Electric toothbrush sealing structure and electric toothbrush

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of electric toothbrushes, providing an electric toothbrush sealing structure and an electric toothbrush. The electric toothbrush sealing structure includes a drive shaft and a seal. The drive shaft drives the toothbrush head. The seal includes a sealing portion with a channel. The drive shaft is inserted into the channel and can rotate around the central axis of the channel. The inner wall of the channel has a protrusion that surrounds the drive shaft and is press-fitted with it. This utility model achieves a sealed connection between the sealing portion and the drive shaft by providing a channel in the sealing portion, a protrusion on the inner wall of the channel, and the drive shaft being inserted into the channel with the protrusion surrounding and press-fitting it. The drive shaft can rotate around the central axis of the channel, preventing the sealing portion from rotating with the drive shaft, reducing friction between the sealing portion and the drive shaft, thereby reducing the risk of seal failure and ensuring high safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electric toothbrush technology, and in particular to an electric toothbrush sealing structure and an electric toothbrush. Background Technology

[0002] In the structural design of vibrating electric toothbrushes, the fit between the motor spindle and the sealing ring is crucial for ensuring stable product performance and reliable sealing. Traditionally, ordinary sonic toothbrushes use an interference fit between the sealing ring and the motor spindle, reinforced with springs, to prevent moisture and impurities from entering the motor and protecting it from damage. This design provides a certain degree of sealing and prevents liquid leakage. However, when this design is applied to vibrating electric toothbrushes that require large-amplitude brush head movements, the sealing ring is more prone to tearing, leading to seal failure. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in related technologies. To this end, this invention proposes a sealing structure for an electric toothbrush that prevents the sealing part from rotating with the drive shaft, reduces friction between the sealing part and the drive shaft, thereby reducing the risk of seal failure and ensuring high safety.

[0004] The electric toothbrush sealing structure according to this utility model includes: a drive shaft for driving the toothbrush head to move; a sealing element including a sealing part, the sealing part having a channel, the drive shaft being inserted into the channel and capable of rotating around the central axis of the channel; the inner wall surface of the channel having a protrusion, the protrusion surrounding the drive shaft and having an interference fit with the drive shaft.

[0005] According to the electric toothbrush sealing structure of this utility model, the protrusion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion in an annular shape. The first protrusion and the second protrusion are spaced apart along the extension direction of the channel, and a first oil storage groove is formed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

[0006] According to the electric toothbrush sealing structure of this utility model, the second protrusion is located below the first protrusion, and the second protrusion is inclined upward in the direction from the inner wall surface of the channel toward the drive shaft.

[0007] According to the electric toothbrush sealing structure of this utility model, there are multiple protrusions, which are spaced apart along the extension direction of the channel, and a second oil storage groove is formed between two adjacent protrusions.

[0008] According to the electric toothbrush sealing structure of this utility model, the protrusion located at the top of the channel is higher than the top surface of the seal.

[0009] According to the electric toothbrush sealing structure of this utility model, the sealing element further includes a connecting part, which is arranged around the outer periphery of the sealing part for connection with the outer shell.

[0010] According to the electric toothbrush sealing structure of this utility model, the connecting part is formed with a snap-fit ​​groove, the outer shell is provided with a first matching part, and the snap-fit ​​groove is used to snap into the first matching part.

[0011] The electric toothbrush sealing structure according to this utility model further includes: a support member, which is located at the bottom of the connecting part and is circumferentially disposed around the outer periphery of the sealing part for matching and connecting with the outer shell to restrict the sealing member.

[0012] According to the electric toothbrush sealing structure of this utility model, the support member has a first abutting surface and a second abutting surface, the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface form a stepped surface, the outer shell also has a second mating part, the first abutting surface abuts against the bottom surface of the connecting part, and the second abutting surface abuts against the bottom surface of the second mating part; the portion of the support member having the first abutting surface is sandwiched between the outer wall surface of the second mating part and the sealing part.

