Electric toothbrush

Abstract

The utility model relates to an electric toothbrush, which comprises a handle component, a toothbrush head component and a toothbrush head component, 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 utility model relates to toothbrush field especially relates to a kind of electric toothbrush. BACKGROUND

[0002] The existing electric toothbrush mainly uses the following existing methods to identify brush head type: magnetic field identification method, i.e., embedding a magnet in the brush head, and using the magnetic field of the magnet in the brush head to identify the brush head type when the brush head is used with the handle; Near Field Communication (NFC) identification method, i.e., embedding an NFC digital tag with data in the brush head, and using the NFC wireless protocol to read the information of the NFC digital tag in the brush head to identify the brush head type when the brush head is used with the handle.

[0003] However, in the magnetic field identification method, the magnet embedded in the electric toothbrush is prone to damage during production and use, and the production and design costs are high; in the NFC identification method, the production of embedding an NFC digital tag in the brush head has a high defect rate and the NFC digital tag is expensive, and an NFC chip and peripheral circuit need to be added at the handle end of the toothbrush, which increases the cost of printed circuit board (PCB) design in the handle. SUMMARY

[0004] Therefore, the utility model provides an electric toothbrush that can reduce production and design costs while achieving brush head type identification.

[0005] According to one aspect of the utility model, an electric toothbrush is provided, which includes: a handle assembly, the handle assembly includes a measurement module; a brush head assembly, the brush head assembly is provided with a measured block to be identified; wherein the brush head assembly is in contact with the handle assembly, the measurement module is electrically connected with the measured block, the difference of the measured block forms the signal difference measured by the measurement module, and the brush head type is identified according to the signal difference.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the identification of the brush head type according to the signal difference specifically includes that the digital signal output by the measurement module is used to indicate the parameter of the measured block, and the parameter of the measured block is used to indicate the brush head type of the brush head assembly.

[0007] In a possible implementation, the measurement module includes: the measured block is a resistance module, the parameter of the measured block includes a resistance value of the measured block, the measurement module includes: a first measured block access end, a first reference resistance with a known resistance value, a voltage detector, and an analog-to-digital converter; the first reference resistance is connected in series with the first measured block access end; the first measured block access end is configured to connect the measured block in series with the first reference resistance in a case where the brush head assembly is mounted to the handle assembly; the voltage detector is configured to measure a voltage on the first reference resistance to obtain an analog voltage signal after the measured block is connected; and the analog-to-digital converter is configured 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 parameter of the measured block includes a capacitance value, and the measurement module includes: a second measured block access end, a second reference resistance with a known resistance value, a reference capacitance with a known capacitance value, and a PWM generator; a first end of the second reference resistance is connected to a power supply voltage, a second end of the second reference resistance is connected in series with a first end of the reference capacitance, a second end of the reference capacitance is connected to a ground, the reference capacitance is connected in parallel with the second measured block access end, and the first end of the reference capacitance is connected to an input end of the PWM generator; the second measured block access end is configured to connect the measured block in parallel with the reference capacitance in a case where the brush head assembly is mounted to the handle assembly, to change a capacitance size of the input end of the PWM generator, and the capacitance size of the input end of the PWM generator is used to adjust a frequency of a PWM square wave signal output by the PWM generator; and the PWM generator is configured to output a corresponding PWM square wave signal in a case where the capacitance size of 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, and the digital signal includes the PWM square wave signal.

