Description

DEVICE FOR CLEANING AND STERILIZING DENTURES USING LOW-TEMPERATURE PLASMA

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates, in general, to a device for sterilizing and cleaning dentures and a denture cleaning toothbrush using low-temperature plasma, which is generated in water. Background Art

[2] Generally, dentures are artificial insertions that, when natural teeth fall out, artificially replace the shapes and functions of the lost teeth, and assume a considerably important role in the intake of food.

[3] Conventionally, when a user wants to go to sleep at night after using his or her dentures, it is necessary to relax the tissue under the dentures. Accordingly, the user stores his or her dentures in a vessel containing water after removing them, and puts the dentures in again in the morning for use thereof.

[4] However, the above-described method, in which dentures are merely taken out and then put into a vessel containing water, is problematic in that it is inconvenient to use because the dentures must be stored after foreign materials present on the dentures have been cleaned off in a separate process.

[5] That is, the dentures must be taken out before going to sleep, must be separately cleaned using a toothbrush, and must then be soaked in a vessel containing water for use thereof, so that there is an inconvenience in that the user must clean his or her dentures in a separate process.

[6] Furthermore, in order to use dentures, the dentures and the oral cavity must be rinsed clean using water after every meal, the oral cavity, the gums and the tongue, as well as the dentures, must also be sufficiently cleaned at least once a day, the oral cavity must be cleaned using a soft toothbrush or a water-moistened piece of gauze, and teeth must necessarily be brushed after every meal in the case where partial dentures are used.

[7] Furthermore, conventionally, when dentures are cleaned, there is a disadvantage in that the dentures slip from the hands and are thus broken. In order to solve this disadvantage, it is recommended to clean dentures in a washstand using flowing water. However, this method is also disadvantageous in that, since persons who use dentures are aged, it is difficult and inconvenient for them to move their bodies frequently, and thus their caregivers must clean the dentures.

[8] Furthermore, it is prohibited to boil dentures to sterilize the dentures, or to sterilize the dentures using hot water, and thus it is possible only to clean the dentures,

therefore a sanitation problem occurs.

[9] In addition, problems occur in that soft brushes must be used to clean dentures, liquid cleaning agents must be used because general toothpaste may cause serious abrasion, the dentures must occasionally be soaked in brewing vinegar overnight when the dentures are excessively stained, and it is inconvenient to store the dentures.

[10] For the reasons described above, conventionally, the oral cavity may be infected by germs due to the insanitary management of dentures, and high-priced dentures cannot be sanitarily managed.

[11] Meanwhile, in order to solve the above-described problems, a method using Ul- traViolet (UV) rays and a method using ultrasonic waves have recently been proposed.

[12] In the former method of performing sterilization using UV rays, only portions on which UV waves are radiated are locally sterilized, but portions on which UV rays are not directly radiated are not sterilized. Accordingly, a sufficient effect is not achieved.

[13] Furthermore, the method using UV rays is problematic in that, because dentures are made of material such as resin plastic, deformation, attributable to dryness, and variation in color may be caused in the case where the dentures are exposed to UV light for a long time, and in that UV lamps must often be replaced because the life span thereof is short.

[14] Meanwhile, the latter cleaning method, using ultrasonic waves, is a method of removing foreign materials by causing strong sound waves to be reflected from a target cleaning object.

[15] However, the method using ultrasonic waves is problematic in that, because the dentures themselves are made of resin, ultrasonic waves, having short wavelengths, are absorbed thereby, rather than reflected therefrom, and thus cleaning power is lowered, and in that the ultrasonic waves cannot be used to sterilize the dentures because they have only a cleaning function.

[16] Furthermore, the method using ultrasonic waves is problematic in that the module for generating ultrasonic waves is complicated and heavy, and thus the size thereof is large, and in that replacement work must be frequently conducted because the period of replacement of an ultrasonic vibrator is short, as in the UV lamps.

[17] Accordingly, in order to solve the above-described problems, chemical cleaning agents have been developed and are marketed, but it is not known for certain whether various chemical components are suitable for the constitutions of individual users, and unnecessary expenses are incurred because a cleaning solution must be repeatedly purchased and used. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[18] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and the present invention is directed to provide a device for cleaning and sterilizing dentures using low-temperature plasma, which enables hydroxyl radicals, having strong oxidizing and sterilizing power, to be generated using low-temperature plasma, which is generated in water by an underwater low-temperature plasma generator for generating hydroxyl radicals (Korean Pat. No. 0741741, filed by the present applicant), thus realizing cleaning and sterilization.

