An electric toothbrush kinetic energy recovery circuit and an electric toothbrush

Abstract

This application discloses an electric toothbrush kinetic energy recovery circuit and an electric toothbrush. The circuit includes a main control unit, a drive unit, a power generation unit, and an energy storage unit. The drive unit is electrically connected to both the main control unit and the brush head. Under the control of the main control unit, the drive unit outputs kinetic energy to drive the brush head to vibrate and to drive the power generation unit to generate electricity. The power generation unit is also electrically connected to the energy storage unit to output electrical energy to the energy storage unit. Thus, by converting the remaining kinetic energy or redundant mechanical energy generated during the brush head vibration process into electrical energy in real time, and by recovering and reusing the energy through the energy storage unit, the battery life of the electric toothbrush can be effectively extended, and the charging frequency reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electric toothbrush technology, and more particularly to an electric toothbrush kinetic energy recovery circuit and an electric toothbrush. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technology, electric toothbrushes complete the brushing action by having an internal motor vibrate to drive the brush head to reciprocate.

[0003] Electric toothbrushes contain a battery that needs to be recharged after it is depleted. To extend the usage time after each charge and reduce the frequency of battery charging, the energy consumption of electric toothbrushes can be improved to enhance the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, one technical solution adopted in this application is to provide an electric toothbrush kinetic energy recovery circuit and an electric toothbrush.

[0005] An embodiment of the kinetic energy recovery circuit for an electric toothbrush includes: a main control unit, a drive unit, a power generation unit, and an energy storage unit. The drive unit is electrically connected to the main control unit and the brush head, respectively. Under the control of the main control unit, the drive unit outputs kinetic energy to drive the brush head to vibrate and to drive the power generation unit to generate electricity. The power generation unit is also electrically connected to the energy storage unit to output electrical energy to the energy storage unit.

[0006] In some embodiments, the system further includes a power supply unit and a switching unit; the power supply unit is connected to the main control unit and the drive unit respectively, and the energy storage unit is connected to the power supply unit through the switching unit; the main control unit is also electrically connected to the switching unit for driving the switching unit to turn on and off.

[0007] In some embodiments, the driving unit includes a first motor, the power generation unit includes a second magneto, the first motor and the second magneto are connected in parallel, the first motor is driven by the brush head, and the vibration generated by the first motor acts on the brush head and also on the second magneto to drive the second magneto to generate output electrical energy.

[0008] In some embodiments, the input terminal of the switching unit is electrically connected to the energy storage unit, the control terminal of the switching unit is electrically connected to the main control unit, and the output terminal of the switching unit is electrically connected to the power supply unit.

[0009] In some embodiments, the device further includes a first diode, the power input terminal of which is electrically connected to the power generation unit, and the output terminal of which is electrically connected to the energy storage unit.

[0010] In some embodiments, a filtering and rectification unit is further included, which is electrically connected between the second magneto and the energy storage unit; the two ends of the second magneto are connected to the filtering and rectification unit, and the output power is filtered and rectified by the filtering and rectification unit and then output to the energy storage unit.

[0011] In some embodiments, the main control unit includes a controller, the switching unit includes a MOSFET and a transistor, the first pin of the controller is connected to the base of the transistor, the collector of the transistor is connected to the gate of the MOSFET, and the emitter of the transistor is grounded; the source of the MOSFET is electrically connected to the energy storage unit, and the drain of the MOSFET serves as the output terminal of the switching unit and is connected to the power supply unit.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second pin of the controller is connected to the energy storage unit for detecting the power of the energy storage unit; when the power of the energy storage unit is greater than a first preset power, the controller controls the transistor to turn on through the first pin.

[0013] In some embodiments, the third pin of the controller is connected to the first motor and is used to detect the operating status of the first motor. When the first motor remains in the off state for a preset time, the controller controls the transistor to turn on through the first pin.

