KR20220111077A - Toothbrush having function of sound output - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a toothbrush with a sound output function. The toothbrush with the sound output function according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a head (10) including a main body (11) and a plurality of bristles (13) planted in the main body (11); a handle (20) gripped by a user; a connecting rod (30) extending from the main body (11) and coupled to one end of the handle (20); and a sound output unit (40) having a memory (41) for storing at least one or more sound data pieces to guide brushing, a speaker (43) for outputting the stored sound data pieces, and a controller (45) for controlling the output of the sound data pieces, and arranged on the handle (20) Right brushing habits can be guided.

Description

Toothbrush with sound output function {TOOTHBRUSH HAVING FUNCTION OF SOUND OUTPUT}

The present invention relates to a toothbrush having a sound output function, and more particularly, to a toothbrush in which sound is output for a predetermined recommended brushing time in order to induce correct brushing habits of infants or children.

A toothbrush is an oral hygiene tool for oral hygiene and dental health, and is formed in a form in which a head having bristles implanted is connected to a rod-shaped handle. Brushing not only removes plaque and prevents periodontal disease, but also massages the gingiva, removes discomfort in the oral cavity, psychological and aesthetic effects, removes bad breath, improves local blood supply, increases keratinization of the gingival epithelium, restores and maintains the physiological shape of the gingiva, It provides various effects such as enhancing the metabolic rate of cells and promoting the maturation of gingival cells.

To date, various products have been developed to enhance the effectiveness of brushing. In particular, for infants or children who do not like to brush their teeth, toothbrushes for infants or children are being released that arouse their curiosity and adopt a correct brushing habit. These toothbrushes for infants or children induce curiosity by simply attaching various play equipment or decorations to the handle, as disclosed in the patent documents of the prior art documents below. However, these toothbrushes for infants or children are less effective in inducing a brushing habit because children explore and play with the decorations of the toothbrush rather than brushing, or easily get bored with the passage of time. In addition, in order to brush effectively, the recommended time of about 3 minutes must be adhered to in a correct way, but it is impossible to just use a toothbrush for infants or children, so the inconvenience of parents having to assist their children in brushing is still the same. maintain.

Accordingly, there is an urgent need for a method for solving the problems of conventional toothbrushes for infants or children.

US 20-0325258 Y1

The present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art described above, and one aspect of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush having a sound output function in which a sound such as a song or melody for inducing correct brushing is output for a recommended brushing time. have.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush additionally equipped with an electric or ultraviolet irradiation function in addition to the sound output function.

A toothbrush having a sound output function according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a head including a main body, and a plurality of bristles implanted in the main body; a handle gripped by the user; a connecting rod extending from the body and coupled to one end of the handle; and a memory for storing at least one or more sound data for guiding brushing, a speaker for outputting the stored sound data, and a controller for controlling the output of the sound data, a sound output unit disposed inside the handle; include

In addition, in the toothbrush having a sound output function according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is disposed on the head, a vibration sensor for detecting vibration generated during brushing; further comprising, the controller, the vibration sensor may be controlled to output the sound data when detecting the vibration.

In addition, in the toothbrush having a sound output function according to an embodiment of the present invention, the vibration sensor may be mounted on at least one of the plurality of bristles.

In addition, in the toothbrush having a sound output function according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is disposed on the head, a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure applied during brushing; further comprising, the controller, the pressure sensor may control so that the sound data is output when the pressure is sensed.

In addition, in the toothbrush having a sound output function according to an embodiment of the present invention, the main body, the housing having an opening, the pressure sensor is disposed therein; and an elastic plate in which the bristles are implanted, close the opening of the housing, and reversibly deform when the pressure is applied to the bristles to press the pressure sensor.

In addition, in the toothbrush having a sound output function according to an embodiment of the present invention, the hinge shaft for hinged coupling the connecting rod and the handle so that the connecting rod is rotated along the arc direction away from the bristles from the teeth; a first contact mounted on the outer surface of the connecting rod and rotating in response to the rotation of the connecting rod; and a second contact point electrically connected to the first contact point within a predetermined first rotation angle range when the connecting rod is rotated along the arc direction, wherein the controller includes the first contact point and the second contact point. When the two contacts are electrically connected, it is possible to control so that the first sound data, which is any one of the sound data stored in the memory, is output.

In addition, in the toothbrush having a sound output function according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the connecting rod is rotated in the arc direction from the initial position, a restoration unit for applying a restoring force so that the connecting rod is restored to the initial position; may include more.

