Electric toothbrush with brushing control

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] The present invention more particularly relates to an electric toothbrush comprising an electric motor and a member for brushing teeth connected to the electric motor which is rotated by the electric motor. [Background technology]

[0003] Electric toothbrushes are known which implement motorized brushing elements, which generally provide a sense of satisfaction to the user as they allow effective brushing under particularly comfortable conditions, since the motorization implementation allows a reduction in the gestures to be performed.

[0004] Nevertheless, these known electric toothbrushes suffer from serious drawbacks.

[0005] Thus, if the user of these known brushes does not have to perform the jerky gestures of brushing thanks to the motorization, the user himself ensures that the brush is brought into contact with the teeth and gums. However, during this contact and the movement of the brush along the teeth and gums, the user may have to press the brush excessively against the teeth or gums, whether voluntarily or not. However, excessive contact pressure may cause gum bruising, bleeding, deterioration (erosion and weakening) of the enamel, or other trauma. Such excessive pressure may also exert a force on the electric motor, with the risk of overheating and deterioration of the electric motor. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object assigned to the present invention is therefore to remedy the drawbacks exposed above and to propose a new electric toothbrush, which is compact and economical, while making it possible to reduce the risk of excessive brushing pressure applied by the user in a particularly reliable and effective manner.

[0007] Another object of the invention is to propose a new electric toothbrush, which operates on a particularly simple and proven principle.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to propose a new electric toothbrush whose operation is particularly intuitive.

[0009] Another object of the invention is to propose a new electric toothbrush that encourages the adoption of an optimal brushing routine by its users.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to propose a new electric toothbrush which is particularly simple to use and makes it possible to carry out optimal brushing in a particularly quick and easy manner.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to propose a new electric toothbrush which allows a particularly effective and gentle brushing with optimal preservation of vital tissue.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to propose a new electric toothbrush that implements simple and standard components.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to propose a new, particularly robust and lightweight electric toothbrush.

[0014] The object assigned to the present invention is achieved by an electric toothbrush comprising an electric motor and a tooth brushing member connected to said electric motor which is rotated by said electric motor, characterized in that the electric toothbrush comprises a measuring device for an electrical quantity representative of the contact pressure between said brushing member and the teeth, and a processing unit connected to said measuring device for emitting a first warning signal when the value of said electrical quantity measured by said measuring device is greater than a predefined threshold, the brushing member comprising a brushing roller mounted in rotation according to a first axis of rotation, the brushing roller comprising a central core substantially coaxial to said first axis of rotation and brushing projections projecting radially from said central core, the toothbrush comprising time measuring means making it possible to measure a first brushing duration for which the value of said electrical quantity measured by said measuring system is greater than said predefined threshold, the first predefined said duration being used by said processing unit to calculate a brushing quality indicator. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] Other particularities and advantages of the invention will appear in more detail on reading the following detailed description, given purely by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic elevational view of an electric toothbrush according to the invention, which communicates via a wireless radio connection of the Bluetooth® type with a remote terminal, in this case formed by a mobile phone with a touch screen. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows in a perspective schematic view a detail of a realization of the electric toothbrush of FIG. 1, that is, the part of the brushing head in which the tooth brushing members are embedded. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an expanded view of the graphical interface displayed by the screen of the mobile phone of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows diagrammatically different zones of the graphical dentition representation implemented by the graphical interface of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The present invention relates to an electric toothbrush 1 intended to maintain oral hygiene by removing food debris and plaque. The electric toothbrush 1 according to the invention is advantageously intended for humans, but according to alternative embodiments it can be perfectly adapted for veterinary use, for example for livestock and pets.

[0017] Advantageously, the electric toothbrush 1 comprises a gripping portion 2 preferentially forming a handle intended to be manually gripped by the user, allowing the user to handle the electric toothbrush 1, 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 advantageously forming the gripping portion 2 extends, for example, in the longitudinal direction according to a central longitudinal axis X-X'. Preferably, the toothbrush 1 comprises a casing 2A advantageously forming the gripping portion 2 and intended to accommodate therein the different components, in particular the mechanical, electrical and electronic components of the electric toothbrush 1.

[0018] According to the invention, the electric toothbrush 1 also comprises a tooth brushing member 3, advantageously arranged substantially at one end of the electric toothbrush 1. This tooth brushing member thus presents an overall elongated shape, for example extending in the longitudinal direction according to said central longitudinal axis X-X'. Preferably, the brushing member 3 is part of a brushing head 4, advantageously arranged in the axial extension of the gripping part 2, as shown in the figure. Preferably, the brushing head 4 is fixed in a removable manner to the gripping part 2. Alternatively, however, it is possible that the head 4 is permanently fixed to the gripping part 2 without the possibility of separation. The tooth brushing member 3 is in this case designed to be brought into contact with the teeth, in order to ensure cleaning by an abrasive mechanical brushing action. To ensure that the brushing function is assigned, the brushing member 3 is provided with brushing projections 5, preferably formed by a plurality of bristles or pins. Said brushing projections 5 are preferably made of a synthetic material and advantageously present substantially soft and flexible characteristics.

[0019] According to the invention, the electric toothbrush 1 comprises an electric motor (not visible in the figures) advantageously embedded in the gripping part 2, for example housed in said casing 2a preferentially forming said gripping part 2. The electric motor is preferably a continuous current motor having a stator, a rotor and an output shaft fixed to the rotor and rotatably driven by the rotor. The electric motor is advantageously intended to be driven by a supply current, preferably direct current. The supply current traverses the motor and causes the stator and the rotor to rotate relative to each other. Advantageously, the supply current is characterized by at least one physical parameter, for example intensity. Advantageously, in order to provide the supply current not only to the motor but also to other electric or electronic members that eventually equip the brush 1, the brush 1 comprises an embedded energy source, for example formed by at least one cell or battery, whether rechargeable or not, for example housed preferentially inside the gripping part 2 in said casing 2A.

