ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH WITH BRUSHING CONTROL

Abstract

- Electric toothbrush with brushing control. - The invention relates to an electric toothbrush (1) comprising an electric motor and a tooth-brushing element (3) connected to said electric motor to be set in motion by the latter, said electric motor being powered by an electric supply current characterized by at least one electrical quantity, said electric toothbrush (1) being characterized in that it further comprises a device for measuring said electrical quantity 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. - Oral hygiene instruments. - Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1.

Description

Description Title of the invention: ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH BRUSH CONTROL

[0001] — The present invention relates to the general technical field of instruments oral hygiene, and more specifically the field of toothbrushes particularly for human use.

[0002] — The present invention relates more particularly to an electric toothbrush including an electric motor and a tooth-brushing device connected to said electric motor to be set in rotation by the latter, said electric motor being powered by an electric supply current.

[0003] — Electric toothbrushes using a brushing mechanism are known motorized. These electric toothbrushes are generally satisfactory because they allow for effective brushing, in particularly comfortable conditions for the user, since the implementation of a motorization makes it possible to reduce the gestures to perform.

[0004] — These well-known electric toothbrushes nevertheless have some drawbacks serious.

[0005] — Thus, if the user of these known brushes does not need, thanks to the motorization, Instead of using a jerky brushing motion, he himself ensures the contact of the brush with the teeth and gums. However, during this contact contact and movement of the brush along the teeth and gums, the user may be led, voluntarily or involuntarily, 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 brittleness) (lisation) of the enamel or other trauma. Such excessive pressure is also likely to cause the electric motor to strain, with a risk of overheating and de- deterioration of the latter.

[0006] — The objects assigned to the invention are therefore intended to remedy the drawbacks as outlined above, and to propose a new electric toothbrush which, While being compact and economical in construction, it allows for a reduction in... particularly reliable and effective, the risk of excessive brushing pressure is exercised by the user.

[0007] — Another object of the invention aims to provide a new electric toothbrush whose operation is based on a particularly simple and proven principle.

