Electric toothbrush, brush unit and method for operating electric toothbrush

Abstract

The invention relates to a power toothbrush, a brush unit and a method for operating a power toothbrush. In one embodiment, the invention may be a brush unit detachable from a body unit of an electric toothbrush. The electric toothbrush includes: an oscillation assembly including a plurality of tooth cleaning elements, a light emitting element, and a light receiving element; the driving assembly drives the oscillation assembly to oscillate at a first frequency; wherein the light receiving element is fixed on an isolation member having a resonant frequency different from the first frequency.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a Chinese patent application with a filing date of June 9, 2016, application number 201680033621.7, and invention name “Electric toothbrush, brush unit, and method for operating an electric toothbrush”. The application number of the divisional application is 202010121968.5.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-119558, filed on June 12, 2015, Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-119559, filed on June 12, 2015, Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-119560, filed on June 12, 2015, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-119563, filed on June 12, 2015, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0004] The invention relates to an electric toothbrush, a brush unit and a method for operating an electric toothbrush. Background Art

[0005] The present invention relates to an electric toothbrush, a brush unit detachably attached to a body unit of the electric toothbrush, and a method for operating the electric toothbrush.

[0006] A type of electric toothbrush is known that performs brushing (plaque removal) by applying a rapidly oscillating brush to the tooth surface. It has been proposed that the brush unit of such an electric toothbrush may be equipped with a device for sensing plaque, tartar, caries, etc. adhered to the tooth surface. Some electric toothbrushes including a light source and a light sensor located on or in the brush unit are known. Light emitted from the light source is reflected from the tooth surface and detected by the light sensor, and if caries, etc. are sensed using the detected light, the user is notified. What the known electric toothbrushes with light sources and light sensors may lack is that plaque, etc. cannot be accurately sensed. Therefore, there is a need for an electric toothbrush that can improve the accuracy of sensing plaque, tartar, caries, etc. Summary of the invention

[0007] In one aspect, the present invention may relate to a brush unit that can be removed from a main unit of an electric toothbrush, the brush unit comprising: a light transmitting portion on a front surface of the brush unit, a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from the front surface of the brush unit in a pressing direction, wherein the light transmitting portion guides more light along a first direction intersecting the pressing direction than along the pressing direction; and a light receiving portion on the front surface for receiving light; wherein the light transmitting portion and the light receiving portion are arranged on opposite sides of the plurality of tooth cleaning elements, and wherein the first direction is located within a plane including both the light transmitting portion and the light receiving portion.

[0008] In another aspect, the present invention may relate to a brush unit, comprising: a front surface; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements connected to the front surface and extending from the front surface in a pressing direction, the tooth cleaning elements forming a bristle area on the front surface; a light transmitting portion formed on the front surface adjacent to the bristle area; a light receiving portion formed on the front surface adjacent to the bristle area and on a side of the bristle area opposite to the light transmitting portion; and the light transmitting portion is configured to guide light to be transmitted therethrough in a first direction, the first direction intersecting the pressing direction and being located within a plane including both the light transmitting portion and the light receiving portion.

[0009] In another aspect, the present invention may be a brush unit, comprising: a front surface; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements connected to the front surface and extending from the front surface in a pressing direction, the tooth cleaning elements forming a bristle area on the front surface; a light emitting element connected to the front surface adjacent to the bristle area; a light receiving element connected to the front surface adjacent to the bristle area and connected on a side of the bristle area opposite to the light emitting element; and a light transmitting portion positioned at an angle so as to guide light along a first direction, the first direction intersecting the pressing direction and located within a plane including both the light emitting element and the light receiving element.

[0010] In yet another aspect, the present invention may be an electric toothbrush comprising: a main body comprising: a drive assembly configured to generate oscillations; a light emitting element; and a light receiving element; and a brush unit connected to the main body, the brush unit comprising: a shell having a front surface; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements connected to the front surface and extending from the front surface in a pressing direction, the tooth cleaning elements forming a bristle area on the front surface; a light transmitting portion formed on the front surface adjacent to the bristle area; a light receiving portion formed on the front surface adjacent to the bristle area and on a side of the bristle area opposite to the light transmitting portion; and the light transmitting portion is configured to guide light emitted from the light emitting element along a first direction that intersects the pressing direction and is located within a plane including both the light transmitting portion and the light receiving portion.

[0011] On the other hand, the present invention may be an electric toothbrush comprising: an oscillation component, which includes a plurality of tooth cleaning elements, a light emitting element and a light receiving element; and a drive component, which drives the oscillation component to oscillate at a first frequency; wherein the light receiving element is fixed on an isolation member having a resonant frequency different from the first frequency.

[0012] On the other hand, the present invention may be an electric toothbrush, comprising: a main body, the main body comprising: a brush rod, a light emitting element, a light receiving element, and a light guide, the light guide being optically connected to the light emitting element and the light receiving element; and a brush unit connected to the main body, the brush unit comprising: a shell, the shell forming a hollow portion and having a front surface, the hollow portion being configured to be positioned on the brush rod of the main body; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements, the plurality of tooth cleaning elements being connected to the front surface and extending from the front surface, the plurality of tooth cleaning elements including at least a first tooth cleaning element formed of an optically transmissive material and extending to the interior of the shell, wherein when the hollow portion of the brush unit is located on the brush rod of the main body, the light guide is optically connected to the first tooth cleaning element so that light emitted from the light emitting element is guided out of the tip of the first tooth cleaning element and light received within the tip of the first tooth cleaning element is guided to the light receiving element.

[0013] In yet another aspect, the present invention may be an electric toothbrush comprising: a brush unit comprising a shell having a hollow portion; and a main body comprising a brush rod, the hollow portion of the brush unit being configured to be located on the brush rod; wherein: the brush unit comprises a front surface and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from the front surface in a pressing direction; at least a first tooth cleaning element among the plurality of tooth cleaning elements is formed of an optically transmissive material, the first tooth cleaning element comprising a fixed end connected to the front surface of the brush unit and exposed in the hollow portion of the brush unit; and the main body unit comprises: a light emitting element emitting light; a light receiving element generating an output signal in response to the received light; a light guide guiding light from the light emitting element to the fixed end of the first tooth cleaning element and guiding light from the fixed end of the first tooth cleaning element to the light receiving element; and a processor receiving the output signal from the light receiving element.

[0014] In another aspect, the present invention may be an electric toothbrush of the present invention, comprising: an oscillation component, the oscillation component comprising a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from a surface in a pressing direction, a light emitting element and a light receiving element, the light receiving element generating an output signal in response to received light; a drive component, the drive component having a first drive mode and a second drive mode, wherein during the first drive mode, the drive component oscillates the oscillation component along a first direction parallel to the pressing direction, and during the second drive mode, the drive component oscillates the oscillation component along a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction; and a processor, the processor being configured to control light emitted from the light emitting element during the first drive mode, and to process the output signal from the light receiving element generated during the first drive mode.

[0015] In another aspect, the present invention may be a method for operating an electric toothbrush, which includes a drive component and an oscillation component, the oscillation component including a plurality of tooth cleaning elements, a light transmitting element and a light receiving element extending from a surface in a pressing direction, the method comprising: selectively driving the oscillation component using a drive component in one of a first drive mode and a second drive mode, wherein during the first drive mode, the drive component oscillates the oscillation component along a first direction parallel to the pressing direction, and during the second drive mode, the drive component oscillates the oscillation component along a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction; controlling the light emitting element to emit light at least during the first drive mode; and processing an output signal from the light receiving element at least during the first drive mode, the output signal being generated by the light receiving element in response to the received light.

[0016] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 is a top view of an electric toothbrush according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG.

[0020] Figure 3 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A block diagram of the internal configuration of an electric toothbrush.

[0021] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electric toothbrush according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electric toothbrush according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electric toothbrush according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7 is a top view of an electric toothbrush according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electric toothbrush according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electric toothbrush according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Fig.10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electric toothbrush according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Fig.11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electric toothbrush according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Fig.12 is a top view of an electric toothbrush according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Fig.13 It is along Fig.12Schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG.

[0031] Fig.14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electric toothbrush according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Fig.15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electric toothbrush according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Fig.16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electric toothbrush according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Fig.17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electric toothbrush according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following description of the preferred embodiment is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0036] The description of the illustrative embodiments according to the principles of the present invention is intended to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which will be considered as part of the entire written description. In the description of the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is intended only for convenience of description, without any intention to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Relative terms such as "lower", "upper", "horizontal", "vertical", "above", "below", "upward", "downward", "top" and "bottom" and their derivatives (e.g., "horizontally", "downwardly", "upwardly", etc.) should be understood as reference to the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings described later or in the discussion. These relative terms are only for the convenience of description, and do not require the device to be configured or operated in a specific orientation, unless explicitly indicated. Terms such as "attachment", "adhesion", "connection", "connection", "interconnection" and similar words refer to the relationship in which structures are fixed or attached to each other or directly or indirectly through an intermediate structure, and the attachment or relationship of the two movable or immovable, unless otherwise explicitly described as not being the case. In addition, the features and benefits of the present invention are illustrated with reference to exemplary embodiments. Therefore, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combinations of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims.

[0037] Ranges used throughout the text are used as a shorthand way of describing each value within a range. Any value within a range can be selected as a range endpoint. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. If a definition in the present disclosure conflicts with a definition in a cited reference, the present disclosure shall prevail.

[0038] Also refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , shows an electric toothbrush 10a (also referred to herein as an oral care appliance or a powered toothbrush, in some embodiments) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the electric toothbrush 10a viewed from a brush pressing direction (a direction in which a user presses onto the tooth cleaning elements during use), and Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA.

