electric toothbrush

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electric toothbrush including a handle component containing a measuring module and a brush head component provided with a block to be measured for identification. [Solution] The brush head component is in contact with the handle component, and the measuring module is electrically connected to the block under measurement. Differences in the block under measurement form differences in the signals measured by the measuring module, and the type of brush head is identified according to the differences in the signals.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This publication concerns the field of toothbrushes, and in particular, electric toothbrushes. [Background technology]

[0002] Existing methods for identifying brush head types in electric toothbrushes include a magnetic field identification method, in which a magnet is embedded in the brush head and the type of brush head is identified by detecting the magnetic field of the magnet when the toothbrush is used attached to the handle, and a Near Field Communication (NFC) identification method, in which an NFC digital tag containing data is embedded in the brush head and the type of brush head is identified by reading the information on the NFC digital tag using the NFC wireless protocol when the toothbrush is used attached to the handle.

[0003] However, in magnetic field identification, the magnetic material embedded inside the electric toothbrush is prone to damage during production and use, and production and design costs are relatively high. In NFC identification, the production defect rate is high when embedding NFC digital tags inside the brush head, and the cost of NFC digital tags has risen. Furthermore, because an NFC chip and external circuitry must be added to the end of the toothbrush handle, the cost of designing the printed circuit board (PCB) for the handle increases. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0004] In light of this, this publication presents an electric toothbrush that incorporates a function to identify the type of brush head, based on the premise that production and design costs can be reduced.

[0005] Based on one aspect of this disclosure, an electric toothbrush is provided, comprising a handle component including a measuring module and a brush head component having a block to be measured for identification, wherein the brush head component is in contact with the handle component, the measuring module is electrically connected to the block to be measured, and differences in the block to be measured form differences in signals measured by the measuring module, and the type of brush head is identified according to the differences in the signals.

[0006] In one possible embodiment, identifying the type of brush head in accordance with the difference in the signals specifically includes using a digital signal output by the measuring module to indicate the parameters of the block under test, and using the parameters of the block under test to indicate the type of brush head of the brush head component.

[0007] In one possible embodiment, the measurement module includes the block under test being a resistor module, the parameters of the block under test including the resistance value of the block under test, the measurement module including a first block under test connection terminal, a first reference resistor of known resistance, a voltage detector, and an analog-to-digital converter, wherein the first block under test connection terminal is serially connected to the first reference resistor, the first block under test connection terminal is used to serially connect the block under test and the first reference resistor when the brush head component is mounted on the handle component, the voltage detector is used to measure the voltage of the first reference resistor and obtain an analog voltage signal after it is connected to the block under test, the analog-to-digital converter is used to convert the analog voltage signal into a digital voltage signal, the digital voltage signal is used to indicate the resistance value of the block under test, the resistance value of the block under test is used to indicate the brush head type of the brush head component, and the digital signal includes the digital voltage signal.

[0008] In one possible embodiment, the block under test is a capacitance module, the parameters of the block under test include a capacitance value, the measurement module includes a second block under test connection terminal, a second reference resistor of a known resistance value, a reference capacitance of a known capacitance value, and a PWM generator, the first terminal of the second reference resistor is connected to a power supply voltage, the second terminal of the second reference resistor is connected in series to the first terminal of the reference capacitance, the second terminal of the reference capacitance is grounded, the reference capacitance is connected in parallel to the second block under test connection terminal, the first terminal of the reference capacitance is connected to the input terminal of the PWM generator, and the second block under test connection terminal connects the brush head component to the handle component When installed, the measured block and the reference capacitor are connected in parallel and used to modify the magnitude of the capacitance at the input terminal of the PWM generator. The magnitude of the capacitance at the input terminal of the PWM generator is used to adjust the frequency of the PWM square wave signal output by the PWM generator. The PWM generator is used to output a corresponding PWM square wave signal when a change occurs in the magnitude of the capacitance at the input terminal. The PWM square wave signal is used to indicate the capacitance value of the measured block. The capacitance value of the measured block is used to indicate the type of brush head of the brush head component. The digital signal includes the PWM square wave signal.

[0009] In one possible embodiment, the handle component includes a spring-loaded contact module, the spring-loaded contact module is connected to a connection end of a block to be measured in the measuring module, and when the brush head component is mounted on the handle component, the block to be measured in the brush head component is connected to the measuring module by contacting the spring-loaded contact module.

[0010] In one possible embodiment, the block to be measured includes a magnetic block to be measured, the handle component includes a magnetic contact module, the magnetic contact module is connected to the block to be measured connection terminal in the measuring module, the brush head component is attracted to the handle component by magnetic force between the magnetic block to be measured and the magnetic contact module, and the brush head component is connected to the measuring module by attracting the magnetic contact module to the magnetic block to be measured.

[0011] In one possible embodiment, the handle component further includes a presentation module for emitting presentation information, which is used to indicate whether the brush head component and the handle component have successfully fitted together.

[0012] In one possible embodiment, the presentation module is used to emit presentation information by at least one of light, vibration, and sound.

[0013] In one possible embodiment, the handle component further includes a control module which receives a digital signal output by the measuring module, determines the parameters of the block under test according to the digital signal, and is used to determine the identification result of the brush head component according to the parameters of the block under test, the identification result indicating whether the brush head component and the handle component are compatible.

