Switch assembly for a cleaning appliance and cleaning appliance

Abstract

The application provides a switch assembly for cleaning and nursing appliance and the cleaning and nursing appliance. The switch assembly comprises a switch, a switch flap with a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the switch flap is arranged below the switch, so that the switch flap is operable to trigger the switch, wherein the flap has a small arm, a large arm and a pivot part between the small arm and the large arm, the length of the large arm is greater than that of the small arm, and the large arm comprises the distal end; the switch assembly further comprises a first holding part for holding the pivot part of the switch flap and a second holding part for holding the proximal end of the switch flap, the second holding part holds one end of the small arm away from the pivot part, so that the small arm of the switch flap is bent and deformed in a pre-tightening state when no pressing force is applied to the switch flap, and at the same time the switch flap generates a first moment of force around the pivot part to make the large arm tend to be away from the switch. The application can ensure the compactness of the layout of the components inside the shell while meeting the ergonomic design requirements of the switch part arranged on the handle shell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to cleaning and care appliances such as electric toothbrushes, and more particularly to switching components in cleaning and care appliances. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, various handheld electric cleaning and personal care devices are available on the market, such as electric toothbrushes, water flossers, and shavers. These devices typically have a handle, with the switch located in a suitable position on the handle's outer surface. Usually, when a user holds the handle of the electric cleaning and personal care device with one hand, their fingers can easily press on the switch, thereby actuating the switch mechanism located below the switch operation area inside the handle.

[0003] Typically, the switch portion on the handle housing is made of an elastic material, such as TPE, with an actuating switch mechanism positioned beneath it. This allows the switch mechanism to be triggered by the user applying pressure to the switch portion, causing deformation of the elastic material. Inside the handle, the switch mechanism can be mounted on a circuit board or arranged separately and connected to a power source via wires. The switch assembly, featuring both elastic material and a switch mechanism, ensures that the switch portion of cleaning and personal care appliances can have a waterproof structure, which is particularly advantageous for power appliances requiring waterproofing, such as electric toothbrushes and water flossers.

[0004] However, such a switch arrangement has its limitations. The switch device can only be installed directly below the switch part made of elastic material. Usually, the switch part needs to match the installation position of the switch device inside the handle. The switch part is not flexible enough. Sometimes, in order to meet the convenience of operation, the switch device inside the handle is placed far away from the motor or battery, and additional wires are needed for electrical connection, which complicates the internal electrical structure of the appliance.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to improve the switching components of electric cleaning and care appliances, avoid using unnecessary wires to connect the switching devices, and increase the flexibility of the layout of the internal switch devices in the handle of electric cleaning and care appliances. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the present invention provides a switch assembly for a cleaning and care appliance, comprising: a switch for switching the cleaning and care appliance on and off; a switch rocker having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the switch is disposed below the distal end of the switch rocker, such that the switch rocker is operably actuated to trigger the switch, wherein the rocker has a forearm, a large arm, and a pivot portion located between the forearm and the large arm, the length of the large arm being greater than the length of the forearm, the large arm including the distal end; the switch assembly further comprises a first retaining portion for retaining the pivot portion of the switch rocker and a second retaining portion for retaining the proximal end of the switch rocker, the second retaining portion retaining one end of the forearm away from the pivot portion, such that when no pressure is applied to the switch rocker, the forearm of the switch rocker is bent and pre-tightened, while the switch rocker generates a first torque around the pivot portion that causes the large arm to tend away from the switch.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, the switch includes an elastic element that generates an elastic force that acts on the upper arm of the switch rocker, and the elastic force generates a second torque around the pivot portion in the same direction as the first torque.

[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, the large arm of the switch rocker defines a pressing portion between the pivot portion and the switch, and an external force for actuating the switch assembly can be applied to the pressing portion.

[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, the switch assembly includes a switch portion located on the housing of the cleaning and care appliance, the switch portion being made of a deformable elastic material, the switch portion being aligned with the pressing portion.

[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, a first retaining portion is disposed on a component that is stationary relative to the outer casing of the cleaning and care appliance, wherein the first retaining portion includes a pair of U-shaped grooves located inside the cleaning and care appliance, and the pivoting portion includes a pair of shaft portions, each of which is received within a corresponding U-shaped groove.