[0014] In some embodiments, the fourth pin of the controller is connected to the power supply unit for detecting the power supply unit's charge level; when the power supply unit's charge level is less than a second preset charge level, the controller controls the transistor to turn on via the first pin.

[0015] In some embodiments, the energy storage unit includes at least one capacitor or a battery.

[0016] This application also discloses an embodiment of an electric toothbrush, including the electric toothbrush kinetic energy recovery circuit described above.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: This application discloses an electric toothbrush kinetic energy recovery circuit, which includes a main control unit, a drive unit, a power generation unit, and an energy storage unit. The drive unit is electrically connected to both the main control unit and the brush head. Under the control of the main control unit, the drive unit outputs kinetic energy to drive the brush head to vibrate and to drive the power generation unit to generate electricity. The power generation unit is also electrically connected to the energy storage unit to output electrical energy to the energy storage unit. Thus, by converting the remaining kinetic energy or redundant mechanical energy generated during the brush head vibration process by the drive unit into electrical energy in real time, and by recovering and reusing the energy through the energy storage unit, the battery life of the electric toothbrush can be effectively extended, and the charging frequency reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit composition of an embodiment of the kinetic energy recovery circuit for an electric toothbrush according to this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit composition principle of an embodiment of the kinetic energy recovery circuit for an electric toothbrush according to this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the second magneto generator circuit of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the controller circuit of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the electric toothbrush of this application.

[0019] In the diagram: A1, Main control unit; A2, Drive unit; A3, Power generation unit; A4, Brush head; A5, Energy storage unit; A6, Switching unit; A7, Power supply unit; A8, Toothbrush body; M1, First motor; M2, Second magneto; Rectifier and filter unit; EN-1, First pin; EN-2, Second pin; EN-3, Third pin; EN-4, Fourth pin; MCU, Controller; CR1, First capacitor; CR2, Second capacitor; R1, First resistor; R2, Second resistor; R3, Third resistor; Q1, MOSFET; Q2, Transistor; G, Gate; S, Source; D, Drain; B, Base; C, Emitter; E, Collector; DZ1, Zener diode; BD1, Rectifier bridge; D1, First diode. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more detailed description is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Preferred embodiments of this application are shown in the drawings. However, this application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of this application.

[0021] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. The term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0022] like Figure 1As shown, an embodiment of an electric toothbrush kinetic energy recovery circuit includes: a main control unit A1, a drive unit A2, a power generation unit A3, and an energy storage unit A5. The drive unit A2 is electrically connected to both the main control unit A1 and the brush head A4. Under the control of the main control unit A1, the drive unit A2 outputs kinetic energy to drive the brush head A4 to vibrate and to drive the power generation unit A3 to generate electricity. The power generation unit A3 is also electrically connected to the energy storage unit A5 to output electrical energy to the energy storage unit A5. Thus, by converting the remaining kinetic energy or redundant mechanical energy generated by the drive unit A2 during the vibration of the brush head A4 into electrical energy in real time, and by recovering and reusing the energy through the energy storage unit A5, the battery life of the electric toothbrush can be effectively extended, and the charging frequency reduced.

[0023] It is understood that the drive unit A2 is specifically the power source that drives the brush head A4 in the electric toothbrush to vibrate, swing or rotate. It can be a sonic motor, a magnetic levitation motor or a DC motor, etc., and is not limited here.

[0024] The drive unit A2 is electrically connected to the brush head A4 and the energy storage unit A5, thereby establishing a power output path and a feedback path for the electric toothbrush's electrical energy. This allows the drive unit A2 to drive the power generation unit A3 to generate electricity for the energy storage unit A5 while driving the brush head A4 to perform its work. This effectively extends the electric toothbrush's battery life and reduces the frequency of charging.

