Electric toothbrush

Abstract

An electric toothbrush (100), comprising a handle housing (10), a motor assembly (20), and a detection assembly (30). The motor assembly (20) comprises a mounting bracket (21) and an electric motor (23). During the rotation of an output shaft (231) of the electric motor (23) at any angle relative to the handle housing (10), the part of the structure of the detection assembly (30) arranged on the output shaft (231) is in non-contact fit or sliding electrical contact fit with the part of the structure arranged on the motor assembly (20) and / or the handle housing (10).

Description

electric toothbrush

[0001] Priority information

[0002] This application claims priority and benefits to patent application No. 202421424678.8, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on June 20, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of oral care technology, specifically to an electric toothbrush. Background Technology

[0004] An electric toothbrush is an electronic device used for oral cleaning. In related technologies, an electric toothbrush includes a handle and a brush head. The handle includes a handle housing and a motor mechanism housed within the housing. The rotor of the motor in the mechanism can rotate 360° relative to the stator. The rotor has an output shaft connected to the brush head and capable of driving the brush head to vibrate and clean teeth. Generally, electric toothbrushes also include an electronic pressure sensor located on the output shaft. This sensor detects the amount of deformation of the output shaft to obtain the brushing pressure. The electronic pressure sensor is fixedly connected to the output shaft and electrically connected to a circuit board in the handle housing via wires. However, because the rotor can rotate 360° relative to the stator, the wires are prone to twisting; that is, the wires can easily become tangled around the output shaft, affecting the normal operation of the electric toothbrush.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above problems, this application provides an electric toothbrush that can avoid the problem of wire twisting when the rotor rotates 360° relative to the stator.

[0007] The electric toothbrush according to this application includes a handle housing, a motor, and a detection component. The motor is disposed within the handle housing and includes a mounting bracket and a motor. The motor is mounted on the mounting bracket, and at least a portion of the motor's output shaft passes through the handle housing and is capable of rotating at any angle relative to the handle housing. A portion of the detection component is disposed on the output shaft, and another portion is disposed on the motor and / or the handle housing. The detection component is used to detect the pressure applied to the output shaft. During the rotation of the output shaft at any angle relative to the handle housing, the portion of the detection component on the output shaft engages with the portion of the component disposed on the motor and / or the handle housing through non-contact or sliding electrical contact.

[0008] In the electric toothbrush of this application embodiment, during the rotation of the output shaft relative to the handle housing at any angle, the portion of the detection component disposed on the output shaft and the portion of the component disposed on the mechanism and / or handle housing engage in a non-contact or sliding electrical contact manner. That is, the portion of the detection component disposed on the output shaft and the portion of the component disposed on the mechanism and / or handle housing can maintain a non-contact state or maintain a relatively sliding and electrically connected state. Therefore, compared with electric toothbrushes in related technologies, there is no wire tangling problem during the rotation of the output shaft relative to the handle housing, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the electric toothbrush's operation.

[0009] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this application more obvious and understandable, specific embodiments of this application are given below. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein:

[0011] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an electric toothbrush according to some embodiments of this application;

[0012] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional exploded view of the electric toothbrush shown in Figure 1;

[0013] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of some components of the electric toothbrush shown in Figure 1;

[0014] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of part of the structure of the electric toothbrush shown in Figure 1.

[0015] Key component symbols: Electric toothbrush 100; Handle housing 10; Motor 20, Mounting bracket 21, Motor 23, Output shaft 231, Outer peripheral wall 2311, First end 2313, Second end 2315; Detection assembly 30, First detection element 31, Second detection element 33, Transmitter 331, Receiver 333, Body 335, Third detection element 35, Fourth detection element 37, First conductive element 38, Second conductive element 39, First part 391, Second part 393, Electrical connection part 395, Guide groove 397; Seal 40; Electric toothbrush head 50. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the embodiments of this application, and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application.

