Electric toothbrush with brushing control

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric toothbrush (1) comprising an electric motor and also a tooth brushing member (3) which is connected to the electric motor in order to be rotated by said electric motor. The electric toothbrush (1) is characterised in that it comprises a device for measuring an electrical quantity representative of a contact pressure between the brushing member (3) and the teeth, and also comprises a processing unit, which is connected to the measuring device, for emitting a first warning signal when the value of the electrical quantity measured by said measuring device is greater than a predetermined threshold. The invention also relates to instruments for oral and dental hygiene.

Description

[0001] ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH WITH BRUSHING CONTROL

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to the general technical field of oral hygiene instruments, and more particularly to the field of toothbrushes, particularly for human use.

[0004] The present invention relates more particularly to an electric toothbrush comprising an electric motor and a tooth brushing member connected to said electric motor to be rotated by the latter.

[0005] PRIOR TECHNIQUE

[0006] Electric toothbrushes are known that use a motorized brushing device. These electric toothbrushes are generally satisfactory because they allow for effective brushing, in particularly comfortable conditions for the user since the use of a motor reduces the amount of movement required.

[0007] These well-known electric toothbrushes nevertheless have serious drawbacks.

[0008] Thus, if the user of these known brushes does not need, thanks to the motorization, to implement a jerky brushing gesture, he himself ensures the contact of the brush with the teeth and gums. However, during this contact and the movement of the brush along the teeth and gums, the user may be led, voluntarily or not, to press the brush excessively against the teeth or gums. However, excessive contact pressure can lead to bruising the gums, causing bleeding, deterioration (erosion and weakening) of the enamel or other trauma. Such excessive pressure is also likely to force the electric motor, with a risk of overheating and deterioration of the latter. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The objects assigned to the invention therefore aim to remedy the drawbacks set out in the foregoing and to propose a new electric toothbrush which, while being of compact and economical construction, makes it possible to reduce in a particularly reliable and effective manner the risk of excessive brushing pressure being exerted by the user.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to propose a new electric toothbrush whose operation is based on a particularly simple and proven principle.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to propose a new electric toothbrush whose operation is particularly intuitive.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to propose a new electric toothbrush which encourages the adoption, by its user, of an optimal brushing routine.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to propose a new electric toothbrush which is particularly simple to use and which allows optimal brushing to be carried out particularly quickly and easily.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to propose a new electric toothbrush which allows particularly effective and gentle brushing, while optimally preserving biological tissues.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to propose a new electric toothbrush which uses simple and standard components.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to propose a new electric toothbrush which is particularly robust and lightweight.

[0017] The objects assigned to the invention are achieved using an electric toothbrush comprising an electric motor and a tooth brushing member connected to said electric motor to be rotated by the latter, said electric toothbrush being characterized in that it comprises a device for measuring an electrical quantity representative of a contact pressure between the brushing member and the teeth, as well as a processing unit connected to said measuring device to emit a first alert signal when the value of said electrical quantity measured by said measuring device is greater than a predetermined threshold, said brushing member comprising a brushing roller mounted to rotate about a first axis of rotation, said brushing roller comprising a central core substantially coaxial with said first axis of rotation and brushing protrusions which project radially from said central core,said toothbrush including timing means for measuring a first brushing duration during which the value of said electrical quantity measured by the measuring device is greater than said predetermined threshold, said first predetermined duration being used by said processing unit to calculate a brushing quality indicator.,

[0018] SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Other features and advantages of the invention will appear in more detail on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, given as purely illustrative and non-limiting examples, in which:

[0020] - figure 1 illustrates, in a schematic elevation view, an electric toothbrush according to the invention, which communicates with a remote terminal, formed in this case by a mobile telephone with a touch screen, via a wireless link by radio waves of the Bluetooth ® type.

[0021] - figure 2 illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, a detail of the construction of the electric toothbrush of figure 1, which is part of a brushing head incorporating the tooth brushing member.

[0022] - Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a graphical interface displayed by the screen of the mobile phone of Figure 1. Figure 4 schematically illustrates different areas of a graphical representation of teeth implemented by the graphical interface of Figure 3. BEST WAY OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0023] The invention relates to an electric toothbrush 1, intended for maintaining oral hygiene by removing food debris and dental plaque. The electric toothbrush 1 according to the invention is advantageously intended for humans, but, according to an alternative embodiment, it can be perfectly adapted to veterinary use, for example for livestock or pets.

[0024] Advantageously, the electric toothbrush 1 comprises a gripping portion 2, which preferably forms a handle, intended to be grasped manually by a user, to allow the latter to manipulate the electric toothbrush 1 and in particular to control its position and orientation in space, as well as its pressure in contact with the teeth to be brushed. The handle which advantageously forms the gripping portion 2 extends for example longitudinally along a central longitudinal axis X-X'. Preferably, the toothbrush 1 comprises a housing 2A which advantageously forms the gripping portion 2, and within which various components are intended to be housed, and in particular mechanical, electrical and electronic components of the electric toothbrush 1.

[0025] According to the invention, the electric toothbrush 1 also comprises a tooth brushing member 3, which is advantageously arranged substantially at one end of the electric toothbrush 1. The latter thus has, for example, a generally elongate shape which extends longitudinally along said central longitudinal axis X-X'. Preferably, the brushing member 3 is part of a brushing head 4 which is advantageously arranged in the axial extension of the gripping portion 2, as illustrated in the figures. Preferably, the brushing head 4 is removably fixed to the gripping portion 2. However, it is alternatively possible for the head 4 to be permanently fixed to the gripping member 2, without the possibility of separation. The tooth brushing member 3 is designed to be brought into contact with the teeth in order to ensure cleaning thereof, in this case by an abrasive mechanical brushing action.In order to ensure the brushing function assigned to it, the brushing member 3 is provided with brushing protrusions 5, preferably formed by a plurality of bristles or spikes. Said brushing protrusions 5 are preferably made of synthetic material, and advantageously have a substantially supple, flexible character.