[0025] Understandably, in existing electric toothbrush products, the vibration or rotation of the brush head A4 is often significantly greater than that of teeth, especially under no-load or light-load conditions. This excess mechanical energy not only results in substantial energy waste but also increases the risk of physical damage to the user's teeth and periodontal tissues. In this application, by electrically connecting the drive unit A2 to the power generation unit A3, the redundant kinetic energy generated during the operation of the drive unit A2, or the excess mechanical energy due to no-load conditions, can be converted into electrical energy in real time and fed back to the energy storage unit A5. Simultaneously, the drive unit A2, which drives the brush head A4 to vibrate and the power generation unit A3 to generate electricity, also helps to dampen the vibration of the brush head A4, reducing the damage to the user's teeth caused by excessive vibration of the brush head A4.

[0026] The power generation unit A3 is electrically connected to both the drive unit A2 and the energy storage unit A5. The power generation unit A3 can convert the mechanical energy generated by the drive unit A2 into electrical energy and transmit it to the energy storage unit A5 for energy storage. The energy storage unit A5 can subsequently supply power to the module in the electric toothbrush that powers the power generation unit A3, or the energy storage unit A5 can directly serve as the module that powers the power generation unit A3; this is not limited here.

[0027] In one possible implementation, Figure 1The electric toothbrush kinetic energy recovery circuit also includes a power supply unit A7 and a switching unit A6. The power supply unit A7 is connected to both the main control unit A1 and the drive unit A2. The energy storage unit A5 is connected to the power supply unit A7 via the switching unit A6. The main control unit A1 is also connected to the switching unit A6, which is used to drive the main control unit A1 to turn on and off. Thus, the energy storage unit A5 is controlled to access the power supply circuit via the switching unit A6. Under the control of the main control unit A1, the switching unit A6 acts as a 'smart one-way valve,' effectively cutting off the backflow of energy from the power generation unit A3 to the energy storage unit A5 in the non-recovery state, solving the static leakage problem commonly found in traditional recovery circuits.

[0028] Specifically, the power supply unit A7 may include a battery, which serves as the power source for the main control unit A1 and the drive unit A2. In actual use, the power supply unit A7 is the primary power source for the electric toothbrush, and the energy storage unit A5 can supplement the power stored in the power supply unit A7.

[0029] Specifically, the switching unit A6 is located on the power supply path from the energy storage unit A5 to the power supply unit A7. When the energy storage unit A5 needs to supply power to the power supply unit A7, the switching unit A6 is turned on, so that the energy storage unit A5 can charge the power supply unit A7; when the energy storage unit A5 does not need to supply power to the power supply unit A7, the switching unit A6 is turned off, so that the energy storage unit A5 cannot charge the power supply unit A7.

[0030] In one possible implementation, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the first drive unit A2 includes a first motor M1, and the power generation unit A3 includes a second magneto M2. The first motor M1 and the second magneto M2 are connected in parallel. The first motor M1 is driven by the brush head A4. The vibration generated by the first motor M1 acts on the brush head A4 and also acts on the second magneto M2 to drive the second magneto M2 to generate output electrical energy.

[0031] Specifically, the first motor M1 can be one of a sonic motor, a magnetic levitation motor, or a DC motor. It is understood that when the first motor M1 drives the brush head A4 to vibrate or rotate at high frequency, it generates stray mechanical waves that diffuse towards the electric toothbrush body and handle. Therefore, by connecting the first motor M1 in parallel with the second magneto M2, an "energy capture window" is established at the physical level. This converts some of the ineffective energy that would otherwise be converted into heat energy in the handle, vibration, and noise into a mechanical power source that drives the second magneto M2 to generate electricity. This energy can then be transferred to the energy storage unit A5 for storage, effectively extending the electric toothbrush's battery life and reducing the frequency of charging.

[0032] Furthermore, the second magneto M2 contains permanent magnets and coil windings. When the vibration of the first motor M1 is transmitted to the magneto, a relative displacement occurs between the rotor and stator in the second magneto M2, causing the coils to cut magnetic field lines to generate output electrical energy. Meanwhile, the vibration frequency of a toothbrush motor, such as a sonic motor, is typically between 260Hz and 500Hz. Magnetos, however, are more sensitive to changes in vibration frequency. Whether it's a slight tremor or a strong oscillation, the magneto can quickly react through magnetic field coupling and begin outputting current.