[0017] An electric toothbrush is an electronic device used for oral cleaning. In related technologies, an electric toothbrush includes a handle and a brush head. The handle includes a handle housing and a motor mechanism housed within the handle housing. The rotor of the motor in the mechanism can rotate 360° relative to the stator of the motor. The rotor has an output shaft connected to the brush head and capable of driving the brush head to vibrate to clean teeth. Generally, electric toothbrushes also include an electronic pressure sensor, which is located on the output shaft and obtains brushing pressure by detecting the deformation of the output shaft. The electronic pressure sensor is fixedly connected to the output shaft and electrically connected to a circuit board in the handle housing via wires. However, because the rotor can rotate 360° relative to the stator, the wires are prone to twisting, i.e., the wires easily become tangled on the output shaft, affecting the normal operation of the electric toothbrush. To solve this problem, please refer to Figure 1. This application provides an electric toothbrush 100 according to an embodiment.

[0018] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2. The electric toothbrush 100 of this embodiment includes a handle housing 10, a motor 20, and a detection component 30. The motor 20 is disposed within the handle housing 10 and includes a mounting bracket 21 and a motor 23. The motor 23 is disposed on the mounting bracket 21, and at least a portion of the output shaft 231 of the motor 23 passes through the handle housing 10 and is capable of rotating at any angle relative to the handle housing 10. A portion of the detection component 30 is disposed on the output shaft 231, and another portion is disposed on the motor 20 and / or the handle housing 10. The detection component 30 is used to detect the pressure on the output shaft 231. During the rotation of the output shaft 231 at any angle relative to the handle housing 10, the portion of the detection component 30 disposed on the output shaft 231 engages with the portion of the detection component 30 disposed on the motor 20 and / or the handle housing 10 in a non-contact or sliding electrical contact manner.

[0019] The handle housing 10 is a structure used to house the motor 20 and other components of the electric toothbrush 100. The handle housing 10 is generally a shell structure with a length greater than its width and diameter, and its length direction is the same as the axial direction X of the output shaft 231. A through hole 11 is provided at one end of the handle housing 10 along the axial direction X of the output shaft 231 for the output shaft 231 to extend out. The handle housing 10 can be made of metallic or non-metallic materials. Metallic materials include, but are not limited to, aluminum, iron, steel, or aluminum alloys, while non-metallic materials include, but are not limited to, plastics. In one example, the handle housing 10 can be made of metallic materials, which increases its structural strength and prevents damage during operation of the electric toothbrush 100, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the electric toothbrush 100. In another example, the handle housing 10 can be made of non-metallic materials, which makes it lighter, thus contributing to the portability of the electric toothbrush 100.

[0020] In some embodiments, the electric toothbrush 100 may further include an electric toothbrush head 50, which is connected to the output shaft 231. When the motor 23 is operating stably, the motor 23 can drive the electric toothbrush head 50 to vibrate at high frequency via the output shaft 231. Thus, the electric toothbrush 100 can clean the areas of the mouth to be cleaned through the high-frequency vibration of the electric toothbrush head 50. The output shaft 231 of the motor 23 and the electric toothbrush head 50 can be detachably connected. This facilitates the replacement of electric toothbrush heads 50 with different models or materials; furthermore, it allows for easy replacement of the electric toothbrush head 50 when its cleaning effect decreases due to prolonged use, thereby ensuring the cleaning effect of the electric toothbrush 100. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the motor 23 includes, but is not limited to, a linear motor, a rotary motor, or a bidirectional motor.

[0021] The mounting bracket 21 is used to mount the motor 23 and other components of the electric toothbrush 100 (such as the battery). The mounting bracket 21 is made of metallic or non-metallic materials. Metallic materials include, but are not limited to, aluminum, iron, steel, or aluminum alloys, while non-metallic materials include, but are not limited to, plastics. In one example, the mounting bracket 21 may be made of both metallic and non-metallic materials, thereby increasing its structural strength and preventing damage during operation of the electric toothbrush 100, thus improving the stability and reliability of the electric toothbrush 100. In another example, the mounting bracket 21 may be made of non-metallic materials, thereby reducing its weight and contributing to the portability of the electric toothbrush 100.

