JP2005152217A - Supporting device for learning method of brushing and intraoral sanitary apparatus using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a supporting device for learning a method of brushing, allowing a user to evaluate, learn and confirm a method of brushing, and an intraoral sanitary apparatus using the same. <P>SOLUTION: The supporting device comprises a position detecting means 30 for detecting the position of a brush 8 in the peripheral direction, a pressure-contact detecting means 31 for detecting the pressure-contact of the brush to teeth, an output means 32 for outputting the result of brushing by position in the peripheral direction, and a control means 33 for controlling the output means 32 based on signals from the position detecting means 30 and the pressure-contact detecting means 31. The control means 33 includes a timer for accumulating and clocking the brushing time in each circumferential position based on signals from the position detecting means 30 or a counter for counting the number of brushing motions, and a determining means for determining whether the brushing time or number of brushing motions in each circumferential position is the predetermined proper time or number or over based on the output from the timer or the counter. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a brushing method learning support device suitable for supporting learning of a tooth brushing method and an oral hygiene device using the same.

  Various types of electric toothbrushes having means for confirming whether brushing is properly performed have been proposed.

  For example, a timer for measuring the brushing time and a load measuring device for measuring a load acting on the brush are provided, and the timer is operated when a load within a preset range is acting on the brush. Has proposed an electric toothbrush that notifies the user when the minimum time necessary for plaque removal has been reached (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Also proposed is an electric toothbrush that includes a timer for measuring the brushing time and a position detection means for detecting the left and right direction of the brush, and detects and displays whether the brushing is symmetrical. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2).

JP-A-57-190506 JP-A-6-315413

  By the way, in the electric toothbrushes described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, since the brushing time and the symmetry of brushing can be measured, brushing evaluation can be performed based on these measurement results. The left-right symmetry is a rough evaluation although it is one measure of brushing evaluation, and it is difficult to master or support an appropriate brushing method.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a brushing method learning support device capable of evaluating, learning and confirming a brushing method and an oral hygiene device using the same.

  The inventor of the present invention has intensively studied a device for supporting learning of the brushing method, and as a result, the positional relationship between the brush and the handle is determined during brushing in both the electric toothbrush and the manual toothbrush. Pay attention to the fact that the orientation of the brush with respect to the teeth is naturally determined by the tooth to be brushed due to the insertion of the brush into the oral cavity, and the circumferential position of the brush with respect to the axis along the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush, For example, a plurality of circumferential positions of the brush with respect to a center line as an axis along the longitudinal direction such as a handle portion for holding by hand, a flocking table in which hair bundles are implanted, and a neck portion extending from the handle portion to the flocking table are detected. Thus, the idea that brushed teeth can be specified within a certain range was obtained, and the present invention was completed.

  A brushing method learning support device according to the present invention is a brushing method learning support device that is assembled to a toothbrush and supports learning of a tooth brushing method, wherein the brush is applied to an axis along the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush. A position detecting unit that detects a plurality of circumferential positions, a counting unit that cumulatively counts the brushing time or the number of times of brushing for each circumferential position based on a signal from the position detecting unit, and an output from the counting unit. A determination means for determining whether the brushing time or the number of times of brushing at the circumferential position has exceeded a preset appropriate time or the appropriate number of times, and outputs a brushing result for each circumferential position based on an output from the determination means Output means.

  In this support device, since the position detection means can detect the circumferential position of the brush of the toothbrush, that is, the direction of the brush viewed from the user, a plurality of teeth determined by the direction of the brush is used as a unit brushing part. Since the brushing method can be evaluated for each brushing part, it can be used for evaluation, learning, and confirmation of the brushing method. For example, when it is configured to detect four circumferential positions of the top, bottom, left, and right of the brush, when a right-handed user uses a toothbrush (when brushing with a toothbrush with the right hand), the user can brush When the brush is turned to the left side when the flocked part is facing upward from the flocked side of the upper jaw, the lingual side of the upper left back tooth, the lingual side of the lower left back tooth of the upper jaw, the buccal side of the right upper back tooth of the upper jaw or the lower jaw When the brush is turned to the right, the buccal side of the maxillary left back tooth, the buccal side of the lower left back tooth, the lingual side of the maxillary right back tooth, and the lower jaw It is possible to detect brushing the lingual side of the right back tooth or the buccal side (lip side) of the front teeth of the upper and lower jaws. When the brush is pointed upward, the lower surface of the upper teeth or the lingual side of the upper front teeth (palate side) ) Is detected Come, when directing the brush to the bottom would be detected that the brushing lingual anterior teeth occlusal surface or mandibular teeth of the lower jaw. However, when a left-handed user uses a toothbrush (when brushing with a toothbrush with the left hand), the buccal side of the front teeth of the upper and lower jaws can be detected when the brush is pointed to the left, and for other teeth The detection result is the same as when a right-handed user uses a toothbrush.

  Then, for each brush circumferential position detected in this way, the counting means counts the brushing time and the number of times of brushing, the judgment means evaluates the count result for each brush circumferential position, and the result is displayed by the output means. Or output with sound or voice. For example, when brushing is performed for a preset appropriate time with the brush facing the left side when the brushed part is facing upward from the brushed part side of the brush, the left back tooth of the upper jaw The LED side or the LCD screen displays that the brushing of the tongue side of the lower jaw, the tongue side of the left back tooth of the lower jaw, the buccal side of the right back tooth of the upper jaw and the buccal side of the right back tooth of the lower jaw, The user will be notified by outputting sound or sound.