[0009] In a possible implementation, the handle assembly includes a spring contact module; the spring contact module is connected to a measured block access end in the measurement module; and in a case where the brush head assembly is mounted to the handle assembly, the measured block in the brush head assembly accesses the measurement module by contacting the spring contact module.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the measured block comprises a magnetic measured block; the handle assembly comprises a magnetic contact module; the magnetic contact module is connected with the measured block access end in the measurement module; the brush head assembly is adsorbed to the handle assembly by magnetic force between the magnetic measured block and the magnetic contact module, and the magnetic measured block in the brush head assembly accesses the measurement module by adsorbing the magnetic contact module.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the handle assembly further comprises a prompt module configured to output prompt information, the prompt information being used to indicate whether the brush head assembly and the handle assembly are successfully matched.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the prompt module is configured to output the prompt information by at least one of light, vibration and sound.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the handle assembly further comprises a control module configured to: receive a digital signal output by the measurement module, and determine a parameter of the measured block according to the digital signal; and determine an identification result of the brush head assembly according to the parameter of the measured block, the identification result representing whether the brush head assembly and the handle assembly are matched.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the determination of the identification result of the brush head assembly according to the parameter of the measured block comprises: judging whether the parameter of the measured block is within a preset parameter range, the preset parameter range being used to indicate a parameter range of the measured block in the brush head assembly matched with the handle assembly; in a case where the parameter of the measured block is within the preset parameter range, determining that the brush head assembly and the handle assembly are matched; and in a case where the parameter of the measured block is not within the preset parameter range, determining that the brush head assembly and the handle assembly are not matched.

[0015] According to the embodiments of the present application, by arranging the measured block on the brush head assembly and arranging the measurement module in the handle assembly, the measured block can be electrically connected with the measurement module when the brush head assembly and the handle assembly are contacted, so that the signal difference measured by the measurement module can be formed by the difference of the measured block, and then the brush head type can be identified according to the signal difference. Compared with the prior art using the magnetic field identification technology or the NFC identification technology to identify the brush head type, the electric toothbrush provided in the embodiments of the present application does not need complex electronic elements or sensors, has a relatively simple structure, is easy to implement, is not easy to be damaged, and can reduce production cost and design cost, and is suitable for large-scale production.

[0016] Other features and aspects of the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description of example embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are included in and form part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of the present invention together with the specification and serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

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

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

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

[0021] Figure 2b This diagram shows a structural schematic of a measurement module that connects to the measured block according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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

[0023] Figure 4 This diagram shows a structural schematic of a measurement module that connects to the measured block according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

[0026] Figure 7 This diagram shows a structural schematic of a measurement module that connects to the measured block according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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

[0028] Figure Labels

[0029] 10 represents the handle assembly, 20 represents the brush head assembly, Vin represents the input voltage, ab represents the input 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 Implementation

[0030] Various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of the present application will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. Although various aspects of the embodiments are illustrated in the drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically noted.

[0031] The term "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

[0032] The term "and / or" used herein only means an association relationship of the associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B, which means that there are three cases of A alone, A and B together, and B alone. In addition, the term "at least one" herein means any one of the plurality or any combination of at least two of the plurality, for example, including at least one of A, B, and C, which means 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, specification and drawings of the present application are used to distinguish different objects, and are not used to describe a specific order. The terms "include" and "contain" used in the specification and claims of the present application indicate the presence of the described features, whole, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, whole, steps, operations, elements, components and / or sets thereof.

[0034] In addition, in order to better illustrate the present application, a large number of specific details are given in the specific embodiments below. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present application can also be implemented without some specific details. In some examples, methods, means, elements and circuits familiar to those skilled in the art are not described in detail, in order to highlight the main idea of the present application.

[0035] Figure 1a A schematic diagram of an electric toothbrush according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. As shown, the electric toothbrush includes 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 1a The measured block provided in the brush head assembly is shown) for identification; the handle assembly 10 includes a measurement module 101 (not shown in the figure); Figure 1b

[0036] ​Wherein, the brush head assembly 20 is in contact with the handle assembly 10, the measurement module 101 is electrically connected with the measured block 201, and the difference of the measured block 201 forms the signal difference measured by the measurement 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 with the measurement module 101 when the brush head assembly 20 is installed on the handle assembly 10, so that different digital signals can be output by the measurement module 101 by changing the impedance such as resistance, capacitance, etc. in the measurement module 101; different measured blocks make the measurement module 101 output different digital signals, that is, the difference of the measured block forms the signal difference measured by the measurement module 101, and then the brush head type can be determined based on the signal difference.

