Plaque detection component for electric toothbrushes and electric toothbrushes

Abstract

This application discloses a plaque detection component for an electric toothbrush and an electric toothbrush. The plaque detection component includes a detection housing, a filter disposed on the detection housing, and at least one ultraviolet lamp. The ultraviolet lamp is connected to a conductive terminal, which protrudes from the bottom of the detection housing. A connection hole is also provided at the bottom of the detection housing for mating with the motor shaft of the electric toothbrush. When the motor shaft is fully inserted into the connection hole, the conductive terminal contacts a conductive base protruding from the top of the electric toothbrush, and the conductive base is connected to a circuit board inside the electric toothbrush. This utility model provides a plaque detection component for an electric toothbrush and an electric toothbrush that are convenient to use and have a simple structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of oral care technology, and more specifically to a plaque detection component for an electric toothbrush and an electric toothbrush. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, there are two common methods for detecting dental plaque on the market: one uses a plaque indicator to stain the teeth, which is then used in conjunction with an electric toothbrush; the other uses ultraviolet light to irradiate the teeth and observe the plaque through a filter, serving as a standalone plaque detector. However, both methods have drawbacks. When using a plaque indicator, obvious staining marks are left on the tooth surface, especially between teeth. Once stained, it cannot be completely removed by brushing, and the plaque indicator usually fades naturally the next day. Furthermore, if the indicator accidentally gets on skin, sinks, or clothing, it is difficult to clean off quickly, making it inconvenient to use. Ultraviolet light-based plaque detectors, on the other hand, need to be purchased separately, are expensive, and are bulky and inconvenient to carry.

[0003] While some products have improved upon electric toothbrushes, such as the Chinese patent CN117481855A which discloses a plaque detection toothbrush and detection method, this toothbrush delivers detection reagents to the bristles via an infusion mechanism, allowing users to detect plaque while brushing. Although this prior art enables toothbrushes to detect plaque, it uses an indicator staining method, which is inconvenient to clean and has many internal components and a complex structure. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a plaque detection component for an electric toothbrush and an electric toothbrush, which is convenient to use and has a simple structure.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is: a dental plaque detection component for an electric toothbrush, the dental plaque detection component including a detection cover, a filter disposed on the detection cover and at least one ultraviolet lamp;

[0006] The ultraviolet lamp is connected to a conductive terminal, which is exposed at the bottom of the detection cover. The bottom of the detection cover is also provided with a connection hole for connecting with the motor shaft of the electric toothbrush.

[0007] When the motor shaft is fully inserted into the connection hole, the conductive terminal contacts the conductive seat exposed on the top of the electric toothbrush, and the conductive seat is connected to the circuit board inside the electric toothbrush.

[0008] This technical solution provides a plaque detection component for an electric toothbrush, which can connect to the conductive base on the electric toothbrush via conductive terminals to realize the power supply structure of the electric toothbrush to the ultraviolet lamp. This combines the electric toothbrush with ultraviolet light detection, expands the plaque detection function of the electric toothbrush, makes it more convenient to use, and reduces the cost of purchasing it separately.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the detection enclosure includes an upper cover, a lower cover, and a bottom cover. The upper cover and the lower cover are connected to form the main housing of the detection enclosure, and the bottom cover is connected to the bottom of the main housing. A connection hole is located at the center of the bottom surface of the bottom cover, and a terminal mounting hole is also provided on the bottom surface of the bottom cover. Conductive terminals are installed through the terminal mounting hole and exposed on the bottom cover. A UV lamp mounting groove is provided on the inner side wall of the front end of the upper cover, and a filter mounting groove is provided in the middle of the front end of the lower cover.

[0010] The detection cover in this technology is composed of an upper cover, a lower cover, and a bottom cover connected together. It has a simple structure, is easy to assemble, and can improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce costs.