[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, the second retaining portion is disposed on a component stationary relative to the outer casing of the cleaning and care appliance, and the second retaining portion includes a fixed opening inside the cleaning and care appliance, into which the free end of the forearm is inserted and retained. The opening can be a blind hole or a through hole.

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, the switch is mounted on a circuit board inside the cleaning appliance.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention also provides an electric cleaning and care appliance, comprising: a housing forming an elongated receiving cavity, wherein a battery and a drive device are arranged in the receiving cavity along a longitudinal direction; and a switch assembly as described above, housed within the housing; wherein the switch rocker arm of the switch assembly is arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0014] In the cleaning and care appliance according to the invention, the switch of the switch assembly is mounted on a circuit board disposed between the battery and the motor of the drive device, and the circuit board is fixed on the frame, the circuit board being connected to at least one electrode of the motor and at least one electrode of the power supply, respectively.

[0015] Furthermore, in the cleaning and care appliance according to the present invention, the housing is provided with a gearbox that accommodates at least a portion of the drive device and a gearbox cover attached to the gearbox, the first retaining part is provided on the gearbox, and the second retaining part is provided on the gearbox cover.

[0016] By employing the solution according to the present invention, while satisfying the ergonomic design requirements of the switch position on the handle housing, the compact layout of the internal components of the housing can be ensured. The switch is located approximately near the end of the drive unit or at the junction of the drive unit and the transmission unit, and the switch can be directly fixed to a circuit board located away from this position, eliminating the need for long wires to connect the switch or the circuit board on which the switch is mounted to the battery. Therefore, the internal layout of the electric toothbrush is more compact, and the installation process of the internal components of the electric toothbrush is also simplified. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To gain a more complete understanding of the invention, reference can be made to the following description of exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 A perspective view of an electric toothbrush according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0019] Figure 2 To illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 The diagram shows a three-dimensional view of the internal structure of an electric toothbrush.

[0020] Figure 3 To illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 Another perspective view of the internal structure of the electric toothbrush, in which the gearbox has been removed to show the internal transmission mechanism.

[0021] Figure 4 To illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 Another perspective view of the internal structure of the electric toothbrush shown, with the battery removed.

[0022] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the force analysis of the switch rocker of a switch assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6 A side view showing the switch assembly and gearbox in a fitted state according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] List of reference numerals

[0025] 1 handle

[0026] 2 brush heads

[0027] 3 Switch section

[0028] 4 cleaning components

[0029] 5 batteries

[0030] 6 racks

[0031] 7 enclosures

[0032] 8 box lids

[0033] 9 motors

[0034] 10-switch rocker

[0035] 11 forearms

[0036] 12 proximal ends

[0037] 13 Pivot Section

[0038] 14 upper arms

[0039] 15 remote

[0040] 20 drive shafts

[0041] 21 Handle Shell

[0042] 30 circuit board

[0043] 31 switches

[0044] 71 U-shaped groove

[0045] 81 opening

[0046] 100 Electric Toothbrush Detailed Implementation

[0047] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. More details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can obviously be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein. Those skilled in the art can make similar extensions and derivations based on actual application situations without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should not be limited by the content of this specific embodiment.

[0048] The following description uses an electric toothbrush as a typical example of a personal hygiene product, and describes exemplary embodiments of the invention in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although the following explanation uses only an electric toothbrush as an example, the invention is not limited thereto. The invention can also be applied to personal hygiene products such as electric shavers, electric facial cleansers, and electric showers that provide cleaning action through a drive mechanism.

[0049] For clarity, this specification uses terms describing spatial relative positions, such as "proximal / proximal" and "distal / distal," to simply describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element (one or more) or feature (one or more) as shown in the figure. "Proximal / proximal" refers to the end or side near the location where the cleaning force is applied when the cleaning and care product is used; "distal / distal" refers to the end or side away from the location where the cleaning force is applied when the cleaning and care product is used.

[0050] Furthermore, the term “and / or” as used in this application includes any one and all combinations of the listed one or more associated terms.

[0051] Although the terms "first" and similar terms are used in this specification to describe multiple elements or components, these elements or components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element or component from another, and do not imply "order." Therefore, changing the ordinal numbers of the elements or components discussed below does not exceed the concept and scope of this invention.