[0020] According to the invention, the three tooth brushing members are connected to said electric motor and are set to be moved by the latter, more precisely to be rotated by the latter. For example, the tooth brushing members 3 are mechanically connected to the output shaft of said electric motor, directly or indirectly (for example via a mechanical reducer and / or transmission including a cardan seal). The brushing members 3 are therefore designed to rotate in the same direction, preferably in a substantially continuous manner, the direction of which can be modified according to the dentition zone to be brushed and the position of the electric toothbrush 1 relative to this zone. The use of brushing members that rotate continuously in one or another direction of rotation is preferred, in order to allow a particularly effective cleaning of the dentition while limiting the trauma risk. The implementation of oscillating rotation or active brushing members, as in the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the figures, is less advantageous than the use of continuously rotating brushing members in terms of the compromise between brushing efficiency and minimization of trauma risk. In this embodiment, the brushing member 3 comprises a brushing roller 30 mounted rotatably according to a first axis of rotation Y-Y', advantageously parallel to and preferably confused with the aforementioned longitudinal central axis X-X'. The brushing roller 30 comprises, as shown in the figure, for example a central core formed by a substantially elongated core, in this case substantially coaxial with said first axis of rotation Y-Y'. Preferably, the central core runs in continuation of the output shaft of the electric motor, the output shaft also advantageously coaxial with the first axis of rotation Y-Y', advantageously confused with the longitudinal central axis X-X'. The brushing roller 30 further comprises brushing projections 5 projecting from the central core in the radial direction, preferably over substantially the entire circumference of the central core, i.e. over 360° around the central core. Preferably, the brushing projections 5, advantageously formed by substantially flexible pins or bristles, are distributed helically according to the first axis of rotation Y-Y'. In other words, in this preferred embodiment, each brushing lug 5 extends between an inner end connected to the central core and a free outer end so as to form a propeller, i.e. a helix, around said central core, along the latter, as shown in FIG. 2.For example, the central core is formed by a metal wire folded into a U that is twisted on itself to capture the brushing projections 5 between the arms of the U, said twisting giving a propeller distribution to the plurality of brushing projections 5. Thanks to this helical abundance, the helix about the first axis of rotation Y-Y', the brushing roll 30 is able to provide a gentle brushing that is particularly effective in terms of the cleaning action, whilst respecting the sensitivity of the tissue involved.

[0021] Preferably, as shown in the figures, the brushing head 4 is also provided at its free end, in front of the brushing roller 30, with a number of pins 6 forming a flexible trim arranged in its axial extension, substantially transverse to the first axis of rotation Y-Y', relative to the distal end of the brushing member 3. The flexible trim formed by said pins 6 provides a covering of the brushing member 3 at the level of its apparently non-functional zones, making it possible to avoid interference with the mucosa of said non-functional zones while presenting a flexibility feature, thus respecting the tissue and providing a comfortable brushing. Advantageously, the pins 6 forming this flexible trim can also be used for brushing.

[0022] According to the invention, the electric toothbrush 1 comprises a device for measuring an electrical quantity representative of the contact pressure between the brushing member (3) and the teeth (and / or gums). Said measuring device advantageously forms a sensor capable of providing as output a variable signal representative of the pressure (or bearing force) exerted by the brushing roller 30 on the teeth. Said electrical quantity measuring device is advantageously housed in the casing 2, i.e. it is preferably embedded in the gripping part 2 and is advantageously driven by the above-mentioned embedded energy source.

[0023] The electric toothbrush 1 also comprises a processing unit (not visible in the figures), which is also advantageously housed in the casing 2A, i.e. advantageously embedded in the gripping member 2. The processing unit advantageously comprises electronic processing means, for example comprising a microcontroller or an electronic card comprising a programmable logic network (for example a User Programmable Gate Array, usually designated FPGA). The processing unit is connected to a device for measuring said electrical quantity, which emits a first warning signal when the value of said electrical quantity measured by the measuring device is greater than a predefined threshold value.

[0024] Preferably, said electrical quantity consists of a physical parameter characterizing the supply current of the electric motor. In this case, said supply current is characterized at least by said electrical quantity. In this case, the latter in other words constitutes a physical parameter characterizing the supply current. In this preferential embodiment, said measuring device is a device for measuring a characteristic of said electrical quantity of the supply current. In this case, said measuring device advantageously forms a sensor capable of providing as output a variable signal representative of the value of said electrical quantity. The invention is therefore based in this preferential embodiment on the very reliable and robust principle that the supply current consumed by the electric motor varies according to the resistance torque applied to said electric motor, more precisely according to the output shaft of the latter. Said resistance torque itself depends in this case on the contact pressure between the brushing member 3 and the tissue (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 tissue, and the more important becomes the resistance torque applied to the output shaft of the motor to which the brushing member is connected. It is therefore possible, by measuring a characteristic parameter of the current supplied to the electric motor, to indirectly access a quantity representative of the contact pressure between the brushing members 3 and the tissue (teeth and / or gums).

