Oral cleaner and drive device for oral cleaning

Abstract

Provided are an oral cleaner and a drive device for oral cleaning. The oral cleaner comprises a brush handle assembly (1000) and a care head (2000), the brush handle assembly (1000) comprising a gripping housing (100) and a drive device (200), wherein the drive device (200) at least comprises a stationary component and a rotating component. The stationary component comprises a housing element (210) and a stator support (220) accommodated in the housing element (210), an inner wall surface of the stator support (220) is provided with a plurality of accommodating slots (221), and an extending direction of the accommodating slots (221) is parallel to a first axis (a). The rotating component comprises a power output shaft (230) and at least two rotor assemblies (240) located in the stator support (220), the at least two rotor assemblies (240) being sleeved on the power output shaft (230) and being sequentially stacked along the first axis (a). From a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the first axis (a), there is a preset offset angle between two adjacent rotor assemblies (240). The power and load resistance of the drive device are increased without increasing the volume of the brush handle assembly, thereby improving the effectiveness of oral cleaning.

Description

Oral cleaner and drive mechanism for oral cleaning

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2024117983348, filed on December 9, 2024, entitled "Oral Cleaner and Drive Device for Oral Cleaning". The entire contents of that Chinese patent application are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of oral cleaning appliances, and more particularly to an oral cleaning appliance and a drive device for oral cleaning. Background Technology

[0004] Electric toothbrushes typically consist of a handle assembly and a brush head connected to the handle assembly. Users move the brush head by holding the handle assembly, and the servo motor inside the handle assembly drives the brush head to move, thereby achieving deep cleaning of the oral cavity.

[0005] However, due to the limited size of the brush handle assembly, it cannot accommodate more batteries. As a result, the servo motor can only be driven by low voltage. However, the servo motor driven by low voltage has weak power and poor load resistance, which leads to poor cleaning effect. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide an oral cleaner and a drive device for oral cleaning, which can increase the power and load-bearing capacity of the drive device without increasing the size of the brush handle assembly, so as to improve the oral cleaning effect.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides an oral cleaner, comprising a brush handle assembly and a care head. The brush handle assembly includes a grip housing with a receiving space, and a drive device and an energy storage component disposed within the receiving space. The care head has a cleaning portion at its distal end. The brush handle assembly is removably connected to the care head. The drive device is configured to generate periodic motion. The drive device, extending along a first axis, includes at least a stationary component and a rotating component. The stationary component includes a housing element and a stator support housed within the housing element. The inner wall of the stator support is provided with a plurality of receiving grooves arranged around the first axis, and the extending direction of the receiving grooves is perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The first axis is parallel; the rotating component includes a power output shaft and at least two rotor assemblies located within the stator support, the power output shaft being at least partially contained within the brush handle assembly and configured to engage the care head; the power output shaft is configured to transmit the generated periodic motion to the care head, causing the cleaning portion to rotate periodically at least in a first direction about the first axis; the power output shaft extends along the first axis and is rotatably connected to the housing element, at least two rotor assemblies are sleeved on the power output shaft and stacked sequentially along the first axis, and adjacent rotor assemblies are misaligned by a predetermined angle when viewed from a cross-section perpendicular to the first axis.

[0008] This application creates a skewed pole-like structure by segmenting and misaligning the straight poles of the rotor elements, thereby increasing the cogging torque cycle and reducing the cogging torque amplitude. This weakens the cogging torque, reduces the force required by the drive unit to overcome it, and increases the actual output power of the drive unit. Consequently, it improves the output power and load-bearing capacity of the drive unit without needing to increase the number of energy storage components or change the size of the brush handle assembly, thus enhancing oral cleaning performance. Simultaneously, the straight slot structure accommodating the cogging facilitates coil winding, and the multi-segmented misalignment of the rotor elements facilitates processing and assembly, reducing manufacturing costs.

[0009] Furthermore, the segmented straight pole misalignment of the rotor components to form a skewed pole structure can reduce the vibration generated by the drive device and prevent the vibration of the drive device from affecting the control accuracy of the motion detection components. This makes the control system of the drive device more stable, accurate and efficient, thereby ensuring the stability of the nursing head operation and improving the user experience.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, this application also provides a driving device for oral cleaning, the driving device comprising at least: a stationary component extending along a first axis, including a housing element and a stator support housed within the housing element, the inner wall of the stator support having a plurality of receiving grooves arranged around the first axis, and the extending direction of the receiving grooves being parallel to the first axis; and a rotating component including a power output shaft and at least two rotor assemblies located within the stator support, the power output shaft extending along the first axis and rotatably connected to the housing element, the at least two rotor assemblies being sleeved on the power output shaft and sequentially stacked along the first axis, and, viewed from a cross section perpendicular to the first axis, adjacent rotor assemblies having a predetermined misalignment angle.