[0039] The electric toothbrush 10a includes a grip portion 11 including a battery and an electrical control system therein, a body having a brush rod 12 fixed to the grip portion 11, and a brush unit 20 detachable from the brush rod 12. The brush rod 12 extends from the grip portion 11 and forms a portion of the electric toothbrush 10a that can be coupled to the brush unit 20. Specifically, the brush unit 20 includes an inner cavity 43 that allows the brush unit 20 to be coupled to the brush rod 12 by inserting the brush rod 12 into the inner cavity 43. The brush unit 20 can be repeatedly coupled to and detached from the brush rod 12 as needed or desired. The brush unit 20 and the brush rod 12 can also include corresponding structures (protrusions and corresponding recesses, card slots and corresponding card pins, etc.) that help lock the brush unit 20 to the brush rod 12. Therefore, the grip portion 11 and the brush rod 12 can be reused with different brush units 20 having different structural arrangements to achieve different purposes. In addition, the brush unit 20 can be replaced when the tooth cleaning elements on the brush unit 20 wear or splay over time. This saves the user costs because the portion of the electric toothbrush 10a including the circuit system can be reused while the brush unit 20 can be replaced with a simple and inexpensive component. The brush unit 20 may be referred to herein and in the art as a refill head.

[0040] Brush unit 20 comprises front surface 41 and relative rear surface 42. In addition, brush unit 20 comprises multiple tooth cleaning elements 22 extending from front surface 41. Multiple tooth cleaning elements 22 are depicted as columns and rows of individual alignment, although the present invention is not limited thereto. The number, pattern, configuration and structure of tooth cleaning elements 22 are not limited in all embodiments. In certain embodiments, tooth cleaning elements 22 are formed by multiple bristles, and the bristles are bundled together to form bristle tufts, which are then connected to the head of brush unit 20. Tooth cleaning elements 22 can be connected to the head using nail technology, anchor-free tufting technology, in-mold tufting technology or any other technology known now or found later. Tooth cleaning elements 22 can include separate bristles, bristles combined with sheets formed by elastomeric materials, bristles formed only by elastomeric materials, etc. The present invention is not particularly limited by the specific details of bristles, unless specifically required to be protected as such. As discussed above, in certain embodiments, the brush unit 20 is detachable from the brush bar 12 and replaceable as needed when the tooth cleaning elements 22 on the brush unit become worn from use.

[0041] The brush unit 20 further includes a light transmitting portion 23 and a light receiving portion 24. The light transmitting portion 23 and the light receiving portion 24 are formed on a front surface 41 of the brush unit 20. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the brush unit 20 is viewed from a position above the front surface 41, and the direction in which the tooth cleaning elements 22 extend away from the front surface 41 is referred to herein as the "pressing direction" of the tooth cleaning elements 22. Figure 1 As shown, the tooth cleaning elements 22 are arranged in an "H" shape. The outer edge 21 of the tooth cleaning element 22 is arranged in the "H" shape and is formed to include a first recess 21a and a second recess 21b, each of which is included on one of the short sides of the "H" shape. The light transmitting portion 23 is located in the recess 21a, and the light receiving portion 24 is located on the recess 21b.

[0042] The light transmitting portion 23 is a first transparent window formed by a first transmission member 44 fitted into a hole 45 formed in the front surface 41 of the brush unit 20. As described below, the first transmission member 44 transmits light emitted from the light emitting element 17 included as a part of the brush bar 12. Therefore, the light emitted from the light emitting element 17 is transmitted to the outside of the brush unit 20 through the light transmitting portion 23. Similarly, the light receiving portion 24 is a second transparent window formed by a second transmission member 46 fitted into a hole 47 in the front surface 41 of the brush unit 20. As described below, the second transmission member 46 transmits light emitted from the light transmitting portion 23 and reflected or received from a target object (e.g., a tooth) in the mouth. The light transmitted through the second transmission member 46 is incident on the light sensing element 18 included as a part of the brush bar 12.

[0043] As shown in the exemplary embodiment, the light-transmitting portion 23 and the light-receiving portion 24 are arranged outside the edge of the "H" shape formed by the tooth cleaning elements 22, so that at least the first group 48 of the tooth cleaning elements 22 are positioned between the light-transmitting portion 23 and the light-receiving portion 24. The light-transmitting portion 23 and the light-receiving portion 24 are also both located on a line parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the brush unit 20, but the present invention is not limited thereto unless otherwise specified in the claims. More generally, with respect to the positioning of the light-transmitting portion 23 and the light-receiving portion 24, the tooth cleaning elements 22 form a bristle zone, and the light-transmitting portion 23 and the light-receiving portion 24 are both located outside the bristle zone on the front surface 41 of the brush unit 20. In certain embodiments, one or both of the light-transmitting portion 23 and the light-receiving portion 24 can be located within the zone of the tooth cleaning element 22, or at any other desired position along the front surface 41 of the brush unit 20, to the extent that the tooth cleaning element 22 is configured not to interfere with the emitted light. Therefore, the present invention is not particularly limited by the position of the transparent window 23, unless specifically claimed to be so.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, the brush unit 20 includes a cylindrical housing 50, in which a tip portion 51 is closed to form a hollow portion 20a. The brush rod 12 includes a tubular housing 52 having a closed tip 53. By fitting the brush rod 12 into the hollow portion 20a, the main unit and the brush unit 20 can be coupled together. The brush rod 12 includes a bearing 13 formed on the inner surface of the tip 53. One end of the eccentric shaft 14 is inserted into the bearing 13, and a counterweight 15 is coupled to the eccentric shaft 14. The other end of the eccentric shaft 14 is connected to the rotating shaft of the motor M built into the grip portion 11. The motor M, the eccentric shaft 14 and the counterweight 15 form a drive assembly for generating oscillations. By rotating the rotating shaft of the motor M, the eccentric shaft 14 rotates. The counterweight 15 is fixed to the eccentric shaft 14 near the bearing 13. Due to the counterweight 15, the center of gravity of the eccentric shaft 14 is offset from the center of rotation. Note that a small gap is provided between the eccentric shaft 14 and the bearing 13.

[0045] Although the eccentric shaft 14 rotates along with the rotation of the rotation axis of the motor M, since the center of gravity of the eccentric shaft 14 is offset due to the rotation of the counterweight 15, a rotational motion around the rotation center is achieved. Therefore, the entire eccentric shaft 14 is bent, and the brush rod 12 oscillates at high speed together with the brush unit 20 coupled to the brush rod 12. Therefore, the brush rod 12 and the brush unit 20 form an oscillating assembly of the electric toothbrush 10a. By oscillating the brush unit 20 using the rotational motion of the eccentric shaft 14 in this way, the brush unit 20 effectively oscillates in a direction parallel to the pressing direction of the brush 22 and perpendicular to the rotation axis of the motor M.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the entirety of the oscillation assembly (brush bar 12 and brush unit 20) has a resonance point (resonance frequency), and can be switched between a first operation mode in which the brush bar 12 and brush unit 20 oscillate in the pressing direction of the tooth cleaning element 22 and a second operation mode in which the brush bar 12 and brush unit 20 oscillate in a plane perpendicular to the pressing direction of the tooth cleaning element 22. The electric toothbrush 10a can switch between the first drive mode and the second drive mode by controlling the rotation speed of the motor M.

[0047] The brush bar 12 also includes a light emitting element 17 and a light receiving element 18 fixed to the base plate 16, and holes 23a and 24a in the cylindrical housing 50. The hole 23a is located on the brush bar 12 so that when the brush unit 20 is coupled to the brush bar 12, the hole 23a is located adjacent to the light transmitting portion 23. Similarly, the hole 24a is located on the brush bar 12 so that when the brush unit 20 is coupled to the brush bar 12, the hole 24a is located adjacent to the light receiving portion 24.

[0048] The light emitting element 17 includes a light emitting diode (LED), a laser diode, etc. The present invention is not limited thereto, as other types of light emitting devices may be used for the light emitting element 17. The wavelength of light emitted from the light emitting element 17 may be appropriately selected according to the elements in the oral cavity to be detected (dental plaque, dental plaque, caries, etc.). The light emitting element 17 is positioned adjacent to the hole 23a in the interior of the brush rod 12 so that the light emitted from the light emitting element 17 passes through the hole 23a.

[0049] The light receiving element 18 includes a light sensing element that converts light into an electrical signal, such as a photodiode, etc. The present invention is not limited thereto, as other types of light sensing elements may be used for the light receiving element 18. The light receiving element 18 is positioned adjacent to the hole 24a in the interior of the brush bar 12 so that light passing through the hole 24a is incident on the light receiving element 18.

[0050] The substrate 16 includes wiring electrically connected to the light emitting element 17 and the light receiving element 18. In some embodiments, a flexible substrate may be used as the substrate 16. The substrate 16 extends to the inside of the grip portion 11, and as described below, wiring formed on the substrate 16 is electrically connected to a controller located inside the grip portion 11.

[0051] like Figure 2As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the first transmission member 44 forming a part of the light transmission part 23 has a side wall that runs in a direction orthogonal to the pressing direction of the tooth cleaning element 22, and extends at an inclined angle toward the light receiving part 24. When the first transmission member 44 uses this shape, the light emitted from the light emitting element 17 passes through the hole 23a of the brush rod 12, and then passes through the first transmission member 44, so that the light is guided toward the light receiving part 24. Therefore, instead of emitting light parallel to the pressing direction, the light transmission part 23 emits light in a direction intersecting the pressing direction of the tooth cleaning element 22, so that the emitted light is at least partially guided within a plane defined by the pressing direction and including both the light transmission part 23 and the light receiving part 24.

[0052] Similar to the first transmission member 44, the cross-sectional shape of the second transmission member 45 forming a part of the light receiving portion 24 has a side wall that runs in a direction orthogonal to the pressing direction of the tooth cleaning element 22 and extends at an inclined angle toward the light transmission portion 23. When the second transmission member 45 uses this shape, unlike the second transmission member 45 that receives light from the pressing direction of the tooth cleaning element 22, light emitted by the light transmission portion 23 reflected by, for example, the tooth D is received by the second transmission member 45.