[0026] According to the invention, the electric toothbrush 1 comprises an electric motor (not visible in the figures), which is advantageously carried by the gripping portion 2, and is for example housed in the aforementioned housing 2A which preferably forms said gripping portion 2. The electric motor in question is preferably a direct current motor, with a stator, a rotor and an output shaft secured to the rotor and driven in rotation by the latter. Said electric motor is advantageously intended to be powered by an electric supply current, which is preferably a direct current. Said electric supply current passes through the motor to set said stator and rotor in relative rotation. Advantageously, the electric supply current in question is characterized by at least one physical parameter, for example the intensity.Advantageously, in order to supply said electric power to the motor and possibly to other electrical or electronic components equipping the brush 1, the latter comprises an on-board energy source, formed for example by at least one cell or battery, rechargeable or not, which is preferably housed inside the gripping portion 2, for example within said housing 2A.

[0027] According to the invention, the tooth brushing member 3 is connected to said electric motor to be set in motion by the latter, and more precisely to be set in rotation by the latter. For example, the tooth brushing member 3 is mechanically connected to the output shaft of said electric motor, directly or indirectly (for example by means of a mechanical reducer and / or a transmission device, including for example a universal joint). The brushing member 3 is thus designed to rotate, preferably substantially continuously, in the same direction, which direction can be modified depending on the area of ​​the teeth to be brushed and the positioning of the electric toothbrush 1 relative to this area. The use of a brushing member which rotates continuously in one direction of rotation or another is preferred, because it allows particularly effective cleaning of the teeth while limiting the risk of trauma.The implementation of an oscillating-rotating or vibrating brushing member proves to be less advantageous, in terms of compromise between brushing efficiency and minimizing the risk of trauma, than the use of a continuously rotating brushing member, as in the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the figures. In this embodiment, the brushing member 3 comprises a brushing roller 30 mounted to rotate about a first axis of rotation Y-Y', which is advantageously parallel to, and preferably coincident with, the aforementioned central longitudinal axis XX'. The brushing roller 30 comprises, as illustrated in the figures, a central core, formed for example in this case by a substantially elongated core, substantially coaxial with said first axis of rotation Y-Y'.Preferably, the central core extends in continuity with the output shaft of the electric motor, which output shaft is also coaxial with the first axis of rotation Y-Y', which is advantageously coincident with the central longitudinal axis X-X'. The brushing roller 30 further comprises the brushing protrusions 5, which project radially from said central core, preferably over substantially the entire periphery of the latter, i.e. 360° around the central core. Preferably, the brushing protrusions 5, advantageously formed by substantially flexible spikes or bristles, are distributed helically, along the first axis of rotation Y-Y'.In other words, in this preferred embodiment, the brushing protrusions 5 each extend between an inner end connected to the central core and a free outer end, such that they form a helix, or a spiral, around said central core, along the latter, as illustrated in Figure 2. For example, the central core is formed by a metal wire folded into a U which is twisted on itself to capture between the arms of the U the brushing protrusions 5, so that the twisting in question imparts to the plurality of brushing protrusions 5 a helical distribution. Thanks to this helical expansion, in a spiral around the first axis of rotation Y-Y', the brushing roller 30 is particularly effective from the point of view of the cleaning action, while being capable of providing gentle brushing which respects the sensitivity of the tissues concerned.

[0028] Preferably, and as illustrated in the figures, the brushing head 4 is also provided, at its free end, in front of the brushing roller 30, with a plurality of pins 6 which form a flexible lining arranged opposite the distal end of the brushing member 3, in the axial extension of the latter and substantially transversely to the first axis of rotation Y-Y'. The flexible lining formed by the pins 6 in question provides coverage of the brushing member 3 at an a priori non-functional area of ​​the latter, making it possible to avoid any interference of the non-functional area in question with the mucous membranes, while having a flexible character, and consequently respecting the tissues and providing comfortable brushing. Advantageously, the pins 6 forming this flexible lining can also be used for brushing.

[0029] According to the invention, the electric toothbrush 1 comprises a device for measuring an electrical quantity representative of a contact pressure between the brushing member (3) and the teeth (and / or the gums). The measuring device in question advantageously forms a sensor capable of providing at output a variable signal representative of the pressure (or the pressing force) exerted by the brushing roller 30 on the teeth. Said device for measuring the electrical quantity is advantageously housed in the housing 2, that is to say that it is preferably embedded by the gripping portion 2, and is advantageously powered by the aforementioned on-board energy source.

[0030] The electric toothbrush 1 also comprises a processing unit (not visible in the figures) which is also advantageously housed within the housing 2A, that is to say it is advantageously embedded in the gripping member 2. The processing unit comprises electronic processing means, including for example an electronic card which advantageously includes a microcontroller or a programmable logic network (for example a user-programmable gate array, usually designated by the English acronym FPGA). The processing unit is connected to the device for measuring said electrical quantity to emit a first alert signal when the value of said electrical quantity measured by the measuring device is greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0031] Preferably, said electrical quantity is constituted by a physical parameter which characterizes the supply current of the electric motor. In this case, the supply electric current in question is characterized by at least said electrical quantity. In this case, the latter constitutes in other words a physical parameter which characterizes the supply electric current. In this preferred embodiment, said measuring device is a device for measuring said electrical quantity characteristic of the supply electric current. The measuring device in question advantageously forms in this case a sensor capable of providing at output a variable signal representative of the value of said electrical quantity.The invention is thus based, in this preferred embodiment, on an extremely reliable and robust principle, according to which the electric supply current consumed by the electric motor varies according to the resistive torque applied to said electric motor, and more precisely to the output shaft of the latter. The resistive torque in question itself depends in this case on the contact pressure between the brushing member 3 and the tissues (gums and / or teeth) against which the brushing member 3 is pressed by the user. Indeed, the more the contact pressure increases, the greater the friction between the moving brushing member 3 and the tissues, and the greater the resistive torque exerted on the output shaft of the motor to which the brushing member 3 is connected.Therefore, by measuring a characteristic parameter of the electric current supplying the electric motor, it is possible to indirectly access a quantity representative of the contact pressure between the brushing member 3 and the tissues (teeth and / or gums).

