JP6659246B2 - Electric toothbrush and method of operating electric toothbrush - Google Patents

Description

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

  2. Description of the Related Art There is known an electric toothbrush of a type for brushing (plaque removal) by applying a brush that vibrates at high speed to teeth. As such an electric toothbrush, a brush unit provided with means for detecting plaque and tartar attached to teeth, dental caries, and the like has been proposed (for example, see Patent Documents 1 to 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 and the like are detected based on the detected amount of reflected light to inform a user. Has been described.

  Patent Documents 2 and 3 disclose a light emitting and receiving hole in a region surrounded by a number of brushes in a brush unit, a light source for introducing light into the hole, and a light incident on the hole. There is described an electric toothbrush provided with an optical sensor for detecting the electric current in a main body.

  In addition, there has been proposed an electric toothbrush having a function in which a hole is provided in a brush unit and water is injected into the mouth from the hole (for example, see Patent Documents 4-6).

JP 2008-532619 A JP 2002-515276 A JP-T-2013-53534 JP 2008-501411 A JP 2006-006570 A JP-A-2002-238662

  The electric toothbrushes described in Patent Literatures 1 to 3 irradiate light to the teeth and detect light reflected from the teeth with an optical sensor, thereby detecting tooth contamination such as plaque and tartar. Things. The electric toothbrush is used in a state where a toothpaste or the like is applied to a brush unit. Therefore, when the toothpaste is present on the tooth surface, light cannot be applied to the tooth, and plaque, tartar, and the like cannot be detected. Patent Documents 1 to 3 do not consider such a problem.

  Patent Literatures 4 to 6 disclose electric toothbrushes that can spray water into the mouth. However, these electric toothbrushes do not spray water to assist in detecting plaque, tartar, and the like.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electric toothbrush and an electric toothbrush operating method capable of improving the detection accuracy of tooth contamination.

  An electric toothbrush according to the present invention includes a driving unit that drives a brush unit mounted on a main body, a light emitting unit that emits light from the brush unit, and detects reflected light of light emitted from the light emitting unit. A reflected light detector, a stain detector that detects an amount of tooth stain based on the reflected light detected by the reflected light detector, a fluid ejector that ejects fluid from the brush unit, and the reflected light detector And a fluid ejection control unit for controlling the ejection timing of the fluid based on the amount of reflected light detected by the control unit.

  The method for operating an electric toothbrush according to the present invention is a method for operating an electric toothbrush having a driving unit for driving a brush unit mounted on a main body, wherein a light emitting step for emitting light from the brush unit; A reflected light detecting step of detecting reflected light of the reflected light, a dirt detecting step of detecting an amount of dirt on a tooth based on the reflected light detected by the reflected light detecting step, and a fluid jet for jetting a fluid from the brush unit And a fluid ejection control step of controlling the ejection timing of the fluid based on the amount of reflected light detected by the reflected light detection step.

  Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electric toothbrush and an electric toothbrush operating method capable of improving detection accuracy of tooth contamination.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an electric toothbrush 100 for explaining an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a brush pressing direction. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the electric toothbrush 100 shown in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the main-body part of the electric toothbrush shown in FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the electric toothbrush 100 shown in FIG. FIG. 2 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. 1 as viewed from a brush pressing direction. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the electric toothbrush 200 shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the electric toothbrush 300 which is a modification of the electric toothbrush 100 shown in FIG. 1 in the schematic structure seen from the brush pressing direction. It is a top view which shows the electric toothbrush 400 which is a modification of the electric toothbrush 100 shown in FIG. 1 in the schematic structure seen from the brush pressing direction.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described 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, viewed from a brush pressing direction.

  The electric toothbrush 100 includes a grip portion 10 including a battery and an electric control system therein, a main body 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 hole 21 for ejecting liquid, and a transparent window 23. Each brush 22 is a bundle of many hairs.

  The hole 21 is arranged 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 21 may be arranged so that the liquid can be emitted in the direction in which the brush 22 extends from the surface on which the brush 22 is formed.

  The transparent window 23 is formed by fitting a light-transmissive member such as a transparent resin or transparent glass into a hole provided in the housing of the brush unit 20. The transparent window 23 is disposed on the surface of the brush unit 20 where the plurality of brushes 22 are formed, closer to the end of the brush unit 20 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 may be arranged so that light can be emitted in the direction in which the brush 22 extends from the surface on which the brush 22 is 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 formed of a cylindrical housing having a hollow portion 20a and a closed end. The brush unit 20 is attached to the main body by fitting the stem 11 into the hollow portion 20a.