[0038] Wherein, the measured block includes resistance, capacitance, inductance, diode;

[0039] The digital circuit is constructed by the logic gate circuit composed of diodes and transistors to identify different brush heads:

[0040] Diode: It has unidirectional conductivity and can be used to perform basic logic operations such as AND and OR operations. Diodes can act as switches in circuits, allowing current to pass or blocking current.

[0041] Transistor: It is commonly used for amplifying signals or as a switch, and there are NPN and PNP types. Transistors are often used in digital circuits to implement logic gates such as AND, OR, and NOT gates.

[0042] Logic gate:

[0043] Using diodes and transistors, different combinations of logic gates can be achieved, such as AND, OR, NAND, and NOR gates.

[0044] Identify different brush head schemes: 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, the circuit is designed to determine which brush head is selected.

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

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

[0047] An OR gate is used to determine if any of the input signals is high.

[0048] A NOT gate is used to invert the state of some input signals.

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

[0050] Specific example: determine if brush head A is selected, assuming 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: A AND NOT B AND NOT C, when only brush head A is selected, the output is high.

[0052] As described above, the measurement module 101 can be electrically connected with the measured block 201 and output a digital signal; that is, the measurement module 101 can output a digital signal under the condition that the measured block 201 is connected to the measurement module 101; thus, the above-mentioned identification of the brush head type according to the signal difference specifically includes that the digital signal output by the measurement module 101 is used to indicate the parameter of the measured block 201, and the parameter of the measured block 201 is used to indicate the brush head type of the brush head assembly 20. The parameter of the measured block 201 can include the resistance value, the capacitance value, etc. of the measured block.

[0053] Wherein, the connection between the brush head assembly 20 and the handle assembly 10 is detachable, that is, the brush head assembly 20 can be detachably (that is, separably) installed on the handle assembly 10. It should be understood that the handle assembly 10 can match multiple 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 actual application, the measured blocks with different parameters can be arranged 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, the resistance module can specifically adopt a metal block for example, and the capacitance module can specifically use a capacitor, then the parameter of the measured block can include the resistance value and / or the capacitance value. It should be understood that the person skilled in the art can select any known measured block with impedance characteristics in the art according to actual needs, and design the parameter, type, size and position of the measured block in different types of brush head assemblies (such as the position of the measured block in the brush head assembly, or can be located at the bottom or side of the brush head assembly), etc. as long as it can achieve the required function, which is not limited by the embodiments of the present application. Figure 1b ​

[0055] It should be understood that, Figure 1a The electric toothbrush shown is an exemplary implementation provided by the present application, and in practice, a person skilled in the art can design the outer 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 a 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 stop the electric toothbrush, or switch the brushing mode, etc., which are not limited by the embodiments of the present application.

[0056] The measurement module can be understood as a kind of circuit module, when the measured block is electrically connected with the measurement module, it is equivalent to connecting a resistor and / or capacitor in the measurement module, when the input power voltage of the measurement module is constant, the measured block connected in the measurement module will change the impedance in the measurement module, and then cause the change of the digital signal output by the measurement module, through the changed digital signal (i.e. signal difference), the parameter of the measured block can be indicated, and the parameter 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 can be a resistance module, and the parameter of the measured block can include the resistance value of the measured block, and optionally, Figure 2a The structure of the measurement module according to an embodiment of the present application is shown in the structure diagram, as Figure 2a As shown, the measurement module 101 can include: a first measured block access end (ab end), a first reference resistance (R0) with a known resistance value, a voltage detector (G), and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC); the first measured block access end (ab end) is connected in series with the first reference resistance (R0);

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

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

[0060] The analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 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.