[0032] Preferably, said electrical quantity is the intensity of said supply electric current. In this preferred embodiment, said measuring device is thus designed to detect an excess, by the supply electric current passing through the electric motor, of said predetermined threshold. In this case, said measuring device advantageously includes an ammeter or any suitable amperometric sensor. Said predetermined threshold corresponds in this case for example to an intensity value reflecting a level of contact pressure of the brushing member 3 on the tissues beyond which there is a risk of deterioration or weakening of the gums and / or teeth. The invention is of course not limited to the embodiment according to which the measured electrical quantity is the intensity of the supply electric current.For example, it is perfectly conceivable that the said electrical quantity is the electrical power consumed by the said electric motor, or any other appropriate quantitative physical parameter.

[0033] It is also conceivable, without departing from the scope of the invention, that the electrical quantity is not constituted by a physical parameter which characterizes the supply electrical current. For example, said electrical quantity may alternatively correspond to an electrical signal emitted by a bending sensor which detects bending of the output shaft of the motor and / or of the central core, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0034] Advantageously, said processing unit is intended to be connected to at least one first signaling member 7 so that the emission of said first alert signal by said processing unit, in response to the detection of a value of the electrical quantity which exceeds the predetermined threshold, commands the emission of a first visual signal 70 and / or audible signal by said first signaling member 7. Said first visual signal 70 and / or audible signal thus makes it possible to warn the user that the pressure exerted on his teeth and / or gums by means of the electric toothbrush 1 which he is handling is excessive, thereby encouraging him to reduce the contact pressure in question. For example, the first signaling member 7 comprises a light indicator, which is in the form of a strip and extends on the surface of the housing 2A according to a profile which may be horseshoe-shaped, as illustrated in FIG. 1.The indicator light in question is, for example, designed to illuminate with a first color (for example, the color blue) as long as the value of said measured electrical quantity is less than or equal to said predetermined threshold, then to illuminate in a second color (for example, the color red), different from said first color, in response to the emission of said first alert signal, as long as the value of said measured electrical quantity is greater than said predetermined threshold.

[0035] Advantageously, said processing unit is intended to be connected, in addition to or instead of the first signaling member 7, to a second signaling member 8 which is preferably remote, that is to say that it is not embedded in the housing 2A itself (as is the case with the indicator light mentioned previously) but is distinct and independent of said electric toothbrush 1. For example, the electric toothbrush 1 includes a data exchange module designed to communicate by radio waves 9 with a terminal 10 which is preferably remote, distinct and independent of the electric toothbrush 1. Said data exchange module is advantageously embedded within the housing 2A, for example inside the handle forming the gripping portion 2. Said processing unit is advantageously connected to said data exchange module.The terminal 10 is advantageously provided with an additional data exchange module designed to be paired with said data exchange module equipping the electric toothbrush 1, in order to establish said communication by radio waves 9, which is therefore a wireless communication. Said wireless communication is advantageously a Bluetooth ® connection, which is preferably based on the protocol designated by the registered trademark “Bluetooth Low Energy”, also designated by the acronym “BLE” or by the name “Bluetooth Smart ®”. This means that in this preferred case, both the electric toothbrush 1 and the terminal 10 incorporate respective combined telecommunication means, based on Bluetooth ® technology, to achieve contactless communication without a wired connection between the electric toothbrush 1 and the terminal 10.Of course, the invention is not limited to the implementation of a Bluetooth ® connection and other types of radio communications can be implemented (for example of the Wi-Fi type) without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0036] Advantageously, the communication by radio waves 9 between the electric toothbrush 1 and the terminal 10 allows a bidirectional transfer of digital or analog data between the electric toothbrush 1 and the terminal 10. The latter is for example formed by a computer terminal, such as a mobile telephone (smartphone, generally referred to as a "smartphone") or a touch pad for example. The terminal 10 in question is preferably provided with a control interface 10A, which includes for example one or more buttons, and a display screen 10B, which is preferably a touch screen, in which case said display screen 10B is part of the control interface 10A.

[0037] Advantageously, the display screen 10B forms said second signaling member 8 mentioned above. In this case, the processing unit is connected, via the radio wave link 9, to said second signaling member 8 formed by the display screen 10B of the terminal 10, so that the emission of said first alert signal by the processing unit controls the emission of a second visual signal 80 and / or audible signal by said second signaling member 8 formed in this case by the terminal 10. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the processing unit controls the display, by the display screen 10B of the terminal 10, of a pictogram forming said second visual signal 80, which appears for example substantially in the center of the screen when the value of the measured electrical quantity is greater than said predetermined threshold, and as long as said value exceeds said predetermined threshold.

[0038] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the processing unit is connected both to the first signaling member 7 and to the second signaling member 8, to implement redundant signaling, with a first local visual signal 70, arranged on the electric toothbrush 1 itself, for example on the surface of the housing 2A, and a second visual signal 80 remoted on the terminal 10. 11 it is however perfectly possible to implement only the first signaling member 7 or only the second signaling member 8.

[0039] Advantageously, the processing unit is at least partly formed by the terminal 10, that is to say by the electronic means and software embedded in the latter. For example, it is conceivable that the electric toothbrush 1 embeds, preferably within the housing 2A, electronic means making it possible to emit the first alert signal and to control the emission of the first visual signal 70. It is also conceivable that the electric toothbrush 1 comprises only means making it possible to collect a signal representative of the value of said electrical quantity measured by said measuring device and to communicate this signal, for example in real time, to the terminal 10.In this case, the terminal 10 includes processing means, which form all or part of the processing unit, and which are designed to determine whether the value of the measured electrical quantity is greater than the predetermined threshold and to emit, if this is the case, said first alert signal which controls the display of a visual signal, whether it is a visual signal located on the terminal 10 (second visual signal 80) or a visual signal located on the housing 2A of the electric toothbrush 1 (first visual signal 70).