[0025] Preferably, the electrical quantity is the intensity of the supply current. In this preferential embodiment, the measuring device is therefore designed to detect the exceeding of a predefined threshold by the supply current passing through the electric motor. In this case, the measuring device advantageously comprises an ammeter or an adapted current measuring sensor. The predefined threshold in this case corresponds to an intensity value which reflects, for example, the level of contact pressure of the brushing member 3 on tissue at risk of deterioration 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 supply current. For example, it is entirely possible for the electrical quantity to be the power consumed by the electric motor, or any other suitable quantitative physical parameter.

[0026] It is also possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, that the electrical quantity does not consist of a physical parameter characterizing the supply current, for example, said electrical quantity could alternately correspond to an electrical signal emitted by a bending sensor detecting bending of the output shaft of the motor and / or the central core, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0027] Advantageously, said processing unit is intended to be connected to at least one first signaling member 7 such that, in response to detection of an electrical quantity value exceeding a predefined threshold, said emission of said first warning signal by said processing unit controls the emission of a first visual signal 70 and / or an audio signal by the first signaling member 7. Said first visual signal 70 and / or audio signal thus makes it possible to warn the user that the pressure exerted on his / her teeth and / or gums by the electric toothbrush 1 he / she is operating is excessive, thereby encouraging him / her to reduce said contact pressure. For example, the first signaling member 7 comprises a light indicator which occurs in the shape of a strip and extends on the surface of the casing 2A according to a profile which may be in the shape of a horseshoe, as shown in FIG. 1 . The light indicator is designed, for example, to light up in a first color (e.g., blue) as long as the value of the measured electrical quantity is below the predetermined threshold, and then to light up according to a second color different from the first color (e.g., red) in response to the emission of the first warning signal as long as the value of the measured electrical quantity is greater than the predetermined threshold.

[0028] Advantageously, said processing unit is intended to be preferentially transported, in addition to or instead of the first signaling member 7, i.e. not embedded in the casing 2A itself (as in the case of the light indicators mentioned above), but connected to a second signaling member 8 that is separate and independent of said electric toothbrush 1. For example, the electric toothbrush 1 comprises a data exchange module designed to communicate by radio waves 9 with a terminal 10 that is preferentially separate, distinct and independent from the electric toothbrush 1. Said data exchange module is advantageously embedded, for example, inside the handle forming the gripping part 2, in the casing 2A. Said processing unit is advantageously connected to said data exchange module. The terminal 10 comprises an additional data exchange module designed to be paired with said data exchange module that the electric toothbrush 1 is equipped with, in order to establish said communication by radio waves 9, which is a wireless communication. Said wireless communication is advantageously a Bluetooth® connection, preferentially based on the protocol designated by the trademark registration "Bluetooth Low Energy", also designated by the acronym "BLE" or by the name "Bluetooth Smart®". This means that, in this preferential case, both the electric toothbrush 1 and the terminal 10 have respective combined electrical communication means for carrying out a contactless communication or a wired connection between the electric toothbrush 1 and the terminal 10 based on Bluetooth® technology. Of course, the invention is not limited to the implementation of a Bluetooth® connection, and it is possible to implement other types of wireless communication (for example of Wi-Fi type) without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0029] 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 formed for example by a computer terminal such as a mobile phone (smartphone) or a touchpad. Said terminal 10 preferentially comprises a command interface 10A, for example including one or more buttons, and a display screen 10B, preferably a touch screen, said display screen 10B being then part of the command interface 10A.

[0030] Advantageously, the display screen 10B forms said second signaling member 8 mentioned above. In this case, the processing unit is connected to said second signaling member 8 formed by the display screen 10B of the terminal 10 via a connection by radio waves 9, and the emission of said first warning signal by the processing unit controls the emission of a second visual signal 80 and / or an audio signal by said second signaling member 8 formed in this case by the terminal 10. In the embodiment shown in the figure, 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 and as long as the value of the measured electrical quantity is greater than said predefined threshold.

[0031] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the processing unit is connected to both the first signaling member 7 and the second signaling member 8 and implements redundant signaling, for example with a first local visual signal 70 located on the electric toothbrush 1 itself on the surface of the casing 2A, and a second visual signal 80 output to the terminal 10. However, it is perfectly possible to implement only the first signaling member 7 or only the second signaling member 8.

[0032] Advantageously, the processing unit is at least partly formed by the terminal 10, i.e. by electronic means and software embedded in the terminal 10. For example, the electric toothbrush 1 can have embedded, preferably in the casing 2A, electronic means enabling it to emit the first warning signal and to control the emission of the first visual signal 70. It is also possible that the electric toothbrush 1 only comprises means enabling it to collect a signal representative of the value of said electrical quantity measured by said measuring device and to transmit said signal, for example in real time, to the terminal 10. In this case, the terminal 10 includes processing means forming all or part of the processing unit and is designed to determine whether the value of the measured electrical quantity is greater than a predefined threshold and to emit said first warning signal, which controls the display of a visual signal, whether it is a visual signal located in the terminal 10 (second visual signal 80) or in the casing 2A of the electric toothbrush 1 (first visual signal 70).

[0033] The processing unit is configured to calculate a brushing quality indicator that takes into account the exceedance of said electrical quantity over said predefined threshold. In other words, the brushing quality indicator that is preferentially intended to be displayed by the display screen 10B of the terminal 10 (and / or by the screen 20 possibly provided on the gripping member 2) takes into account the occurrence of one or more exceedances of predefined thresholds in order to define the quality of the brushing. The brushing quality indicator is for example presented in the form of a score (represented by numbers or letters) and / or by a graphic element that changes geometry and / or color as a function of the obtained brushing quality level.