[0033] Therefore, this application utilizes the inherent, unutilized mechanical vibration energy of the electric toothbrush during operation to generate electricity. Specifically, the first motor M1 is considered a dual-function entity: it is both a drive unit A2 performing the cleaning task and a native vibration source. The high-frequency vibration generated at the output of the first motor M1 is directly or indirectly transmitted to a dedicated power generation unit A3 (second magneto M2). The second magneto M2, acting as the power generation unit, internally converts the incoming mechanical vibration into motion cutting magnetic field lines based on the principle of electromagnetic induction, thereby continuously generating induced AC and transmitting it to the energy storage unit A5 for energy storage. This effectively extends the battery life of the electric toothbrush and reduces the frequency of charging.

[0034] exist Figure 1 Based on the diagram showing the principles illustrated. Figure 2 The implementation principle diagram is further provided. Figure 1 The drive unit A2 in the middle corresponds to including Figure 2 The first motor M1 in the middle, Figure 1 The power generation unit A3 in the middle corresponds to including Figure 2 The second magneto M2 is connected in parallel with the first motor M1. The vibration generated by the first motor M1 acts on the second magneto M2, causing the second magneto M2 to generate output electrical energy. The parallel connection and close proximity of the first motor M1 and the second magneto M2 are beneficial for maximizing the transfer of kinetic energy to the second magneto M2.

[0035] Specifically, the positive and negative electrodes of the first motor M1 and the second magneto M2 are connected in parallel, that is, the positive pole of the first motor M1 and the positive pole of the second magneto M2 are electrically connected, and the negative pole of the first motor M1 and the negative pole of the second magneto M2 are electrically connected and grounded together.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the input terminal of the switching unit A6 is electrically connected to the energy storage unit A5, the control terminal of the switching unit A6 is electrically connected to the main control unit A1, and the output terminal of the switching unit A6 is electrically connected to the power supply unit A7. This allows the switching unit A6 to be turned on and off under the control of the main control unit A1; simultaneously, the electrical connection between the input terminal and the energy storage unit A5, and the electrical connection between the output terminal and the main control unit A1, establishes a power supply path from the energy storage unit A5 to the power supply unit A7.

[0037] Furthermore, the electric toothbrush kinetic energy recovery circuit also includes a first diode D1. The power input terminal of the first diode D1 is electrically connected to the power generation unit A3, and the output terminal of the first diode D1 is electrically connected to the energy storage unit A5. By setting the first diode D1, it is beneficial to unidirectionally transmit the electrical energy generated by the power generation unit A3 to the energy storage unit A5, avoiding the backflow of output electrical energy that needs to be stored in the energy storage unit A5 back to the power generation unit A3 and / or the drive unit A2, thus preventing unnecessary output electrical energy loss and backflow.

[0038] The specific circuit structure of the kinetic energy recovery circuit for the electric toothbrush is described below. As shown in the figure, the first motor M1 is connected in parallel with the second magneto M2. The two electrodes of the second magneto M2, i.e., the two ends of the second magneto M2, are also connected to a filter and rectifier unit. This unit rectifies and filters the output electrical energy generated by the first motor M1 driving the second magneto M2, i.e., the alternating current generated by the second magneto M2. The output electrical energy, after being filtered and rectified by the filter and rectifier unit, is then output to the energy storage unit A5.

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, the filtering and rectifying unit includes a rectifier bridge BD1, a filter capacitor, and a Zener diode DZ1. The rectifier bridge BD1 consists of four diodes, with four terminals connecting to the two AC input terminals of the two electrodes of the second magneto M2, and two DC output terminals connected in parallel with the filter capacitor and the Zener diode DZ1. Through this filtering and rectifying unit, the AC power generated by the second magneto M2 can be rectified into DC power, and after filtering, smoothing, and stabilizing, a stable DC voltage and current are output.