[0022] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the detection component 30 is a device for detecting the pressure on the output shaft 231 when the electric toothbrush 100 performs a brushing operation. Specifically, a portion of the structure of the detection component 30 is disposed on the output shaft 231, and another portion is disposed on the core 20 and / or the handle housing 10. Thus, the portion of the detection component 30 disposed on the output shaft 231 (hereinafter referred to as the first structure) and the portion of the detection component 30 disposed on the core 20 (the mounting bracket 21 of the core 20) and / or the handle housing 10 (hereinafter referred to as the second structure) can cooperate to detect the pressure on the output shaft 231. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the pressure on the output shaft 231 may be: the force exerted on the output shaft 231 by the electric toothbrush head 50 when it is subjected to force; or, the force directly applied to the output shaft 231 by the user. The pressure on the electric toothbrush head 50 can be: the interaction force between the electric toothbrush head 50 and the area to be cleaned when the electric toothbrush head 50 cleans the area; or, the force applied directly to the electric toothbrush head 50 by the user.

[0023] In some embodiments, the electric toothbrush 100 also includes a circuit board disposed within the handle housing 10. The second structure and the circuit board can be electrically connected using components such as wires, copper busbars, or springs. When the detection component 30 detects excessive pressure on the output shaft 231, the circuit board can control the electric toothbrush 100 to issue a warning message or stop operating based on the detection result of the detection component 30. This prevents the electric toothbrush 100 from causing damage to the oral cavity, ensuring the user's oral health, and also prevents damage to the electric toothbrush 100, extending its service life. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the detection component 30 can output detection results to the circuit board even when the output shaft 231 rotates at any angle relative to the handle housing 10.

[0024] If the first structure and the second structure are electrically connected by a wire, that is, the first end of the wire is fixedly connected to the first structure and the second end of the wire (opposite to the first end of the wire) is fixedly connected to the second structure, then during the rotation of the first structure relative to the handle housing 10 along with the output shaft 231, the first end of the wire rotates along with the first structure, and the second end of the wire is fixed relative to the handle housing 10. Therefore, the wire will be wrapped around the output shaft 231, which may not only cause the electrical connection between the wire and the first structure and / or the second structure to be broken, affecting the normal operation of the detection component, but may also cause the output shaft 231 to be unable to continue rotating, affecting the normal operation of the electric toothbrush 100.

[0025] In some embodiments of this application, the first structure and the second structure are non-contactly coupled, that is, the first structure and the second structure are coupled without relying on physical contact. In other words, the first structure and the second structure can interact wirelessly, through induction or other non-physical contact methods. Therefore, compared with the first structure and the second structure being electrically connected by wires, the output shaft 231 will not have a wire twisting problem when rotating at any angle relative to the handle housing 10, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the electric toothbrush 100.

[0026] The first and second structures are in sliding electrical contact cooperation, that is, the first and second structures maintain contact during sliding (including translation and rotation) and can realize the transmission of signals and current. In other words, the first and second structures are dynamically in contact during sliding to realize the transmission of signals and current. Therefore, compared with the first and second structures being electrically connected by wires, the output shaft 231 will not have a wire twisting problem during the rotation of any angle relative to the handle housing 10, thus ensuring the stability and reliability of the electric toothbrush 100.

[0027] It should be noted that in the above embodiments, the output shaft 231 can rotate at any angle relative to the handle housing 10, such as 10°, 30°, 50°, 70°, 180°, 360°, 540°, 720° and 1080°.

[0028] In the electric toothbrush 100 of this application embodiment, during the rotation of the output shaft 231 relative to the handle housing 10 at any angle, the portion of the detection component 30 disposed on the output shaft 231 and the portion of the detection component 30 disposed on the mechanism 20 and / or the handle housing 10 are in non-contact or sliding electrical contact engagement. That is, the portion of the detection component 30 disposed on the output shaft 231 and the portion of the detection component 30 disposed on the mechanism 20 and / or the handle housing 10 can maintain a non-contact state or maintain a relatively sliding and electrically connected state. Therefore, compared with electric toothbrushes in related technologies, there will be no wire tangling problem during the rotation of the output shaft 231 relative to the handle housing 10, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the operation of the electric toothbrush 100.

[0029] The electric toothbrush 100 will be further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, in some embodiments, the detection component 30 includes a first detection element 31 and a second detection element 33. The first detection element 31 is a non-electrical component and is disposed on the output shaft 231. The second detection element 33 is disposed on the mechanism 20 or the handle housing 10. The second detection element 33 cooperates with the first detection element 31 to obtain the pressure on the output shaft 231 by detecting the amount of deformation of the output shaft 231 under pressure. It is understood that in this embodiment, the first structure includes the first detection element 31, and the second structure includes the second detection element 33.