In addition, in the toothbrush having a sound output function according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the connecting rod is further rotated in the arc direction past the first rotation angle range, within a predetermined second rotation angle range, the Further comprising a third contact electrically connected to the first contact, wherein the controller, when the first contact and the third contact are electrically connected, a second sound that is another one of the sound data stored in the memory You can control the data to be output.

In addition, in the toothbrush having a sound output function according to an embodiment of the present invention, the direction in which the bristles are viewed as a rotation axis, the electric part for rotating the bristles; may further include.

In addition, in the toothbrush having a sound output function according to an embodiment of the present invention, a black light lamp for irradiating ultraviolet rays to the teeth through the head; may further include.

The features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Prior to this, the terms or words used in the present specification and claims should not be construed in a conventional and dictionary meaning, and the inventor may properly define the concept of the term to describe his invention in the best way. It should be interpreted as meaning and concept consistent with the technical idea of the present invention based on the principle that there is.

According to the present invention, since a sound such as a song or melody for inducing correct brushing is output during the recommended brushing time, it can cause curiosity about brushing in infants or children. In addition, since brushing is performed alone for a predetermined output time in a correct manner according to the sound, a correct brushing habit can be induced.

Furthermore, it is possible to effectively remove plaque and massage the gingiva through the electric function, and ultraviolet rays are irradiated into the oral cavity to sterilize the oral cavity.

1 is a side view of a toothbrush having a sound output function according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a side view of a toothbrush having a sound output function according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a toothbrush having a sound output function according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a cross-sectional view of a toothbrush having a sound output function according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a toothbrush having a sound output function according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a toothbrush having a sound output function according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

The objects, specific advantages and novel features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. In the present specification, in adding reference numbers to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that only the same components are given the same number as possible even though they are indicated on different drawings. In addition, terms such as “first” and “second” are used to distinguish one component from another, and the component is not limited by the terms. Hereinafter, in describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known technologies that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention will be omitted.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a side view of a toothbrush having a sound output function according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the toothbrush having a sound output function according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a head 10 including a main body 11 , and a plurality of bristles 13 implanted in the main body 11 . ), a handle 20 gripped by a user, a connecting rod 30 extending from the main body 11 and coupled to one end of the handle 20, and a memory 41 for storing at least one or more sound data for guiding brushing ), a speaker 43 for outputting the stored sound data, and a controller 45 for controlling the output of the sound data, and a sound output unit 40 disposed on the handle 20 .

The present invention relates to a toothbrush in which sound is output for a predetermined recommended brushing time in order to induce a correct brushing habit in infants or children. Since most infants and children dislike brushing their teeth, in order to arouse their curiosity, toothbrushes for children with various play equipment or decorations attached to the handle 20 have been developed, but rather than brushing, search for decorations of the toothbrush and make them into play. , easily get bored, and there is a problem in that it is not possible to provide a correct brushing method, and the present invention has been devised as a solution to this problem.

Specifically, the toothbrush according to the present invention includes a head 10 , a handle 20 , a connecting rod 30 , and a sound output unit 40 .

The head 10 is a member positioned at one end of the toothbrush, and is formed by implanting a plurality of bristles 13 on one surface of the body 11 . A plurality of bristles 13 are directed in one direction so that their respective ends are in close contact with the teeth or gingiva, and are arranged to be spaced apart from each other.

The handle 20 is a part gripped by the user, and is used to move the bristles 13 in close contact with the teeth or gingiva by moving the arm or wrist while holding the user's hand. At this time, the user's movement applied to the handle 20 is transmitted to the head 10 through the connecting rod 30 .

The connecting rod 30 extends from the main body 11 of the head 10 to a predetermined length and is connected to one end of the handle 20 . The connecting rod 30 is an elastic material that deforms when the bristles 13 are inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the handle 20 so that the bristles 13 can be in close contact with the teeth, or when an external force is applied so that strong pressure is not applied to the teeth. and the like.

The sound output unit 40 is a device for outputting sound data for guiding brushing in order to arouse curiosity in a user, particularly an infant or child, and to acquire a correct brushing habit. Specifically, the sound output unit 40 includes a memory 41 , a speaker 43 , and a controller 45 , each of which is disposed on the handle 20 .