[0034] Advantageously, the electric toothbrush 1 comprises a time measurement means, preferably controlled by the processing unit, for determining a first brushing duration D1i during which the value of the electrical quantity measured by the measuring device is greater than the predetermined threshold, which corresponds for example to the duration during which the first warning signal is emitted. In other words, the time measurement means makes it possible to measure the time D1i during a brushing session using the electric toothbrush 1 during which the value of the electrical quantity measured by the measuring device is greater than the predetermined threshold, thus characterizing that an excessive contact pressure is applied. The first predetermined duration D1i can then be used by the processing unit to calculate the brushing quality indicator. Advantageously, the time measurement means is also designed, preferably under the control of the processing unit, to determine a brushing time Ti during which the electric toothbrush 1 is used to brush the user's dentition, or a predetermined zone Zi of the dentition. For example, the quality of said brushing quality takes into account an effective brushing time TEi of a dentition zone Zi, calculated as follows: TEi=Ti-D1i, where Ti represents the brushing time of the relevant dentition zone Zi performed by the toothbrush 1 and D1i represents the first above-mentioned predetermined duration during which the value of the electrical quantity measured by the measuring device exceeds a predefined threshold. The above-mentioned brushing quality indicator is then preferably a function score of at least the effective brushing time TEi of the zone Zi.

[0035] Alternatively, or in addition to the above mentioned technical means, the time measuring means form a timing means controlled by the processing unit that dedicates a predetermined brushing time TDi or the latter predetermined zone Zi of the dentition. The predetermined time TDi deducted by the timing means corresponds to a time considered to allow obtaining an optimal brushing result. Preferably, the timing means is designed to interrupt the counting of the predetermined brushing time TDi when the first warning signal is emitted. The counting of the predetermined brushing time TDi thus advantageously takes into account time periods of duration D1i during which the value of the electrical quantity measured by a measuring device exceeds a predetermined threshold value, in order to exclude these ranges of durations D1i from the counting.

[0036] Advantageously, the electric toothbrush 1 comprises a motion sensor, preferably housed inside the electric toothbrush 1, for example in the casing 2A. The motion sensor advantageously comprises, for example, an accelerometer and / or a 3D accelerometer and / or a gyrometer and / or an inertial unit, in order to enable detection of the toothbrush in space, in particular the positioning and orientation of the toothbrush relative to the user's dentition. The processing unit is advantageously connected to the motion sensor to detect improper movements of the toothbrush 1 and to emit a second warning signal when such improper movements are detected. Advantageously, the nature of the improper movements detected by the motion sensor under the control of the processing unit depends on the dentition zone Zi being brushed, which zone Zi can be detected automatically from the positioning data coming from the motion sensor.

[0037] Advantageously, the first signaling member 7 and / or the second signaling member 8 are connected to a processing unit such that the emission of said second warning signal controls the emission of a third visual and / or audio signal by said first signaling member 7 or the emission of a fourth visual and / or audio signal by said second signaling member 8. In this way, the user can be informed in real time of making inappropriate movements with the electric toothbrush 1, in particular with regard to the dentition zone Zi that he is brushing, which encourages him to correct his gestures.

[0038] Preferably, the brushing quality indicator calculated by the processing unit takes into account the likelihood of detecting improper movements.

[0039] Preferably, the time measurement means is also designed to determine a second brushing duration D2i at which an inappropriate movement of the toothbrush is detected. More specifically, the time measurement means is preferentially controlled by the processing unit to determine the second brushing duration D2i at which the second warning signal is emitted. In other words, the time measurement means allows to measure the time D2i at which the movement sensor detects an inappropriate movement during a brushing session using the electric toothbrush 1. The second predetermined duration D2i can then be used by the processing unit to calculate the brushing quality indicator. Advantageously, said effective brushing time TEi of a dentition zone Zi takes into account said second predetermined duration and is, for example, calculated automatically by the processing unit as follows: TEi=Ti-(D1i+D2i), where Ti represents the brushing time of the associated dentition zone Zi by the toothbrush 1, D1i represents said first predetermined duration and D2i indicates said second said predetermined duration during which an inappropriate movement of the brush 1 is detected. The above-mentioned brushing quality score is then calculated as a preferential function of at least the effective brushing time TEi of the zone Zi and thus takes into account not only periods during which excessive contact pressure is applied but also periods during which the brush 1 performs an inappropriate movement.

[0040] Preferably, said timing means are designed to interrupt said counting of said predetermined brushing times TDi when said second warning signal is emitted. The counting of said predetermined brushing times TDi therefore advantageously takes into account not only periods of duration D1i during which the value of the electrical quantity measured by the measuring device exceeds a predetermined threshold, but also periods of duration D2i during which an inappropriate movement is detected, in order to exclude from said counting ranges of these durations D1i.

[0041] Advantageously, the electric motor is connected to a processing unit so that the rotation direction of the brushing roller 30 is automatically corrected according to the position signal generated by the movement sensor. In other words, the processing unit determines from the position signal emitted by the movement sensor the zone Zi of the dentition being brushed and in response thereto controls the electric motor so that its output shaft rotatably drives the brushing roller 30 according to a direction allowing brushing from the gums to the top of the teeth (brushing commonly referred to as "red to white" as recommended by health authorities).