[0040] The output terminal of the Zener diode DZ1 and one end of the filter capacitor are also connected to the input terminal of the first diode D1. Energy storage unit A5 includes at least one capacitor and one battery. It is understood that energy storage unit A5 may specifically include either a capacitor or a battery; this is not limited thereto.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the specific corresponding energy storage unit A5 is connected to the two DC output terminals of the bridge rectifier circuit. The energy storage unit A5 includes two energy storage capacitors connected in series: a first capacitor CR1 and a second capacitor CR2. The output terminal of the first diode D1 is connected to the first capacitor CR1 and the second capacitor CR2 in sequence and then grounded.

[0042] Preferably, both energy storage capacitors are supercapacitors. Supercapacitors can be charged and discharged quickly, and can withstand tens of thousands of charge-discharge cycles, resulting in a long lifespan. Furthermore, supercapacitors can be made into various flat shapes (such as button-type or surface-mount type), making them easier to insert into the gaps of a toothbrush handle, thus offering greater flexibility when installed in an electric toothbrush.

[0043] In some embodiments, the energy storage unit A5 may also include a lithium battery, which has high energy density and can store a lot of electrical energy in a small volume. The standard small lithium power supply unit A7 is usually cylindrical or cubic in shape, with a fixed shape, and the size of the electric toothbrush can be adjusted to fit the installation position of the power supply unit A7.

[0044] Furthermore, the output terminal of the first diode D1 is also connected to the switching unit A6. The main control unit A1 includes a controller MCU. The switching unit A6 includes a MOSFET Q1 and a transistor Q2. The source S of the MOSFET Q1 is connected to the output terminal of the first diode D1 and one end of the first capacitor CR1. The source S of the MOSFET Q1 is also connected to the gate G of the MOSFET Q1 after being connected to the first resistor R1. The drain D of the MOSFET Q1 is connected to the power supply unit A7. A second diode is also connected between the drain D and the source S of the MOSFET Q1. The gate G of the MOSFET Q1 is also connected to the collector E of the transistor Q2. The base B of the transistor Q2 is connected to the ground after being connected to the second resistor R2. The emitter C of the transistor Q2 is grounded.

[0045] Thus, by coordinating the MOSFET Q1 and transistor Q2 in the switching unit A6, the energy storage module can be controllably connected to the electric toothbrush recycling circuit.

[0046] In other embodiments, the switching unit A6 may also be a circuit composed of a relay or other transistors or MOSFETs Q1, and the controller MCU outputs a control signal to turn the switching unit A6 on or off.

[0047] Furthermore, the first pin EN-1 of the controller MCU is connected to the base B of transistor Q2 through the third resistor R3. The drain D of MOSFET Q1 serves as the output terminal of the switching unit A6 and is connected to the power supply unit A7. Thus, in this embodiment, by using transistor Q2 as an intermediate driving stage, this connection method places the power supply unit A7 "downstream" of the switching unit A6. This allows the main control unit A1 to physically shut down the power supply path of the subsequent circuit by controlling the high-frequency switching of transistor Q2, thereby completely eliminating the static power consumption of the power supply unit A7 and the load in non-working or standby states, ensuring the long-term battery life of the energy storage unit A5 from a hardware perspective. Secondly, as a power output device, MOSFET Q1 has an extremely low on-state voltage drop at its drain D, ensuring minimal energy loss during transmission to the power supply unit A7. This is crucial for systems that rely on weak kinetic energy recovery, maximizing energy utilization and improving the battery life of the electric toothbrush.

[0048] Specifically, when the electric toothbrush is working, the first pin EN-1 outputs a low level, and the switching unit A6 is turned off; when the electric toothbrush stops working, the first pin EN-1 outputs a high level, the switching unit A6 is turned on, and the electricity stored in the energy storage unit A5 is output to the power supply unit A7 through the switching unit A6 to charge the power supply unit A7. This ensures that when the electric toothbrush is working, the power supply unit A7 consumes power; when the electric toothbrush is not working, the power supply unit A7 is charging, repeating this cycle to extend the battery life of the electric toothbrush.