[0031] Specifically, in some embodiments, when the output shaft 231 is deformed under pressure, the position of the first detection element 31 will change with the deformation of the output shaft 231. Thus, the second detection element 33 cooperates with the first detection element 31 to detect the amount of deformation of the output shaft 231 under pressure, and obtains the pressure value experienced by the output shaft 231 based on the amount of deformation. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the first detection element 31 is a non-electrical component, that is, the first detection element 31 is a component that does not require electricity or electrical energy conversion and transmission. Thus, the first detection element 31 and the second detection element 33 can achieve non-contact cooperation. The first detection element 31 can be an optical element, a magnetic element, or a metal, etc. Optical elements include, but are not limited to, prisms and mirrors, and magnetic elements include, but are not limited to, magnets and magnetic cores. The second detection element 33 is an electrical component and can cooperate with the first detection element 31. The second detection element 33 can be an electromagnetic sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor), a photoelectric sensor, or an acoustic sensor, etc.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first detection element 31 and the second detection element 33 are spaced apart and opposite each other in the axial direction X of the output shaft 231; or, the first detection element 31 and the second detection element 33 are spaced apart and opposite each other in the radial direction (perpendicular to the axial direction X) of the output shaft 231. Thus, the positions of the first detection element 31 and the second detection element 33 can be adaptively adjusted according to different specifications of the electric toothbrush 100, thereby improving the applicability of the detection assembly 30.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first detection element 31 and the output shaft 231 are joined together by a non-detachable connection, including but not limited to bonding or welding. This improves the stability of the connection between the first detection element 31 and the output shaft 231, preventing the first detection element 31 from loosening or falling off the output shaft 231 during motor 23 operation. This ensures the stability of the fit between the first detection element 31 and the second detection element 33, guaranteeing the normal operation of the detection assembly 30. Furthermore, it prevents the first detection element 31 from falling off the output shaft 231 and affecting the normal operation of the motor 23, thus improving the stability and reliability of the motor 23. In other embodiments, the first detection element 31 and the output shaft 231 are joined together by a detachable connection, including but not limited to snap-fit ​​connections or threaded connections.

[0034] In some embodiments, the second detection element 33 is joined to the movement 20 or the handle housing 10 by a non-removable connection, which includes, but is not limited to, bonding or welding. In other embodiments, the second detection element 33 is joined to the movement 20 or the handle housing 10 by a detachable connection, which includes, but is not limited to, snap-fit ​​connection or threaded connection.

[0035] Further, please continue to refer to Figures 2 and 3. In some embodiments, the first detection element 31 is a reflector, and the second detection element 33 includes a transmitter 331 and a receiver 333. The transmitter 331 is used to emit energy toward the first detection element 31, and the receiver 333 is used to receive the energy reflected back by the first detection element 31, so as to determine the amount of deformation of the output shaft 231 under pressure based on the change in the received energy.

[0036] Specifically, in some embodiments, when the second detection element 33 is powered on, the transmitter 331 can emit energy toward the first detection element 31, and the receiver 333 can receive the energy reflected back by the first detection element 31, and determine the amount of deformation of the output shaft 231 under pressure based on changes in the received energy (e.g., changes in energy intensity or changes in receiving position). For example, when the output shaft 231 is deformed under pressure, the position of the first detection element 31 will change with the deformation of the output shaft 231. At this time, the angle at which the first detection element 31 reflects energy will shift, and thus, the position of the energy received by the receiver 333 will also shift. The receiver 333 can determine the amount of deformation of the output shaft 231 under pressure based on the position shift. It is understood that when the first detection element 31 rotates relative to the handle housing 10 along with the output shaft 231, the first detection element 31 can always reflect the energy emitted by the transmitter 331 back to the receiver 333, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the detection component 30.

[0037] Referring to Figure 3, in some other embodiments, the detection component 30 further includes a third detection element 35. Both the first detection element 31 and the third detection element 35 are reflective elements. The third detection element 35 is disposed on the output shaft 231, the mechanism 20, or the handle housing 10. The second detection element 33 includes a transmitter 331 and a receiver 333. The transmitter 331 is used to emit energy toward the first detection element 31, and the receiver 333 is used to receive the energy reflected back by the first detection element 31 and the third detection element 35 in sequence, so as to determine the amount of deformation of the output shaft 231 under pressure based on the change in the received energy.

