JP2018019730A - Electric toothbrush and operation method of electric toothbrush - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electric toothbrush capable of improving accuracy of detecting stains on teeth.SOLUTION: An electric toothbrush includes a light emission part (transparent windows 23 and 23a, and a light emitting element 24) for emitting a light from a brush unit 20 mounted on a body part, a reflection light detection part (a light receiving element 24) for detecting a reflected light of the light emitted from the light emission part, a fluid injection part (a hole part 21, a conduit 27, a valve 28, and a pump 29) for injecting fluid from the brush unit 20, and a control part for detecting an amount of stains on teeth based on the reflection light detected by the reflection light detection part, and controlling a fluid injection timing based on an amount of light of the reflection light detected by the reflection light detection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an electric toothbrush and a method for operating an electric toothbrush.

  A type of electric toothbrush that brushes teeth (removes plaque) by applying a brush that vibrates at high speed to the teeth is known. Such electric toothbrushes have been proposed in which means for detecting plaque, tartar, dental caries and the like attached to the teeth are provided in the brush unit (see, for example, Patent Documents 1-3).

  Patent Document 1 discloses an electric toothbrush in which an optical sensor and a light source are provided in a brush unit, reflected light of light emitted from the light source is detected by the optical sensor, and caries are detected based on the detected amount of reflected light to notify the user. Have been described.

  In Patent Documents 2 and 3, a light emitting and receiving hole is provided in a region surrounded by a large number of brushes in a brush unit, a light source for introducing light into the hole, and light incident on the hole. The electric toothbrush which provided the optical sensor which detects this in the main-body part is described.

  In addition, an electric toothbrush has been proposed that has a hole in the brush unit and has a function of injecting water from the hole into the mouth (see, for example, Patent Documents 4-6).

Special table 2008-532619 gazette Japanese translation of PCT publication No. 2002-515276 Special table 2013-53534 gazette Special table 2008-501411 JP 2006-006570 A JP 2002-238661 A

  The electric toothbrushes described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 detect tooth dirt such as dental plaque and tartar by irradiating the teeth with light and detecting light reflected from the teeth with an optical sensor. Is. The electric toothbrush is used in a state where a toothpaste or the like is applied to the brush unit. For this reason, in the state where there is a toothpaste on the tooth surface, light cannot be applied to the teeth, and plaque, tartar, etc. cannot be detected. Patent Documents 1 to 3 do not consider such a problem.

  Patent Documents 4 to 6 describe electric toothbrushes that can inject water into the mouth. However, these electric toothbrushes do not perform water injection to assist detection of plaque, tartar, and the like.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the said situation, and it aims at providing the operating method of the electric toothbrush which can improve the detection precision of a tooth | gear dirt, and an electric toothbrush.

  The electric toothbrush of the present invention detects a drive unit that drives a brush unit mounted on a main body unit, a light emitting unit that emits light from the brush unit, and reflected light of light emitted from the light emitting unit. A reflected light detecting unit; a dirt detecting unit for detecting a dirt amount of teeth based on the reflected light detected by the reflected light detecting unit; a fluid ejecting unit for ejecting fluid from the brush unit; and the reflected light detecting unit. And a fluid ejection control unit that controls the ejection timing of the fluid based on the amount of reflected light detected by.

  The operating method of the electric toothbrush of the present invention is an operating method of the electric toothbrush having a driving unit that drives the brush unit mounted on the main body, and includes a light emitting step for emitting light from the brush unit, and the emitted light A reflected light detecting step for detecting reflected light of the reflected light, a stain detecting step for detecting a stain amount of teeth based on the reflected light detected by the reflected light detecting step, and a fluid ejection for ejecting fluid from the brush unit And a fluid ejection control step for controlling the ejection timing of the fluid based on the amount of reflected light detected by the reflected light detection step.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the operating method of an electric toothbrush and an electric toothbrush which can improve the detection precision of a tooth | gear dirt can be provided.

It is a top view which shows schematic structure which looked at the electric toothbrush 100 for describing one Embodiment of this invention from the brush pressing direction. It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the AA line of the electric toothbrush 100 shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the main-body part of the electric toothbrush shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the electric toothbrush 100 shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows schematic structure which looked at the electric toothbrush 200 which is a modification of the electric toothbrush 100 shown in FIG. 1 from the brush pressing direction. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the electric toothbrush 200 shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows schematic structure which looked at the electric toothbrush 300 which is a modification of the electric toothbrush 100 shown in FIG. 1 from the brush pressing direction. It is a top view which shows schematic structure which looked at the electric toothbrush 400 which is a modification of the electric toothbrush 100 shown in FIG. 1 from the brush pressing direction.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an electric toothbrush 100 for explaining an embodiment of the present invention as seen from the direction of pressing the brush.

