Toothbrush handle and electric toothbrush

Abstract

A toothbrush handle (100), comprising: a handle housing (10), a driving assembly (30) and an elastic sealing member (50), wherein the handle housing (10) is provided with an accommodating cavity (10a) and a shaft hole (10b), which is in communication with the accommodating cavity (10a); the driving assembly (30) is arranged in the accommodating cavity (10a) and has an output shaft (33), and the driving assembly (30) can drive the output shaft (33) to perform reciprocating rotation about its own axis, and can also drive the output shaft (33) to perform a telescopic motion about its own axis, the output shaft (33) passing out of the handle housing (10) through the shaft hole (10b), and a first gap (10c) being defined between the part of the output shaft (33) located in the shaft hole (10b) and a hole wall of the shaft hole (10b); and at least part of the elastic sealing member (50) is located in the first gap (10c), and the elastic sealing member (50) comprises a first sealing portion (51), a deformation portion (53) and a second sealing portion (55), the first sealing portion (51) abutting against the output shaft (33), the second sealing portion (55) abutting against an inner wall of the handle housing (10), and the deformation portion (53) being capable of generating elastic deformation. Further provided is an electric toothbrush.

Description

Brush handle and electric toothbrush Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of oral cleaning, and in particular to a brush handle and an electric toothbrush. Background Art

[0002] The handle of the electric toothbrush drives the brush head to move through the drive shaft, and the moving brush head comes into contact with the teeth or gums, thereby cleaning the user's oral cavity.

[0003] The housing of the handle has an opening at one end, through which the drive shaft is exposed. To ensure smooth movement of the drive shaft, a gap between the drive shaft and the housing is often used in related art. However, during use, the opening of the housing inevitably becomes contaminated with water, which can easily flow into the interior of the handle through the gap between the drive shaft and the housing, potentially causing the handle to malfunction.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a brush handle and an electric toothbrush, which can simultaneously ensure the sealing and waterproof effect and the smooth movement of the output shaft.

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a brush handle, comprising a handle housing, a drive assembly, and an elastic seal. The handle housing has a housing cavity and an axial hole communicating with the housing cavity. The drive assembly is disposed within the housing cavity and comprises an output shaft. The drive assembly is capable of driving the output shaft to reciprocate about its own axis and to telescopically move along its own axis. The output shaft extends out of the handle housing through the axial hole, and a first gap is defined between the portion of the output shaft located within the axial hole and the wall of the axial hole. At least a portion of the elastic seal is located within the first gap. The elastic seal comprises a first sealing portion, a deforming portion, and a second sealing portion connected in sequence. The first sealing portion abuts the output shaft, and the second sealing portion abuts the inner wall of the handle housing. At least the deforming portion is capable of elastically deforming to provide a deformation margin when the output shaft at least performs reciprocating rotation or telescopic movement relative to the handle housing.

[0007] In the embodiment of the present application, a first gap is formed between the output shaft and the wall of the shaft hole, and an elastic seal is arranged in the first gap. The first sealing portion of the elastic seal abuts the output shaft, and the second sealing portion abuts the inner wall of the handle shell, so that water cannot enter the accommodating chamber from the gap between the output shaft and the elastic seal, nor can it enter the accommodating chamber from the gap between the elastic seal and the inner wall of the accommodating chamber, and the sealing effect is good. While ensuring the sealing effect, the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion arranged at intervals enable the deformation portion to fully deform, and the movement of the output shaft drives the movement of the first sealing portion. The deformation portion can undergo telescopic deformation and / or torsional deformation with the first sealing portion, thereby providing a deformation margin when the output shaft performs at least one of reciprocating rotation and telescopic movement relative to the handle shell. The elastic seal will not fail or be damaged under the repeated movement and pulling of the output shaft, thereby ensuring structural stability and extending the service life of the elastic seal.

[0008] In some embodiments, the deformation portion includes a corrugated structure surrounding the output shaft, wherein the corrugated structure is capable of expanding and contracting in the axial direction of the output shaft and being capable of twisting around the axial direction of the output shaft;

[0009] The pleated structure is arranged to extend in the axial direction of the output shaft, or the pleated structure is arranged to extend in the radial direction of the output shaft and the pleated structure is located at the orifice of the shaft hole.

[0010] In some embodiments, the corrugated structure includes a plurality of corrugated portions, and the plurality of corrugated portions are sequentially connected along the axial direction of the output shaft, or the plurality of corrugated portions are sequentially connected along the radial direction of the output shaft.

[0011] In some embodiments, the pleated structure includes a raised portion, the raised portion is exposed outside the axial hole, and a surface of the raised portion exposed outside the axial hole is raised toward the outside of the axial hole.

[0012] In some embodiments, the corrugated structure is arranged to extend along the axial direction of the output shaft, a second gap exists between the corrugated structure and the hole wall of the shaft hole, and a third gap exists between the corrugated structure and the output shaft.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second gap is smaller than the third gap.

[0014] In some embodiments, the deformation portion has a connecting portion connected to the first sealing portion, and the connecting portion fills the opening of the shaft hole;

[0015] Wherein, the peripheral side surface of the connecting portion abuts against the hole wall of the axial hole, or the peripheral side surface of the connecting portion and the hole wall of the axial hole are loosely matched.

[0016] In some embodiments, the peripheral side surface of the connecting portion is loosely matched with the hole wall of the axial hole, and the distance between the peripheral side surface of the connecting portion and the hole wall of the axial hole is less than or equal to 0.5 mm.

[0017] In some embodiments, the brush handle further includes a mounting bracket disposed in the accommodating cavity, the drive assembly is connected to the mounting bracket, and the mounting bracket has a through hole at one end close to the shaft hole, and the output shaft is sequentially passed through the through hole and the shaft hole;

[0018] A fourth gap is formed between the outer surface of one end of the mounting bracket close to the axial hole and the inner wall of the accommodating cavity, and the second sealing portion is filled in the fourth gap.