The memory 41 is a storage device for storing at least one or more sound data, and is embedded in the handle 20 . The sound data stored in the memory 41 receives input from the outside and is stored, and various sound information such as songs and melodies is recorded. For example, the sound data may be a song in which a method of brushing teeth is used as lyrics. These brushing songs can encourage children to brush their teeth properly. In addition, sound data may be output for 3 minutes, which is the recommended brushing time, so that an appropriate brushing time habit can be cultivated. In consideration of the characteristics of children who easily get bored of the sound data, a plurality of different sound data may be stored and output sequentially or by a user's selection.

The speaker 43 is an audio device that outputs sound information, and outputs sound data stored in the memory 41 through the outer surface of the handle 20 to the outside.

The controller 45 is a circuit system for controlling the output of the sound data stored in the memory 41 , and is built in the handle 20 and selectively reproduces the sound data stored in the memory 41 according to a preset output method.

Meanwhile, although not shown, a battery may be built in the handle 20 as a power supply source for driving the sound output unit 40 .

Overall, according to the toothbrush having a sound output function according to the present invention, a sound such as a song or melody for inducing correct brushing is output during the recommended brushing time, thereby causing curiosity about brushing in infants or children. In addition, since brushing is performed alone for a predetermined output time in a correct manner according to the sound, a correct brushing habit can be induced.

An output method for reproducing and outputting sound data is divided into a button operation type, a vibration sensing type, a pressure sensing type, a rotation sensing type, and the like, and each method will be described below.

The button operation type is a method in which a user operates a button to output sound data, and for this purpose, a switch 50 may be included. The switch 50 is disposed on the handle 20 to control an operation corresponding to the sound data output, that is, play, stop, select, volume, mute, and the like of sound data. A plurality of such switches 50 may be provided to control the respective operations. On the other hand, in order to induce children's correct brushing habit, it is preferable that the brushing song is played for 3 minutes. Therefore, when the brushing song is started by the operation of the switch 50, 3 minutes before the operation of the switch 50, It can be designed not to be stopped even by In this case, muting may be possible.

2 is a side view of a toothbrush having a sound output function according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2 , a toothbrush having a sound output function according to a second embodiment of the present invention may be operated in a vibration sensing manner. To this end, the toothbrush according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include a vibration sensor 60 .

The vibration sensor 60 is disposed on the head 10, and detects vibrations generated during brushing. When the vibration sensor 60 detects vibration, the controller 45 outputs sound data based on the vibration detection. As a result, sound data is output together with the start of brushing accompanied by vibration of the head 10 . On the other hand, when brushing is stopped, that is, when no vibration is sensed, the controller 45 may stop outputting sound data.

Meanwhile, the vibration sensor 60 may be mounted on at least one of the plurality of bristles 13 . When you start brushing, since the bristles 13 are repeatedly bent (bending), the vibration sensor 60 detects the vibration generated at this time.

Here, since the vibration sensor 60 generates an ON and/or OFF operation signal for the output of sound data, selection of sound data, volume, muting, etc. are performed with the switch 50 shown in FIG. ) can be controlled by

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a toothbrush having a sound output function according to a third embodiment of the present invention, showing a pressure sensitive toothbrush;

As shown in FIG. 3 , the toothbrush having a sound output function according to the third embodiment of the present invention may include a pressure sensor 70 .

The pressure sensor 70 is disposed on the head 10 . Therefore, it is possible to sense the pressure applied to the head 10 when the bristles 13 are in close contact with the teeth during brushing. Here, the controller 45 controls the output of sound data based on the pressure information sensed by the pressure sensor 70 . As a result, the pressure generated with the start of brushing is used as a reproduction signal, and sound data is output. On the other hand, when brushing is stopped and the bristles 13 are separated from the teeth, pressure is no longer sensed, so that the controller 45 may stop outputting sound data.

Meanwhile, the pressure sensor 70 may be built into the head 10 . To this end, the body 11 of the head 10 may include a housing 11a and an elastic plate 11b. The housing 11a has an internal accommodating space and an opening communicating with the accommodating space. The pressure sensor 70 is disposed in the inner accommodation space, and the opening is closed by the elastic plate 11b, so that the pressure sensor 70 and one surface of the elastic plate 11b face each other. The elastic plate 11b is a member having elasticity, and bristles 13 are implanted on the other surface exposed to the outside. Therefore, when pressure is applied to the bristles 13 during brushing, the elastic plate 11b is reversibly deformed and presses the pressure sensor 70, which causes the pressure sensor 70 to generate pressure during brushing. can detect

Here, since the pressure sensor 70 generates an ON and/or OFF operation signal for the output of sound data, selection of sound data, volume, muting, etc. are performed with the switch 50 shown in FIG. ) can be controlled by

4 is a cross-sectional view of a toothbrush having a sound output function according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4 , a toothbrush having a sound output function according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention operates in a rotation sensing manner. For its operation, it may include a hinge shaft 80 , a first contact point 90 , and a second contact point 100 .