[0014] In one possible embodiment, determining the identification result of the brush head component in accordance with the parameters of the block under test includes determining whether the parameters of the block under test are within a predetermined parameter range, the predetermined parameter range being used to indicate the parameter range of the block under test within the brush head component that is compatible with the handle component; determining that the brush head component and the handle component are compatible if the parameters of the block under test are within the predetermined parameter range; and determining that the brush head component and the handle component are not compatible if the parameters of the block under test are not within the predetermined parameter range.

[0015] Based on the embodiments described herein, by placing the block to be measured in the brush head component and the measurement module in the handle component, the block to be measured and the measurement module can be electrically connected when the brush head component and the handle component come into contact. As a result, differences in the block to be measured form differences in the signals measured by the measurement module, and the type of brush head can be identified according to the difference in the signals. Compared to identifying the type of brush head using existing magnetic field identification technology or NFC identification technology, the electric toothbrush provided by the embodiments described herein does not require complex electronic elements or sensors, has a relatively simple structure, is easy to implement, is not easily damaged, can reduce production and design costs, and is suitable for large-scale production.

[0016] The following describes exemplary embodiments in detail with reference to the attached drawings, which should further clarify other features and aspects of this publication.

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are included in the specification and constitute part of the specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments, features, and manners in this publication and are used together with the specification to interpret the principles of this publication.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1a] It is a schematic diagram of an electric toothbrush in an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1b] It is a cross-sectional view of a brush head component in an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2a] It is a schematic structural diagram of a measurement module in an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2b] It is a schematic structural diagram of a measurement module connecting a measured block in an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] It is a schematic structural diagram of another measurement module in an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] It is a schematic structural diagram of a measurement module connecting a measured block in an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] It is a schematic structural diagram of a PWM generator in an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] It is a schematic structural diagram of another measurement module in an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] It is a schematic structural diagram of a measurement module connecting a measured block in an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] It is a module block diagram inside a handle component in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects in the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings indicate elements having the same or similar functions. Although various aspects of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless otherwise specified.

[0020] The term "exemplary," as used herein, means "used as an example, embodiment, or explanatory tool." Any embodiment described "exemplary" herein should not be interpreted as being superior or preferable to other embodiments.

[0021] In this specification, the term "and / or" merely describes the relationship between the related objects, indicating that three types of relationships are possible. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Furthermore, the term "at least one" in this specification refers to any one of several types or any combination of at least two of several types. For example, including at least one of A, B, and C can mean including any one or more elements selected from the set comprised of A, B, and C.

[0022] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., used in the claims, specification, and accompanying drawings of this publication are used merely to distinguish different subjects and are not used to describe a specific order. The terms "includes" and "contains" as used in the specification and claims of this publication indicate the presence of the features, totalities, steps, operations, elements, and / or components being described, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, totalities, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or sets thereof.

[0023] Furthermore, in order to better explain this publication, numerous specific details are provided in the specific embodiments described below. As those skilled in the art will understand, this publication can be implemented in the same manner even without these specific details. In the series of embodiments, methods, means, elements, and circuits that are well known to those skilled in the art are not described in detail in order to highlight the main point of this publication.

[0024] Figure 1a shows a schematic diagram of an electric toothbrush in one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1a, the electric toothbrush includes a handle component 10 and a brush head component 20, the brush head component 20 containing a block to be identified and measured 201 (for example, the block to be measured located in the brush head component shown in Figure 1b), and the handle component 10 containing a measurement module 101 (not shown).

[0025] When the brush head component 20 and the handle component 10 come into contact, the measuring module 101 and the block under measurement 201 are electrically connected, and the difference in the block under measurement 201 forms a difference in the signal measured by the measuring module 101, and the type of brush head is identified according to the difference in the signal.

[0026] Furthermore, when the brush head component 20 of the block under test is attached to the handle component 10, it can be electrically connected to the measurement module 101. By altering the impedance such as resistance and capacitance within the measurement module 101, the measurement module 101 can output different digital signals. Different blocks under test can output different digital signals to the measurement module 101. In other words, the differences in the blocks under test form differences in the signals measured by the measurement module 101, and the type of brush head can be determined based on these signal differences.

[0027] The blocks under test include resistors, capacitors, inductors, and diodes. A digital circuit is constructed using logic gate circuits that combine diodes and triodes to identify different brush heads.

[0028] Diodes are unidirectional conductive and can be used to perform basic logic operations, such as AND and OR operations. Diodes can be used as switches in circuits, allowing the passage or blocking of current.

[0029] Triodes are generally used as signal amplifiers or switches, with NPN and PNP triodes being the most common. In digital circuits, triodes are typically used to implement logic gates, such as AND gates, OR gates, and NOT gates.

[0030] Logic gates use diodes and triodes to implement combinations of different logic gates, such as "AND" gates, "OR" gates, "NAND" gates, and "NOR" gates.

[0031] In a proposal for identifying different brush heads, multiple brush heads can be used, and the state of each brush head (e.g., on / off, different voltage or signal input) can be displayed as an input signal. A suitable logic circuit can be designed to determine which brush head is selected.