[0038] Specifically, in some embodiments, when the second detection element 33 is powered on, the transmitter 331 can emit energy toward the first detection element 31, and the receiver 333 can receive the energy reflected back sequentially by the first detection element 31 and the third detection element 35, and determine the amount of deformation of the output shaft 231 under pressure based on the change in the received energy (e.g., change in energy intensity or change in receiving position). It is understood that in some embodiments, the third detection element 35 can be positioned on the propagation path of energy between the first detection element 31 and the receiver 333. In this way, the third detection element 35 can reflect the energy reflected by the first detection element 31. Compared to when the third detection element 35 is not present, the amount of energy change received by the receiver 333 is greater, thereby more accurately reflecting the amount of deformation of the output shaft 231 under pressure and improving the detection accuracy of the detection component 30.

[0039] In one example, the first detection element 31 and the third detection element 35 are completely identical, that is, the structure, material, and dimensions of the first detection element 31 and the third detection element 35 are completely identical. In another example, the first detection element 31 and the third detection element 35 are different, that is, at least one of the structure, material, and dimensions of the first detection element 31 and the third detection element 35 is different.

[0040] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the transmitter 331 is a light emitting unit, and the receiver 333 is a light receiving unit. The light emitting unit is used to emit light, and the light receiving unit is used to receive the reflected light, and to determine the amount of deformation of the output shaft 231 under pressure based on the change in the received light. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the transmitter 331 includes, but is not limited to, a laser emitting unit or an infrared light emitting unit, and the receiver 333 includes, but is not limited to, a laser receiving unit or an infrared light receiving unit. The reflector can be a mirror or other element capable of reflecting the light emitted by the transmitter 331.

[0041] Specifically, in some embodiments, when the detection component 30 includes only the first detection element 31 and the second detection element 33, when the transmitter 331 emits light toward the first detection element 31, the receiver 333 can receive the light reflected back from the first detection element 31 and determine the amount of deformation of the output shaft 231 under pressure based on the change in the received light (e.g., change in intensity or change in receiving position).

[0042] In other embodiments, when the detection component 30 includes a first detection element 31, a second detection element 33, and a third detection element 35, when the transmitter 331 emits light towards the first detection element 31, the receiver 333 can receive the light reflected back sequentially by the first detection element 31 and the third detection element 35, and determine the amount of deformation of the output shaft 231 under pressure based on changes in the received light (e.g., changes in intensity or changes in receiving position). The third detection element 35 increases the deflection of the light, thereby more accurately reflecting the amount of deformation of the output shaft 231 under pressure and improving the detection accuracy of the detection component 30.

[0043] In other embodiments, transmitter 331 is a sound wave emitting unit, and receiver 333 is a sound wave receiving unit. The sound wave emitting unit is used to emit sound waves, and the sound wave receiving unit is used to receive the reflected sound waves and determine the amount of deformation of the output shaft 231 under pressure based on the changes in the received sound waves. It should be noted that in some embodiments, transmitter 331 may be an ultrasonic emitting unit, receiver 333 may be an ultrasonic emitting unit, and reflector may be a metal or other element capable of reflecting the sound waves emitted by transmitter 331.

[0044] Specifically, in some embodiments, when the detection component 30 includes only the first detection element 31 and the second detection element 33, when the transmitter 331 emits a sound wave toward the first detection element 31, the receiver 333 can receive the sound wave reflected back by the first detection element 31 and determine the amount of deformation of the output shaft 231 under pressure based on the changes in the received sound wave (e.g., changes in intensity, changes in receiving position, etc.).

[0045] In other embodiments, when the detection component 30 includes a first detection element 31, a second detection element 33, and a third detection element 35, when the transmitter 331 emits a sound wave toward the first detection element 31, the receiver 333 can receive the sound waves reflected back sequentially by the first detection element 31 and the third detection element 35, and determine the amount of deformation of the output shaft 231 under pressure based on changes in the received sound waves (e.g., changes in intensity or changes in receiving position). The third detection element 35 increases the amount of change in the sound waves, thereby more accurately reflecting the amount of deformation of the output shaft 231 under pressure and improving the detection accuracy of the detection component 30.