[0008] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new electric toothbrush whose operation is particularly intuitive. Another object of the invention aims to provide a new electric toothbrush that promotes the adoption, by its user, of an optimal brushing routine. Another object of the invention aims to provide a new electric toothbrush which is particularly easy to use and allows for optimal brushing in a particularly quick and easy way. Another object of the invention aims to provide a new electric toothbrush that allows for particularly effective and gentle brushing, while optimally preserving biological tissues. Another object of the invention is to propose a new electric toothbrush that uses simple and standard components. Another object of the invention aims to provide a new electric toothbrush that is particularly robust and lightweight. The objects assigned to the invention are reached with the aid of an electric toothbrush comprising an electric motor and a tooth-brushing element connected to said electric motor to be set in motion by the latter, said electric motor being supplied by an electric supply current characterized by at least one electrical quantity, said electric toothbrush being characterized in that it further comprises a device for measuring said electrical quantity 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. Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in more detail upon reading the following detailed description, with reference to the attached drawings, given by way of purely illustrative and non-limiting examples, in which: [Fig.1] illustrates, according to a schematic elevation view, an electric toothbrush according to the invention, which communicates with a remote terminal, formed in this case by a touch screen mobile phone, via a wireless link by radio-electric waves of the Bluetooth ® type. [Fig.2] illustrates, according to a schematic perspective view, a detail of the realization of the electric toothbrush of [Fig.1], which is part of a brushing head embedding the tooth brushing organ. [Fig.3] is an enlarged view of a graphical interface displayed by the mobile phone screen of [Fig.1]. [Fig.4] schematically illustrates different areas of a graphical representation of teeth implemented by the graphical interface of [Fig.3]. 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 to man, but, according to an alternative embodiment, it can perfectly be adapted for veterinary use, for example for livestock or companion animals. Advantageously, the electric toothbrush 1 includes a gripping portion 2, preferably forming a handle, intended to be grasped manually by a user, enabling the user to manipulate the electric toothbrush 1 and, in particular, to control its position and orientation in space, as well as the pressure applied to the teeth to be brushed. The handle, which advantageously forms the gripping portion 2, extends, for example, longitudinally along a central longitudinal axis XX. Preferably, the toothbrush 1 includes 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. According to the invention, the electric toothbrush also includes a tooth-brushing element 3, which is advantageously located substantially at one end of the electric toothbrush 1. The latter thus has, for example, a generally elongated shape extending longitudinally along the central longitudinal axis XX. Preferably, the brushing element 3 is part of a brush head 4, which is advantageously located in the axial extension of the gripping portion 2, as illustrated in the figures. Preferably, the brush head 4 is removably attached to the gripping portion 2. However, it is alternatively conceivable that the head 4 is permanently attached to the gripping element 2, without the possibility of separation. The tooth-brushing element 3 is designed to be brought into contact with the teeth in order to clean them, in this case by an abrasive mechanical brushing action.To perform its intended brushing function, the brushing element 3 is advantageously provided with brushing protrusions 5, preferably formed by a plurality of bristles or pins. These brushing protrusions 5 are preferably made of synthetic material and advantageously have a substantially soft, flexible character. According to the invention, the electric toothbrush 1 comprises an electric motor (not visible in the figures), which is advantageously integrated into the gripping portion 2, and is, for example, housed in the aforementioned casing 2A, which preferably forms said gripping portion 2. The electric motor in question is preferably a DC motor, with a stator, a rotor, and an output shaft integral with the rotor and driven in rotation by the latter. Said electric motor is intended to be powered by a supply current, which is preferably a DC current. Said supply current flows through the motor to set said stator and rotor into relative rotation. The supply current in The question is characterized by at least one electrical quantity. This electrical quantity constitutes, in other words, a physical parameter that characterizes the electrical supply current in question. Advantageously, in order to supply said electrical supply current to the motor and possibly to other electrical or electronic components equipping the brush 1, the latter advantageously includes 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. According to the invention, the tooth brushing element 3 is connected to the electric motor to be set in motion by the latter, and more specifically to be rotated by it. For example, the tooth brushing element 3 is mechanically connected to the output shaft of the electric motor, either directly or indirectly (for example, via a mechanical gearbox and / or a transmission device, including, for example, a universal joint). The brushing element 3 is thus designed to rotate, preferably substantially continuously, in the same direction, which direction can be changed depending on the area of ​​the teeth to be brushed and the positioning of the electric toothbrush 1 relative to this area. Using a brushing element that rotates continuously in one direction or another is preferred because it allows for particularly effective cleaning of the teeth while limiting the risk of injury.The use of an oscillating-rotating or vibrating brushing element proves to be less advantageous, in terms of the trade-off between brushing efficiency and minimizing the risk of injury, than the use of a continuously rotating brushing element, as in the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the figures. In this embodiment, the brushing element 3 preferably comprises a brushing roller 30 mounted for rotation 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, for example, as illustrated in the figures, a central core, formed 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 YY", which advantageously coincides with the central longitudinal axis X-X'. The brush roller 30 further advantageously comprises brushing protrusions 5, which preferably project radially from said central core. Preferably, the brushing protrusions 5, advantageously formed by substantially flexible bristles or hairs, are distributed helically along the first axis of rotation Y-Y'. In other words, in this preferred embodiment, each brushing protrusion 5 extends between an internal end connected to . The central core and a free