An electric toothbrush and a tooth brushing start method thereof

Abstract

This invention relates to an electric toothbrush and its brushing start method, comprising a housing, a motor assembly, a brush head, and a sensor. The motor assembly is installed within the housing. The sensor includes a fixed section, a deformation section, and a connecting section. The fixed section is fixed relative to the housing, and the connecting section is fixed to one end of the motor assembly. An output rod is provided at the other end of the motor assembly, and the brush head is mounted on the output rod. The brush head and motor assembly are connected to form a lever arm, transmitting the pressure applied to the brush head to the deformation section, causing it to deform. A sensor is installed on the deformation section to detect the deformation, and the sensor is electrically connected to the motor assembly. The electric toothbrush and brushing start method of this application can accurately detect the pressure applied to the brush head and use the detected pressure value to control the start and stop of the motor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electric toothbrush control structures, and in particular to an electric toothbrush and its brushing start method. Background Technology

[0002] An existing technology discloses an electric toothbrush with a brush head pressure detection device, including a motor and a brush head. The motor has an output shaft, and the brush head is inserted and fixed on the output shaft. The brush head starts brushing teeth under the drive of the motor, and a pressure detection structure is provided on the output shaft. This pressure detection structure reminds the user when brushing teeth with excessive force to prevent wear. The pressure detection structure includes a stress trigger and a stress detection element on the surface of the output shaft. The stress trigger is a groove provided on the output shaft. The groove increases the elastic deformation capability of the output shaft, so that the stress detection element at the corresponding position of the groove can detect the pressure on the output shaft.

[0003] The pressure detection structure described above is too close to the brush head and is not sensitive to small pressures on the brush head. As a result, the pressure detected by the overall pressure detection structure is not accurate. It can only remind users when they brush their teeth too hard and cannot be combined with pressure detection to expand the functions of the electric toothbrush. Furthermore, the slotting on the output shaft increases the possibility of output shaft defects to some extent. Since the output shaft is in a high-frequency oscillation state during operation, it further increases the risk of output shaft breakage. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned technical problems and provide an electric toothbrush and a brushing start method thereof. The electric toothbrush and brushing start method of this application can accurately detect the pressure on the brush head and use the detected pressure value to control the start and stop of the motor.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solutions of the present invention are as follows:

[0006] An electric toothbrush includes a housing, a motor assembly, a brush head, and a sensor. The motor assembly is installed inside the housing. The sensor includes a fixed section, a deformation section, and a connecting section. The fixed section is fixed relative to the housing. The connecting section is fixed to one end of the motor assembly. The motor assembly has an output rod at the other end, and the brush head is mounted on the output rod. The brush head is connected to the motor assembly to form a lever arm, so that the force applied to the brush head is transmitted to the deformation section, causing it to deform. A sensor is installed on the deformation section to detect the deformation of the deformation section. The sensor is electrically connected to the motor assembly.

[0007] This application discloses an electric toothbrush that improves the mounting position of the sensor and increases the length of the lever arm formed between the brush head and the sensor. This makes it easier for the force on the brush head to be applied to the sensor, making the sensor more easily deformable and easier for the sensor on the sensor to detect the deformation changes. This allows for more accurate measurement of the pressure on the brush head. The change in pressure value is used to control the start and stop of the motor, enabling the motor to be started without the physical button of a traditional electric toothbrush. The absence of a physical button makes it easier to design a waterproof structure for the electric toothbrush. Furthermore, it can simulate the usage habits of a traditional toothbrush. The user places the toothbrush in their mouth, and the pressure from the teeth on the brush head starts the electric toothbrush, making it more suitable for users accustomed to the use of traditional toothbrushes. Specifically, the motor assembly inside the electric toothbrush is used as a rigid lever, equivalent to an extended lever arm, making it easier for the pressure on the brush head to be reflected in the deformation of the sensor. This allows the sensor on the sensor to measure the pressure value more accurately, and this precise pressure value enables more accurate control of the start and stop of the motor assembly.

[0008] Furthermore, it also includes a main control circuit board, which is electrically connected to the sensor. The motor assembly includes a motor, and the output rod is the output terminal of the motor, which is also electrically connected to the main control circuit board. The active circuit board records a control program, receives electrical signals generated by the sensor, selects the corresponding control command for the motor, and controls the motor to start and stop.

[0009] Furthermore, the motor assembly also includes a first bracket for fixing the motor, and the connecting section is fixed to the first bracket. The first bracket is a rigid component for protecting the motor and for connecting the motor and the brush head to form a rigid lever, so that the pressure on the brush head can be sensed by the sensing element and deformed.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes a second bracket, which has mounting positions for the deformation of the sensor and the movement of the motor assembly. The second bracket is an inner liner bracket for the electric toothbrush, providing mounting positions for other electrical components of the electric toothbrush, and providing movable mounting positions for the motor assembly and the sensor.