[0019] In some embodiments, in a direction away from the shaft hole, the distance between the inner wall of the accommodating cavity and the axis of the output shaft increases in a stepwise manner, forming a first step structure;

[0020] The second sealing portion has at least a connected end surface and a side circumferential surface, the end surface extends radially along the output shaft, the side circumferential surface extends axially along the output shaft, and both the end surface and the side circumferential surface abut against the inner surface of the first step structure.

[0021] In some embodiments, the end surface is provided with a first sealing protrusion, which is arranged along the circumference of the second sealing portion and abuts against the inner surface of the first step structure.

[0022] In some embodiments, the side circumferential surface is provided with a second sealing protrusion, which is arranged along the circumference of the second sealing portion and abuts against the inner surface of the first step structure.

[0023] In some embodiments, along the direction away from the shaft hole, the distance between the outer surface of one end of the mounting bracket close to the shaft hole and the axis of the output shaft increases in a step-by-step manner to form a second step structure, and the second step structure and the first step structure are arranged relative to each other to form the fourth gap.

[0024] In some embodiments, the brush handle further includes a tightening member, which is sleeved on the first sealing portion and configured to cause the first sealing portion to press against the output shaft.

[0025] In some embodiments, the clamping member is a spring clamp;

[0026] In some embodiments, a limiting groove is provided on the outer circumference of the output shaft, and a limiting protrusion is provided on the inner circumference of the first sealing portion, and the limiting protrusion is arranged in the limiting groove;

[0027] In some embodiments, a connecting groove is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first sealing portion, and the tightening member is provided in the connecting groove.

[0028] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present application provide an electric toothbrush comprising a handle and a brush head, the handle comprising a handle housing, a drive assembly, and an elastic seal, the handle comprising a housing and an accommodating cavity and an axial hole communicating with the accommodating cavity; the drive assembly being disposed within the accommodating cavity and comprising an output shaft, the drive assembly being capable of driving the output shaft to reciprocate about its own axis and to telescopically move along its own axis, the output shaft extending out of the handle housing through the axial hole, a first gap being defined between a portion of the output shaft located within the axial hole and a wall of the axial hole; the elastic seal being at least partially located within the first gap, the elastic seal comprising a first sealing portion, a deforming portion, and a second sealing portion connected in sequence, the first sealing portion abutting the output shaft, the second sealing portion abutting the inner wall of the handle housing, and at least the deforming portion being capable of elastically deforming to provide a deformation margin when the output shaft at least one of reciprocates and telescopically moves relative to the handle housing. The brush head is detachably connected to the portion of the output shaft located outside the accommodating cavity.

[0029] In some embodiments, there is a distance D between the end of the handle shell close to the brush head and the brush head. The brush head can move a distance L toward the handle shell under the drive of the output shaft, and the relationship is satisfied: D≥L+0.5mm.

[0030] In some embodiments, a distance D is formed between the end of the handle shell close to the brush head and the brush head, and 2mm≤D≤5mm.

[0031] In some embodiments, the portion of the output shaft outside the accommodating cavity is provided with a card slot, the brush head is provided with a connecting cavity for plugging with the output shaft, the inner wall of the connecting cavity is provided with a card position protrusion, and the card position protrusion is arranged in the card slot;

[0032] A distance D' between the card slot and an end of the handle shell close to the brush head satisfies the relationship: 2mm≤D'≤5mm.

[0033] In some embodiments, the output shaft is cylindrical and has two flattened portions arranged opposite to each other in the radial direction, and the two flattened portions extend to the free end of the output shaft;

[0034] A connecting cavity is formed in the brush head to be plugged into the output shaft, and the connecting cavity includes a first clamping surface and a second clamping surface. The connecting cavity abuts against the two flat parts through the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface to limit and clamp the output shaft;

[0035] The two flat parts have different extension lengths along the axial direction of the output shaft.

[0036] The embodiment of the present application adopts an elastic sealing member to seal the shaft hole, and supports various movements of the output shaft by setting a deformation portion, thereby ensuring both the sealing and waterproof effect and the smoothness of the movement of the output shaft, and having good compatibility. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0038] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a brush handle of the present application;

[0039] FIG2 is an exploded schematic diagram of the brush handle in FIG1 ;

[0040] FIG3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a brush handle of the present application;

[0041] FIG4 is an enlarged structural diagram of point A in FIG1 ;

[0042] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of FIG1 from another perspective;

[0043] FIG6 is an enlarged structural diagram of point B in FIG5 ;

[0044] FIG7 is an enlarged structural diagram of point C in FIG3 ;

[0045] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of an elastic seal of the present application;

[0046] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of the elastic sealing member in FIG8 from another perspective.

[0047] Description of the accompanying figures: 100-brush handle; 10-handle shell; 10a-accommodation cavity; 10b-axis hole; 10c-first gap; 10d-fourth gap; 11- First step structure; 30-driving assembly; 31-motor assembly; 311-first motor; 313-second motor; 33-output shaft; 331-flat position; 333-card slot; 335-limiting slot; 50-elastic sealing member; 50a-second gap; 50b-second gap; 51-first sealing portion; 51a-connecting groove; 511-limiting protrusion; 53-deformation portion; 53a-connecting portion; 53b-extension portion; 531-pleated structure; 5311-pleated portion; 55-second sealing portion; 55a-end face; 55b-side peripheral surface; 551-first sealing protrusion; 553-second sealing protrusion; 60-clamping member; 70-mounting bracket; 70a-through hole; 71-second step structure; 80-circuit board; 90-battery.

[0048] The realization of the objectives, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, the following part will further describe the embodiments of this application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] 1 and 2 , an embodiment of the present application provides an electric toothbrush comprising a handle 100 and a brush head. The handle 100 comprises a handle housing 10 and components such as a mounting bracket 70, a circuit board 80, a battery 90, a drive assembly 30, and a seal disposed within the handle housing 10.

