Oral irrigator that starts / stops automatically

Abstract

The present application provides an oral irrigator that starts / stops automatically by sensing, including an oral irrigator main body 1 and a sensing sensor 3. The sensing sensor 3 is provided in the oral irrigator main body 1. The sensing sensor 3 communicates with a core unit in the oral irrigator main body 1 and controls the start / stop state of the core unit by sensing and feeding back information on the distance between the end of the oral irrigator nozzle and the oral cavity. The sensing sensor 3 is tilted toward the user, which allows it to better capture obstacles and collect obstacle data over a wider range. If the sensing sensor 3 were vertically oriented, some data would not be collected when the user uses the oral irrigator upright, affecting the accuracy of the sensing sensor's judgment. Furthermore, the nozzle is fixed to face the user in line with the sensing sensor, making it easier for the user to use and standardizing the user's usage movements.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of care cleaning, and in particular to an oral irrigator with automatic sensing start / stop. [Background technology]

[0002] Oral irrigators are auxiliary tools for cleaning the oral cavity, and they use the impact of pulsed water to clean the teeth and the gaps between the teeth. With the increasing importance being placed on personal and oral care these days, the use of oral irrigators has become widespread.

[0003] Conventional oral irrigators require a user to manually press a switch button to activate the pulsed water flow and perform oral irrigation, regardless of whether the device is positioned in the oral cavity or not. However, because the high-speed pulsed water flow has a certain amount of kinetic energy, if the water flow is directed in the wrong direction or used at the wrong time, it may unintentionally injure vulnerable parts of the human body, such as the eyes. Therefore, some oral irrigators have safety measures in place by installing several sensors on the device that trigger the device's start / stop function when they detect the user's proximity to the oral cavity, thereby requiring the user to use the device. However, the installation of conventional sensors has problems such as inaccuracies in sensing accuracy and placement, incorrect triggering during sensing, and wastefulness.

[0004] Therefore, how to provide a sensor accurately and economically is an issue that needs to be resolved immediately in this application. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The main problem to be solved in this application is how to improve the sensing accuracy of the sensor on the oral irrigator while reducing the economic cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Therefore, the present application provides an oral irrigator that starts / stops by automatic sensing, which is characterized by including: an oral irrigator main body to which a nozzle is attached in a fixed orientation with the nozzle outlet facing the user; and a sensing sensor that is provided in the oral irrigator main body, communicates with a core unit in the oral irrigator main body, senses and feeds back information about the distance between the end of the nozzle of the oral irrigator main body and the oral cavity, thereby controlling the start / stop state of the core unit, and has a sensing window that is deflected toward the user with respect to the axis of the oral irrigator main body, and the deflection direction of the sensing window is the same as the direction of the water outlet.

[0007] Preferably, the number of the detection sensors is two, and the two detection sensors are disposed symmetrically with respect to the nozzle.

[0008] Preferably, an insertion port and a nozzle locking mechanism are provided on the ceiling of the oral irrigator body, and the nozzle is inserted into the insertion port and removably attached to the nozzle locking mechanism.

[0009] Preferably, the nozzle assembly further includes a position regulating unit for regulating rotation of the nozzle.

[0010] Preferably, the position restriction unit includes a position restriction groove and a position restriction piece, one of which is provided on an outer wall of the nozzle, and the other is provided on the insertion port or the nozzle locking mechanism, and when the nozzle is inserted into the insertion port and inserted into the nozzle locking mechanism, the position restriction groove and the position restriction piece are inserted into each other.

[0011] Preferably, a mounting hole is provided on the ceiling of the oral irrigator body, and a protective lens is provided in the mounting hole, and the detection sensor is provided inside the mounting hole.

[0012] Preferably, the sensing sensor is an infrared sensor.