[0011] Furthermore, the second bracket is fixed inside the housing, and the fixing section is fixed at the mounting position.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes a third bracket. A second sealing element is provided at the front end of the mounting position. One end of the third bracket is fixed to the mounting position of the second bracket, and the other end is fixed to the second sealing element. The third bracket, the second sealing element, and the mounting position of the second bracket cooperate to form the movable cavity of the motor assembly. While forming the movable cavity of the motor assembly, the third bracket also cooperates with the second bracket forming the mounting position to form a support structure that mutually supports the second sealing element, thereby preventing deformation of the mounting position and the second sealing element during installation.

[0013] Furthermore, the fixing section is provided with a fixing hole to connect with the mounting position, the connecting section is provided with a fixing hole and / or fixing groove to connect with the motor assembly, the deformation section is located in the middle of the sensing element, the deformation section is provided with a through hole, and the sensing element is attached to one side surface of the deformation section.

[0014] A method for starting the above-mentioned electric toothbrush involves a sensor detecting the pressure of the brush head and controlling the motor assembly to start or stop based on the pressure. By controlling the motor's start and stop through changes in pressure, the motor can be started without a physical button on the electric toothbrush. Eliminating the need for a physical button makes it easier to design a waterproof structure for the electric toothbrush. Furthermore, it simulates the usage habits of a traditional toothbrush; the user places the toothbrush in their mouth, and the pressure from the teeth on the brush head activates the electric toothbrush, making it more suitable for users accustomed to traditional toothbrush usage.

[0015] Furthermore, it includes the following steps:

[0016] When the sensor detects that the pressure is between the initial value and the first threshold, the motor assembly is not started.

[0017] When the sensor detects that the pressure is between the first threshold and the second threshold, it controls the motor assembly to start with a fixed output power.

[0018] When the sensor detects that the pressure is greater than the second threshold, it issues a warning signal that the pressure is too high.

[0019] Furthermore, it includes the following steps:

[0020] When the sensor detects that the pressure is between the initial value and the third threshold, the motor assembly is not started.

[0021] When the sensor detects that the pressure is between the third and fourth thresholds, it controls the motor assembly to start, and the motor output power is proportional to the brush head pressure.

[0022] When the sensor detects that the pressure is between the fourth and fifth thresholds, it controls the motor assembly to start, and the motor output power is inversely proportional to the brush head pressure.

[0023] When the sensor detects that the pressure is between the fifth and sixth thresholds, it issues a warning signal that the pressure is too high.

[0024] When the sensor detects that the pressure is greater than the sixth threshold, the motor assembly is put into standby mode. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the electric toothbrush of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the lever arm structure of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the motor assembly of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the sensing element of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a localized area;

[0030] Figure 6 for Figure 1 An enlarged sectional view of a portion of the area;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the electric toothbrush of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The electric toothbrush and its brushing start method according to the present invention are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0033] like Figures 1 to 7 An electric toothbrush is shown, comprising a housing 1, a motor assembly 5, a brush head 2, a main control circuit board 3, and a sensor 6. The motor assembly 5 is movably mounted within the housing 1. The sensor 6 includes a fixed section 63, a deformation section 62, and a connecting section 64. The fixed section 63 is fixed relative to the housing 1. The connecting section 64 is fixed to one end of the motor assembly 5. The motor assembly 5 has an output rod 511 at the other end, and the brush head 2 is mounted on the output rod 511. A sensor 61 is mounted on the deformation section 62 to sense the deformation of the deformation section 62. The sensor 61 is electrically connected to the motor assembly 5. The main control circuit board 3 is electrically connected to the sensor 61. The motor assembly 5 includes a motor 51, and the output rod 511 is the output end of the motor 51, which is also electrically connected to the main control circuit board 3. The main control circuit board records a control program, receives electrical signals generated by the sensor 61, selects the corresponding command to control the motor 51, and controls the motor 51 to start and stop.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, it also includes a second bracket 4, which has a mounting position 41 for the deformation of the sensor 6 and the movement of the motor assembly 5. The second bracket 4 is the inner liner bracket of the electric toothbrush, providing mounting positions 41 for other electrical components of the electric toothbrush, and providing movable mounting positions 41 for the motor assembly 5 and the sensor 6. The second bracket 4 is fixed inside the outer casing 1, and the fixing section 63 is fixed to the mounting position 41. The second bracket 4 has a reinforcing member 412 at the fixing position of the fixing section 63. The reinforcing member 412 can improve the structural strength of the second bracket 4 and prevent deformation at the fixing position of the fixing section 63 in the second bracket 4. The reinforcing member 412 is a reinforcing rib, which can improve the bending resistance of the mounting position 41 so that the pressure detected by the sensor 61 is more accurate.