[0051] To facilitate gripping by the user, the handle housing 10 may be slender and cylindrical, with a length and width that are perpendicular to each other. The main structure of the handle housing 10 may be made of plastic. Suitable exemplary materials include, but are not limited to, hard plastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene (PP), polyamide, polyester, cellulosics, SAN, acrylic resin, ABS, and other thermoplastics suitable for the manufacture of the handle housing 10. Of course, the main structure of the handle housing 10 may also be made of metal, such as aluminum alloy, but this application is not limited thereto.

[0052] The handle housing 10 is provided with a receiving cavity 10a, and an axial hole 10b is provided at one end of the handle housing 10, which is connected to the receiving cavity 10a. The mounting bracket 70, the circuit board 80, the battery 90, the drive assembly 30, the elastic seal 50 and other components are at least partially disposed within the receiving cavity 10a. The circuit board 80 is disposed on one surface of the mounting bracket 70. Along the length of the handle housing 10, the mounting bracket 70 is formed with two compartments. The drive assembly 30 is located in the compartment of the mounting bracket 70 near the axial hole 10b, and the battery 90 is located in the compartment of the mounting bracket 70 away from the axial hole 10b. The two compartments are interconnected.

[0053] The battery 90 can be a rechargeable storage battery 90 (e.g., a lithium battery 90) or a dry cell battery 90, etc., and is used to power electrical components such as the circuit board 80. The circuit board 80 is electrically connected to the drive assembly 30 and is used to control the operation of the drive assembly 30. The mounting bracket 70 has a through hole 70a at one end near the shaft hole 10b that is connected to the chamber where the drive assembly 30 is located. The drive assembly 30 includes a motor assembly 31 and an output shaft 33. The motor assembly 31 is connected to the output shaft 33. The output shaft 33 is passed through the through hole 70a and the shaft hole 10b and partially extends outside the handle housing 10.

[0054] The output shaft 33 can be driven by the motor assembly 31 to move. In conjunction with Figure 3, in the embodiment of the present application, the motor assembly 31 includes a first motor 311 and a second motor 313 arranged along the length direction of the handle shell 10, and the first motor 311 and the second motor 313 are both connected to the output shaft 33. Among them, the first motor 311 can drive the output shaft 33 to rotate back and forth around its own axis, and the second motor 313 can drive the output shaft 33 to perform telescopic movement along its own axis. It is understandable that the present application does not limit the positional relationship between the first motor 311 and the second motor 313. The first motor 311 can be closer to the shaft hole 10b, or the second motor 313 can be closer to the shaft hole 10b.

[0055] The brush head is connected to the portion of the output shaft 33 located outside the handle housing 10, allowing it to vibrate under the influence of the output shaft 33. The brush head is provided with bristles, and the vibration of the brush head enables the bristles to clean the user's mouth. During use of the electric toothbrush, only the first motor 311 can be operated to cause the brush head to reciprocate around the axis of the output shaft 33; or only the second motor 313 can be operated to cause the brush head to telescopically move along the axis of the output shaft 33. Of course, the first motor 311 and the second motor 313 can also be operated simultaneously, allowing the brush head to perform both of the aforementioned movements simultaneously.

[0056] Referring to Figure 4 , in some embodiments, the brush head is provided with a connecting cavity for plugging with the output shaft 33. The inner wall of the connecting cavity is provided with a locking protrusion. The locking protrusion provides an elastic clamping force on the output shaft 33 during the insertion of the output shaft 33 into the connecting cavity. A locking groove 333 is provided on the portion of the output shaft 33 near the handle housing 10. The locking protrusion is elastically provided on the inner wall of the connecting cavity. After the output shaft 33 is inserted into the connecting cavity and is in place, the locking protrusion snaps into the locking groove 333. After such installation, the brush head is unlikely to become loose. Moreover, the locking engagement between the brush head and the output shaft 33 can be released by elastically deforming the locking protrusion, thereby achieving a detachable connection between the brush head and the brush handle 100 and facilitating replacement of the brush head.

[0057] Furthermore, the output shaft 33 is cylindrical and has two radially opposed flattened portions 331 extending to the free end of the output shaft 33. The connecting cavity includes a first clamping surface and a second clamping surface, which respectively abut the two flattened portions 331 to clamp the output shaft 33. The first and second clamping surfaces respectively restrain the two flattened portions 331, preventing the brush head from rotating relative to the output shaft 33.

[0058] Referring to Figures 5 and 6 , the two flattened portions 331 extend to different lengths along the axial direction of the output shaft 33. Accordingly, the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface extend to different lengths. The first clamping surface extends to approximately the same length as one of the flattened portions, while the second clamping surface extends to approximately the same length as the other flattened portion. This ensures foolproof mating between the brush head and the output shaft 33. Specifically, when the first or second clamping surface engages a flattened portion 331 with a length that does not correspond to the length, the brush head cannot be connected to the output shaft 33, thereby preventing reverse insertion. Furthermore, it enhances the tightness of the connection between the brush head and the output shaft 33. During assembly, as long as the brush head is positioned at a specific angle so that the two flattened portions 331 contact the first and second clamping surfaces, respectively, the brush head can be assembled smoothly, resulting in high assembly efficiency and a secure connection structure.

[0059] Optionally, the flat portion 331 on the output shaft 33 of the present application is a flat surface, and the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface are both flat surfaces that mate with the flat portion 331. This makes it easier to manufacture the brush head and the output shaft 33. After the output shaft 33 is inserted into the connecting cavity, the contact area between the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface and the flat portion 331 is larger, and the connection structure is more secure. After the output shaft 33 and the brush head are in place, relative torsion between the two is less likely to occur.

[0060] In some embodiments, there is a distance D between the end of the handle housing 10 close to the brush head and the brush head. The brush head can move a distance L toward the handle housing 10 under the drive of the output shaft 33, and the relationship is satisfied: D≥L+0.5mm.