[0040] The processing unit is configured to calculate a brushing quality indicator which takes into account any exceedance(s) of said predetermined threshold by said electrical quantity. In other words, the brushing quality indicator, which is preferably intended to be displayed by the display screen 10B of the terminal 10 (and / or by a screen 20 with which the gripping member 2 is possibly provided), takes into account the occurrence of one or more exceedances of said predetermined threshold to qualify the quality of the brushing. Said brushing quality indicator is presented for example in the form of a score (expressed by a number or a letter), and / or by a graphic element whose geometry and / or color vary(s) depending on the level of brushing quality obtained.

[0041] Advantageously, said electric toothbrush 1 includes timing means, which are preferably controlled by said processing unit, for determining a first brushing duration D1 i during which the value of said electrical quantity measured by the measuring device is greater than said predetermined threshold, and which corresponds for example to the duration during which said first alert signal is emitted. In other words, the timing means make it possible to measure the time D1 i during which, during a brushing session using the electric toothbrush 1, the value of said electrical quantity measured by the measuring device is greater than said predetermined threshold, thus characterizing the application of excessive contact pressure. Said first predetermined duration D1 i can then be used by the processing unit to calculate said brushing quality indicator.Advantageously, the timing means are also designed to determine, preferably under the control of said processing unit, a brushing time Ti during which the electric toothbrush 1 is used to brush the teeth of a user, or a predetermined area Zi of said teeth. For example, the aforementioned brushing quality indicator takes into account an effective brushing time TEi of a tooth area Zi which is calculated as follows: TEi = Ti - D1 i, where Ti represents the brushing time of the tooth area Zi concerned carried out by means of the toothbrush 1, and where D1 i represents said first predetermined duration mentioned above, during which the value of the electrical quantity measured by the measuring device exceeds the predetermined threshold. The previously mentioned brushing quality indicator is then preferably a score which is a function at least of the effective brushing time TEi of the area Zi.

[0042] Alternatively, or in addition to the technical measures mentioned above, said timing means form timer means, which are controlled by said processing unit to count down a predetermined time TDi for brushing the teeth or a predetermined area Zi thereof. The predetermined time TDi in question, which is counted down by the timer means, corresponds to a time considered to allow an optimal brushing result to be obtained. Preferably, the timer means in question are designed to interrupt said countdown of said predetermined brushing time TDi when said first alert signal is emitted. Thus, the countdown of said predetermined brushing time TDi advantageously takes into account the time periods of duration D1 i during which the value of the electrical quantity measured by the measuring device exceeds the predetermined threshold, to exclude these ranges of duration D1 i from said countdown.

[0043] Advantageously, the electric toothbrush 1 comprises a motion sensor, which is preferably housed inside the electric toothbrush 1, for example within the housing 2A. Said motion sensor includes for example an accelerometer and / or a 3D accelerometer and / or a gyrometer and / or an inertial unit, in order advantageously to allow the detection of the posture of the toothbrush in space, and in particular of its positioning and its orientation relative to the user's teeth. Said processing unit is advantageously connected to said motion sensor to detect an inappropriate movement of the toothbrush 1 and emit a second alert signal when such an inappropriate movement is detected.Advantageously, the nature of the inappropriate movements detected by the motion sensor under the control of the processing unit varies depending on the area Zi of the teeth being brushed, which area Zi can be detected automatically from the positioning data from the motion sensor.

[0044] Advantageously, the first signaling member 7 and / or the second signaling member 8 is (are) connected to the processing unit so that the emission of said second alert signal controls the emission of a third visual and / or audible signal by said first signaling member 7 or of a fourth visual and / or audible signal by said second signaling member 8. In this way, the user can be informed in real time of the fact that he is making inappropriate movements with his electric toothbrush 1, in particular with regard to the zone Zi of the teeth that he is brushing, which encourages him to modify his gestures. Preferably, said brushing quality indicator calculated by the processing unit takes into account the possible detection of inappropriate movements.

[0045] Preferably, said timing means are also designed to determine a second brushing duration D2i during which an inappropriate movement of said toothbrush is detected. More specifically, the timing means are preferentially controlled by said processing unit to determine said second brushing duration D2i during which said second alert signal is emitted. In other words, the timing means make it possible to measure the time D2i during which, during a brushing session using the electric toothbrush 1, the movement sensor detects an inappropriate movement. Said second predetermined duration D2i can then be used by the processing unit to calculate said brushing quality indicator.Advantageously, the aforementioned effective brushing time TEi of the tooth zone Zi takes into account said second predetermined duration and is for example automatically calculated by the processing unit as follows: TEi = Ti - (D1 i + D2i) where Ti represents the brushing time of the tooth zone Zi concerned carried out by means of the toothbrush 1, where D1 i represents said first predetermined duration mentioned above and where D2i designates said second predetermined duration mentioned above during which an inappropriate movement of the brush 1 is detected. The brushing quality score mentioned above is then preferably a function at least of the effective brushing time TEi of the zone Zi thus calculated to take into account not only the periods during which excessive contact pressure is exerted but also the periods during which the brush 1 makes inappropriate movements.

[0046] Preferably, the aforementioned timer means are designed to interrupt said countdown of said predetermined brushing time TDi when said second alert signal is emitted. Thus, the countdown of said predetermined brushing time TDi advantageously takes into account not only the time periods of duration D1 i during which the value of the electrical quantity measured by the measuring device exceeds the predetermined threshold, to exclude these ranges of duration D1 i from said countdown, but also the time periods of duration D2i during which an inappropriate movement is detected, to also exclude these ranges of duration D2i from said countdown. Advantageously, said electric motor is connected to the processing unit so that the direction of rotation of said brush roller 30 is automatically modified as a function of position signals produced by said movement sensor.In other words, the processing unit determines, from the position signals emitted by the movement sensor, the zone Zi of the teeth which is being brushed and in response controls the electric motor so that the output shaft drives the brushing roller 30 in rotation in a direction which allows brushing of the gum towards the upper part of the teeth (so-called “red to white” brushing generally recommended by health authorities).