[0061] Exemplarily, based on Figure 2a The measurement module shown can obtain, for example, after the brush head assembly 02 is installed on the handle assembly 01 Figure 2bThe structure diagram of the measurement module of the access measured block 201 is shown, where Rx represents the access resistance module (measured block 201), as shown Figure 2b As shown, the input voltage Vin is constant, when the resistance module (Rx) is accessed Figure 2a As shown in the measurement module 101, when the input voltage Vin passes through the series circuit formed by the first reference resistance (R0) and the resistance module (Rx), the voltage on the first reference resistance (R0) changes, and the voltage detector (G) in parallel with the first reference resistance (R0) can measure the changing voltage on the first reference resistance (R0) to obtain the analog voltage signal after the resistance module (Rx) is accessed; then, the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) can convert the analog voltage signal into a digital voltage signal, which can indicate the voltage value Vout on the first reference resistance (R0) after the measured block 201 is accessed. According to Ohm's law "voltage = current x 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 resistance (R0) and the resistance value of the measured block 201 (i.e. 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 actual application, the resistance value of the measured block can also be calculated based on the measured digital voltage signal. Specifically, given the input voltage Vin, the resistance value of the first reference resistance (R0) and the measured voltage value Vout, according to Ohm's law "voltage = current x resistance" and the voltage division principle of the series circuit, it can be obtained that Vin = I x (R0 + Rx), Vout = I x R0, and further it can be derived 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 x (Vin / Vout-1), that is, the resistance value of Rx is calculated, and the brush head type is identified.

[0063] In practical applications, the voltage detector can be a general voltage detector, or a voltage detector can be formed by combining a current detector with a sampling resistor. 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 to form a series circuit with the first reference resistor (R0) and the resistor module (Rx), the current on the first reference resistor (R0) connected to the measured block 201 can be measured by the current detector to obtain an analog current signal. The analog current signal is converted into an analog voltage signal by the sampling resistor, and then converted into a digital voltage signal by the analog-to-digital converter. The resistance value of the measured block can then be 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 (i.e., the resistance value of Rx). Therefore, the resistance value of the measured block 201 can be calculated by referring to the above 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 electrical components known in the art, such as reference resistors, voltage detectors, and analog-to-digital converters, to construct the above-mentioned device. Figure 2a The measurement module shown above Figure 2a The measurement module shown is merely an exemplary implementation provided by this utility model embodiment. In fact, those skilled in the art can... Figure 2a Inspired by the measurement module shown, a custom design can be made for the specific circuit structure within the measurement module. For example, it can also be done in... Figure 2a This embodiment of the invention does not limit the addition of other necessary electrical components to the measurement module shown.

[0065] For example, the measurement module can also be equipped with a low dropout regulator (LDO). The input terminal in and the output terminal out of the LDO are connected to two capacitors (e.g., 10uF capacitors), and the ground terminal GND is grounded. This LDO regulator can convert the high input power supply voltage VCC into a stable input voltage Vin (e.g., 3.3V). This allows a lower input voltage Vin to be applied to the series-connected resistor module (Rx) and the first reference resistor (R0), preventing damage to other components in the circuit.

[0066] As mentioned above, the measured block can be a capacitor module, and the parameters of the measured block can include the capacitance value. Optionally, Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the structure of another measurement module according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown, the measurement module 101 may include:

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

[0068] a second measured block access end (ab end) for connecting 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 size of the input end of the PWM generator, and the capacitance size of the input end of the PWM generator is used to adjust the frequency of the PWM square wave signal output by the PWM generator;

[0069] a PWM generator for outputting a corresponding PWM square wave signal when the capacitance size of the input end changes, and 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.