[19] Furthermore, the preset invention is directed to reduce the size of the device using the hydroxyl radicals, which are generated by low-temperature plasma, so that no additional costs are incurred because only water is used, and to clean and sterilize both dentures and a denture wearer's toothbrush in the case where partial dentures are used. Technical Solution

[20] In order to accomplish the above object s, the present invention provides a device for cleaning and sterilizing dentures using low-temperature plasma, including: a body comprising a lower body, an upper body, which is coupled to the upper surface of the lower body, a cover, which is mounted to the upper surface of the upper body so as to be opened and closed, a toothbrush insertion hole, which is formed in a portion of the upper portion of the lower body, and a seat depression, which is formed in the lower body; a plasma generator fastened in such a way that electrodes are sequentially placed in the seat depression, an insulating plate is interposed between the electrodes, ground bolts, along with packings, are tightened to the electrodes and protrude from the lower end of the upper body, an electrode fastening part and a filter are sequentially disposed on the electrodes, a cover, in which a plurality of through holes is formed at regular intervals, is disposed on the filter and is threadedly fastened to the upper body, and leakage prevention packings and ground nuts are sequentially tightened to the ground bolts, which protrude from the lower end of the upper body; and a denture holding container provided in the lower body.

[21] It is preferred that the device be configured such that dentures and a toothbrush are sterilized and cleaned using hydroxyl radicals, generated by the plasma.

Advantageous Effects

[22] The present invention can clean and sterilize dentures using hydroxyl radicals having strong oxidizing sterilization power, which are generated by low-temperature plasma generated in water.

[23] Furthermore, in the present invention, the size of the device can be reduced using the hydroxyl radicals, which are generated by low-temperature plasma, no additional costs are incurred because only water is used, and both dentures and a denture wearer's toothbrush can be cleaned and sterilized in the case where partial dentures are used.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[24] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[25] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the separated state of an entire device according to the present invention;

[26] FIG. 2 is a schematic side sectional view of the entire device according to the present invention;

[27] FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a hydroxyl radical generator according to the present invention;

[28] FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of a principal part showing the use of the device according to the present invention; and

[29] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the coupled state of the entire device according to the present invention. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[30] The present invention includes a body including a lower body 1, an upper body 7, which is coupled to the upper surface of the lower body 1, a cover 2, which is mounted to the upper surface of the upper body 7 so as to be opened and closed, a toothbrush insertion hole 3, which is formed in a portion of the upper portion of the lower body 1, and a seat depression 4, which is formed in the lower body 1 ; a plasma generator 5 mounted in the seat depression 4; and a denture holding container 6 provided in the lower body 1.

[31] The plasma generator 5 is fastened in such a way that electrodes 14 and 15 are sequentially placed in the seat depression 4, an insulating plate 16 is interposed between the electrodes 14 and 15, ground bolts 17, along with packings, are tightened to the electrodes 14 and 15 and protrude from the lower end of the upper body 7, an electrode fastening part 19 and a filter 18 are sequentially disposed on the electrodes 14 and 15, a cover 20, in which a plurality of through holes is formed at regular intervals, is disposed on the filter 18 and is threadedly fastened to the upper body 7, and leakage prevention packings and ground nuts are sequentially tightened to the ground bolts, which protrude from the lower end of the upper body 7. Here, reference numeral 21 indicates an operating switch, reference numeral 22 indicates a jack to which a power supply cord is connected, and reference numeral 23 indicates a power control unit.

[32] The operation of the device according to the present invention, which is constructed as described above, is described below.

[33] A user opens the cover 2, which is mounted to the upper surface of the upper body 7, and then takes out the denture holding container 6.

[34] After dentures have been put in the denture holding container 6, the denture holding container 6 is inserted into the upper body 7 again, and then a predetermined amount of water is supplied to the upper body 7, the water flows in the holding container 6, in which the dentures are placed, through long slots, which are formed in the denture holding container 6, and thus the dentures soak in the water.

[35] In this state, when the power switch of the lower body 1 is turned on, the operation is performed in order of power source unit → switching unit/power source LED (LCD) → pulse generating unit → connection unit → power switch → control unit → power source unit/switching unit → signal output unit/operational LED (LCD).

[36] The above-described operation is the same as that in Korean Pat. No. 0741741, filed by the present applicant, who is an entity who has registered rights.

[37] That is, the power source unit converts Alternating Current (AC) power, which is supplied from the outside (from an electric outlet, or dry cells), into Direct Current (AC) power, and outputs the Direct Current (DC) power. For example, the power source unit is configured such that an AC voltage of 110 ~ 220 VAC is converted into a DC voltage of 3 ~ 47 VDC, and then an AC voltage is generated by a subsequent pulse circuit.

[38] The connection unit is a part to which the electrode connection terminals (contact bolts, nuts, and power lines) of the low-temperature plasma generator are connected.