[0032] For example, suppose there are three brush head options, each corresponding to signals A, B, and C. When brush head A is selected, input signal A is at a high level (1), and the other signals are at a low level (0).

[0033] An AND gate is used to determine whether a specific condition is met (for example, all inputs are of a high level).

[0034] An OR gate is used to determine which input signals are at a high level.

[0035] A NOT gate is used to invert the state of a certain input signal.

[0036] By combining these logic gates, brush head selection and identification can be achieved.

[0037] Specific example: When determining whether brush head A is selected, assume that the input signal for brush head A is A, and the input signals for the other brush heads are B and C, respectively.

[0038] A simple circuit is A AND NOT B AND NOT C, and the output is high level when only brushhead A is selected.

[0039] As described above, the measurement module 101 is electrically connected to the block under test 201 and can output a digital signal. In other words, the measurement module 101 can output a digital signal when the block under test 201 is connected to the measurement module 101. Therefore, identifying the brush head type according to the difference in the above signals specifically involves using the digital signal output by the measurement module 101 to indicate the parameters of the block under test 201, and using the parameters of the block under test 201 to indicate the brush head type of the brush head component 20. The parameters of the block under test 201 may include the resistance value, capacitance value, etc.

[0040] The connection between the brush head component 20 and the handle component 10 is a detachable connection; that is, the brush head component 20 can be detachably (i.e., separated) attached to the handle component 10. Furthermore, the handle component 10 is compatible with multiple types of brush head components 20, and the brush head component 20 attached to the handle component 10 is permanently replaceable. Therefore, the handle component 10 must identify the type of brush head of the attached brush head component 20 and determine whether or not that brush head component 20 is compatible with the handle component 10.

[0041] In practical applications, different types of brush head components can be equipped with blocks under test having different parameters, and the parameters of the different blocks under test can be used to indicate different types of brush head components. The blocks under test can be resistance modules or capacitance modules, for example, a metal block can be specifically used for a resistance module, and a capacitance device can be specifically used for a capacitance module. The parameters of the blocks under test can include resistance values ​​and / or capacitance values. A person skilled in the art can select blocks under test having resistance characteristics arbitrarily known in the art as needed, and design the parameters, type, dimensions, and position of the blocks under test within different types of brush head components (for example, the position of the blocks under test in Figure 1b can be at the bottom or side of the brush head component), but only if the functionality to be achieved is required, and the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to that.

[0042] The electric toothbrush shown in Figure 1a is an exemplary implementation provided in this publication. In practice, those skilled in the art can design the external dimensions and internal structure of the electric toothbrush according to their actual needs. For example, a power module can be installed within the handle component 10 to provide power to other modules (e.g., a measuring module), and wireless or wired charging can be implemented using the power module. A vibration motor can also be installed to drive the vibration of the brush head component 20. Various switch buttons can be used to turn the electric toothbrush on / off or switch brush modes, but the embodiments in this publication are not limited to these features.

[0043] The measurement module can be understood as a circuit module. When the block under test and the measurement module are electrically connected, it is equivalent to connecting a resistor and / or capacitance to the measurement module. If the power supply voltage input to the measurement module is constant, the block under test connected to the measurement module alters the impedance in the measurement module, causing a change in the digital signal output by the measurement module. By measuring the changed digital signal (i.e., the signal difference), the parameters of the block under test can be determined, and the parameters of the block under test can also be used to determine the brush head type of the brush head component.

[0044] As described above, the block under test can be a resistor module, and the parameters of the block under test can include the resistance value of the block under test, and are selectable. Figure 2a shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a measurement module in one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2a, the measurement module 101 may include a first block under test connection terminal (ab terminal), a first reference resistor (R0) of known resistance value, a voltage detector (G), and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The first block under test connection terminal (ab terminal) is serially connected to the first reference resistor (R0).

[0045] The first connection terminal (ab terminal) of the block under test is used to serially connect the block under test 201 and the first reference resistor (R0) when the brush head component 20 is attached to the handle component 10.

[0046] The voltage detector (G) is used to measure the voltage across the first reference resistor (R0) and obtain the analog voltage signal after connecting the block under test 201.

[0047] An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is used to convert an analog voltage signal into a digital voltage signal, which is used to indicate the resistance value of the block under test, which is used to indicate the brush head type of the brush head component, and the digital signal includes a digital voltage signal.

[0048] For example, based on the measurement module shown in Figure 2a, after attaching the brush head component 20 to the handle component 10, a schematic diagram of the structure of the measurement module can be obtained by connecting, for example, the block to be measured 201 shown in Figure 2b. In the figure, Rx indicates the connected resistor module (block to be measured 201). As shown in Figure 2b, the input voltage Vin is constant, and when the resistor module (Rx) is connected to the measurement module 101 shown in Figure 2a, the input voltage Vin forms a serial circuit via the first reference resistor (R0) and the resistor module (Rx). At that time, a change occurs in the voltage of the first reference resistor (R0), and a voltage detector (G) connected in parallel with the first reference resistor (R0) is detected. The circuit measures the voltage change across the first reference resistor (R0) to obtain an analog voltage signal after connecting the resistor module (Rx). Subsequently, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) can convert this analog voltage signal into a digital voltage signal. This digital voltage signal can indicate the voltage value Vout at the first reference resistor (R0) after connecting the block under test 201. Based on Ohm's law "voltage = current × resistance" and the voltage divider principle of serial circuits, the linear relationship between the voltage value Vout at the first reference resistor (R0) and the resistance value of the block under test 201 (i.e., the resistance value of Rx) can be determined, and therefore the digital voltage signal can also be used to indicate the resistance value of the block under test.