[0052] Figure 1 A perspective view of a cleaning and care appliance according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 The cleaning and care device shown is an electric toothbrush, which mainly includes a handle 1 suitable for one-handed holding and a brush head 2 detachably mounted on the handle 1. The handle 1 and the brush head 2 are arranged adjacent to each other along the longitudinal direction of the electric toothbrush. The brush head 2 is provided with multiple cleaning elements 4, such as bristles. The handle 1 includes a handle housing 21 and various functional components installed in the handle housing 21.

[0053] like Figure 1As shown, the electric toothbrush has a generally elongated cylindrical handle housing 21, with a switch portion 3 located in the middle of the handle housing 21. The switch portion 3 includes a diaphragm made of an elastic material, which can be generally circular or elliptical, corresponding to the shape of a human finger. For the elongated cylindrical handle housing 21 of the electric toothbrush, the switch portion 3 is preferably located in the middle near the proximal end, a position suitable for the user to hold and actuate the switch portion with one hand. Preferably, the switch portion 3 made of elastic material can be integrally formed with the handle housing 21, or it can be formed separately.

[0054] Figure 2 The internal structure of an electric toothbrush according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is further illustrated. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the electric toothbrush includes a battery 5 as a power source, a drive unit that provides driving force to the brush head 2, a transmission unit that transfers driving force to the brush head 2, a drive shaft 20 attached to the brush head 2, a switch assembly, and a circuit board 30. These components or parts are basically housed in the cavity formed by the handle housing 21.

[0055] Battery 5 is located in a chamber near the handle, at the distal end away from the brush head. The drive unit mainly includes motor 9 and frame 6. Motor 9 is fixed to frame 6, and the output shaft of motor 9 extends from the proximal end of motor 9 near the drive unit. In the longitudinal direction of handle 1, circuit board 30 is arranged between motor 9 and battery 5, and circuit board 30 is also typically fixed to frame 6. Circuit board 30 is electrically connected to at least one electrode of motor 9 on one hand, and to at least one of the positive and negative electrodes of the power supply on the other hand.

[0056] Furthermore, a transmission device is installed on the proximal side of the drive unit. The transmission device mainly includes a linkage mechanism and a gearbox that houses the linkage mechanism. The linkage mechanism is connected to the output shaft of the motor 9 and the drive shaft 20, respectively, thereby converting the rotational motion of the output shaft of the motor 9 about its longitudinal axis into the reciprocating rotation of the drive shaft 20.

[0057] The drive shaft 20 is located on the proximal side of the electric toothbrush 100, extending from an opening at the proximal end of the handle housing 21. The drive shaft 20 has a longitudinal axis, which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the output shaft of the motor 9; more preferably, the two longitudinal axes are aligned. The brush head 2 is snapped onto the drive shaft 20 via a locking mechanism, allowing the brush head 2 to reciprocate around the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft 20 along with it.

[0058] Specifically, the switch assembly in the electric toothbrush 100 mainly includes a switch 31 and a switch rocker 10. The switch 31 is directly mounted on the circuit board 30, while the switch rocker 10 is located within the cavity of the handle 1, in the space between the drive unit, the transmission unit, and the handle housing. The length direction of the switch rocker 10 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the handle.

[0059] from Figure 3 The structure of the switch assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention can be clearly seen. The switch rocker 10 has a forearm 11, a main arm 14, and a pivot portion 13 located between the forearm 11 and the main arm 14. Preferably, the rocker 10 is integrally molded from resin material, and the forearm 11, the main arm 14, and the pivot portion 13 constitute a single unit. Typically, the longitudinal length of the main arm 14 is greater than the longitudinal length of the forearm 11. A switch 31 located on the circuit board 30 is arranged below the free end or distal end 15 of the main arm 14, thereby enabling interlocking between the switch 31 and the free end of the main arm 14. By actuating the switch rocker 10, the switch 31 can be actuated accordingly, thereby achieving the electrical opening and closing of the switch 31. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the rocker switch 10 is slatted, but has different widths along the longitudinal direction. The proximal end 12 of the forearm 11 is narrower, and the distal end 15 of the upper arm 14 is wider.