  In this way, in this support device, since a plurality of teeth determined by the direction of the brush is not a unit for each tooth but a unit brushing unit can be evaluated for each unit brushing unit, brushing for children can be performed. It can be used for teaching methods, and even adults can use it for checking their own brushing methods, and it can be used for evaluation, learning and confirmation of brushing methods. If the position detecting means is configured to detect a total of eight circumferential positions in the four oblique directions of the upper, lower, left, and right in addition to the four circumferential positions of the upper, lower, left, and right, the brushed teeth are on the upper jaw side. Since it can be discriminated whether it is on the mandibular side, it is possible to evaluate the brushing by further subdividing the unit brushing site into a plurality of parts, and it is also possible to evaluate whether the vicinity of the boundary between the tooth and the gum can be brushed cleanly.

  Here, the position detecting means detects a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction of the brush with respect to an axis along the longitudinal direction of the handle portion, and the position detecting sensor detects, as the position detecting means, a substantially quartered position in the circumferential direction. Providing a position detection sensor that detects a position approximately equally divided into eight in the circumferential direction as the position detection means, providing the display unit of the output means at a position that can be seen while brushing teeth, etc. Is a preferred embodiment.

  In the electric type oral hygiene apparatus according to the present invention, the toothbrush is an electric toothbrush, and the support device is assembled to the electric toothbrush. Since this oral hygiene device includes the support device, the brushing method can be evaluated for each unit brushing site using a plurality of teeth determined by the brush direction as a unit brushing site, as described above. Since it becomes possible, it can be used for evaluation, learning and confirmation of the brushing method.

  Here, the support device is detachably assembled to the electric toothbrush, the support device is provided with a pressure detection means for detecting pressure contact of the brush against the teeth, and the counting means receives an output from the pressure detection means, Counting the time during which the pressure contact of the brush against the teeth is detected, supplying power to the support device by driving the electric toothbrush to the power supply circuit of the support device, and to the support device for a certain time after the electric toothbrush is stopped An electric toothbrush is provided with the position detection means of the support device, and the counting means, the determination means, and the output means are provided in a separate unit separate from the electric toothbrush. And a transmission / reception means for transmitting a signal from the position detection means provided in the electric toothbrush to the counting means of the separate unit by wire or wireless. When a like are preferable embodiment.

  In the manual-type oral hygiene device according to the present invention, the toothbrush is a manual toothbrush, and the support device is provided with a holding unit that detachably holds a handle of the manual toothbrush. Since this oral hygiene device includes the support device, the brushing method can be evaluated for each unit brushing site using a plurality of teeth determined by the brush direction as a unit brushing site, as described above. Since it becomes possible, it can be used for evaluation, learning and confirmation of the brushing method. Moreover, since the holding | maintenance part is provided, an intraoral hygiene apparatus can be comprised using the various manual toothbrush marketed. However, in this case, the handle portion of the manual toothbrush is set on the holding portion of the support device so that the brush of the manual toothbrush is located on the preset circumferential position side of the support device.

  Here, the support device is provided with a pressure detection means for detecting the pressure contact of the brush against the teeth, and the counting means receives the output from the pressure detection means and counts the number of times of brushing every time a brushing operation is performed. The detection means includes a pressure sensor that detects a pressure change that is applied to the manual toothbrush in accordance with the brushing operation by converting it into a voltage value, and a comparison means that compares an output from the pressure sensor with a preset reference value. A preferred embodiment is to output a count-up signal to the counter means each time the output from the pressure sensor exceeds a reference value.

  According to the assisting device and the oral hygiene device according to the present invention, it is possible to evaluate the brushing method for each unit brushing site using a plurality of teeth determined by the orientation of the brush as a unit brushing site. It is possible to properly evaluate, learn and confirm methods. In addition, the manual type oral hygiene device allows the existing toothbrush to be held by the holding part, so that the toothbrush currently in use can be used effectively, and even when used by multiple people, it is a personalized toothbrush. It is hygienic because it can be installed.

  The detection of the circumferential position of the brush by the position detection means is possible on the axis along the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush, for example, the axis of the handle part, flocking table, neck, etc. It is preferable that a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction of the brush are detected because the position detecting means can be incorporated without difficulty.

  If a position detection sensor for detecting a substantially quarterly position in the circumferential direction is provided as the position detection means, for example, four directions (up, down, left and right) can be detected as directions of the brush viewed from the user. The plurality of teeth can be divided into four unit brushing portions for evaluation, and practical brushing evaluation can be performed.

  If a position detection sensor that detects approximately eight equal positions in the circumferential direction is provided as the position detection means, for example, the direction of the brush as viewed from the user is four directions (up / down / left / right) and four directions (up / down / left / right). A total of eight directions can be detected, and the brushing evaluation can be performed by further subdividing the unit brushing part into a plurality of parts, and it is also possible to evaluate whether or not the vicinity of the boundary between the teeth and the gums can be brushed cleanly.

  If the display part of the output means is provided at a position where the teeth can be seen while brushing teeth, it is possible to look at the display part while brushing and additionally brush the missing part, which is excellent in convenience. .

  Here, in the electric type intraoral hygiene device, the support device can be assembled integrally with the electric toothbrush. However, when the electric device is detachably assembled, the electric toothbrush currently used is supported. Since the apparatus can be attached and the brushing method can be evaluated, the economical burden on the user can be reduced.