outer end are arranged in such a way that they form a helix, or spiral, around and along the length of the central core, as illustrated in [Fig. 2]. For example, the central core is formed by a U-shaped metal wire twisted upon itself to capture the brush protrusions 5 between the arms of the U, such that this twisting gives the plurality of brush protrusions 5 a helical distribution. Thanks to this helical arrangement, spiraling around the first axis of rotation Y-Y', the brush roller 30 is particularly effective in terms of cleaning action, while also being able to provide gentle brushing that respects the sensitivity of the tissues involved. Preferably, and as illustrated in the figures, the brush head 4 is also provided, at its free end, in front of the brush roller 30, with a plurality of bristles 6 that form a flexible pad arranged opposite the distal end of the brushing element 3, in the axial extension thereof and substantially transverse to the first axis of rotation YY. The flexible pad formed by the bristles 6 covers the brushing element 3 in a non-functional area of ​​the latter, thus preventing any interference of the non-functional area with the mucous membranes, while remaining flexible and therefore gentle on the tissues, providing comfortable brushing. Advantageously, the bristles 6 forming this flexible pad can also be used for brushing. According to the invention, the electric toothbrush 1 includes a device for measuring said electrical quantity characteristic of the supply current. The measuring device advantageously forms a sensor capable of providing a variable output signal representative of the value of said electrical quantity. This measuring device is advantageously housed in the casing 2, that is to say, it is preferably integrated into the gripping portion 2, and is advantageously powered by the aforementioned integrated power source. The electric toothbrush also includes a processing unit (not visible in the figures) which is advantageously housed within the casing 2A, i.e., it is advantageously integrated into the gripping member 2. The processing unit includes electronic processing means, including, for example, an electronic board which advantageously includes a microcontroller or a programmable logic network (for example, a user-programmable gate array, usually referred to by the English acronym FPGA). The processing unit is connected to the measuring device for said electrical quantity to emit a first warning signal when the value of said electrical quantity measured by the measuring device exceeds a predetermined threshold. The invention is thus based on An extremely reliable and robust principle states that the electrical current consumed by the electric motor varies according to the resistive torque applied to said electric motor, and more specifically to its output shaft. This resistive torque depends, in this case, on the contact pressure between the brushing element 3 and the tissues (gums and / or teeth) against which the brushing element 3 is pressed by the user. Indeed, the greater the contact pressure, the greater the friction between the moving brushing element 3 and the tissues, and the greater the resistive torque exerted on the motor's output shaft to which the brushing element 3 is connected.Therefore, by measuring a characteristic parameter of the electric current powering the electric motor, it is possible to indirectly access a quantity representative of the contact pressure between the brushing element 3 and the tissues (teeth and / or gums). Preferably, the electrical quantity in question is the intensity of the power supply current. In this preferred embodiment, the measuring device is designed to detect when the power supply current flowing through the electric motor exceeds the predetermined threshold. In this case, the measuring device advantageously includes an ammeter or any suitable amperometric sensor. The predetermined threshold corresponds, for example, to a current value reflecting a level of contact pressure of the brushing element 3 on the tissues beyond which there is a risk of damage to or weakening of the gums and / or teeth. The invention is, of course, not limited to the embodiment in which the measured electrical quantity is the intensity of the power supply current.For example, it is perfectly conceivable that said electrical quantity could be the electrical power consumed by said electric motor, or any other appropriate quantitative physical parameter. Advantageously, said processing unit is intended to be connected to at least one first signaling device 7 so that the emission of said first warning signal by said processing unit, in response to the detection of a value of the electrical quantity that exceeds the predetermined threshold, triggers the emission of a first visual signal 70 and / or audible signal by said first signaling device 7. This first visual and / or audible signal 70 thus warns the user that the pressure exerted on their teeth and / or gums by means of the electric toothbrush 1 they are using is excessive, thereby prompting them to reduce the contact pressure. For example, the first signaling device 7 includes an indicator light, which is in the form of a strip and extends across the surface of the housing 2A in a profile that may be horseshoe-shaped, as illustrated in [Fig. 1].The indicator light in question is, for example, designed to light up with a first color (for example, the color blue) as long as the value of said electrical quantity. measured is less than or equal to said predetermined threshold, then to light up in a second color (for example the color red), different from said first color, in response to the emission of said first warning signal, as long as the value of said measured electrical quantity is greater than said predetermined threshold. Advantageously, said processing unit is intended to be connected, in addition to or instead of the first signaling element 7, to a second signaling element 8 which is preferably remote, that is to say, it is not carried by the electric toothbrush 1 itself (as is the case of the indicator light mentioned previously) but is separate 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, separate and independent of the electric toothbrush 1. Said data exchange module is advantageously carried 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.Terminal 10 is advantageously equipped with an additional data exchange module designed to be paired with the data exchange module equipping the electric toothbrush 1, in order to establish said communication via radio waves 9, which is therefore wireless communication. This wireless communication is advantageously a Bluetooth® connection, which is preferably based on the protocol designated by the registered trademark "Bluetooth Low Energy," also known by the acronym "BLE" or by the name "Bluetooth Smart®." This means that, in this preferential case, both the electric toothbrush 1 and terminal 10 carry their respective combined telecommunication means, based on Bluetooth® technology, to achieve contactless communication without a wired connection between the electric toothbrush 1 and 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, Wi-Fi type) without departing from the scope of the invention. Advantageously, radio wave communication 9 between the electric toothbrush 1 and the terminal 10 allows for bidirectional transfer of digital or analog data between the electric toothbrush 1 and the terminal 10. The latter is, for example, a computer terminal, such as a mobile phone (smartphone) or a tablet. The terminal 10 is preferably equipped with a control interface 10A, which includes, for example, one or more buttons, and a display screen 10B, which is preferably a touchscreen, in which case the display screen 1OB is part of the control interface 10A. Advantageously, the display screen 1OB forms the aforementioned second signaling element 8. In this case, the processing unit is connected, via the radio wave link 9, to the aforementioned second signaling element 8 formed by the display screen 10B of the terminal 10, so that the emission of the aforementioned first alert signal by the processing unit triggers the emission of a second visual signal 80 and / or audible signal by the aforementioned second signaling element 8, in this case formed by the terminal 10. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the processing unit commands the display, by the display screen 10B of the terminal 10, of a pictogram forming the aforementioned 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 the aforementioned predetermined threshold, and as long as the said value exceeds the aforementioned predetermined threshold. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the processing unit is connected to both the first signaling element 7 and the second signaling element 8, to implement redundant signaling, with a first local visual signal 70, located on the electric toothbrush 1 itself, for example on the surface of the housing 2A, and a second remote visual signal 80 on the terminal 10.11. However, it is perfectly conceivable to implement only the first signaling element 7 or only the second signaling element 8. Advantageously, the processing unit is at least partly formed by the terminal 10, that is to say, by the electronic and software means embedded in it. For example, it is conceivable that the electric toothbrush 1 incorporates, preferably within the housing 2A, electronic means for emitting the first warning signal and controlling the emission of the first visual signal 70. It is also conceivable that the electric toothbrush | comprises only means for collecting a signal representative of the value of said electrical quantity measured by said measuring device and for communicating 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 so, said first warning signal which commands the display of a visual signal, whether it be 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). Advantageously, the processing unit is configured to calculate a brushing quality indicator that takes into account any exceedances 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 terminal 10 (and / or by a screen 20 with which the device may be equipped (Grasp 2), takes into account the occurrence of one or more exceedances of said predetermined threshold to qualify the quality of brushing. This 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 varies according to the level of brushing quality obtained. Advantageously, said electric toothbrush | includes timing means, preferably controlled by said processing unit, for determining an initial brushing time D1i during which said first warning signal is emitted. In other words, the timing means make it possible to measure the time D1i during which, in a brushing session using the electric toothbrush 1, the value of said electrical quantity measured by the measuring device exceeds said predetermined threshold, thus characterizing the application of excessive contact pressure. Said initial predetermined time DIi can then be used by the processing unit to calculate said brushing quality indicator.Advantageously, the timing devices 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 a user's teeth, 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 — DIi, where Ti represents the brushing time of the relevant tooth area Zi performed using the toothbrush 1, and where DIi 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 brushing quality score mentioned above is then preferably a function at least of the effective brushing time TEi of the area Zi. Alternatively, or in addition to the technical measures mentioned above, the timing means constitute timers, which are controlled by the processing unit to count down a predetermined brushing time TDi of the teeth or a predetermined area Zi thereof. The predetermined time TDi, which is counted down by the timers, corresponds to a time considered sufficient to achieve an optimal brushing result. Preferably, the timers are designed to interrupt the counting down of the predetermined brushing time TDi when the first warning signal is emitted. Thus, the counting down of the predetermined brushing time TDi advantageously takes into account periods of time D1i during which the value of the electrical quantity measured by the measuring device exceeds the predetermined threshold, in order to exclude these periods of time D1i from the counting down. Advantageously, the electric toothbrush 1 includes a motion sensor, preferably housed inside the electric toothbrush 1, for example within the casing 2A. This motion sensor includes, for example, an accelerometer and / or a 3D accelerometer and / or a gyroscope and / or an inertial measurement unit, advantageously enabling the detection of the toothbrush's posture in space, and in particular its positioning and orientation relative to the user's teeth. This processing unit is advantageously connected to the motion sensor to detect inappropriate movement of the toothbrush 1 and to issue a second alert signal when such inappropriate movement is detected.Advantageously, the nature of inappropriate movements detected by the motion sensor under the control of the processing unit varies according to the Zi zone of the teeth being brushed, which Zi zone can be automatically detected from the positioning data from the motion sensor. Advantageously, the first signaling device 7 and / or the second signaling device 8 is / are connected to the processing unit so that the emission of said second alert signal triggers the emission of a third visual and / or audible signal by said first signaling device 7 or a fourth visual and / or audible signal by said second signaling device 8. In this way, the user can be informed in real time that he is making inappropriate movements with his electric toothbrush 1, particularly with regard to the Zi zone of the teeth he is brushing, which prompts him to change his technique. Preferably, the brushing quality indicator calculated by the processing unit takes into account the possible detection of inappropriate movements. Preferably, said timing means are also designed to determine a second brushing time D2i during which inappropriate movement of said toothbrush is detected. More specifically, the timing means are preferably controlled by said processing unit to determine said second brushing time 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, in a brushing session using the electric toothbrush 1, the motion sensor detects inappropriate movement. Said second predetermined time D2i can then be used by the processing unit to calculate said brushing quality indicator.Advantageously, the above-mentioned effective