[0013] This utility model also proposes an electric toothbrush, including the electric toothbrush sealing structure as described in any of the above claims.

[0014] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a front view of the mechanism of the electric toothbrush provided in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-section at point AA.

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of region B in the middle.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 2A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the electric toothbrush sealing structure matching the drive shaft in region B.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a partial enlarged view of the protrusion in this utility model.

[0021] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the seal matching the drive shaft at region B.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing structure of the electric toothbrush provided in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a front view of the sealing structure of the electric toothbrush provided in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0024] Figure label:

[0025] 10. Drive shaft; 20. Seal; 21. Sealing part; 211. Channel; 212. Protrusion; 2121. First protrusion; 2122. Second protrusion; 2123. First oil reservoir; 213. Second oil reservoir; 22. Connecting part; 221. Snap-fit ​​groove; 30. Support member; 31. First abutment surface; 32. Second abutment surface; 40. Housing; 41. First mating part; 42. Second mating part. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model.

[0027] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this utility model. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0028] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] In this embodiment of the utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0030] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0031] In related technologies, during the operation of a vibrating electric toothbrush, the motor spindle needs to drive the brush head to oscillate with large amplitude and high frequency. This motion places higher demands on the fit between the sealing ring and the motor spindle. Because traditional designs use an interference fit with spring reinforcement, the motor spindle directly drags the sealing ring synchronously as it rotates. Under conditions of large-amplitude oscillation, the sealing ring needs to withstand greater friction and deformation, which can easily lead to tearing of the sealing ring over time, resulting in seal failure and affecting the product's lifespan and safety.

[0032] To solve the above problems, this utility model provides a sealing structure for an electric toothbrush and an electric toothbrush, which will be described below in conjunction with... Figures 1 to 8 This invention describes the sealing structure of an electric toothbrush and the electric toothbrush itself.

[0033] The electric toothbrush sealing structure provided in this embodiment includes a drive shaft 10 and a seal 20. The drive shaft 10 is used to drive the toothbrush head. The seal 20 includes a sealing part 21, which has a channel 211. The drive shaft 10 is inserted into the channel 211 and can rotate around the central axis of the channel 211. The inner wall of the channel 211 has a protrusion 212, which surrounds the drive shaft 10 and is interference-fitted with the drive shaft 10.

[0034] The electric toothbrush includes a housing 40, an electric toothbrush sealing structure, and a toothbrush head. The electric toothbrush sealing structure is located inside the housing 40. The electric toothbrush sealing structure includes a drive shaft 10, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the drive shaft 10 extends out of the housing 40 and connects to the toothbrush head to drive the toothbrush head movement.

[0035] The electric toothbrush sealing structure includes a seal 20, which includes a sealing portion 21. The sealing portion 21 has a channel 211, and a drive shaft 10 is inserted into the channel 211. The drive end of the drive shaft 10 extends out of the outer shell 40 and connects to the toothbrush head. Furthermore, the drive shaft 10 can rotate around the central axis of the channel 211, and can rotate freely within the sealing portion 21, preventing the sealing portion 21 from rotating along with the drive shaft 10. In some embodiments of this invention, the inner wall of the channel 211 is provided with a protrusion 212, which is circumferentially disposed around the drive shaft 10 and press-fitted with the drive shaft 10, achieving a sealed connection between the sealing portion 21 and the drive shaft 10.

[0036] It is understood that the seal 20 is an elastic seal, for example, the seal 20 can be a silicone seal or a rubber seal. In this way, although the seal 20 is interference-fitted with the drive shaft 10, the drive shaft 10 can still be allowed to swing back and forth around the central axis of the channel 211.

[0037] In some embodiments of this utility model, the protrusion 212 is an annular structure. The protrusion 212 is arranged in a ring between the drive shaft 10 and the inner wall of the channel 211, which has good sealing performance. During the operation of the drive shaft 10, it can not only achieve sealing, but also prevent the sealing part 21 from rotating with it, and prevent the sealing part 21 from tearing due to large floating rotation, thereby reducing the risk of sealing failure.