  In addition, the counting means can perform the number of brushing times and the brushing time for each unit brushing part in the period from power-on to power-off of the electric toothbrush, but the support device detects the pressure contact of the brush against the tooth. A detecting means is provided, and when the counting means receives the output from the pressure detecting means and counts the time during which the pressure contact of the brush against the teeth is detected, the time during which the brushing operation is actually performed is measured strictly. Is possible. Although it is possible to count one reciprocating motion of the electric toothbrush as the number of times of brushing, since the time required for one reciprocating motion is substantially constant, counting the brushing time as it is is preferable for simplifying the control. Furthermore, when the brushing pressure is not within an appropriate value, the user may be alerted by issuing a warning sound without counting the time between them.

  When the power supply circuit of the support device is provided with power supply control means for starting power supply to the support device by driving the electric toothbrush and continuing power supply to the support device for a certain time after the electric toothbrush is stopped, And the power supply of the support device can be shared. In other words, the electric toothbrush can be switched between the active state and the stopped state by turning the power switch ON / OFF. However, since the support device requires work such as checking the display contents after brushing, the electric toothbrush is stopped. The power supply of the electric toothbrush and the power supply of the support device can be shared by providing power supply control means for continuing power supply to the support device for a certain period of time. In addition, it is possible to provide a three-contact switch, to supply power to the electric toothbrush and the support device in the first operation, stop the electric toothbrush in the second operation, and stop the support device in the third operation. It is necessary to use an expensive switch. In addition, although it is possible to provide a power switch dedicated to the electric toothbrush and a power switch dedicated to the support device, it is necessary to operate the two switches, which reduces operability.

  Although it is possible to incorporate the entire support device into an electric toothbrush, the electric toothbrush is provided with the position detection means of the support device, and the counting means, the determination means, and the output means are separate from the electric toothbrush. Providing transmission / reception means for transmitting signals from the position detection means provided to the unit and the electric toothbrush to the counting means of the separate unit by wire or wireless makes it easy to confirm the status of brushing evaluation performed by the support device Therefore, it is preferable because adjustment such as adding brushing to a necessary part can be easily performed according to the evaluation result while brushing.

  In the manual type intraoral hygiene device, the support device is provided with a pressure detection means for detecting pressure contact of the brush against the teeth, and the counting means receives an output from the pressure detection means and performs brushing each time a brushing operation is performed. It is preferable to count the number of times. That is, in the manual type oral hygiene device, as with the electric type oral hygiene device, it is possible to count the brushing time by the counting means of the support device. Variation in the number of times of brushing occurs between users, and even the same user has variations in brushing speed. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a pressure detection means as in the present invention and count the number of brushing times. . More specifically, the pressure detection means compares the pressure sensor that detects the pressure change acting on the manual toothbrush with the brushing operation by converting it into a voltage value, and compares the output from the pressure sensor with a preset reference value. A comparison means, and a count-up signal is output to the counter means each time the output from the pressure sensor becomes equal to or higher than a reference value, whereby the number of brushings can be counted up.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This 1st Example is a thing at the time of applying this invention to an electric toothbrush. In the first embodiment, description will be made by defining up, down, front, back, left and right with the flocked side of the toothbrush as the upper side and the flocked side of the hair bundle with respect to the flocked table as the front side.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the oral hygiene device 1 includes an electric toothbrush 5 including a replacement brush 2 and a main body 4 having a driving unit 3 that reciprocates the brush 2 in the vertical direction, and a substantially cylindrical shape of the electric toothbrush 5. And a support device 7 integrally assembled in the casing 6. In the first embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to an electric toothbrush 5 of a type that reciprocates the replacement brush 2 in the vertical direction will be described. However, the present invention reciprocates the flocking table 20 within a range of a certain angle. An electric toothbrush configured to move, an electric toothbrush configured to impart vibration to the replacement brush by rotating an eccentric weight, an electric toothbrush based on sonic vibration, and an ultrasonic vibration generator to vibrate the replacement brush The present invention can be similarly applied to various electric toothbrushes such as the electric toothbrush configured as described above.

  The driving means 3 will be described. A motor 10 is fixed to the middle part of the casing 6 with the rotary shaft 11 facing up and down, and a first gear 12 is fixed to the rotary shaft 11 protruding upward from the motor 10. A second gear 13 that meshes with the first gear 12 is provided in the upper part of the shaft 6 with its axis oriented in the front-rear direction, and the eccentric shaft 14 is provided at a position that is eccentric from the center of rotation of the second gear 13. It has been. The upper end of the casing 6 is provided with a soft and elastic cover member 15 for preventing water and the like from entering the casing 6 and transmitting the driving force with little loss. An output shaft 16 that penetrates the member 15 in a liquid-tight manner and protrudes upward is provided so as to be movable in the vertical direction, and a connecting member 17 that is externally fitted to the eccentric shaft 14 is provided at the lower end portion of the output shaft 16. The rotational movement of the ten rotation shafts 11 is converted by the first gear 12 into the rotation movement of the second gear 13 around the lateral axis, and further converted into the vertical movement of the output shaft 16 by the eccentric shaft 14 and the connecting member 17. It is configured as follows. However, the drive means 3 may be of any configuration as long as it can reciprocate the output shaft 16 in the vertical direction.