brushing time TEi of the dentition area Zi takes into account said second predetermined duration and is for example automatically calculated by the processing unit as follows: TEi = Ti — (D1i+D21) where Ti represents the brushing time of the relevant dentition area Zi carried out using the . toothbrush 1, where Di represents the aforementioned first predetermined duration and where D2i designates the aforementioned second predetermined duration during which an inappropriate movement of brush 1 is detected. The brushing quality score mentioned above is then preferentially a function at least of the effective brushing time TEi of 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 brush 1 makes inappropriate movements. Preferably, the aforementioned timer means are designed to interrupt the countdown of the predetermined brushing time TDi when the second warning signal is emitted. Thus, the countdown of the predetermined brushing time TDi advantageously takes into account not only time periods of duration D1i during which the value of the electrical quantity measured by the measuring device exceeds the predetermined threshold, in order to exclude these time periods D1i from the countdown, but also time periods of duration D2i during which inappropriate movement is detected, in order to also exclude these time periods D2i from the countdown. Advantageously, the electric motor is connected to the processing unit so that the direction of rotation of the brush roller 30 is automatically changed according to position signals produced by the motion sensor. In other words, the processing unit determines, from the position signals emitted by the motion sensor, the area Zi of the teeth being brushed and, in response, controls the electric motor so that the output shaft drives the brush roller 30 in rotation in a direction that allows brushing from the gums towards the upper part of the teeth (the so-called "red to white" brushing, generally recommended by health authorities). Advantageously, said processing unit is designed to display on said display screen 10B of terminal 10 both a representation 11 (preferably static) of a user's dentition and a representation 12 (preferably dynamic, in real time) of the progress of brushing said dentition using the toothbrush 1, said dynamic representation 12 being generated from position signals produced by said motion sensor. The static representation 11 of the dentition includes, for example, a stylized representation of the mandibular and maxillary teeth, each shown flat in a top view (i.e., overhanging the masticatory surfaces), with the maxillary teeth positioned above the mandibular teeth.The said dynamic representation 12 of the brushing progression is presented for example in the form of a colored highlight line Bi which progresses by lengthening along the relevant area Zi of the teeth represented on the display screen 10B, as seen in figures 1 and 3 for example. Advantageously, the processing unit is designed to freeze the representation Dynamic 12 of the brushing progress when the first warning signal is emitted. This means that as soon as excessive contact pressure is detected, corresponding to exceeding the threshold predetermined by the measured electrical value, the geometry of the graphic object representing 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 they are performing is not being considered as proper brushing. The user's understanding is further facilitated by the display of a warning pictogram forming the second visual signal 80. Advantageously, said static representation 11 of the teeth includes several tooth zones, for example (the tooth numbering indicated below corresponds to the ISO 3950:2016 tooth designation code - the tooth numbers are preceded by the # sign to distinguish them from the numerical references used in the drawings): - a first zone Z1 corresponding to the external faces of teeth #41 to #48; - a second zone Z2 corresponding to the external faces of teeth #31 to #38; - a third zone Z3 corresponding to the external faces of teeth #21 to #28; - a fourth zone Z4 corresponding to the external faces of teeth #11 to #18; - a fifth zone Z5 corresponding to the internal faces of teeth #41 to #48; - a sixth zone Z6 corresponding to the internal faces of teeth #31 to #38; - a seventh zone Z7 corresponding to the internal faces of teeth #21 to #28; - an eighth zone Z8 corresponding to the internal faces of teeth #11 to #18; - a ninth zone Z9 corresponding to the masticatory surfaces of teeth #44 to #48; - a tenth zone Z10 corresponding to the masticatory surfaces of teeth #34 to #38; - an eleventh zone Z11 corresponding to the masticatory surfaces of teeth #24 to #28; And - a twelfth zone Z12 corresponding to the masticatory surfaces of teeth #14 to #18. This mapping is advantageously stored 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 prompting the user to brush one of said respective tooth zones Zi for a respective predetermined time TDi, with i = 1 to 12. For example, as successive indications, the processing unit may display a dynamic arrow Fi which is shown along or on the relevant tooth zone Zi for said predetermined time TDi corresponding to said zone, with i = 1 to 12. Figures 1 and 3 thus illustrate the arrow F1 prompting the user to brush zone Z1. For example, the predetermined time TDi during which the arrow Fi prompting the user to brush tooth zone Zi is displayed is predetermined as follows: - TDi = 6s for Zi zones with i = 1 to 8 (internal and external faces); and - TDi = 3s for Zi zones with i = 9 to 12 (masticatory faces). The dynamic representation 12 of the brushing progression is advantageously designed to illustrate, for example by a graphic evolution, the time actually spent by the brushing roller 30 in the area Zi concerned, this progression ceasing (as well as the graphic evolution which illustrates it) when the brushing roller 30 has performed a brushing of the teeth in the area Zi in question for the corresponding predetermined duration (for example equal to 6 seconds for the external or internal faces of a quadrant). Preferably, for each zone Zi of the dentition, the treatment unit is designed to display on the screen 10B, near said zone Zi concerned, an indication Fi during the predetermined time TDi, the calculation of which preferentially takes into account the first brushing time D1i during which the value of the electrical quantity measured by the measuring device is greater than the predetermined threshold and / or the second brushing time D2i during which an inappropriate movement of the toothbrush 1 is detected via the movement sensor, with i=l to 12. In the example of [Fig.