moves the spool 180 toward the nozzle 20 (i.e., the spool 180 moves to the low ejection pressure position).

For a discussion of the elements that perform nozzle release, reference is again made to fig. 9, 14, 15, and 18A-20. As shown in these figures, the nozzle release button 25 is coupled to a collar 350, the collar 350 having an opening 355 centered on an aperture 360 of a nozzle base receiving barrel 368, the receiving barrel 368 extending from the valve barrel outlet 225. The proximal end of the nozzle 20 is received in the receiving cylinder 368 and collar 350. The spring 380 biases the collar 350 toward the nozzle base groove 370. The groove 370 extends about the circumference of the nozzle base. To release or disengage the collar 350 from the nozzle base groove 370 to withdraw the nozzle 20 from the receiving cartridge 368, the nozzle release button 25 is depressed against the biasing force of the spring 380, which moves the collar 350 out of engagement with the groove 370. The nozzle 20 is then withdrawn from the barrel 368.

Alternative embodiments

In some embodiments, the oral irrigator may include a reservoir having an increased volume as compared to the reservoir 45 shown in fig. 1. Figures 1 and 27A-27B show various perspective views of an oral irrigator including a reservoir having an increased volume. Referring to fig. 1 and 27A-27B, the oral irrigator 500 is similar to the oral irrigator 15 shown in fig. 1A, but the reservoir 514 is large to hold more fluid. The oral irrigator 500 includes a body 502, a faceplate 506, a grip pad 518, and one or more switches 508, 510. The body 502 may be similarly shaped such that the body or hand grip 502 has a deformed hourglass shape that gradually narrows from a bottom end to a grip region or neck, and gradually widens as it approaches a top end. The grip pad 518 is attached to the back of the body 502 because it narrows, encouraging the user to grip the housing 502 at its smallest diameter. The gripping pad 518 may also include one or more finger grips 520 extending outwardly therefrom. The finger grip 520 enables the user to more securely hold the oral irrigator 500.

The panel 506 is similar to the panel 56 and is removable to allow a user to change the panel 506. Activation buttons 508, 510 are supported on the faceplate and may be used to activate the oral irrigator 500, control the pressure of the oral irrigator and/or release the tip 20.

The tip collar 512 is connected to the top end of the oral irrigator 500. Similar to the oral irrigator 15, the tip collar 512 releasably supports the tip 20 to fluidly connect the tip 20 to the reservoir 514.

The reservoir 514 is removably connected to the housing 506. Fig. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the oral irrigator 500 taken along line 28-28 in fig. 27A. Referring to fig. 27A and 31, the reservoir 514 defines a reservoir volume 528 for storing fluid for the oral irrigator 500. The reservoir 514 has an increased volume compared to the reservoir 45 in the oral irrigator 15. In one example, the reservoir 514 has a volume of about 200ml compared to a volume of 130ml for the reservoir 45. The increased volume 528 enables the oral irrigator 500 to hold more fluid, which increases the water tooth cleaning time from 30-35 seconds to 55-60 seconds before the reservoir 514 needs to be refilled. Thus, the increased volume 528 of the reservoir 514 allows the user to refill the reservoir infrequently.

Referring to fig. 27A and 27B, the reservoir 514 of the oral irrigator 500 also includes a fill port 516 that is closer to a top edge of the reservoir 514 than the fill port 50 of the oral irrigator 15. In some embodiments, fill port 516 includes a door 524 that rotates on a hinge 522 to selectively open and close port 516. Because the fill port 516 is positioned closer to the top edge of the reservoir 514 and closer to the grip pad 518, the user may more easily operate the oral irrigator 500 when refilling the reservoir 514. That is, the location of the fill port 516 makes it easier for a user to access the reservoir to refill it.

Referring to fig. 28, the fill port 516 defines an aperture in the reservoir 514 in fluid communication with the volume 528. The door 522 is selectively rotated on the hinge 522 to open and close the port. The door 522 includes a cylindrical extension 532, the cylindrical extension 532 being received into the port to seal against it, in some examples a sealing member 530 such as an O-ring is positioned around the cylindrical extension 532 to seal against the wall surrounding the bore 516.