[0049] The following describes the power supply method of energy storage unit A5 to power supply unit A7 in the kinetic energy recovery circuit of an electric toothbrush.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the second pin EN-2 of the controller MCU is connected to the energy storage unit A5 for detecting the power of the energy storage unit A5; when the power of the energy storage unit A5 is greater than a first preset power, the controller MCU controls the transistor Q2 to turn on through the first pin EN-1.

[0051] Understandably, since the power supply unit A7 typically includes a lithium battery, and the induced voltage generated by the magneto during each vibration is often extremely low and unstable, it is difficult to overcome the charging threshold of the lithium battery or meet the wide voltage power supply requirements of the microprocessor. Therefore, in this application, the second pin EN-2 of the controller MCU is set as the power detection pin of the energy storage unit A5 to monitor the power in the energy storage unit A5. The second pin EN-2 can, for example, detect the capacitor in the energy storage unit A5 to identify the power status of the energy storage module. Utilizing the charge accumulation characteristics of the capacitor in the energy storage unit A5, the minute induced electrical energy can be continuously stored like "water droplets falling into a pool". When the controller MCU detects that the energy accumulated by the energy storage module reaches the first preset power level (start-up threshold), it proves that the voltage in the pool is sufficient to provide a stable and qualified power output. At this time, the controller MCU drives the transistor Q2 and turns on the MOSFET Q1 through the first pin EN-1 to release the accumulated electrical energy to the lithium battery of the power supply unit A7, thereby improving the battery life of the electric toothbrush. In this way, not only is the problem of the low voltage pulses of the second magneto M2 output power difficult to utilize, but the power supply battery of the electric toothbrush itself is also damaged due to frequent weak current fluctuations.

[0052] Furthermore, the first preset energy level can be 60% to 100% of the total energy level of the capacitors in the energy storage unit A5, for example, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, or 100%, and is not limited here.

[0053] Specifically, when the second pin EN-2 of the controller MCU detects that the power of the energy storage unit A5 is less than or equal to the first preset power, the first pin EN-1 of the controller MCU outputs a low level, and the switching unit A6 is turned off; when the second pin EN-2 of the controller MCU detects that the power of the energy storage unit A5 is greater than the first preset power, the first pin EN-1 outputs a high level, the switching unit A6 is turned on, and the power stored in the energy storage unit A5 is output to the power supply unit A7 through the switching unit A6 to charge the power supply unit A7.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the third pin EN-3 of the controller MCU is connected to the first motor M1 to detect the working status of the first motor M1. When the first motor M1 is continuously in the off state for a preset time, the controller MCU controls the transistor Q2 to turn on through the first pin EN-1.

[0055] Understandably, since power supply unit A7 typically includes a lithium battery, during the high-speed vibration of the first motor M1, the battery is in a state of high-current discharge. If the control transistor Q2 is turned on at this time, causing the energy storage module to supply power to the lithium battery in power supply unit A7, and injecting an unstable recharge current into the second magneto M2, it will cause "micro-circulation" conflicts in the internal chemical reaction of the battery. This frequent charging and discharging switching will significantly increase the internal resistance and heat generation of the lithium battery, accelerate electrolyte aging, and cause premature capacity decay of the lithium battery, thereby reducing the lifespan and user experience of the electric toothbrush.

[0056] The preset time can be from 0.5 seconds to 5 seconds, such as 0.5 seconds, 1 second, 1.5 seconds, 2 seconds, etc., and is not limited here.