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, this application also provides a brush handle assembly, which includes a grip housing with a receiving space, wherein an energy storage component and the aforementioned drive device for oral cleaning are disposed within the receiving space. Attached Figure Description

[0012] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0013] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of an oral cleaner according to one embodiment of the present application;

[0014] Figure 2 is a half-sectional schematic diagram of the driving device in one embodiment provided in this application;

[0015] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the structure of a stationary component in one embodiment provided in this application;

[0016] Figure 4 is a half-sectional schematic diagram of the rotating component in one embodiment provided in this application;

[0017] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the rotating component in one embodiment provided in this application;

[0018] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the rotating component in one embodiment provided in this application;

[0019] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the misaligned structure of the rotor assembly in one embodiment provided in this application;

[0020] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the misaligned structure of the rotor assembly in another embodiment provided in this application;

[0021] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the misaligned structure of the rotor assembly in another embodiment provided in this application;

[0022] Figure 10 is an enlarged schematic diagram of part of the structure in Figure 2;

[0023] Figure 11 is an enlarged schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the driving device in one embodiment provided in this application;

[0024] Figure 12 is a half-sectional schematic diagram of the drive device in another embodiment provided in this application.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1000, brush handle assembly; 2000, care head; 2100, fluid channel; 2200, outlet; a, first axis; θk, preset misalignment angle; 100, grip housing; 110, receiving space; 200. Drive unit; 210. Housing element; 211. Housing body; 212. Tail cover; 220. Stator support; 221. Receiving tooth groove; 230. Power output shaft; 231. Axial channel; 232. Output shaft body; 233. Drive shaft; 240. Rotor assembly; 241. Rotor support; 2411. Base; 24111. Mounting hole; 2412. Positioning rib; 242. First magnetic element; 243. Second magnetic element; 244. Magnet slot; 250. Motion detection assembly; 260. Motion feedback assembly; 261. Mounting base; 2611. Sleeve; 2612. Support back plate; 262. Position feedback element; 270. Surface covering element; 271. Connecting part; 280. Tensioning element; 300. Energy storage component; 400. Liquid storage chamber; 500. Fluid pumping unit. Detailed Implementation

[0026] As people's living standards improve, more and more families are using various oral hygiene devices, such as electric toothbrushes, water flossers, and combined water flosser and brush head systems, to assist in cleaning and improve the oral environment. Taking electric toothbrushes as an example, an electric toothbrush typically includes a handle assembly and a brush head connected to the handle assembly. The user holds the handle assembly to move the brush head, which in turn is driven by a servo motor inside the handle assembly. By utilizing the high-frequency forward and reverse rotation and high control precision of the servo motor, deep cleaning of the oral cavity can be achieved.

[0027] In related technologies, the servo motor within the brush handle assembly can be driven by low voltage (typically a single battery, 3.7-4.2V) or high voltage (two or more batteries, 7.4V). Using a low-voltage servo motor reduces power requirements, requiring only a single battery, but results in weak power, low load capacity, and poor cleaning performance. Therefore, this application attempted to enhance power by using a high-voltage servo motor, i.e., two batteries. While this increased the servo motor's power, it also increased the size of the brush handle assembly housing the two batteries, affecting the user's grip and portability, and reducing the user experience.

[0028] Therefore, this application shifts its research focus to exploring how to increase the power and load-bearing capacity of the drive unit while maintaining the size of the brush handle assembly, thereby improving oral cleaning performance. Specifically, in-depth research into the factors affecting the power of low-voltage drive servo motors revealed that the servo motors currently used in electric toothbrushes on the market employ a design where the rotor magnetic poles are evenly segmented circumferentially but not axially, and the stator has straight slots. During motor operation, due to the presence of the iron core slots, there is an interaction between the permanent magnets on the rotor and the stator iron core, resulting in cogging torque during motor rotation. Since the servo motor needs to allocate some power to overcome this cogging torque during reciprocating motion, this leads to weaker power and poorer load-bearing capacity, thus affecting oral cleaning performance.

[0029] Based on this, this application designs the rotor and stator structures of a servo motor. Specifically, by implementing a segmented straight-pole misalignment design on the rotor to achieve a rotor-like skewed-pole structure, and in conjunction with a straight-slot design on the stator, specific subharmonics are weakened, thereby reducing the cogging torque of the motor. This improves the output power and load-bearing capacity of the servo motor without requiring an additional battery to change the size of the brush assembly, thus enhancing the cleaning effect.

[0030] Furthermore, this application also found that the generation of tooth groove torque can cause the servo motor to vibrate. Moreover, existing Hall sensors are located outside the servo motor body, resulting in insufficient stability and precision in installation. Coupled with the vibration of the servo motor, this further affects the accuracy of its detection of the rotor's position, reducing the control effect of the electric toothbrush's cleaning motion and thus impacting the user experience.

[0031] Based on this, this application redesigns the mounting position and method of the Hall sensor circuit board and magnetic ring while reducing the cogging torque. Specifically, the design directly connects the Hall sensor circuit board to the stationary part of the servo motor. This structure simplifies the assembly process, requiring only one operation to complete the installation, significantly reducing assembly complexity and improving assembly accuracy. This modification ensures the precise placement of the Hall sensor circuit board, contributing to improved motion control. Furthermore, embedding the Hall sensor circuit board and magnetic ring within the motor assembly avoids the need for external structural expansion, allowing for a reduction in the overall size of the motor and achieving a more compact miniaturized design. This compact structure not only allows for a slimmer electric toothbrush, optimizing its aesthetics, but also provides more internal water storage space to hold more flushing liquid, enhancing the overall functionality of the product.

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are some embodiments of this application, but not all embodiments.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1, this application provides an oral cleaner, which may include a brush handle assembly 1000 and a care head 2000. The care head 2000 has a cleaning section at its distal end, and the brush handle assembly 1000 is removably connected to the care head 2000. The brush handle assembly 1000 includes a grip housing 100, a drive unit 200, and an energy storage component 300. The energy storage component 300 provides electrical power to the drive unit 200 to drive its operation. The user can move the oral cleaner by holding the grip housing 100. The grip housing 100 has a receiving space 110, within which the drive unit 200 and the energy storage component 300 are disposed. The drive unit 200 drives the care head 200.