  The stem 11 is formed of a cylindrical housing whose tip (the end opposite to the grip 10) is closed. The stem 11 includes a bearing 12 formed at an 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 light receiving element 25 and the light receiving element 26 (see FIG. 1) formed, a transparent window 23 a provided in a housing, and a water guide pipe 27 are provided.

  The grip 10 includes a valve 28 connected to a water pipe 27 extending from the inside of the stem 11, a pump 29 connected to the valve 28, a tank 30 connected to the pump 29, and a liquid for pouring the 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. When the rotation shaft of the motor M rotates, the eccentric shaft 13 rotates.

  The weight 14 is fixed to the eccentric shaft 13 near the bearing 12. Due to the weight 14, the center of gravity of the eccentric shaft 13 is shifted from the center of rotation. Note that a small clearance is provided between the eccentric shaft 13 and the bearing 12.

  The eccentric shaft 13 also rotates with the rotation of the rotating shaft of the motor M, but the eccentric shaft 13 performs a motion of turning around the center of rotation because the center of gravity is shifted by the weight 14. Therefore, the entire eccentric shaft 13 bends, 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. Note that the pressing direction of the brush 22 matches the direction in which each brush 22 extends.

  In the electric toothbrush 100, the entire vibrating part (the stem 11 and the brush unit 20) has a resonance point (resonant frequency). By controlling the rotation speed of the motor M, the stem 11 and the brush unit 20 And the operation of vibrating the stem 11 and the brush unit 20 in a direction intersecting with the direction in which the brush 22 is pressed in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the motor M can be switched. Has become.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a transparent window 23 a having substantially the same size as the transparent window 23 is formed in a portion of the housing of the stem 11 facing the transparent window 23 of the housing of the brush unit 20. The transparent window 23a is formed by fitting a translucent member such as a transparent resin or a transparent glass into a hole provided in the housing 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 arranged 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 to detect dirt (plaque, tartar, etc.) on a tooth 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 23a 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 is configured by a photoelectric conversion element such as a photodiode for converting light into an electric signal.

  The light receiving element 25 is configured by a photoelectric conversion element that detects light in a red wavelength range (hereinafter, referred to as R light) and outputs a signal corresponding to the detected light amount. The light receiving element 25 is configured by a combination of a color filter transmitting R light and a photodiode having sensitivity to visible light, a photodiode capable of detecting 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 range (hereinafter, referred to as G light) and outputs a signal corresponding to the detected light amount. The light receiving element 26 is configured by a combination of a color filter transmitting G light and a photodiode having sensitivity to visible light, a photodiode capable of detecting only G light, and the like.

  When the plaque attached to the tooth is irradiated with the B light, the R light is excited in the plaque. That is, R light is generated as reflected light of B light. Further, when B light is irradiated to a tooth portion on which plaque is not adhered, G light is excited in this portion in addition to the reflection component of B light. That is, the G light is generated as a part of the reflected light of the 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 with plaque. The light receiving element 26 is provided to detect the G light obtained by reflecting the B light emitted from the light emitting element 24 with the 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 a substrate on which wires electrically connected to the light emitting element 24, the light receiving element 25, and the light receiving element 26 are formed. 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 incorporated in the holding unit 10.

  The tank 30 stores the liquid supplied from the liquid supply port 31. The liquid is, for example, water or a mouthwash.

  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 base end of the water pipe 27 extending from the inside of the stem 11, and controls the supply amount and the supply pressure of the liquid to be supplied to the water pipe 27 and the supply timing of the liquid to the water pipe 27. I do.

  The water guide pipe 27 is formed of a tubular member through which a liquid can pass. A hole 21 a is provided in a portion of the housing of the stem 11 that faces the hole 21 of the brush unit 20. The distal end of the water guide pipe 27 is fitted into the hole 21a. With this configuration, the liquid ejected from the tip of the water guide pipe 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 pipe 27, the hole 21a, and the hole 21 function as a fluid ejecting unit that ejects fluid from the brush unit 20. The ejection direction of the liquid ejected from the brush unit 20 can be changed by changing the cross-sectional shape of the hole 21. This spraying direction is preferably a direction in which the angle between the brush 22 and the pressing direction is less than 90 degrees, and 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 a main body of the electric toothbrush 100 shown in FIG.