The oral irrigator may also include a drain hole 527 defined in the bottom wall 524 of the reservoir 514. The drain hole 527 enables the reservoir 528 to be quickly emptied without the need for the oral irrigator to dump in order to empty through the fill port 516. The oral irrigator may also include a seal stop 525. Sealing block 525 is received through drain hole 527 to prevent fluid from leaking out of hole 527 until it is desired to do so. Sealing stop 525 may be an elastomeric material that may be pushed into aperture 527 and then stretched to seal against the sidewalls of the reservoir defining aperture 527.

The oral irrigator 500 of figures 1 and 27A-27B may also include a charger having an insulated connecting pin. Fig. 29 is an enlarged view of the front face of the housing 502 of the oral irrigator 500 showing the charging plug 563. The charging plug 563 or port is similar to the charging plug 63 shown in fig. 1A, but includes an insulating wall separating the electrical contacts. In particular, charging plug 563 includes a first cavity 542 and a second cavity 544. In one embodiment, the shape of the first chamber 542 is different than the shape of the second chamber 544. For example, the first chamber 542 includes a wedge shape, such as a D-shaped opening, while the second chamber 544 has a circular shape. The different shape of the chambers 542, 544 provides an orientation indication to the user so that the user properly orients the charging wire into the charging plug 563. Additionally, the first chamber 542 may be larger than the second chamber 544.

Two chambers 542, 544 are recessed from an outer surface of the housing 502, and an insulating insert 540 is positioned within an aperture formed in the housing 502 to define the chambers 542, 544. The insulating insert 540 defines an insulating wall 546 separating the first cavity 542 from the second cavity 544. The insulating wall 546 and the shape of the chambers 542, 544 may be configured to mate with corresponding charging connectors that electrically connect the oral irrigator 500 to a power source, such as an electrical outlet.

First electrical prong 548a extends through a bottom wall of first chamber 542 and second electrical prong 548b extends through a bottom wall of second chamber 544. Electrical prongs 548a, 548b extend through the bottom wall to connect to a battery or other power source to electrically connect the battery to a charging cord (when connected) (see fig. 31). In this manner, power can travel through the pins 548a, 548b to the battery, thereby recharging the battery.

With continued reference to fig. 29, the insulating wall 546 and the insulating insert 540 may be formed of plastic, rubber, or other insulating material. The wall 546 and the insert 540 may improve the reliability of the charging plug 563 compared to the charging plug 63 shown in fig. 1A. This is because the additional insulating material separates the two electrical prongs 548a, 548b, which reduces corrosion that may occur when water or other fluid may cross between the two prongs 548a, 548b, which are typically metal or other electrically conductive material.

The oral irrigator 500 may also include a battery positioned below the motor 70 and the pump 75. Figure 30 is a partial cross-sectional view of the oral irrigator. Fig. 31 is a front perspective view of the oral irrigator with the housing removed to show the internal components. Referring to fig. 28, 30 and 31, the oral irrigator 500 may include a battery compartment 604 positioned below the motor 70 and above the charging plug 563. This orientation compresses the power supply components, making it easier for the charging plug 563 to transfer power to the batteries 600a, 600b, thereby recharging them.

Additionally, the battery compartment 604 may be configured to hold two or more batteries, which enables more batteries to be stored therein, thereby increasing the life of the oral irrigator 500 between recharges.

In some examples, the battery compartment 604 is configured to receive two batteries 600a, 600 b. The batteries 600a, 600b are rechargeable and, in some instances, may be configured to comply with selective environmental standards. For example, the batteries 600a, 600b may be nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, rather than nickel cadmium batteries, which results in reduced toxicity of the batteries as compared to the batteries used in the oral irrigator of fig. 1A. In particular, cadmium is a toxic metal that may damage the environment, and by changing to a metal hydride, the batteries 600a, 600b are more environmentally friendly than nickel cadmium batteries.

The batteries 600a, 600b may be secured in the battery compartment 604 with a securing strap 606 that extends over both batteries 600a, 600b and is secured to the outer edges of the walls of the compartment 604 by fasteners 608a, 608 b. The band 606 secures the batteries 600a, 600b in place and prevents them from moving or shifting as the user operates the oral irrigator 500.