[0049] In actual applications, the resistance value of the block under test can be calculated based on the measured digital voltage signal. Specifically, from the known input voltage Vin, the resistance value of the first reference resistor (R0), and the measured voltage value Vout, Vin = I × (R0 + Rx) and Vout = I × R0 can be obtained based on Ohm's law "voltage = current × resistance" and the voltage divider principle of serial circuits. Furthermore, I = Vout / R0 and Rx = (Vin - Vout) / I can be estimated. Substituting I = Vout / R0 into Rx = (Vin - Vout) / I, Rx = (Vin - Vout) / (Vout / R1) = R0 × (Vin / Vout - 1) can be obtained, thus calculating the resistance value of Rx and enabling identification of the brush head type.

[0050] In actual applications, a general-purpose voltage detector can be used as the voltage detector, or a voltage detector combining a current detector and a sampling resistor can be used. Based on this, the current detector can be serially connected to the first reference resistor (R0). After connecting the block under test 201 to the measurement module 101 and forming a serial circuit between the first reference resistor (R0) and the resistor module (Rx), the current in the first reference resistor (R0) after connecting the block under test 201 can be measured using the current detector to obtain an analog current signal. The analog current signal is then converted to an analog voltage via the sampling resistor. The analog voltage signal is converted into a signal, and further converted into a digital voltage signal via an analog-to-digital converter. The resistance value of the block under test is calculated using the digital voltage signal. Since the input voltage Vin is constant, the linear relationship between the voltage value of the first reference resistor (R0) and the resistance value of the block under test (i.e., the resistance value of Rx) can be determined based on Ohm's law "voltage = current × resistance" and the voltage divider principle of a serial circuit. Therefore, the resistance value of the block under test 201 can be calculated by referring to the implementation method for calculating the resistance value of the block under test based on the digital voltage signal described above.

[0051] Those skilled in the art can construct the measurement module shown in Figure 2a by employing electrical devices known in the art, such as reference resistors, voltage detectors, and analog-to-digital converters. However, the measurement module shown in Figure 2a is merely an exemplary implementation provided by the embodiments of this publication. In practice, those skilled in the art can define and design the specific circuit structure of the measurement module based on the disclosure of the measurement module shown in Figure 2a. For example, they can add other necessary electrical devices based on the measurement module shown in Figure 2a, and the embodiments of this publication do not limit them in this regard.

[0052] For example, a low dropout regulator (LDO) can be installed within the measurement module, and two additional capacitors can be connected to the input terminal (in) and output terminal (out) of the LDO (for example, 10uF capacitors can be used), and the ground terminal (GND) can be grounded. This LDO regulator can convert the relatively high input power supply voltage VCC into a stable input voltage Vin (for example, 3.3V), thereby applying a relatively low input voltage Vin to the serially connected resistor module (Rx) and first reference resistor (R0), preventing damage to other devices in the circuit.

[0053] As described above, the block under measurement can be a capacitance module, and the parameters of the block under measurement can include a capacitance value, and are selectable. Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of another measurement module in one embodiment of this disclosure, and as shown in Figure 3, the measurement module 101 is The configuration may include a second block under test connection terminal (a-b terminal), a second reference resistor (R1) of known resistance, a reference capacitor (C1) of known capacitance, and a PWM generator, wherein the input voltage Vin is connected to the first terminal of the second reference resistor (R1), the second terminal of the second reference resistor (R1) is serially connected to the first terminal of the reference capacitor (C1), the second terminal of the reference capacitor (C1) is grounded (GND), the reference capacitor (C1) is parallel connected to the second block under test connection terminal (a-b terminal), and the input terminal of the PWM generator is connected to the first terminal of the reference capacitor (C1).

[0054] The second connection terminal (a-b terminal) of the block under test is used to modify the magnitude of the capacitance at the input terminal of the PWM generator by connecting the block under test 201 and the reference capacitance (C1) in parallel when the brush head component 20 is attached to the handle component 10. The magnitude of the capacitance at the input terminal of the PWM generator is used to adjust the frequency of the PWM square wave signal output by the PWM generator.

[0055] The PWM generator is used to output a corresponding PWM square wave signal when there is a change in the capacitance at the input terminal. The PWM square wave signal is used to indicate the capacitance value of the block under test, and the capacitance value of the block under test is used to indicate the brush head type of the brush head component. The digital signal includes the PWM square wave signal.

[0056] Based on the measurement module shown in Figure 3, after attaching the brush head component 20 to the handle component 10, a schematic diagram of the structure of the measurement module with the block under test 201 shown in Figure 4 connected can be obtained, where Cx indicates the connected capacitance module (block under test 201). As shown in Figure 4, the input voltage Vin is constant, and when the block under test 201 is connected to the measurement module 101 shown in Figure 3, the capacitance module (Cx) and the reference capacitance (C1) form a parallel circuit. At this time, a change occurs in the magnitude of the capacitance at the input terminal of the PWM generator, and a change occurs in the frequency of the PWM square wave signal output by the PWM generator. Since there is a constant linear mapping relationship between the frequency of the PWM square wave signal output by the PWM generator and the magnitude of the capacitance at the input terminal of the PWM generator, the changed frequency can be obtained by performing waveform counting on the PWM square wave signal, and the capacitance value of the block under test 201 can be obtained based on the pre-established linear mapping relationship. Therefore, the PWM square wave signal can be used to indicate the capacitance value of the block under test.

