Electric toothbrush

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric toothbrush, which comprises a handle assembly, a toothbrush head assembly and a toothbrush head assembly, a brush head assembly, wherein a measured block used for being identified is arranged in the brush head assembly; wherein the brush head assembly is in contact with the handle assembly, the measuring module is electrically connected with the measured blocks, the difference of the measured blocks forms the signal difference measured by the measuring module, and the type of the brush head is identified according to the signal difference. Therefore, the electric toothbrush can realize the function of identifying the type of the brush head on the basis of reducing the production cost and the design cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of toothbrushes, and in particular to an electric toothbrush. Background Art

[0002] The existing methods used by existing electric toothbrushes to identify the type of brush head mainly include: magnetic field identification method, that is, a magnet is embedded in the brush head, and the type of brush head is identified by detecting the magnetic field of the magnet in the brush head when used with a handle; Near Field Communication (NFC) identification method, that is, an NFC digital tag with data is embedded in the brush head, and the type of brush head is identified by reading the information of the NFC digital tag in the brush head through the NFC wireless protocol when used with a handle;

[0003] However, in the magnetic field recognition method, the magnet material embedded inside the electric toothbrush is prone to damage during production and use, and the production and design costs are high; in the NFC recognition method, the production defect rate is high by embedding NFC digital tags in the brush head and the cost of NFC digital tags is expensive. An NFC chip and peripheral circuits need to be added to the toothbrush handle, which increases the cost of printed circuit board (PCB) design in the handle. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of this, the present disclosure proposes an electric toothbrush that can realize the function of brush head type identification on the basis of reducing production cost and design cost.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an electric toothbrush, comprising: a handle assembly, the handle assembly comprising: a measuring module; and a brush head assembly, the brush head assembly being provided with a measured block for being identified; wherein the brush head assembly is in contact with the handle assembly, the measuring module is electrically connected to the measured block, the difference in the measured block forms a signal difference measured by the measuring module, and the brush head type is identified based on the signal difference.

[0006] In a possible implementation, the identifying the brush head type according to the signal difference specifically includes: the digital signal output by the measurement module is used to indicate the parameters of the measured block, and the parameters of the measured block are used to indicate the brush head type of the brush head assembly.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the measurement module includes: the measured block is a resistance module, the parameters of the measured block include the resistance value of the measured block, and the measurement module includes: a first measured block access terminal, a first reference resistor with a known resistance value, a voltage detector, and an analog-to-digital converter; the first measured block access terminal is connected in series with the first reference resistor; the first measured block access terminal is used to connect the measured block in series with the first reference resistor when the brush head assembly is installed on the handle assembly; the voltage detector is used to measure the voltage on the first reference resistor to obtain an analog voltage signal after connecting the measured block; the analog-to-digital converter is used to convert the analog voltage signal into a digital voltage signal, the digital voltage signal is used to indicate the resistance value of the measured block, the resistance value of the measured block is used to indicate the brush head type of the brush head assembly, and the digital signal includes the digital voltage signal.

[0008] In a possible implementation, the measured block is a capacitance module, the parameters of the measured block include capacitance value, and the measurement module includes: a second measured block access terminal, a second reference resistor with a known resistance value, a reference capacitor with a known capacitance value, and a PWM generator; the first terminal of the second reference resistor is connected to a power supply voltage, the second terminal of the second reference resistor is connected in series with the first terminal of the reference capacitor, the second terminal of the reference capacitor is grounded, the reference capacitor is connected in parallel with the second measured block access terminal, and the first terminal of the reference capacitor is connected to the input terminal of the PWM generator; the second measured block access terminal is used to connect the measured block in parallel with the reference capacitor when the brush head assembly is installed on the handle assembly, so as to change the capacitance size of the input terminal of the PWM generator, and the capacitance size of the input terminal of the PWM generator is used to adjust the frequency of the PWM square wave signal output by the PWM generator; the PWM generator is used to output a corresponding PWM square wave signal when the capacitance size of the input terminal changes, the PWM square wave signal is used to indicate the capacitance value of the measured block, and the capacitance value of the measured block is used to indicate the brush head type of the brush head assembly, and the digital signal includes the PWM square wave signal.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the handle assembly includes a spring-loaded contact module; the spring-loaded contact module is connected to an access end of a measured block in the measuring module; when the brush head assembly is mounted on the handle assembly, the measured block in the brush head assembly is connected to the measuring module by contacting the spring-loaded contact module.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the measured block includes: a magnetic measured block; the handle assembly includes a magnetic contact module; the magnetic contact module is connected to the access end of the measured block in the measuring module; the brush head assembly is adsorbed to the handle assembly through the magnetic force between the magnetic measured block and the magnetic contact module, and the magnetic measured block in the brush head assembly is connected to the measuring module by adsorbing the magnetic contact module.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the handle assembly further includes: a prompt module, configured to issue a prompt message, wherein the prompt message is configured to indicate whether the brush head assembly is successfully matched with the handle assembly.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the prompt module is used to issue a prompt message through at least one of light, vibration, and sound.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the handle assembly also includes a control module, which is used to: receive a digital signal output by the measurement module, and determine parameters of the measured block based on the digital signal; determine an identification result of the brush head assembly based on the parameters of the measured block, and the identification result represents whether the brush head assembly matches the handle assembly.