[0057] Understandably, setting a preset time is to more accurately determine whether the first motor M1 has completely shut down, thereby avoiding the multiple negative impacts of "charging and discharging simultaneously" on the power supply unit A7. Firstly, if charging is forcibly performed during motor operation, the frequent charging and discharging chemical switching inside the battery will generate additional heat and accelerate the decay of active materials. Furthermore, the severe electromagnetic interference and voltage fluctuations during motor operation will make the charging control logic extremely complex, making it difficult to guarantee power balance and sampling accuracy. Therefore, by setting this preset time, the interference from mechanical inertia and back electromotive force at the moment the motor stops can be effectively filtered out, ensuring that the switching unit A6 is turned on only after the first motor M1 is turned off. In one possible implementation, the fourth pin EN-4 of the controller MCU is connected to the power supply unit A7 to detect the charge level of the power supply unit A7. When the charge level of the power supply unit A7 is less than a second preset charge level, the controller MCU controls the transistor Q2 to turn on via the first pin EN-1.

[0058] Specifically, when the third pin EN-3 of the controller MCU detects that the first motor M1 is continuously in the off state for a preset time, the first pin EN-1 of the controller MCU outputs a high level, the switching unit A6 is turned on, and the power stored in the energy storage unit A5 is output to the power supply unit A7 through the switching unit A6 to charge the power supply unit A7; when the third pin EN-3 of the controller MCU detects that the first motor M1 is not in the off state, or detects that the first motor M1 is continuously in the off state for less than the preset time, the first pin EN-1 outputs a high level, the first pin EN-1 of the controller MCU outputs a low level, and the switching unit A6 is turned off.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the fourth pin EN-4 of the controller MCU is connected to the power supply unit A7 for detecting the power of the power supply unit A7; when the power of the power supply unit A7 is less than the second preset power, the controller MCU controls the transistor Q2 to turn on through the first pin EN-1.

[0060] Thus, when the main control unit A1 detects that the power supply unit A7's charge level is lower than the second preset level, it triggers the first pin EN-1 to turn on the switching unit A6 to transfer energy and charge the power supply unit A7. It is understandable that, since the power supply unit A7 typically includes a lithium battery, this design effectively avoids frequent charging tests when the battery is at a high charge level. This prevents the frequent reciprocating movement of internal chemical substances caused by "using and charging simultaneously" or "repeatedly charging at very low charge levels," thus ensuring the battery's chemical activity and greatly extending its cycle life.

[0061] Specifically, when the fourth pin EN-4 of the controller MCU detects that the power supply unit A7 has a lower power level than the second preset power level, the first pin EN-1 of the controller MCU outputs a high level, the switching unit A6 is turned on, and the power stored in the energy storage unit A5 is output to the power supply unit A7 through the switching unit A6 to charge the power supply unit A7; when the third pin EN-3 of the controller MCU detects that the power supply unit A7 has a higher power level than or equal to the second preset power level, the first pin EN-1 outputs a high level, the first pin EN-1 of the controller MCU outputs a low level, and the switching unit A6 is turned off.

[0062] Furthermore, the second preset power level can be 15% to 40% of the total battery power in the power supply unit A7, for example, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, or 40%, and is not limited here.

[0063] based on Figures 2-4 In the illustrated embodiment, when a user brushes their teeth with this electric toothbrush, the vibration of the brush head A4 is driven by a first motor M1. The high-frequency vibration generated by the first motor M1 is directly or indirectly transmitted to a second magneto M2. The second magneto M2 serves as a power generation unit A3, which internally converts the incoming mechanical vibration into motion cutting magnetic field lines based on the principle of electromagnetic induction, thereby continuously generating induced alternating current. This induced alternating current is converted into direct current by a rectifier and filter circuit, and then used to charge and store energy in the energy storage unit A5.

[0064] In summary, when the user stops brushing their teeth, the controller MCU controls the switching unit A6 to connect the energy storage unit A5 and the power supply unit A7. The energy stored in the energy storage unit A5 is used to charge the power supply unit A7, increasing its capacity. This process is repeated, allowing the power supply unit A7 to consume power while the electric toothbrush is vibrating, but to be recharged by the energy storage unit A5 when the toothbrush stops vibrating. This results in a longer battery life after a single charge, saving energy, reducing the frequency of charging for the user, and providing a better user experience.