[0038] The electric toothbrush sealing structure provided in this embodiment of the utility model has a channel 211 in the sealing part 21, and a protrusion 212 on the inner wall of the channel 211. The drive shaft 10 is inserted into the channel 211, and the protrusion 212 is circumferentially disposed around the drive shaft 10 and has an interference fit with the drive shaft 10, thereby achieving a sealed connection between the sealing part 21 and the drive shaft 10. The drive shaft 10 can rotate around the central axis of the channel 211, preventing the sealing part 21 from rotating with the drive shaft 10, reducing the friction between the sealing part 21 and the drive shaft 10, thereby reducing the risk of seal failure and ensuring high safety.

[0039] In some embodiments of this utility model, the protrusion 212 includes a first protrusion 2121 and a second protrusion 2122, both of which are annular. The first protrusion 2121 and the second protrusion 2122 are spaced apart along the extending direction of the channel 211, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a first oil reservoir 2123 is formed between the first protrusion 2121 and the second protrusion 2122 to store lubricating oil, reduce friction between the drive shaft 10 and the sealing part 21, lower the operating temperature of the drive shaft 10, make it more reliable, and increase its service life.

[0040] Specifically, both the first protrusion 2121 and the second protrusion 2122 are annular structures, and are spaced apart along the extension direction of the channel 211. A first oil reservoir 2123 is formed between the first protrusion 2121 and the second protrusion 2122, which can store lubricating oil, such as lubricating grease. In the early stage of assembly, the lubricating oil can be stored in the first oil reservoir 2123, and then the drive shaft 10 is assembled. At this time, the first protrusion 2121 and the second protrusion 2122 are interference-fitted with the drive shaft 10, which restricts the lubricating oil in the first oil reservoir 2123, and it only contacts the drive shaft 10 between the first protrusion 2121 and the second protrusion 2122 to achieve lubrication and prevent oil leakage in the first oil reservoir 2123.

[0041] In some embodiments of this utility model, the second protrusion 2122 is located below the first protrusion 2121, and the second protrusion 2122 is inclined upward along the inner wall surface of the channel 211 toward the drive shaft 10, such as... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, when lubricating oil is stored in the first oil reservoir 2123, deformation of the second protrusion 2122 can be prevented, resulting in good sealing. Furthermore, since the second protrusion 2122 is inclined, when the drive shaft 10 is fitted into the channel 211 from bottom to top, the inclined surface of the second protrusion 2122 can serve as a guide surface to guide the drive shaft 10 into place, which helps to reduce assembly difficulty.

[0042] In some embodiments of this utility model, there are multiple protrusions 212, which are spaced apart along the extending direction of the channel 211. This not only enhances the sealing performance but also increases the stability of the drive shaft 10 moving within the channel 211. Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, there are 3 protrusions 212. The number of protrusions 212 can also be 4, 5, 7, etc., depending on the extension length of the channel 211.

[0043] In some embodiments of this utility model, a second oil reservoir 213 is formed between two adjacent protrusions 212. The second oil reservoir 213 is used to store lubricating oil. During the movement of the drive shaft 10, the lubricating oil in the second oil reservoir 213 adheres to the outer wall surface of the drive shaft 10, lubricating the drive shaft 10, making the drive shaft 10 run more stably in the channel 211, and extending its service life.

[0044] Furthermore, the protrusion 212 located at the top of the channel 211 is higher than the top surface of the seal 20, which can reduce the entry of toothpaste and water into the channel 211 and protect the drive shaft 10. Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the height of the first protrusion 2121 is higher than the top surface of the seal 20, and the second protrusion 2122 is located within the channel 211. In some embodiments, the first protrusion 2121 is transitionally connected to the top surface of the seal 20 to reduce stress concentration and prevent the first protrusion 2121 from cracking.