[0042] Advantageously, the processing unit is designed to display on the display screen 10B of the terminal 10 both a representation 11 of the user's dentition (preferably static) and a representation 12 of the brushing progress of the dentition performed with the toothbrush 1, preferably dynamic and in real time, the dynamic representation 12 being generated from the position signals generated by the movement sensor. The static representation 11 of the dentition includes, for example, a stylized representation of the mandibular and maxillary teeth, each represented flat in a top view (i.e. in the overhang of the chewing surface), the maxillary teeth being placed above the mandibular teeth. The dynamic representation 12 of the brushing progress is presented, for example, in the form of a colored highlight line Bi, which progresses while elongating along the relevant zone Zi of the dentition represented on the display screen 10B, as can be seen, for example, in Figs. 1 and 3.

[0043] Advantageously, the processing unit is designed to freeze the dynamic representation of the brushing progress 12 when the first warning signal is emitted. This means that as soon as an excessive contact pressure is detected, which corresponds to said value of the measured electrical quantity exceeding a predefined threshold, the shape of the graphic object representing the brushing progress is frozen, even if the user continues to move the electric toothbrush 1 along the dentition. This allows the user to intuitively understand that the brushing he is performing is not considered as proper brushing. The user's understanding is facilitated by the display of a warning pictogram forming the second visual signal 80.

[0044] Advantageously, said static representation 11 of a dentition comprises, for example, a number of dentition zones (the tooth numbers given below correspond to the tooth designation codes of ISO 3950:2016 - to distinguish the digital references used in the drawings, the tooth numbers are preceded by the sign #): a first zone Z1 corresponding to the outer surfaces of teeth #41 to #48; - a second zone Z2 corresponding to the outer surfaces of teeth #31 to #38; - a third zone Z3 corresponding to the outer surfaces of teeth #21 to #28; - a fourth zone Z4 corresponding to the outer surfaces of teeth #11 to #18; - a fifth zone Z5 corresponding to the inner surfaces of teeth #41 to #48; - a sixth zone Z6 corresponding to the inner surfaces of teeth #31 to #38; - a seventh zone Z7 corresponding to the inner surfaces of teeth #21 to #28; - the eighth zone Z8, which corresponds to the inner surfaces of teeth #11 to #18; - the ninth zone Z9, corresponding to the chewing surfaces of teeth #44 to #48; a tenth zone Z10 corresponding to the chewing surfaces of teeth #34 to #38; an eleventh zone Z11 corresponding to the chewing surfaces of teeth #24 to #28, and - The twelfth zone Z12, which corresponds to the chewing surfaces of teeth #14 to #18.

[0045] This cartography is advantageously recorded in the memory of the processing unit. The processing unit is preferentially designed to display on the display screen 10B, preferably superimposed on the static representation 11 of the dentition, a display 13 urging the user to brush each of the dentition zones Zi during a respective predefined time TDi (i=1-12). For example, as a successive display, the processing unit can display dynamic arrows Fi that are displayed along or on the associated dentition zones Zi during the predefined time TDi corresponding to the associated zones, i=1-12. Thus, Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 show an arrow F1 urging the user to brush the zone Z1. For example, the predefined time TDi during which the arrow Fi is displayed urging the user to brush the dentition zone Zi is determined as follows: - for zone Zi, TDi = 6 s, i = 1-8 (inner and outer surfaces); and -For zone Zi, TDi=3 sec, i=9-12 (chewing surface).

[0046] The dynamic representation 12 of the brushing progress is advantageously designed, for example, to indicate by a graphical development the time that the brushing roller 30 has actually passed through the relevant zone Zi, this progress being stopped (as is the graphical development indicating this) once the brushing roller 30 has brushed the teeth in said zone Zi for a corresponding predetermined duration (e.g. equal to 6 seconds for the outer or inner surface of the quadrant).

[0047] Preferably, the processing unit is designed to display, for each dentition zone Zi, on the screen 10B near the associated zone Zi, for a predetermined time TDi, the counting of which takes into account with priority first brushing durations D1i during which the value of the electrical quantity measured by the measuring device is greater than a predetermined threshold and / or second brushing durations D2i during which an inappropriate movement of the toothbrush 1 is detected via the movement sensor, where i is 1-12.

[0048] In the example of FIG. 3, the processing unit displays on the display screen 10B a display F1 prompting the user to brush the outer surfaces of teeth #48 to #41 (zone Z1) during a predetermined time TD1 (e.g. equal to 6 seconds), the brushing progress corresponding to the movement of the toothbrush 1 along the outer surfaces of teeth #48 to #41 being embodied on the screen 10B by a highlighted line B1 superimposed on the static representation 11 of the dentition displayed by the display screen 10B, at the level of the outer surfaces of the relevant teeth.

[0049] An example of using the electric toothbrush 1 according to the embodiment shown in the figures will now be described in detail.

[0050] First, the user switches the toothbrush on by pressing the on / off button 40 arranged on the casing 2A, for example under the screen 20. The toothbrush 1 is then tensioned and its data exchange module is ready to pair with the coupling module embedded in the terminal 10, in this case a smart mobile phone with a touch screen. At the same time, as soon as the toothbrush 1 is tensioned, the brushing roller 30 rotates continuously in a first direction of rotation according to a first axis of rotation Y-Y' (in this case confused with a central longitudinal axis X-X') at a speed that is preferably substantially constant and corresponds to a setting identified by a pictogram 20A displayed on the screen 20. In this case, said pictogram 20A represents in a stylized way the brushing roller 30 seen from the front, in the middle of which there is a number indicating the rotation speed adjustment. 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 that has elapsed since the brush 1 was switched on by pressing the switch 40, a time measured by a time measuring means.