[0065] On the other hand, such as Figure 5The present invention also provides an electric toothbrush, which includes the aforementioned kinetic energy recovery circuit. The kinetic energy recovery circuit is applied within the electric toothbrush. Specifically, the electric toothbrush includes a brush head A4 and a toothbrush body A8. A first motor M1, a second magneto M2, an energy storage unit A5, a switching unit A6, a controller MCU, and a power supply unit A7 are all located within the toothbrush body A8.

[0066] The above are merely embodiments of this application and do not limit the scope of this patent application. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the scope of patent protection of this application.

Claims

1. An electric toothbrush kinetic energy recovery circuit, characterized in that, include: The system comprises a main control unit, a drive unit, a power generation unit, and an energy storage unit. The drive unit is electrically connected to both the main control unit and the brush head. Under the control of the main control unit, the drive unit outputs kinetic energy to drive the brush head to vibrate and to drive the power generation unit to generate electricity. The power generation unit is also electrically connected to the energy storage unit to output electrical energy to the energy storage unit.

2. The electric toothbrush kinetic energy recovery circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a power supply unit and a switching unit; the power supply unit is connected to the main control unit and the drive unit respectively, and the energy storage unit is connected to the power supply unit through the switching unit; the main control unit is also electrically connected to the switching unit for driving the switching unit to turn on and off.

3. The electric toothbrush kinetic energy recovery circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive unit includes a first motor, and the power generation unit includes a second magneto. The first motor and the second magneto are connected in parallel. The first motor is driven by the brush head. The vibration generated by the first motor acts on the brush head and also on the second magneto, thereby driving the second magneto to generate output electrical energy.

4. The electric toothbrush kinetic energy recovery circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The input terminal of the switching unit is electrically connected to the energy storage unit, the control terminal of the switching unit is electrically connected to the main control unit, and the output terminal of the switching unit is electrically connected to the power supply unit.

5. The electric toothbrush kinetic energy recovery circuit according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a first diode, the power input terminal of which is electrically connected to the power generation unit, and the output terminal of which is electrically connected to the energy storage unit.

6. The electric toothbrush kinetic energy recovery circuit according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a filtering and rectifying unit, which is electrically connected between the second magneto and the energy storage unit; the two ends of the second magneto are connected to the filtering and rectifying unit, and the output power is filtered and rectified by the filtering and rectifying unit and then output to the energy storage unit.

7. The electric toothbrush kinetic energy recovery circuit according to claim 6, characterized in that, The main control unit includes a controller, and the switching unit includes a MOSFET and a transistor. The first pin of the controller is connected to the base of the transistor, the collector of the transistor is connected to the gate of the MOSFET, and the emitter of the transistor is grounded. The source of the MOSFET is electrically connected to the energy storage unit, and the drain of the MOSFET serves as the output terminal of the switching unit and is connected to the power supply unit.

8. The electric toothbrush kinetic energy recovery circuit according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second pin of the controller is connected to the energy storage unit and is used to detect the power of the energy storage unit; When the energy storage unit's charge is greater than a first preset charge, the controller controls the transistor to turn on via the first pin.

9. The electric toothbrush kinetic energy recovery circuit according to claim 7, characterized in that, The third pin of the controller is connected to the first motor and is used to detect the working status of the first motor. When the first motor is continuously in the off state for a preset time, the controller controls the transistor to turn on through the first pin.

10. The electric toothbrush kinetic energy recovery circuit according to claim 7, characterized in that, The fourth pin of the controller is connected to the power supply unit and is used to detect the power of the power supply unit; when the power of the power supply unit is less than a second preset power, the controller controls the transistor to turn on through the first pin.

11. The electric toothbrush kinetic energy recovery circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The energy storage unit includes at least one capacitor or one battery.

12. An electric toothbrush, characterized in that, Includes the kinetic energy recovery circuit for an electric toothbrush as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

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