[0046] Referring to Figure 3, in some embodiments, the second detection element 33 further includes a body 335, on which the transmitter 331 and the receiver 333 are both disposed. Thus, compared with the transmitter 331 and the receiver 333 being disposed separately, the second detection element 33 has a higher degree of integration. This facilitates the assembly of the second detection element 33 and improves the assembly efficiency of the detection assembly 30. On the other hand, it can reduce the size of the second detection element 33, which is beneficial to the miniaturization of the detection assembly.

[0047] In some embodiments, the transmitter 331 and the receiver 333 are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the axis of the output shaft 231; or, the transmitter 331 and the receiver 333 are spaced apart in a radial direction parallel to the output shaft 231. Thus, the transmitter 331 and the receiver 333 can be adaptively adjusted according to the different installation space and the specifications of the first detection element 31, thereby improving the applicability of the second detection element 33.

[0048] In some embodiments, the transmitter 331 and the body 335, and the receiver 333 and the body 335, can be joined together by a detachable connection, including but not limited to snap-fit ​​connections or threaded connections. In other embodiments, the transmitter 331 and the body 335, and the receiver 333 and the body 335, can be joined together by a non-detachable connection, including but not limited to bonding or welding.

[0049] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, in some embodiments, the distance between the receiver 333 and the output shaft 231 in the radial direction is greater than the distance between the receiver 333 and the inner wall of the handle housing 10. Therefore, compared to a distance between the receiver 333 and the output shaft 231 in the radial direction being less than or equal to the distance between the receiver 333 and the inner wall of the handle housing 10, the receiver 333 receives a larger change in energy, thus more accurately reflecting the amount of deformation of the output shaft 231 under pressure, and improving the detection accuracy of the detection component 30.

[0050] Please refer to Figure 3. In some embodiments, the first detection element 31 is a non-electric first inductor element, and the second detection element 33 is an electric second inductor element. The second inductor element is used to detect the inductance of the first inductor element and determine the amount of deformation of the output shaft 231 under pressure based on the change in inductance.

[0051] Specifically, in some embodiments, when the second detection element 33 is energized, the second detection element 33 can detect the inductance of the first detection element 31. Since the position of the first detection element 31 will change with the deformation of the output shaft 231 when the output shaft 231 is deformed by pressure, the inductance of the first detection element 31 will also change. Therefore, the second detection element 33 can determine the amount of deformation of the output shaft 231 by pressure based on the change in inductance (e.g., change in intensity). Since the first detection element 31 is a non-electrical first inductor element, a non-contact engagement can be achieved between the first detection element 31 and the second detection element 33.

[0052] Referring to Figures 2 and 4, in some embodiments, the detection component 30 includes a fourth detection element 37, a first conductive element 38, and a second conductive element 39. The fourth detection element 37 and the first conductive element 38 are electrically connected and are both disposed on the output shaft 231. The fourth detection element 37 and the first conductive element 38 can rotate with the output shaft 231. The second conductive element 39 is provided with a contact portion 395, and the first conductive element 38 is electrically connected to the contact portion 395. The contact position between the first conductive element 38 and the contact portion 395 changes synchronously with the rotation of the output shaft 231, so that the first conductive element 38 and the second conductive element 39 always remain electrically connected. It is understood that in this embodiment, the first structure includes the fourth detection element 37 and the first conductive element 38, and the second structure includes at least a portion of the second conductive element 39.

[0053] Specifically, in some embodiments, the first conductive element 38 is electrically connected to the fourth detection element 37, and the first conductive element 38 can also be electrically connected to the receiving part 395 of the second conductive element 39. This enables the transmission of electrical energy and data. That is, electrical energy can be transmitted to the fourth detection element 37 through the second conductive element 39 and the first conductive element 38 to power the normal operation of the fourth detection element 37. The detection data of the fourth detection element 37 can be output to the circuit board or other structures of the electric toothbrush 100 through the first conductive element 38 and the second conductive element 39. In addition, the contact position between the first conductive element 38 and the receiving part 395 changes synchronously with the rotation of the output shaft 231, so that the first conductive element 38 and the second conductive element 39 always maintain an electrical connection. That is, the first conductive element 38 and the receiving part 395 are in a sliding electrical contact engagement. Compared with the first conductive element 38 and the receiving part 395 being fixedly connected, the output shaft 231 in this embodiment will not have a wire twisting problem during rotation relative to the handle housing 10, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the electric toothbrush 100. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the fourth detection element 37 may be a pressure sensor or the like.