[0051] The user then launches a dedicated application executed by the terminal 10. This application controls the automatic pairing of a data exchange module embedded in the toothbrush 1 with a coupling module embedded in the terminal 10, and establishes a wireless data transfer bidirectional connection between the toothbrush and the terminal 10, for example a radio connection of the Bluetooth type.

[0052] The application executed by the terminal 10 displays on the touch screen 10B of the terminal 10 a menu allowing access to different interfaces. Said menu thus makes it possible to select, for example, a configuration interface allowing the user to select a brushing speed program according to the condition of his gums. The interface displayed on the screen 10B by the application executed by the terminal 10 allows, for example, the user to choose between three brushing programs: - The "Periodontal" program with a choice of three possible rotation speeds V1, V2, V3, which is adapted to inflamed gums, e.g. showing signs of gingivitis or periodontitis, or in the post-operative period. -V1=2 revolutions / sec ±0.5 revolutions / sec, -V2=3 revolutions / sec ±0.5 revolutions / sec, -V3=4 rotations / sec ±0.5 rotations / sec, - "Comfort" program with a choice of three possible rotation speeds V4, V5, V6, which adapts to healthy and fine gums. -V4=6 revolutions / sec ±0.5 revolutions / sec, -V5=7 rotations / sec ±0.5 rotations / sec, -V6=8 rev / sec ±0.5 rev / sec, - "Fast" program with two possible rotation speeds V7, V8 to choose from, which is adapted to healthy and thick gums. -V7=10 rev / sec ±0.5 rev / sec, -V8=12 rev / sec ±0.5 rev / sec.

[0053] Advantageously, the interface displayed on the screen 10B of the terminal 10 includes a questionnaire that allows the user to determine the appropriate program among the three aforementioned programs by indicating the state of his gums (healthy gums, inflamed gums, post-operative gums, fine gums, thick gums, etc.). The interface then allows the user to select, for the selected program, the rotation speed of the brushing roller 30, for example by means of the command buttons 41, 42 arranged on the handle (or via the command interface displayed on the screen 10B). For example, if the user selects the "Periodontal" program, it is possible to choose to give the brushing roller 30 either a speed V1, a speed V2 or a speed V3. Similarly, if it is the "Comfort" program selected by the user, the latter can select, via the interface displayed on the terminal 10 and / or the buttons 41, 42, the rotation speed of the brushing roller 30 among speeds V4, V5 or V6. If it is the "High Speed" program that is selected, the user can select one of two constant rotation speeds of the brushing roller 30, namely speed V7 or speed V8. The brushing speed selection is transmitted by wireless connection to a processing unit portion embedded in the electric toothbrush 1. The processing unit controls the electric motor to impart rotation to the brushing roller 30 according to a certain speed corresponding to the speed selected by the user.

[0054] The aforementioned menu also makes it possible to display a support interface for brushing and brushing control, said interface corresponding to the interface displayed in FIGS.

[0055] First, the dynamic arrow F1 prompts the user to brush the outer surface of teeth #48 to #41 (zone Z1). Next, the user places the brushing roller 30 against the outer surface of teeth #48 as prompted by the dynamic arrow F1, and then moves the brush 1 along the outer surface of teeth #48 to #41 as prompted by the dynamic arrow F1 displayed on screen 10B, brushing each of teeth #41 until it reaches tooth #41. During this brushing sequence of zone Z1, the brushing roller 30 operates according to a constant speed (whose value corresponds to a value preselected by the user as described above) according to a direction controlled by the processing unit according to data from the motion sensor. The processing unit gives the brushing roller 30 a rotation direction that allows brushing from gums to teeth (i.e. "from red to white") thanks to said data from the motion sensor. The dynamic arrow F1 prompts the user to brush zone Z1 for a predetermined time, preferably substantially equal to 6 seconds. The brushing progress is embodied on the screen 10B by a highlighted line B1 that progresses 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 progress of the highlighted line B1 is thus controlled by the position data coming from the motion sensor.

[0056] If the user applies too much pressure with the brushing roller 30 on the teeth and / or gums while brushing the outer surfaces of teeth #48 to #41 in zone Z1, the intensity of the motor's supply current increases and exceeds a predefined threshold, which generates the display of a warning pictogram 80 via the screen 10B, prompting the user to reduce the contact pressure. As long as the contact pressure is not reduced by the user, the pictogram 80 remains displayed, for example, in the center of the screen 10B. Similarly, as long as the contact pressure is not reduced such that the intensity of the supply current is reduced to a value below the predefined threshold, the light indicator 70 generates a red light signal.

[0057] The same mechanism applies when the user makes an inappropriate movement with the toothbrush 1 while brushing the outer surfaces of the teeth #48 to #41 in the zone Z1. Such an inappropriate movement may include, for example, a jerky movement of the electric toothbrush 1 or simply the electric toothbrush 1 going out of the brushing zone (e.g., when the brushing roller 30 is outside the user's mouth). When such an inappropriate movement is detected, a specific pictogram (not shown) is displayed on the screen 10B by the movement sensor under the control of the processing unit, and the light indicator 70 is illuminated again with a red light. Furthermore, as long as the first or second warning signal is issued, the highlight line B1 corresponding to the dynamic representation 12 of the brushing progress in real time freezes, i.e. its length no longer changes and does not extend towards the end tooth #41.