  The electric toothbrush 100 includes a grip portion 10 including a battery and an electric control system therein, a main body portion having a stem 11 fixed to the grip portion 10, and a brush unit 20 detachable from the stem 11. Prepare.

  The brush unit 20 includes a plurality of brushes 22, a liquid jet hole 21, and a transparent window 23. Each brush 22 is a bundle of many hairs.

  The hole 21 is disposed in a region surrounded by the brush 22. The position of the hole 21 is an example, and is not limited to the position shown in FIG. The hole part 21 should just be arrange | positioned so that a liquid can be radiate | emitted in the direction where the brush 22 is extended rather than the surface in which the brush 22 was formed.

  The transparent window 23 is formed by fitting a translucent member such as transparent resin or transparent glass into a hole provided in the casing of the brush unit 20. The transparent window 23 is disposed on the front end side of the brush unit 20 on the surface of the brush unit 20 where the plurality of brushes 22 are formed, rather than the region where the plurality of brushes 22 are formed. The position of the transparent window 23 is an example, and is not limited to the position shown in FIG. The transparent window 23 should just be arrange | positioned so that light can be radiate | emitted in the direction where the brush 22 is extended rather than the surface in which the brush 22 was formed.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the electric toothbrush 100 shown in FIG.

  The brush unit 20 is configured by a cylindrical casing having a hollow portion 20a and a closed end portion. By fitting the stem 11 into the hollow portion 20a, the brush unit 20 is attached to the main body portion.

  The stem 11 is configured by a cylindrical casing whose tip (an end opposite to the gripping portion 10 side) is closed. The stem 11 includes a bearing 12 formed at the inner tip, an eccentric shaft 13 having one end inserted into the bearing 12, a weight 14, a substrate 15, a light emitting element 24 formed on the substrate 15, and a substrate 15. The formed light receiving element 25 and light receiving element 26 (see FIG. 1), a transparent window 23a provided in the housing, and a water conduit 27 are provided.

  The grip 10 includes a valve 28 connected to a water conduit 27 extending from the stem 11, a pump 29 connected to the valve 28, a tank 30 connected to the pump 29, and a liquid for pouring liquid into the tank 30. A supply port 31, a cap 32 for closing the liquid supply port 31, and a motor M connected to the eccentric shaft 13 in the stem 11 are provided.

  The other end of the eccentric shaft 13 is connected to a rotation shaft of a motor M built in the grip portion 10. As the rotation shaft of the motor M rotates, the eccentric shaft 13 rotates.

  The weight 14 is fixed to the eccentric shaft 13 in the vicinity of the bearing 12. Due to the weight 14, the center of gravity of the eccentric shaft 13 is deviated from the center of rotation. A minute clearance is provided between the eccentric shaft 13 and the bearing 12.

  The eccentric shaft 13 also rotates with the rotation of the rotation shaft of the motor M. However, since the center of gravity of the eccentric shaft 13 is shifted by the weight 14, the eccentric shaft 13 performs a motion that turns around the rotation center. Therefore, the entire eccentric shaft 13 is bent, and the stem 11 and the brush unit 20 attached thereto are vibrated at high speed.

  Thus, in the case of the driving principle in which the brush unit 20 is vibrated by the turning motion of the eccentric shaft 13, the brush unit 20 is in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the motor M (in a plane parallel to the pressing direction of the brush 22). Can be vibrated two-dimensionally. The pressing direction of the brushes 22 is the same as the direction in which each brush 22 extends.

  The electric toothbrush 100 has a resonance point (resonance frequency) as a whole of the vibration part (the stem 11 and the brush unit 20). By controlling the rotation speed of the motor M, the brush 11 is removed from the stem 11 and the brush unit 20. It is possible to switch between the operation of vibrating in the pressing direction and the operation of vibrating the stem 11 and the brush unit 20 in a direction intersecting the pressing direction of the brush 22 in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the motor M. It has become.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the casing of the stem 11, a transparent window 23 a having substantially the same size as that of the transparent window 23 is formed at a portion facing the transparent window 23 of the casing of the brush unit 20. The transparent window 23a is formed by fitting a translucent member such as transparent resin or transparent glass into a hole provided in the casing of the stem 11. The light emitting element 24, the light receiving element 25, and the light receiving element 26 shown in FIG. 1 are disposed on the substrate 15 at a position facing the transparent window 23a.