[0034] It should be noted that an oral hygiene device can be a cleaning device with only brushing function, which can only brush and clean the user's mouth, such as an electric toothbrush. An oral hygiene device can also be a cleaning device that integrates brushing and rinsing functions, which can brush and rinse the user's mouth, or brush and rinse simultaneously, such as a brush and rinse combo machine. This application does not make specific limitations here.

[0035] As shown in Figures 2 to 6, in one implementation, the drive device 200 is used to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy to generate periodic motion, such as high-frequency vibration and / or reciprocating oscillation. The drive device 200 can be constructed in a cylindrical shape, with a first axis a as the centerline of the drive device 200; that is, the center point of each cross-section of the drive device 200 can be located on the first axis a, along which the drive device 200 extends. The drive device 200 may include a stationary component and a rotating component. When the drive device 200 moves, the stationary component remains relatively stationary, while the rotating component rotates relative to the stationary component, thereby driving the care head 2000 to move.

[0036] In this embodiment, the stationary component may include a housing element 210 and a stator support 220. The stator support 220 is housed within the housing element 210. The inner wall of the stator support 220 is provided with a plurality of receiving grooves 221 arranged around the first axis a. The receiving grooves 221 are used to receive coils. In practical applications, the housing element 210 may include a housing body 211 and a tail cap 212. The tail cap 212 is located at one end of the housing body 211 along the first axis a. The housing body 211 is constructed as a cylindrical structure, and the axis of the housing body 211 may be collinear with the first axis a. One end of the housing body 211 has an opening to allow the stator support 220 and the rotating component to be installed into the housing body 211 through the opening. The tail cap 212 is connected to the housing body 211 and at least partially covers the opening to prevent foreign objects from entering the interior of the housing body 211 and affecting the normal operation of the drive device 200.

[0037] The rotating component may include a power output shaft 230 and a rotor element. The power output shaft 230 is at least partially included within the brush handle assembly 1000 and configured to engage the care head 2000. The power output shaft 230 is configured to transmit the generated periodic motion to the care head 2000, causing the cleaning part to rotate periodically in at least a first direction about a first axis a. That is, the power output shaft 230 reciprocates about the first axis a as its rotation center line. Of course, the power output shaft 230 may have other forms of motion, such as axial reciprocating movement along the first axis a, tapping motion in a direction perpendicular to the first axis a, or a combination of several forms of motion. The power output shaft 230 extends along the first axis a, is rotatably connected to the housing element 210, and at least one end extends outside the housing element 210 for connecting the care head 2000. The rotor element is fixedly connected to the power output shaft 230 and located within the area enclosed by the stator support 220. The rotor element interacts with the rotating magnetic field generated by the coil on the stator support 220, causing the rotor element to rotate synchronously with the rotating magnetic field, thereby driving the power output shaft 230 to rotate and output rotational power.

[0038] In this way, a slanted pole structure can be formed by making slanted tooth grooves 221 or slanted rotor elements, which increases the tooth groove torque cycle and reduces the tooth groove torque amplitude, thereby weakening the tooth groove torque, reducing the force of the drive device 200 to overcome the tooth groove torque, increasing the actual output power of the drive device 200, and thus improving the output power and load resistance of the drive device 200 without having to increase the number of energy storage components 300 to change the volume of the brush handle assembly 1000, thereby improving the oral cleaning effect.

[0039] Considering that the stator support 220 needs to be wound with coils, it is not convenient to achieve an inclined structure through segmented design, and the overall inclined accommodating tooth groove 221 is difficult to process and has high processing cost.

[0040] Therefore, this application preferably achieves a similar skewed pole structure by segmenting and misaligning the rotor elements, thereby improving the output power and load resistance of the drive device 200. Specifically, the extension direction of the receiving slot 221 is parallel to the first axis a, that is, the receiving slot 221 adopts a straight slot design. Correspondingly, the rotor element consists of at least two rotor assemblies 240, which are mounted on the power output shaft 230 and stacked sequentially along the first axis a. Viewed from a cross-section perpendicular to the first axis a, adjacent rotor assemblies 240 have a predetermined misalignment angle θk. In other words, this application divides the rotor element into multiple rotor assemblies 240 along the first axis a, and misaligns adjacent rotor assemblies 240. In this way, a similar skewed pole structure can be formed by segmenting and misaligning the rotor elements, thereby improving the output power and load resistance of the drive device 200. Simultaneously, the receiving slot 221 has a straight slot structure, facilitating coil winding, and the multi-segment misalignment of the rotor elements facilitates processing and assembly operations, reducing manufacturing costs.

[0041] In practical applications, each rotor assembly 240 includes a rotor support 241, a first magnetic element 242, and a second magnetic element 243. The first magnetic element 242 and the second magnetic element 243 have opposite magnetic properties and are arranged circumferentially along the rotor support 241. After two adjacent rotor assemblies 240 are staggered and connected, the projection portions of the first magnetic elements 242 of the two adjacent rotor assemblies 240 overlap along the direction parallel to the first axis a, i.e., they do not completely overlap, and the projection portions of the second magnetic elements 243 of the two adjacent rotor assemblies 240 overlap along the direction parallel to the first axis a. During assembly, the first magnetic element 242 and the second magnetic element 243 can be installed on the rotor support 241 of each rotor assembly 240 respectively, and then each rotor assembly 240 is fixed to the power output shaft 230 with a preset staggered angle θk.

[0042] The first magnetic component 242 and the second magnetic component 243 can be mounted on the rotor support 241 in a built-in manner. Specifically, the rotor support 241 can have receiving holes parallel to the first axis a, and the first magnetic component 242 and the second magnetic component 243 are respectively installed in the corresponding receiving holes.