[0057] The PWM generator can employ a generator for generating pulse-width modulation (PWM) square wave signals, which is well known in this field. For example, the NE555 chip can be used. The clock is an external RC clock, and port 3 outputs the square wave signal. As shown in Figure 5, the NE555 chip can automatically turn on and output a square wave signal in astable mode. The frequency of the output square wave signal depends on the capacitance (i.e., the size of C) and the resistor R at the input terminal (i.e., port 6). A and R B It can be adjusted via the above, and the second reference resistor (R1) is R A and R B It can be divided into, that is, R A and R B Since the resistance value is known, the frequency of the square wave signal is f = 1.44 / (R A *C+2R B*C), based on which, the first end of the reference capacitance (C1) can be connected to port 6 of the NE555 chip. The magnitude of the capacitance input to port 6 is C = C1 + Cx. After connecting Cx to the measurement module, the frequency of the PWM square wave signal output by the NE555 chip changes. By performing waveform counting on the PWM square wave signal, the changed frequency can be obtained. Substitute the changed frequency into the above f = 1.44 / (R A *C + 2R B *C), and since the capacitance value of C1 is known, based on C = C1 + Cx, the capacitance value of Cx can be calculated to obtain the capacitance value of the measured block.

[0058] Note that using the above NE555 chip as a PWM generator is one possible implementation provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. In fact, under the inspiration of the embodiments of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art can adopt other known electronic devices in this field with similar functions to the NE555 chip as a PWM generator, so it is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0059] Optionally, FIG. 6 shows a schematic structural diagram of another measurement module based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, the measurement module 101 includes a third measured block connection terminal (ab terminal), a reference resistor (R10) with a known resistance value, a reference resistor (R20) with a known resistance value, a reference resistor (R30) with a known resistance value, a voltage detector G (not shown), an operational amplifier (OPA) (not shown), and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) (not shown). The third measured block connection terminal (ab terminal) is connected to form a Wheatstone bridge with the reference resistor (R10), the reference resistor (R20), and the reference resistor (R30).

[0060] The third connection terminal (ab terminal) of the block under test is used to connect the block under test 201 to the reference resistor (R10), reference resistor (R20), and reference resistor (R30) in a Wheatstone bridge configuration when the brush head component 20 is attached to the handle component 10.

[0061] The voltage detector (G) is used to measure the bridge voltage Vout output by the Wheatstone bridge to obtain the initial analog voltage signal after connecting the block under test 201.

[0062] An operational amplifier (OPA) is used to amplify an initial analog voltage signal to obtain a target analog voltage signal.

[0063] An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is used to convert a target analog voltage signal into a digital voltage signal.

[0064] Based on the measurement module shown in Figure 6, when the brush head component 20 is attached to the handle component 10, for example, a schematic diagram of the structure of the measurement module with the measured block 201 shown in Figure 7 connected can be obtained, where Rx indicates the connected resistor module (measured block 201), and as shown in Figure 7, the input voltage Vin is constant. When the measured block 201 is connected to the measurement module 101 shown in Figure 6, Rx, R10, R20, and R30 are connected to form a Wheatstone bridge. Note that if the brush head component 20 is not attached (i.e., the measured block 201 is not connected), the measured block connection terminal (a-b terminal) in the Wheatstone bridge is blank or infinite (open circuit). In this case, the Wheatstone bridge is unbalanced, and the bridge voltage Vout output by the voltage detector (G) is not zero. The specific voltage value is determined by the resistance values ​​of R10, R20, R30 and the state of Rx. After the brush head component 20 is attached (i.e., the block under test 201 is connected), a specific Rx is added to the Wheatstone bridge, which affects the balance state of the Wheatstone bridge. The Rx after the block under test 201 is connected will likely change the Wheatstone bridge from an unbalanced state to a new balanced state, or it will remain unbalanced, but there will be a change in the bridge voltage Vout output by the voltage detector (G), i.e., an initial analog voltage signal after the block under test 201 is connected is obtained, then the operational amplifier (OPA) amplifies this initial analog voltage signal, and the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) converts the amplified target analog voltage signal into a digital voltage signal, and since there is a constant functional relationship between the bridge voltage Vout and Rx in the Wheatstone bridge, the above digital voltage signal can be used to indicate the resistance value of the block under test 201.

[0065] In practical applications, a functional relationship between the bridge voltage Vout and Rx can be pre-established. By measuring the digital voltage signal Vout after connecting the block under test 201, and combining it with the pre-established functional relationship, the resistance value (i.e., Rx value) corresponding to the block under test 201 can be calculated, thereby enabling identification of the brush head type.