[0061] It should be noted that the end surface of the brush head near the handle shell 10 can be a flat surface, and the end surface of the handle shell 10 near the brush head can be a flat surface or a convex surface. If the end surface of the handle shell 10 is a flat surface, and when the brush head is connected to the output shaft 33, the end surface of the handle shell 10 is roughly parallel to the end surface of the brush head, then the distance D refers to the distance between the two flat surfaces; if the end surface of the handle shell 10 is a convex surface, then the distance D refers to the distance between the highest point of the convex surface (i.e., the point closest to the brush head) and the end surface of the brush head.

[0062] The brush head can perform telescopic movement along the axial direction of the output shaft 33 driven by the output shaft 33. In one embodiment, the position of the brush head after being mounted in place with the output shaft 33 is the initial position, and can move a distance L close to the end face of the handle shell 10 or a distance L away from the end face of the handle shell 10 relative to the initial position, and D ≥ L + 0.5 mm. That is to say, during the movement of the brush head, the minimum distance DL between the end face of the brush head close to the handle shell 10 and the end face of the handle shell 10 close to the brush head ≥ 0.5 mm. When the user uses the electric toothbrush, it is inevitable that water will fall between the brush head and the handle shell 10. The embodiment of the present application is configured in this way to avoid the formation of a water film between the end face of the brush head and the end face of the handle shell 10, so that the vibration of the brush head is smoother and more efficient.

[0063] If the distance between the end face of the brush head near the handle shell 10 and the end face of the handle shell 10 near the brush head is less than 0.5 mm, water may form a water film between the end faces of the brush head and the handle shell 10, adhering to the end faces of the brush head and the handle shell 10. Due to the surface tension of water, the water film exerts an adsorption force on the brush head and the handle shell 10. This forces the brush head to overcome the adsorption force of the water film when moving relative to the handle shell 10. Furthermore, because the water film fills the gap between the handle shell 10 and the brush head, it also needs to overcome atmospheric pressure, resulting in less smooth vibration of the brush head, wasted energy, and reduced efficiency.

[0064] In a specific embodiment, the value of L can be selected to be 1.5 mm so that the brush head has sufficient vibration amplitude to ensure a cleaning effect. In this embodiment, 2 mm ≤ D ≤ 5 mm is defined so that the minimum distance between the end face of the brush head close to the handle housing 10 and the end face of the handle housing 10 close to the brush head is greater than or equal to 0.5 mm. At the same time, the contact area between the brush head and the output shaft 33 is relatively large, ensuring the stability of the connection between the brush head and the output shaft 33.

[0065] Understandably, if D is less than 2 mm, a water film may form between the end face of the brush head and the end face of the handle housing 10, affecting the vibration of the brush head and reducing efficiency. If D is greater than 5 mm, the distance between the brush head and the handle housing 10 is too large. If the length of the output shaft 33 exposed outside the handle housing 10 is constant, the contact area between the brush head and the output shaft 33 becomes smaller, which may cause the brush head to be not properly fixed relative to the output shaft 33, reducing the stability of the connection between the brush head and the output shaft 33.

[0066] Specifically, please refer to Figure 5. In some embodiments, when the brush head and the output shaft 33 are assembled in place, the slot 333 is located near the end face of the brush head facing the handle shell 10, and the distance D' between the slot 333 and the end of the handle shell 10 close to the brush head satisfies the relationship: 2mm≤D'≤5mm, so that the brush head can run smoothly and the stability of the connection between the brush head and the output shaft 33 is guaranteed.

[0067] The above embodiment introduces the general movement condition of the output shaft 33 (brush head). During the use of the electric toothbrush, the shaft hole 10b will inevitably be contaminated with water. In order to ensure the sealing and waterproof effect and the smooth movement of the output shaft 33 at the same time, an elastic seal 50 is provided at the shaft hole 10b in the embodiment of the present application.

[0068] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, in some embodiments, the elastic seal 50 is roughly cylindrical and is sleeved on the output shaft 33. A first gap 10c is defined between the portion of the output shaft 33 located in the shaft hole 10b and the hole wall of the shaft hole 10b, and at least part of the elastic seal 50 is located in the first gap 10c.

[0069] The elastic seal 50 includes a first sealing portion 51, a deforming portion 53, and a second sealing portion 55 connected in sequence. It should be noted that the sequential connection here indicates that the connection order of the various parts of the elastic seal 50 is the first sealing portion 51 - the deforming portion 53 - the second sealing portion 55, and is not used to limit the shape of the elastic seal 50. The first sealing portion 51, the deforming portion 53, and the second sealing portion 55 can be arranged in sequence along the axial direction of the output shaft 33; or as shown in Figure 8 or Figure 9, the first sealing portion 51 is formed as an inner ring structure of the elastic seal 50, and the deforming portion 53 and the second sealing portion 55 are formed as an outer ring structure of the elastic seal 50, so that the elastic seal 50 can effectively fill the first gap 10c, and the length of the elastic seal 50 is not too long to avoid excessive occupation of the space between the end face of the brush head and the handle shell 10, and the thickness is not too thick, saving material and space while having good deformation characteristics.

[0070] In the embodiment of the present application, the first sealing portion 51 abuts against the output shaft 33, and the second sealing portion 55 abuts against the inner wall of the handle housing 10. During use of the electric toothbrush, even if water gets into the shaft hole 10b, the presence of the first sealing portion 51 prevents the water from entering the accommodating chamber 10a through the gap between the output shaft 33 and the elastic sealing member 50. Furthermore, the presence of the second sealing portion 55 prevents the water from entering the accommodating chamber 10a through the gap between the elastic sealing member 50 and the inner wall of the accommodating chamber 10a, resulting in a good sealing effect.