  The light emitting element 24 is configured by an LED (Light Emitted Diode), a laser diode, or the like. The light emitting element 24 emits light in a blue wavelength range (hereinafter referred to as B light) necessary for detecting dirt (dental plaque, tartar, etc.) of teeth to be detected. The B light emitted from the light emitting element 24 is emitted to the outside of the brush unit 20 through the transparent window 23 a and the transparent window 23. The light emitting element 24, the transparent window 23a, and the transparent window 23 function as a light emitting unit that emits light from the brush unit 20.

  Each of the light receiving element 25 and the light receiving element 26 includes a photoelectric conversion element such as a photodiode that converts light into an electric signal.

  The light receiving element 25 is configured by a photoelectric conversion element that detects light in a red wavelength region (hereinafter referred to as R light) and outputs a signal corresponding to the detected light amount. The light receiving element 25 includes a combination of a color filter that transmits R light and a photodiode having sensitivity to visible light, a photodiode that can detect only R light, and the like.

  The light receiving element 26 is configured by a photoelectric conversion element that detects light in a green wavelength region (hereinafter referred to as G light) and outputs a signal corresponding to the detected light amount. The light receiving element 26 includes a combination of a color filter that transmits G light and a photodiode having sensitivity to visible light, a photodiode that can detect only G light, and the like.

  When B light is irradiated to the plaque adhering to the tooth, R light is excited in this plaque. That is, R light is generated as reflected light of B light. Further, when B light is irradiated to a tooth portion to which plaque is not adhered, G light is excited in this portion in addition to the reflection component of B light. That is, G light is generated as part of the reflected light of B light.

  The light receiving element 25 is provided to detect R light obtained by reflecting B light emitted from the light emitting element 24 by plaque. The light receiving element 26 is provided to detect G light obtained by reflecting B light emitted from the light emitting element 24 with teeth.

  The light receiving element 25 and the light receiving element 26 function as a reflected light detection unit that detects the reflected light of the B light emitted from the light irradiation unit.

  The substrate 15 is formed with wirings electrically connected to the light emitting element 24, the light receiving element 25, and the light receiving element 26, and for example, a flexible substrate is used. The substrate 15 extends to the inside of the holding unit 10, and the wiring formed on the substrate 15 is electrically connected to a control unit 50 described later built in the holding unit 10.

  The tank 30 stores the liquid introduced from the liquid supply port 31. The liquid is, for example, water or a mouth washing liquid.

  The pump 29 sucks up the liquid stored in the tank 30 and supplies it to the valve 28.

  The valve 28 is connected to the proximal end of the water guide pipe 27 extending from the inside of the stem 11, and controls the supply amount and supply pressure of the liquid supplied to the water guide pipe 27 and the supply timing of the liquid to the water guide pipe 27. To do.

  The water conduit 27 is formed of a tubular member that can pass liquid. A hole 21 a is provided in a portion of the casing of the stem 11 that faces the hole 21 of the brush unit 20. The tip of the water conduit 27 is fitted in the hole 21a. With this configuration, the liquid ejected from the tip of the water conduit 27 is ejected to the outside of the brush unit 20 through the hole 21 of the brush unit 20.

  The pump 29, the valve 28, the water conduit 27, the hole 21 a, and the hole 21 function as a fluid ejecting unit that ejects fluid from the brush unit 20. By changing the cross-sectional shape of the hole 21, it is possible to change the ejection direction of the liquid ejected from the brush unit 20. This injection direction is preferably a direction in which the angle formed with the pressing direction of the brush 22 is less than 90 degrees, and is particularly preferably the same as the pressing direction of the brush 22 (the direction in which the brush 22 extends).

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the main body of the electric toothbrush 100 shown in FIG.

  The body portion of the electric toothbrush 100 includes a motor M, a notification unit 60, a control unit 50, a pump 29, and a valve 28.

  The control unit 50 functions as a drive unit that drives the brush unit 20 attached to the stem 11 by controlling the motor M. The control unit 50 controls the first drive that vibrates in the first direction, which is the pressing direction of the brush 22, and the brush unit 20 in a second direction different from the first direction (here, rotation of the motor M). A second drive is performed selectively to vibrate in a direction perpendicular to the axis in a direction intersecting the pressing direction of the brush 22. The control unit 50 performs switching between the first drive and the second drive by changing the rotation speed of the rotation shaft of the motor M.

  Note that the control unit 50 may vibrate the brush unit 20 so that the second direction is an arbitrary direction in the plane perpendicular to the first direction (for example, the direction in which the rotation shaft of the motor M extends). Good.

  For example, the controller 50 alternately performs the first drive and the second drive. As described above, since the brush tip of the brush 22 hits the treatment part from various angles by automatically switching the vibration direction of the brush unit 20, plaque superior to single-direction brushing is obtained. A removal effect can be obtained. In addition, the drive method of the stem 11 by the control part 50 is not specifically limited. For example, the control unit 50 may perform only the first drive or perform only the second drive.