  The main body 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 driving unit that drives the brush unit 20 mounted on the stem 11 by controlling the motor M. The control unit 50 controls the brush unit 20 to vibrate in the first direction, which is the pressing direction of the brush 22, and causes the brush unit 20 to move in the second direction different from the first direction (here, the rotation of the motor M). The second drive that vibrates in a direction perpendicular to the axis in a direction intersecting with the pressing direction of the brush 22) is selectively performed. The control unit 50 switches between the first drive and the second drive by changing the rotation speed of the rotation shaft of the motor M.

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

  The control unit 50 performs, for example, the first drive and the second drive alternately. In this manner, by automatically switching the vibration direction of the brush unit 20, the bristle of the brush 22 hits the treatment section from various angles, so that the plaque is more excellent than the unidirectional brush. A removal effect can be obtained. The driving method of the stem 11 by the control unit 50 is not particularly 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 via the substrate 15 and controls the light emitting element 24 to emit B light.

  The control unit 50 performs a dirt detection process of detecting the amount of dirt on the teeth such as plaque and tartar adhered to the teeth based on the reflected light detected by the light receiving element 25. The dirt detection processing is performed by a known method based on the amount of R light detected by the light receiving element 25 (detection signal level). 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 to cause the ejection from the hole 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 notification unit 60 notifies a user of the electric toothbrush 100 using a device such as a speaker or an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The notifying unit 60 sounds a sound or illuminates an LED to notify the user according to a command from the control unit 50.

  The content to be notified is the amount of tooth contamination calculated by the control unit 50. For example, the notification unit 60 notifies the tooth stain amount by illuminating the LED in green when the amount of dirt is extremely small, and illuminates the LED in red when the amount of dirt is large, and effectively notifies the LED. Help with brushing your teeth.

  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 power of the electric toothbrush 100 is turned on and the 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 attached 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 performing the first drive and the second drive alternately. The B light emitted from the light emitting element 24 is emitted to the outside of the brush unit 20 from the transparent window 23 (Step S10). The control unit 50 acquires detection signals of the light receiving elements 25 and 26 immediately after the light emitting element 24 emits light.

  The control unit 50 determines whether or not the amount of G light (detection signal level of the light receiving element 26) detected by the light receiving element 26 is equal to or less than a first threshold value TH1 (step S11). When the determination in step S11 is YES, the control unit 50 counts up 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 determines 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. Is determined (step S13), and whether the elapsed time is equal to or greater than a second threshold value TH2 is determined.

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

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

  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 erases the time stored in association with the count value of the G light non-detection counter (step S16). Then, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the light amount of the R light detected by the light receiving element 25 (the detection signal level of the light receiving element 25) is equal to or less than a third threshold value TH3 (Step S17). Note that, also when the determination in step S13 is NO, the control unit 50 performs the processing in step S17.

  When the determination in step S17 is YES, the control unit 50 counts up 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 determines 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 where no R light is detected) is obtained, and it is determined whether or not this elapsed time is equal to or greater than a fourth threshold 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 to the water supply pipe at the first supply amount and the first pressure (first condition). 27, and ejects the liquid from the tip of the water guide pipe 27 (step S20).

  The determination in step S19 is YES in the first state in which the teeth are not hidden by toothpaste or the like and there is almost no dirt on the teeth, and plaque or calculus although the surface of the teeth is slightly visible. Either a second state in which a light-blocking substance such as a toothpaste is adhered to a portion where is adhered, or a third state in which the light receiving element 25 is covered with the toothpaste or the like. Is assumed.

  In the second state and the third state, the function of detecting tooth contamination cannot be exhibited. For this reason, if the determination in step S19 is YES, the processing in step S20 is performed to remove the substance adhering to the teeth and to remove plaque or tartar if there is plaque or tartar. Can be exposed. In addition, the substance adhering to the light receiving element 25 is removed, and the detection of the R light can be favorably performed.

  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 the R light non-detection counter in association with the count value of the R light non-detection counter. The present time is deleted (step S22). Thereafter, the control unit 50 calculates the amount of dirt on the tooth 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 to control the second supply amount smaller than the first supply amount and the second pressure (second pressure) lower than the first pressure. Under the condition (2), the liquid in the tank 30 is supplied to the water pipe 27, and the liquid is jetted from the tip of the water pipe 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, when the determination in step S13 is YES, that is, when the light amount of the G light detected by the light receiving element 26 is equal to or less than the threshold TH1 for a time equal to or longer than the threshold TH2 Then, the liquid is ejected from the hole 21 under the first condition.