[0045] The sealing element 20 in this embodiment of the present invention further includes a connecting portion 22, which is arranged around the outer periphery of the sealing portion 21 for connection with the outer shell 40. For example, the connecting portion 22 is provided with a snap-fit ​​portion that matches the outer shell 40, thereby realizing the connection between the connecting portion 22 and the outer shell 40. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the connecting part 22 is located in the middle of the sealing part 21. The extension length of the sealing part 21 is greater than the extension length of the connecting part 22. There is a gap between the top surface of the connecting part 22 and the top surface of the sealing part 21, and there is also a gap between the bottom surface of the connecting part 22 and the bottom surface of the sealing part 21.

[0046] In some embodiments of this utility model, the sealing part 21 and the connecting part 22 are integrally molded parts. The sealing part 20 can be made of a material with better wear resistance and chemical resistance, such as TPU.

[0047] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the sealing part 21 has a snap-fit ​​groove 221, and the outer shell 40 is provided with a first matching part 41. The snap-fit ​​groove 221 is used to snap into the first matching part 41, thereby connecting the sealing member 20 to the outer shell 40.

[0048] Furthermore, to enhance the connection between the outer shell 40 and the sealing element 20, in this embodiment of the invention, one of the bottom surface of the snap-fit ​​groove 221 and the first matching part 41 is provided with an insertion part, and the other is provided with an insertion hole. The insertion part is inserted into the insertion hole, thereby stably connecting the sealing element 20 and the outer shell 40 together and preventing them from moving. In some embodiments, the snap-fit ​​groove 221 is an annular snap-fit ​​groove 221, and correspondingly, the first matching part 41 is an annular structure, with multiple insertion parts and insertion holes, spaced apart along the circumference of the snap-fit ​​groove 221 or the first matching part 41. In other embodiments, one of the snap-fit ​​groove 221 and the first matching part 41 is provided with an adsorption element, and the other is provided with a magnetic element, using magnetic adsorption to achieve the connection between the sealing element 20 and the outer shell 40.

[0049] The electric toothbrush sealing structure provided in this embodiment of the utility model also includes a support member 30. The support member 30 is located at the bottom of the connecting part 22 and is arranged around the outer periphery of the sealing part 21. It is used to match and connect with the outer shell 40 to restrict the sealing member 20 and prevent the sealing member 20 from moving axially.

[0050] Specifically, the support member 30 has a first abutting surface 31 and abutting surface 32, and the first abutting surface 31 and the second abutting surface 32 form a stepped surface, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the first abutting surface 31 is located above the second abutting surface 32, the housing 40 has a second mating part 42, the first abutting surface 31 abuts against the bottom surface of the connecting part 22, the second abutting surface 32 abuts against the bottom surface of the second mating part 42, and the bottom of the support member 30 abuts against other components inside the housing 40, thereby restricting the axial position of the seal member 20.

[0051] To improve the connection stability between the support member 30 and the outer shell 40, this embodiment of the invention provides a limiting member on one of the bottom surfaces of the second abutment surface 32 and the second matching part 42, and a limiting groove on the other. During installation, the limiting member is inserted into the limiting groove to achieve a stable connection between the support member 30 and the outer shell 40.

[0052] Furthermore, the portion of the support member 30 having a first abutting surface 31 is sandwiched between the outer wall surface of the second matching part 42 and the sealing part 21. That is, the portion of the support member 30 having a first abutting surface 31 has a first abutting surface 31, a first side surface, and a second side surface. The first abutting surface 31 abuts against the bottom surface of the connecting part 22, the first side surface abuts against the side surface of the second matching part 42, and the second side surface abuts against the outer wall surface of the sealing part 21, thereby restricting the sealing part 21 to be restricted between the drive shaft 10 and the support member 30.