[0060] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the pivot portion 13 of the switch rocker 10 and the proximal end 12 of the forearm 11 are held and their movement is restricted. Specifically, the pivot portion 13 of the switch rocker 10 is held by a first holding portion, while the proximal end of the forearm 11 is held by a second holding portion. The first and second holding portions are components that are stationary relative to the handle housing 21. In a preferred embodiment, both the first and second holding portions are provided on the gearbox of the transmission device.

[0061] like Figure 6 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the first retaining portion for holding the pivot portion 13 includes a pair of U-shaped grooves 71 located on the housing 7 of the gearbox, and the pivot portion 13 includes a pair of shaft portions, each shaft portion being received within a corresponding U-shaped groove 71. The U-shaped grooves 71 substantially restrict the movement of the shaft portions in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the handle, but allow the shaft portions to rotate within the U-shaped grooves 71.

[0062] At the same time, also like Figure 6 As shown, the second retaining portion for holding the proximal end 12 of the switch rocker 10 includes an opening 81 located on the gearbox cover 8. The narrow proximal end 12 of the forearm 11 is inserted into and held in place by the opening 81. In this case, the opening 81 on the gearbox cover restricts the movement of the proximal end of the forearm 11 in any direction. Clearly, the opening 81 can be a blind hole or a through hole.

[0063] It should be understood that the first retaining part and the second retaining part may be integral parts of the gearbox housing 7 and the housing cover 8, respectively, or may be accessories attached to the housing 7 and the housing cover 8. In a preferred embodiment, the rocker 10 is arranged on both sides as a pair of shaft portions of the pivot 13. In other alternative embodiments, the pivot 13 may also be provided on the side of the rocker 10 opposite to the gearbox.

[0064] Specifically, the opening 81 holds the proximal end 12 of the forearm 11 so that when the switch 31 is in the open state, the forearm 11 of the switch rocker 10 is bent and deformed into a pre-tightened state. At this time, the switch rocker 10 generates a first torque M around the pivot 13, causing the upper arm 14 to tend to move away from the switch 31, such as... Figure 5 As shown.

[0065] The relative positions of the first and second retaining parts are arranged such that the switch rocker 10 can reach this pre-tightened state. Specifically, relative to the position of the proximal end 12 of the forearm 11 of the switch rocker 10 in its freely extended state when the shaft is received in the U-shaped groove 71, the opening 81 on the gearbox cover is offset laterally inward, i.e., closer to the center of the handle chamber. When the proximal end 12 of the forearm 11 is forced to remain within the opening 81, the forearm 11 undergoes bending deformation, thereby achieving the pre-tightened state. With the pre-tightening force on the forearm 11, the pivoting part 13 of the switch rocker 10 correspondingly generates... Figure 5 The first torque M in the direction shown in the figure causes the large arm 14 to tend to move away from the switch 31.

[0066] On the other hand, switch 31 typically has a spring element (not shown) that generates a spring force F2 on the movable part of switch 31, such as... Figure 5 Meanwhile, the elastic force F2 acts on the far end 15 of the switch rocker 10, and the second torque generated by the elastic force F2 around the pivot 13 is in the same direction as the first torque generated by the preload.

[0067] The second torque generated by the switch 31 itself and the first torque generated by the pre-tightening state of the forearm 11 ensure that the switch 31 below the free end of the upper arm 14 is not actuated when the switch part 3 of the handle housing 21 is not actuated.

[0068] like Figure 5 As shown, the large arm 14 defines a pressing portion 16 between the pivot portion 13 and the switch portion 3, allowing external force for actuating the switch assembly to be applied to the pressing portion 16 of the large arm 14 via the switch portion 3. Preferably, the pressing portion 16 is closer to the pivot portion 13 than to the free end of the large arm 14. The switch portion 3 and the pressing portion 16 are substantially aligned on the housing 21. Since the switch portion 3 is made of an elastic material, the pressing force acting on the switch portion 3 can be transmitted to the pressing portion 16 of the large arm 14.

[0069] When the user actuates switch 31, pressure is applied to the pressing part 16 of the large arm 14. The direction of the pressing pressure is opposite to the elastic force of switch 31. The pressing pressure generates a third torque around the drive part 13, which is opposite to the first torque and the second torque. When the pressing pressure is large enough, the third torque is greater than the sum of the first torque and the second torque. The free end of the large arm 14 will rotate around the pivot part toward switch 31, thereby actuating switch 31 and completing the required switching operation.