[0035] It also includes a third bracket 7, which is fixed to the mounting position 41 of the second bracket 4 and cooperates with the mounting position 41 of the second bracket 4 to form the movable cavity of the motor assembly 5. In addition, the third bracket 7 can also supplement the overall structural strength of the second bracket 4 and prevent the mounting position 41 from deforming during installation.

[0036] Combination Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the outer shell 1 has an opening 11 for the output rod 511 to pass through and connect to the brush head 2. A first sealing element 12 is installed in the opening, and a second sealing element 42 is provided at the front end of the mounting position 41 of the second bracket 4. A shock-absorbing pad 421 is provided on the second sealing element 42. The shock-absorbing pad 421 plays the role of shock absorption and noise reduction for the inner bracket assembly for mounting the motor. The first sealing element 12 and the second sealing element 42 cooperate to prevent water from flowing into the electric toothbrush from the opening 11. In order to prevent the second sealing element 42 from being deformed by the first sealing element 12 and the outer shell 1 around the opening 11 during installation, the third bracket 7 is provided. It cooperates with the second bracket 4 forming the mounting position 41 to form a support structure that mutually supports the second sealing element 42, thereby achieving the effect of avoiding deformation of the mounting position 41 and the second sealing element 42 during installation.

[0037] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the motor assembly 5 also includes a first bracket, which is used to fix the motor 51, and the connecting section 64 is fixed to the first bracket. The first bracket is a rigid component, used to protect the motor 51, and used to connect the motor 51 and the brush head 2 to form a rigid lever, so that the pressure on the brush head 2 can be sensed by the sensing element 6 and deformed.

[0038] The first support includes an upper support 53 and a lower support 52. The upper support 53 and the lower support 52 are fitted together to clamp and fix the motor 51. The lower support 52 is provided with a fixing position 521, and the mounting position 41 is also provided with a fixing position 411. The fixing section 63 of the sensor 6 is provided with a fixing hole, and the connecting section 64 is provided with a fixing hole and / or fixing groove, which are connected and fixed to the fixing position 411 and the fixing position 521 respectively. The sensor 61 is fitted and installed on one side surface of the deformation section 62 in the middle. The deformation section 62 is provided with a through hole 621 to increase the elasticity of the deformation section 62.

[0039] This application discloses an electric toothbrush that improves the mounting position of the sensing element, making it more easily deformable and more readily detected by the sensor on the sensing element. This allows for more accurate measurement of the pressure on the brush head, and the motor's start and stop are controlled by changes in pressure. This eliminates the need for a physical button, making it easier to design a waterproof structure. Furthermore, it simulates the usage habits of a traditional toothbrush; the user places the toothbrush in their mouth, and the pressure from the teeth on the brush head activates the brush, making it more suitable for users accustomed to traditional toothbrushes. Specifically, the motor assembly inside the electric toothbrush acts as a rigid lever, essentially an extended lever arm, making the pressure on the brush head more readily reflected in the deformation of the sensing element. This allows the sensor on the sensing element to more accurately measure the pressure value, enabling more precise control of the motor assembly's start and stop.

[0040] This application also provides several embodiments for controlling motor start-up through pressure detection values.

[0041] A method for starting the brushing of the above-mentioned electric toothbrush, wherein the sensor detects the pressure of the brush head and controls the motor assembly to start or stop according to the pressure.

[0042] Example 1 includes the following steps:

[0043] When the sensor detects that the pressure is between the initial value and the first threshold, the motor assembly is not started.

[0044] When the sensor detects that the pressure is between the first threshold and the second threshold, it controls the motor assembly to start with a fixed output power.

[0045] When the sensor detects that the pressure is greater than the second threshold, it issues a warning signal that the pressure is too high.

[0046] If the sensor detects that the pressure on the brush head is 0-50g, the motor in the control motor assembly will not start. This may be because toothpaste is being applied. Therefore, when the pressure is too low, it is not necessary to start the motor to make the brush head vibrate.

[0047] If the sensor detects that the pressure of the brush head is 50-200g, the motor in the control motor assembly will operate at the optimal output power. At this time, the pressure is closest to the most suitable pressure value for normal users when brushing their teeth, resulting in good brushing effect and controllable wear of the brush head.

[0048] If the sensor detects that the pressure on the brush head is 200-300g, it will issue a warning signal that the pressure is too high, reminding the user to reduce the pressure on the teeth, thereby improving the brushing effect and reducing the wear of the brush head.

[0049] Example 2 includes the following steps:

[0050] When the sensor detects that the pressure is between the initial value and the third threshold, the motor assembly is not started.

[0051] When the sensor detects that the pressure is between the third and fourth thresholds, it controls the motor assembly to start, and the motor output power is proportional to the brush head pressure.