[0011] Furthermore, the upper and lower covers are connected by a snap-fit ​​mechanism to form the main housing, and the bottom cover is snap-fitted to the bottom of the main housing. The upper and lower covers are connected by a snap-fit ​​mechanism, and the bottom cover is snap-fitted to the bottom of the main housing, making assembly more convenient.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the wall of the connecting hole is provided with a protrusion to prevent the motor shaft from loosening and falling out, thereby ensuring that the conductive terminal and the conductive base are properly assembled.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the conductive terminal is a PIN terminal and the conductive base is a PIN connector. This design offers stable performance, small size, and light weight, without increasing the product's weight or volume, and is easy to install and maintain.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, two ultraviolet (UV) lamps are used. These two lamps are positioned on the inner front wall of the detection enclosure, respectively on either side of the filter. Using two UV lamps in this technology enhances the intensity of UV light irradiation, thereby ensuring effective plaque detection.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, at least three ultraviolet (UV) lamps are used, each positioned on the inner front wall of the detection enclosure and arranged around the filter. Using three or more UV lamps in this technology not only enhances the intensity of the UV light but also provides a more comprehensive illumination angle, improving the clarity of plaque detection.

[0016] An electric toothbrush includes a body and at least one brush head detachably connected to the body. The body contains a motor and a circuit board. The motor shaft of the motor extends out of the top of the body. The toothbrush also includes a conductive base and a plaque detection component as described in any of the above technical solutions. The circuit board is connected to the motor and the conductive base respectively. The conductive base is exposed at the top of the body.

[0017] The electric toothbrush in this technology uses the plaque detection component of the aforementioned electric toothbrush, which can switch between brushing and plaque detection functions, expanding the plaque detection function, making it more convenient to use, and has a simple structure, is easy to maintain, and has a low cost.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a handle housing and a top cover connected to the upper end of the handle housing. Both the handle housing and the top cover have a through hole at their center for the motor shaft to pass through. The top cover also has a conductive seat mounting hole through which the conductive seat is installed and protrudes from the top cover. This electric toothbrush uses a separate handle housing and top cover structure, which facilitates the installation of the conductive seat on the top cover and is simple in structure and easy to use.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the device body is further equipped with a first button and a second button, which are respectively connected to a circuit board. The first button controls the motor when the device body is connected to the brush head, and the second button controls the UV lamp when the device body is connected to the plaque detection component. This technology uses the first and second buttons to control the motor and UV lamp respectively, achieving functional separation and ensuring safety during use.

[0020] As can be seen from the above technical solution, compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: the plaque detection component for an electric toothbrush provided by this utility model can be connected to the conductive base on the electric toothbrush through the contact of the conductive terminal, so as to realize the power supply structure of the electric toothbrush to the ultraviolet lamp, thereby combining the electric toothbrush and ultraviolet light detection, expanding the plaque detection function of the electric toothbrush, with a simple structure, more convenient to use, and can reduce the cost of separate purchase;

[0021] An electric toothbrush employs the plaque detection component of the aforementioned electric toothbrush, which can switch between brushing and plaque detection functions, expanding the plaque detection capabilities, making it more convenient to use, and has a simple structure that is easy to maintain.

[0022] In addition, other advantages of this invention will be set forth in the description which follows, in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the plaque detection component of the electric toothbrush in this utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a bottom view of the electric toothbrush and plaque detection component assembled in this utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the cross section at point AA;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a front view of the dental plaque detection component of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the cross section at point BB;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the electric toothbrush and the plaque detection component in this utility model;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the electric toothbrush and brush head assembly in this utility model;

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Detection cover; 10. Connection hole; 11. Top cover; 12. Bottom cover; 13. Bottom cover; 14. Protrusion; 2. Ultraviolet lamp; 3. Filter; 4. Conductive terminal; 50. Motor shaft; 51. Conductive base; 52. Circuit board; 53. Brush head; 54. Handle housing; 55. Top cover; 56. First button; 57. Second button. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0033] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "length," "width," "thickness," "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 and are only for the convenience of describing 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this utility model. Furthermore, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0034] Reference Figure 1-7 This invention describes a plaque detection component for an electric toothbrush and an electric toothbrush according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1-7 As shown, a plaque detection component for an electric toothbrush includes a detection housing 1, a filter 3 disposed on the detection housing 1, and at least one ultraviolet lamp 2.

[0036] The ultraviolet lamp 2 is connected to the conductive terminal 4, which is exposed at the bottom of the detection cover 1. The bottom of the detection cover 1 is also provided with a connection hole 10, which is used to connect with the motor shaft 50 of the electric toothbrush.