[0013] Preferably, the sensing sensor is a light intensity sensor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The above technical solutions, when used alone or in combination, can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0015] Because the sensor is tilted at a fixed angle toward the user's mouth, first, the sensor window can be retracted from the nozzle. This avoids a situation that would occur if the nozzle were always within sensing distance, i.e., the device would operate even if the user did not place the nozzle in their mouth, violating the expectation that the device can only be used if the nozzle was placed in their mouth and then pressed the switch. Second, because the sensor is tilted toward the user, it can better capture obstacles and collect obstacle data over a wider range. If the sensor were vertically oriented, some data would not be collected when the user used the oral irrigator upright, affecting the accuracy of the sensor's determination. Furthermore, by simply positioning the sensor in the same direction as the nozzle, in line with the nozzle's fixed water discharge direction, the user can be more accurately guided and user usage can be standardized. Compared to oral irrigators with an open nozzle, this eliminates the need to position the sensor in different directions, thereby controlling economic costs.

[0016] By combining a nozzle with a fixed direction with two detection sensors located on the left and right sides of the nozzle, sensing and detection can be performed over a wider range, achieving accurate start / stop control of the oral irrigator. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a schematic structural diagram of an oral irrigator that starts / stops by automatic sensing. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the attachment and detachment of the oral irrigator body and nozzle. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 shows a side view of an oral irrigator that starts / stops by automatic sensing. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a plan view of an oral irrigator that starts / stops by automatic sensing. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a diagram of the location of the sensing sensor inside the oral irrigator, which starts / stops by automatic sensing. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a side view of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The preferred embodiments described below are merely examples, and other obvious modifications may occur to those skilled in the art. The basic principles of the present application defined in the following description may be applied to other implementations, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and other technical solutions without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application.

[0019] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that in the present disclosure, directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "ceiling," "bottom," "inside," and "outside" are directions or positional relationships based on illustrations, are intended merely for the convenience and simplification of the description in the present application, and do not explicitly or implicitly indicate that the subject devices or components have a specific orientation and must be configured and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the above terms should not be construed as limiting the present application.

[0020] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6. This embodiment provides an oral irrigator that starts / stops by automatic detection, and includes an oral irrigator main body 1 and a detection sensor 3. The detection sensor 3 is provided in the oral irrigator main body 1. The detection sensor 3 is connected to and communicates with a core unit in the oral irrigator main body 1, and controls the start / stop state of the core unit by detecting and feeding back information on the distance between the end of the nozzle and the oral cavity. Specifically, the detection sensor 3 may be an infrared distance sensor or a light intensity sensor, and is connected to a control member of the core unit in the oral irrigator (typically connected to a circuit). When the detection sensor 3 detects entry into the oral cavity or approach to the user, it feeds back information to the core unit of the oral irrigator. This activates the core unit, allowing the user to perform oral cleaning by pressing the switch on the oral irrigator.

[0021] For example, in the case of an infrared distance measuring sensor, the sensor detects and feeds back information about the distance between the end of the nozzle of the oral irrigator and the oral cavity, thereby controlling the start / stop of the oral irrigator. When a user picks up the oral irrigator and extends the nozzle into the oral cavity, if the infrared distance measuring sensor measures and detects that the distance between the end of the nozzle and the sensor is blocked by the oral cavity, the oral irrigator will operate normally, but will not operate in the opposite case.

[0022] Using a similar principle, in the case of a light intensity sensor, when a user picks up an oral irrigator and brings the nozzle close to their mouth, if the collection of light intensity weakens, the oral irrigator will receive feedback and operate normally, but will not operate unless the change in light intensity within a certain period exceeds a threshold.

[0023] The above-described sensor technology is conventional, and its explanation is necessary as a premise for describing and understanding the present application. However, since this embodiment does not relate to technical improvements in the operating principles of the sensor, it will not be described in further detail.