[0043] The first magnetic component 242 and the second magnetic component 243 can also be surface-mounted onto the rotor bracket 241. Specifically, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the rotor bracket 241 includes a base 2411 and at least two positioning ribs 2412. The base 2411 has mounting holes 24111, which are fitted onto the power output shaft 230. The at least two positioning ribs 2412 are located on the outer peripheral surface of the base 2411 and arranged in a ring array. Adjacent positioning ribs 2412 and the outer peripheral surface of the base 2411 form a magnet groove 244, and each magnet groove 244 contains either the first magnetic component 242 or the second magnetic component 243. In this way, the rotor bracket 241 does not need to extend to the outer wall surface of the first magnetic component 242 and the second magnetic component 243, making the rotor element smaller and further reducing the size of the drive device 200, so that the user can hold the brush handle assembly 1000. This design allows the rotor assembly 240 to have a maximum diameter of 7mm ± 2mm, and the drive unit 200 to have a maximum diameter of 17.1mm ± 10mm. Furthermore, this mounting method reduces the gap between the first magnetic component 242 and the second magnetic component 243 and the stator support 220, thereby increasing the output torque of the drive unit 200 and improving stability.

[0044] In practical applications, the first magnetic component 242 and the second magnetic component 243 can be connected to the bottom surface and / or side surface of the magnet groove 244 by adhesive bonding, respectively.

[0045] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in one feasible embodiment, the cross-sections of both the first magnetic element 242 and the second magnetic element 243 are constructed as fan-shaped rings, meaning their inner and outer walls are curved and coaxially arranged. This allows for a smaller gap between the first and second magnetic elements 242 and the stator support 220, thereby increasing the output torque of the drive device 200 and improving stability. It should be noted that the cross-section defined in this application refers to the surface formed by a plane perpendicular to the first axis a of the corresponding component.

[0046] In practical applications, the first magnetic component 242 and the second magnetic component 243 have the same shape, and correspondingly, the shapes of each magnet groove 244 are also the same. The inner wall surface of the magnet groove 244 is adapted to the side surfaces of the inner and outer walls of the first magnetic component 242 and the second magnetic component 243, so that the inner wall surface and side surface of the first magnetic component 242 and the second magnetic component 243 can fit against the bottom surface and side surface of the magnet groove 244, ensuring the installation stability of the first magnetic component 242 and the second magnetic component 243.

[0047] Given that the drive unit 200 is installed within the brush handle assembly 1000, and considering the limited size of the brush handle assembly 1000, the power output shaft 230 and rotor assembly 240 are relatively small. Connecting the power output shaft 230 and rotor assembly 240 via slotting would easily affect their support strength. Therefore, in one feasible embodiment, the base 2411 can be interference-fitted to the power output shaft 230 through mounting holes 24111, and / or, the base 2411 can be adhesively bonded to the power output shaft 230 through mounting holes 24111, thereby improving support strength.

[0048] In another alternative embodiment, the power output shaft 230 may include an output shaft body 232 and a drive shaft 233. The rotor assembly 240 is fixed to the output shaft body 232, and the output shaft body 232 and the drive shaft 233 are at least partially engaged. The output shaft body 232 is at least partially located within the housing element 210, and the drive shaft 233 extends at least partially out of the housing element 210. Thus, the output shaft body 232 can be connected to the care head 2000 via the drive shaft 233. By creating a slot in the drive shaft 233 for engaging with the care head 2000, a slot in the output shaft body 232 is avoided, thereby further improving the support strength of the output shaft body 232 connected to the rotor assembly 240. Since the output shaft body 232 does not directly support the care head 2000, it can have a smaller diameter, reducing the overall volume of the drive unit 200.

[0049] In one feasible implementation, two adjacent rotor assemblies 240 are fitted together, meaning that the two adjacent rotor assemblies 240 are pressed together without gaps. This avoids reducing the length of the first magnetic element 242 and the second magnetic element 243, thus ensuring the output torque and stability of the drive device 200.

[0050] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, in one feasible implementation, the rotor elements can employ a linearly offset design. Specifically, viewed along a direction perpendicular to the first axis a, at least two rotor assemblies 240 are sequentially linearly offset along the first axis a according to a preset offset angle θk.

[0051] To obtain the optimal performance of the drive unit 200, this application divides the rotor element into equal segments. That is, when the length of the rotor element is L and the number of segments is N, the length of each rotor assembly 240 is L / N. Typically, the length L of the rotor element is 10mm-40mm. Taking L=30mm and the number of segments N=3 as an example, the length of each rotor assembly 240 is 30mm / 3=10mm.

[0052] Meanwhile, the aforementioned preset misalignment angle θk is calculated using the corresponding number of slot poles. That is, when the number of slots 221 is b, and the sum of the first magnetic element 242 and the second magnetic element 243 is c, the least common multiple of b and c, LCM(b,c), is obtained. The preset misalignment angle θk = (360° / LCM(b,c)) / N, and the total skew pole angle is α = θk*(N-1).

[0053] For ease of understanding, the following description will use the rotor assembly 240 having three, N=3, and the commonly used 6-slot 4-pole drive device 200 and 3-slot 2-pole drive device 200 in oral cleaners as examples.

[0054] When a 6-slot 4-pole drive device 200 is used, that is, the tooth slot 221 has six slots, b=6, each rotor assembly 240 has two first magnetic elements 242 and two second magnetic elements 243 respectively and they are staggered, c=4, the preset misalignment angle θk of two adjacent rotor assemblies 240 is θk=(360° / LCM(b,c)) / N=(360° / 12) / 3=10°, and the total skew pole angle α=10°*(3-1)=20°.