[0014] In one possible implementation, determining the identification result of the brush head assembly based on the parameters of the measured block includes: judging whether the parameters of the measured block are within a preset parameter range, the preset parameter range being used to indicate the parameter range of the measured block in the brush head assembly that matches the handle assembly; determining that the brush head assembly matches the handle assembly when the parameters of the measured block are within the preset parameter range; and determining that the brush head assembly does not match the handle assembly when the parameters of the measured block are not within the preset parameter range.

[0015] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, by setting a measured block on the brush head assembly and setting a measuring module in the handle assembly, the measured block can be electrically connected to the measuring module when the brush head assembly is in contact with the handle assembly. In this way, the difference in the measured block can form a signal difference measured by the measuring module, and then the brush head type is identified according to the signal difference. Compared with the use of magnetic field recognition technology or NFC recognition technology to identify the brush head type in the prior art, the electric toothbrush provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure does not require complex electronic components or sensors, has a relatively simple structure, is easy to implement, is not easy to damage, can reduce production costs and design costs, and is suitable for large-scale production.

[0016] Further features and aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[0018] Figure 1a A schematic diagram of an electric toothbrush according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0019] Figure 1b A cross-sectional view of a brush head assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0020] Figure 2a A schematic structural diagram of a measurement module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0021] Figure 2b A schematic diagram of the structure of a measurement module connected to a measured block according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0022] Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of another measurement module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0023] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a measurement module connected to a measured block according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0024] Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of a PWM generator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0025] Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of another measurement module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0026] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of a measurement module connected to a measured block according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0027] Figure 8 A block diagram of modules within a handle assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0028] Reference numerals

[0029] 10 represents the handle assembly, 20 represents the brush head assembly, Vin represents the input voltage, ab represents the access terminal of the measured block, R0 represents the first reference resistor, G represents the voltage detector, ADC represents the analog-to-digital converter, Rx represents the resistor module, Cx represents the capacitor module, R1 represents the second reference resistor, C1 represents the reference capacitor, GND represents the ground terminal, and R10, R20 and R30 represent reference resistors. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Various exemplary embodiments, features and aspects of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings represent elements with the same or similar functions. Although various aspects of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless otherwise specified.

[0031] The word “exemplary” is used exclusively herein to mean “serving as an example, example, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0032] The term "and / or" herein is only a description of the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that there may be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, the term "at least one" herein represents any combination of at least two of any one or more of a plurality of. For example, including at least one of A, B, and C can represent including any one or more elements selected from the set consisting of A, B, and C.

[0033] It should be understood that the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. in the claims, specifications and drawings of the present disclosure are used to distinguish different objects rather than to describe a specific order. The terms "include" and "comprise" used in the specifications and claims of the present disclosure indicate the presence of the described features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their collections.

[0034] In addition, in order to better illustrate the present disclosure, numerous specific details are given in the following specific embodiments. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure can also be implemented without certain specific details. In some examples, methods, means, components and circuits well known to those skilled in the art are not described in detail in order to highlight the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 1a FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electric toothbrush according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1a As shown, the electric toothbrush comprises: a handle assembly 10 and a brush head assembly 20; wherein the brush head assembly 20 is provided with a measured block 201 (for example Figure 1b The handle assembly 10 includes: a measuring module 101 (not shown in the figure);

[0036] The brush head assembly 20 is in contact with the handle assembly 10, the measuring module 101 is electrically connected to the measured block 201, the difference of the measured block 201 forms the signal difference measured by the measuring module 101, and the brush head type is identified according to the signal difference.

[0037] It should be understood that the measured block 201 can be electrically connected to the measuring module 101 when the brush head assembly 20 is installed on the handle assembly 10, so that the measuring module 101 can output different digital signals by changing the impedance such as resistance and capacitance in the measuring module 101; different measured blocks cause the measuring module 101 to output different digital signals, that is, the difference in the measured blocks forms the signal difference measured by the measuring module 101, and then the brush head type can be determined based on the signal difference.

[0038] Among them, the measured blocks include resistors, capacitors, inductors, and diodes;

[0039] A digital circuit is constructed by combining a diode and a transistor into a logic gate circuit to identify different brush heads:

[0040] Diode: It conducts electricity in one direction and can be used to perform basic logic operations, such as AND and OR. A diode can act as a switch in a circuit, allowing current to flow or blocking it.

[0041] Transistor: Generally used to amplify signals or as a switch. Common transistors include NPN and PNP. Transistors are usually used to implement logic gates in digital circuits, such as AND, OR, and NOT.

[0042] Logic Gates:

[0043] Using diodes and transistors, different logic gate combinations can be realized, such as "AND gate" (AND), "OR gate" (OR), "NAND gate" (NAND), "NOR gate" (NOR), etc.

[0044] Identify different brush head solutions: There are multiple brush heads, and the state of each brush head (such as on / off, different voltage or signal input) can be represented as an input signal. Through appropriate logic circuits, design a circuit to determine which brush head is selected.