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 highlight line B1 which is superimposed, at the level of the external faces of the teeth concerned, on the static representation of the dentition displayed by the display screen 10B. An example of the use of an electric toothbrush 1 conforming to the method of implementation illustrated in the figures will now be described in detail. Firstly, 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 conjugate module on board the terminal 10 (which in this case is formed by a smartphone with a touch screen). Simultaneously, as soon as the toothbrush 1 is powered on, the brush roller 30 rotates continuously around the first axis of rotation YY' (which in this case coincides with the central longitudinal axis XX") in a first direction of rotation, at a speed that is preferably substantially constant and which corresponds to a setting identified by a pictogram 20A 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 a central number designating a rotation speed setting. At the same time, from the moment the toothbrush 1 is switched on, the screen 20 mounted on the handle of the latter also displays the time, measured by the timing means, which has elapsed since the moment of switching on the brush 1 by pressing the switch 40. The user then launches a dedicated application which is executed by terminal 10. This application commands an automatic pairing of the data exchange module embedded in the toothbrush 1 with the conjugate module embedded in terminal 10, in order to establish a bidirectional wireless data transfer link, for example a link by radio waves of the Bluetooth ® type, between the toothbrush and terminal 10. The application running on terminal 10 displays a menu on the terminal's touchscreen 10B, providing access to various interfaces. This menu allows, for example, the selection of a settings interface that enables the user to choose a brushing speed program based on the condition of their gums. The interface displayed on screen 10B by the application running on terminal 10 allows the user to choose from three brushing programs: - a "periodontal" program allowing a choice of 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: - V1 = 2 revolutions / second + 0.5 revolutions / second; - V2 = 3 revolutions / second + 0.5 revolutions / second; - V3 = 4 revolutions / second + 0.5 revolutions / second. - a "comfort" program allowing a choice between 3 possible rotation speeds (V4, V5, V6), which is suitable for healthy and thin gums: - V4 = 6 revolutions / second + 0.5 revolutions / second; - V5 = 7 revolutions / second + 0.5 revolutions / second; - V6 = 8 revolutions / second + 0.5 revolutions / second. - a "quick" program allowing a choice between two possible rotation speeds V7, V8, which is suitable for healthy and thick gums: - V7 = 10 revolutions / second + 0.5 revolutions / second; - V8 = 12 revolutions / second + 0.5 revolutions / second. Advantageously, the interface displayed on screen 10B of terminal 10 contains a questionnaire that allows the user, by indicating the condition of their own gums (healthy gums, inflamed gums, post-operative gums, thin gums, thick gums, etc.), to determine the appropriate program from among the three programs mentioned above. The interface then allows the user to select the program. The user selects the rotation speed of the brush roll 30, for example, using the control buttons 41 and 42 located on the handle (or via the control interface displayed on screen 10B). For example, if the user has selected the "periodontal" program, they can then choose to assign the brush roll 30 speed to either V1, V2, or V3. Similarly, if the user has selected the "comfort" program, they can then select, via the interface displayed on terminal 10 and / or buttons 41 and 42, a rotation speed of the brush roll 30 from among V4, V5, or V6. If the "fast" program is selected, then the user will have a choice between two constant rotation speeds of the brush roll 30, namely either V7 or V8.The choice of brushing speed is transmitted, via radio link, to the portion of the processing unit which is carried by 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. The aforementioned menu also allows the display of an interface to assist with and control brushing, said interface corresponding to that visible in figures 1 and 3. Initially, a dynamic arrow F1 prompts the user to brush the outer surfaces of teeth #48 to #41 (zone Z1). The user then positions the brush roller 30 against the outer surface of tooth #48, as indicated by the dynamic arrow F1, and then moves the brush 1 along the outer surfaces of teeth #48 to #41 to brush each one, until reaching tooth #41, as indicated by the dynamic arrow F1 displayed on the LOB screen. 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 described above) in a direction controlled by the processing unit based on data from the motion sensor. The processing unit, using the data from the motion sensor, assigns the brush roller 30 a direction of rotation that allows brushing from the gums towards the teeth (i.e."from red to white"). The dynamic arrow F1 prompts the user to brush zone Z1 for a predetermined duration, preferably approximately 6 seconds. Brushing progress is displayed on screen 10B by a highlight line B1 that moves along the outer surfaces of teeth #48 to #41 in response to the actual movement of the electric toothbrush 1 detected by the motion sensor. The progression of the highlight line B1 is thus controlled by the position data from the motion sensor. If, during brushing of the outer surfaces of teeth #48 to #41 in zone Z1, If the user applies excessive pressure with the brush roller 30 on their teeth and / or gums, the electrical current supplying the motor increases and exceeds the predetermined threshold. This triggers the display of an alert pictogram 80 on the screen 10B, prompting the user to reduce the contact pressure. The pictogram 80 remains displayed on the screen 10B, for example, in its center, until the user reduces the contact pressure. Similarly, the indicator light 70 emits a red light until the contact pressure is reduced so that the electrical current supplying the motor falls below the predetermined threshold. The same mechanism applies when the user makes an inappropriate movement with the toothbrush while brushing the outer surfaces of teeth #48 to #41 in zone Z1. Such an inappropriate movement could consist, for example, of a jerky movement of the electric toothbrush 1, or simply moving the electric toothbrush 1 away from the brushing area (for example, if the brush roller 30 is removed from the user's mouth). When such an inappropriate movement is detected by the motion sensor controlled by the processing unit, a specific pictogram (not shown) appears on the display 10B and the indicator light 70 illuminates again in red.Furthermore, as long as the first or second warning signal is emitted, the highlight line B1 corresponding to the real-time dynamic representation 12 of the brushing progress freezes, that is to say its length no longer evolves and it ceases to extend towards the extremal tooth #41. . Once the zone has been brushed for an effective time [TE] of 6 seconds (after deducting the first and second durations D1, D21 during which the first or second signal is emitted), arrow F1 disappears and a new dynamic arrow F2 (not shown) is displayed on screen 10B near the second zone Z2 to prompt the user to brush zone Z2 from tooth #31 to tooth #38, on the outer surfaces of the latter. The processing unit takes into account the data from the motion sensor to automatically change the direction of rotation of the brush roller 30 as needed, so that when brushing zone Z2, the direction of rotation is adapted to the orientation of the toothbrush 1, ensuring that the brush roller 30 brushes from the gums towards the teeth. The brushing time for zone Z2 is again 6 seconds. The user is then successively prompted, by dynamic arrows Fi (where i corresponds to the number of the area concerned Zi) appearing one after the