[0053] In some embodiments, the inclination angle and distance of the side wall relative to the tooth cleaning elements 22 of the first transmission member 44 can be determined so that the light emitted from the light transmission portion 23 has no vignetting from the tooth cleaning elements 22 before being directed toward the light receiving portion 24. Similarly, in some embodiments, the inclination angle and distance of the side wall relative to the tooth cleaning elements 22 of the second transmission member 46 can be determined so that the light emitted from the light transmission portion 23 has no vignetting from the tooth cleaning elements 22 after being reflected from the teeth D and before passing through the second transmission member 45.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, the gripping portion 11 includes a motor M, a controller 90, and a notification unit 91. The controller 90 controls the motor M in one of the first driving mode or the second driving mode to selectively drive the oscillating assembly, which is composed of the brush rod 12 and the brush unit 20 fixed thereto. In the first driving mode, the oscillating assembly oscillates in a first direction parallel to the pressing direction of the tooth cleaning element 22, and in the second driving mode, the oscillating assembly oscillates in a second direction different from the pressing direction. The controller 90 switches between the first driving mode and the second driving mode by changing the rotation speed of the rotating shaft of the motor M.

[0055] In certain embodiments, the controller 90 can alternately switch between the first drive mode and the second drive mode. By automatically switching the oscillation direction of the brush unit 20, a more excellent plaque removal effect can be achieved compared to brushing in only one direction. This improved plaque removal effect is at least partially due to: when using the electric toothbrush 10a, the end of the tooth cleaning element 22 contacts the teeth (and gums) from various angles, so that the switching of the oscillation direction changes the way the end of the tooth cleaning element 22 contacts the teeth (and gums). The driving method of the brush rod 12 by the controller 90 is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, unless otherwise specified in the claims. For example, in certain embodiments, only the first drive mode can be executed, and in certain other embodiments, only the second drive mode can be executed. In certain other embodiments, the timing of the switching between the first drive mode and the second drive mode can be changed.

[0056] The controller 90 drives the light emitting element 17 through an electrical conductor included as part of the substrate 16, and controls the manner in which light is emitted from the light emitting element 17 (e.g., always on, pulsed, pulsed timing, etc.). The controller 90 also processes an output signal from the light receiving element 18, where the signal output is received by the controller from the electrical conductor included as part of the substrate 16. The signal output from the light receiving element 18 is processed to determine an output signal value in order to determine one or more of the following: the amount of dental plaque adhering to the teeth, the presence of dental plaque on the teeth, the presence of caries on the teeth, etc. By way of example, the manner in which the controller 90 processes the output signal to calculate the amount of dental plaque present on the teeth will be described in more detail.

[0057] The notification portion 91 uses a notification device such as a speaker or a light emitting diode (LED) to notify the user of the electric toothbrush 10a. Other types of notification devices may be used, as the present invention is not limited thereto. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the notification unit 91 follows a command from the controller 90 and notifies the user by emitting a sound or lighting an LED. The notification content may include the amount of dental plaque identified by the controller 90. For example, the notification unit 91 may notify the user of the identified amount of dental plaque by lighting the LED in green if the amount of dental plaque is very low; lighting the LED in red if there is a significant amount of dental plaque. By providing different notifications identifying the amount of dental plaque present, the electric toothbrush 10a helps support effective brushing.

[0058] The operation of the electric toothbrush 10a configured as described above will now be described. When the power of the electric toothbrush 10a is set to be turned on and the brushing start operation is performed, the controller 90 alternately performs the first drive mode and the second drive mode. By doing so, the brush unit 20 pressed against one or more teeth alternately repeats the oscillation in the first direction and then the oscillation in the second direction, so that the tooth cleaning element 22 can remove the dental plaque adhering to the teeth. In addition, after the brushing start operation, the controller 90 controls the light emitting element 17 so that light is emitted when the first drive mode and the second drive mode are alternately performed. After the light emitted from the light emitting element 17 passes through the hole 23a, it is emitted from the light transmission part 23 in a diagonal direction. The light emitted from the light transmission part 23 is incident on the tooth D (or more than one tooth) in which the plurality of tooth cleaning elements 22 are pressed, and can be reflected from the surface of the tooth D. In some embodiments, the light incident on the surface of the tooth D can cause (by stimulated emission or fluorescence) the emission of another wavelength of light from a substance (such as dental plaque) present on the surface of the tooth D. This induced emission may occur when, for example, the light transmitting portion 23 emits blue light and there is dental plaque on the tooth D, so that the light emitted by the dental plaque is red light. In the remainder of the following discussion, it should be understood that in the case of discussing light reflected from the tooth D, this induced emission may be present and detected alone or simultaneously. Light from the tooth D (whether reflected or from induced emission) enters the light receiving portion 24, passes through the hole 24a, and is received in the light receiving element 18. The light receiving element 18 converts the received light into an electrical signal, which forms an output signal received by the controller 90. The controller 90 determines the amount of dental plaque on the brushing portion of the tooth D by processing the output signal from the light receiving element 18. The controller 90 then notifies the user through the notification portion 91 so as to inform the user of the determined amount of dental plaque.

[0059] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the exemplary embodiment shown, most of the light from the light emitting element 17 is emitted from the light transmitting portion 23 in a direction intersecting the pressing direction in which the tooth cleaning elements 22 extend. Figure 1 In the plan view of , the direction advances from the light transmitting portion 23 toward the light receiving portion 24. Therefore, dental plaque on a surface opposite to the front surface 41 forming the tooth cleaning elements 22 (e.g., teeth D that the plurality of tooth cleaning elements 22 contact when brushing) can be accurately detected.

[0060] In addition, Figures 1 to 3 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the light receiving portion 24 can receive light from a direction intersecting with the pressing direction in which the tooth cleaning element 22 extends. Figure 1In the plan view of FIG. 2 , the direction advances from the light transmitting portion 23 toward the light receiving portion 24. Because of this, most of the light emitted from the light emitting element 17 reflected by the tooth D can be received by the light receiving element 18. Therefore, the signal output amount from the light receiving element 18 can be increased, and the detection sensitivity of dental plaque can be improved.

[0061] In this way, the notification unit 91 accurately notifies the user of the electric toothbrush 10a in real time of the amount of dental plaque on the teeth being brushed by the tooth cleaning element 22. Because of this, more effective tooth brushing can be performed. In addition, even when the distance between the light transmitting portion 23 and the light receiving portion 24 is large, the detection accuracy of dental plaque at the site being brushed can be improved by the light diagonally emitted from the light transmitting portion 23. When the distance between the light transmitting portion 23 and the light receiving portion 24 is close, the area where the density of the tooth cleaning element 22 becomes coarser becomes larger. However, according to Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 , because the light transmitting portion 23 is separated from the light receiving portion 24, the areas where the density of the tooth cleaning elements 22 is coarsened are dispersed. Therefore, the plaque detection capability of the electric toothbrush 10a is not significantly reduced by the tooth cleaning elements 22 (if it occurs).

[0062] In an embodiment where the distance between the light-transmitting portion 23 and the light-receiving portion 24 in the brush unit 20 is large, the light-transmitting portion 23 and the light-receiving portion 24 may be arranged as many as possible on the edge of the front surface 41 of the brush unit 20 on which the tooth cleaning elements 22 are formed. In such an embodiment, the number of tooth cleaning elements 22 can be increased, and the plaque removal ability can be improved.

[0063] exist Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, each of the light-transmitting portion 23 and the light-receiving portion 24 is arranged in a position on the front surface 41 of the brush unit 20 so that each is surrounded on three sides by the tooth cleaning elements 22. By using this arrangement, the brush unit 20 can be made smaller than if each of the light-transmitting portion 23 and the light-receiving portion 24 were arranged outside the corresponding recess formed by the arrangement of the tooth cleaning elements 22. In addition, by Figure 1 With the arrangement shown, the distance between the light transmitting portion 24 and the light receiving portion 24 can be made smaller, and the detection accuracy of dental plaque and the like can be improved.

[0064] In addition, in the exemplary embodiment, the brush unit 20 has a limited number of parts connected to the housing, including the tooth cleaning element 22, the first transmission member 44 and the second transmission member 45. Because of this, the manufacturing cost can be reduced. In addition, because the brush unit 20 can be disposable, the benefit of reducing the manufacturing cost is very large.

[0065] Although the exemplary embodiment is shown as one in which the eccentric shaft 14 and the counterweight 15 are used to generate oscillations in either the first direction or the second direction, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in some embodiments, oscillations may be generated by a configuration in which the brush bar 12 and the brush unit 20 may be oscillated as a whole in the first direction and the second direction. For example, it may also be a configuration in which the oscillation assembly oscillates in the first direction and the second direction by acoustic oscillation.

[0066] Figure 4 A cross-section of another exemplary embodiment of an electric toothbrush 10b is shown. Figure 4 In the Figures 1 to 3 Components similar to those shown and described are omitted, and descriptions of such similar components are omitted. In this embodiment of the electric toothbrush 10b, the shape of the bristle area formed by the tooth cleaning elements 22 is different, as are the positions of the light-transmitting portions 23 and the light-receiving portions 24 relative to the tooth cleaning elements 22. Within the bristle area, the tooth cleaning elements 22 closest to the light-transmitting portions 23 and the tooth cleaning elements 22 closest to the light-receiving portions 24 are shorter than those tooth cleaning elements closer to the middle of the bristle area. By way of specific example, Figure 4 , eight tooth cleaning elements 22 are shown, and the shape connecting each top surface, each bottom surface, the right side surface of the rightmost brush 22, and the left side surface of the leftmost brush 22 is a shape with two corners of a rectangle cut off. In other words, the free end of the tooth cleaning element 22 closest to the light transmitting portion 23 and the light receiving portion 24 is cut off at a certain angle.

[0067] Figure 5 A cross-section of another exemplary embodiment of an electric toothbrush 10c is shown. Figure 5 In the Figures 1 to 3 Components similar to those shown and described are omitted, and descriptions of such similar components are omitted. In this embodiment of the electric toothbrush 10c, the shape of the bristle area formed by the tooth cleaning elements 22 is different, as are the positions of the light-transmitting portions 23 and the light-receiving portions 24 relative to the tooth cleaning elements 22. Within the bristle area, the tooth cleaning elements 22 closest to the light-transmitting portions 23 and the tooth cleaning elements 22 closest to the light-receiving portions 24 are shorter than those tooth cleaning elements closer to the middle of the bristle area. By way of specific example, Figure 5 , the height of the four central tooth cleaning elements 22 is the highest, and the tooth cleaning elements 22 become shorter as they proceed from the four central tooth cleaning elements 22 toward the light transmitting portion 23. Similarly, the height of the tooth cleaning elements 22 becomes shorter as they proceed from the four central tooth cleaning elements 22 toward the light receiving portion 24.