[0054] In some embodiments, the second conductive element 39 is disposed on the mechanism 20 or the handle housing 10, so that when the output shaft 231 rotates relative to the handle housing 10, the second conductive element 39 is fixed relative to the handle housing 10. In other embodiments, the second conductive element 39 includes a first part 391 and a second part 393, which are rotatable relative to each other. Specifically, the first part 391 may be disposed on the output shaft 231, and the second part 393 may be disposed on the mechanism 20 or the handle housing 10. When the output shaft 231 rotates relative to the handle housing 10, the first part 391 rotates together with the output shaft 231 relative to the handle housing 10 and the second part 393, while the second part 393 is fixed relative to the handle housing 10. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the second conductive element 39 may be a conductive slip ring.

[0055] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the second conductive member 39 is provided with a guide groove 397, and at least a portion of the contact portion 395 is disposed within the guide groove 397.

[0056] Specifically, in some embodiments, the guide groove 397 may be recessed from the side of the second conductive member 39 toward the first conductive member 38 (the upper side of the second conductive member 39 in FIG. 4) away from the first conductive member 38. At least a portion of the contact part 395 is disposed in the guide groove 397. In this way, the arrangement of the guide groove 397 can, on the one hand, provide a accommodating space for the contact part 395, reduce the possibility of the user directly contacting the contact part 395, and improve safety performance; on the other hand, it can provide guidance for the movement of the first conductive member 38 relative to the second conductive member 39, and improve the stability of the sliding electrical contact engagement between the first conductive member 38 and the second conductive member 39.

[0057] In some embodiments, the output shaft 231 has a notch that is recessed from the outer peripheral wall 2311 of the output shaft 231 toward the central axis of the output shaft 231, and a portion of the structure (i.e., the first structure) disposed on the output shaft 231 is located within the notch. The notch provides positioning for the installation of the first structure, improving the assembly efficiency of the detection component 30; it also reduces the possibility of interference between the first structure and other structures of the electric toothbrush 100, ensuring the normal operation of the detection component 30; furthermore, it reduces the space occupied by the first structure and the output shaft 231, thereby facilitating the miniaturization design of the electric toothbrush 100.

[0058] In addition, the notch can facilitate the deformation of the output shaft 231 when it is under pressure. Thus, when the first structure is set at the notch, the position of the first structure changes more significantly, which can more accurately reflect the amount of deformation of the output shaft 231 under pressure and improve the detection accuracy of the detection component 30.

[0059] Referring to Figure 2, in some embodiments, the output shaft 231 includes a first end 2313 and a second end 2315, with the first end 2313 passing through the handle housing 10 and located outside the handle housing 10. The electric toothbrush 100 also includes a seal 40 disposed on the output shaft 231 and closer to the first end 2313 of the output shaft 231 than the portion of the structure (first structure) disposed on the output shaft 231. The seal 40 is used to seal the gap between the output shaft 231 and the handle housing 10.

[0060] The seal 40 is a flexible structure used to seal the gap between the output shaft 231 and the handle housing 10, preventing external water or dust and other impurities from entering the handle housing 10. The material of the seal 40 includes, but is not limited to, silicone, polyurethane, rubber, or plastic. In some embodiments of this application, the seal 40 is disposed on the output shaft 231 and closer to the first end 2313 of the output shaft 231 than the first structure, thereby preventing external water or dust and other impurities from entering the handle housing 10 and affecting the first structure, thus improving the stability and reliability of the detection component 30. For example, when the first structure includes a first detection element 31, and the first detection element 31 is a reflector, the seal 40 prevents external water or dust and other impurities from contacting the first detection element 31, thus preventing the first detection element 31 from effectively reflecting energy.