other on screen 10B in an appropriate position, to brush successively: - the inner surfaces of teeth #38 to #31 in zone Z6 (for example for 6 s), - the inner surfaces of teeth #41 to #48 in zone Z5 (for example for 6 s), - the masticatory surfaces of teeth #48 to #44 in zone Z9 (for example for 3 seconds), - the masticatory surfaces of teeth #34 to #38 in zone Z10 (for example for 3 seconds), - the external surfaces of teeth #18 to #11 in the ZA zone (for example for 6 seconds), - the external surfaces of teeth #21 to #28 in zone Z3 (for example for 6 seconds), - the inner surfaces of teeth #28 to #21 in zone Z7 (for example for 6 seconds), - the inner surfaces of teeth #11 to #18 in zone Z8 (for example for 6 seconds), - the masticatory surfaces of teeth #18 to #14 in zone Z12 (for example, for 3 seconds) and - the masticatory surfaces of teeth #28 to #24 in zone Z11 (for example for 3 seconds). Of course, for each zone Zi the operation is the same as for zone Z1 described in detail above, particularly with regard to the progression of the dynamic representation 12 of the progression of brushing on the area concerned and the consideration of excessive contact pressures and / or inappropriate movements. Advantageously, the user can move from one Zn zone to another Zm zone without being prompted by the interface displayed on screen 10B, even if the brushing of the Zn zone 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 Zn zones 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 on screen 10B, so as to prompt the user to re-brush the affected Zn zones to achieve optimal brushing. If the user does not respond to this prompt, the brushing cycle is closed. Once the brushing cycle is complete, the application displays on screen 10B a brushing score S which corresponds to an indicator of the quality of the brushing that the user has just performed using the electric toothbrush 1. The brushing score S in question is calculated, for example, as explained below: - When each zone Zi, with 1 = 1 to 8, has been brushed for the predetermined time For each corresponding zone (which is, for example, equal to 6 seconds for zones Z1 to Z8), then 1 point is awarded, for a total of 8 possible points if all 8 external and internal zones Z1 to Z8 have each been brushed correctly for at least 6 seconds. - 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, for 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. Therefore, if the brushing cycle is performed correctly and completely, then the total brushing time amounts to one minute (6 x 4 + 6 x 4 + 4 x 3) and corresponds to a maximum total score of 10 points, which indicates a satisfactory brushing quality. In the event that, during brushing of one of the zones Z1 to Z12, an incorrect technique (excessive contact pressure 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 progression 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 as follows, using the processing unit: TEi = Ti — (D1i+D2)), with i = 1 to 12, where TEi is the effective brushing time of zone Zi, Ti is the total brushing time of zone Zi, i.e. the time during which the brushing roller 30 was positioned in or towards the zone Zi concerned,D1i is the first duration during which the first signal was emitted during the brushing of the Zi zone in question, and D2i is the second duration during which the second signal was emitted during the brushing of the Zi zone in question. Next, the processing unit compares, for the relevant area Zi of the teeth, the effective time TEi calculated according to the method above 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. If TEi / TDi > k, with k > 80% and preferably k > 90%, then the processing unit allocates 1 point to brushing the relevant Zi zone. Conversely, if TEi / TDi < k, then the processing unit allocates 0 points to brushing the relevant Zi zone. Of course, thanks to the fact that the dynamic representation 12 freezes, and also thanks to the display of an alert perceptible to the user (for example the first visual signal 70), the user can immediately correct their brushing gesture to ensure that the condition TEi / TDi > k is met. 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. Otherwise, if the user does not go back and one of the Zi zones has been incorrectly brushed, so that the maximum possible score has not been achieved, then when the final score S is displayed (in this case, S < 10), a graphic indicator is shown indicating the Zi zones where the maximum possible score was not achieved (for example, with a red highlight) to prompt the user to repeat the brushing process in those areas to increase their score. In this case, the processing unit is also designed to advantageously indicate the order in which the electric brush passes over the relevant zones, if there are several. Finally, the treatment unit is advantageously designed to address the fact that some users may be unsure whether the first dynamic arrow F1 points to the lower right or lower left quarter of the teeth. The algorithm implemented by the treatment unit overcomes this difficulty by automatically recalculating the subsequent brushing sequence, with the appropriate order of the areas to be brushed, if the user does not start with zone Z1 but rather with zone Z2. The user can therefore choose to start with either zone Z1 or zone Z2.Depending on whether the electric toothbrush 1 detects, via the motion sensor under the control of the processing unit, that the first area brushed is zone Z1 or zone Z2, then the subsequent brushing sequence is automatically adapted accordingly, so as to offer a path of the brush 1 that goes around all the teeth (inner and outer surfaces) including the chewing areas. If the user starts the brushing cycle in zone Z2, the application guides the user through the following brushing sequence: - External surfaces of teeth #38 to #31 in zone Z2 (for example for 6 s), - External surfaces of teeth #41 to #48 in zone Z1 (for example, for 6 seconds), - Internal surfaces of teeth #48 to #41 in zone Z5 (for example for 6 s), - Internal surfaces of teeth #31 to #38 in zone Z6 (for example, for 6 seconds), - Masticatory surfaces of teeth #38 to #34 in zone Z10 (for example, for 3 seconds), - Masticatory surfaces of teeth #48 to #44 in zone Z9 (for example, for 3 seconds), - External surfaces of teeth #28 to #21 in zone Z3 (for example for 6 seconds), - External surfaces of teeth #11 to #18 in zone Z4 (for example for 6 seconds), - Inner surfaces of teeth #18 to #11 in zone Z8 (for example for 6 seconds), - Inner surfaces of teeth #21 to #28 in zone Z7 (for example for 6 seconds), - Masticatory surfaces of teeth #28 to #24 in zone Z11 (for example, for 3 seconds) and - Masticatory surfaces of teeth #18 to #14 in zone Z12 (for example for 3 seconds). Advantageously, the display on screen 10B of the teeth and the path of the brush 1 (represented by the dynamic graphic 12) is reversed, i.e., in "mirror" mode, as illustrated in the figures. This facilitates the user's movements, which follow the same direction as the arrows Fi displayed on screen 10B. The invention ultimately allows, particularly in its preferred embodiment illustrated and explained in detail above, for optimal tooth brushing to be carried out intuitively and quickly in a reduced time, with a brush 1 of particularly simple, light and compact construction.