[0055] When a 3-slot 2-pole drive device 200 is used, that is, the tooth slot 221 has three slots, b=3, each rotor assembly 240 has one first magnetic element 242 and one second magnetic element 243, c=2, the preset misalignment angle θk of two adjacent rotor assemblies 240 is θk=(360° / LCM(b,c)) / N=(360° / 6) / 3=20°, and the total skew pole angle α=20°*(3-1)=40°.

[0056] As shown in Figure 8, in another optional embodiment, when there are at least four rotor assemblies 240, viewed along a direction perpendicular to the first axis a, the at least four rotor assemblies 240 are arranged in a staggered manner, which can also achieve the effect of reducing cogging torque. For example, the second rotor assembly 240 is rotated counterclockwise by a preset offset angle θk relative to the first rotor assembly 240, the third rotor assembly 240 is rotated clockwise by a preset offset angle θk relative to the second rotor assembly 240, the fourth rotor assembly 240 is rotated counterclockwise by a preset offset angle θk relative to the third rotor assembly 240, and so on.

[0057] As shown in Figure 9, in another optional embodiment, when there are at least three rotor assemblies 240, viewed along a direction perpendicular to the first axis a, at least three rotor assemblies 240 are arranged in a V-shape with a staggered arrangement, which can also reduce the cogging torque. For example, when there are five rotor assemblies 240, the remaining rotor assemblies 240 on both sides of the third rotor assembly 240 are rotated clockwise or counterclockwise by a preset staggered angle θk in sequence.

[0058] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, in one feasible embodiment, the driving device 200 may further include a motion detection component. The motion detection component is at least partially located within the area surrounded by the stationary component. The motion detection component can be used to detect the rotational speed of the rotating component relative to the stationary component, and / or to detect the rotational position of the rotating component for reversal operation, thereby controlling the rotating component to rotate in the opposite direction at a preset position. The motion detection component includes a motion detection assembly 250 and a motion feedback assembly 260. The motion feedback assembly 260 is housed within the housing element 210, connected to the rotating component, and rotates with the rotating component. The motion detection assembly 250 is directly connected to the stationary component, and is at least partially housed within the housing element 210. Thus, the motion detection assembly 250 can determine the position of the rotating component by detecting the position of the motion feedback assembly 260, thereby achieving the aforementioned detection function. In practical applications, the motion detection assembly 250 may include a circuit board and a position sensor integrated on the circuit board. The position sensor may be a laser sensor or a Hall sensor, etc., which is not specifically limited in this application. The motion detection component 250 can be connected to a control component outside the stationary component via wires, FPC connecting cables, or other wiring harnesses.

[0059] It is worth mentioning that, compared to the related technologies where the motion detection component 250 is connected to the stationary part through a corresponding support, which requires two positioning and assembly processes, this application directly connects the motion detection component 250 in the drive device to the stationary part. This allows the motion detection component 250 to complete the positioning and assembly with only one positioning and installation operation, simplifying the assembly process, significantly reducing assembly complexity, and solving the problem of large differences in assembly accuracy caused by multiple assembly processes. This, in turn, helps to improve the control effect of the cleaning movement of the care head 2000 and improve the user experience.

[0060] Furthermore, it should be noted that by segmenting the rotor components and setting them at a preset offset angle θk, not only can the tooth torque be reduced, but the vibration of the drive device 200 can also be reduced. In addition, by coordinating with the motion detection component 250 to improve assembly accuracy, the detection accuracy of the motion detection component is further guaranteed, thereby ensuring the control effect of the cleaning motion of the care head 2000.

[0061] Meanwhile, the motion detection component, consisting of the motion detection component 250 and the motion feedback component 260, is installed inside the housing element 210, avoiding the formation of an outwardly expanding structure on the outside of the housing element 210. This reduces the overall size of the drive device 200, achieving a more compact and miniaturized design. As a result, the oral cleaner can be made smaller, which optimizes the aesthetics of the electric toothbrush. It also allows for a larger water storage space inside the oral cleaner to hold more rinsing liquid, enhancing the overall functionality of the product.

[0062] Regarding the connection between the motion detection component 250 and the stationary component, this application provides three possible embodiments for reference.

[0063] In Example 1, the motion detection component 250 can be directly connected to the outer casing 211.

[0064] Example 2: The motion detection component 250 is directly connected to the stator support 220.

[0065] In embodiment 3, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the stationary component may further include a surface covering element 270. The surface covering element 270 at least partially covers the stator support 220 to form an insulating layer, preventing current leakage and accidental short circuits. The motion detection assembly 250 is directly connected to the surface covering element 270.

[0066] It is worth mentioning that the surface cover element 270 is integrally formed with the stator support 220 through injection molding. In other words, the surface cover element 270 is manufactured using injection molding, which allows for higher manufacturing precision. This further improves the assembly precision between the motion detection component 250 and the surface cover element 270, thereby enhancing the control performance of the drive device 200 and ensuring the consistency of the care head 200's oscillation. The surface cover element 270 can be made of plastic, rubber, or thermoplastic elastomer. Therefore, this application preferably uses a direct connection between the motion detection component 250 and the surface cover element 270, and this will be described subsequently accordingly.

[0067] The motion detection component 250 can be connected to the inner peripheral wall of the surface covering element 270, or to the outer peripheral wall of the surface covering element 270, or the motion detection component 250 can be connected to the end of the surface covering element 270.