[0070] like Figure 2 As shown, after the proximal end 12 and pivot part 13 of the switch rocker 10 are fixed to the gearbox, the switch rocker 10 extends from the proximal end of the gearbox to the position of the circuit board 30 between the drive unit and the battery 5. At this time, the pressing part 16 is close to the proximal end of the drive unit. The switch part 3 is on a part of the handle housing 21 near the proximal end, so that the fingers can press the switch part 3 when holding the handle with one hand. In the cavity of the housing 21, the switch 13 is arranged at approximately the middle of the longitudinal direction of the entire handle. The switch 31 can be set away from the switch part 3 on the housing 21. While satisfying the ergonomic design requirements of the position of the switch part 3 on the handle housing 21, the compact layout of the internal components of the housing 21 is ensured. The switch part 3 is located approximately at the proximal end of the drive unit or at the junction of the drive unit and the transmission unit. With the solution according to the present invention, the switch can be arranged away from this position, but there is no need for a long wire to connect the switch or the circuit board 30 on which the switch is installed to the battery 5. Therefore, the installation process of the internal components of the electric toothbrush is simplified.

[0071] While the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention. Any variations and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention, without departing from the scope of the invention, fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A switch assembly for an electric toothbrush, comprising: Switch (31), the switch is used to switch the electric toothbrush on and off; A rocker switch (10) has a distal end and a proximal end, and the switch is disposed below the distal end of the rocker switch, such that the rocker switch is operable to trigger the switch. Its features are, The rocker has a forearm (11), a large arm (14) and a pivot (13) located between the forearm and the large arm, the large arm being longer than the forearm, and the large arm (14) including the distal end; The switch assembly further includes a first retaining portion for retaining the pivot portion of the switch rocker and a second retaining portion for retaining the proximal end of the switch rocker. The second retaining part holds one end of the forearm away from the pivot to restrict the movement of the one end in any direction, such that when no pressure is applied to the switch rocker, the forearm of the switch rocker is bent and in a pre-tightened state, while the switch rocker generates a first torque (M) around the pivot to cause the upper arm to move away from the switch. The large arm defines a pressing portion between the pivot and the switch, so that the pressing force for actuating the switch assembly can be applied to the pressing portion.

2. The switching assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The switch (31) has an elastic element, and the elastic force generated by the elastic element acts on the large arm of the switch rocker. The second torque generated by the elastic force around the pivot is in the same direction as the first torque.

3. The switching assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The switch assembly includes a switch portion located on the housing of the electric toothbrush, the switch portion being made of a deformable elastic material, and the switch portion being aligned with the pressing portion.

4. The switching assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first retaining part is disposed on a component that is stationary relative to the outer casing of the electric toothbrush. The first holding part includes a pair of U-shaped grooves (71) located inside the electric toothbrush, and the pivoting part includes a pair of shafts, each shaft being accommodated in a corresponding U-shaped groove.

5. The switching assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The second retaining part is disposed on a component that is stationary relative to the outer casing of the electric toothbrush. The second retaining part includes a fixed opening (81) inside the electric toothbrush, and the proximal end of the forearm is inserted and retained in the opening, which is a blind hole or a through hole.

6. The switching assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The switch is installed on the circuit board (30) inside the electric toothbrush.

7. An electric toothbrush, comprising: The outer casing forms an elongated receiving cavity in which a battery (5) and a driving device are arranged in the longitudinal direction; as well as A switching assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, housed within the housing; The switch rocker arm of the switch assembly is arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction.

8. The electric toothbrush as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The switch of the switching assembly is mounted on a circuit board, which is disposed between the battery and the motor of the drive device and is fixed to the frame. The circuit board is connected to at least one electrode of the motor and at least one electrode of the battery.

9. The electric toothbrush as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The housing has a gearbox body (7) that accommodates at least a portion of the drive device and a gearbox cover (8) attached to the gearbox body (7). The first retaining part is disposed on the gearbox body (7) and the second retaining part is disposed on the gearbox cover (8).

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