  The control unit 50 drives the light emitting element 24 through the substrate 15 and performs control to emit B light from the light emitting element 24.

  Based on the reflected light detected by the light receiving element 25, the control unit 50 performs a stain detection process for detecting the amount of stains on teeth such as dental plaque and tartar attached to the teeth. The dirt detection process is performed by a known method based on the amount of R light (detection signal level) detected by the light receiving element 25. The control unit 50 functions as a dirt detection unit.

  The control unit 50 controls the valve 28 and the pump 29 based on the light amount of the R light detected by the light receiving element 25 and the light amount of the G light detected by the light receiving element 26 so as to eject the light from the hole portion 21. The liquid ejection timing, the liquid ejection amount, and the ejection pressure are controlled. The control unit 50 functions as a fluid ejection control unit.

  The alerting | reporting part 60 alert | reports to the user of the electric toothbrush 100 using devices, such as a speaker and LED (Light Emitting Diode). The notification unit 60 notifies the user by sounding a sound or making an LED shine according to a command from the control unit 50.

  The content to be notified is the amount of tooth dirt calculated by the control unit 50. For example, the notification unit 60 notifies the amount of dirt on the teeth by causing the LED to glow green if the amount of dirt is very small, and to light the LED red if the amount of dirt is large. Support tooth brushing.

  The operation of the electric toothbrush 100 configured as described above will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the electric toothbrush 100 shown in FIG.

  When the electric toothbrush 100 is turned on and a brushing start operation is performed, the control unit 50 starts control for alternately performing the first drive and the second drive. Thus, the brush unit 20 pressed against the teeth alternately repeats the vibration in the first direction and the vibration in the second direction, and the plaque adhered to the teeth is removed by the brush 22.

  The control unit 50 causes the light emitting element 24 to emit light at a predetermined timing while alternately performing the first drive and the second drive. The B light emitted from the light emitting element 24 is emitted from the transparent window 23 to the outside of the brush unit 20 (step S10). The control unit 50 acquires detection signals from the light receiving element 25 and the light receiving element 26 immediately after the light emitting element 24 emits light.

  The control unit 50 determines whether or not the amount of G light detected by the light receiving element 26 (detection signal level of the light receiving element 26) is equal to or less than the first threshold value TH1 (step S11). When the determination in step S11 is YES, the control unit 50 increments the G light non-detection counter by one from the initial value of zero, and stores the count value in association with the current time (step S12).

  After step S12, the control unit 50 stores the time stored in association with the latest count value of the G light non-detection counter and the time stored in association with the count value “1” of the G light non-detection counter. And the elapsed time (synonymous with the duration time in which the G light is not detected) are obtained, and it is determined whether or not this elapsed time is equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2 (step S13).

  When the determination in step S13 is YES, the control unit 50 controls the valve 28 and the pump 29 to transfer the liquid in the tank 30 with the first supply amount and the first pressure (first condition). 27 is supplied, and the liquid is ejected from the tip of the water conduit 27 (step S14).

  The determination in step S13 is YES, it can be assumed that a substance that blocks light, such as a toothpaste, is attached to the teeth. For this reason, the substance adhering to a tooth | gear can be removed by the liquid sprayed from the brush unit 20 by performing the process of step S14.

  After step S14, the control unit 50 resets the G light non-detection counter (returns the count value to the initial value of zero) and erases the time stored in association with the count value of the G light non-detection counter. (Step S15). After step S15, the process returns to step S10, and the B light is emitted again at a predetermined timing.

  When the determination in step S11 is NO, the control unit 50 resets the G light non-detection counter and deletes the time stored in association with the count value of the G light non-detection counter (step S16). And the control part 50 determines whether the light quantity (detection signal level of the light receiving element 25) of R light detected by the light receiving element 25 is below 3rd threshold value TH3 (step S17). In addition, also when determination of step S13 is NO, the control part 50 performs the process of step S17.

  When the determination in step S17 is YES, the control unit 50 increments the R light non-detection counter by one from the initial value of zero, and stores the count value in association with the current time (step S18).

  After step S18, the control unit 50 stores the time stored in association with the latest count value of the R light non-detection counter and the time stored in association with the count value “1” of the R light non-detection counter. The elapsed time (synonymous with the duration of the state in which the R light is not detected) is obtained, and it is determined whether or not this elapsed time is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold value TH4 (step S19).

  When the determination in step S19 is YES, the control unit 50 controls the valve 28 and the pump 29 to transfer the liquid in the tank 30 with the first supply amount and the first pressure (first condition). 27 is supplied, and the liquid is ejected from the tip of the water conduit 27 (step S20).