  Therefore, even when the teeth to which the plurality of brushes 22 are applied are covered with a substance such as a toothpaste, the substance can be removed by the force of the liquid. Therefore, plaque and tartar adhering to the teeth can be exposed, and the amount of soiling of the teeth can be detected.

  Further, in the electric toothbrush 100, when the determination in step S19 is 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 TH3 continues for the time equal to or longer than the threshold TH4, The liquid is ejected from the hole 21 under one condition.

  Therefore, even when plaque or tartar is covered with a substance such as toothpaste, the substance can be removed by the force of the liquid. Therefore, plaque and tartar can be exposed, and the amount of tooth contamination 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 21, and it becomes possible to detect the contamination of the teeth. .

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

  When the determination in step S17 is NO, the light amount of the G light may be equal to or less than the threshold value TH1, and the teeth may be hidden by toothpaste or the like, or the toothpaste or the like may be on the light receiving element 26. It may be attached. The presence of the processing in step S24 makes it possible to remove 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 with reference to FIG. 4 is preferably such that the threshold value TH2 <the 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. Therefore, if the liquid is ejected when the state in which the amount of R light is equal to or less than the threshold value TH3 continues for a short time, plaque hardly adheres to the teeth or brushing proceeds and the plaque is sufficiently reduced. In this state, the liquid is frequently ejected. Therefore, 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 light amount of the G light is equal to or less than the threshold value TH1 includes a state in which toothpaste or the like is attached to the brushing site. Therefore, if this state is left for a long time, plaque cannot be detected forever. Therefore, it is preferable to set the threshold value TH2 to a value smaller than the threshold value TH4.

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

  As described above, since the purpose of the liquid ejection in steps S14 and S20 and the purpose of the liquid ejection in step S24 are different, it is preferable that the liquid ejection conditions in each liquid ejection be different as described above. Both liquid jets may be performed under the same conditions.

  Since a certain amount of liquid and a certain amount of pressure are required to remove toothpaste and the like, as described with reference to FIG. 4, different conditions are required for the liquid ejection in steps S14 and S20 and the liquid ejection in step S24. It is good to set. However, removal of toothpaste or the like is an operation not directly related to toothpaste. Therefore, in step S14 and step S20, if liquid ejection is performed with a larger amount of liquid and a higher pressure than in step S24, the user may feel uncomfortable.

  In order to reduce such discomfort, in FIG. 4, it is preferable that the liquid ejection in steps S14 and S20 is performed according to the second condition, and the liquid ejection in step S24 is performed according to the first condition.

  Note that the second condition may be a condition in which only the supply amount of the liquid is smaller than the first condition, or a condition in which only the pressure is lower than the first condition.

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

  In addition, since the removal of plaque itself is performed by the plurality of vibrating brushes 22, the process of step S24 in FIG. 4 may be omitted.

  In each process of step S14, step S20, and step S24 shown in FIG. 4, the liquid is ejected from the hole 21. The direction in which the liquid is ejected substantially coincides with the direction in which the brush unit 20 is pressed against the teeth (first direction). Therefore, if the brush unit 20 vibrates in the second direction while the liquid is being ejected from the hole 21, there is a possibility that the brush 22 may obstruct the liquid ejection path due to the fall of the brush 22. . As a result, a pressure loss of the liquid to be ejected occurs, and there is a possibility that the effect of removing toothpaste and the like and the removal of plaque may be reduced.

  Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit 50 performs only the first drive when performing each of the processes of step S14, step S20, and step S24. By doing so, when the liquid is being ejected from the hole 21, the possibility that the brush 22 blocks the ejection path of the liquid can be reduced. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the effect of removing toothpaste and the like and the removal of plaque are reduced. At times other than the processing in steps S14, S20, and S24, the control unit 50 performs only the first drive, performs only the second drive, or performs the first drive and the second drive. It may be done in combination.

  For example, the brush pressure may be detected, and the control unit 50 may perform the second drive when the brush pressure is high, and may perform the first drive when the brush pressure is low. Alternatively, the attitude of the electric toothbrush 100 is detected so that the control unit 50 performs only the first drive, only the second drive, or the first drive according to the detected attitude. It is also possible to select whether to perform the combination of and the second drive.