[0070] based on Figure 3 As shown in the measurement module, after the brush head assembly 02 is installed on the handle assembly 01, for example, the following can be obtained Figure 4 A structural schematic diagram of the measurement module connected with the measured block 201, wherein Cx represents a connected capacitance module (measured block 201), such as Figure 4 As shown, the input voltage Vin is constant, and when the measured block 201 is connected to Figure 3 the measurement module 101, the capacitance module (Cx) and the reference capacitor (C1) form a parallel circuit, at this time the capacitance size 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, and there is a certain 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, therefore, the changed frequency can be obtained by waveform counting on the PWM square wave signal, and the capacitance value of the measured block 201 can be obtained based on the pre-constructed 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 adopt a generator known in the art for generating a pulse width modulation (PWM) square wave signal, for example, an NE555 chip can be used, the clock is an external RC clock, and port 3 outputs a square wave signal, as shown in Figure 5As shown, the NE555 chip can automatically trigger the output of a square wave signal in astable mode. The frequency of its output square wave signal can be determined by the capacitance (C) and resistance R at the input terminal (port 6). A and R B With adjustment, the aforementioned second reference resistor (R1) can be split into R... A and R B That is, R A and R B The resistance value is known, where the frequency of the square wave signal is f = 1.44 / (R). A *C+2R B Based on this, the first end of the reference capacitor (C1) can be connected to port 6 of the NE555 chip. The capacitance value of the input to port 6 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 counting the waveforms of the PWM square wave signal. Substituting the changed frequency into the above f = 1.44 / (RA*C + 2RB*C), and given the capacitance value of C1, the capacitance value of Cx can be calculated based on C = C1 + Cx, which is the capacitance value of the measured block.

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

[0073] Optionally, Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the structure of another measurement module according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 6 As shown, the measurement module 101 may include:

[0074] The third measured block input terminal (ab terminal), reference resistors (R10), (R20), and (R30) with known resistance values, voltage detector G (not shown in the figure), operational amplifier (OPA) (not shown in the figure), and analog-to-digital converter (ADC) (not shown in the figure); the third measured block input terminal (ab terminal) is connected to the reference resistors (R10), (R20), and (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] The voltage detector (G) is used to measure the bridge voltage Vout output by the Wheatstone bridge to obtain the initial analog voltage signal after the measured block 201 is connected.

[0077] An operational amplifier (OPA) is used to amplify the initial analog voltage signal to obtain the target analog voltage signal.

[0078] An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is used to convert a 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, for example, obtain... Figure 7 The diagram shows the structure of the measurement module connected to the measured block 201, where Rx represents the connected resistance module (measured block 201), as shown below. 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 (i.e., the measured block 201 is not connected), the measured block connection terminal (ab terminal) 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 values ​​of R10, R20, and R30 and the state of Rx. When the brush head assembly 02 is installed (i.e., the measured block 201 is connected), a specific Rx is added to the Wheatstone bridge, which affects the balance of the Wheatstone bridge. The connection of Rx to the measured block 201 may cause the Wheatstone bridge to change from an unbalanced state to a new balanced state, or continue to remain unbalanced. However, the bridge voltage Vout output by the voltage detector (G) will change, which is the initial analog voltage signal after the connected measured block 201. 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 digital voltage signal can be used to indicate the resistance value of the measured block 201.

[0080] In practical application, a function relationship between the bridge voltage Vout and Rx can be established in advance, and after the digital voltage signal Vout after the measured block 201 is connected is measured, the function relationship established in advance can be combined to calculate the resistance value (i.e. Rx value) corresponding to the measured block 201, so as to realize the identification of the brush head type.

[0081] It should be understood that the first reference resistor, the second reference resistor, the third reference resistor, the voltage detector (such as a galvanometer can be used), the operational amplifier, the analog-to-digital converter and other electrical devices known in the art can be used by those skilled in the art to construct the above-mentioned measurement module. The above-mentioned measurement module is only an exemplary implementation provided by the embodiment of the present application. 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 also be added to the measurement module, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0082] Based on the above Figures 2a to 7 For any one of the measurement modules shown, those skilled in the art can customize the connection mode of the measured block 201 connected to the measurement module 101, as long as the measured block 201 can be connected to the measurement module through the measured block connection end. The embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0083] Optionally, the handle assembly 10 includes a spring contact module; the spring contact module is connected to the measured block connection end (ab end) in the measurement module 101; in the case that 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 measurement module 101 through the spring contact module. It should be understood that the spring contact module can include multiple spring contacts to increase the contact area with the measured block, so as to better connect the measured block. When the spring contact module 102 and the measured block 201 are connected to the measured block connection end (ab end) in the measurement module 101, since the measured block 201 has conductivity, 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 contact module 102 on the handle assembly 10, and the spring contact module 102 can automatically connect the measured block 201 to the measurement module 101.