[0052] When the sensor detects that the pressure is between the fourth and fifth thresholds, it controls the motor assembly to start, and the motor output power is inversely proportional to the brush head pressure.

[0053] When the sensor detects that the pressure is between the fifth and sixth thresholds, it issues a warning signal that the pressure is too high.

[0054] When the sensor detects that the pressure is greater than the sixth threshold, the motor assembly is put into standby mode.

[0055] If the sensor detects that the pressure on the brush head is 0-50g, the motor in the control motor assembly will not start. This may be because toothpaste is being applied. Therefore, when the pressure is too low, it is not necessary to start the motor to make the brush head vibrate.

[0056] When the sensor detects that the pressure of the brush head is 50-150g, it controls the motor assembly to start. The motor output power is proportional to the brush head pressure. In specific operation, the frequency of the motor is fixed, and the duty cycle is increased as the brush head pressure increases, so that the output power of the motor increases.

[0057] When the sensor detects that the brush head pressure is 150-250g, it controls the motor assembly to start. The motor output power is inversely proportional to the brush head pressure. In practice, the motor frequency is fixed, and the duty cycle is adjusted to decrease as the brush head pressure increases, thus reducing the motor's output power. At this point, the pressure is closest to the most suitable pressure value for normal brushing, the degree of brush head wear is controllable, and the motor's output power is adjusted according to the pressure change to improve the brushing effect.

[0058] If the sensor detects that the pressure on the brush head is 250-300g, it will issue a warning signal that the pressure is too high, reminding the user to reduce the pressure on the teeth, thereby improving the brushing effect and reducing the wear of the brush head.

[0059] If the sensor detects that the pressure on the brush head is greater than 300g, it will control the motor assembly to standby mode to protect the user's teeth and prevent excessive pressure from damaging the teeth and brush head.

[0060] Based on the disclosure and teachings of the foregoing specification, those skilled in the art can make changes and modifications to the above embodiments. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and described above, and some modifications and changes to the present invention should also fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention. Furthermore, although some specific terms are used in this specification, these terms are only for convenience of explanation and do not constitute any limitation on the present invention.

Claims

1. An electric toothbrush, characterized in that, The device includes a housing, a motor assembly, a brush head, and a sensor. The motor assembly is installed inside the housing. The sensor includes a fixed section, a deformation section, and a connecting section. It also includes a second bracket with mounting positions for deformation of the sensor and movement of the motor assembly. The second bracket is fixed inside the housing. The fixed section is fixed to the mounting positions. A reinforcing member is provided at the fixed position of the fixed section on the second bracket. The connecting section is fixed to one end of the motor assembly. An output rod is provided at the other end of the motor assembly, and the brush head is mounted on the output rod. The motor assembly includes a motor and a first bracket. The output rod is the output end of the motor. The first bracket is used to fix the motor. The connecting section is fixed on the first bracket. The first bracket connects the motor and the brush head to form a rigid lever. The brush head is connected to the motor assembly to form a lever arm, so that the pressure on the brush head is transmitted to the deformation section to cause it to deform. The deformation section is located in the middle of the sensing element. The deformation section is provided with a perforation. The sensing element is attached to one side surface of the deformation section. The sensor is used to sense the deformation of the deformation section. The sensor is electrically connected to the motor assembly.

2. The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a main control circuit board, which is electrically connected to the sensor, and the motor is electrically connected to the main control circuit board.

3. The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a third bracket, and a second sealing element is provided at the front end of the mounting position. One end of the third bracket is fixed to the mounting position of the second bracket, and the other end is fixed to the second sealing element. The third bracket, the second sealing element and the mounting position of the second bracket cooperate to form the movable cavity of the motor assembly.

4. The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed section is provided with a fixing hole to connect with the mounting position, and the connecting section is provided with a fixing hole and / or fixing groove to connect with the motor assembly.

5. A method for starting brushing using an electric toothbrush according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The sensor detects the pressure of the brush head and controls the motor assembly to start or stop based on the pressure.

6. The brushing initiation method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: When the sensor detects that the pressure is between the initial value and the first threshold, the motor assembly is not started; when the sensor detects that the pressure is between the first threshold and the second threshold, the motor assembly is started with a fixed output power; when the sensor detects that the pressure is greater than the second threshold, an excessive pressure warning signal is issued.

7. The brushing initiation method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: When the sensor detects pressure between the initial value and the third threshold, the motor assembly is not started; when the sensor detects pressure between the third threshold and the fourth threshold, the motor assembly is started, with the motor output power proportional to the brush head pressure; when the sensor detects pressure between the fourth threshold and the fifth threshold, the motor assembly is started, with the motor output power inversely proportional to the brush head pressure; when the sensor detects pressure between the fifth threshold and the sixth threshold, an excessive pressure warning signal is issued; when the sensor detects pressure greater than the sixth threshold, the motor assembly is put into standby mode.

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