[0047] Advantageously, said processing unit is designed to display on said display screen 10B of the terminal 10 both a representation 11 (preferably static) of the teeth of a user and a representation 12, preferably dynamic, in real time, of a progress of brushing of said teeth carried out by means of the toothbrush 1, said dynamic representation 12 being generated from position signals produced by said movement sensor. Said static representation 11 of the teeth includes for example a stylized representation of the teeth of the mandible and the teeth of the maxilla, each represented flat in top view (i.e. overhanging the masticatory faces), with the teeth of the maxilla arranged above the teeth of the mandible.Said dynamic representation 12 of the brushing progress is presented for example in the form of a colored highlighting line Bi which progresses by lengthening along the relevant zone Zi of the teeth represented on the display screen 10B, as visible in figures 1 and 3 for example.

[0048] Advantageously, the processing unit is designed to freeze the dynamic representation 12 of the brushing progress when the first alert signal is emitted. This means that as soon as excessive contact pressure is detected, which corresponds to an exceeding of the predetermined threshold by said value of the measured electrical quantity, the geometry of the graphic object which represents the brushing progress freezes, even if the user continues to move the electric toothbrush 1 along the teeth. This allows the user to intuitively understand that the brushing he is currently doing is not taken into account as being appropriate brushing. The user's understanding is facilitated by the display of an alert pictogram forming the second visual signal 80.

[0049] Advantageously, said static representation 11 of the teeth includes several tooth zones, for example (the numbering of the teeth indicated below corresponds to the ISO 3950:2016 tooth designation code - the tooth numbers are preceded by the sign # in order to distinguish them from the numerical references used in the drawings):

[0050] - a first zone Z1 corresponding to the external faces of teeth #41 to #48;

[0051] - a second zone Z2 corresponding to the external faces of teeth #31 to #38;

[0052] - a third zone Z3 corresponding to the external faces of teeth #21 to #28;

[0053] - a fourth zone Z4 corresponding to the external faces of teeth #11 to #18;

[0054] - a fifth zone Z5 corresponding to the internal faces of teeth #41 to #48;

[0055] - a sixth zone Z6 corresponding to the internal faces of teeth #31 to #38;

[0056] - a seventh zone Z7 corresponding to the internal faces of teeth #21 to #28;

[0057] - an eighth zone Z8 corresponding to the internal faces of teeth #11 to #18;

[0058] - a ninth zone Z9 corresponding to the masticatory surfaces of teeth #44 to #48;

[0059] - a tenth zone Z10 corresponding to the masticatory surfaces of teeth #34 to #38;

[0060] - an eleventh zone Z11 corresponding to the masticatory surfaces of teeth #24 to #28; and

[0061] - a twelfth zone Z12 corresponding to the masticatory surfaces of teeth #14 to #18.

[0062] This mapping is advantageously recorded in a memory of the processing unit. Said processing unit is preferably designed to display, on said display screen 10B, preferably superimposed on the static representation 11 of the teeth, indications 13 inviting the user to brush a respective one of said tooth zones Zi for a respective predetermined time TDi, with i=1 to 12. For example, as successive indications, the processing unit can display a dynamic arrow Fi which is displayed along or on the tooth zone Zi concerned during said predetermined time TDi corresponding to said zone concerned, with i= 1 to 12. Figures 1 and 3 thus illustrate the arrow F1 inviting the user to brush the zone Z1. For example, the predetermined time TDi during which the arrow Fi is displayed inviting the user to brush the tooth zone Zi is predetermined as follows:

[0063] - TDi = 6s for zones Zi with i = 1 to 8 (internal and external faces); and

[0064] - TDi = 3s for zones Zi with i = 9 to 12 (masticatory surfaces).

[0065] The dynamic representation 12 of the brushing progress is advantageously designed to illustrate, for example by a graphical evolution, the time actually spent by the brushing roller 30 in the zone Zi concerned, this progression ceasing (as does the graphical evolution which illustrates it) when the brushing roller 30 has brushed the teeth of the zone Zi in question for the corresponding predetermined duration (for example equal to 6 seconds for the external or internal faces of a quadrant).

[0066] Preferably, for each zone Zi of the teeth, the processing unit is designed to display on the screen 10B, near said zone Zi concerned, an indication Fi during the predetermined time TDi, the countdown of which preferentially takes into account the first brushing duration D1 i during which the value of the electrical quantity measured by the measuring device is greater than the predetermined threshold and / or the second brushing duration D2i during which an inappropriate movement of the toothbrush 1 is detected via the movement sensor, with i=1 to 12.

[0067] In the example of Figure 3, the processing unit displays on the display screen 10B an indication F1 inviting the user to brush the external face of teeth #48 to #41 (zone Z1) for the predetermined time TD1 (equal for example to 6 s), and the progress of the brushing, corresponding to the movement of the toothbrush 1 along the external faces of teeth #48 to #41, is materialized on the screen 10B by a highlighting line B1 which is superimposed, at the level of the external faces of the teeth concerned, on the static representation 11 of the teeth displayed by the display screen 10B. An example of use of an electric toothbrush 1 according to the embodiment illustrated in the figures will now be described in detail.

[0068] First, the user turns on the toothbrush by pressing an on / off button 40 located on the housing 2A, for example below the screen 20. The toothbrush 1 is then powered on, with its data exchange module ready to be paired with a combined module embedded in the terminal 10 (which is formed in this case by a smart mobile phone with a touch screen). At the same time, as soon as the toothbrush 1 is powered on, the brush roller 30 rotates continuously along the first axis of rotation YY' (which in this case coincides with the central longitudinal axis X-X') in a first direction of rotation, at a speed which is preferably substantially constant and which corresponds to a setting identified by a pictogram 20A which is displayed on the screen 20. In this case, said pictogram 20A represents in a stylized manner the brush roller 30 seen from the front, with in its center a number designating a rotation speed setting.At the same time, as soon as the toothbrush 1 is switched on, the screen 20 embedded in the handle of the latter also displays the time, measured by the timing means, which has elapsed since the moment the brush 1 is switched on by pressing the switch 40.