[0066] Those skilled in the art can construct the above-mentioned measurement module by employing devices known in the art, such as a first reference resistor, a second reference resistor, a third reference resistor, a voltage detector (e.g., a galvanometer), an operational amplifier, and an analog-to-digital converter. However, the above-mentioned measurement module is merely an exemplary implementation provided by the embodiments disclosed herein. In practice, those skilled in the art can define and design the specific circuit structure of the measurement module based on the disclosure of the above-mentioned measurement module, and can, for example, add other necessary electrical devices based on the measurement module. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein do not limit this.

[0067] Based on any measurement module shown in Figures 2a to 7 above, a person skilled in the art can define and set up a connection method for connecting the block to be measured 201 into the measurement module 101. As long as the block to be measured 201 is connected into the measurement module via the block to be measured connection terminal, it is sufficient, and the embodiments disclosed herein do not limit this.

[0068] Selectively, the handle component 10 includes a spring-type contact module, which is connected to the measurement block connection terminal (a-b terminal) in the measurement module 101. When the brush head component 20 is attached to the handle component 10, the measurement block 201 within the brush head component 20 contacts the spring-type contact module, thereby connecting it to the measurement module 101. By including multiple spring-type contacts in the spring-type contact module, the contact area with the measurement block is increased, allowing for better connection of the measurement block. When the spring-type contact module 102 is connected to the measurement block 201 and the measurement block connection terminal (a-b terminal) in the measurement module 101, since the measurement block 201 is conductive, when the brush head component 20 is attached to the handle component 10 (for example, inserted into the handle component 10), the measurement block 201 of the brush head component 20 contacts the spring-type contact module 102 of the handle component 10, and the spring-type contact module 102 can automatically connect the measurement block 201 to the measurement module 101.

[0069] Selectively, the block to be measured 201 includes a magnetic block to be measured (metal block), the handle component 10 includes a magnetic contact module, the magnetic contact module is connected to the block to be measured connection end in the measuring module 101, the brush head component 20 is attracted to the handle component 10 by the magnetic force between the magnetic metal block and the magnetic contact module, and the magnetic metal block in the brush head component 20 is connected to the measuring module 101 by attracting the magnetic contact module. The magnetic metal block can be a metal block manufactured using a magnetic metal material, or a metal block containing a magnetic material, and this is not limited in the embodiments disclosed herein. By including multiple magnetic contacts in the magnetic contact module, the contact area with the block to be measured can be increased, and the block to be measured can be connected and attracted more effectively.

[0070] Furthermore, by using the magnetic contact module attached to the handle component 20, the brush head component 10 can be reliably attracted to the handle component 20 by magnetic force, and an electrical connection can be achieved at the same time. When the brush head component 20 approaches the handle component 10, the magnetic contact module firmly attracts the brush head component 20, ensuring a connection between the magnetic metal block within the brush head component 20 and the magnetic contact module. Since the magnetic contact module and the connection end of the block to be measured within the measuring module 101 are connected, the metal block 201 is connected to the measuring module 101. This method ensures a reliable electrical connection and allows the block to be measured to be accurately connected to the measuring module 101. Note that 102 in Figure 8 above can indicate the magnetic contact module, and 201 can indicate the magnetic metal block, and similarly, the connection of the block to be measured 201 to the measuring module 101 can be achieved.

[0071] In actual applications, when the brush head component 20 is attached to the handle component 10, the block under test 201 within the brush head component 10 modifies the digital signal (e.g., a digital voltage signal or a PWM square wave signal) output by the measurement module 101 within the brush head component 10 to change. After the digital signal changes, the converted digital signal can be transmitted to the electric toothbrush control module, which can identify the type of brush head component by analyzing the change in the digital signal. After identifying the type of brush head component, it is further determined whether the brush head component and the handle component are compatible based on the type of brush head component. Whether the brush head component and the handle component are compatible may include whether the type of brush head component (i.e., the model number of the brush head) matches the handle component, or whether the brush head component is accurately attached to the handle component. If the brush head component is not accurately attached to the handle component, the parameters of the block under test being measured are highly likely to be incorrect, and in that case, the type of brush head component indicated by those parameters is highly likely to be incorrect.

[0072] Therefore, in one possible implementation, Figure 8 shows a module block diagram within the handle component 10, and the handle component 10 may further include a control module 103, and the control module 103 is The measurement module 101 receives the digital signal output and determines the parameters of the block under measurement 201 according to the digital signal. The parameters of the block under measurement 201 are used to determine the identification result of the brush head component 20, and the identification result indicates whether or not the brush head component 20 and the handle component 10 are compatible.

[0073] The control module 103 can be implemented by dedicated hardware circuits to execute its operation, or it can be implemented by combining executable logic commands with general-purpose processing hardware (e.g., a central processing unit CPU, a single-chip microcontroller, a field-programmable logic device FPGA, a controller, a microcontroller MCU, a microprocessor MPU, etc.), and the executable logic commands can be implemented based on existing technical means. The specific implementation method of the control module 103 is not limited in the embodiments disclosed here.