  The replacement brush 2 is a substantially rod-like handle that is elongated in the vertical direction. The handle 22 is provided with a flocking table 20 at the upper end and an attachment 21 that is detachably fitted to the upper end of the output shaft 16 at the lower end. And a brush 24 in which a plurality of hair bundles 23 are planted on the front side of the flocking table 20. However, the attachment portion 21 of the replacement brush 2 is configured to be detachably attachable to the output shaft 16 so that the brush 24 is located on the preset circumferential position side of the output shaft 16.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the support device 7 is based on position detection means 30 that detects a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction of the brush with respect to an axis along the longitudinal direction of the electric toothbrush 5, and a current value that flows through the power supply circuit of the electric toothbrush 5. Thus, the pressure detection means 31 for detecting whether or not the brush 24 of the electric toothbrush 5 is pressed against the teeth, the output means 32 for outputting the brushing result, and the signals from the position detection means 30 and the pressure detection means 31 And a control means 33 for controlling the output means 32 based on the above.

  The position detection means 30 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 to 5, a base plate 40 is provided in the vicinity of the lower end of the casing 6 so as to be orthogonal to the center line of the casing 6. The eight fan-shaped first contact plates 41 made of a material having excellent conductivity are fixed with a certain gap 42 therebetween. On the upper side of the base plate 40, a receiving plate 43 is provided substantially in parallel with the base plate 40, a protrusion 44 extending to the base plate 40 is formed at the center of the receiving plate 43, and an annular shape extending to the base plate 40 on the outer peripheral portion. A wall 45 is formed, and a ball 47 made of a material having excellent conductivity is movably mounted in an annular space 46 between the base plate 40 and the receiving plate 43. A ring-shaped second contact plate 48 made of a material having excellent conductivity is provided in the middle between the base plate 40 and the receiving plate 43, and a corrugated portion 49 is formed on the inner edge of the second contact plate 48. In the corrugated portion 49, a wave trough portion 49 a is arranged corresponding to each circumferential central portion of the eight first contact plates 41, and the wave contact portions of the corrugated portions 49 are adjacent to each other. It is formed so as to be arranged corresponding to each gap 42 therebetween.

  In this position detection means 30, when the direction of the brush 24 is changed while the electric toothbrush 5 is tilted with respect to the vertical direction, the ball 47 moves to the lower end side of the annular space 46 by its own weight as the direction of the brush 24 changes. Then, the first contact plate 41 and the second contact plate that are held by the wave troughs 49a of the corrugated part 49 in the second contact plate 48 at a position corresponding to the direction of the brush 24, and correspond to the wave troughs 49a. 48 is electrically connected via the ball 47. That is, since the first contact plate 41 is arranged corresponding to the eight wave troughs 49a in the corrugated portion 49 of the second contact plate 48, the four directions of the brush 24 in the vertical and horizontal directions, the vertical and horizontal directions, A total of eight directions, that is, four directions in the oblique direction, can be detected by the conduction state between the first contact plate 41 and the second contact plate 48. Then, with the plurality of teeth determined by the orientations of these eight brushes 24 as the unit brushing part, it is possible to detect which unit brushing part the tooth is brushing.

  Specifically, when brushing while holding the oral hygiene device with the right hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the occlusal surface of the back teeth in the upper jaw and the front teeth in the upper jaw in a state where the brush 24 faces the upper side B <b> 1. It can be detected that the area on the inner surface of the brushing is brushed. In a state where the brush 24 is directed to the upper right B2, it can be detected that the outer surface of the left back tooth in the upper jaw and the outer surface of the front tooth in the upper jaw and the inner surface of the right back tooth in the upper jaw are brushed, and the brush is directed to the right B3. In the state, it can be detected that the outer surface of the left back teeth and anterior teeth in the upper jaw, the inner surface of the right back teeth in the upper jaw, the outer surfaces of the left back teeth and anterior teeth in the lower jaw, and the inner surface of the right back teeth in the lower jaw, In the state where the brush 24 is directed to the lower right B4, it can be detected that the outer surface of the left back tooth in the lower jaw and the inner surface of the right back tooth in the lower jaw are brushed, and in the state where the brush 24 is directed to the lower side B5, It is possible to detect that the inner surface of the anterior teeth in the lower jaw and the area of the occlusal surface of the back teeth in the lower jaw are brushed, and the brush 24 is directed to the lower left B6 It is possible to detect that the inner surface of the left back tooth and the outer surface of the right back tooth in the lower jaw are brushed in the lower jaw, and when the brush 24 is directed to the left side B7, the inner surface of the left back tooth in the lower jaw and the right back tooth in the lower jaw The outer surface of the upper jaw, the inner surface of the left back tooth of the upper jaw, and the region of the outer surface of the right back tooth of the upper jaw, and when the brush 24 is directed to the upper left B8, the inner surface of the left rear tooth of the upper jaw and the upper jaw It can be detected that the region of the outer surface of the right back tooth is brushed. However, when brushing while holding the oral hygiene device 1 with the left hand, the buccal side of the front teeth of the upper and lower jaws can be detected when the brush 24 is directed to the left side B7, and for other teeth, right-handed use Can be detected in the same way as the

  The number of the first contact plates 41 is preferably four or more so that at least the vertical and horizontal orientations of the brush 24 can be detected. In order to determine which of the upper and lower jaws is being brushed, Eight or more are preferably provided so that the direction can be detected. In the present embodiment, the contact plate 41, 48 and the ball 47 are used to detect the direction (circumferential position) of the brush 24. However, the position detection means 30 may be of any configuration. For example, a plurality of reed switches can be arranged at regular intervals around the circumference, and a spherical permanent magnet is movably provided at the center, and the reed switch is turned on / off as the permanent magnet moves. It is also possible to configure so as to. The contact plate 41 can be integrated by manufacturing the base plate 40 with a printed board with a through hole. Instead of the ball 47, a conductive liquid such as mercury can be used.

