Pressure detection structure and electric toothbrush

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a pressure detection structure and an electric toothbrush. The pressure detection structure comprises a bracket, a control circuit board, a pressure sensor, an elastic body and a fulcrum, the support is used for being arranged in a shell of the electric toothbrush, and a motor is contained in the support. The control circuit board is arranged on the side, facing the shell, of the support. The pressure sensor is arranged on the bracket or the control circuit board; the elastic body is arranged in the sensing area of the pressure sensor and abuts against the motor; the fulcrum is arranged on the motor or an assembly structure of the motor. By arranging the fulcrum, the motor shaft and the motor form a lever structure, the brush head is pressed, the motor is affected by the fulcrum to generate displacement, the elastic body deforms, the elastic body abuts against the pressure sensor, the pressure sensor deforms, and therefore a pressure signal is generated to achieve the pressure detection function. The structure is simple to assemble, a sensor does not need to be pasted on a motor shaft, the production cost is low, the structure can be applied to a sound wave motor and a 360-degree rotating shaft servo motor, and the application is wide.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure pertains to the field of electric toothbrush technology, specifically relating to a pressure detection structure and an electric toothbrush. Background Technology

[0002] Electric toothbrushes are becoming increasingly popular due to their effectiveness in cleaning teeth. The working principle of an electric toothbrush is that it uses a motor to drive the brush head to vibrate and sweep back and forth to clean teeth. Currently, most electric toothbrushes do not have a pressure detection function. This function is used to alert users if they brush too hard, preventing wear and tear. Only a few high-end brands offer this feature.

[0003] The current common solution for brush head pressure detection in electric toothbrushes involves machining a flat surface at the motor shaft and attaching a pressure sensor. During use, the pressure on the brush head causes the motor shaft to deform, generating an electrical signal from the sensor. This signal is transmitted via a ribbon cable to a processing chip on the control circuit board, enabling brush head pressure detection. This solution requires machining of the motor and has high requirements for bonding, making manufacturing complex. Furthermore, the sensor needs to be customized depending on the toothbrush structure, making standardization difficult and resulting in a high overall cost. In servo motors, the motor shaft can rotate 360°, making the method of attaching the sensor to the shaft impractical, as the sensor's signal cable would be damaged by the rotation.

[0004] A new type of vibrating electric toothbrush has recently appeared on the market. It uses a servo motor, and the motor shaft can rotate 360°. Conventional methods of attaching the motor shaft cannot be applied to this type of product.

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, it is necessary to propose a reasonably designed pressure detection structure and an electric toothbrush that can effectively improve these problems. Utility Model Content

[0006] The present disclosure aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art, and to provide a pressure detection structure and an electric toothbrush.

[0007] One aspect of this disclosure provides a pressure detection structure disposed in an electric toothbrush, including a bracket, a control circuit board, a pressure sensor, an elastomer, and a fulcrum;

[0008] The bracket is used to be disposed inside the housing of the electric toothbrush, and the bracket is used to house the motor;

[0009] The control circuit board is located on the side of the bracket facing the housing;

[0010] The pressure sensor is mounted on the bracket or the control circuit board;

[0011] The elastomer is disposed in the sensing area of ​​the pressure sensor and presses against the motor;

[0012] The fulcrum is located on the motor or the motor's assembly structure.

[0013] Optionally, the fulcrum is located at the front end or middle of the motor or the motor assembly structure.

[0014] Optionally, the pressure sensor is located at the rear end of the bracket; or,

[0015] The pressure sensor is located on the control circuit board in the area corresponding to the rear end of the motor.

[0016] Optionally, the fulcrum is located at the rear end of the motor or the motor assembly structure.

[0017] Optionally, the pressure sensor is disposed at the front end of the bracket; or,

[0018] The pressure sensor is located on the control circuit board in the area corresponding to the front end of the motor.

[0019] Optionally, when the pressure sensor is mounted on the bracket, the bracket has a first groove on the side facing the motor and corresponding to the elastic body.

[0020] Optionally, when the pressure sensor is mounted on the control circuit board, the bracket has a through groove corresponding to the elastomer, and the elastomer passes through the through groove and presses against the motor.

[0021] Optionally, the control circuit board is provided with a second groove on the side facing the motor and corresponding to the elastic body.

[0022] Optionally, the elastomer is silicone, rubber, TPU, or TPE.

[0023] Another aspect of this disclosure provides an electric toothbrush employing the pressure detection structure described above.