The hinge shaft 80 is a coupler for hinge-joining the connecting rod 30 and the handle 20 . The distal end of the connecting rod 30 away from the head 10 is inserted into the handle 20 through the open end of the handle 20 , and is hinged to the handle 20 by a hinge shaft 80 . do. Thereby, the connecting rod 30 can rotate along the arc direction in which the bristles 13 are away from the teeth, and the opposite direction. Here, the gap between the open end of the handle 20 and the connecting rod 30 may be closed by the cover part 21 . The cover part 21 may be made of an elastic body that is reversibly deformed according to the rotation of the connecting rod 30 .

The first contact 90 is a conductive member and is mounted on the outer surface of the connecting rod 30 , and may be rotated in response to the rotation of the connecting rod 30 .

The second contact 100 is a conductive member that is in contact with the first contact 90 and is electrically connected. At the initial position of the connecting rod 30 , the first contact 90 and the second contact 100 are separated from each other to constitute an open circuit. When the connecting rod 30 rotates along the arc direction, the first contact 90 also rotates, and makes contact with the second contact 100 within a predetermined first rotation angle range, forming a short circuit. When the short circuit is configured in this way, since electricity is passed through the circuit, the controller 45 detects the electric signal and controls the first sound data that is any one of the sound data stored in the memory 41 to be output.

Here, along the direction in which the first contact 90 rotates, the second contact 100 is formed to have a predetermined length, so that the first contact 90 and the second contact 100 are rotated by a predetermined first rotation. It can be contacted in a range of angles. Accordingly, sound data can be output within the first rotation angle range. As a result, the connecting rod 30 in the initial position rotates along the arc direction when the teeth and the bristles 13 come into contact with the bristles 13 for brushing and an external force is applied to the bristles 13, and when the first rotation angle range is reached Sound data is output.

And brushing is made within the first rotation angle range. At this time, the connecting rod 30 may further include a restoration unit 110 to fix the position so as not to deviate from the first rotation angle range, and to restore the initial position when brushing is finished. The restoration unit 110 applies a restoring force so that the connecting rod 30 is restored to the initial position when the connecting rod 30 rotates in the arc direction from the initial position. Due to this restoring force, since the connecting rod 30 does not rotate beyond the first rotation angle range, the bristles 13 can be brought into close contact with the teeth. The restoration unit 110 may be implemented by any known means for generating a restoring force, such as a coil spring, a gas spring, a pair of magnetic materials to which an attractive or repulsive force acts.

On the other hand, when brushing with excessive force, since the connecting rod 30 rotates, it is possible to prevent excessive external force from acting on the teeth. Furthermore, when excessive force is applied, a third contact point 120 may be further included to warn this.

The third contact 120 is a conductive member electrically connected to the first contact 90 within a predetermined second rotation angle range when the connecting rod 30 further rotates past the first rotation angle range along the arc direction. to be. Another short circuit is formed due to the contact between the first contact 90 and the third contact 120 within the range of the second rotation angle, and the controller 45 detects the electrical signal accordingly and is stored in the memory 41 Controlled so that second sound data, which is another one of the sound data, is output. Here, the second sound data may be a warning sound signal such as a voice message warning that excessive force is acting on the teeth.

5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a toothbrush having a sound output function according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

5, the toothbrush having a sound output function according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention may further include an electric part 130 for rotating or vibrating the bristles 13. Here, the body 11 of the head 10 may include a housing 11a and a rotating plate 11c. The housing 11a has an inner accommodation space and an opening communicating with the accommodation space, the electric part 130 is disposed in the inner accommodation space, and the opening is closed by the rotating plate 11c in which the bristles 13 are implanted. do. Here, the electric part 130 may be an electric motor that rotates the rotating plate 11c with the direction in which the bristles 13 are viewed as the axis of rotation. Accordingly, the bristles 13 rotate with the rotation of the rotating plate 11c.