[0053] In some embodiments of this utility model, the sealing part 21 includes a first sealing part and a second sealing part. The channel 211 is disposed in the first sealing part, and the second sealing part is disposed between the connecting part 22 and the first sealing part. There is a gap between the bottom surface of the second sealing part and the bottom surface of the first sealing part, and the bottom surface of the second sealing part is located above the bottom surface of the first sealing part. The portion of the support member 30 having the first abutting surface 31 is sandwiched between the second matching part 42 and the outer wall surface of the second sealing part 21, or it can be sandwiched between the second matching part 42 and the outer wall surface of the first sealing part 21; that is, the second side surface can abut against the outer wall surface of the second sealing part 21 or it can abut against the outer wall surface of the first sealing part 21.

[0054] In some embodiments of this utility model, the second sealing part 21 is a hollow structure, which reduces the weight of the sealing member 20, thereby reducing the weight of the entire electric toothbrush.

[0055] This utility model embodiment also provides an electric toothbrush, including the electric toothbrush sealing structure as described in any of the above embodiments. The electric toothbrush further includes a housing 40, and the electric toothbrush sealing structure is disposed within the housing 40, wherein the drive shaft 10 extends out of the housing 40 for connection with the toothbrush head and for driving the toothbrush head to vibrate.

[0056] The electric toothbrush in this utility model includes a sweeping electric toothbrush.

[0057] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various combinations, modifications, or equivalent substitutions of the technical solutions of the present invention do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention and should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sealing structure for an electric toothbrush, characterized in that, include: Drive shaft (10) is used to drive the toothbrush head movement; The sealing element (20) includes a sealing part (21), the sealing part (21) is provided with a channel (211), the drive shaft (10) is inserted into the channel (211) and can rotate around the central axis of the channel (211); the inner wall surface of the channel (211) is provided with a protrusion (212), the protrusion (212) surrounds the drive shaft (10) and is interference-fitted with the drive shaft (10).

2. The electric toothbrush sealing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion (212) includes a first protrusion (2121) and a second protrusion (2122) that are both annular. The first protrusion (2121) and the second protrusion (2122) are spaced apart along the extension direction of the channel (211), and a first oil reservoir (2123) is formed between the first protrusion (2121) and the second protrusion (2122).

3. The electric toothbrush sealing structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second protrusion (2122) is located below the first protrusion (2121), and the second protrusion (2122) is inclined upward in the direction from the inner wall surface of the channel (211) toward the drive shaft (10).

4. The electric toothbrush sealing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are multiple protrusions (212), and the multiple protrusions (212) are spaced apart along the extension direction of the channel (211), and a second oil storage tank (213) is formed between two adjacent protrusions (212).

5. The electric toothbrush sealing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion (212) located at the top of the channel (211) is higher than the top surface of the seal (20).

6. The electric toothbrush sealing structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The sealing element (20) further includes a connecting part (22), which is arranged around the outer periphery of the sealing part (21) for connecting with the outer shell (40).

7. The electric toothbrush sealing structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connecting part (22) has a snap-fit ​​groove (221), and the outer shell (40) has a first matching part (41). The snap-fit ​​groove (221) is used to snap into the first matching part (41).

8. The electric toothbrush sealing structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, Also includes: Support member (30) is located at the bottom of the connecting part (22) and is arranged around the outer periphery of the sealing part (21) for matching and connecting with the outer shell (40) to restrict the sealing member (20).

9. The electric toothbrush sealing structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The support member (30) has a first abutting surface (31) and a second abutting surface (32), the first abutting surface (31) and the second abutting surface (32) forming a stepped surface, and the outer shell (40) also has a second mating part (42), the first abutting surface (31) abutting against the bottom surface of the connecting part (22), and the second abutting surface (32) abutting against the bottom surface of the second mating part (42); The portion of the support member (30) having the first abutment surface (31) is sandwiched between the outer wall surface of the second matching part (42) and the sealing part (21).

10. An electric toothbrush, characterized in that, Includes the electric toothbrush sealing structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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