[0045] For example, there are three brush head options, corresponding to signals A, B, and C. If brush head A is selected, then input signal A is high (1), and other signals are low (0):

[0046] Use an AND gate to determine whether a certain condition is met (such as all inputs are high).

[0047] Use an OR gate to determine whether any of the input signals is high.

[0048] Use a NOT gate to invert the state of certain input signals.

[0049] By combining these logic gates, brush head selection and identification can be achieved.

[0050] Specific example: Determine whether brush head A is selected. Assume that the input signal of brush head A is A, and the input signals of other brush heads are B and C respectively.

[0051] A simple circuit: AAND NOT B AND NOT C, when only brush head A is selected, the output is high.

[0052] As described above, the measuring module 101 can be electrically connected to the measured block 201 and output a digital signal; that is, the measuring module 101 can output a digital signal when the measured block 201 is connected to the measuring module 101; therefore, the above-mentioned identification of the brush head type based on the signal difference specifically includes: the digital signal output by the measuring module 101 is used to indicate the parameters of the measured block 201, and the parameters of the measured block 201 are used to indicate the brush head type of the brush head assembly 20. Among them, the parameters of the measured block 201 may include the resistance value, capacitance value, etc. of the measured block.

[0053] The connection between the brush head assembly 20 and the handle assembly 10 is a detachable connection, that is, the brush head assembly 20 can be detachably (that is, detachably) installed on the handle assembly 10. It should be understood that the handle assembly 10 can match a variety of brush head assemblies 20, and the brush head assembly 20 installed on the handle assembly 10 can be frequently replaced. Therefore, the handle assembly 10 needs to identify the brush head type of the installed brush head assembly 20 to determine whether the brush head assembly 20 matches the handle assembly 10.

[0054] In practical applications, measured blocks with different parameters can be set in different types of brush head assemblies to use the parameters of different measured blocks to indicate different types of brush head assemblies, wherein the measured block can adopt a resistance module or a capacitance module, and the resistance module can specifically adopt a metal block, and the capacitance module can specifically adopt a capacitor device, and the parameters of the measured block can include resistance value and / or capacitance value. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can select any known measured block with impedance characteristics in the art according to actual needs, and design the parameters, type, size and position of the measured block in different types of brush head assemblies in the brush head assemblies (such as Figure 1b The position of the measured block in the brush head assembly may be determined by the user, or it may be located at the bottom or side of the brush head assembly, etc. As long as it can achieve the required functions, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this.

[0055] It should be understood that Figure 1aThe electric toothbrush shown is an exemplary implementation provided by the present disclosure. In fact, those skilled in the art can design the external dimensions and internal structure of the electric toothbrush according to actual needs. For example, a power module can also be provided in the handle assembly 10 to provide power supply voltage to other modules (such as a measurement module), and the power module can also be used for wireless charging or wired charging; a vibration motor can also be provided to drive the brush head assembly 02 to vibrate; and various switch buttons can be provided to start or turn off the electric toothbrush, or switch the brushing mode, etc., and the present disclosure does not limit this embodiment.

[0056] Among them, the measuring module can be understood as a circuit module. When the measured block is electrically connected to the measuring module, it is equivalent to connecting a resistor and / or capacitor in the measuring module. When the power supply voltage input to the measuring module is constant, the measured block connected to the measuring module will change the impedance in the measuring module, thereby causing a change in the digital signal output by the measuring module. By measuring the changed digital signal (that is, the signal difference), the parameters of the measured block can be indicated, and the parameters of the measured block can be used to indicate the brush head type of the brush head assembly.

[0057] As described above, the measured block may be a resistance module, and the parameter of the measured block may include the resistance value of the measured block. Optionally, Figure 2a A structural schematic diagram of a measurement module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown as follows: Figure 2a As shown, the measurement module 101 may include: a first measured block access terminal (ab terminal), a first reference resistor (R0) with a known resistance value, a voltage detector (G), and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC); the first measured block access terminal (ab terminal) is connected in series with the first reference resistor (R0);

[0058] The first measured block access terminal (ab terminal) is used to connect the measured block 201 in series with the first reference resistor (R0) when the brush head assembly 02 is installed on the handle assembly 01;

[0059] A voltage detector (G), used to measure the voltage on the first reference resistor (R0) to obtain an analog voltage signal after connecting to the measured block 201;

[0060] An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is used to convert an analog voltage signal into a digital voltage signal. The digital voltage signal is used to indicate the resistance value of the measured block. The resistance value of the measured block is used to indicate the brush head type of the brush head assembly. The digital signal includes the digital voltage signal.