  As the output means 32, those using display means such as a liquid crystal display or LED, those outputting voice or sound, or combinations thereof can be suitably used. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, eight LEDs 50 are arranged on the lower surface of the casing 6 in a substantially rhombus shape so as to correspond to the unit brushing portion. The display form by the liquid crystal display or LED can be set arbitrarily, but at least the unit brushing part that has not been brushed and the unit brushing part that has been brushed will be displayed so that they can be identified. It is more preferable that the display is made so that the part can be identified. In addition, when using a liquid crystal display, the upper and lower jaw models are displayed on the display unit so that the user can clarify the positional relationship between the display contents and the actual upper and lower teeth, and which part is brushed. When the LED is used, it is preferable to print the upper and lower jaw models and arrange the LED so as to correspond to the unit brushing part. Furthermore, it is preferable that the display unit of the output means 32 is provided at a position where the user can visually check while brushing teeth so that the user can check the brushing status while brushing. In the output by voice or sound, the user is notified by voice or sound that the brushing of the unit brushing part or the brushing of all teeth is completed. In addition, it is possible to guide a portion where brushing is not completed.

Next, the control system of the intraoral hygiene device 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
In order to drive the motor 10 of the electric toothbrush 5, the battery 51, the power switch 52, the motor 10 and the resistor R1 are connected in series, and the power is supplied to the motor 10 by turning on the power switch 52, and the power switch 52 is turned off. Thus, the power supply to the motor 10 is cut off. The motor 10 connected in series and the resistors R2 and R3 connected in series with the resistor R1 are connected, and the intermediate point of the motor 10 and the resistor R1 and the intermediate point of the resistors R2 and R3 are connected to the comparator 53, respectively. . The resistors R1 to R3 and the comparator 53 constitute a pressure detection means 31. In this pressure detection means 31, the comparator 53 compares the voltage at the intermediate point with the reference voltage, so that the value of the current flowing through the motor 10 is indirectly detected. When the current value of the motor 10 exceeds a predetermined threshold value, a high level pulse signal is output to the control means 33, and when the current value is less than the threshold value, a low level pulse signal is output. . However, as the pressure detection means 31, it is also possible to adopt one configured to detect the deflection of the output shaft 16 or the replacement brush 2 with a strain gauge.

  The control means 33 is composed mainly of a CPU, a ROM and a RAM. The control means 33 receives a pulse signal from the pressure detection means 31 and a switch signal from the position detection means 30. A control signal for controlling the output means 32 is output. Further, the control means 33 is provided with a soft switch 54 for supplying power to the support device 7 for a certain period of time after the power switch 52 is turned OFF and the motor 10 of the electric toothbrush 5 is stopped. 5 is stopped so that the brushing result can be confirmed.

  The RAM of the control means 33 stores the current number n for storing the number of the unit brushing part currently being brushed, the immediately preceding number m for storing the number of the immediately preceding brushing position, and a timer for storing the brushing time for each unit brushing part. t1 to t8, flags F1 to F8 for setting the completion of brushing for each unit brushing part, and the like are provided. In the ROM, appropriate brushing times T1 to T8 are input and stored in advance for each unit brushing part and output. A control program for controlling the means 32, a program for supporting the brushing method, and the like are stored in advance. However, the circuit configuration of the power supply circuit to the motor 10 and the press contact detection means 31 is not limited to the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 2, and other circuit configurations may be employed.

  Next, a program for supporting learning of the brushing method performed by the control means 33 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the figure, Si (i = 1, 2, 3,...) Indicates each step. The program for supporting learning of the brushing method described below is merely an example and is not limited to this.

  When the power switch 52 of the intraoral hygiene device 1 is turned on, the motor 10 is driven and the support device 7 is turned on to start this control. First, the current number n, the immediately preceding number m, and the timers t1 to t8. In addition, necessary initial settings such as resetting the flags F1 to F8 are performed (S1). However, at the time of this initial setting, it may be displayed on the output means 32 whether or not the intraoral hygiene device 1 is operating normally.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the pulse signal from the pressure detection means 31 is a high level signal (S2). If it is not a high level signal, the timers t1 to t8 that are currently operating are stopped (S3), and the high level signal is detected. Wait until the signal is output. When the brush 24 of the electric toothbrush 5 is brought into pressure contact with the teeth and a high level signal is output from the pressure detection means 31, the process proceeds to S4 and the current brushing is performed based on the output from the position detection means 30. The number of the unit brushing part is set as the current number n. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the current tooth number n is set to n = 1 to 8 corresponding to the directions B1 to B8 of the brush 24.

  Next, the cumulative time measurement of the timer tn corresponding to the current brushing current number n among the timers t1 to t8 provided for each unit brushing part is started (S5). For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the brush 24 is facing upward, the accumulated time measurement of the timer t1 is started.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the current number n and the previous number m are the same, that is, whether or not the direction of the brush 24 has been changed (S6). When the number m is set to the current number n, the process proceeds to S9 (S7), and when the direction of the brush 24 is changed, the unit trushing unit timer tm corresponding to the immediately preceding number m brushed immediately before is accumulated. After stopping the timing, the process proceeds to S9.