[0068] To facilitate understanding of the specific connection structure between the motion detection component 250 and the surface covering element 270, taking the end connection between the motion detection component 250 and the surface covering element 270 as an example, in one feasible implementation, the surface covering element 270 extends along the first axis a, and one end of the surface covering element 270 extends to the outside of the stator support 220 to form a connecting portion 271, so that the surface covering element 270 is connected to the motion detection component 250 through the connecting portion 271.

[0069] In one feasible embodiment, the motion feedback assembly 260 includes a mounting base 261 and a position feedback element 262. The mounting base 261 has a sleeve 2611 and a support back plate 2612. The sleeve 2611 is fitted onto the power output shaft 230 to rotate with it. One end of the sleeve 2611 extends through the motion detection assembly 250 between the motion detection assembly 250 and the stator support 220. The support back plate 2612 is located at one end of the sleeve 2611 and extends radially outward from the outer wall surface of the sleeve 2611 to form an annular shape. The position feedback element 262 is annular and fitted onto the sleeve 2611, with the side of the position feedback element 262 away from the motion detection assembly 250 being in contact with the support back plate 2612.

[0070] It is worth mentioning that one end of the sleeve 2611 passes through the motion detection component 250, meaning that the motion detection component 250 is similarly sleeved on the sleeve 2611. Compared to the method where the motion detection component 250 and the motion feedback component 260 are spaced apart, in this application, the sleeve 2611 and the motion detection component 250 share a space along the first axis a, thereby further reducing the size of the drive device 200 and the brush handle assembly 1000. Simultaneously, by mounting the position feedback component 262 on the power output shaft 230 via the mounting base 261, the installation stability of the position feedback component 262 can be improved, thereby increasing the reliability of the position detection results of the position feedback component 262 by the motion detection component 250, and thus improving the control effect on the oscillation process of the nursing head 2000.

[0071] In practical applications, the mounting base 261 can be made of plastic or metal, such as copper, to improve the structural strength of the mounting base 261 and the connection stability between the mounting base 261 and the power output shaft 230. The mounting base 261 and the power output shaft 230 can be connected to each other by key connection, bonding, welding, heat fitting or cold shrinking, etc., and this application does not make specific limitations in this regard.

[0072] In one implementation, a Hall sensor is integrated on the circuit board of the motion detection component 250, and correspondingly, the position feedback element 262 is a magnetic element. The motion detection component 250 detects the movement position of the position feedback element 262 by magnetic induction to determine the movement position of the rotor element, thereby improving the reliability of the detection results.

[0073] In practical applications, the position feedback element 262 has at least two opposite magnetic poles. Correspondingly, the circuit board of the motion detection component 250 integrates two Hall sensors, which are circumferentially spaced along the first axis a. These two Hall sensors are used to sense the two opposite magnetic poles of the position feedback element 262. The position feedback element 262 can be formed by connecting two magnets with different magnetic poles, or by partially magnetizing the same magnet to form two different magnetic poles; there are no restrictions, as long as the magnetic element has two opposite magnetic poles. The two Hall sensors are installed at two preset positions corresponding to the position feedback element 262. The position feedback element 262 can be detected by the corresponding Hall sensor at either preset position, thereby enabling the circuit board to control the power output shaft 230 to reciprocate between the two preset positions of the position feedback element 262.

[0074] As shown in Figure 2, in one feasible embodiment, bearings are respectively installed at both ends of the housing element 210 extending along the first axis a (the left and right ends in Figure 2). The power output shaft 230 is rotatably connected to the housing element 210 via these two bearings. A tensioning member 280 is sleeved on the power output shaft 230. The tensioning member 280 has elastic properties and is compressed between the rotor element and one of the bearings. Thus, the elastic properties of the tensioning member 280 can provide the necessary preload to maintain a tight fit between the bearing and the rotor element, reduce axial movement, avoid affecting the detection effect of the motion detection component, and improve the operating accuracy of the drive device.

[0075] In practical applications, the tensioning element 280 can be an elastic structure such as a spring or a rubber sleeve, and this application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0076] Furthermore, the tensioning element 280 and the motion detection component can be located at opposite ends of the rotor element along the extension direction of the first axis a. This distributed layout achieves rational and optimized utilization of the internal space of the drive device. Simultaneously, arranging the tensioning element 280 and the motion detection component at opposite ends of the first axis a helps reduce potential electromagnetic interference from the tensioning element to the detection accuracy of the motion detection unit.

[0077] As shown in Figure 2, the drive device 200 may only have a drive function. Correspondingly, the power output shaft 230 is a solid structure. The power output shaft 230 drives the nursing head 2000 to move. The nursing head 2000 may be a brush head with a cleaning part, wherein the cleaning part may be bristles or other cleaning components.

[0078] The aforementioned drive device 200 not only has a driving function but can also serve as a fluid transfer structure. Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 12, in one feasible embodiment, the brush handle assembly 1000 further includes a liquid storage chamber 400 and a fluid pumping unit 500 located within the receiving space 110. The power output shaft 230 has an axial channel 231, and a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet communicating with the axial channel 231. The fluid inlet of the axial channel 231 can communicate with the liquid storage chamber 400, and the fluid pumping unit 500 is connected in series in the flow channel communicating the fluid inlet of the axial channel 231 and the liquid storage chamber 400, so that the fluid pumping unit 500 can draw fluid from the liquid storage chamber 400 and discharge the fluid through the axial channel 231 from the fluid outlet of the axial channel 231. Correspondingly, the nursing head 2000 has a fluid channel 2100 and an outlet 2200 connected to the fluid channel 2100. The power output shaft 230 is connected to the nursing head 2000 and drives the nursing head 2000 to perform displacement movement. The fluid outlet of the axial channel 231 is connected to the fluid channel 2100, and the oral cleaner outputs water flow impact through the outlet 2200.