[0024] Regardless of whether it is an infrared distance sensor or a light intensity sensor, an installation port is provided in the ceiling of the oral irrigator main body 1. A protective lens 2 is provided in the installation port, and the detection sensor 3 is provided inside the installation port. In addition, the sensing window 31 passes through the protective lens 2 and extends to the outside. Referring to Figure 5, the ceiling casing of the oral irrigator main body in this embodiment is removably attached. Figure 5 shows a schematic structural diagram of the oral irrigator main body after the ceiling casing has been removed. The installation port is located in the ceiling casing (not shown).

[0025] Referring to FIG. 6 , in order to further improve the collection accuracy of the detection sensor 3 and to coordinate with the water discharge from the oral irrigator main body 1, the sensing window 31 of the detection sensor 3 is deflected toward the user with respect to the axis of the oral irrigator main body 1. The deflection direction of the sensing window 31 is the same as the direction of the water discharge port 111. Because the detection sensor 3 is inclined at a certain angle toward the user's oral cavity, first, the window 31 of the detection sensor 3 can be retracted from the nozzle 11. This avoids a situation that occurs when the nozzle 11 is always within the sensing distance, i.e., the device operates when the switch is pressed even when the user does not have the nozzle 11 in their oral cavity, thereby failing to meet the expectation of functionality that the device can only be used when the switch is pressed after the nozzle 11 is placed in their oral cavity. Second, because the sensor is inclined toward the user, obstacles can be better captured and obstacle data can be collected over a wider range. If the sensor were vertically oriented, some data would not be collected when the user uses the oral irrigator upright, affecting the accuracy of the sensor's judgment. Furthermore, since the direction of the nozzle 11 matches the direction of the water discharge, the user can use it more accurately. Furthermore, combining the sensing sensor 3 with the nozzle 11, which has a fixed direction, makes it more suitable for user use. The more accurately the sensing sensor 3 detects the user, the more the nozzle 111 of the nozzle 11 faces the user, making it easier to use and standardizing the user's usage behavior.

[0026] To expand the sensing area, the number of sensing sensors 3 may be multiple. In a preferred embodiment of this embodiment, the number of sensing sensors 3 is two, and the two sensing sensors 3 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the nozzle 11. The two sensing sensors 3 are located on both sides of the nozzle 11. In addition, since sensing is performed in an inclined state facing the user, the user's usage state can be better captured.

[0027] A typical oral irrigator uses a combination of nozzles 11 of different models to meet different cleaning needs, and the nozzles 11 are generally attached to the oral irrigator main body 1 in a removable manner. In a preferred embodiment of this embodiment, an insertion port 12 and a nozzle locking mechanism are provided on the ceiling of the oral irrigator main body 1. After the nozzle 11 is inserted into the insertion port 12, it is fastened and fixed by the nozzle locking mechanism to prevent it from coming out. Here, the nozzle 11 is defined as a combination of a "nozzle rod and a nozzle head." The nozzle rod is inserted into the insertion port 12 and fastened by the nozzle locking mechanism. The nozzle head is attached to the ceiling of the nozzle rod, with the nozzle head's spout 111 facing the user.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of this example, the nozzle 11 is fixedly oriented toward the user, thereby enabling standardization of the user's usage behavior, and by linking with the detection sensor 3, the user can easily use the device. Between the nozzle 11 and the insertion port 12, a position restriction unit restricts the rotation of the nozzle 11. The position restriction unit includes a position restriction piece 121 and a position restriction groove 112. The position restriction piece 121 and the position restriction groove 112 include the following two types of embodiments.

[0029] First, a position restricting piece 121 is provided in the insertion port 12 or the nozzle locking mechanism, and a position restricting groove 112 is provided in the nozzle 11.

[0030] Second, a position restricting piece 121 is provided on the nozzle 11, and a position restricting groove 112 is provided in the insertion port 12 or the nozzle locking mechanism.