In some embodiments, the oral irrigator 500 may include a piston that uses a sealing material. Fig. 32 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of fig. 28. Referring to fig. 28 and 32, the oral irrigator 500 has a pump and drive system similar to the oral irrigator 15 of fig. 1A. However, in some embodiments, the piston 602 of the oral irrigator 500 may be modified to establish a better seal against the walls of the pump body 75. For example, the piston 602 may have a similar size and shape as the piston 120, but include a waterproof material. In particular, the piston 602 may be a nylon 12 material. This material expands less than other materials typically used for pistons, such as nylon 610. By having the expansion of piston 602 reduced, the reliability of pump 75 is improved because piston 602 better seals against pump 75 without creating a drag that is too great and may cause batteries 600a, 600b to prematurely decrease or damage motor 70. In addition, because nylon 12 does not readily swell when exposed to water, the reliability and dimensional relationship of pump 75 is maintained over time.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the pump and drive system of the oral irrigator 500 may be oriented in the opposite direction as the pump and drive system of the oral irrigator 15 of fig. 1A. For example, referring to fig. 32, the motor 70 may be oriented above the batteries 600a, 600b, parallel or side-by-side with the pump 75. The connecting rod 165 may be oriented downward, with the piston 602 closer to the bottom end of the flusher 500 than the connecting rod 165. In this orientation, the pump drives the fluid downward toward the bottom of the oral irrigator 500 before the fluid path directs the fluid upward toward the tip. The pump drives the fluid at a sufficient pressure so that the change in direction of the fluid does not substantially affect the outlet pressure of the fluid at the tip. By positioning the motor 70 directly above the batteries 600a, 600b, the electrical connection between the motor and the batteries is reduced.

As can be appreciated from the foregoing discussion, the oral irrigator of the invention is advantageous because it allows the user to adjust the ejection pressure of the fluid stream emitted from the oral irrigator without the pulse rate of the fluid stream changing significantly. Thus, the oral irrigator can continue to provide fluid flow at a preferred pulse rate regardless of the user-selected ejection pressure.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The invention is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hand-held oral irrigator comprising:

a fluid reservoir defining a drain hole in a bottom wall thereof; and

a charging plug, comprising:

a first electrical pin;

a second electrical pin; and

a nozzle in fluid communication with the outlet of the valve cartridge,

2. The oral irrigator of claim 1, wherein the member further comprises a groove defined in the outer side surface of the member, the port being located in the groove.

3. The oral irrigator of claim 1, further comprising: an actuator for displacing the member within the valve barrel, and wherein the member includes a portion extending through the valve barrel coupled to the actuator.

4. The oral irrigator of claim 3, wherein the portion of the member is an arm that extends through a longitudinally extending slot in the valve barrel, and the member is longitudinally displaceable within the valve barrel.

5. The oral irrigator of claim 1, wherein the first position is proximate to the second position.

6. The oral irrigator of claim 1, wherein the pump further comprises a piston movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the piston is formed of a nylon (12) material.

7. The oral irrigator of claim 1, wherein the reservoir has a capacity of 200 ml.

8. The oral irrigator of claim 1, wherein the reservoir stores fluid sufficient to allow the oral irrigator to operate for 55 to 60 seconds.

9. The oral irrigator of claim 1, further comprising at least one nickel metal hydride battery cell.

10. The oral irrigator of claim 9, further comprising: a securing strap positioned over the at least one nickel metal hydride battery cell and securing the battery cell in place.

11. The oral irrigator of claim 10, wherein the at least one nickel metal hydride battery cell comprises a first nickel metal hydride battery and a second nickel metal hydride battery, and the fixation band extends over both the first nickel metal hydride battery and the second nickel metal hydride battery.

12. The oral irrigator of claim 9, further comprising: a motor in communication with the at least one nickel metal hydride battery cell and connected to the pump, wherein the motor is positioned above the at least one nickel metal hydride battery cell and in parallel with the pump.

13. The oral irrigator of claim 1, wherein the charging plug further comprises:

a first chamber; and

a second chamber; wherein,

the first electrical pin is received within the first cavity and the second electrical pin is received within the second cavity.

14. The oral irrigator of claim 13, wherein the first chamber has a different shape than the second chamber.

15. The oral irrigator of claim 14, wherein the first chamber is larger than the second chamber.