[0079] In practical applications, the care head 2000 can be a multi-functional brush head integrating a cleaning section and a flow outlet 2200, allowing users to perform rinsing operations while brushing, or to flexibly switch between brushing and rinsing during oral hygiene. Of course, the care head 2000 can be a general term for brush heads with cleaning sections and brush heads with flow outlets 2200. Depending on the user's actual needs, the brush head with the cleaning section can be installed on the brush handle assembly 1000 for brushing operations, or the brush head with the flow outlet 2200 can be installed on the brush handle assembly 1000 for rinsing operations.

[0080] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a driving device for oral cleaning. The driving device includes at least a stationary component and a rotating component. The stationary component extends along a first axis a and includes a housing element 210 and a stator support 220 housed within the housing element 210. The inner wall of the stator support 220 is provided with a plurality of receiving grooves 221 arranged around the first axis a, and the extending direction of the receiving grooves 221 is parallel to the first axis a. The rotating component includes a power output shaft 230 and at least two rotor assemblies 240 located within the stator support 220. The power output shaft 230 extends along the first axis a and is rotatably connected to the housing element 210. The at least two rotor assemblies 240 are sleeved on the power output shaft 230 and stacked sequentially along the first axis a. When viewed from a cross-section perpendicular to the first axis a, adjacent rotor assemblies 240 have a predetermined misalignment angle θk.

[0081] Furthermore, the drive device 200 also includes a motion detection component 250 and a motion feedback component 260. The motion detection component 250 is directly connected to the stationary component and is at least partially housed within the housing element 210. The motion feedback component 260 is housed within the housing element 210, is connected to the rotating component, and rotates with the rotating component. The motion detection component 250 detects the movement position of the rotating component through the motion feedback component 260.

[0082] Furthermore, the power output shaft 230 includes an output shaft body 232 and a drive shaft 233, which are at least partially engaged. The output shaft body 232 is at least partially located within the housing element 210, and the drive shaft 233 extends at least partially out of the housing element 210.

[0083] It should be noted that the specific structures of the stationary component, the rotating component, the motion detection component 250, and the motion feedback component 260 can be referred to the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0084] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a brush handle assembly 1000, which can be used as a separate component. The brush handle assembly 1000 includes a grip housing 100 with a receiving space 110, and the receiving space 110 is provided with an energy storage component 300 and the aforementioned drive device 200 for oral cleaning.

[0085] It should be noted that the specific structure of the drive device 200 can be referred to the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0086] The terms "upper" and "lower" are used to describe the relative positions of the various structures in the accompanying drawings. They are only for clarity of description and are not intended to limit the scope of implementation of this application. Any changes or adjustments to the relative positions without substantially altering the technical content shall also be considered within the scope of implementation of this application.

[0087] It should be noted that, in this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0088] Furthermore, in this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0089] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. 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.

[0090] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. An oral hygiene device, characterized in that, The oral cleaner includes a brush handle assembly (1000) and a care head (2000). The brush handle assembly (1000) includes a grip housing (100) having a receiving space (110), and a drive unit (200) and an energy storage component (300) disposed within the receiving space (110). The care head (2000) has a cleaning section at its distal end. The brush handle assembly (1000) is removably connected to the care head (2000). The drive device (200) is configured to generate periodic motion; the drive device (200), extending along the first axis (a), includes at least: The stationary component includes a housing element (210) and a stator support (220) housed within the housing element (210). The inner wall of the stator support (220) is provided with a plurality of receiving grooves (221) arranged around the first axis (a), and the extending direction of the receiving grooves (221) is parallel to the first axis (a). A rotating component includes a power output shaft (230) and at least two rotor assemblies (240) located within the stator support (220). The power output shaft (230) is at least partially contained within the brush handle assembly (1000) and configured to engage the care head (2000). The power output shaft (230) is configured to transmit the generated periodic motion to the care head (2000) such that the cleaning part rotates periodically in at least a first direction about a first axis (a). The power output shaft (230) extends along the first axis (a) and is rotatably connected to the housing element (210). At least two rotor assemblies (240) are sleeved on the power output shaft (230) and stacked sequentially along the first axis (a). When viewed from a cross section perpendicular to the first axis (a), adjacent rotor assemblies (240) have a predetermined misalignment angle (θk).

2. The oral cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotor assembly (240) includes a rotor support (241), a first magnetic element (242), and a second magnetic element (243) with opposite magnetism to the first magnetic element (242), wherein, The rotor support (241) includes a base (2411) and at least two positioning ribs (2412). The base (2411) has a mounting hole (24111). The base (2411) is sleeved on the power output shaft (230) through the mounting hole (24111). At least two positioning ribs (2412) are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the base (2411) and arranged in a ring array. Two adjacent positioning ribs (2412) and the outer peripheral surface of the base (2411) surround to form a magnet groove (244). Each magnet groove (244) contains the first magnetic element (242) or the second magnetic element (243).

3. The oral cleaner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cross-sections of the first magnetic element (242) and the second magnetic element (243) are both constructed as fan-shaped rings.

4. The oral cleaner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The base (2411) is interference-fitted to the power output shaft (230) through the mounting hole (24111), and / or the base (2411) is adhesively connected to the power output shaft (230) through the mounting hole (24111).