[0071] The elastic seal 50 may be a plastic component. Referring to Figures 7 to 9 , one end of the deformable portion 53 is connected to the first sealing portion 51 and the other end is connected to the second sealing portion 55. The first and second sealing portions 51, 55 are staggered in the axial direction of the output shaft 33. The spacing between the first and second sealing portions 51, 55 allows the deformable portion 53 to fully deform. The deformable portion 53 is capable of elastic deformation to provide a deformation margin when the output shaft 33 performs at least one of reciprocating rotation and telescopic motion relative to the handle housing 10, thereby preventing the elastic seal 50 from hindering the movement of the output shaft 33.

[0072] 7 and 8 , in some embodiments, the deformable portion 53 includes a corrugated structure 531 surrounding the output shaft 33. In some optional structural forms, the first sealing portion 51 is formed as an inner ring structure of the elastic seal 50, and the deformable portion 53 and the second sealing portion 55 are formed as outer ring structures of the elastic seal 50. For ease of description, the deformable portion 53 is defined as comprising a connecting portion 53a and an extending portion 53b. The connecting portion 53a extends radially along the output shaft 33 and is connected to the first sealing portion 51. The extending portion 53b extends axially along the output shaft 33 and is connected to the second sealing portion 55.

[0073] Optionally, in the initial position, the connecting portion 53a fills the opening of the shaft hole 10b. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 53a can provide a certain degree of waterproofing, blocking most of the moisture at the opening of the shaft hole 10b from outside the accommodating chamber 10a. To enhance the waterproofing effect, the peripheral side surface of the connecting portion 53a can be made to abut against the wall of the shaft hole 10b, thereby further preventing moisture from entering the shaft hole 10b through the gap between the connecting portion 53a and the shaft hole 10b. Of course, even if moisture enters the shaft hole 10b through the gap between the connecting portion 53a and the shaft hole 10b, it cannot enter the accommodating chamber 10a through the second sealing portion 55. On this basis, a gap can be set between the peripheral side surface of the connecting portion 53a and the hole wall of the shaft hole 10b, so that there is no friction between the hole wall of the shaft hole 10b and the peripheral side surface of the connecting portion 53a, thereby further reducing the restraining effect of the handle shell 10 on the deformation portion 53 of the elastic seal 50, allowing the deformation portion 53 to be more freely deformed, improving efficiency, reducing energy consumption and loss of the deformation portion 53, and being conducive to the high-speed movement design of the output shaft 33.

[0074] Specifically, the distance between the circumferential side surface of the connecting portion 53a and the wall of the shaft hole 10b is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 0.5 mm, which can ensure that the elastic seal 50 can deform freely. It can be understood that if the distance between the circumferential side surface of the connecting portion 53a and the wall of the shaft hole 10b is 0, the circumferential side surface of the connecting portion 53a abuts the wall of the shaft hole 10b, and the wall of the shaft hole 10b has a restraining effect on the connecting portion 53a, and the deformation or movement of the elastic seal 50 will be constrained by the handle housing 10; if the distance between the circumferential side surface of the connecting portion 53a and the wall of the shaft hole 10b is greater than 0.5 mm, a large amount of water may enter between the deformable portion 53 and the wall of the shaft hole 10b, easily forming a water film. When the deformable portion 53 moves relative to the wall of the shaft hole 10b, it needs to overcome the surface tension of the water, which will also affect the smoothness of the movement of the deformable portion 53.

[0075] In a specific embodiment of the present application, in the initial position, the extension portion 53b is located within the shaft hole 10b, and the pleated structure 531 can be provided on the extension portion 53b and extend along the axial direction of the output shaft 33. The pleated structure 531 includes at least one pleated portion 5311. The pleated portion 5311 can be an arc-shaped structure that arches toward the hole wall of the shaft hole 10b or the output shaft 33, and can bend or stretch, and has good elasticity; the pleated portion 5311 can also be a folded surface structure that opens toward the hole wall of the shaft hole 10b or the output shaft 33, that is, it is bent to form two sides at an angle, can bend or stretch, and has a large degree of deformation.

[0076] Regarding the expansion and contraction deformation of the pleated structure 531, it is understandable that, for the same degree of expansion and contraction, the fewer the number of pleated portions 5311, the greater the dimensional change of the pleated portions 5311 along the radial direction of the output shaft 33 before and after deformation. This can easily increase the width of the handle housing 10 and create a larger gap between the extension portion 53b and the wall of the shaft hole 10b, making it easier for water to accumulate. Therefore, in one embodiment, to make the brush handle 100 more compact, the pleated structure 531 includes multiple, sequentially connected pleated portions 5311.

[0077] In this embodiment, a plurality of pleated portions 5311 are sequentially connected along the axial direction of the output shaft 33. When the output shaft 33 telescopes along its own axial direction, it drives the first sealing portion 51 to move accordingly. The connecting portion 53a acts as a linkage, driving each pleated portion 5311 located at the extension portion 53b to bend or flex so that the two ends of the pleated portion 5311 approach each other, thereby shortening the length of the pleated structure 531; or the connecting portion 53a drives each pleated portion 5311 to stretch so that the two ends of the pleated portion 5311 move away from each other, thereby increasing the length of the pleated structure 531. In this way, the pleated structure 531 achieves telescopic deformation, and the elastic seal 50 can provide deformation margin for the telescopic movement of the output shaft 33 relative to the handle housing 10.

[0078] Since the deformation part 53 is made of elastic material, when the driving assembly 30 drives the output shaft 33 to rotate back and forth around its own axis, the first sealing part 51 rotates with the output shaft 33, and the pleated structure 531 moves with the first sealing part 51 and can twist around the axis of the output shaft 33. In this way, the elastic seal 50 can provide deformation margin for the rotational movement of the output shaft 33 relative to the handle shell 10.

[0079] Of course, when the output shaft 33 performs rotational motion and telescopic motion relative to the handle housing 10 , the pleated structure 531 can be twisted while changing in length to support the two movements of the output shaft 33 at the same time.