[0037] When the motor shaft 50 is fully inserted into the connection hole 10, the conductive terminal 4 contacts the conductive seat 51 exposed on the top of the electric toothbrush, and the conductive seat 51 is connected to the circuit board 52 inside the electric toothbrush.

[0038] The detection housing 1 includes an upper housing and a lower connecting handle, with the housing and the connecting handle having internal communication. The shape of the front end of the housing that contacts the mouth matches the shape of the human mouth. The ultraviolet lamp 2 is located on the inner wall of the front end of the housing, and the filter 3 is located in the middle of the housing. The conductive terminal 4 is located at the bottom of the connecting handle. The ultraviolet lamp 2 is connected to the wiring part of the conductive terminal 4 through a wire. The wire is located in the inner cavity that connects the housing and the connecting handle, and the contact part of the conductive terminal 4 is exposed at the bottom of the connecting handle. The connecting hole 10 can be located at the center of the bottom surface of the connecting handle, into which the motor shaft 50 of the electric toothbrush is inserted to achieve a detachable connection between the plaque detection component and the electric toothbrush.

[0039] Meanwhile, the electric toothbrush may include a body and at least one brush head 53 detachably connected to the body. The body contains a motor and a circuit board 52. The circuit board 52 connects to and controls the operation of the motor. The motor shaft 50 extends upward from the top surface of the body. A conductive seat 51 is located on the top of the body. The contact portion of the conductive seat 51 is exposed on the top of the body, and its wiring portion is connected to the circuit board 52 inside the housing via wires.

[0040] Specifically, the conductive terminal 4 may include two terminals, positive and negative. Correspondingly, the conductive base 51 also includes two connecting bases, positive and negative. The positive and negative terminals of the conductive terminal 4 are respectively used to connect with the positive and negative terminals of the conductive base 51, so that the ultraviolet lamp 2 is connected to the circuit board 52 of the electric toothbrush and the circuit board 52 can supply power to the ultraviolet lamp 2.

[0041] In practice, the number of UV lamps 2 can be one, two or more, and the cover and connecting handle can be an integral structure or a separate structure.

[0042] This embodiment provides a plaque detection component for an electric toothbrush, which can connect to the conductive base 51 on the electric toothbrush via the conductive terminal 4, thereby realizing the power supply structure of the electric toothbrush to the ultraviolet lamp 2. This combines the electric toothbrush with ultraviolet light detection, expands the plaque detection function of the electric toothbrush, makes it more convenient to use, and reduces the cost of purchasing it separately.

[0043] In this embodiment, the detection cover 1 includes an upper cover 11, a lower cover 12, and a bottom cover 13. The upper cover 11 and the lower cover 12 are connected to form the main housing of the detection cover 1, and the bottom cover 13 is connected to the bottom of the main housing. The connection hole 10 is located at the center of the bottom surface of the bottom cover 13, and the bottom surface of the bottom cover 13 is also provided with a terminal mounting hole. The conductive terminal 4 is installed through the terminal mounting hole and exposed on the bottom cover 13. The inner side wall of the front end of the upper cover 11 is provided with a UV lamp mounting groove, and the middle of the front end of the lower cover 12 is provided with a filter mounting groove.

[0044] The main housing includes a cover for mounting the UV lamp 2 and the filter 3 and a connecting handle. The interior of the main housing forms a cavity for accommodating the wires.

[0045] Specifically, when the motor shaft 50 of the electric toothbrush is inserted into the connection hole 10 of the bottom cover 13, the conductive terminal 4 is stably connected to the conductive base 51, and the circuit board 52 of the electric toothbrush is connected to and powered by the ultraviolet lamp 2, thereby controlling the switch of the ultraviolet lamp 2.

[0046] Preferably, the conductive terminal 4 is an elastic pin, which can maintain a stable electrical connection with the conductive base 51 through its elastic structure.

[0047] In this embodiment, the upper cover 11 and the lower cover 12 are fastened together to form the main housing, and the bottom cover 13 is fastened to the bottom of the main housing. In the above embodiment, the upper cover 11 and the lower cover 12 are fastened together, and the bottom cover 13 is fastened to the bottom of the main housing, making assembly more convenient.