[0084] Optionally, the measured block 201 comprises: a measured block (metal block) with magnetism; a magnetic contact module included in the handle assembly 10; the magnetic contact module is connected with the measured block access end in the measurement module 101; the brush head assembly 20 is adsorbed to the handle assembly 10 by magnetic force between the metal block with magnetism and the magnetic contact module, and the metal block with magnetism in the brush head assembly 20 accesses the measurement module 101 by adsorbing the magnetic contact module. Wherein, the metal block with magnetism can be a metal block made of magnetic metal material, or a metal block containing magnetic material, which is not limited by the embodiments of the utility model. Wherein, 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 by using the magnetic contact module on the handle assembly 20, the brush head assembly 10 can be stably adsorbed on the handle assembly 20 by magnetic force, and at the same time, electrical connection is realized. When the brush head assembly 20 is close to the handle assembly 10, the magnetic contact module adsorbs the brush head assembly 20 firmly, ensuring that the metal block with magnetism in the brush head assembly 20 is connected with the magnetic contact module, and since the magnetic contact module is connected with the measured block access end in the measurement module 101, the metal block 201 is connected with the measurement module 101, which ensures reliable electrical connection and enables the measured block to be correctly accessed into the measurement module 101. It should be understood that the above Figure 8 102 can indicate the magnetic contact module, and 201 can indicate the metal block with magnetism, which also enables the measured block 201 to be accessed into the measurement module 101.

[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 digital signal (such as digital voltage signal or PWM square wave signal) output by the measurement module 101 in the brush handle assembly 10, and 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 can also be judged 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 (i.e. the brush head model) of the brush head assembly 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 at this time, the type of the brush head assembly represented by the parameter is most likely not the type matched with the handle assembly.

[0087] Therefore, in a possible implementation manner, as Figure 8As shown in the module block diagram in the handle assembly 10, the handle assembly 10 can further include a control module 103, the control module 103 is used for:

[0088] receiving the digital signal output by the measurement module 101, and determining the parameter of the measured block 201 according to the digital signal;

[0089] determining the identification result of the brush head assembly 20 according to the parameter of the measured block 201, the identification result representing whether the brush head assembly 20 matches the handle assembly 10.

[0090] The control module 103 can be implemented by a special hardware circuit, or by a 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.) combined with executable logic instructions to execute the working process of the control module 103, wherein the executable logic instructions can be implemented based on existing technical means.

[0091] The specific implementation mode of the control module 103 is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0092] As described above, the measurement module 101 has multiple implementation modes, and for different measurement modules 101, corresponding calculation modes can be used to determine the parameter (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. Figure 2a As shown in the measurement module, the resistance value of the measured block 201 can be calculated by Rx=R0×(Vin / Vout-1); for Figure 3 As shown in the measurement module, the capacitance value of the measured block 201 can be determined 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 the capacitance value of the measured block 201 can be calculated by f=1.44 / (RA*C+2RB*C) when the PWM generator uses a NE555 chip, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0093] In practical applications, since the parameter (i.e. resistance value or capacitance value) of the measured block 201 can indicate the brush head type of the brush head assembly 20, it can be determined whether the brush head assembly 20 matches the handle assembly 10 based on the parameter of the measured block 201. Specifically, in one possible implementation, the determination of the identification result of the brush head assembly based on the parameter of the measured block can include: determining whether the parameter of the measured block is 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 matching the handle assembly; in the case that the parameter of the measured block is within the preset parameter range, it is determined that the brush head assembly matches the handle assembly; in the case that 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.