[0031] It should be clear that the nozzle locking mechanism of an oral irrigator is a common mechanism in the field of oral irrigators, and there are various design types, most of which are based on hooks or other mechanisms. However, the structure will not be described in detail here. The technical solution of this embodiment does not involve any improvement to the nozzle mounting principle. The introduction of the nozzle locking mechanism is intended to simply demonstrate the nozzle mounting mechanism, and this point should be readily understood by those skilled in the art.

[0032] After inserting the nozzle 11, the user does not enter the detection range of the sensor 3 until the user places it in their mouth. Therefore, even if the device switch is pressed at this time, the product will not operate. Meanwhile, after the oral irrigator main body 1 is extended into the oral cavity, the user enters the detection range of the sensor. Therefore, pressing the product at this time starts operation, and the oral irrigator main body 1 begins to spray water. Furthermore, if the nozzle head is removed from the oral cavity after operation, i.e., if the nozzle head is removed from the mouth, the oral irrigator stops operating. During use, the nozzle 11's orientation is fixed and does not fluctuate. Being fixed in one direction allows the sensor to better detect the user's usage status, ensuring the accuracy of data collection. If the nozzle 11 were rotatable, detection would be required using multiple sensors (since users habitually align the nozzle with their oral cavity, if the nozzle's position varies each time it is used, the number of sensors would need to be increased). This would increase usage costs, reduce the accuracy of data collection, and pose a risk to distance determination. In addition, since the sensor is tilted toward the user, it can better capture obstacles and collect obstacle data from a wider range.If the sensor were vertically oriented, some data would not be collected when the user uses the oral irrigator upright, which would affect the accuracy of the sensor.

[0033] Those skilled in the art should understand that the above-described embodiments of the present application are merely illustrative and do not limit the present application. The objectives of the present application are fully and effectively achieved. Furthermore, the principles of the function and structure of the present application have been shown and explained in the embodiments, and any variations or modifications may be made to the embodiments of the present application without departing from the principles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0034] 1 Oral irrigator body 11 nozzles 111 Outlet 112 Position control groove 12 Insertion port 121 Position regulation piece 2 Protective lenses 3. Sensor 31 Windows

Claims

1. an oral irrigator body to which a nozzle is attached in a fixed direction, with the nozzle outlet facing the user; An oral irrigator that starts / stops by automatic sensing, characterized in that it includes a sensing sensor that is provided in the oral irrigator main body, communicates with a core unit within the oral irrigator main body, and controls the start / stop state of the core unit by sensing and feeding back information on the distance between the end of the nozzle of the oral irrigator main body and the oral cavity, and has a sensing window that is biased toward the user based on the axis of the oral irrigator main body, and the bias direction of the sensing window is the same as the direction of the water outlet.

2. The oral irrigator of claim 1 , wherein the number of the detection sensors is two, and the two detection sensors are arranged symmetrically with respect to the nozzle.

3. The oral irrigator that starts / stops by automatic sensing, as described in claim 1, characterized in that an insertion port and a nozzle locking mechanism are provided on the ceiling part of the oral irrigator body, and the nozzle is inserted into the insertion port and removably attached to the nozzle locking mechanism.

4. The oral irrigator that starts / stops by automatic sensing according to claim 3, further comprising a position regulating unit that regulates rotation of the nozzle.

5. The oral irrigator that starts / stops by automatic sensing, as described in claim 4, characterized in that the position control unit includes a position control groove and a position control piece, one of which is provided on the outer wall of the nozzle and the other is provided on the insertion port or the nozzle locking mechanism, and when the nozzle is inserted into the insertion port and inserted into the nozzle locking mechanism, the position control groove and the position control piece are inserted into each other.

6. An oral irrigator that starts / stops by automatic sensing, as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an installation port is provided on the ceiling of the oral irrigator body, a protective lens is provided in the installation port, and the sensing sensor is provided within the installation port.

7. 2. The oral irrigator according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is an infrared sensor.

8. 2. The oral irrigator according to claim 1, wherein the detection sensor is a light intensity sensor.

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