[0069] The user then launches a dedicated application which is executed by the terminal 10. This application controls automatic pairing of the data exchange module embedded in the toothbrush 1 with the conjugate module embedded in the terminal 10, so as to establish a bidirectional wireless data transfer link, for example a Bluetooth ® type radio wave link, between the toothbrush and the terminal 10.

[0070] The application executed by the terminal 10 displays a menu on the touch screen 10B of the terminal 10, allowing access to different interfaces. The menu in question thus allows, for example, the selection of a configuration interface which allows the user to choose a brushing speed program according to the state of his own gums. The interface displayed on the screen 10B by the application executed by the terminal 10 allows, for example, the user to choose from 3 brushing programs, namely: - a “periodontal” program allowing a choice from 3 possible rotation speeds V1, V2, V3, which is suitable for inflamed gums showing, for example, signs of gingivitis or periodontitis and for gums in the post-operative period, with:

[0071] - V1 = 2 revolutions / second ± 0.5 revolutions / second;

[0072] - V2 = 3 revolutions / second ± 0.5 revolutions / second;

[0073] - V3 = 4 revolutions / second ± 0.5 revolutions / second.

[0074] - a “comfort” program allowing a choice between 3 possible rotation speeds V4, V5, V6, which is suitable for healthy and thin gums:

[0075] - V4 = 6 revolutions / second ± 0.5 revolutions / second;

[0076] - V5 = 7 revolutions / second ± 0.5 revolutions / second;

[0077] - V6 = 8 revolutions / second ± 0.5 revolutions / second.

[0078] - a “fast” program allowing a choice between two possible rotation speeds V7, V8, which is suitable for healthy and thick gums:

[0079] - V7 = 10 revolutions / second ± 0.5 revolutions / second;

[0080] - V8 = 12 revolutions / second ± 0.5 revolutions / second.

[0081] Advantageously, the interface displayed on the screen 10B of the terminal 10 contains a questionnaire which allows the user, by indicating the state of his own gum (healthy gum, inflamed gum, gum in the post-operative period, thin gum, thick gum, etc.) to determine the appropriate program from among the 3 aforementioned programs. Then, the interface allows the user to select, for the chosen program, the rotation speed of the brush roller 30, for example by means of control buttons 41, 42 arranged on the handle (or via the control interface displayed by the screen 10B). For example, if the user has selected the “periodontal” program, he can then choose to assign to the brush roller 30 either speed V1, speed V2, or speed V3.In the same way, if the “comfort” program has been selected by the user, then the latter can select, via the interface displayed by the terminal 10 and / or the buttons 41, 42, a rotation speed of the brushing roller 30 from among the speeds V4, V5 or V6. If the “fast” program is selected, then the user will have the choice between two constant rotation speeds of the brushing roller 30, namely either speed V7 or speed V8. The choice of brushing speed is transmitted, by the radio link, to the portion of the processing unit which is embedded in the electric toothbrush 1. The processing unit in response controls the electric motor to impart to the brushing roller 30 a rotation at a constant speed which corresponds to that selected by the user.

[0082] The aforementioned menu also allows you to display an interface for brushing support and control, the said interface corresponding to that visible in figures 1 and 3.

[0083] Initially, a dynamic arrow F1 prompts the user to brush the external faces of teeth #48 to #41 (zone Z1). The user then positions the brush roller 30 against the external face of tooth #48 as prompted by the dynamic arrow F1, then moves the brush 1 along the external faces of teeth #48 to #41 to brush each of them, until reaching tooth #41, as prompted by the dynamic arrow F1 which is displayed on the screen 10B. During this brushing sequence of zone Z1, the brush roller 30 rotates at a constant speed (the value of which corresponds to that previously selected by the user as explained above) in a direction which is controlled by the processing unit as a function of the data from the motion sensor. The processing unit, using said data from the motion sensor, imparts to the brushing roller 30 a direction of rotation which allows brushing of the gums towards the teeth (i.e."from red to white"). The dynamic arrow F1 encourages the user to brush the zone Z1 for a predetermined duration, which is preferably equal to substantially 6 seconds. The progress of the brushing is materialized on the screen 10B by a highlighting line B1 which progresses along the external faces of the teeth #48 to #41 in response to the actual movement of the electric toothbrush 1 detected by the motion sensor. The progression of the highlighting line B1 is thus controlled by the position data from the motion sensor.

[0084] If, while brushing the external faces of teeth #48 to #41 of zone Z1, the user exerts too much pressure with the brushing roller 30 on the teeth and / or gums, the intensity of the electric current supplying the motor increases and exceeds the predetermined threshold, which generates the display, by the screen 10B, of an alert pictogram 80 encouraging the user to reduce the contact pressure. The pictogram 80 remains displayed on the screen 10B, for example in the center of the latter, as long as the contact pressure has not been reduced by the user. Similarly, the indicator light 70 produces a red light signal as long as the contact pressure has not been reduced so that the intensity of the electric supply current returns to a value lower than the predetermined threshold.

[0085] The same mechanism applies when the user makes an inappropriate movement with the toothbrush 1 while brushing the external faces of teeth #48 to #41 of the zone Z1. Such an inappropriate movement may consist, for example, of a jerky movement of the electric toothbrush 1, or simply of the electric toothbrush 1 moving away from the area to be brushed (for example, if the brush roller 30 is pulled out of the user's mouth). When such an inappropriate movement is detected, by means of the movement sensor under the control of the processing unit, a specific pictogram (not shown) is displayed on the screen 10B and the indicator light 70 lights up again with a red light.Furthermore, as long as the first alert signal or the second alert signal is emitted, the highlight line B1 corresponding to the dynamic representation 12 in real time of the brushing progress freezes, that is to say that its length no longer changes and that it stops extending in the direction of the extreme tooth #41.