[0074] As described above, the measurement module 101 has multiple implementation methods, and different measurement modules 101 can employ corresponding calculation methods to determine the parameters (e.g., resistance or capacitance) of the block under test 201 according to the digital signal. For example, the resistance value Rx of the block under test 201 can be determined according to the digital current signal Iout, or the capacitance value Cx of the block under test can be determined according to the frequency of the PWM square wave signal. As described above, for the measurement module shown in Figure 2a, the resistance value of the block under test 201 can be calculated by adopting Rx = R0 × (Vin / Vout-1). For the measurement module shown in Figure 3, the capacitance value of the block under test can be determined based on the linear mapping relationship between the frequency of the PWM square wave signal output by the PWM generator and the capacitance at the input terminal of the PWM generator, or, if the NE555 chip is used for the PWM generator, f = 1.44 / (R A *C+2R B *C) can be used to calculate the capacitance value of the block 201 under test, but this is not limited in the embodiments disclosed here.

[0075] In actual applications, the parameters of the block under test 201 (i.e., resistance or capacitance) can indicate the type of brush head of the brush head component 20. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the brush head component 20 and the handle component 10 are compatible based on the parameters of the block under test 201. Specifically, in one possible implementation, determining the identification result of the brush head component according to the parameters of the block under test may include determining whether the parameters of the block under test are within a predetermined parameter range, where the predetermined parameter range is used to indicate the parameter range of the block under test within the brush head component compatible with the handle component. If the parameters of the block under test are within the predetermined parameter range, it is determined that the brush head component and the handle component are compatible. If the parameters of the block under test are not within the predetermined parameter range, it is determined that the brush head component and the handle component are not compatible.

[0076] In the design process of an electric toothbrush, the same type of brush head component can use the same block to be measured. However, due to manufacturing tolerances of the block to be measured, there is a single error range for the parameters of the same block to be measured. For example, a series of blocks to be measured with a resistance value of 5 ohms (Ω) will likely have an error of ±1 Ω. Furthermore, there is a resistance error in the connection of the block to be measured 201 to the measurement module 101 (for example, a resistance error caused by positional deviation between the block to be measured 201 and the contact during use). Therefore, a predetermined resistance range can be set for the resistance value Rx of the block to be measured 201 in various brush head components. Similarly, a predetermined capacitance range can be set for the capacitance value Cx of the block to be measured 201. Thus, a predetermined parameter range can include a predetermined resistance range and a predetermined capacitance range. The predetermined parameter range corresponding to different handle components 20 is determined according to the design parameters of the block to be measured in the brush head component and can be stored in the control module 103 of the handle component 10. In other words, the parameter range of the block to be measured in the brush head component that is compatible with the handle component 10 can be stored within the handle component 10. The given parameter range may have a certain degree of error, and minor variations during manufacturing and use are permissible.

[0077] In actual applications, when the brush head component 20 is attached to the handle component 10, the block under test 201 within the brush head component 20 causes a change in the digital signal output by the measurement module 101. The changed digital signal is transmitted to the control module 103, which calculates the parameters of the block under test within the brush head component based on the digital signal and compares the measured parameters with a predetermined parameter range. If the measured parameters are within the predetermined parameter range, it indicates that the brush head component has been attached accurately and that the brush head type has been successfully matched, i.e., the brush head component and the handle component are compatible. If the measured parameters are not within the predetermined parameter range, it indicates that the brush head component has not been attached correctly or that the brush head type is not compatible, i.e., the brush head component and the handle component are incompatible.

[0078] To allow the user to easily determine whether the brush head component and the handle component have successfully fitted together, the electric toothbrush can further provide a corresponding notification to the user based on the identification result, using at least one of the following: light, vibration, or sound. For example, after successful fitting, that is, after detecting that the brush head component is correctly attached and the brush head type is compatible, the electric toothbrush can notify the user by light, vibration, or sound that the brush head has already been successfully fitted.

[0079] Therefore, in one possible implementation, the handle component 10 may further include a notification module 104 for emitting notification information, which is used to indicate whether the brush head component and the handle component have successfully fitted together. Specifically, the notification module 104 can emit notification information by at least one of the following: light, vibration, or sound. Alternatively, the notification information can be transmitted to the user by means of sending a warning to the smart terminal being used by the user. Different notification methods can be used for different identification results, and a person skilled in the art can define their own notification methods corresponding to different identification results; therefore, this is not limited in the embodiments disclosed hereto. The user experience is enhanced as the user is informed by light, vibration, or sound whether the brush head component and the handle component are fitted together, and problems caused by improper installation of the brush head or the brush head being unfit are avoided.

[0080] In actual applications, the control module 103 can control the presentation module 104 to emit presentation information after obtaining the identification result. For example, the presentation module 104 may include at least one of an indicator light, a vibration motor, and a speaker. The control module 103 can control the indicator light to emit light presentation, the vibration motor to emit vibration presentation, or the speaker to emit audio presentation, but this is not limited in the embodiments disclosed. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can design the specific structure of the presentation module 104 using electrical devices known in the art, and as long as the necessary functions are realized, this is not limited in the embodiments disclosed.

[0081] In the electric toothbrush described herein, a block to be measured is placed on the brush head component, and a measurement module is placed inside the handle component. When the brush head component and the handle component come into contact, the block to be measured and the measurement module are electrically connected, and a difference in the block to be measured is formed, resulting in a difference in the signal measured by the measurement module. The type of brush head can be identified according to the difference in the signal. Compared to identifying the type of brush head using magnetic field identification technology or NFC identification technology in existing technology, the electric toothbrush provided in the described herein does not require complex electronic elements or sensors, has a relatively simple structure, is easy to implement, is not easily damaged, can reduce production and design costs, and is suitable for large-scale production.