[0080] In one embodiment, a second gap 50a exists between the pleated structure 531 and the wall of the shaft hole 10b, and a third gap 50b exists between the pleated structure 531 and the output shaft 33. It is understood that the pleated structure 531 is spaced apart from the wall of the shaft hole 10b and the output shaft 33. When the pleated structure 531 undergoes expansion or contraction or torsional deformation, neither the output shaft 33 nor the wall of the shaft hole 10b interferes with the pleated structure 531. This ensures that the pleated structure 531 can deform freely and that the output shaft 33 maintains efficient movement, facilitating a high-speed motion design for the output shaft 33.

[0081] Furthermore, the second gap 50a is smaller than the third gap 50b. On the one hand, it can avoid interference between the pleated structure 531 and the output shaft 33 as much as possible, thereby ensuring the efficiency of the output shaft 33. On the other hand, the smaller distance between the pleated structure 531 and the hole wall of the shaft hole 10b can further prevent moisture from entering and improve the sealing effect.

[0082] In another specific embodiment of the present application, the pleated structure 531 can also be provided at the connecting portion 53a and extend radially along the output shaft 33. The pleated structure 531 includes at least one pleated portion 5311. When the drive assembly 30 drives the output shaft 33 to move axially away from the initial position, the first sealing portion 51 moves with the output shaft 33 and causes the at least one pleated portion 5311 to tilt and stretch in the direction of movement of the output shaft 33, causing the pleated structure 531 to lengthen. When the output shaft 33 moves axially toward the initial position, the first sealing portion 51 moves with the output shaft 33 and causes the multiple pleated portions 5311 to bend or fold, causing the pleated structure 531 to shorten. When the drive assembly 30 drives the output shaft 33 to reciprocate about its own axis, the first sealing portion 51 rotates with the output shaft 33, and the pleated structure 531 moves with the first sealing portion 51 and can twist about the axis of the output shaft 33. In this way, the elastic seal 50 can provide a deformation margin for the telescopic movement and rotational movement of the output shaft 33 relative to the handle housing 10 .

[0083] Optionally, the pleated structure 531 includes a raised portion disposed on the connecting portion 53a, the raised portion being exposed outside the shaft hole 10b. The raised portion is arc-shaped, which has greater deformation capacity than a flat surface and provides a margin for deformation during the telescopic and / or rotational movement of the output shaft 33 relative to the handle housing 10. This prevents failure or damage from repeated movement and pulling of the output shaft 33, thereby extending the service life of the elastic seal 50.

[0084] Furthermore, the surface of the arched portion exposed outside the shaft hole 10b arches toward the outside of the shaft hole 10b. The arc-shaped surface can flow out the water in the gap between the handle shell 10 and the brush head, further avoiding the formation of a water film between the handle shell 10 and the brush head, thereby ensuring the smoothness of the brush head movement and improving efficiency.

[0085] Of course, in other embodiments of the present application, the pleated structure 531 may be provided on both the connecting portion 53a and the extending portion 53b of the deformation portion 53, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0086] It is worth mentioning that the embodiment of the present application employs a deformable portion 53 having a corrugated structure 531, which not only provides a deformation margin for the telescopic and rotational motion of the output shaft 33 but also offers the advantage of minimal lateral deformation. Taking the example of the corrugated structure 531 provided on the extension portion 53b, if the extension portion 53b still provides sufficient telescopic margin without the corrugated structure 531, then under the same degree of contraction, the extension portion 53b will inevitably bulge toward the wall of the shaft hole 10b. In contrast, the multiple corrugated portions 5311 have a smaller bulge amplitude, which means that the shaft hole 10b portion of the handle housing 10 does not require a larger aperture, which helps reduce the width of the handle housing 10 and make the structure more compact.

[0087] In combination with the above-mentioned embodiments, the embodiment of the present application adopts an elastic seal 50 to seal the shaft hole 10b, and supports various movements of the output shaft 33 by setting a deformation portion 53, thereby ensuring both the sealing and waterproof effect and the smoothness of the movement of the output shaft 33, and having good compatibility.

[0088] In the embodiment of the present application, an elastic seal 50 is specifically provided in the first gap 10c formed between the output shaft 33 and the hole wall of the shaft hole 10b. The first sealing portion 51 of the elastic seal 50 abuts against the output shaft 33, and the second sealing portion 55 abuts against the inner wall of the handle shell 10, so that water can neither enter the accommodating chamber 10a from the gap between the output shaft 33 and the elastic seal 50, nor enter the accommodating chamber 10a from the gap between the elastic seal 50 and the inner wall of the accommodating chamber 10a, and the sealing effect is better. While ensuring the sealing effect, the first sealing portion 51 and the second sealing portion 55 are arranged at intervals so that the deformation portion 53 can be fully deformed. The movement of the output shaft 33 drives the first sealing portion 51 to move. The deformation portion 53 can undergo telescopic deformation and / or torsional deformation along with the first sealing portion 51 as described above, thereby providing a deformation margin when the output shaft 33 performs at least one of reciprocating rotation and telescopic movement relative to the handle shell 10. The elastic seal 50 will not fail or be damaged under the repeated movement and pulling of the output shaft 33, thereby ensuring structural stability and extending the service life of the elastic seal 50.

[0089] 7 , in a specific embodiment, the brush handle 100 further includes a tightening member 60 , which is sleeved on the first sealing portion 51 and configured to press the first sealing portion 51 against the output shaft 33 , thereby reducing the gap between the first sealing portion 51 and the output shaft 33 and ensuring a sealing effect.

[0090] Optionally, the clamping member 60 is a spring clamp, which has a simple structure and is easy to assemble, improves assembly efficiency and occupies less space, can save the internal space of the handle shell 10, and can avoid interference with other structures.