[0068] Figure 4 The configuration of the tooth cleaning element 22 shown may be a configuration in which Figure 5 Compared with the eight tooth cleaning elements 22 shown, the free ends of the two tooth cleaning elements 22 closest to the light transmitting part 23 are inclined along the emission direction of the light emitted from the light transmitting part 23, and the free ends of the two tooth cleaning elements 22 closest to the light receiving part 24 are inclined along the travel direction of the light emitted from the light transmitting part 23 and reflected toward the light receiving part 24.

[0069] Through Figure 4 and Figure 5 The configuration shown in the embodiment of the present invention forms a tooth cleaning element between the light transmitting portion 23 and the light receiving portion 24, and the vignetting of the tooth cleaning element 22 is significantly reduced (if not eliminated) for light emitted from the light transmitting portion 23 toward the teeth. Similarly, the vignetting of the tooth cleaning element 22 is significantly reduced (if not eliminated) for light reflected from the teeth and heading toward the light receiving portion 24. Therefore, through these configurations, the accuracy of dental plaque detection can be improved.

[0070] The configuration of the electric toothbrush has been described so far, in which the light emitting element 17 and the light receiving element 18 are included on the brush bar 12. However, in some embodiments, the light emitting element 17 and the light receiving element 18 may be included on the front surface 41 of the tooth cleaning element 22 forming the brush unit 20. Figure 6 A cross-section of another exemplary embodiment of an electric toothbrush 10d is shown. Figure 6 In the Figures 1 to 3 Components similar to those shown and described are omitted, and descriptions of such similar components are omitted. In this embodiment of the electric toothbrush 10d, the position and arrangement of the light emitting element 17 and the light receiving element 18 are different. Specifically, in this embodiment, the light emitting element 17 and the light receiving element 18 are located on the front surface 41 of the brush unit 20, so that the light emitting element 17 and the light receiving element 18 are both located outside the housing of the brush unit 20. The position arrangement of the light emitting element 17 on the front surface 41 relative to the bristle area of ​​the tooth cleaning element 22 is different from Figure 1 Similarly, the position arrangement of the light receiving element 18 on the front surface 41 relative to the bristle area of ​​the tooth cleaning element 22 is the same as that of the light transmitting portion 23 in FIG. Figure 1 The position arrangement of the light receiving part 24 in is the same.

[0071] like Figure 6As shown, the light emitting element 17 is arranged at a certain angle so that the light emitting surface is partially pointed in the direction of the light receiving element 18, on the opposite side of the bristle area of ​​the tooth cleaning element 22, and partially pointed in the direction of the pressing direction of the tooth cleaning element 22. Similarly, the light receiving element 18 is arranged at a certain angle so that the light receiving surface is partially pointed in the direction of the light emitting element 17, on the opposite side of the bristle area of ​​the tooth cleaning element 22, and partially pointed in the direction of the pressing direction of the tooth cleaning element 22. The angles between the light emitting element 17 and the light receiving element 18 can vary and are not intended to limit the present invention unless so stated in the claims.

[0072] In the case of the configuration of this exemplary embodiment, the light emitting element 17 emits light in a direction intersecting with the pressing direction of the tooth cleaning element 22, rather than emitting light in a direction parallel to the pressing direction of the tooth cleaning element 22, so that the emitted light is directed to the light receiving element 18. In addition, by arranging the light receiving element 18 at a certain angle, more light emitted by the light emitting element 17 and reflected off the teeth is received by the light receiving element 18.

[0073] exist Figure 6 In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the light emitting element 17 realizes Figure 1 The light transmitting portion 23 has the same function as the light receiving element 18, and the light receiving element 18 realizes the same Figure 1 The light receiving portion 24 has the same function. Therefore, in this exemplary embodiment, dental plaques and the like on the teeth can be accurately detected during brushing.

[0074] Figure 7 A top plan view of another exemplary embodiment of an electric toothbrush 10e is shown. Figure 7 In the Figure 1 Components similar to those shown and described above are omitted, and descriptions of such similar components are omitted. In this embodiment of the electric toothbrush 10e, the positions of the light-transmitting portion 23 and the light-receiving portion 24 relative to the bristle area formed by the tooth cleaning elements 22 are different. Specifically, a recess is included on each of the two long sides of the bristle area outer edge 21, and the light-transmitting portion 23 and the light-receiving portion 24 are each located in one recess. This alternative configuration can be used to obtain the same Figure 1 The same improvements are made to the electric toothbrush 10a.

[0075] It has been noted that when the tooth cleaning element 22 is pressed against the teeth while brushing, the tooth cleaning element 22 may be crimped toward the short direction of the brush unit 20. However, during use of the electric toothbrush 10e, the tooth cleaning element 22 is crimped only from one direction on each of the light transmitting portion 23 and the light receiving portion 24. Therefore, due to the crimping of the tooth cleaning element 22, the plaque detection capability of the electric toothbrush 10e is not significantly reduced (if any reduction occurs).

[0076] Figure 8 A cross-section of another exemplary embodiment of an electric toothbrush 10f is shown. Figure 8 In the Figures 1 to 3 Components similar to those shown and described are omitted, and description of such similar components is omitted. In this embodiment of the electric toothbrush 10f, the light emitting element 17 and the light receiving element 18 are fixed to the partition member 25, and the partition member 25 is fixed to the base plate 16.

[0077] The isolation member 25 may be formed of a material having a resonant frequency different from one or both of the oscillation frequencies of the first drive mode and the second drive mode for driving the oscillating assembly (brush bar 12 and brush unit 20) by rotating the motor M. In some embodiments, the isolation member 25 may be, for example, polyurethane. Therefore, it should be understood that the isolation member 25 does not completely isolate the light emitting element 17 and the light receiving element 18 from all vibrations; rather, in fact, the isolation member 25 suppresses vibrations present in the oscillating portion so that those vibrations have a reduced effect on the light emitting element 17 and the light receiving element 18.

[0078] exist Figure 2 In the case of the electric toothbrush in , the control unit 50 of the drive motor M and therefore the eccentric shaft 14 and the counterweight 15, the light emitting element 17 and the light receiving element 18 are also subjected to high-speed oscillations. Therefore, these oscillations will likely reduce the detection accuracy of dental plaque. In addition, the brush unit 20 is configured so that the distance between the light transmitting part 23 and the light receiving part 24 can be increased, wherein the light transmitting part 23 and the light receiving part 24 are arranged on opposite sides of the bristle area formed by the tooth cleaning element 22. The increased distance may cause a time lag between the time when light is emitted from the light emitting element 17 and the time when the reflected light is received by the light receiving element 18, and the time lag combined with the oscillation may further cause a reduction in the detection accuracy of dental plaque.

[0079] exist Figure 8In the case of the exemplary embodiment shown, since the light emitting element 17 and the light receiving element 18 are fixed to the isolation member 25, the vibration of the light emitting element 17 and the light receiving element 18 can be reduced even when the oscillation assembly is oscillating. Therefore, improved durability of the electric toothbrush and improved plaque detection accuracy can be expected.

[0080] Note that Figure 8 In the embodiment, the light emitting element 17 and the light receiving element 18 are fixed on the isolation member 25, however, in some embodiments, only the light receiving element 18 can be fixed on the isolation member 25, and the light emitting element 17 is as above. Figure 2 Since the oscillation effect of the light receiving element 18 is high, at least the light receiving element 18 may be fixed to the partition member 25 .

[0081] Fig. 9 A cross-section of another exemplary embodiment of an electric toothbrush 10g is shown. Fig. 9 In the Figure 4 In this embodiment of the electric toothbrush 10g, the light transmitting portion 23 and the light receiving portion 24 are fixed to the partition member 25, and the partition member 25 is arranged in the same manner as described above. Figure 8 The embodiment shown is fixed to the base plate 16 in a similar manner. In this embodiment of the electric toothbrush 10g, the shape of the bristle field formed by the tooth cleaning elements 22 is such as described above with respect to Figure 4 The detailed description is formed in such a manner that the tooth cleaning elements 22 closest to the light transmitting portion 23 and the tooth cleaning elements closest to the light receiving portion 24 are shorter than those closer to the middle portion of the bristle area.

[0082] Fig.10 A cross-section of another exemplary embodiment of an electric toothbrush 10h is shown. Fig.10 In the Figure 5 Components similar to those shown and described above are omitted, and descriptions of such similar components are omitted. In this embodiment of the electric toothbrush 10h, the light transmitting portion 23 and the light receiving portion 24 are fixed to the partition member 25, and the partition member 25 is arranged in the same manner as described above. Figure 8 The embodiment shown is fixed to the base plate 16 in a similar manner. In this embodiment of the electric toothbrush 10h, the shape of the bristle field formed by the tooth cleaning elements 22 is such as described above with respect to Figure 5 The detailed description is formed in such a manner that the tooth cleaning elements 22 closest to the light transmitting portion 23 and the tooth cleaning elements closest to the light receiving portion 24 are shorter than those closer to the middle portion of the bristle area.

[0083] Fig.11 A cross-section of another exemplary embodiment of an electric toothbrush 10i is shown. Fig.11 In the Figure 6 Components similar to those shown and described above are omitted, and descriptions of such similar components are omitted. In this embodiment of the electric toothbrush 10i, the light emitting element 17 and the light receiving element 18 are fixed to the corresponding isolation members 25a, 25b, and the isolation members 25a, 25b are fixed to the front surface 41 of the brush unit 20. The functions of the isolation members 25a, 25b are the same as those described above. Figure 8 The isolation members 25 described are identical.