[0058] When zone 1 has been brushed for an effective time TE1 of 6 seconds (after subtracting the first and second durations D11, D21 during which the first or second signal is emitted), the arrow F1 disappears and a new dynamic arrow F2 (not shown) appears on the screen 10B near the second zone Z2, prompting the user to brush the outer surfaces of zone Z2 from tooth #31 to tooth #38. The processing unit, taking into account the data from the motion sensor, automatically changes the rotation direction of the brushing roller 30 so that the rotation direction matches the orientation of the toothbrush 1 when brushing zone Z2, so that the brushing roller 30 brushes from the gums to the teeth. The brushing time for zone Z2 is again 6 seconds.

[0059] The user is then prompted to brush continuously by dynamic arrows Fi (where i corresponds to the associated zone number Zi) appearing one after the other at appropriate positions on the screen 10B; - inner surfaces of teeth #38 to #31 in zone Z6 (for example, for 6 seconds), - inner surfaces of teeth #41 to #48 in zone Z5 (for example, for 6 seconds), - chewing surfaces of teeth #48 to #44 in zone Z9 (e.g., for 3 seconds), - chewing surfaces of teeth #34 to #38 in zone Z10 (e.g., for 3 seconds), - the outer surfaces of teeth #18 to #11 in zone Z4 (for example, for 6 seconds), - the outer surfaces of teeth #21 to #28 in zone Z3 (for example, for 6 seconds), - inner surfaces of teeth #28 to #21 in zone Z7 (for example, for 6 seconds), - inner surfaces of teeth #11 to #18 in zone Z8 (for example, for 6 seconds), - the chewing surfaces of teeth #18 to #14 in zone Z12 (e.g., for 3 seconds), and - Chewing surfaces of teeth #28 to #24 in zone Z11 (e.g., for 3 seconds).

[0060] Of course, for each zone Zi, the behavior is the same as for zone Z1 described in detail above, in particular with regard to the progression of the dynamic representation 12 of the brushing progress on the associated zone and taking into account excessive contact pressure and / or improper movement.

[0061] Advantageously, the user can move from zone Zn to another zone Zm, even if the brushing of zone Zn has not been completely finished (e.g. because the user performed an improper movement or excessive contact pressure) without being prompted by the interface displayed on screen 10B. In this case, once the brushing sequence is completed, i.e. all zones Z1 to Z12 have been brushed, the zone Zn that has been incompletely brushed (which may be due, for example, to an effective brushing time that is too short, an improper movement or excessive contact pressure, etc.) is indicated by an interface displayed on screen 10B, prompting the user to re-brush the relevant zone Zn to obtain optimal brushing. If the user does not respond to this prompt, the brushing cycle is terminated.

[0062] Once the brushing cycle is finished, the application displays on screen 10B the brushing score S corresponding to the brushing quality indicator performed by the user with the electric toothbrush 1.

[0063] The brushing score S is calculated, for example, as follows: If each zone Zi, i=1-8, is brushed during the corresponding predefined time (e.g., equal to 6 seconds for zones Z1 to Z8), 1 point is assigned, with a total of 8 possible points if all 8 external and internal zones Z1 to Z8 are properly brushed during at least 6 seconds each. If each zone Zi, i=9 to 12, is brushed during a corresponding predetermined time (e.g., equal to 3 seconds), half a point (0.5 point) is assigned, for a total of two possible points if each of the four chewing zones Z9 to Z12 is properly brushed during a corresponding predetermined time of 3 seconds.

[0064] Thus, if the brushing cycle was performed completely correctly, the total brushing time was 1 minute (6×4+6×4+4×3), corresponding to a maximum total score of 10 points, indicating satisfactory brushing quality.

[0065] If, during brushing of one of the zones Z1 to Z12, a bad gesture (too high contact pressure leading to the emission of a first signal or an incorrect movement leading to the emission of a second signal) is detected, not only is the dynamic representation 12 of the brushing progress frozen, but a calculation of the number of points associated with the relevant zone Zi is performed by the processing unit by firstly calculating the effective time TEi of the relevant zone Zi as follows: TEi=Ti-(D1i+D2i), i=1-12, i.e. TEi is the effective brushing time of the zone Zi, Ti is the total brushing time of the zone Zi, i.e. the time the brushing roller 30 is positioned in or towards the relevant zone Zi, D1i is the first duration during which the first signal was emitted during brushing of that zone Zi and D2i is the second duration during which the second signal was emitted during brushing of that zone Zi.

[0066] The processing unit then compares the effective time TEi calculated according to the above method for the relevant zone Zi of the dentition with a corresponding predefined time, e.g. TDi=6 seconds for i=1-8, TDi=3 seconds for i=9-12, etc.

[0067] If TEi / TDi>K and K≧80%, preferably K≧90%, the processing unit assigns 1 point to the brushing of the associated zone Zi. Conversely, if TEi / TDi≦K, the processing unit assigns 0 point to the brushing of the associated zone Zi.

[0068] Of course, thanks to the fact that the dynamic representation 12 freezes, and thanks to the indication of a warning perceptible to the user (e.g., the first visual signal 70), the user can immediately correct the brushing gesture to ensure that the condition TEi / TDi>k is met. In this case, the brushing error is immediately corrected and the dynamic representation 12 of the brushing progress resumes its geometric development, for example continuing until its end.

[0069] If, instead, the user does not return and one of the zones Zi has been brushed so badly that the maximum possible number of points has not been reached, then when the final score S is displayed (hence, in the latter case S<10), a graphic signal of the zone Zi which has not reached the maximum possible score is displayed (for example with a red highlight), inviting the user to start brushing again in the relevant zone to increase his score. In this case, the processing unit is advantageously designed to also indicate the sequence in which to pass the electric brush 1 over the relevant zones, if there are several.