[0086] Once zone 1 has been brushed for an effective time TE1 of 6 seconds (after deduction of the first and second durations D11, D21 during which the first signal or the second signal is emitted), the arrow F1 disappears and a new dynamic arrow F2 (not shown) is displayed on the screen 10B near the second zone Z2 to encourage the user to brush zone Z2 from tooth #31 to tooth #38, on the external faces of the latter. The processing unit takes into account the data from the motion sensor to, if necessary, automatically change the direction of rotation of the brush roller 30, so that when brushing zone Z2, the direction of rotation is adapted to the orientation of the toothbrush 1, so that the brush roller 30 brushes the gums towards the teeth. The brushing time for zone Z2 is again 6 seconds.

[0087] The user is then successively invited, by dynamic arrows Fi (where i corresponds to the number of the zone concerned Zi) appearing one after the other on the screen 10B in an appropriate position, to brush successively:

[0088] - the internal faces of teeth #38 to #31 of zone Z6 (for example for 6 s),

[0089] - the internal faces of teeth #41 to #48 of zone Z5 (for example for 6 s),

[0090] - the chewing surfaces of teeth #48 to #44 of zone Z9 (for example for 3 seconds),

[0091] - the chewing surfaces of teeth #34 to #38 of zone Z10 (for example for 3 seconds),

[0092] - the external faces of teeth #18 to #11 of zone Z4 (for example for 6 seconds),

[0093] - the external faces of teeth #21 to #28 of zone Z3 (for example for 6 seconds),

[0094] - the internal faces of teeth #28 to #21 of zone Z7 (for example for 6 seconds),

[0095] - the internal faces of teeth #11 to #18 of zone Z8 (for example for 6 seconds),

[0096] - the chewing surfaces of teeth #18 to #14 of zone Z12 (for example for 3 seconds) and

[0097] - the masticatory surfaces of teeth #28 to #24 of zone Z11 (for example for 3 seconds).

[0098] Of course, for each zone Zi the operation is the same as for the zone Z1 described in detail in the above, in particular with regard to the progression of the dynamic representation 12 of the progress of the brushing on the zone concerned and the taking into account of excessive contact pressures and / or inappropriate movements. Advantageously, it is possible for the user to move from one zone Zn to another zone Zm without having been prompted by the interface displayed on the screen 10B, and even if the brushing of the zone Zn was not completely finished (for example because the user made inappropriate movements or applied excessive contact pressure).In this case, once the brushing sequence is complete, i.e. once all zones Z1 to Z12 have been brushed, the zones Zn where brushing was incomplete (due, for example, to an effective brushing time that was too short, possibly due to inappropriate movements and / or excessive contact pressure) are indicated by the interface displayed by the screen 10B, so as to invite the user to re-brush the zones Zn concerned to obtain optimal brushing. If the user does not respond to this invitation, the brushing cycle is closed.

[0099] Once the brushing cycle is completed, the application displays on the screen 10B a brushing score S which corresponds to said indicator of the quality of the brushing that the user has just carried out using the electric toothbrush 1.

[0100] The brushing score S in question is for example calculated as shown in the following:

[0101] - When each zone Zi, with i = 1 to 8, has been brushed for the corresponding predetermined time (which is for example equal to 6 seconds for zones Z1 to Z8), then 1 point is awarded, making a total of 8 possible points if the 8 external and internal zones Z1 to Z8 have all been brushed correctly for at least 6 seconds each.

[0102] - For each zone Zi, with i = 9 to 12, brushed for the corresponding predetermined time (which is for example equal to 3 seconds), half a point (0.5 point) is awarded, making a total of 2 possible points if the 4 masticatory zones Z9 to Z12 have each been brushed correctly for the corresponding predetermined time of 3 seconds.

[0103] Therefore, if the brushing cycle is carried out correctly and completely, then the brushing time totals one minute (6 x 4 + 6 x 4 + 4 x 3) and corresponds to a maximum total score of 10 points, which indicates satisfactory brushing quality. In the event that during the brushing of one of the zones Z1 to Z12 an incorrect gesture (contact pressure too high leading to the emission of the first signal or inappropriate movement leading to the emission of the second signal) is detected, then not only does the dynamic representation 12 of the brushing progress freeze, but the calculation of the number of points associated with the zone Zi concerned is carried out by first calculating the effective time TEi of the zone concerned Zi in the following manner, by means of the processing unit: TEi = Ti - (D1 i + D2i), with i = 1 to 12, where TEi is the effective brushing time of the zone Zi, Ti is the total brushing time of the zone Zi,that is to say the time during which the brush roller 30 was positioned in or towards the zone Zi concerned, D1 i is the first duration during which the first signal was emitted during the brushing of the zone Zi in question and D2i is the second duration during which the second signal was emitted during the brushing of the zone Zi in question.,

[0104] Then, the processing unit compares for the relevant zone Zi of the teeth the effective time TEi calculated according to the above method with the corresponding predetermined time TDi, with for example TDi = 6 s when i = 1 to 8 and TDi = 3 s for i = 9 to 12.

[0105] If TEi / TDi > k, with k > 80% and preferably k > 90%, then the processing unit allocates 1 point to the brushing of the relevant Zi area. If, on the contrary, TEi / TDi < k, then the processing unit allocates 0 points to the brushing of the relevant Zi area.

[0106] Of course, thanks to the fact that the dynamic representation 12 freezes, and also thanks to the display of an alert perceptible by the user (for example the first visual signal 70), the user can immediately correct his brushing gesture to ensure that the condition TEi / TDi > k is satisfied. In this case, the brushing error is corrected immediately and the dynamic representation 12 of the brushing progress resumes its geometric evolution and continues for example until its end.

[0107] In the opposite case, where the user does not go back and where one of the zones Zi has been brushed incorrectly, so that the maximum possible number of points has not been reached, then, when the final score S is displayed (with therefore in this last case S<10), a graphic signaling of the zones Zi where the maximum possible score has not been reached is displayed (with for example a red highlight) to invite the user to start brushing again in the zones concerned to increase his score. In this case, the processing unit is also designed to advantageously indicate the order of passage of the electric brush 1 over the zones concerned, if there are several.