Meanwhile, the electric unit 130 may be implemented as a vibrating body that vibrates the head 10 or the connecting rod 30 to apply vibration to the bristles 13 .

Through the electric part 130, since the electric function is given to the toothbrush, it is possible to effectively remove plaque and massage the gingiva.

6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a toothbrush having a sound output function according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the toothbrush having a sound output function according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention may include a black light lamp 140 .

The black light lamp 140 is a device for irradiating ultraviolet rays to the teeth through the head 10 . When the teeth are irradiated with ultraviolet light, whites appear whiter and non-white areas appear darker, so that areas that have not been brushed can be easily distinguished with the naked eye, enabling effective brushing. In addition, since ultraviolet rays have a sterilizing function, it can also sterilize bacteria in the oral cavity in addition to brushing.

Since the black light lamp 140 is built into the head 10 , a through hole 11d through which ultraviolet rays pass may be formed in the head 10 . For example, a through hole 11d may be provided in the rotating plate 11c. On the other hand, a light-transmitting window may be disposed in the through hole 11d to transmit ultraviolet rays but block the inflow of foreign substances.

Although the present invention has been described in detail through specific examples, it is intended to describe the present invention in detail, and the present invention is not limited thereto, and by those of ordinary skill in the art within the technical spirit of the present invention. It is clear that the modification or improvement is possible.

10: head 11: body
11a: housing 11b: elastic plate
11c: rotary plate 11d: through hole
13: toothbrush head 20: handle
21: cover part 30: connecting rod
40: sound output unit 41: memory
43: speaker 45: controller
50: switch 60: vibration sensor
70: pressure sensor 80: hinge shaft
90: first contact 100: second contact
110: restoration unit 120: third contact
130: electric part 140: black light lamp

Claims (10)

a head including a main body, and a plurality of bristles implanted in the main body;
a handle gripped by the user;
a connecting rod extending from the body and coupled to one end of the handle; and
A memory for storing at least one or more sound data for guiding brushing, a speaker for outputting the stored sound data, and a controller for controlling the output of the sound data, a sound output unit disposed inside the handle; includes Toothbrush equipped with sound output function.
The method according to claim 1,
It is disposed on the head, and a vibration sensor for detecting vibration generated during brushing; further comprising,
The controller is provided with a sound output function for controlling the sound data to be output when the vibration sensor detects the vibration.
3. The method according to claim 2,
The vibration sensor is a toothbrush having a sound output function that is mounted on at least one of the plurality of bristles.
The method according to claim 1,
It is disposed on the head, and a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure applied during brushing; further comprising,
The controller is provided with a sound output function for controlling the sound data to be output when the pressure sensor senses the pressure.
5. The method according to claim 4,
The body is
a housing having an opening and having the pressure sensor disposed therein; and
The bristles are implanted, and the opening of the housing is closed, and an elastic plate for pressing the pressure sensor while reversibly deforming when the pressure is applied to the bristles. A toothbrush having a sound output function comprising a.
The method according to claim 1,
a hinge shaft for hingedly coupling the connecting rod and the handle so that the connecting rod is rotated along an arc direction in which the bristles are away from the teeth;
a first contact mounted on the outer surface of the connecting rod and rotating in response to the rotation of the connecting rod; and
a second contact point electrically connected to the first contact point within a predetermined first rotation angle range when the connecting rod is rotated along the arc direction; and
The controller, when the first contact point and the second contact point are electrically connected, the toothbrush having a sound output function for controlling to output the first sound data, which is any one of the sound data stored in the memory.
7. The method of claim 6,
A toothbrush having a sound output function further comprising a; when the connecting rod is rotated in the arc direction from the initial position, a restoration unit for applying a restoring force so that the connecting rod is restored to the initial position.
7. The method of claim 6,
When the connecting rod further rotates in the arc direction past the first rotation angle range, a third contact point electrically connected to the first contact point within a predetermined second rotation angle range; further comprising,
The controller, when the first contact point and the third contact point are electrically connected, the toothbrush having a sound output function for controlling to output second sound data, which is another one of the sound data stored in the memory.
The method according to claim 1,
Toothbrush having a sound output function further comprising; an electric part for rotating the bristles with the direction in which the bristles are viewed as a rotation axis.
The method according to claim 1,
A toothbrush having a sound output function further comprising; a black light lamp for irradiating ultraviolet rays to the teeth through the head.

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