[0061] For example, based on Figure 2a The measurement module shown can obtain, for example, Figure 2bThe schematic diagram of the structure of the measurement module connected to the measured block 201 is shown, wherein Rx represents the connected resistance module (measured block 201), such as Figure 2b As shown, the input voltage Vin is constant. When the resistor module (Rx) is connected Figure 2a In the measurement module 101 shown, the input voltage Vin passes through the series circuit formed by the first reference resistor (R0) and the resistance module (Rx). At this time, the voltage on the first reference resistor (R0) changes, and the voltage detector (G) connected in parallel with the first reference resistor (R0) can measure the changed voltage on the first reference resistor (R0) to obtain an analog voltage signal after connecting to the resistance module (Rx); then, the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) can convert the analog voltage signal into a digital voltage signal, and the digital voltage signal can indicate the voltage value Vout on the first reference resistor (R0) after connecting to the measured block 201. According to Ohm's law "voltage = current × resistance" and the voltage division principle of the series circuit, it can be known that there is a linear relationship between the voltage value Vout of the first reference resistor (R0) and the resistance value of the measured block 201 (that is, the resistance value of Rx). Therefore, the above-mentioned digital voltage signal can also be used to indicate the resistance value of the measured block.

[0062] In practical applications, the resistance value of the measured block can also be calculated based on the measured digital voltage signal. Specifically, the input voltage Vin, the resistance value of the first reference resistor (R0) and the measured voltage value Vout are known. According to Ohm's law "voltage = current × resistance" and the voltage division principle of the series circuit, it can be obtained that: Vin = I × (R0 + Rx), Vout = I × R0, and then it can be deduced that: I = Vout / R0, Rx = (Vin-Vout) / I, substituting I = Vout / R0 into Rx = (Vin-Vout) / I, it can be obtained that Rx = (Vin-Vout) / (Vout / R1) = R0 × (Vin / Vout-1), that is, the resistance value of Rx is calculated, and the type of brush head can be identified.

[0063] In practical applications, the voltage detector can be a general voltage detector, or a current detector and a sampling resistor can be combined to form a voltage detector. Based on this, the current detector can be connected in series with the first reference resistor (R0). When the measured block 201 is connected to the measurement module 101 so that the first reference resistor (R0) and the resistance module (Rx) form a series circuit, the current detector can be used to measure the current on the first reference resistor (R0) connected to the measured block 201 to obtain an analog current signal. The analog current signal is converted into an analog voltage signal through the sampling resistor, and then the analog voltage signal is converted into a digital voltage signal through an analog-to-digital converter, and then the resistance value of the measured block is calculated using the digital voltage signal. Since the input voltage Vin is constant, according to Ohm's law "voltage = current × resistance" and the voltage division principle of the series circuit, it can be known that there is a linear relationship between the voltage value of the first reference resistor (R0) and the resistance value of the measured block 201 (that is, the resistance value of Rx). Then, the resistance value of the measured block 201 can be calculated by referring to the above-mentioned implementation method of calculating the resistance value of the measured block based on the digital voltage signal.

[0064] It should be understood that those skilled in the art can use reference resistors, voltage detectors, analog-to-digital converters and other electrical devices known in the art to construct the above Figure 2a The measurement module shown above Figure 2a The measurement module shown is only an exemplary implementation provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure. In fact, those skilled in the art can Figure 2a Based on the measurement module shown, the specific circuit structure in the custom-designed measurement module can be, for example, Figure 2a Other required electrical components may be added on the basis of the measurement module shown, but the embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this.

[0065] For example, a low dropout regulator (LDO) may also be provided in the measurement module. The input terminal in and the output terminal out of the LDO are respectively connected to two capacitors (for example, a 10uF capacitor may be used), and the ground terminal GND is grounded. The LDO regulator can convert the input higher power supply voltage VCC into a stable input voltage Vin (such as 3.3V), so that a lower input voltage Vin can be applied to the resistor module (Rx) and the first reference resistor (R0) connected in series, thereby preventing damage to other devices in the circuit.

[0066] As described above, the measured block may be a capacitance module, and the parameters of the measured block may include a capacitance value. Optionally, Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of another measurement module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 As shown, the measurement module 101 may include:

[0067] A second measured block access terminal (ab terminal), a second reference resistor (R1) with a known resistance value, a reference capacitor (C1) with a known capacitance value, and a PWM generator; a first terminal of the second reference resistor (R1) is connected to an input voltage Vin, a second terminal of the second reference resistor (R1) is connected in series with a first terminal of the reference capacitor (C1), a second terminal of the reference capacitor (C1) is grounded (GND), the reference capacitor (C1) is connected in parallel with the second measured block access terminal (ab terminal), and a first terminal of the reference capacitor (C1) is connected to an input terminal of the PWM generator;

[0068] The second measured block access terminal (ab terminal) is used to connect the measured block 201 in parallel with the reference capacitor (C1) when the brush head assembly 02 is installed on the handle assembly 01, so as to change the capacitance of the input terminal of the PWM generator. The capacitance of the input terminal of the PWM generator is used to adjust the frequency of the PWM square wave signal output by the PWM generator;

[0069] The PWM generator is used to output a corresponding PWM square wave signal when the capacitance at the input end changes. The PWM square wave signal is used to indicate the capacitance value of the measured block. The capacitance value of the measured block is used to indicate the brush head type of the brush head assembly. The digital signal includes the PWM square wave signal.