[0084] As discussed above, in some embodiments, the controller 90 can alternate between the first drive mode and the second drive mode. In some of these embodiments, the controller can also drive the light emitting element 17 so that the light emitting element 17 emits light only during the first drive mode. When the first drive mode is effective, the light path emitted from the light transmitting portion 23 and received by the light receiving portion 24 is Figure 1 The path is always a constant straight line in the plane view of the tooth cleaning element 122, and the path does not move substantially in the plane formed by the tooth cleaning element 122. This is because, as described above, during the first driving mode, the oscillation of the oscillating assembly (brush rod 12 and brush unit 20) is parallel to the pressing direction of the tooth cleaning element 122. On the other hand, when the second driving mode is effective, the path is Figure 1 is not a constant straight line in the plan view of . This is because, as described above, during the second drive mode, the oscillation of the oscillation assembly is in a second direction different from the pressing direction, so that at least part of the oscillation during the second drive mode is not parallel to the pressing direction. Therefore, during the second drive mode, there is a possibility of reducing the detection accuracy of dental plaque. Therefore, dental plaque on the tooth D and the like can be detected more accurately by operating the light transmitting portion 23 and the light receiving portion 24 only when the first drive mode is effective.

[0085] In some embodiments, the controller 90 can control the light emitting element 17 to emit light during the first driving mode and during the second driving mode. In such embodiments, the controller 90 can process the output signal from the light receiving element 18 so as to detect dental plaque or the like only when the first driving mode is effective. In this way, dental plaque can still be detected more accurately.

[0086] Furthermore, as described above, when the second drive mode is effective, there is a possibility that a portion of the tooth cleaning element 122 will overlap the light transmitting portion 23 and the light receiving portion 24 in plan view. Therefore, the controller 90 can perform the plaque detection process particularly effectively only when the first drive mode is effective.

[0087] In some embodiments, the second drive mode can produce oscillations in one of a plurality of different directions, each oscillation direction being different from and intersecting the pressing direction. In such embodiments, when alternating between the first drive mode and the second drive mode, the controller 90 can select any one of the oscillation directions for the second drive mode.

[0088] As discussed above, in embodiments employing isolation member 25, the isolation member may be formed from a material having a resonant frequency that is different than one or both of the oscillation frequencies of the first and second drive modes used to drive the oscillatory assembly.

[0089] Figures 12 to 17 An alternative embodiment of an electric toothbrush for improving detection of dental plaque, etc. on teeth is shown. Unless explicitly or implicitly limited, the considerations and alternatives discussed above for other embodiments may also apply to Figures 12 to 17 Implementation plan. Also refer to Fig.12 and Fig.13 , shows an electric toothbrush 100a according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.12 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an electric toothbrush 100a viewed from a brush pressing direction, and Fig.13 It is along Fig.12 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA.

[0090] The electric toothbrush 100a includes: a grip portion 110, which includes a battery and an electrical control system located therein; and a body having a brush rod 111 fixed to the grip portion 110; and a brush unit 120, which can be removed from the brush rod 111. The brush rod 111 extends from the grip portion 110 and forms a part of the electric toothbrush 100a, and the inner hollow portion 120a of the brush unit 120 can be connected to the part. As needed or desired, the brush unit 120 can be repeatedly connected to and removed from the brush rod 111. The brush unit 120 and the brush rod 111 can also include corresponding structures that help lock the brush unit 120 to the brush rod 111. Therefore, the grip portion 110 and the brush rod 111 can be reused with different brush units 120 having different structural arrangements to achieve different purposes. In addition, when the tooth cleaning elements on the brush unit 120 wear or open over time, the brush unit can be replaced.

[0091] Brush unit 120 comprises a front surface 141 and a relative rear surface 142. In addition, brush unit 120 comprises a plurality of tooth cleaning elements 122 extending from the front surface 141. One of tooth cleaning elements 122a (a tooth cleaning element with an inclined profile) is also used as a detection portion for detecting plaque, tartar, caries, etc. A plurality of tooth cleaning elements 122 are depicted as columns and rows of respective alignments, although the present invention is not limited thereto. The quantity, pattern, configuration and structure of tooth cleaning elements 122 are not limited in all embodiments. In certain embodiments, tooth cleaning element 122 is formed by a plurality of bristles, and the bristles are bundled together to form a bristle tuft, which is then connected to the head of brush unit 120.

[0092] From the tooth cleaning element 122 extending from the outer peripheral surface of the self-brush unit 120, one end of each tooth cleaning element 122 (excluding tooth cleaning element 122A) is inserted into the concave socket formed on the front surface 141 of the brush unit 120. The fixed end of the tooth cleaning element 122 can be adhered and fixed to the concave socket of the brush unit 120 by an adhesive. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, because the tooth cleaning element 122 can be connected to the head using nail technology, anchor-free tufting technology, in-mold tufting technology or any other technology known or found later. The tooth cleaning element 122 can include a separate bristle, a bristle combined with a thin sheet formed by an elastomeric material, a bristle formed only by an elastomeric material, etc. The present invention is not particularly limited by the specific details of the bristle, unless it is specifically required to protect it. As discussed above, in certain embodiments, the brush unit 120 can be disassembled from the brush rod 111, and can be replaced as needed when the tooth cleaning element 122 on the brush unit becomes worn due to use.

[0093] The fixed end of the tooth cleaning element 122A extending from the front surface 141 of the brush unit 120 is inserted into the hole 145 included in the front surface 141 of the brush unit 20. The fixed end of the tooth cleaning element 122A is adhered to this hole by an adhesive. In this way, the fixed end of the tooth cleaning element 122A is exposed on the inside of the hollow part 120a of the brush unit 120, while the fixed ends of the other tooth cleaning elements 122 except the tooth cleaning element 122A are not exposed on the inside of the hollow part 120a of the brush unit 120. There is a possibility of water penetration in the hollow part 120a between the brush part 122A and the hole provided on the housing of the brush unit 120. Therefore, it is preferable to use an adhesive for providing waterproofness in addition to the adhesive for adhering this hole 145 and the brush part 22A.

[0094] like Fig.13As shown, the brush unit 120 includes a cylindrical housing 150 having a tip 151, which is closed to form a hollow portion 120a. The brush rod 111 includes a tubular housing 152 having a closed tip 153. By fitting the brush rod 111 into the hollow portion 120a, the main unit and the brush unit 120 can be coupled together. The brush rod 111 includes a bearing 112 formed on the inner surface of the tip 153. One end of the eccentric shaft 113 is inserted into the bearing 112, and a counterweight 114 is coupled to the eccentric shaft 113. The other end of the eccentric shaft 113 is connected to the rotating shaft of the motor M built into the grip portion 110. By rotating the rotating shaft of the motor M, the eccentric shaft 113 rotates. The counterweight 114 is fixed to the eccentric shaft 113 near the bearing 112. Due to this counterweight 114, the center of gravity of the eccentric shaft 113 is offset from the center of rotation. The motor M may be controlled by a controller in any manner such as discussed above to cause the brush bar 111 and brush unit 120 to oscillate. Oscillations may also be produced by other means.

[0095] The brush rod 111 also includes a light emitting element 116, a light receiving element 117, a bandpass filter 118 and a light guide 119. The light emitting element 116, the light receiving element 117 and the bandpass filter 118 are fixed to the light guide 119. The light emitting element 116 includes a light emitting diode (LED), a laser diode, etc. The present invention is not limited to this, because other types of light emitting devices can be used for the light emitting element 116. The wavelength of light emitted from the light emitting element 116 can be appropriately selected according to the elements in the oral cavity to be detected (dental plaque, dental plaque, caries, etc.). For example, when detecting dental plaque, a light emitting element 116 that emits blue light is used. The light emitting element 116 is connected to a controller built into the holding portion 110 via a lead, such as the above reference. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The light receiving element 117 includes a light sensing element that converts light into an electrical signal, such as a photodiode, etc. The present invention is not limited thereto, as other types of light sensing elements may be used for the light receiving element 117. The light receiving element 117 is connected to a controller built into the grip portion 10 through a lead wire, etc.

[0096] The bandpass filter 118 is included to spectrally limit the wavelength of light received by the light receiving element 117. For example, when the electric toothbrush has a function of detecting dental plaque, the bandpass filter 118 may include a filter characteristic in which blue light emitted from the light emitting element 116 is blocked, and in response to the incident blue light, red light generated by dental plaque is allowed to pass.

[0097] The light guide 119 has an end that fits into the hole 115 of the brush rod 111, so that the end of the light guide 119 is positioned opposite to the end of the tooth cleaning element 122a exposed in the hollow portion 120A of the brush unit 120. The light guide 119 guides the light emitted from the light emitting element 116 to the tooth cleaning element 122A, and the light guide guides the light received from the tooth cleaning element 122A to the light receiving element 117 via the band pass filter 118. The light guide 119 passes the light emitted from the light emitting element 116, and the light guide is thus formed of a material that passes the light to be sensed by the light receiving element 117. Examples of materials that can be used for the light guide 119 include, for example, acrylic resin, polycarbonate, etc. The light guide 119 may also include a metal film deposited on its surface (excluding the surface opposite to the tooth cleaning element 122A and the surface that transmits light to the light emitting element 16 and the band pass filter 18). Including the metal film helps prevent light entering the light guide 119 from leaking to the outside of the light guide 119 except at the two locations described above.

[0098] During operation, the controller controls the operation of the light emitted from the light emitting element 116. For example, as discussed above, the controller can control the light emitting diode 116 to alternate between the first driving mode and the second driving mode. In this embodiment, the controller can control the light emitting element 116 and the light receiving element 117 in any of the previously discussed ways. When light is emitted from the light emitting element 116, the light guide 119 guides the light to the end of the tooth cleaning element 122A exposed in the hollow portion 120a of the brush unit 120. The light that has entered the tooth cleaning element 122A travels to the free tip of the tooth cleaning element 122A. In the embodiment in which the tooth cleaning element 122A is formed by a plurality of fibers, the light that enters the tooth cleaning element 122A travels to the free tip of each fiber of the tooth cleaning element 122A. At the free tip of the tooth cleaning element 122A, the light is emitted to the outside of the tooth cleaning element 122A. The light emitted from the tooth cleaning element 122A is incident on the surface of the tooth D at the position where the plurality of tooth cleaning elements 122 are pressed.