[0070] Finally, the processing unit is advantageously designed to take into account the fact that for some users doubts may arise as to whether the first dynamic arrow F1 indicates the lower right or the lower left area of ​​the dentition. The algorithm implemented by the processing unit makes it possible to remove this difficulty by automatically recalculating the subsequent brushing sequence in the appropriate order of the zones to be brushed if the user starts in zone Z2 instead of as indicated in zone Z1. Thus, it is possible for the user to start in zone Z1 or in zone Z2. When the electric toothbrush 1 detects, by means of a movement sensor under the control of the processing unit, whether the first brushed zone is zone Z1 or zone Z2, the next brushing sequence is automatically appropriate accordingly, proposing a path for the brush 1 around all the teeth (inner and outer surfaces) including the chewing zone.

[0071] If the user starts a brushing cycle in zone Z2, the user is guided by the application to perform the following brushing sequence: - the outer surface of teeth #38 to #31 in zone Z2 (for example, for 6 seconds), - the outer surfaces of teeth #41 to #48 in zone Z1 (for example, for 6 seconds), - inner surfaces of teeth #48 to #41 in zone Z5 (for example, for 6 seconds), - inner surfaces of teeth #31 to #38 in zone Z6 (for example, for 6 seconds), - chewing surfaces of teeth #38 to #34 in zone Z10 (e.g., for 3 seconds), - chewing surfaces of teeth #48 to #44 in zone Z9 (e.g., for 3 seconds), - the outer surface of teeth #28 to #21 in zone Z3 (for example, for 6 seconds), - the outer 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), - chewing surfaces of teeth #28 to #24 in zone Z11 (e.g., for 3 seconds) and - Chewing surfaces of teeth #18 to #14 in zone Z12 (e.g., for 3 seconds).

[0072] Advantageously, the display on screen 10B of the teeth and the path of the brush 1 (embodied by the dynamic graphic representation 12) are performed in an inverted manner, i.e. in "mirror" mode, as shown in the figure, facilitating the user's gestures to follow the same direction as the arrow Fi displayed on screen 10B.

[0073] The invention finally makes it possible, particularly in its preferred embodiments as detailed and disclosed above, to intuitively and quickly perform optimal tooth brushing in a short period of time using a brush of particularly simple, lightweight and compact construction. [Industrial Applicability]

[0074] The present invention finds industrial application in the design, manufacture and use of electric toothbrushes.

Claims

1. 1. An electric toothbrush (1) comprising an electric motor and a tooth brushing member (3) connected to said electric motor which is rotated by said electric motor, said electric toothbrush (1) comprising a device for measuring an electrical quantity representative of the contact pressure between said brushing member (3) and said teeth, and a processing unit connected to said measuring device for emitting a first warning signal when the value of said electrical quantity measured by said measuring device is greater than a predefined threshold, said brushing member (3) comprising a brushing roller (30) mounted in rotation according to a first axis of rotation (Y-Y'), said brushing roller (30) comprising a central core substantially coaxial with said first axis of rotation (Y-Y') and brushing projections (5) projecting radially from said central core, said toothbrush (1) comprising time measuring means making it possible to measure a first brushing duration (D1i) for which the value of said electrical quantity measured by said measuring device is greater than said predefined threshold, said first predefined duration (D1i) being used by said processing unit to calculate a brushing quality indicator. The electric toothbrush (1) is characterized by:

2. the electric motor is driven by a supply current, and the electrical quantity is a physical parameter characterizing the supply current, 2. Electric toothbrush (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that

3. The electrical quantity is the intensity of the supply current. An electric toothbrush (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that

4. said processing unit is intended to be connected to at least one first said signaling member (7) such that emission of said first warning signal by said processing unit controls emission of a first visual signal (70) and / or an audio signal by said signaling member (7), An electric toothbrush (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that

5. a motion sensor including an accelerometer and / or a gyrometer and / or an inertial unit, said processing unit being connected to said motion sensor for detecting improper motion of said toothbrush (1) and for issuing a second warning signal when improper motion is detected; An electric toothbrush (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that

6. said time measurement means being designed to determine a second brushing duration (D2i) at which an inappropriate movement of said toothbrush (1) is detected; An electric toothbrush (1) according to claims 1 to 5, characterised in that

7. said processing unit is designed to display on said display screen (10B) both a static representation (11) of the user's dentition and a dynamic representation (12) in real time of a brushing progress of said dentition performed by said toothbrush (1), said dynamic representation (12) being generated from position signals generated by said movement sensor. An electric toothbrush (1) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, characterised in that

8. the processing unit is designed to freeze the dynamic representation (12) when the first warning signal is generated. An electric toothbrush (1) according to claims 1 to 7, characterised in that

9. said static representation (11) of the dentition comprises a plurality of dentition zones (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5, Z6, Z7, Z8, Z9, Z10, Z11, Z12), and said processing unit is designed to display on said display screen (10B) successive indications (F1) prompting said user to brush each of said dentition zones (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5, Z6, Z7, Z8, Z9, Z10, Z11, Z12) at respective predetermined times (TDi), An electric toothbrush (1) according to any one of claims 7 and 8, characterised in that

10. the electric motor is connected to the processing unit such that the rotation direction of the brushing roller (30) is automatically corrected depending on the position signal generated by the movement sensor; An electric toothbrush (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterised in that

11. a data exchange module designed to communicate by radio waves (9) with a terminal (10) equipped with a command interface (10A) and a display screen (10B), said processing unit being at least partially formed by said terminal (10), Electric toothbrush (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

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