[39] The switching unit turns on/off the supply of power to the power source unit in response to control signals from the control unit. Switching elements, such as PNP- type transistors or NPN-type transistors and Field Effect Transistors (FETs), may be used for the switching unit.

[40] When the power switch is turned on, the control unit causes DC power to be supplied from the source unit to the low-temperature plasma generator via the connection unit by applying an ON control signal to the switching unit. After a preset operation period has elapsed, the control unit causes the supply of power to be interrupted by applying an OFF control signal to the switching unit. Furthermore, the control unit causes a positive voltage and a negative voltage to be alternately supplied by controlling the switching unit within a range of one second to five minutes, and thus the polarities of the connection terminals are altered whenever the power is alternately supplied. Furthermore, the control unit controls the signal output unit and the operational LED.

[41] When current is applied to the device according to the present invention, described above, in the state in which it is installed in a water tank, or in a vessel, in which a liquid, such as general tap water, dirty water or waste water, is contained, low- temperature plasma is generated between the positive and negative electrodes of the device due to a water breakdown mechanism, and thus water molecules (H ₂ O) are decomposed into hydrogen ions and oxygen ions and are then diffused in the water as

numerous minute air bubbles, which are kinds of ion clusters. In this case, oxygen molecules (O ₂ ) are created through bonding between oxygen atoms because the oxygen atoms each exhibit a property of attaining a stable state through bonding with other oxygen atoms.

[42] Electrons are separated from the hydrogen atoms (H) by a strong electrochemical energy, which is caused by the above-described low-temperature plasma, and thus the hydrogen atoms (H) become positive hydrogen ions (H+). The oxygen molecules (O ₂ ) are changed into negative oxygen ions by accepting surrounding electrons, and parts of the oxygen molecules (O ₂ ) are changed into O ₃ . The above-described electrochemically dissociated state is generally restored to the original state within 2 - 5 hours in the atmosphere, or within about 48 hours in an airtight state, as in a refrigerator, and the water exhibits a moderately alkaline characteristic of about 7.4 Ph.

[43] The positive hydrogen ions (H+) and the negative oxygen ions (O ² ), which are generated as described above, react with surrounding water molecules (H ₂ O), and thus hydroxyl radicals and various oxygen-based active species ions, such as negative ions, are generated in a cluster form.

[44] In this case, hydrogen peroxide, which is generated along with the ions, is evaporated upwards from the surface of the water, and the hydroxyl radicals function to be attached to germs and to decompose and remove the germs.

[45] The hydroxyl radicals, which enter a very unstable state in the characteristic of molecules, are restored again to water (H20) by capturing hydrogen ions (H) present in the cell membranes of germs. In this case, the germs, from the cell membranes of which hydrogen ions (H) are removed, are changed into inactive and harmless materials when the cell membranes are destroyed. Due to the reaction of ozone (03), which is generated when the germs are changed, and is one oxygen-based active species, algae, such as mold and some kinds of moss, are also treated.

[46] In addition, a strong electric field is formed between minute underwater air bubbles, which are generated by a strong electric field between the cathode electrode and the anode electrode, and thus underwater germs and other organic and inorganic materials can be electrically removed.

[47] Oxygen-based active species ions, as wells as the hydroxyl radicals, which are generated in water by the low-temperature plasma, enter an unstable state, and thus they are converted to water within 2 - 5 hours in the normal atmosphere after reaction with germs, toxins or underwater organic or inorganic materials, therefore there is no concern about secondary pollution.

[48] The present invention is designed such that it causes no harm to the human body even though plated materials or metal surfaces are separated and are dissolved in water after being used for a long time, and such that the generation of radicals is further

promoted in a strong electric field by plating pure platinum (Pt: more than 99.9 %) on a pure titanium conductor, which causes no concern about secondary environmental pollution, and thus the decomposition reaction of organic materials can be safely and effectively induced.

[49] When hydroxyl radicals, which are caused by plasma, are generated in the lower body, the effects of both cleaning and sterilizing the dentures are achieved through the above-described operation.

[50] Meanwhile, when a toothbrush is inserted into the toothbrush insertion hole 3, which is formed in a portion of the upper portion of the upper body 7, various foreign materials present on the toothbrush are simultaneously cleaned and sterilized by the hydroxyl radicals. Accordingly, a toothbrush can be sterilized along with dentures. Industrial Applicability

[51] As described above, the present invention can clean and sterilize dentures using hydroxyl radicals having strong oxidizing sterilization power, which are generated by low-temperature plasma generated in water.

[52] Furthermore, in the present invention, the size of the device can be reduced using the hydroxyl radicals, which are generated by low-temperature plasma, no additional costs are incurred because only water is used, and both dentures and a denture wearer's toothbrush can be cleaned and sterilized in the case where partial dentures are used.

[53] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.