[0070] based on Figure 3 The measurement module shown can obtain, for example, Figure 4 The structural diagram of the measurement module connected to the measured block 201 is shown, wherein Cx represents the connected capacitance module (measured block 201), such as Figure 4 As shown, the input voltage Vin is constant. When the measured block 201 is connected Figure 3 In the measurement module 101 shown, the capacitor module (Cx) and the reference capacitor (C1) form a parallel circuit. At this time, the capacitance of the input end of the PWM generator changes, so that the frequency of the PWM square wave signal output by the PWM generator changes. There is a certain linear mapping relationship between the frequency of the PWM square wave signal output by the PWM generator and the capacitance of the input end of the PWM generator. Therefore, the changed frequency can be obtained by waveform counting of the PWM square wave signal, and the capacitance value of the measured block 201 can be obtained based on the preset linear mapping relationship. Therefore, the above-mentioned PWM square wave signal can be used to indicate the capacitance value of the measured block.

[0071] The PWM generator can be a generator known in the art for generating a pulse width modulation (PWM) square wave signal, for example, a NE555 chip can be used, the clock is an external RC clock, and port 3 outputs a square wave signal, such as Figure 5As shown, the NE555 chip can automatically trigger the output of a square wave signal in the astable mode. The frequency of the square wave signal output can be adjusted by the capacitance (i.e., the size of C) of the input end (i.e., port 6) and the resistors RA and RB. The second reference resistor (R1) can be split into R A and R B , that is, R A and R B The resistance value of the square wave signal is known, where the frequency f = 1.44 / (R A *C+2R B *C), based on this, the first end of the reference capacitor (C1) can be connected to port 6 of the NE555 chip, and the capacitance value of port 6 input is C=C1+Cx. After Cx is connected to the measurement module, the frequency of the PWM square wave signal output by the NE555 chip changes. The changed frequency is obtained by waveform counting of the PWM square wave signal, and the changed frequency is substituted into the above f=1.44 / (RA*C+2RB*C). If the capacitance value of C1 is known, then based on C=C1+Cx, the capacitance value of Cx can be calculated, that is, the capacitance value of the measured block is obtained.

[0072] It should be understood that the above-mentioned use of the NE555 chip as a PWM generator is a possible implementation method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure. In fact, under the guidance of the embodiment of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art may use other electronic devices known in the art with similar functions to the NE555 chip as PWM generators, and the embodiment of the present disclosure does not limit this.

[0073] Optionally, Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of another measurement module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 6 As shown, the measurement module 101 may include:

[0074] The third measured block access terminal (ab terminal), a reference resistor (R10) with a known resistance value, a reference resistor (R20) with a known resistance value, a reference resistor (R30) with a known resistance value, a voltage detector G (not shown in the figure), an operational amplifier (OPA) (not shown in the figure), and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) (not shown in the figure); the third measured block access terminal (ab terminal) is connected with the reference resistor (R10), the reference resistor (R20) and the reference resistor (R30) to form a Wheatstone bridge;

[0075] The third measured block access terminal (ab terminal) is used to connect the measured block 201 with the reference resistor (R10), the reference resistor (R20) and the reference resistor (R30) to form a Wheatstone bridge when the brush head assembly 02 is installed on the handle assembly 01;

[0076] A voltage detector (G), used to measure the bridge voltage Vout output by the Wheatstone bridge, and obtain an initial analog voltage signal after being connected to the measured block 201;

[0077] An operational amplifier (OPA), used for amplifying the initial analog voltage signal to obtain a target analog voltage signal;

[0078] An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is used to convert the target analog voltage signal into a digital voltage signal.

[0079] based on Figure 6 The measurement module shown, when the brush head assembly 02 is mounted on the handle assembly 01, can obtain, for example Figure 7 The schematic diagram of the structure of the measurement module connected to the measured block 201 is shown, wherein Rx represents the connected resistance module (measured block 201), such as Figure 7 As shown, the input voltage Vin is constant. When the measured block 201 is connected Figure 6 In the measurement module 101 shown, Rx, R10, R20 and R30 are connected to form a Wheatstone bridge. It should be understood that when the brush head assembly 02 is not installed (that is, the measured block 201 is not connected), the access end (ab end) of the measured block in the Wheatstone bridge is empty or infinite (open circuit). At this time, the Wheatstone bridge is unbalanced, and the bridge voltage Vout output by the voltage detector (G) will not be zero. The specific voltage value depends on the resistance value of R10, R20, R30 and the state of Rx. When the brush head assembly 02 is installed (that is, the measured block 201 is connected), a specific Rx is added to the Wheatstone bridge, which will affect the balance state of the Wheatstone bridge. After connecting to the measured block 201, Rx may cause the Wheatstone bridge to change from an unbalanced state to a new balanced state, or continue to maintain an unbalanced state, but the bridge voltage Vout output by the voltage detector (G) will change, that is, the initial analog voltage signal after connecting to the measured block 201 is obtained; then the operational amplifier (OPA) amplifies the initial analog voltage signal, and the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) converts the amplified target analog voltage signal into a digital voltage signal. Since there is a certain functional relationship between the bridge voltage Vout and Rx in the Wheatstone bridge, the above-mentioned digital voltage signal can be used to indicate the resistance value of the measured block 201.

[0080] In practical applications, a functional relationship between the bridge voltage Vout and Rx can be established in advance. After measuring the digital voltage signal Vout after connecting to the measured block 201, the resistance value (ie, Rx value) corresponding to the measured block 201 can be calculated in combination with the above-mentioned pre-constructed functional relationship, thereby realizing the identification of the brush head type.