[0099] During use, when blue light is emitted from the light emitting element 116, when the blue light is incident on the surface of the tooth D where the dental plaque exists, the dental plaque will generate red light in response to the incident blue light. The red light emitted from the dental plaque enters the tooth cleaning element 122A and is received by the light guide 119, which guides the received light to the bandpass filter 18. Since the red light can pass through the bandpass filter 18, the red light is received by the light receiving element 117. The light receiving element 117 converts the received red light into an electrical output signal, which is transmitted to the controller. The controller determines the amount of dental plaque on the tooth D by analyzing the output signal from the light receiving element 117. The controller can then use the notification part discussed above to notify the user about the amount of dental plaque detected on the tooth D. Through the process, the dental plaque adhering to the position on the tooth D where the tooth cleaning element 122A is pressed can be sensed, so that the user can be notified in real time about the amount of dental plaque detected on the tooth D.

[0100] Figure 12 to Figure 13 The advantage of the electric toothbrush 100a is that the brush portion 122A is used for sensing dental plaque and for brushing teeth to remove dental plaque. Therefore, dental plaque adhering to the teeth being brushed can be sensed without reducing the number of brushing elements on the front surface 141 of the brush unit 120, thereby eliminating the need to make the brush unit 120 larger to accommodate the light emitting and light sensing functions.

[0101] like Figure 12 to Figure 13 Another advantage of the electric toothbrush 100a is that the brush unit 120 is a simple configuration, wherein the tooth cleaning element 122 includes only one portion configured as the tooth cleaning element 122A. In addition, in certain embodiments, the tooth cleaning element 122A can be formed of the same material as the rest of the tooth cleaning element 122. Therefore, the difference between the brush unit 120 and a conventional brush unit is minimized. Due to this, the manufacturing cost of the brush unit 120 can be reduced. Moreover, since the brush unit 20 is consumable, the benefit of reducing the manufacturing cost is very large.

[0102] It should be noted that Figure 12 to Figure 13 In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fixed end of the tooth cleaning element 122A is physically exposed in the hollow portion 120a of the brush unit 120. However, the fixed end of the tooth cleaning element 122A may be optically exposed in the hollow portion 20a of the brush unit 120. The optically exposed fixed end refers to a state in which the fixed end can be seen from the hollow portion 20a by light at a wavelength emitted from the light emitting element 116 and by light at a wavelength received by the light receiving element 117.

[0103] Fig.14 A cross-section of another exemplary embodiment of an electric toothbrush 100b is shown. Fig.14 In the Figure 12 to Figure 13 Components similar to those shown and described, and descriptions of such similar components are omitted. In this embodiment of the electric toothbrush 100b, a portion of the hole 145 located on one side of the hollow portion 120a of the brush unit 120, included in the front surface 141 of the brush unit 120, is filled with a material 146 that is transmissive to light of the operating wavelength of the electric toothbrush 100b. The fixed end of the tooth cleaning element 122A is adhered and fixed in the hole 145 by an adhesive that is transmissive to light of the operating wavelength. In the case of this configuration, the fixed end of the tooth cleaning element 122A is optically exposed in the hollow portion 120a.

[0104] Fig.14 The advantage of the electric toothbrush 100b is that the manufacturing cost can be reduced because the tooth cleaning elements 122 included as part of the brush unit 120 can all have the same size. Fig.13 Compared to the illustrated electric toothbrush 100 a , the water resistance of the electric toothbrush 100 b is improved because the presence of the material 146 in the hole 145 prevents water from penetrating into the hollow portion 120 a of the brush unit 120 .

[0105] In the above, an exemplary embodiment is described in which only one of the tooth cleaning elements 122 included in the brush unit 120 (i.e., the tooth cleaning element 122A) is used to transmit and receive light to detect dental plaque, etc. on the teeth. The present invention is not limited thereto, because a plurality of tooth cleaning elements 122 may be used to transmit and receive light to detect dental plaque, etc.

[0106] Fig.15 A cross-section of another exemplary embodiment of an electric toothbrush 100c is shown. Fig.15 In the Figure 12 to Figure 13 Components similar to those shown and described, and descriptions of such similar components are omitted. In this embodiment of the electric toothbrush 100c, all tooth cleaning elements 122A transmit and receive light in order to detect dental plaque, etc. on teeth. In this embodiment, the light guide 119A is located in the interior of the brush rod 111, within the hole 115A formed in the brush rod 111. The light guide 119A guides the light emitted from the fixed end of each tooth cleaning element 122A to the light receiving element 117 via the bandpass filter 118. The light guide 119A also guides the light emitted from the light emitting element 116 to the fixed end of each tooth cleaning element 122A. In this way, the accuracy of dental plaque detection can be improved because all tooth cleaning elements 122A transmit and receive light for detecting dental plaque, etc.

[0107] In certain embodiments including a plurality of tooth cleaning elements 122A for transmitting and receiving light, each tooth cleaning element 122A can be associated with a separate light guide 119, light emitting element 116, light receiving element 117, and bandpass filter 118, so that the brush bar 111 includes a plurality of each of the light guide 119, light emitting element 116, light receiving element 117, and bandpass filter 118. In such embodiments, even if one of the plurality of tooth cleaning elements 122A is broken, dental plaque sensing can still continue. In addition, by using several independent subsystems to sense the amount of dental plaque, the accuracy of detecting dental plaque can be improved.

[0108] Figure 16 to Figure 17 Another exemplary embodiment of an electric toothbrush 100d is shown. Fig.16 A top plan view is shown in FIG. 1 and the same reference numerals are given to the Fig.12 Components similar to those shown and described are omitted, and descriptions of such similar components are omitted. In this embodiment of the electric toothbrush 100d, the surface area of ​​the tooth cleaning element 122A included as part of the brush unit 120 is larger than the surface area of ​​the tooth cleaning element 122. Fig.17 As shown, Fig.13 Compared to the illustrated embodiment of the electric toothbrush 100a, the width of the tooth cleaning elements 122A is greater and the width of the light guide 119 is greater.

[0109] In the case where the tooth cleaning elements 122A have a larger surface area, the amount of light emitted toward the teeth can be increased, and the amount of light received from the teeth (either by reflection or induced emission) can be increased. Due to this, the accuracy of dental plaque detection can be improved.

[0110] exist Figure 16 to Figure 17 In the exemplary embodiment shown, although only one tooth cleaning element 122A is shown, it should be understood that certain embodiments may include a plurality of tooth cleaning elements 122A.

[0111] In the above embodiment, each tooth cleaning element has a light guide 119, a light emitting element 116, a light receiving element 117, and a bandpass filter 118 located inside the brush rod 111. In some embodiments, these components may be located on the outer circumference of the brush rod 111. Unless explicitly stated in the claims, the present invention is not limited by the positioning of these components. However, the embodiment in which these components are located inside the brush rod 111 is preferred because such positioning makes the brush rod 111 smaller.

[0112] Similarly, in the above-mentioned embodiment, each tooth cleaning element has a light emitting element 116, a light receiving element 117 and a bandpass filter 118 located inside the brush rod 111. In some embodiments, these components can be positioned in the grip portion 110. In such embodiments, an optical fiber extending from the inside of the brush rod 111 to the grip portion 110 is included. By way of example, a first optical fiber can be included, which has one end receiving light from the light emitting element 116 and the other end transmitting light to the light guide 119, and a second optical fiber can be included, which has one end receiving light from the light guide 119 and the other end transmitting light to the light receiving element 117. The bandpass filter 118 can be located between the second optical fiber and the light guide 119 or between the second optical fiber and the light receiving element 117. In such embodiments, the light guide 119 and the two optical fibers are used as light guides. In the case of such a configuration, an improvement in the accuracy of plaque detection can be expected because the light receiving element 117 will be less affected by the vibration of the brush rod 111. Alternatively, a single optical fiber may be used instead of two optical fibers.

[0113] For the combination Figures 12 to 17 The illustrated and described embodiment, in which the light emitting element 116 and the light receiving element 117 are included as part of the brush bar 111, can minimize light loss in the oral cavity, thereby increasing the amount of light received by the light receiving element 17. Therefore, an improvement in the accuracy of plaque detection can be expected.

[0114] In addition, in combination Figures 12 to 17 In the illustrated and described embodiments, the tooth cleaning element 122A, or alternatively each fiber forming a portion of the tooth cleaning element 122A, needs to be formed of a light-transmitting material through which at least the light emitted from the light-emitting element 116 and the light to be received by the light-receiving element 117 can be transmitted. In certain embodiments, these properties can be met by selecting from materials currently commonly used for toothbrushes. In this way, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0115] In certain embodiments, the exposed longitudinal surface (excluding the tip) of the tooth cleaning element 122A or each fiber forming a part of the tooth cleaning element 122A may be coated to prevent light from escaping to the outside through the portion other than the tip of the tooth cleaning element 122A. For example, a coating of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or the like may be applied to the circumference of the tooth cleaning element 122A. With this configuration, the accuracy of plaque sensing may be improved.

[0116] In certain embodiments, the electric toothbrush can be a type that removes dental plaque by rotating the platform to which the tooth cleaning element is coupled. In such embodiments, the tooth cleaning element 122A can be located at the rotation center of the platform. Therefore, dental plaque can also be accurately detected in such embodiments.

[0117] Although the present invention has been described with respect to specific examples (including currently preferred modes for carrying out the invention), it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that there are numerous variations and permutations of the systems and techniques described above. It will be appreciated that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the present invention should be broadly interpreted as set forth in the appended claims.

[0118] The following content corresponds to the original claims in the parent application and is now incorporated herein as part of the specification:

[0119] 1. A brush unit detachable from a main unit of an electric toothbrush, the brush unit comprising:

[0120] comprising a light-transmitting portion on a front surface of the brush unit, a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from the front surface of the brush unit in a pressing direction, wherein the light-transmitting portion directs more light in a first direction intersecting the pressing direction than in the pressing direction; and

[0121] including a light receiving portion on the front surface for receiving light;

[0122] wherein the light transmitting portion and the light receiving portion are arranged on opposite sides of the plurality of tooth cleaning elements, and

[0123] Wherein the first direction is located in a plane including both the light transmitting portion and the light receiving portion.