5. The oral cleaner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The two adjacent rotor assemblies (240) are in contact with each other.

6. The oral cleaner according to claim 2, characterized in that, Viewed along a direction perpendicular to the first axis (a), at least two of the rotor assemblies (240) are arranged in a linearly staggered manner along the first axis (a) according to a preset misalignment angle (θk).

7. The oral cleaner according to claim 6, characterized in that, The rotor assembly (240) has three parts, the receiving slot (221) has six parts, and each rotor assembly (240) has two of the first magnetic element (242) and two of the second magnetic element (243) arranged alternately. The preset misalignment angle (θk) between two adjacent rotor assemblies (240) is 10°.

8. The oral cleaner according to claim 6, characterized in that, The rotor assembly (240) has three parts, the receiving slot (221) has three parts, each rotor assembly (240) has one first magnetic element (242) and one second magnetic element (243), and the preset misalignment angle (θk) of two adjacent rotor assemblies (240) is 20°.

9. The oral cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotor assembly (240) has at least four; Viewed along a direction perpendicular to the first axis (a), at least four of the rotor assemblies (240) are arranged in a staggered manner.

10. The oral cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotor assembly (240) has at least three; Viewed along a direction perpendicular to the first axis (a), at least three of the rotor assemblies (240) are arranged in a V-shaped offset.

11. The oral cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The maximum diameter of the rotor assembly (240) is 7mm ± 2mm, and the maximum diameter of the drive device (200) is 17.1mm ± 10mm.

12. The oral cleaner according to claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The drive device (200) further includes a motion detection component (250) and a motion feedback component (260), wherein, The motion detection component (250) is directly connected to the stationary component and is at least partially housed within the housing element (210); The motion feedback component (260) is housed within the housing element (210). The motion feedback component (260) is connected to the rotating component and rotates with the rotating component. The motion detection component (250) detects the motion position of the rotating component through the motion feedback component (260).

13. The oral cleaner according to claim 12, characterized in that, The stationary component also includes a surface covering element (270); The surface covering element (270) at least partially covers the stator support (220), the surface covering element (270) extends along the first axis (a), and one end of the surface covering element (270) extends to the outside of the stator support (220) to form a connecting portion (271) so that the surface covering element (270) is connected to the motion detection assembly (250) through the connecting portion (271).

14. The oral cleaner according to claim 12, characterized in that, The motion feedback component (260) includes a mounting base (261) and a position feedback element (262); The mounting base (261) has a sleeve (2611) and a support back plate (2612). The sleeve (2611) is sleeved on the power output shaft (230). One end of the sleeve (2611) extends through the motion detection assembly (250) to the space between the motion detection assembly (250) and the stator bracket (220). The support back plate (2612) is located at one end of the sleeve (2611) and extends radially outward from the outer wall surface of the sleeve (2611) to form an annular shape. The annular position feedback element (262) is sleeved on the sleeve (2611), and the side of the position feedback element (262) away from the motion detection component (250) is in contact with the support back plate (2612).

15. The oral cleaning device according to claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The brush handle assembly (1000) also includes a liquid storage chamber (400) and a fluid pumping unit (500) located within the receiving space (110); The power output shaft (230) has an axial channel (231) and a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet communicating with the axial channel (231). The fluid inlet of the axial channel (231) can communicate with the liquid storage chamber (400), and the fluid pumping unit (500) is connected in series in the flow channel communicating with the fluid inlet of the axial channel (231) and the liquid storage chamber (400), so that the fluid pumping unit (500) can draw fluid from the liquid storage chamber (400) and discharge the fluid through the axial channel (231) from the fluid outlet of the axial channel (231). The nursing head (2000) has a fluid channel (2100) and an outlet (2200) communicating with the fluid channel (2100). The power output shaft (230) is connected to the nursing head (2000) and drives the nursing head (2000) to perform displacement movement. The fluid outlet of the axial channel (231) is communicating with the fluid channel (2100). The oral cleaner outputs water flow impact through the outlet (2200).

16. A drive device for oral cleaning, characterized in that, The driving device includes at least: A stationary component extending along a first axis (a) includes a housing element (210) and a stator support (220) housed within the housing element (210). The inner wall of the stator support (220) is provided with a plurality of receiving grooves (221) arranged around the first axis (a), and the extending direction of the receiving grooves (221) is parallel to the first axis (a). The rotating component includes a power output shaft (230) and at least two rotor assemblies (240) located within the stator support (220). The power output shaft (230) extends along the first axis (a) and is rotatably connected to the housing element (210). At least two rotor assemblies (240) are sleeved on the power output shaft (230) and stacked sequentially along the first axis (a). When viewed from a cross section perpendicular to the first axis (a), adjacent rotor assemblies (240) have a predetermined misalignment angle (θk).

17. The driving device for oral cleaning according to claim 16, characterized in that, The drive device (200) further includes a motion detection component (250) and a motion feedback component (260), wherein, The motion detection component (250) is directly connected to the stationary component and is at least partially housed within the housing element (210); The motion feedback component (260) is housed within the housing element (210). The motion feedback component (260) is connected to the rotating component and rotates with the rotating component. The motion detection component (250) detects the motion position of the rotating component through the motion feedback component (260).

18. The driving device for oral cleaning according to claim 16, characterized in that, The power output shaft (230) includes an output shaft body (232) and a drive shaft (233), the output shaft body (232) and the drive shaft (233) being at least partially engaged, the output shaft body (232) being at least partially located within the housing element (210), and the drive shaft (233) extending at least partially out of the housing element (210).

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