[0048] In this embodiment, the wall of the connecting hole 10 is provided with a protrusion 14.

[0049] The convex bulge 14 can be an arc-shaped convex part, which can facilitate the insertion of the motor shaft 50 and prevent the motor shaft 50 from loosening and falling out.

[0050] In practice, before using the dental plaque detection component, first remove the brush head 53 of the electric toothbrush, and then insert the motor shaft 50 of the electric toothbrush into the connection hole 10 of the bottom cover 13. The hole wall of the connection hole 10 is provided with a protrusion 14 to prevent the motor shaft 50 from loosening and falling out, thereby ensuring that the conductive terminal 4 and the conductive base 51 are assembled in place.

[0051] In this embodiment, the conductive terminal 4 is a PIN pin terminal, and the conductive base 51 is a PIN pin connector.

[0052] The contact surface of the PIN terminal can be a rounded convex surface to facilitate contact with the PIN connector. Because PIN terminals offer advantages such as stable performance, small size, and light weight, they do not increase the weight or size of the product and are easy to install and maintain.

[0053] In this embodiment, there are two ultraviolet lamps 2. The two ultraviolet lamps 2 are located on the inner side wall of the front end of the detection cover 1 and are respectively located on both sides of the filter 3, which can enhance the intensity of ultraviolet light irradiation and thus ensure the detection effect of dental plaque.

[0054] In this embodiment, there are at least three ultraviolet lamps 2. Each ultraviolet lamp 2 is located on the inner side wall of the front end of the detection cover 1 and is arranged around the filter 3. In addition to enhancing the intensity of ultraviolet light irradiation, it also makes the irradiation angle more comprehensive and improves the clarity of dental plaque detection.

[0055] In another embodiment, the present invention provides an electric toothbrush, including a body and at least one brush head 53 detachably connected to the body. The body contains a motor and a circuit board 52. The motor shaft 50 of the motor extends out of the top of the body. The toothbrush also includes a conductive seat 51 and a plaque detection component as described in any of the above embodiments. The circuit board 52 is connected to the motor and the conductive seat 51 respectively. The conductive seat 51 is exposed at the top of the body.

[0056] The electric toothbrush described above can be detachably connected to the plaque detection component, allowing it to switch between brushing and plaque detection functions. This expands the plaque detection capabilities, making it more convenient to use. It also features a simple structure, easy maintenance, and low cost.

[0057] In this embodiment, the main body includes a handle housing 54 and a top cover 55 connected to the upper end of the handle housing 54. Both the handle housing 54 and the top cover 55 have through holes at their centers for the motor shaft 50 to pass through. The top cover 55 also has a conductive seat mounting hole. The conductive seat 51 is installed through the conductive seat mounting hole and protrudes from the top cover 55.

[0058] The motor and circuit board 52 are housed inside the handle housing 54, and the top cover 55 is fastened to the upper end of the handle housing 54, and the top cover 55 is used to install the conductive base 51. Preferably, a sealing ring can be provided between the handle housing 54 and the top cover 55 to ensure good waterproof performance of the electric toothbrush.

[0059] In this embodiment, the device body is also provided with a first button 56 and a second button 57, which are respectively connected to the circuit board 52. The first button 56 is used to control the motor to work when the device body is connected to the brush head 53, and the second button 57 is used to control the ultraviolet lamp 2 to work when the device body is connected to the dental plaque detection component. The first button 56 and the second button 57 can be circular, elliptical, rectangular, etc., and can be made of silicone material.

[0060] Based on the above embodiments, the working process of the electric toothbrush is as follows:

[0061] When using the brushing function of the electric toothbrush, attach the brush head 53, press the first button 56 to start the motor and select the working mode. At this time, pressing the second button 57 will not have any effect.

[0062] When using the plaque detection function, replace the brush head 53 with the plaque detection component, insert the motor shaft 50 of the electric toothbrush into the connection hole 10 at the bottom of the detection cover 1, and ensure that the conductive terminal 4 is in contact with the conductive base 51. At this time, the ultraviolet lamp 2 and the circuit board 52 of the electric toothbrush form a circuit.