[0094] It should be understood that in the design process of the electric toothbrush, the same parameter of the measured block can be used in the same brush head assembly. Due to the manufacturing error of the measured block, the parameter of the same measured block has an error range. For example, a batch of measured blocks with a resistance value of 5 ohms (Ω) can have an error of ±1 Ω, and the measured block 201 also has a resistance error when connected to the measurement module 101 (such as the resistance error caused by the position deviation between the measured block 201 and the contact during use). Therefore, the resistance value Rx of the measured block 201 in each brush head assembly can be set to have a preset resistance range, and similarly, the capacitance value Cx of the measured block 201 can be set to have a preset capacitance range. The preset parameter range can include the preset resistance range and the 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 can have a certain tolerance to allow minor changes in manufacturing and use.

[0095] In practical applications, 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 a change in the digital signal output by the measurement module 101. The changed digital signal is transmitted to the control module 103, which calculates the parameter of the measured block in the brush head assembly based on the digital signal and compares the measured parameter with the preset parameter range. If the measured parameter is within the preset parameter range, it means that the brush head assembly is installed correctly and the brush head type is matched successfully, that is, the brush head assembly matches the handle assembly. If the measured parameter is not within the preset parameter range, it means that the brush head assembly can not be installed correctly or the brush head type is not matched, that is, the brush head assembly does not match the handle assembly.

[0096] In order to facilitate the user to know whether the brush head assembly is matched with the handle assembly successfully, based on the recognition result, at least one of light, vibration or sound can be used to send a corresponding prompt to the user, for example, when the matching is successful, that is, it is detected that the brush head assembly is installed correctly and the brush head type is matched, the electric toothbrush can prompt the user that the brush head has been matched successfully through light, vibration or sound.

[0097] Therefore, in a possible implementation, the handle assembly 10 can further include a prompt module 104 for sending prompt information, the prompt information being used to indicate whether the brush head assembly is successfully matched with the handle assembly. The prompt module 104 can send the prompt information through at least one of light, vibration or sound. Alternatively, the prompt information can also be sent to the user through a smart terminal used by the user or the like. It should be understood that different recognition results can adopt different prompt modes, and the person skilled in the art can customize the prompt mode corresponding to the different recognition results, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. The light, vibration or sound is used to prompt the user whether the brush head assembly is matched with the handle assembly, which enhances the user experience and avoids the problems caused by improper installation of the brush head or mismatch of the brush head.

[0098] In actual application, the control module 103 can control the prompt module 104 to send the prompt information 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 loudspeaker, the control module 103 can control the indicator light to send a light prompt, control the vibration motor to send a vibration prompt or control the loudspeaker to send a sound prompt, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that the person skilled in the art can use the electrical devices 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 in the embodiments of the present application.

[0099] According to the electric toothbrush provided in the embodiments of the present application, the measured block is arranged on the brush head assembly, and the measuring module is arranged in the handle assembly, so that the measured block is electrically connected with the measuring module when the brush head assembly contacts with the handle assembly. Thus, the signal difference measured by the measuring module can be formed through the difference of the measured block, and then the brush head type is recognized according to the signal difference. Compared with the magnetic field recognition technology or the NFC recognition technology used in the prior art to recognize the brush head type, the electric toothbrush provided in the embodiments of the present application does not need complex electronic elements or sensors, has a relatively simple structure, is easy to implement, is not easy to be damaged, and can reduce the production cost and design cost, and is suitable for large-scale production.

[0100] The above has described various embodiments of the present application, the above description is exemplary, not exhaustive, and is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and changes are obvious to those skilled 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 improvements in the technology in the market, or to enable other ordinary skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An electric toothbrush characterized by comprising: The application relates to a toothbrush, which comprises a handle assembly and a brush head assembly. The handle assembly comprises a measuring module. The brush head assembly is provided with a measured block for identification. The brush head assembly is in contact with the handle assembly, the measuring module is electrically connected with the measured block, the difference of the measured block forms a signal difference measured by the measuring module, and the signal difference is used for identifying the brush head type.