[0081] It should be understood that those skilled in the art can use electrical devices such as the first reference resistor, the second reference resistor, the third reference resistor, the voltage detector (such as a galvanometer), the operational amplifier, and the analog-to-digital converter known in the art to construct the above-mentioned measurement module. The above-mentioned measurement module is only an exemplary implementation method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure. In fact, those skilled in the art can customize the specific circuit structure in the measurement module under the inspiration of the above-mentioned measurement module. For example, other required electrical devices can be added on the basis of the measurement module, and the embodiment of the present disclosure does not limit this.

[0082] Based on the above Figures 2a to 7 For any of the measurement modules shown, those skilled in the art can customize the access method of the measured block 201 to the measurement module 101, as long as the measured block 201 can be accessed to the measurement module through the measured block access terminal, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this.

[0083] Optionally, the handle assembly 10 includes a spring-type contact module; the spring-type contact module is connected to the access end (ab end) of the measured block in the measuring module 101; when the brush head assembly 20 is installed on the handle assembly 10, the measured block 201 in the brush head assembly 20 is connected to the measuring module 101 by contacting the spring-type contact module. It should be understood that the spring-type contact module may include multiple spring-type contacts to increase the contact area with the measured block to better access the measured block. When the spring-type contact module 102 and the measured block 201 are connected to the access end (ab end) of the measured block in the measuring module 101, since the measured block 201 is conductive, when the brush head assembly 20 is installed on the handle assembly 10 (such as inserted into the handle assembly 10), the measured block 201 on the brush head assembly 20 contacts the spring-type contact module 102 on the handle assembly 10, and the spring-type contact module 102 can automatically connect the measured block 201 to the measuring module 101.

[0084] Optionally, the measured block 201 includes: a measured block (metal block) with magnetism; the handle assembly 10 includes a magnetic contact module; the magnetic contact module is connected to the access end of the measured block in the measuring module 101; the brush head assembly 20 is adsorbed to the handle assembly 10 by the magnetic force between the magnetic metal block and the magnetic contact module, and the magnetic metal block in the brush head assembly 20 is connected to the measuring module 101 by adsorbing the magnetic contact module. The magnetic metal block can be a metal block made of magnetic metal material, or a metal block containing magnetic material, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure. The magnetic contact module can include multiple magnetic contacts to increase the contact area with the measured block, so as to better access and adsorb the measured block.

[0085] It should be understood that the magnetic contact module on the handle assembly 20 can be used to firmly adsorb the brush head assembly 10 on the handle assembly 20 through magnetic force, and at the same time achieve electrical connection. When the brush head assembly 20 is close to the handle assembly 10, the magnetic contact module firmly adsorbs the brush head assembly 20, ensuring that the magnetic metal block in the brush head assembly 20 is connected to the magnetic contact module. Since the magnetic contact module is connected to the access end of the measured block in the measuring module 101, the metal block 201 is connected to the measuring module 101. This method ensures a reliable electrical connection and enables the measured block to be correctly connected to the measuring module 101. It should be understood that the above Figure 8 102 may indicate a magnetic contact module, 201 may indicate a metal block having magnetism, and the measured block 201 may be connected to the measuring module 101 in the same manner.

[0086] In actual application, when the brush head assembly 20 is installed on the brush handle assembly 10, the measured block 201 in the brush head assembly 10 will change the change of the digital signal (such as a digital voltage signal or a PWM square wave signal) output by the measurement module 101 in the brush handle assembly 10. After the digital signal changes, the transformed digital signal can be transmitted to the control module of the electric toothbrush, and the control module can identify the type of the brush head assembly by analyzing the change of the digital signal. After identifying the type of the brush head assembly, it is also possible to determine whether the brush head assembly matches the handle assembly based on the type of the brush head assembly, wherein whether the brush head assembly matches the handle assembly can include whether the type of the brush head assembly (i.e., the brush head model) matches the handle assembly, or whether the brush head assembly is correctly installed on the handle assembly. It should be understood that if the brush head assembly is not correctly installed on the handle assembly, the measured parameter of the measured block is most likely not the actual parameter, and the type of the brush head assembly represented by the parameter is most likely not the type that matches the handle assembly.

[0087] Therefore, in a possible implementation, Figure 8 The module block diagram of the handle assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1 may further include a control module 103, and the control module 103 is used to:

[0088] Receive the digital signal output by the measurement module 101, and determine the parameters of the measured block 201 according to the digital signal;

[0089] According to the parameters of the measured block 201 , the recognition result of the brush head assembly 20 is determined, and the recognition result indicates whether the brush head assembly 20 matches the handle assembly 10 .