[0024] This disclosure discloses a pressure detection structure and an electric toothbrush. In this pressure detection structure, a fulcrum is set on the motor or its assembly structure, forming a lever structure between the motor shaft and the motor. When the brush head is pressed, the motor is displaced by the fulcrum, causing an elastic body to deform. The elastic body presses against a pressure sensor, ultimately deforming the pressure sensor as well, thereby generating a pressure signal to achieve the pressure detection function. This pressure detection structure is simple to assemble, eliminates the need to attach a sensor to the motor shaft, has low production costs, and can be widely applied to acoustic motors and servo motors with 360-degree rotating axes. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of a pressure detection structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of a pressure detection structure according to another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of a pressure detection structure according to another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a pressure detection structure according to another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of a pressure detection structure according to another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of a pressure detection structure according to another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a pressure detection structure according to another embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, the embodiments of this disclosure will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0033] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, one aspect of this disclosure provides a pressure detection structure 100 disposed in an electric toothbrush. The pressure detection structure 100 includes a bracket 110, a control circuit board 120, a pressure sensor 130, an elastomer 140, and a fulcrum 150.

[0034] The bracket 110 is used to house the electric toothbrush housing 210, and the bracket 110 is used to accommodate the motor 220.

[0035] The control circuit board 120 is disposed on the side of the bracket 110 facing the housing 210. That is, the control circuit board 120 is located between the housing 120 and the bracket 110.

[0036] The pressure sensor 130 is mounted on the bracket 110 or the control circuit board 120.

[0037] The elastomer 140 is disposed in the sensing area of ​​the pressure sensor 130 and presses against the motor 220.

[0038] The fulcrum 150 is set in the assembly structure of the motor or motor 220.

[0039] Specifically, such as Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, due to the presence of fulcrum 150, the motor shaft and the motor form a lever structure. When the brush head and the motor shaft are pressed down, the motor is displaced due to the influence of the fulcrum, causing the elastic body 140 to deform. The elastic body 140 presses against the pressure sensor 130, ultimately causing the pressure sensor 130 to deform under pressure and generate a pressure signal, thus realizing the pressure detection function.

[0040] The pressure detection structure of this disclosure is simple to assemble, does not require attaching a sensor to the motor shaft, has low production cost, and can be applied to acoustic motors and servo motors with 360-degree rotating axes, making it widely applicable.

[0041] For example, the fulcrum 150 is disposed at the front end or middle of the motor 220 or the assembly structure of the motor 220. The front end of the motor 220 refers to the end near the motor shaft, and the rear end of the motor 220 refers to the end of the motor 220 away from the motor shaft. In this embodiment, the fulcrum 150 being disposed on the motor 220 is used as an example for explanation.

[0042] When the fulcrum 150 is located at the front or middle of the motor or motor 220 assembly structure, the rear end of the motor body shifts upward as the motor shaft moves downward. In this case, the pressure sensor 130 is located at the rear end of the bracket 110; or, the pressure sensor 130 is located in the area of ​​the control circuit board 120 corresponding to the rear end of the motor 220. The front end of the bracket 110 refers to the end of the bracket 110 facing the brush head, and the rear end of the bracket 110 refers to the end of the bracket 110 away from the brush head.

[0043] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, the fulcrum 150 is located at the front end of the motor 220, and the pressure sensor 130 is located at the rear end of the bracket 110. Figure 2 As shown, in another embodiment, the fulcrum 150 is located at the front end of the motor 220, and the pressure sensor 130 is located in the area of ​​the control circuit board 120 corresponding to the rear end of the motor 220. Figure 3 As shown, in another embodiment, the fulcrum 150 is located in the middle of the motor 220, and the pressure sensor 130 is located in the area of ​​the control circuit board 120 corresponding to the rear end of the motor 220.

[0044] More specifically, such as Figure 4As shown, the fulcrum 150 is located at the front end or middle of the motor 220 or its assembly structure. After assembly, it is fixed on the main frame 110. The motor shaft, the motor 220, and the fulcrum 150 form a lever structure, allowing the motor 220 to rotate by the fulcrum 150. When the motor shaft is pressed, the motor is affected by the fulcrum, causing the rear end of the motor 220 to shift upwards. This pressure is transmitted through the elastic body 140 to the pressure sensor 130. The pressure sensor 130 deforms under pressure, generating a pressure signal to achieve the pressure detection function.

[0045] For example, the fulcrum 150 is located at the rear end of the motor 220 or the assembly structure of the motor 220. When the motor shaft is pressed, the front end of the motor body shifts downward. At this time, the pressure sensor 130 is located at the front end of the bracket 110; or, the pressure sensor 130 is located in the area of ​​the control circuit board 120 corresponding to the front end of the motor 220.

[0046] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, in another embodiment, the fulcrum 150 is located at the rear end of the motor 220, and the pressure sensor 130 is located below the front end of the bracket 110. Figure 6 As shown, in another embodiment, the fulcrum 150 is located at the rear end of the motor 220, and the pressure sensor 130 is located above the front end of the bracket 110.