[0082] Although the embodiments described herein have already been explained, the above descriptions are illustrative, not exhaustive, and do not limit the embodiments disclosed. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the embodiments described. The choice of terms used herein is intended to best interpret the principles, practical applications, or technical modifications for market of each embodiment, or to ensure that the embodiments disclosed herein can be understood by others in the general art. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0083] 10 Handle Components 20 Brush Head Components Vin Input Voltage ab Connection end of the block under measurement R0 First reference resistor G Voltage detector ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) Rx Resistor Module Cx Capacitance Module R1 Second reference resistor C1 Reference capacity GND ground terminal R10 reference resistance R20 reference resistance R30 reference resistance

Claims

1. A handle component including a measuring module, A brush head component is provided with a block to be measured for identification, An electric toothbrush characterized in that the brush head component is in contact with the handle component, the measuring module is electrically connected to the block to be measured, the difference in the block to be measured forms a difference in the signal measured by the measuring module, and the type of brush head is identified according to the difference in the signal.

2. The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein identifying the type of brush head in accordance with the difference in the aforementioned signals specifically includes using a digital signal output by the measurement module to indicate the parameters of the block under measurement, and using the parameters of the block under measurement to indicate the type of brush head of the brush head component.

3. The block under test is a resistor module, the parameters of the block under test include the resistance value of the block under test, the measurement module includes a first connection terminal of the block under test, a first reference resistor of a known resistance value, a voltage detector, and an analog-to-digital converter, the first connection terminal of the block under test is serially connected to the first reference resistor. The first connection terminal of the block under test is used to serially connect the block under test and the first reference resistor when the brush head component is attached to the handle component. The voltage detector is used to measure the voltage of the first reference resistor and obtain an analog voltage signal after connecting it to the block under test. The electric toothbrush according to claim 2, wherein the analog-to-digital converter is used to convert the analog voltage signal into a digital voltage signal, the digital voltage signal is used to indicate the resistance value of the block under test, the resistance value of the block under test is used to indicate the type of brush head of the brush head component, and the digital signal includes the digital voltage signal.

4. The block under test is a capacity module, the parameters of the block under test include the capacity value of the block under test, and the measurement module includes, The system includes a second connection terminal for the block under test, a second reference resistor with a known resistance value, a reference capacitance with a known capacitance value, and a PWM generator, wherein an input voltage is connected to the first terminal of the second reference resistor, the second terminal of the second reference resistor is serially connected to the first terminal of the reference capacitance, the second terminal of the reference capacitance is grounded, the reference capacitance is parallel connected to the second connection terminal for the block under test, and the input terminal of the PWM generator is connected to the first terminal of the reference capacitance. The second connection terminal of the block under test is used to modify the magnitude of the capacitance at the input terminal of the PWM generator by connecting the block under test and the reference capacitance in parallel when the brush head component is attached to the handle component, and the magnitude of the capacitance at the input terminal of the PWM generator is used to adjust the frequency of the PWM square wave signal output by the PWM generator. The electric toothbrush according to claim 2, characterized in that the PWM generator is used to output a corresponding PWM square wave signal when a change occurs in the capacitance of the input terminal, the PWM square wave signal is used to indicate the capacitance value of the block under test, the capacitance value of the block under test is used to indicate the type of brush head of the brush head component, and the digital signal includes the PWM square wave signal.

5. The handle component includes a spring-type contact module, which is connected to the connection terminal of the block to be measured in the measuring module. The electric toothbrush according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that when the brush head component is attached to the handle component, the block to be measured within the brush head component is connected to the measuring module by contacting the spring-type contact module.

6. The block to be measured includes a magnetic block to be measured, the handle component includes a magnetic contact module, and the magnetic contact module is connected to the block to be measured connection terminal in the measuring module. The electric toothbrush according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the brush head component is attracted to the handle component by magnetic force between the magnetic block to be measured and the magnetic contact module, and the magnetic block to be measured is connected to the measuring module by attracting the magnetic contact module within the brush head component.

7. The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the handle component further includes a display module for displaying display information, and the display information is used to indicate whether the brush head component and the handle component have successfully fitted together.

8. The electric toothbrush according to claim 7, characterized in that the presentation module is used to emit presentation information by at least one of light, vibration, and sound.

9. The handle component further includes a control module, and the control module is The measurement module receives the digital signal output and determines the parameters of the block under measurement according to the digital signal. The electric toothbrush according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the identification result of the brush head component is used to determine the identification result of the brush head component according to the parameters of the block to be measured, and the identification result indicates whether or not the brush head component and the handle component are compatible.

10. In order to determine the identification result of the brush head component according to the parameters of the block being measured, The process involves determining whether the parameters of the block under test are within a predetermined parameter range, wherein the predetermined parameter range is used to specify the parameter range of the block under test within the brush head component that fits the handle component. If the parameters of the block under measurement are within the predetermined parameter range, it is determined that the brush head component and the handle component are compatible. The electric toothbrush according to claim 9, wherein if the parameters of the block to be measured are not within the predetermined parameter range, it is determined that the brush head component and the handle component are not compatible.

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