[0124] 2. The brush unit according to item 1, wherein the light receiving portion receives more light from a second direction intersecting the pressing direction than from the pressing direction.

[0125] 3. A brush unit according to item 1 or 2, wherein the tooth cleaning elements form a bristle zone, and the tooth cleaning elements in the bristle zone that are positioned between the light transmitting part and the light receiving part and closest to the light transmitting part or the light receiving part are shorter than the tooth cleaning elements in the bristle zone that are located between the light transmitting part and the light receiving part and in the middle part of the bristle zone.

[0126] 4. A brush unit according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein

[0127] The tooth cleaning elements are arranged in a region having an outer edge, and the outer edge forms a first recess and a second recess;

[0128] The light transmitting portion is located within the first recess, and

[0129] The light receiving portion is located in the second recess.

[0130] 5. A brush unit according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein

[0131] The brush unit includes a hollow portion for receiving a brush rod of the main unit, the brush rod including a light emitting element and a light receiving element;

[0132] The light transmission portion includes a first transmission member;

[0133] The light receiving portion includes a second transmissive member;

[0134] When the brush unit is located on the brush bar, light emitted from the light emitting element is transmitted through the first transmission member in the first direction, and light transmitted through the second transmission member is received by the light receiving portion.

[0135] 6. An electric toothbrush comprising a main body unit and the brush unit according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the main body unit is detachable from the brush unit.

[0136] 7. A brush unit, comprising:

[0137] front surface;

[0138] a plurality of tooth cleaning elements coupled to the front surface and extending from the front surface in a pressing direction, the tooth cleaning elements forming a bristle field on the front surface;

[0139] a light-transmitting portion formed on the front surface adjacent to the bristle area;

[0140] a light receiving portion formed on the front surface adjacent to the bristle region and formed on a side of the bristle region opposite to the light transmitting portion; and

[0141] The light-transmitting portion is configured to guide light to be transmitted therethrough in a first direction intersecting the pressing direction and located within a plane including both the light-transmitting portion and the receiving portion.

[0142] 8. The brush unit according to item 7, wherein the light receiving portion is configured to receive light from a second direction that intersects the pressing direction and is located within a plane including both the light transmitting portion and the light receiving portion.

[0143] 9. A brush unit according to item 7 or 8, wherein the tooth cleaning elements form a bristle zone, and the tooth cleaning elements in the bristle zone that are positioned between the light transmitting part and the light receiving part and closest to the light transmitting part or the light receiving part are shorter than the tooth cleaning elements in the bristle zone that are located between the light transmitting part and the light receiving part and in the middle part of the bristle zone.

[0144] 10. A brush unit according to any one of items 7 to 9, wherein

[0145] The bristle area includes a first recess and a second recess, wherein the first recess is located on a side of the bristle area opposite to the second recess;

[0146] The light-transmitting portion is located within the first recess; and

[0147] The light receiving portion is located in the second recess.

[0148] 11. A brush unit, comprising:

[0149] front surface;

[0150] a plurality of tooth cleaning elements coupled to the front surface and extending from the front surface in a pressing direction, the tooth cleaning elements forming a bristle field on the front surface;

[0151] a light emitting element coupled to the front surface adjacent the bristle zone;

[0152] a light receiving element coupled to the front surface adjacent to the bristle area and coupled on a side of the bristle area opposite to the light emitting element; and

[0153] The light-transmitting portion is positioned at an angle so as to direct light in a first direction that intersects the pressing direction and is located within a plane including the light-emitting element and the receiving element.

[0154] 12. The brush unit according to item 11, wherein the light receiving element is positioned at an angle so as to receive light from a second direction, the second direction intersecting the pressing direction and located within a plane including both the light emitting element and the light receiving element.

[0155] 13. A brush unit according to item 11 or 12, wherein the tooth cleaning element forms a bristle zone, and the tooth cleaning element in the bristle zone that is positioned between the light emitting element and the light receiving element and closer to the light emitting element or one of the light receiving elements is shorter than the tooth cleaning element in the bristle zone that is located between the light emitting element and the light receiving element and in a middle part of the bristle zone.

[0156] 14. A brush unit according to any one of items 11 to 13, wherein

[0157] The bristle area includes a first recess and a second recess, wherein the first recess is located on a side of the bristle area opposite to the second recess;

[0158] The light emitting element is located in the first recess; and

[0159] The light receiving element is located in the second recess.

[0160] 15. The brush unit according to any one of items 11 to 14, further comprising a first partition member that is coupled between the light receiving element and the front surface and suppresses vibration in the front surface of the light receiving element.

[0161] 16. The brush unit according to item 15, further comprising a second partition member which is coupled between the light emitting element and the front surface and which suppresses vibration in the front surface of the light emitting element.

[0162] 17. An electric toothbrush comprising:

[0163] A subject, the subject comprising:

[0164] a drive assembly configured to generate oscillations;

[0165] a light emitting element; and

[0166] a light receiving element; and

[0167] A brush unit coupled to the body, the brush unit comprising:

[0168] a housing having a front surface;

[0169] a plurality of tooth cleaning elements coupled to the front surface and extending from the front surface in a pressing direction, the tooth cleaning elements forming a bristle field on the front surface;

[0170] a light-transmitting portion formed on the front surface adjacent to the bristle area;

[0171] a light receiving portion formed on the front surface adjacent to the bristle region and formed on a side of the bristle region opposite to the light transmitting portion; and

[0172] The light transmitting portion is configured to guide light emitted from the light emitting element in a first direction that intersects the pressing direction and is located within a plane including both the light transmitting portion and the light receiving portion.

[0173] 18. The electric toothbrush according to item 17, wherein the light receiving portion is configured to receive light from a second direction that intersects the pressing direction and is located within a plane including both the light transmitting portion and the light receiving portion.

[0174] 19. An electric toothbrush according to item 17 or 18, wherein the tooth cleaning elements form a bristle zone, and the tooth cleaning elements in the bristle zone that are positioned between the light transmitting part and the light receiving part and closest to the light transmitting part or the light receiving part are shorter than the tooth cleaning elements in the bristle zone that are located between the light transmitting part and the light receiving part and in the middle part of the bristle zone.

[0175] 20. An electric toothbrush according to any one of items 17 to 19, wherein

[0176] The bristle area includes a first recess and a second recess, wherein the first recess is located on a side of the bristle area opposite to the second recess;

[0177] The light-transmitting portion is located within the first recess; and

[0178] The light receiving portion is located in the second recess.

[0179] 21. An electric toothbrush according to any one of items 17 to 20, wherein

[0180] The main body also includes a brush rod; and

[0181] The housing of the brush unit forms a hollow portion configured to be detachably positioned on the brush rod.

[0182] 22. The electric toothbrush according to any one of items 17 to 21, further comprising a partition member, wherein the light receiving element is located on the partition member so that the partition member suppresses vibration generated by the drive assembly of the light receiving element.

[0183] 23. The electric toothbrush according to item 22, wherein the light emitting element is located on the isolation member so that the isolation member suppresses vibrations generated by the drive assembly of the light emitting element.

[0184] 24. An electric toothbrush comprising:

[0185] an oscillating assembly comprising a plurality of tooth cleaning elements, a light emitting element, and a light receiving element; and

[0186] a driving component that drives the oscillating component to oscillate at a first frequency;

[0187] The light receiving element is fixed to a spacer member having a resonance frequency different from the first frequency.

[0188] 25. The brush unit according to item 24, wherein the light emitting element is fixed to a separation member having a resonance frequency different from the first frequency.

[0189] 26. An electric toothbrush according to item 24 or 25, wherein

[0190] The oscillating assembly includes a brush unit and a brush rod, the plurality of tooth cleaning elements are coupled to the brush unit, and the brush rod is coupled to a hollow portion of the brush unit;

[0191] The light emitting element and the light receiving element are located in the brush rod;

[0192] The brush unit includes a first transmissive member and a second transmissive member, the first transmissive member and the second transmissive member being arranged on opposite sides of the plurality of tooth cleaning elements; and

[0193] When the brush unit is fitted to the brush bar, light emitted from the light emitting element is transmitted to the outside of the brush unit through the first transmission member, and light transmitted through the second transmission member is received by the light receiving part.

[0194] 27. An electric toothbrush according to claim 26, wherein

[0195] The tooth cleaning elements are arranged in a region having an outer edge, and the outer edge forms a first recess and a second recess;

[0196] The light-transmitting member is located in the first recess, and

[0197] The light-transmitting member is located within the second recess.

[0198] 28. An electric toothbrush comprising:

[0199] A subject, the subject comprising:

[0200] Brush rod;

[0201] Light emitting element;

[0202] a light receiving element; and

[0203] a light guide optically coupled to the light emitting element and the light receiving element; and

[0204] A brush unit coupled to the body, the brush unit comprising:

[0205] a housing forming a hollow portion and having a front surface, the hollow portion being configured to be positioned on the brush bar of the body;

[0206] A plurality of tooth cleaning elements are connected to the front surface and extend from the front surface, the plurality of tooth cleaning elements including at least a first tooth cleaning element formed of an optically transmissive material and extending to the interior of the shell, wherein when the hollow portion of the brush unit is located on the brush rod of the main body, the light guide is optically connected to the first tooth cleaning element so that light emitted from the light emitting element is guided out of the tip of the first tooth cleaning element and light received in the tip of the first tooth cleaning element is guided to the light receiving element.

[0207] 29. An electric toothbrush according to item 28, wherein the main body further comprises a bandpass filter, the bandpass filter being optically connected between the light receiving element and the light guide.

[0208] 30. An electric toothbrush according to one of items 28 or 29, wherein the body further comprises a drive assembly configured to generate oscillations.