[0063] Place the side of the detection housing 1 with the ultraviolet light 2 near your mouth, press the second button 57 on the electric toothbrush to turn on the ultraviolet light 2 and illuminate the teeth. Dental plaque will exhibit red fluorescence at a wavelength of approximately 600nm under blue light with a wavelength of approximately 405nm. The reddish dental plaque remaining on the teeth can be directly observed in a mirror through the filter 3. At this time, the motor is not working, and pressing the first button 56 will not start the motor.

[0064] The plaque detection component of the electric toothbrush according to the embodiments of the present invention, as well as other components and operation of the electric toothbrush, are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0065] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0066] In the description of this specification, references to the terms "embodiment," "specific embodiment," "example," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example that is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention.

[0067] In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the terms used do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments or examples. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined with each other in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples without interference or contradiction.

Claims

1. A plaque detection component for an electric toothbrush, characterized in that: It includes a detection cover (1), a filter (3) disposed on the detection cover (1), and at least one ultraviolet lamp (2); The ultraviolet lamp (2) is connected to a conductive terminal (4), which is exposed at the bottom of the detection cover (1). The bottom of the detection cover (1) is also provided with a connection hole (10), which is used to connect with the motor shaft (50) of the electric toothbrush. When the motor shaft (50) is fully inserted into the connection hole (10), the conductive terminal (4) contacts the conductive seat (51) exposed on the top of the electric toothbrush, and the conductive seat (51) is connected to the circuit board (52) inside the electric toothbrush.

2. The plaque detection component of the electric toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection cover (1) includes an upper cover (11), a lower cover (12) and a bottom cover (13). The upper cover (11) and the lower cover (12) are connected to form the main shell of the detection cover (1), and the bottom cover (13) is connected to the bottom of the main shell. The connection hole (10) is located at the center of the bottom surface of the bottom cover (13). The bottom surface of the bottom cover (13) is also provided with a terminal mounting hole. The conductive terminal (4) is installed through the terminal mounting hole and exposed on the bottom cover (13). The upper cover (11) has a UV lamp mounting groove on its front inner wall, and the lower cover (12) has a filter mounting groove in the middle of its front end.

3. The plaque detection component for an electric toothbrush according to claim 2, characterized in that: The upper cover (11) and the lower cover (12) are connected by fastening to form the main housing, and the bottom cover (13) is fastened to the bottom of the main housing.

4. The plaque detection component of the electric toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The connecting hole (10) has a protrusion (14) on its wall.

5. The plaque detection component of the electric toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The conductive terminal (4) is a PIN pin terminal, and the conductive base (51) is a PIN pin connector.

6. The plaque detection component of the electric toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the ultraviolet lamps (2) is two. The two ultraviolet lamps (2) are located on the inner side wall of the front end of the detection cover (1) and are respectively located on both sides of the filter (3).

7. The plaque detection component of the electric toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of ultraviolet lamps (2) is at least three, and each ultraviolet lamp (2) is located on the inner side wall of the front end of the detection cover (1) and is arranged around the filter (3).

8. An electric toothbrush, comprising a body and at least one brush head (53) detachably connected to the body, wherein a motor and the circuit board (52) are disposed within the body, and a motor shaft (50) of the motor extends out from the top of the body, characterized in that: It also includes the conductive base (51) and the plaque detection component of the electric toothbrush as described in any one of claims 1 to 7; the circuit board (52) is connected to the motor and the conductive base (51), and the conductive base (51) is exposed on the top of the body.

9. The electric toothbrush according to claim 8, characterized in that: The body includes a handle housing (54) and a top cover (55) connected to the upper end of the handle housing (54). The handle housing (54) and the top cover (55) are both provided with through holes for the motor shaft (50) to pass through. The top cover (55) is also provided with a conductive seat mounting hole. The conductive seat (51) is installed through the conductive seat mounting hole and exposed on the top cover (55).

10. The electric toothbrush according to claim 8, characterized in that: The device body is also provided with a first button (56) and a second button (57), the first button (56) and the second button (57) being connected to the circuit board (52) respectively; The first button (56) is used to control the motor to work when the body is connected to the brush head (53), and the second button (57) is used to control the ultraviolet lamp (2) to work when the body is connected to the dental plaque detection component.

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