[0090] The control module 103 may be implemented by a dedicated hardware circuit, or by general processing hardware (such as a central processing unit CPU, a single-chip microcomputer, a field programmable logic device FPGA, a controller, a microcontroller MCU, a microprocessor MPU, etc.) in combination with executable logic instructions to execute the working process of the control module 103, wherein the executable logic instructions may be implemented based on existing technical means. The specific implementation method of the control module 103 is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0091] As described above, the measurement module 101 has multiple implementation methods. For different measurement modules 101, corresponding calculation methods can be used to determine the parameters (such as resistance value or capacitance value) of the measured block 201 according to the digital signal. For example, the resistance value Rx of the measured block 201 is determined according to the digital current signal Iout, or the capacitance value Cx of the measured block is determined according to the frequency of the PWM square wave signal. As described above, for Figure 2a The measurement module shown can use Rx=R0×(Vin / Vout-1) to calculate the resistance value of the measured block 201; Figure 3 The measurement module shown can determine the capacitance value of the measured block 201 based on the linear mapping relationship between the frequency of the PWM square wave signal output by the PWM generator and the capacitance size of the input end of the PWM generator, or when the PWM generator adopts the NE555 chip, the capacitance value of the measured block 201 is calculated using f=1.44 / (RA*C+2RB*C), which is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0092] In actual applications, since the parameters of the measured block 201 (i.e., resistance value or capacitance value) can indicate the brush head type of the brush head assembly 20, it is possible to determine whether the brush head assembly 20 matches the handle assembly 10 based on the parameters of the measured block. Specifically, in a possible implementation, the above-mentioned determination of the identification result of the brush head assembly based on the parameters of the measured block may include: determining whether the parameters of the measured block are within a preset parameter range, the preset parameter range is used to indicate the parameter range of the measured block in the brush head assembly that matches the handle assembly; when the parameters of the measured block are within the preset parameter range, determining that the brush head assembly matches the handle assembly; when the parameters of the measured block are not within the preset parameter range, determining that the brush head assembly does not match the handle assembly.

[0093] It should be understood that in the design process of an electric toothbrush, a measured block with the same parameters can be used in the same brush head assembly. Due to the manufacturing error of the measured block, the parameters of the same measured block have an error range. For example, a batch of measured blocks with a resistance value of 5 ohms (Ω) may have an error of ±1Ω, and the measured block 201 connected to the measurement module 101 also has a resistance error (such as the resistance error caused by the position deviation between the measured block 201 and the contact during use). Then, the resistance value Rx of the measured block 201 in each brush head assembly can be set to a preset resistance range. Similarly, the capacitance value Cx of the measured block 201 can be set to a preset capacitance range. The preset parameter range may include a preset resistance range and a preset capacitance range. The preset parameter range corresponding to different handle assemblies 20 can be determined according to the design parameters of the measured block in the brush head assembly and stored in the control module 103 of the handle assembly 10, that is, the handle assembly 10 can store the parameter range of the measured block in the brush head assembly matching the handle assembly 10. The preset parameter range may have a certain tolerance to allow for slight variations in manufacturing and use.

[0094] In actual application, when the brush head assembly 20 is installed on the handle assembly 10, the measured block 201 in the brush head assembly 20 will cause the change of the digital signal output by the measuring module 101, and the changed digital signal is transmitted to the control module 103. The control module 103 will calculate the parameters of the measured block in the brush head assembly based on the digital signal, and compare the measured parameters with the preset parameter range: if the measured parameters are within the preset parameter range, it means that the brush head assembly is installed correctly and the brush head type is successfully matched, that is, the brush head assembly matches the handle assembly. If the measured parameters are not within the preset parameter range, it means that the brush head assembly may not be installed correctly, or the brush head type does not match, that is, the brush head assembly does not match the handle assembly.

[0095] In order to let the user know whether the brush head assembly and handle assembly are successfully matched, corresponding prompts can be given to the user through at least one of light, vibration or sound based on the recognition results. For example, when the match is successful, that is, after detecting that the brush head assembly is installed correctly and the brush head type matches, the electric toothbrush can prompt the user through light, vibration or sound that the brush head has been successfully matched.

[0096] Therefore, in a possible implementation, the handle assembly 10 may further include: a prompt module 104, which is used to issue a prompt message, and the prompt message is used to indicate whether the brush head assembly and the handle assembly are successfully matched. Among them, the prompt module 104 can specifically issue a prompt message through at least one of light, vibration, and sound. Alternatively, the above prompt message can also be sent to the user by sending a reminder to the smart terminal used by the user. It should be understood that different recognition results can use different prompt methods, and computer personnel in this field can customize the prompt methods corresponding to different recognition results, which is not limited to the embodiments of the present disclosure. Prompting the user whether the brush head assembly matches the handle assembly through light, vibration or sound enhances the user experience and avoids problems caused by improper installation of the brush head or mismatching of the brush head.

[0097] In practical applications, the control module 103 can control the prompt module 104 to issue a prompt message after obtaining the recognition result. For example, the prompt module 104 can include at least one of an indicator light, a vibration motor, and a speaker. The control module 103 can control the indicator light to issue a light prompt, control the vibration motor to issue a vibration prompt, or control the speaker to issue a sound prompt light, which is not limited to the embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can use electrical components known in the art to design the specific structure of the prompt module 104, as long as the required functions can be achieved, which is not limited to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0098] According to the electric toothbrush of the embodiment of the present disclosure, by setting a measured block on the brush head assembly and setting a measuring module in the handle assembly, the measured block can be electrically connected to the measuring module when the brush head assembly is in contact with the handle assembly. In this way, the difference in the measured block can form a signal difference measured by the measuring module, and then the brush head type can be identified according to the signal difference. Compared with the use of magnetic field recognition technology or NFC recognition technology to identify the brush head type in the prior art, the electric toothbrush provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure does not require complex electronic components or sensors, has a relatively simple structure, is easy to implement, is not easy to damage, can reduce production costs and design costs, and is suitable for large-scale production.