  In S9, it is determined whether or not the unit brushing part that is currently brushed has been brushed for an appropriate time Tn or more (S6), and if No, the process returns to S2. Thus, the teeth are brushed in a desired order, and when the brushing time tn of the specific unit brushing portion is equal to or longer than the appropriate time Tn, it is determined Yes in S9 and the process proceeds to S10.

  In S10, it is determined whether or not the flag Fn of the current number n is set. Since the flag Fn is not set for the first time, it is determined as No and the brushing of the unit brushing part currently being brushed is properly completed. The output means 32 notifies the user (S11), sets the flag Fn so that it can be determined that the brushing of the unit brushing part corresponding to the current number n has been completed, and then proceeds to S13 (S12). . On the other hand, if it is determined Yes in S10, that is, if it is determined that the same unit brushing portion has been brushed for the appropriate time Tn or longer, the process proceeds to S14 and a warning is issued to the user.

  In S13, it is determined whether or not all the flags F1 to F8 are set, and S1 to S14 are repeated until all the flags F1 to F8 are set, and all unit brushing parts are brushed for an appropriate time or more. When the flags F1 to F8 are all set, the user is notified of the completion of brushing and the program is completed (S15).

  After the brushing is completed, the power switch 52 is turned off to stop the motor 10. However, the power supply to the support device 7 is maintained for a certain time by the soft switch 54 even after the power switch 52 is turned off. The user can confirm the display content of the output means 32 in a state where the electric toothbrush 5 is stopped. Further, as indicated by a virtual line in FIG. 2, a soft switch 55 is provided in the middle of the power supply circuit to the motor 10, and power supply to the motor 10 is started after detecting a high level signal from the press contact detection means 31. The motor 10 may be stopped when the low level signal from the pressure detection means 31 continues for a certain time or more. In addition, two switches for switching the power supply to the motor 10 and the power supply to the support device 7 between the ON state and the OFF state may be provided, or the power supply to the motor 10 and the support device 7 may be performed using a three-contact switch. It is also possible to switch between a state in which power is supplied to the motor 10 and a state in which only the support device 7 is supplied with power, and a state in which power supply to the motor 10 and the support device 7 is cut off.

  In addition, in this 1st Example, although the case where the oral hygiene apparatus 1 was hold | maintained and used with a right hand was demonstrated, the appropriate brushing time is the case where the oral hygiene apparatus 1 is hold | maintained and used with a right hand, Since it is different from the case where it is used while being held with the left hand, each appropriate brushing time is stored in the ROM of the control means 33, and it is used by selecting whether to use with the right hand or with the left hand by a switch operation or the like. It is also possible to set an appropriate brushing time. In addition, since the tooth size differs between the child and the adult, and the brushing time varies accordingly, the appropriate brushing time for the child and the appropriate brushing time for the adult are stored in the ROM of the control means 33, so that the child It is also possible to set an appropriate brushing time by selecting whether it is used by an adult or by an adult using a switch operation or the like.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the support device 7 is assembled integrally with the electric toothbrush 5, but the support device 7 can be detachably assembled to the electric toothbrush 5, for example, for replacing the battery 51. When the support device 7 is integrally assembled to the cap provided on the casing 6 so as to be detachable from the electric toothbrush 5, the support device can be provided without any improvement to the currently used electric toothbrush. It becomes possible.

  Further, the position detection means 30 of the support device 7 is provided in the electric toothbrush 5, the control means 33 and the output means 32 are provided in a separate unit separate from the electric toothbrush 5, and the position provided in the electric toothbrush 5. You may provide the transmission / reception means which transmits the signal from the detection means 30 to the control means 33 of a separate unit by wire or radio | wireless. In this case, since the output means 32 is arranged in a separate unit, the liquid crystal display section of the output means 32 can be configured to be large and easy to see, and the separate unit is installed on the washstand. Therefore, it is preferable because display contents can be easily confirmed while brushing.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, this 2nd Example is a thing at the time of applying this invention to a manual toothbrush, Since it is equipped with the structure which is common in 1st Example regarding an assistance apparatus, it is the same member as the said 1st Example. The same reference numerals are assigned and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the intraoral hygiene device 60 includes a manual toothbrush 61 and a support device 70 having a holding part 71 that detachably holds a handle part 62 of the manual toothbrush 61.

  The manual toothbrush 61 includes a handle 62 for gripping by hand, a neck 63 that smoothly extends upward from the handle 62, a flocking table 64 provided at the upper end of the neck 63, and a front surface of the flocking table 64. This is a general configuration provided with a brush 66 made up of a plurality of hair bundles 65 implanted.

  As illustrated in FIG. 10, the support device 70 includes a position detection unit 30 that detects a plurality of circumferential positions of the brush 66 with respect to an axis along the longitudinal direction of the manual toothbrush 61, and a pressure contact that detects the pressure contact of the brush 66 with the teeth. The detection means 72, the output means 73 which outputs a brushing result, and the control means 74 which controls the output means 73 based on the signal from the position detection means 30 and the press-contact detection means 72 are provided.