[0091] The first sealing portion 51 is cylindrically shaped and sleeved on the output shaft 33, extending axially along the output shaft 33. A connecting groove 51a is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first sealing portion 51. The connecting groove 51a is annular, and the clamping member 60 is disposed in the connecting groove 51a. This not only constrains the clamping member 60 in the connecting groove 51a to prevent the clamping member 60 from sliding circumferentially along the output shaft 33, but also ensures a tighter fit between the clamping member 60 and the first sealing portion 51, thereby pressing the first sealing portion 51 against the outer surface of the output shaft 33, reducing gaps, and improving the sealing effect.

[0092] Continuing with FIG7 , in one embodiment, a limiting groove 335 is provided on the outer circumference of the output shaft 33, and a limiting protrusion 511 is provided on the inner circumference of the first sealing portion 51. The limiting protrusion 511 is disposed within the limiting groove 335. Thus, the interlocking connection between the limiting protrusion 511 and the limiting groove 335 can strengthen the constraint between the output shaft 33 and the first sealing portion 51. This can not only improve the tightness of the fit between the output shaft 33 and the first sealing portion 51, but also further enhance the waterproof effect, preventing water from flowing into the accommodating cavity 10a through the gap between the output shaft 33 and the first sealing portion 51.

[0093] Of course, under the premise of ensuring the thickness of the first sealing portion 51 , the limiting protrusion 511 may be provided on the outer circumference of the output shaft 33 , and the limiting groove 335 may be provided on the inner circumference of the first sealing portion 51 .

[0094] Furthermore, the limiting protrusion 511 and the connecting groove 51a are located at the same position of the first sealing portion 51, and the inner wall of the connecting groove 51a is arched toward the output shaft 33 to form the limiting protrusion 511. The clamping member 60 is arranged in the connecting groove 51a and can make the limiting protrusion 511 tightly fit and connected with the limiting groove 335.

[0095] As shown in FIG7 , a fourth gap 10d is formed between the outer surface of the end of the mounting bracket 70 near the axial hole 10b and the inner wall of the accommodating chamber 10a. The second sealing portion 55 fills this fourth gap 10d. The outer surface of the second sealing portion 55 conforms to the inner wall of the accommodating chamber 10a, preventing water from flowing into the accommodating chamber 10a from between the second sealing portion 55 and the inner wall of the accommodating chamber 10a. The inner surface of the second sealing portion 55 conforms to the outer surface of the mounting bracket 70, further preventing water from flowing into the accommodating chamber 10a from between the second sealing portion 55 and the outer surface of the mounting bracket 70. This further enhances the sealing effect.

[0096] In some embodiments, the distance between the inner wall of the accommodating cavity 10a and the axis of the output shaft 33 increases in a stepwise manner as it moves away from the shaft hole 10b, forming a first stepped structure 11. The first stepped structure 11 includes at least one step, each of which is disposed around the output shaft 33 and has a first stepped surface extending radially along the output shaft 33 and a second stepped surface extending axially along the output shaft 33. Accordingly, the second sealing portion 55 is similarly stepped, having at least one end surface 55a extending radially along the output shaft 33 and at least one lateral surface 55b extending axially along the output shaft 33. It will be appreciated that when the second sealing portion 55 is disposed in the fourth gap 10d, the end surface 55a abuts the first stepped surface, and the lateral surface 55b abuts the second stepped surface. In this way, the second sealing portion 55 is fitted with the inner wall of the accommodating cavity 10a in the above two directions, the contact area is larger, and the second sealing portion 55 is more tightly fitted with the inner wall of the accommodating cavity 10a, making it difficult for water to pass through, and can more effectively block moisture and prevent moisture from entering the accommodating cavity 10a.

[0097] Furthermore, the outer surface of the second sealing portion 55 is provided with sealing protrusions, which are arranged along the circumference of the second sealing portion 55 and abut the inner wall of the accommodating cavity 10a. Specifically, referring to Figures 7 and 9, the end surface 55a of the second sealing portion 55 is provided with a first sealing protrusion 551, which abuts the first stepped surface. The first sealing protrusion 551 can more closely fit the first stepped surface, further reducing the gap between the two and improving the sealing effect. The side surface 55b of the second sealing portion 55 is provided with a second sealing protrusion 553, which abuts the second stepped surface. Of course, the second sealing portion 55 can be provided with both the first sealing protrusion 551 and the second sealing protrusion 553. It is understood that the embodiment of the present application is not limited to the number of the first sealing protrusion 551 and the second sealing protrusion 553. The first sealing protrusion 551 and the second sealing protrusion 553 can be arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the second sealing portion 55 to achieve layered sealing and further improve the sealing and waterproofing effect.

[0098] Of course, a sealing protrusion may also be provided on the inner surface of the second sealing portion 53 and abut against the outer surface of the mounting bracket 70 . Without affecting the concept of the present application, the present application does not impose any further restrictions on this.

[0099] Please continue to refer to Figure 7. In one embodiment, the distance between the outer surface of the end of the mounting bracket 70 close to the shaft hole 10b and the axis of the output shaft 33 increases in a step-like manner to form a second step structure 71. Specifically, the end of the mounting bracket 70 close to the shaft hole 10b has a multi-stage cylindrical structure, and the outer diameter of the cylindrical structure increases successively in the direction away from the shaft hole 10b, which can form a second step structure 71 with a stepped surface. Correspondingly, the second step structure 71 and the first step structure 11 are arranged relative to each other to form a fourth gap 10d. When the second sealing portion 55 fills the fourth gap 10d, it is clamped and limited by the first step structure 11 and the second step structure 71. In this way, the second sealing portion 55 cooperates more closely with the handle shell 10 and the mounting bracket 70, further improving the sealing effect.

[0100] The above is a specific implementation of the brush handle 100 in the present application. It can be understood that since the electric toothbrush of the present application adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it at least has all the effects brought by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described one by one here.