Claims

Demands

1. Electric toothbrush (1) comprising an electric motor and that a tooth-brushing device (3) connected to said electric motor to be set in motion by the latter, said electric motor being powered by an electric supply current characterized by at minus an electrical quantity, said electric toothbrush (1) being characterized in that it further comprises a measuring device said electrical quantity and a processing unit connected to said measuring device to emit an initial warning signal when the value of said electrical quantity measured by said device measurement is above a predetermined threshold.

2. Electric toothbrush (1) according to the preceding claim ca- characterized in that said electrical quantity is the intensity of said electrical power supply.

3. Electric toothbrush (1) according to any one of the claims previous ones characterized in that said processing unit is intended to be connected to at least one first signaling organ (7) so that the issuance of said first alert signal by said processing unit commands the emission of a first visual (70) and / or audible signal by said signaling device (7).

4. Electric toothbrush (1) according to any one of the claims previous ones characterized in that they include means of chro- naming, controlled by said processing unit, to determine a first brushing duration (D1i) during which said first signal An alert is issued.

5. Electric toothbrush (1) according to any one of the claims previous ones characterized in that they include a sensor of movement, which includes an accelerometer and / or a gyroscope and / or a inertial power plant, said processing unit being connected to said sensor movement to detect inappropriate movement of said brush tooth (1) and emit a second warning signal when such a movement Inappropriate is detected.

6. Electric toothbrush (1) according to claims 4 and 5 characterized in that said timing devices are designed to determine a second brushing duration (D2i) during which a movement Inappropriate use of said toothbrush (1) is detected.

7. Electric toothbrush (1) according to any one of the claims previous ones characterized in that they include an exchange module data designed to communicate by radio waves (9) with a terminal (10) equipped with a control interface (10A) and a display screen (10B), said processing unit being at least in part formed by said terminal (10).

8. Electric toothbrush (1) according to the preceding claim and one any of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that said unit the processing is designed to display on said display screen (10B) at both a static representation (11) of a user's dentition and a dynamic, real-time representation (12) of a progression of a brushing of said teeth carried out using said toothbrush (1), said dynamic representation (12) being generated from position signals produced by said motion sensor.

9. Electric toothbrush (1) according to the preceding claim ca- characterized in that said processing unit is designed to freeze said dynamic representation (12) when said first warning signal is issued.

10. Electric toothbrush (1) according to any one of the claims 8 and 9 characterized in that said static representation (11) of the dentition includes several dentition zones (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5, Z6, Zi], Z8, Z9, Z10, Z11, Z12), said processing unit being designed for display on said display screen (10B) indications (F1) suc- instructions inviting the user to brush one of said areas teeth (Z1, Z2, Z3, ZA, Z5, Z6, Z1, Z8, Z9, Z10, Z11, Z12) during a respective predetermined time (TDi).

11. Electric toothbrush (1) according to any one of the claims previous ones characterized in that said processing unit is configured to calculate a brushing quality indicator that takes taking into account any possible exceedance(s) of said predetermined threshold electrical quantity.

12. Electric toothbrush (1) according to any one of the claims previous ones characterized in that said brushing organ (3) includes a brush roller (30) mounted to rotate according to a first axis of rotation (YY”), said brush roller (30) comprising a central core substantially coaxial with said first axis rotation (YY”) and brushing protrusions (5) that protrude radially from said central core.

13. Electric toothbrush (1) according to claims 5 and 12 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.