  The determination in step S19 is YES because the teeth are not hidden by the toothpaste and the teeth are hardly soiled, and the tooth surface is slightly visible, but plaque and tartar. Either the second state in which a substance that blocks light, such as a toothpaste, is attached to the part to which the light is adhered, or the third state in which the light receiving element 25 is covered with the toothpaste etc. It is assumed that

  In the second state and the third state, the tooth dirt detection function cannot be exhibited. For this reason, when the determination in step S19 is YES, the processing in step S20 is performed, so that the substance adhering to the tooth is removed and there is plaque or calculus. Can be exposed. Further, the R light can be detected satisfactorily by removing the substance adhering to the light receiving element 25.

  After step S20, the control unit 50 resets the R light non-detection counter (returns the count value to the initial value of zero) and erases the time stored in association with the count value of the R light non-detection counter. (Step S21). After step S21, the process returns to step S10, and the B light is emitted again at a predetermined timing.

  When the determination in step S17 is NO, the control unit 50 resets the R light non-detection counter (returns the count value to the initial value of zero) and stores it in association with the count value of the R light non-detection counter. The current time is deleted (step S22). Thereafter, the control unit 50 calculates the amount of dirt on the teeth based on the detection signal of the light receiving element 25, and notifies the calculated amount of dirt from the notification unit 60 (step S23).

  After step S23, the control unit 50 controls the valve 28 and the pump 29 so that the second supply amount lower than the first supply amount and the second pressure lower than the first pressure (second pressure). In this condition, the liquid in the tank 30 is supplied to the water conduit 27, and the liquid is ejected from the tip of the water conduit 27 (step S24). After step S24, the process returns to step S10, and the B light is emitted again at a predetermined timing.

  As described above, in the electric toothbrush 100, the timing at which the determination in step S13 is YES, that is, the state in which the amount of G light detected by the light receiving element 26 is equal to or less than the threshold TH1 continues for the threshold TH2 or more. In addition, the liquid is ejected from the hole 21 under the first condition.

  For this reason, even if the teeth to which the plurality of brushes 22 are applied are covered with a substance such as a toothpaste, this substance can be removed by the momentum of the liquid. Therefore, plaque and tartar adhering to the teeth can be exposed, and the amount of dirt on the teeth can be detected.

  Further, in the electric toothbrush 100, when the determination in step S19 becomes YES, that is, when the state in which the amount of R light detected by the light receiving element 25 is equal to or less than the threshold value TH3 continues for the threshold value TH4 or more. Liquid is ejected from the hole 21 under one condition.

  For this reason, even if plaque and tartar are covered with a substance such as a toothpaste, this substance can be removed by the momentum of the liquid. Therefore, dental plaque and tartar can be exposed, and the amount of dirt on the teeth can be detected. Further, even when the light receiving element 25 is covered with the substance, the substance can be removed by the liquid ejected from the hole portion 21, and it becomes possible to detect tooth stains. .

  Further, in the electric toothbrush 100, even when the amount of R light exceeds the threshold value TH3, the liquid is ejected from the hole portion 21, so that the plaque can be removed by the momentum of the ejected liquid, and the brush 22 Combined with brushing, the plaque removal effect can be enhanced.

  When the determination in step S17 is NO, the amount of G light may be below the threshold TH1, and the teeth are hidden by a toothpaste or the like, or the toothpaste or the like is on the light receiving element 26. There is a possibility of sticking. The presence of the processing in step S24 makes it possible to remove the toothpaste and the like adhering to the teeth, making it easier to detect dirt.

  Note that the relationship between the threshold value TH2 and the threshold value TH4 described in FIG. 4 is preferably set as threshold value TH2 <threshold value TH4.

  The state in which the amount of R light is equal to or less than the threshold value TH3 includes a state in which plaque has disappeared as a result of brushing. For this reason, if the liquid is ejected when the state in which the light quantity of R light is equal to or less than the threshold TH3 continues for a short time, the plaque is not sufficiently adhered to the teeth or the brushing proceeds, and the plaque is sufficient. The liquid is frequently ejected in a state where the number of the liquids has decreased. For this reason, it is preferable to set the threshold value TH4 to a value larger than the threshold value TH2.

  On the other hand, the state in which the amount of G light is equal to or less than the threshold TH1 includes a state in which a toothpaste or the like is attached to the brushing site. For this reason, if this state is left for a long time, plaque cannot be detected indefinitely. Therefore, the threshold value TH2 is preferably set to a value smaller than the threshold value TH4.

  The purpose of the liquid ejection in step S14 and step S20 is to remove the substance that blocks the light adhering to the teeth and the light receiving element. On the other hand, the purpose of the liquid injection in step S24 is to remove plaque adhering to the teeth.