Claims

1. A brush handle, wherein: include: A handle shell having a receiving cavity and an axial hole communicating with the receiving cavity; A driving assembly is disposed in the accommodating cavity and has an output shaft. The driving assembly can drive the output shaft to reciprocate around its own axis and can drive the output shaft to telescopically move along its own axis. The output shaft passes through the shaft hole and out of the handle shell. A first gap is defined between a portion of the output shaft located in the shaft hole and a hole wall of the shaft hole. as well as An elastic seal, at least part of which is located in the first gap, and the elastic seal includes a first sealing portion, a deformation portion and a second sealing portion which are connected in sequence, the first sealing portion abuts against the output shaft, and the second sealing portion abuts against the inner wall of the handle shell, and at least the deformation portion can produce elastic deformation to provide deformation margin when the output shaft performs at least one of reciprocating rotation and telescopic motion relative to the handle shell.

2. The brush handle according to claim 1, wherein: The deformation portion includes a pleated structure surrounding the output shaft, wherein the pleated structure can expand and contract in the axial direction of the output shaft and can be twisted around the axial direction of the output shaft; Wherein, the pleated structure is extended along the axial direction of the output shaft, or the pleated structure is extended along the radial direction of the output shaft and the pleated structure is located at the orifice of the shaft hole.

3. The brush handle according to claim 2, wherein: The pleated structure includes a plurality of pleated portions, wherein the plurality of pleated portions are sequentially connected along the axial direction of the output shaft, or the plurality of pleated portions are sequentially connected along the radial direction of the output shaft.

4. The brush handle according to claim 2, wherein: The pleated structure includes an arched portion, which is exposed outside the shaft hole, and a surface of the arched portion exposed outside the shaft hole is arched toward the outside of the shaft hole.

5. The brush handle according to claim 2, wherein: The pleated structure is extended along the axial direction of the output shaft, a second gap exists between the pleated structure and the hole wall of the shaft hole, and a third gap exists between the pleated structure and the output shaft.

6. The brush handle according to claim 5, wherein: The second gap is smaller than the third gap.

7. The brush handle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The deformation portion has a connection portion connected to the first sealing portion, and the connection portion fills the opening of the shaft hole; Wherein, the peripheral side surface of the connecting portion abuts against the hole wall of the axial hole, or the peripheral side surface of the connecting portion and the hole wall of the axial hole are loosely matched.

8. The brush handle according to claim 7, wherein: The peripheral side surface of the connecting portion is loosely matched with the hole wall of the axial hole, and the distance between the peripheral side surface of the connecting portion and the hole wall of the axial hole is less than or equal to 0.5 mm.

9. The brush handle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The brush handle also includes: A mounting bracket is arranged in the accommodating cavity, the driving assembly is connected to the mounting bracket, one end of the mounting bracket close to the shaft hole has a through hole, and the output shaft is sequentially passed through the through hole and the shaft hole; A fourth gap is formed between the outer surface of one end of the mounting bracket close to the axial hole and the inner wall of the accommodating cavity, and the second sealing portion is filled in the fourth gap.

10. The brush handle according to claim 9, wherein: In a direction away from the shaft hole, the distance between the inner wall of the accommodating cavity and the axis of the output shaft increases in a stepwise manner, forming a first step structure; The second sealing portion has at least a connected end surface and a side circumferential surface, the end surface extends along the radial direction of the output shaft, the side circumferential surface is extended along the axial direction of the output shaft, and both the end surface and the side circumferential surface abut against the inner surface of the first step structure.

11. The brush handle according to claim 10, wherein: The end surface is provided with a first sealing protrusion, which is arranged along the circumference of the second sealing portion and abuts against the inner surface of the first step structure.

12. The brush handle according to claim 10, wherein: The side circumferential surface is provided with a second sealing protrusion, which is arranged along the circumference of the second sealing portion and abuts against the inner surface of the first step structure.

13. The brush handle according to claim 10, wherein: Along the direction away from the shaft hole, the distance between the outer surface of one end of the mounting bracket close to the shaft hole and the axis of the output shaft increases in a step-like manner to form a second step structure, and the second step structure and the first step structure are arranged relative to each other to form the fourth gap.

14. The brush handle according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The brush handle further comprises a clamping member, which is sleeved on the first sealing portion and configured to enable the first sealing portion to press against the output shaft.

15. The brush handle of claim 14, wherein: The clamping member is a spring clamp; And / or, a limiting groove is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the output shaft, a limiting protrusion is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the first sealing portion, and the limiting protrusion is arranged in the limiting groove; And / or, a connecting groove is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first sealing portion, and the clamping member is arranged in the connecting groove.

16. An electric toothbrush, characterized in that: The electric toothbrush comprises: A brush handle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15; and A brush head is detachably connected to the output shaft.

17. The electric toothbrush according to claim 16, wherein: There is a distance D between one end of the handle shell close to the brush head and the brush head. The brush head can move a distance L toward the handle shell under the drive of the output shaft, and the relationship is satisfied: D≥L+0.5mm.

18. The electric toothbrush according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: There is a distance D between one end of the handle shell close to the brush head and the brush head, and the distance D is 2mm≤D≤5mm.

19. The electric toothbrush according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein: The output shaft is provided with a slot at the portion outside the accommodating cavity, the brush head is provided with a connecting cavity plugged with the output shaft, the inner wall of the connecting cavity is provided with a locking protrusion, and the locking protrusion is arranged in the slot; A distance D' between the card slot and an end of the handle shell close to the brush head satisfies the relationship: 2mm≤D'≤5mm.

20. The electric toothbrush according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein: The output shaft is cylindrical and has two flattened portions arranged opposite to each other in the radial direction, and the two flattened portions extend to the free end of the output shaft; A connecting cavity is formed in the brush head to be plugged with the output shaft, and the connecting cavity includes a first clamping surface and a second clamping surface. The connecting cavity abuts against the two flat positions through the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface to limit and clamp the output shaft; The two flat parts have different extension lengths along the axial direction of the output shaft.

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