[0108] Finally, the processing unit is advantageously designed to take into account the fact that for some users, there may be doubt as to whether the first dynamic arrow F1 designates the lower right quarter or the lower left quarter of the teeth. The algorithm implemented by the processing unit makes it possible to overcome this difficulty by automatically recalculating, if the user does not start as indicated by zone Z1 but rather by zone Z2, the brushing sequence that follows, with the appropriate order of the zones to be brushed. The user can thus start by choice with zone Z1 or zone Z2.Depending on whether the electric toothbrush 1 detects, thanks to the movement sensor under the control of the processing unit, that the first area brushed is area Z1 or area Z2, then the brushing sequence which follows is automatically adapted accordingly, so as to provide a path for the brush 1 which goes around all the teeth (internal and external faces) including the chewing areas.

[0109] In case the user starts the brushing cycle with zone Z2, the user is guided by the application to proceed with the following brushing sequence:

[0110] - External faces of teeth #38 to #31 of zone Z2 (for example for 6 s),

[0111] - External faces of teeth #41 to #48 of zone Z1 (for example for 6s),

[0112] - Internal faces of teeth #48 to #41 of zone Z5 (for example for 6 s),

[0113] - Internal faces of teeth #31 to #38 of zone Z6 (for example for 6 s),

[0114] - Chewing surfaces of teeth #38 to #34 of zone Z10 (for example for 3 seconds),

[0115] - Chewing surfaces of teeth #48 to #44 of zone Z9 (for example for 3 seconds),

[0116] - External faces of teeth #28 to #21 of zone Z3 (for example for 6 seconds), External faces of teeth #11 to #18 of zone Z4 (for example for 6 seconds),

[0117] - Internal faces of teeth #18 to #11 of zone Z8 (for example for 6 seconds),

[0118] - Internal faces of teeth #21 to #28 of zone Z7 (for example for 6 seconds),

[0119] - Chewing surfaces of teeth #28 to #24 of zone Z11 (for example for 3 seconds) and

[0120] - Chewing surfaces of teeth #18 to #14 of zone Z12 (for example for 3 seconds).

[0121] Advantageously, the display on the screen 10B of the teeth and the path of the brush 1 (materialized by the dynamic graphic representation 12) is carried out in reverse, that is to say in “mirror” mode, as illustrated in the figures. This facilitates the gestures of the user who follows the same direction as the arrows Fi displayed on the screen 10B.

[0122] The invention ultimately makes it possible, particularly in its preferred embodiment illustrated and explained in detail in the above, to intuitively and quickly achieve optimal brushing of the teeth in a short time, with a brush 1 of particularly simple, light and compact construction.

[0123] POSSIBILITY OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

[0124] The invention finds its industrial application in the design, manufacture and use of electric toothbrushes.

Claims

CLAIMS Electric toothbrush (1) comprising an electric motor and a tooth-brushing element (3) connected to said electric motor to be rotated by the latter, said electric toothbrush (1) being characterized in that it comprises a device for measuring an electrical quantity representative of a contact pressure between the brushing element (3) and the teeth, and a processing unit connected to said measuring device to emit a first warning signal when the value of said electrical quantity measured by said measuring device is greater than a predetermined threshold, said brushing element (3) comprising a brush roller (30) mounted for rotation about a first axis of rotation (Y-Y'), said brush roller (30) comprising a central core substantially coaxial with said first axis of rotation (Y-Y') and brushing protrusions (5) which project radially from said central core,said toothbrush (1) including timing means for measuring a first brushing time (D1 i) during which the value of said electrical quantity measured by the measuring device is greater than said predetermined threshold, said first predetermined time (D1 i) being used by said processing unit to calculate a brushing quality indicator. Electric toothbrush (1) according to the preceding claim characterized in that said electric motor is powered by a supply electric current,said electrical quantity being constituted by a physical parameter that characterizes said electric supply current. Electric toothbrush (1) according to the preceding claim characterized in that said electrical quantity is the intensity of said electric supply current. Electric toothbrush (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that said processing unit is intended to be connected to at least one first signaling device (7) so that the emission of said, The first warning signal from said processing unit triggers the emission of a first visual (70) and / or audible signal by said signaling device (7). An electric toothbrush (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a motion sensor, which includes an accelerometer and / or a gyroscope and / or an inertial measurement unit, said processing unit being connected to said motion sensor to detect inappropriate movement of said toothbrush (1) and to emit a second warning signal when such inappropriate movement is detected. An electric toothbrush (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said timing means are designed to determine a second brushing time (D2i) during which inappropriate movement of said toothbrush (1) is detected.An electric toothbrush (1) according to any one of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that said processing unit is designed to display on said display screen (10B) both a static representation (11) of a user's teeth and a real-time dynamic representation (12) of the progress of brushing said teeth performed with said toothbrush (1), said dynamic representation (12) being generated from position signals produced by said motion sensor. An electric toothbrush (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said processing unit is designed to freeze said dynamic representation (12) when said first warning signal is emitted.Electric toothbrush (1) according to any one of claims 7 and 8 characterized in that said static representation (11) of the teeth includes several tooth zones (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5, Z6, Z7, Z8, Z9, Z10, Z11, Z12), said processing unit being designed to display on said display screen (10B) successive indications (F1) prompting the user to brush one of said respective tooth zones (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5, Z6, Z7, Z8, Z9, Z10, Z11, Z12) for a respective predetermined time (TDi). An electric toothbrush (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that said electric motor is connected to the processing unit so that the direction of rotation of said brush roller (30) is automatically changed according to position signals produced by said motion sensor. An electric toothbrush (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes a data exchange module designed to communicate by radio waves (9) with a terminal (10) having a control interface (10A) and a display screen (10B), said processing unit being at least partially formed by said terminal (10).

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