  Thus, since the liquid ejection in step S14 and step S20 and the liquid ejection in step S24 have different purposes, the liquid ejection conditions in each liquid ejection should be different as described above. Both liquid jets may be performed under the same conditions.

  In order to remove the toothpaste and the like, a certain amount of liquid and pressure are required. Therefore, as described with reference to FIG. 4, different conditions are set for the liquid ejection in step S14 and step S20 and the liquid ejection in step S24. It is good to set. However, the removal of the toothpaste and the like is an operation not directly related to the toothpaste. For this reason, in step S14 and step S20, if the liquid is ejected with a larger amount of liquid and higher pressure than in step S24, there is a possibility that the user will feel uncomfortable.

  In order to reduce such a sense of incongruity, in FIG. 4, the liquid ejection in step S14 and step S20 is preferably performed according to the second condition, and the liquid ejection in step S24 is preferably performed according to the first condition.

  Note that the second condition may be a condition in which only the liquid supply amount is reduced with respect to the first condition, or a condition in which only the pressure is reduced with respect to the first condition.

  In the process of step S24, since the dirt of the teeth is detected in step S23, the liquid ejection condition may be determined according to the degree of the detected dirt. For example, the greater the dirt, the greater the amount of liquid supplied and the higher the pressure of the liquid. Thereby, dirt can be reduced efficiently.

  Further, the removal of plaque itself is performed by a plurality of vibrating brushes 22, and therefore the process of step S24 in FIG. 4 may be omitted.

  In each process of step S14, step S20, and step S24 illustrated in FIG. 4, the liquid is ejected from the hole 21. The liquid ejection direction substantially coincides with the pressing direction (first direction) against the teeth of the brush unit 20. Therefore, if the brush unit 20 vibrates in the second direction when the liquid is ejected from the hole portion 21, the liquid ejection path may be blocked by the brush 22 due to the collapse of the brush 22. . As a result, pressure loss of the injected liquid occurs, and the effect of removing toothpaste and the like and removing plaque may be weakened.

  Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit 50 performs only the first drive when performing the processes of step S14, step S20, and step S24. By doing in this way, when the liquid is injected from the hole 21, the possibility that the brush 22 may block the liquid injection path can be reduced. For this reason, possibility that the effect of removal of a toothpaste etc. and the removal of plaque will weaken can be reduced. When the processes other than the processes of step S14, step S20, and step S24 are performed, the control unit 50 performs only the first drive, performs only the second drive, or performs the first drive and the second drive. You can do it in combination.

  For example, the brush pressure may be detected, and the controller 50 may perform the second drive when the brush pressure is high, and perform the first drive when the brush pressure is low. Alternatively, the posture of the electric toothbrush 100 can be detected, and whether the control unit 50 performs only the first drive, only the second drive, or the first drive according to the detected posture. It may be selected whether the second driving and the second driving are combined.

  1 to 3, the eccentric shaft 13 and the weight 14 can vibrate the brush unit 20 in the first direction and the second direction. Any structure that can vibrate the stem 11 and the brush unit 20 integrally in the second direction may be used. For example, the brush unit 20 may be vibrated in a first direction and a second direction by sound wave vibration.

  The electric toothbrush 100 may have a simple configuration that vibrates the brush unit 20 attached to the stem 11 in a single direction. Further, in the electric toothbrush 100, the brush unit 20 is configured such that the portion provided with the plurality of brushes 22 can rotate with respect to the housing of the brush unit 20, and this portion is rotated by a drive mechanism provided in the stem 11. It is good also as a structure which drives the brush unit 20 by doing and performs a toothbrushing operation | movement.

  FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an electric toothbrush 200, which is a modification of the electric toothbrush 100 shown in FIG. The electric toothbrush 200 has the same configuration as the electric toothbrush 100 except that the light receiving element 26 is omitted.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the electric toothbrush 200 shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, the same processes as those described with reference to FIG. After emitting the B light in step S10, the control unit 50 of the electric toothbrush 200 performs the processing after step S17 described in FIG.

  As described above, even when the light receiving element 26 is not provided, the liquid is ejected from the hole 21 when the amount of the R light detected by the light receiving element 25 continues to be equal to or less than the threshold value TH3 for a time equal to or longer than the threshold value TH4. Thus, it is possible to reduce the state in which the amount of tooth dirt cannot be detected.

  In the electric toothbrush 100 of FIG. 1, liquid is ejected from the hole 21 even when the state in which the amount of G light is equal to or less than the threshold value TH1 continues for a time equal to or greater than the threshold value TH2 regardless of the amount of R light. . As described above, monitoring not only the R light but also the light amount of the G light and controlling the liquid ejection timing based on the magnitude of the light amount detects a tooth state that cannot be determined only by the R light monitor. It is effective.

  FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an electric toothbrush 300, which is a modification of the electric toothbrush 100 shown in FIG. The electric toothbrush 300 has the same configuration as the electric toothbrush 100 except that the position of the hole 21 is different.

  Two holes 21 are provided in the brush unit 20 of the electric toothbrush 300. The two holes 21 are arranged with a region where a plurality of brushes 22 are formed therebetween. According to this configuration, the number of brushes 22 can be increased as compared with the electric toothbrush 100.

  In the electric toothbrushes 100 and 300, the light receiving element 25 is used as a reflected light detection unit that detects R light that is reflected light of B light, and the light receiving device 26 is used as a reflected light detection unit that detects G light that is reflected light of B light. Was used. Instead of the light receiving element 25 and the light receiving element 26, an image pickup element in which a photoelectric conversion element for detecting R light and a photoelectric conversion element for detecting G light are arranged in a two-dimensional shape (for example, a staggered pattern) is used. You may use as a reflected light detection part which detects the reflected light of light.

  When this image sensor is used, the total number of output signals that are equal to or higher than the minimum detection level among the output signals of the photoelectric conversion element group that detects R light (G light) is used as the amount of R light (G light). It can be handled. Alternatively, the integrated value of output signals that are equal to or higher than the minimum detection level among the output signals of the photoelectric conversion element group that detects R light (G light) may be handled as the light amount of R light (G light).

  FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an electric toothbrush 400, which is a modification of the electric toothbrush 100 shown in FIG.

  The electric toothbrush 400 is different in that the position of the light emitting element 24 and the light receiving element 25 in the stem 11 is different from the position of the transparent window 23 formed in the casing of the brush unit 20 so as to face the light emitting element 24 and the light receiving element 25. Except for this, the electric toothbrush 200 has the same configuration.

  The light emitting element 24 and the light receiving element 25 incorporated in the stem 11 of the electric toothbrush 400 are arranged with the hole 21 in between when viewed from the brush pressing direction. A transparent window 23 is formed in the housing of the brush unit 20 facing the light emitting element 24 and the light receiving element 25.

  The operation of the electric toothbrush 400 is the same as that of the electric toothbrush 200. According to the electric toothbrush 400, since the transparent window 23 facing the light receiving element 25 and the light emitting element 24 is near the hole 21, the substance adhering to the transparent window 23 by the liquid ejected from the hole 21 is effectively removed. Can be removed.

  In the electric toothbrushes 100 to 400, the light emitting element and the reflected light detection unit included in the light emitting unit are provided on the stem 11, but the light emitting element and the reflected light detection unit are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the casing of the brush unit 20 (formed by the brush 22. It may be provided on the same surface as the surface to be provided. In this case, the light emitting element functions as a light emitting part. According to the configuration of the electric toothbrushes 100 to 400, the manufacturing cost of the brush unit 20 that is a consumable item can be suppressed as much as possible.

  Up to this point, the configuration in which the liquid is ejected from the hole 21 has been described, but a configuration in which a gas such as air is ejected from the hole 21 instead of the liquid may be employed.

  In the electric toothbrushes 100 to 400, air can be ejected from the hole 21 if no liquid is contained in the tank 30. As described above, the electric toothbrushes 100 to 400 may be configured so that fluid including liquid and gas is ejected from the hole 21. Particularly effective for removing plaque and toothpaste is when a liquid is used as the fluid.

  It can also be provided as a program for causing a computer to execute each process performed by the control unit 50 of the present embodiment. Such a program is recorded on a non-transitory recording medium in which the computer can read the program.

  Such “computer-readable recording medium” includes, for example, an optical medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-ROM), a magnetic recording medium such as a memory card, and the like. Such a program can also be provided by downloading via a network.

  It should be thought that embodiment disclosed this time is an illustration and restrictive at no points. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  As described above, the following items are disclosed in this specification.

  The disclosed electric toothbrush detects a drive unit that drives a brush unit mounted on a main body unit, a light emitting unit that emits light from the brush unit, and reflected light of light emitted from the light emitting unit. A reflected light detecting unit; a dirt detecting unit for detecting a dirt amount of teeth based on the reflected light detected by the reflected light detecting unit; a fluid ejecting unit for ejecting fluid from the brush unit; and the reflected light detecting unit. And a fluid ejection control unit that controls the ejection timing of the fluid based on the amount of reflected light detected by.

  In the disclosed electric toothbrush, the light emitting unit emits blue light, the reflected light detecting unit individually detects red light and green light as the reflected light, and the dirt detecting unit is In the first case, the amount of dirt on the teeth is detected based on the red light, and the fluid ejection control unit continues the state in which the amount of the green reflected light is equal to or less than a first threshold value over a second threshold value. Further, the fluid is ejected.