2. The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein The digital signal output by the measuring module is used for indicating the parameter of the measured block, and the parameter of the measured block is used for indicating the brush head type of the brush head assembly.

3. The electric toothbrush according to claim 2, wherein The measured block is a resistance module, the parameter of the measured block comprises a resistance value of the measured block, and the measuring module comprises a first measured block access end, a first reference resistance with a known resistance value, a voltage detector and an analog-digital converter. The first measured block access end is used for connecting the measured block and the first reference resistance in series when the brush head assembly is installed on the handle assembly. The voltage detector is used for measuring the voltage on the first reference resistance to obtain an analog voltage signal after the measured block is connected. The analog-digital converter is used for converting the analog voltage signal into a digital voltage signal, the digital voltage signal is used for indicating the resistance value of the measured block, the resistance value of the measured block is used for indicating the brush head type of the brush head assembly, and the digital signal comprises the digital voltage signal.

4. The electric toothbrush according to claim 2, wherein The measured block is a capacitance module, the parameter of the measured block comprises a capacitance value of the measured block, and the measuring module comprises a second measured block access end, a second reference resistance with a known resistance value, a reference capacitance with a known capacitance value and a PWM generator. The first end of the second reference resistance is connected with an input voltage, the second end of the second reference resistance and the first end of the reference capacitance are connected in series, the second end of the reference capacitance is grounded, the reference capacitance is connected with the second measured block access end in parallel, and the first end of the reference capacitance is connected with the input end of the PWM generator. The second measured block access end is used for connecting the measured block and the reference capacitance in parallel when the brush head assembly is installed on the handle assembly, so as to change the capacitance size of the input end of the PWM generator, and the capacitance size of the input end of the PWM generator is used for adjusting the frequency of the PWM square wave signal output by the PWM generator. The PWM generator is used for outputting a corresponding PWM square wave signal when the capacitance size of the input end changes, the PWM square wave signal is used for indicating the capacitance value of the measured block, the capacitance value of the measured block is used for indicating the brush head type of the brush head assembly, and the digital signal comprises the PWM square wave signal.

5. The electric toothbrush according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that The handle assembly comprises a spring contact module, and the spring contact module is connected with the measured block access end in the measuring module. In the case that the brush head assembly is mounted to 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, wherein The measured block comprises a measured block with magnetism; the handle assembly comprises a magnetic contact module; the magnetic contact module is connected to the measured block connection end in the measuring module. The brush head assembly is attracted to the handle assembly by magnetic force between the measured block with magnetism and the magnetic contact module, and the measured block with magnetism in the brush head assembly is connected to the measuring module by attracting the magnetic contact module.

7. The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein The handle assembly further comprises a prompt module for issuing prompt information, the prompt information being used to indicate whether the brush head assembly and the handle assembly are successfully matched.

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

9. The electrically powered toothbrush according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that The handle assembly further comprises a control module, the control module being used to: receive a digital signal output by the measuring module, and determine a parameter of the measured block according to the digital signal; determine an identification result of the brush head assembly according to the parameter of the measured block, the identification result representing whether the brush head assembly and the handle assembly are matched.

10. The electric toothbrush according to claim 9, wherein The determination of the identification result of the brush head assembly according to the parameter of the measured block comprises: judging whether the parameter of the measured block is within a preset parameter range, the preset parameter range being used to indicate a parameter range of the measured block in the brush head assembly matched with the handle assembly; in the case that the parameter of the measured block is within the preset parameter range, determining that the brush head assembly and the handle assembly are matched; in the case that the parameter of the measured block is not within the preset parameter range, determining that the brush head assembly and the handle assembly are not matched.

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