[0047] More specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, the fulcrum 150 is located at the rear end of the motor 220 or the assembly structure of the motor 220, and is fixed on the main frame 110 after assembly. The motor 220 can rotate by relying on the fulcrum 150. The pressure sensor 130 can be fixed below the front end of the motor. When the motor shaft is pressed, the front end of the motor body shifts downward, and the elastic body 140 presses against the pressure sensor 130. The pressure sensor 130 is deformed by the pressure and generates a pressure signal to realize the pressure detection function.

[0048] like Figure 6 As shown, the pressure sensor 130 can also be set above the front end of the motor. The pressure sensor 130 and the motor 220 are fitted together through the elastic body 140. When the motor 220 is offset downward, the elastic body 140 is released by interference, and the pressure sensor 130 can also generate a deformation signal to realize the pressure detection function.

[0049] For example, such as Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, when the pressure sensor 130 is mounted on the bracket 110, a first groove 160 is provided on the side of the bracket 110 facing the motor 220 and corresponding to the elastic body 140. The first groove 160 provides deformation space for the deformation of the pressure sensor 130, thereby improving the pressure detection sensitivity.

[0050] For example, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, when the pressure sensor 130 is set on the control circuit board 120, the bracket 110 is provided with a through groove at the corresponding elastic body 140, and the elastic body 140 passes through the through groove and presses against the motor 220.

[0051] For example, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, when the pressure sensor 130 is mounted on the control circuit board 120, a second groove 170 is provided on the side of the control circuit board 120 facing the motor 220 and corresponding to the elastic body 140. The second groove 170 provides deformation space for the deformation of the pressure sensor 130, thereby improving the pressure detection sensitivity.

[0052] For example, in this embodiment, the elastomer 140 can be made of materials such as silicone, rubber, TPU, or TPE. It should be noted that this embodiment does not specifically limit the material of the elastomer 140, and it can be selected according to actual needs.

[0053] For example, in this embodiment, the pressure sensor 130 can be a piezoresistive sensor, which can have a single-bridge, half-bridge, or full-bridge Wheatstone bridge structure. The pressure sensor 130 can also be a piezoelectric sensor or a strain gauge sensor, or other pressure sensors.

[0054] It should be noted that this embodiment does not limit the type of pressure sensor 130, and it can be selected according to actual needs.

[0055] Another aspect of this disclosure provides an electric toothbrush, including a housing 210, a motor 220, and the pressure detection structure 100 described above. The specific structure of the pressure detection structure 100 has been described in detail above and will not be repeated here; it can be selected according to actual needs.

[0056] The electric toothbrush of this embodiment adopts the pressure detection structure described above. It can realize the brush head pressure detection function without adding complex structures such as top pressure, without modifying the motor design, and without attaching sensors. It has the advantages of simple assembly, low production cost and wide application.

[0057] It is understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary implementations used to illustrate the principles of the embodiments of this disclosure, and the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and essence of the embodiments of this disclosure, and these modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the protection scope of the embodiments of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A pressure detection structure, disposed in an electric toothbrush, characterized in that, Includes a bracket, control circuit board, pressure sensor, elastomer, and fulcrum; The bracket is used to be disposed inside the housing of the electric toothbrush, and the bracket is used to house the motor; The control circuit board is located on the side of the bracket facing the housing; The pressure sensor is mounted on the bracket or the control circuit board; The elastomer is disposed in the sensing area of ​​the pressure sensor and presses against the motor; The fulcrum is located on the motor or the motor's assembly structure.

2. The pressure detection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fulcrum is located at the front end or middle of the motor or the motor assembly structure.

3. The pressure detection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pressure sensor is located at the rear end of the bracket; or, The pressure sensor is located on the control circuit board in the area corresponding to the rear end of the motor.

4. The pressure detection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The fulcrum is located at the rear end of the motor or the motor assembly structure.

5. The pressure detection structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The pressure sensor is located at the front end of the bracket; or, The pressure sensor is located on the control circuit board in the area corresponding to the front end of the motor.

6. The pressure detection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, When the pressure sensor is mounted on the bracket, the bracket has a first groove on the side facing the motor and corresponding to the elastic body.

7. The pressure detection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, When the pressure sensor is installed on the control circuit board, the bracket is provided with a through groove at the location corresponding to the elastic body, and the elastic body passes through the through groove and presses against the motor.

8. The pressure detection structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control circuit board is provided with a second groove on the side facing the motor and corresponding to the elastic body.

9. The pressure detection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The elastomer is silicone, rubber, TPU, or TPE.

10. An electric toothbrush, characterized in that, The pressure detection structure described in any one of claims 1 to 9 is adopted.

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