  The support device 70 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, an elongate casing 80 that can be gripped is provided in the upper and lower directions, and a substantially entire handle portion 62 can be accommodated from above in the upper portion of the casing 80. An accommodation space 81 is formed, and a holding member 82 is provided in the lower portion of the accommodation space 81 to detachably hold the lower portion of the handle portion 62. A connecting member 84 having a frame-like connecting portion 83 at the lower end is fixed to the holding member 82, and the connecting member 84 prevents water and the like from entering the lower portion of the casing 80 and transmits the acting force during brushing with little loss. It is attached in a liquid-tight manner through a soft and elastic cover member 90 for the purpose. The casing 80 is provided with a pair of upper and lower bracket members 85, and the fixing portions 86 of the bracket member 85 are disposed on both upper and lower sides of the lower wall portion of the connecting portion 83, and between the lower fixing portion 86 and the connecting portion 83. A pressure sensor 87 for converting a load in the direction of arrow A acting on the brush 66 of the manual toothbrush 61 into a voltage value is provided. However, the attachment structure of the manual toothbrush 61 with respect to the support device 70 may be of any configuration as long as it is configured to detect the pressure in the direction of arrow A acting on the manual toothbrush 61. The pressure sensor 87 is preferably a pressure-sensitive conductive rubber, a strain gauge, a highly sensitive contact switch, or the like.

  The position detection means 30 is configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment and is provided in the lower portion of the casing 80, and detects a plurality of circumferential positions of the casing 80 with respect to an axis (center line) along the longitudinal direction of the casing 80. Thus, the circumferential position of the brush 66 of the manual toothbrush 61 attached to the support device 70 is detected.

  As the output unit 73, as in the first embodiment, a display unit such as a liquid crystal or an LED, or a sound output unit that outputs sound or sound can be provided. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the jaw model 88 is printed on the lower surface of the casing 80, and it is fixed so that the lower end outer peripheral portion of the casing 80 can be seen while brushing corresponding to the jaw model 88. Eight LEDs 89 are provided at intervals.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the pressure contact detection means 72 includes a pressure sensor 87, resistors R <b> 1 to R <b> 3, and a comparator 53, and the pressure contact of the first embodiment except that the pressure sensor 87 is provided instead of the motor 10. The detection unit 31 is configured in the same manner. The comparator 53 to the control means 74 is configured to output a high level pulse signal (count-up signal) when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 87 exceeds a reference value.

  The control means 74 is composed mainly of a CPU, a ROM and a RAM. The control means 74 receives a pulse signal from the pressure contact detection means 72, a switch signal from the position detection means 30, and the like, and the control means 74 outputs an output means. A control signal for controlling 73 is output. Part 75 is a battery for driving the support device 70, and part 76 is a power switch.

  The RAM of the control means 74 has a current number n for storing the number of the unit brushing part currently being brushed, a previous number m for storing the number of the previous brushing position, and a counter for storing the number of brushing for each unit brushing part. t1 to t8, flags F1 to F8 for setting the completion of brushing for each unit brushing part, and the like are provided. In the ROM, appropriate brushing times T1 to T8 are input and stored in advance for each unit brushing part and output. A control program for controlling the means 73, a program for supporting the brushing method, and the like are input and stored in advance.

  Next, a program for supporting learning of the brushing method performed by the control means 74 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the figure, Si (i = 1, 2, 3,...) Indicates each step. The program for supporting learning of the brushing method described below is merely an example and is not limited to this.

  When the power switch 76 of the intraoral hygiene device 60 is turned on, this control is started. First, necessary initial settings such as resetting the current number n and the immediately preceding number m, the counters t1 to t8, and the flags F1 to F8 are made ( S1). However, at the time of this initial setting, whether or not the oral hygiene device 60 is operating normally may be displayed on the output means 73.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the pulse signal from the pressure detection means 72 is a high level signal (S2). If it is not a high level signal, it waits until a high level signal is output. Then, the brush 66 of the manual toothbrush 61 is brought into pressure contact with the teeth for brushing. When a high level signal is output from the pressure detection means 72, the process proceeds to S3, and the current brushing is performed based on the output from the position detection means 30. The number of the unit brushing part being performed is set as the current number n, and the counter tn corresponding to the current number n is counted up (S4).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the currently brushed unit brushing part has been brushed by an appropriate number of times Tn or more (S5), and if No, the process returns to S2. Thus, the teeth are brushed in a desired order, and when the number of brushing times tn of the specific unit brushing portion is equal to or more than the appropriate number of times Tn, it is determined Yes in S5 and the process proceeds to S6.

  In S6, it is determined whether or not the flag Fn of the current number n is set. Since the flag Fn is not set for the first time, it is determined as No and the brushing of the unit brushing part currently being brushed is properly performed. The output means 73 informs the user of the completion (S7), sets the flag Fn so that it can be determined that the brushing of the unit brushing part corresponding to the current number n is completed, and then proceeds to S9 (S8) ). On the other hand, if it is determined Yes in S6, that is, if it is determined that the same unit brushing part is brushed more than the appropriate number of times Tn, the process proceeds to S10 and a warning is issued to the user.

  In S9, it is determined whether or not all the flags F1 to F8 are set, and S1 to S10 are repeated until all the flags F1 to F8 are set, and all unit brushing parts are brushed for an appropriate time or more. When the flags F1 to F8 are all set, the user is notified of the completion of brushing and the program is completed (S11).

  In this intraoral hygiene device 60, the manual toothbrush 61 currently used can be attached to the support device 70 and the brushing method can be evaluated, so the burden on the user can be reduced. Moreover, the one support apparatus 70 can be used by several persons by replacing | exchanging a manual brush.