  In the disclosed electric toothbrush, the fluid ejection control unit further causes the fluid ejection control unit to supply the fluid in a second case in which the state in which the amount of the reflected red light is equal to or less than a third threshold continues for a time equal to or greater than a fourth threshold. It is to be injected.

  In the disclosed electric toothbrush, the fluid ejection control unit is configured such that the fluid ejection condition in each of the first case and the second case when the amount of the red reflected light exceeds the third threshold value. The fluid is ejected under different ejection conditions.

  In the disclosed electric toothbrush, the light emitting unit emits blue light, the reflected light detecting unit detects red light as the reflected light, and the dirt detecting unit is based on the red light. The amount of dirt on the teeth is detected, and the fluid ejection control unit causes the fluid to flow in a third case in which the state in which the amount of the reflected red light is equal to or less than a third threshold continues for a time equal to or greater than a fourth threshold. It is to be injected.

  In the disclosed electric toothbrush, the fluid ejection control unit causes fluid to be ejected under ejection conditions different from the fluid ejection conditions in the third case when the amount of red reflected light exceeds the third threshold. It is to be injected.

  The electric toothbrush operating method disclosed is an electric toothbrush operating method having a drive unit that drives a brush unit mounted on a main body, and includes a light emitting step for emitting light from the brush unit, and the light emitting step. A reflected light detecting step for detecting reflected light of the reflected light, a stain detecting step for detecting a stain amount of teeth based on the reflected light detected by the reflected light detecting step, and a fluid ejection for ejecting fluid from the brush unit And a fluid ejection control step for controlling the ejection timing of the fluid based on the amount of reflected light detected by the reflected light detection step.

  The present invention is particularly convenient and effective when applied to an electric toothbrush for home use.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Electric toothbrush 10 Holding part 11 Stem 13 Eccentric shaft 14 Weight 15 Substrate 20 Brush unit 21 Hole part 22 Brush 23, 23a Transparent window 24 Light emitting element 25, 26 Light receiving element 27 Water guide pipe 28 Valve 50 Control part M Motor

Claims (7)

A drive unit for driving the brush unit mounted on the main body,
A light emitting portion for emitting light from the brush unit;
A reflected light detection unit for detecting reflected light of the light emitted from the light emitting unit;
A dirt detector that detects the amount of dirt on the teeth based on the reflected light detected by the reflected light detector;
A fluid ejecting unit that ejects fluid from the brush unit;
An electric toothbrush comprising: a fluid ejection control unit that controls ejection timing of the fluid based on the amount of reflected light detected by the reflected light detection unit. The electric toothbrush according to claim 1,
The light emitting part emits blue light,
The reflected light detection unit individually detects red light and green light as the reflected light,
The dirt detection unit detects the amount of dirt on the teeth based on the red light,
The fluid ejection control unit is an electric toothbrush that ejects the fluid when the state in which the amount of the green reflected light is equal to or less than a first threshold continues for a second threshold or more. The electric toothbrush according to claim 2,
The fluid ejection control unit is further an electric toothbrush that ejects the fluid in a second case in which the state in which the light amount of the red reflected light is equal to or less than a third threshold continues for a time equal to or greater than a fourth threshold. The electric toothbrush according to claim 3,
The fluid ejection control unit is configured such that when the light amount of the red reflected light exceeds the third threshold value, the fluid ejection control unit performs fluid under ejection conditions different from the fluid ejection conditions in each of the first case and the second case. Electric toothbrush to inject. The electric toothbrush according to claim 1,
The light emitting part emits blue light,
The reflected light detection unit detects red light as the reflected light,
The dirt detection unit detects the amount of dirt on the teeth based on the red light,
The fluid ejection control unit is an electric toothbrush that ejects the fluid in a third case in which the state in which the amount of the reflected red light is equal to or less than a third threshold continues for a time equal to or greater than a fourth threshold. The electric toothbrush according to claim 5,
The fluid ejection control unit is an electric toothbrush that ejects fluid under ejection conditions different from the fluid ejection conditions in the third case when the amount of the red reflected light exceeds the third threshold. An operation method of an electric toothbrush having a drive unit that drives a brush unit mounted on a main body,
A light emitting step for emitting light from the brush unit;
A reflected light detecting step for detecting reflected light of the emitted light;
A stain detection step for detecting the amount of dirt on the teeth based on the reflected light detected by the reflected light detection step,
A fluid ejecting step of ejecting fluid from the brush unit;
A fluid ejection control step of controlling the fluid ejection timing based on the amount of reflected light detected by the reflected light detection step.

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