[0099] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, and the above description is exemplary, not exhaustive, and is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and changes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The selection of terms used herein is intended to best explain the principles of the embodiments, practical applications, or technical improvements in the market, or to enable other persons of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An electric toothbrush, characterized in that: include: A handle assembly, the handle assembly comprising: a measuring module; A brush head assembly, wherein the brush head assembly is provided with a measured block for being identified; The brush head assembly is in contact with the handle assembly, the measuring module is electrically connected to the measured block, the difference of the measured block forms the signal difference measured by the measuring module, and the brush head type is identified according to the signal difference.

2. The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that: The identifying the brush head type according to the signal difference specifically includes: the digital signal output by the measuring module is used to indicate the parameters of the measured block, and the parameters of the measured block are used to indicate the brush head type of the brush head assembly.

3. The electric toothbrush according to claim 2, characterized in that: The measured block is a resistance module, the parameters of the measured block include the resistance value of the measured block, and the measurement module includes: a first measured block access terminal, a first reference resistor with a known resistance value, a voltage detector, and an analog-to-digital converter; the first measured block access terminal is connected in series with the first reference resistor; The first measured block access terminal is used to connect the measured block in series with the first reference resistor when the brush head assembly is mounted on the handle assembly; The voltage detector is used to measure the voltage on the first reference resistor to obtain an analog voltage signal after connecting to the measured block; The analog-to-digital converter is used to convert the analog voltage signal into a digital voltage signal, and the digital voltage signal is used to indicate the resistance value of the measured block, and the resistance value of the measured block is used to indicate the brush head type of the brush head assembly. The digital signal includes the digital voltage signal.

4. The electric toothbrush according to claim 2, characterized in that: The measured block is a capacitance module, the parameters of the measured block include the capacitance value of the measured block, and the measurement module includes: A second measured block access terminal, a second reference resistor with a known resistance value, a reference capacitor with a known capacitance value, and a PWM generator; a first terminal of the second reference resistor is connected to an input voltage, a second terminal of the second reference resistor is connected in series with a first terminal of the reference capacitor, a second terminal of the reference capacitor is grounded, the reference capacitor is connected in parallel with the second measured block access terminal, and a first terminal of the reference capacitor is connected to an input terminal of the PWM generator; The second measured block access terminal is used to connect the measured block in parallel with the reference capacitor when the brush head assembly is mounted on the handle assembly, so as to change the capacitance of the input terminal of the PWM generator, and the capacitance of the input terminal of the PWM generator is used to adjust the frequency of the PWM square wave signal output by the PWM generator; The PWM generator is used to output a corresponding PWM square wave signal when the capacitance at the input end changes. The PWM square wave signal is used to indicate the capacitance value of the measured block. The capacitance value of the measured block is used to indicate the brush head type of the brush head assembly. The digital signal includes the PWM square wave signal.

5. The electric toothbrush according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The handle assembly includes a spring-type contact module; the spring-type contact module is connected to the access end of the measured block in the measuring module; When the brush head assembly is mounted on the handle assembly, the measured block in the brush head assembly is connected to the measuring module by contacting the spring contact module.

6. The electric toothbrush according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The measured block includes: a magnetic measured block; the handle assembly includes a magnetic contact module; the magnetic contact module is connected to the measured block access end in the measuring module; The brush head assembly is adsorbed onto the handle assembly through the magnetic force between the magnetic block to be measured and the magnetic contact module, and the magnetic block to be measured in the brush head assembly is connected to the measuring module by adsorbing the magnetic contact module.

7. The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that: The handle assembly further includes: a prompt module, which is used to issue a prompt message, wherein the prompt message is used to indicate whether the brush head assembly is successfully matched with the handle assembly.

8. The electric toothbrush according to claim 7, characterized in that: The prompt module is used to send prompt information through at least one of light, vibration and sound.

9. The electric toothbrush according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The handle assembly further comprises a control module, wherein the control module is used for: receiving a digital signal output by the measuring module, and determining a parameter of the measured block according to the digital signal; According to the parameters of the measured block, an identification result of the brush head assembly is determined, and the identification result indicates whether the brush head assembly matches the handle assembly.

10. The electric toothbrush according to claim 9, characterized in that: Determining the identification result of the brush head assembly according to the parameter of the measured block includes: Determining whether the parameter of the measured block is within a preset parameter range, wherein the preset parameter range is used to indicate the parameter range of the measured block in the brush head assembly matching the handle assembly; When the parameter of the measured block is within the preset parameter range, determining that the brush head assembly matches the handle assembly; When the parameter of the measured block is not within the preset parameter range, it is determined that the brush head assembly does not match the handle assembly.

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