  In the second embodiment, the brushing method is evaluated by the number of times of brushing, but it is also possible to evaluate by the brushing time. However, since brushing by manual operation causes an individual difference to increase when evaluated by the brushing time, it is preferable to evaluate by the number of times of brushing. Further, similarly to the first embodiment, the oral hygiene device 60 is configured to switch the appropriate number of times of brushing to be used when used with the right hand and when used with the left hand, It can also be configured to switch the appropriate brushing frequency between children and adults.

  Further, in this embodiment, the manual toothbrush 61 is detachably attached to the support device 70 as it is, but the configuration of the holding unit 71 is changed so that the replacement brush of the electric toothbrush is detachably attached. Brushing can also be performed manually.

(A) of the intraoral hygiene device of the first embodiment is a longitudinal side view, and (b) is a cutaway front view of the main part. Block diagram of control system of oral hygiene device AA line sectional view of Drawing 1 (a). Longitudinal section of position detection means BB line sectional view of Drawing 1 (a) (A) is explanatory drawing of direction of a brush, (b) is explanatory drawing of a unit brushing site | part. Bottom view of the oral hygiene device Routine flowchart of brushing method learning support program (A) of the oral hygiene device of the second embodiment is a longitudinal side view, (b) is a front view. Block diagram of control system of oral hygiene device Bottom view of the oral hygiene device Routine flowchart of brushing method learning support program

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Oral hygiene apparatus 2 Replacement brush 3 Driving means 4 Main-body part 5 Electric toothbrush 6 Casing 7 Support apparatus 10 Motor 11 Rotating shaft 12 1st gear 13 Second gear 14 Eccentric shaft 15 Cover member 16 Output shaft 17 Connecting member 17 Flocking table 21 mounting portion 22 handle 23 hair bundle 24 brush 30 position detecting means 31 pressure contact detecting means 32 output means 33 control means 40 base plate 41 first contact plate 42 clearance 43 receiving plate 44 projection 45 annular wall 46 annular space 47 ball 48 second Contact plate 49 Waveform portion 49a Valley portion 50 LED 51 Battery 52 Power switch 53 Comparator 54 Soft switch 55 Soft switch 60 Intraoral hygiene device 61 Manual toothbrush 62 Handle portion 63 Neck portion 64 Nesting table 65 Hair bundle 66 Brush 70 Support device 71 Holding Part 72 pressure detection means 73 output means 7 4 Control means 75 Battery 76 Power switch 80 Casing 81 Housing space 82 Holding member 83 Connecting part 84 Connecting member 85 Bracket member 86 Fixed part 87 Pressure sensor 88 Jaw model 89 LED
90 Cover member

Claims (13)

A brushing method learning support device for supporting learning of a tooth brushing method assembled to a toothbrush,
Position detecting means for detecting a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction of the brush relative to an axis along the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush;
Counting means for cumulatively counting the brushing time or the number of times of brushing for each circumferential position based on a signal from the position detecting means;
Determining means for determining whether the brushing time or the number of times of brushing at each circumferential position is equal to or more than a preset appropriate time or the appropriate number of times based on an output from the counting means;
Output means for outputting a brushing result for each circumferential position based on the output from the determination means;
A brushing method learning support device, comprising:   The brushing method learning support device according to claim 1, wherein the position detection unit detects a plurality of circumferential positions of the brush with respect to an axis along the longitudinal direction of the handle portion.   The brushing method learning support device according to claim 1, wherein a position detection sensor that detects a substantially quarterly position in the circumferential direction is provided as the position detection unit.   The brushing method learning support device according to claim 1, wherein a position detection sensor that detects a substantially equal position in the circumferential direction is provided as the position detection unit.   The brushing method learning support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the display unit of the output unit is provided at a position where the display unit can be viewed while brushing teeth.   An oral hygiene device, wherein the toothbrush is an electric toothbrush and the support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is assembled to the electric toothbrush.   The intraoral hygiene device according to claim 6, wherein the support device is detachably assembled to the electric toothbrush.   7. The pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure contact of the brush against the tooth is provided in the support device, and the counting means receives the output from the pressure contact detecting means and counts the time during which the pressure contact of the brush against the tooth is detected. Or the oral hygiene apparatus of 7.   The power supply circuit of the support device is provided with power supply control means for starting power supply to the support device by driving the electric toothbrush and continuing power supply to the support device for a predetermined time after the electric toothbrush is stopped. The oral hygiene device according to any one of the above.   The position detection means of the support device is provided in an electric toothbrush, the counting means, the determination means, and the output means are provided in a separate unit separate from the electric toothbrush, and from the position detection means provided in the electric toothbrush The intraoral hygiene device according to claim 6, further comprising a transmission / reception means for transmitting a signal to a counting means of a separate unit by wire or wireless.   6. The oral hygiene device according to claim 1, wherein the toothbrush is a manual toothbrush, and the support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is provided with a holding unit that detachably holds a handle of the manual toothbrush.   12. The intraoral cavity according to claim 11, wherein the support device is provided with pressure contact detection means for detecting pressure contact of the brush against the teeth, and the counting means receives the output from the pressure detection means and counts the number of times of brushing each time a brushing operation is performed. Sanitary equipment. The pressure contact detection means includes a pressure sensor that detects a pressure change that is applied to a manual toothbrush in response to a brushing operation by converting it into a voltage value, and a comparison means that compares an output from the pressure sensor with a preset reference value. The oral hygiene device according to claim 12, further comprising: outputting a count-up signal to the counter means each time the output from the pressure sensor becomes equal to or higher than a reference value.

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