[0061] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "some embodiments," "in one example," "exemplarily," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the described embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0062] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. An electric toothbrush, comprising: Handle shell; A movement mechanism, disposed within the handle housing, comprising a mounting bracket and a motor, the motor being mounted on the mounting bracket, and at least a portion of the motor's output shaft passing through the handle housing and capable of rotating at any angle relative to the handle housing; and A detection component, wherein a portion of the detection component is disposed on the output shaft and another portion of the detection component is disposed on the mechanism and / or the handle housing, the detection component is used to detect the pressure on the output shaft, and during the process of the output shaft rotating at any angle relative to the handle housing, the portion of the detection component disposed on the output shaft and the portion of the detection component disposed on the mechanism and / or the handle housing engage in non-contact or sliding electrical contact engagement.

2. The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein, The detection component includes a first detection element and a second detection element. The first detection element is a non-electrical component and is disposed on the output shaft. The second detection element is disposed on the mechanism or the handle housing. The second detection element cooperates with the first detection element to obtain the pressure on the output shaft by detecting the amount of deformation of the output shaft under pressure.

3. The electric toothbrush according to claim 2, wherein, The first detection element is a reflector, and the second detection element includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is used to emit energy toward the first detection element, and the receiver is used to receive the energy reflected back by the first detection element, so as to determine the amount of deformation of the output shaft under pressure based on the change in the received energy.

4. The electric toothbrush according to claim 2, wherein, The detection assembly further includes a third detection element. Both the first and third detection elements are reflective elements. The third detection element is disposed on the output shaft, the mechanism, or the handle housing. The second detection element includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is used to emit energy toward the first detection element, and the receiver is used to receive the energy reflected back by the first and third detection elements in sequence, so as to determine the amount of deformation of the output shaft under pressure based on the change in the received energy.

5. The electric toothbrush according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The transmitter is a light emitting unit, and the receiver is a light receiving unit. The light emitting unit emits light rays, and the light receiving unit receives the reflected light rays, determining the amount of deformation of the output shaft under pressure based on changes in the received light rays; or, The transmitter is a sound wave emitting unit, and the receiver is a sound wave receiving unit. The sound wave emitting unit is used to emit sound waves, and the sound wave receiving unit is used to receive the reflected sound waves and determine the amount of deformation of the output shaft under pressure based on the changes in the received sound waves.

6. The electric toothbrush according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The second detection element also includes a body, on which both the transmitter and the receiver are disposed; The transmitter and the receiver are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the axis of the output shaft; or The transmitter and the receiver are spaced apart in a radial direction parallel to the output axis.

7. The electric toothbrush according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, In the radial direction of the output shaft, the distance between the receiver and the output shaft is greater than the distance between the receiver and the inner wall of the handle housing.

8. The electric toothbrush according to claim 2, wherein, The first detection element and the second detection element are radially spaced opposite each other on the output shaft; or, The first detection element and the second detection element are axially spaced opposite each other on the output shaft.

9. The electric toothbrush according to claim 2, wherein, The first detection element is a non-electric first inductor, and the second detection element is an electric second inductor. The second inductor is used to detect the inductance of the first inductor and determine the amount of deformation of the output shaft under pressure based on the change in the inductance.

10. The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein, The detection component includes a fourth detection element, a first conductive element, and a second conductive element. The fourth detection element and the first conductive element are electrically connected and are both disposed on the output shaft. The fourth detection element and the first conductive element can rotate with the output shaft. The second conductive element is provided with a contact portion. The first conductive element is electrically connected to the contact portion. The contact position between the first conductive element and the contact portion changes synchronously with the rotation of the output shaft, so that the first conductive element and the second conductive element always remain electrically connected.

11. The electric toothbrush according to claim 10, wherein, The second conductive element is provided with a guide groove, and at least a portion of the electrical contact portion is disposed within the guide groove.

12. The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein, The output shaft has a notch that is recessed from the outer peripheral wall of the output shaft toward the central axis of the output shaft, and the partial structure disposed on the output shaft is located within the notch.

13. The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein, The output shaft includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the first end of the output shaft passing through the handle housing and located outside the handle housing; the electric toothbrush further includes: A seal is disposed on the output shaft and closer to the first end of the output shaft than the portion of the structure disposed on the output shaft, the seal being used to seal the gap between the output shaft and the handle housing.

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