[0209] 31. An electric toothbrush according to any one of items 28 to 30, wherein the body further comprises a processor operably connected to the light receiving element, and the light receiving element provides an output signal to the processor in response to light incident on the light receiving element.

[0210] 32. An electric toothbrush according to any one of items 28 to 31, wherein the light emitting element and the light receiving element are located inside the brush rod.

[0211] 33. An electric toothbrush according to any one of items 28 to 32, wherein the plurality of tooth cleaning elements include a second tooth cleaning element, the second tooth cleaning element is formed by the optically transmissive material and extends to the interior of the shell, wherein when the hollow portion of the brush unit is located on the brush rod of the main body, the light guide is optically connected to the second tooth cleaning element so that light emitted from the light emitting element is guided out of the tip of the second tooth cleaning element and light received in the tip of the second tooth cleaning element is guided to the light receiving element.

[0212] 34. An electric toothbrush according to any one of items 28 to 33, wherein each of said plurality of tooth cleaning elements is formed from said optically transmissive material.

[0213] 35. An electric toothbrush according to any one of items 28 to 32, wherein the first tooth cleaning element comprises a plurality of fibers.

[0214] 36. An electric toothbrush according to item 35, wherein each of the plurality of fibers comprises a surface coating on an exposed longitudinal surface of the fiber.

[0215] 37. An electric toothbrush comprising:

[0216] a brush unit including a housing having a hollow portion; and

[0217] A main body, the main body comprising a brush rod, the hollow portion of the brush unit being configured to be located on the brush rod; wherein:

[0218] The brush unit includes a front surface and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from the front surface in a pressing direction;

[0219] At least a first tooth cleaning element of the plurality of tooth cleaning elements is formed of an optically transmissive material, the first tooth cleaning element including a fixed end coupled to the front surface of the brush unit and exposed within the hollow portion of the brush unit; and

[0220] The main unit includes: a light emitting element that emits light; a light receiving element that generates an output signal in response to the received light; a light guide that guides light from the light emitting element to the fixed end of the first tooth cleaning element and guides light from the fixed end of the first tooth cleaning element to the light receiving element; and a processor that receives the output signal from the light receiving element.

[0221] 38. An electric toothbrush according to item 37, wherein each of the plurality of tooth cleaning elements is formed from the optically transmissive material.

[0222] 39. An electric toothbrush according to any one of items 37 or 38, wherein

[0223] The light guide is located within the brush bar such that when the brush unit is located on the brush bar, the light guide is positioned opposite the first tooth cleaning element; and

[0224] The light emitting element and the light receiving element are located in the brush bar.

[0225] 40. An electric toothbrush according to any one of items 37 to 39, wherein

[0226] The first tooth cleaning element is formed from a plurality of fibers; and

[0227] Each of the plurality of fibers includes a surface coating on an exposed portion of each fiber except a tip thereof to prevent light passing through each fiber from leaking to the outside.

[0228] 41. An electric toothbrush according to any one of items 37 to 40, wherein:

[0229] More than one of said tooth cleaning elements is formed of said optically transmissive material; and

[0230] The tooth cleaning element formed of the optical material has a larger cross-sectional area than the rest of the tooth cleaning elements in a plane perpendicular to the pressing direction.

[0231] 42. A brush unit for an electric toothbrush according to any one of items 37 to 41.

[0232] 43. An electric toothbrush of the present invention, comprising:

[0233] an oscillating assembly including a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from the surface in a pressing direction, a light emitting element, and a light receiving element that generates an output signal in response to received light;

[0234] a driving component having a first driving mode and a second driving mode, wherein during the first driving mode, the driving component oscillates the oscillating component in a first direction parallel to the pressing direction, and during the second driving mode, the driving component oscillates the oscillating component in a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction; and

[0235] A processor configured to control light emitted from the light emitting element during the first driving mode and process an output signal from the light receiving element generated during the first driving mode.

[0236] 44. An electric toothbrush according to item 43, wherein the surface from which the plurality of tooth cleaning elements extend includes a light transmitting portion, through which light from the light emitting element is transmitted; and a light receiving portion, through which light received by the light receiving element is transmitted, the light transmitting portion and the light receiving portion being on opposite sides of the tooth cleaning elements on the surface.

[0237] 45. An electric toothbrush according to claim 44, wherein

[0238] The tooth cleaning elements are arranged in a region having an outer edge, and the outer edge forms a first recess and a second recess;

[0239] The light-transmitting portion is located within the first recess; and

[0240] The light receiving portion is located in the second recess.

[0241] 46. ​​An electric toothbrush according to item 44 or 45, wherein

[0242] The light transmitting portion guides more light in a third direction intersecting the pressing direction than in the pressing direction;

[0243] The third direction is located within a plane including both the light transmitting portion and the light receiving portion.

[0244] 47. An electric toothbrush according to item 46, wherein the light receiving portion receives more light from a fourth direction intersecting with the pressing direction than from the pressing direction.

[0245] 48. An electric toothbrush according to any one of items 44, 46 or 47, wherein the tooth cleaning elements form a bristle zone, and the tooth cleaning elements in the bristle zone that are positioned between the light transmitting part and the light receiving part and closer to the light transmitting part or the light receiving part are shorter than the tooth cleaning elements in the bristle zone that are located between the light transmitting part and the light receiving part and in the middle part of the bristle zone.

[0246] 49. An electric toothbrush according to any one of items 43 to 48, wherein the light receiving element is located on a partition member having a resonance frequency different from an oscillation frequency generated during the first drive mode.

[0247] 50. A method for operating an electric toothbrush, the electric toothbrush comprising a drive assembly and an oscillating assembly, the oscillating assembly comprising a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from a surface in a pressing direction, a light transmitting element, and a light receiving element, the method comprising:

[0248] selectively driving the oscillating assembly when the driving assembly is in one of a first driving mode and a second driving mode, wherein during the first driving mode, the driving assembly oscillates the oscillating assembly in a first direction parallel to the pressing direction, and during the second driving mode, the driving assembly oscillates the oscillating assembly in a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction;

[0249] controlling the light emitting element to emit light at least during the first driving mode; and

[0250] An output signal from the light receiving element is processed at least during the first drive mode, the output signal being generated by the light receiving element in response to received light.

Claims

1. An electric toothbrush comprising: an oscillating assembly, the oscillating assembly comprising a plurality of tooth cleaning elements, a light emitting element, and a light receiving element; as well as a driving component that drives the oscillating component to oscillate at a first frequency; The light receiving element is fixed to a spacer member having a resonance frequency different from the first frequency. 2 . The brush unit according to claim 1 , wherein the light emitting element is fixed to a separation member having a resonance frequency different from the first frequency.

3. The electric toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The oscillating assembly includes a brush unit and a brush rod, the plurality of tooth cleaning elements are coupled to the brush unit, and the brush rod is coupled to a hollow portion of the brush unit; The light emitting element and the light receiving element are located in the brush rod; The brush unit includes a first transmissive member and a second transmissive member, the first transmissive member and the second transmissive member being arranged on opposite sides of the plurality of tooth cleaning elements; and When the brush unit is fitted to the brush bar, light emitted from the light emitting element is transmitted to the outside of the brush unit through the first transmission member, and light transmitted through the second transmission member is received by the light receiving part.

4. The electric toothbrush according to claim 3, wherein The tooth cleaning elements are arranged in a region having an outer edge, and the outer edge forms a first recess and a second recess; The light-transmitting member is located in the first recess, and The light-transmitting member is located within the second recess.

5. An electric toothbrush of the present invention, comprising: an oscillating assembly including a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from the surface in a pressing direction, a light emitting element, and a light receiving element that generates an output signal in response to received light; a drive assembly having a first drive mode and a second drive mode, wherein during the first drive mode, the drive assembly oscillates the oscillating assembly in a first direction parallel to the pressing direction, and during the second drive mode, the drive assembly oscillates the oscillating assembly in a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction; as well as A processor is configured to control light emitted from the light emitting element during the first driving mode and process an output signal from the light receiving element generated during the first driving mode.

6. An electric toothbrush according to claim 5, wherein the surface from which the plurality of tooth cleaning elements extend includes a light transmitting portion, through which light from the light emitting element is transmitted; and a light receiving portion, through which light received by the light receiving element is transmitted, the light transmitting portion and the light receiving portion being on opposite sides of the tooth cleaning elements on the surface.

7. The electric toothbrush according to claim 6, wherein The tooth cleaning elements are arranged in a region having an outer edge, and the outer edge forms a first recess and a second recess; The light-transmitting portion is located within the first recess; and The light receiving portion is located in the second recess.

8. The electric toothbrush according to claim 6 or 7, wherein The light transmitting portion guides more light in a third direction intersecting the pressing direction than in the pressing direction; The third direction is located within a plane including both the light transmitting portion and the light receiving portion. 9 . The electric toothbrush according to claim 8 , wherein the light receiving portion receives more light from a fourth direction intersecting the pressing direction than from the pressing direction.

10. An electric toothbrush according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein the tooth cleaning elements form a bristle zone, and the tooth cleaning elements in the bristle zone that are positioned between the light transmitting part and the light receiving part and closer to the light transmitting part or the light receiving part are shorter than the tooth cleaning elements in the bristle zone that are located between the light transmitting part and the light receiving part and in the middle part of the bristle zone.

11. The electric toothbrush according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein the light receiving element is located on a partition member having a resonance frequency different from an oscillation frequency generated during the first drive mode.

12. A method for operating an electric toothbrush, the electric toothbrush comprising a drive assembly and an oscillating assembly, the oscillating assembly comprising a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from a surface in a pressing direction, a light transmitting element, and a light receiving element, the method comprising: selectively driving the oscillating assembly when the driving assembly is in one of a first driving mode and a second driving mode, wherein during the first driving mode, the driving assembly oscillates the oscillating assembly in a first direction parallel to the pressing direction, and during the second driving mode, the driving assembly oscillates the oscillating assembly in a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction; controlling the light emitting element to emit light at least during the first driving mode; as well as An output signal from the light receiving element is processed at least during the first drive mode, the output signal being generated by the light receiving element in response to received light.

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