  Further, in FIGS. 1 to 3, the brush unit 20 can be vibrated in the first direction and the second direction by the eccentric shaft 13 and the weight 14. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Any structure may be used as long as the stem 11 and the brush unit 20 can be vibrated integrally in the second direction. For example, the brush unit 20 may be vibrated in the first direction and the second direction by sound wave vibration.

  Further, the electric toothbrush 100 may have a simple configuration in which the brush unit 20 mounted on the stem 11 vibrates in a single direction. Further, the electric toothbrush 100 has a configuration in which the brush unit 20 is configured such that a portion provided with the plurality of brushes 22 is rotatable with respect to the housing of the brush unit 20, and this portion is rotated by a driving mechanism provided in the stem 11. By doing so, the brush unit 20 may be driven to perform a tooth brushing operation.

  FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an electric toothbrush 200 which is a modified example of the electric toothbrush 100 shown in FIG. 1 when viewed from a brush pressing direction. 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 in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals. After emitting the B light in step S10, the control unit 50 of the electric toothbrush 200 performs the processing from step S17 described in FIG. 4.

  As described above, even in the configuration without the light receiving element 26, the liquid can be ejected from the hole 21 when the state in which the light amount of the R light detected by the light receiving element 25 is equal to or less than the threshold TH3 continues for the time of the threshold TH4. Thus, it is possible to reduce the state where the amount of tooth contamination cannot be detected.

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

  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. 1 when viewed from a brush pressing direction. The electric toothbrush 300 has the same configuration as the electric toothbrush 100 except that the position of the hole 21 is different.

  The brush unit 20 of the electric toothbrush 300 has two holes 21. These two holes 21 are arranged with a region where a plurality of brushes 22 are formed interposed 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 detecting unit that detects R light that is reflected light of B light, and the light receiving element 26 is used as a reflected light detecting 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 imaging 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 lattice) is referred to as B It may be used as a reflected light detection unit that detects reflected light of light.

  When this image pickup device is used, the total number of output signals having a minimum detection level or more among the output signals of the photoelectric conversion element group for detecting the R light (G light) is defined as the light amount of the R light (G light). You can handle it. Alternatively, among the output signals of the photoelectric conversion element group for detecting the R light (G light), the integrated value of the output signals having the minimum detection level or more may be treated as the light amount of the R light (G light).

  FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an electric toothbrush 400 which is a modified example of the electric toothbrush 100 shown in FIG. 1 when viewed from a brush pressing direction.

  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 housing of the brush unit 20 so as to face the light emitting element 24 and the light receiving element 25. Except for this, the configuration is the same as that of the electric toothbrush 200.

  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 therebetween when viewed from the brush pressing direction. A transparent window 23 is formed in the housing of the brush unit 20 facing each of 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 liquid ejected from the hole 21 effectively removes the substance attached to the transparent window 23. Can be removed.

  In the electric toothbrushes 100 to 400, the light emitting element and the reflected light detecting section included in the light emitting section are provided on the stem 11, but the light emitting element and the reflected light detecting section are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the housing of the brush unit 20 (the brush 22 is formed). May be provided on the same surface as the surface to be formed). In this case, the light emitting element functions as a light emitting unit. According to the configuration of the electric toothbrushes 100 to 400, the manufacturing cost of the brush unit 20, which is a consumable item, can be minimized.

  The configuration in which the liquid is ejected from the hole 21 has been described so far, 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 have a configuration in which the fluid including the liquid and the gas is ejected from the hole 21. Particularly effective for removing plaque and toothpaste is the case where a liquid is used as a fluid.

  Each process performed by the control unit 50 of the present embodiment can be provided as a program for causing a computer to execute the process. Such a program is recorded on a non-transitory recording medium readable by a computer.

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

  The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. 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 includes a driving unit that drives a brush unit mounted on a main body unit, a light emitting unit that emits light from the brush unit, and detects reflected light of light emitted from the light emitting unit. A reflected light detector, a stain detector that detects an amount of tooth stain based on the reflected light detected by the reflected light detector, a fluid ejector that ejects fluid from the brush unit, and the reflected light detector And a fluid ejection control unit for controlling the ejection timing of the fluid based on the amount of reflected light detected by the control unit.

  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 stain detecting unit includes: Detecting the amount of tooth contamination based on the red light, the fluid ejection control unit, the first case where 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 Then, the fluid is ejected.

  In the disclosed electric toothbrush, the fluid ejection control unit further includes the second case in which the state in which the 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 is used. It is to be injected.

  In the disclosed electric toothbrush, the fluid ejection control unit is configured to, when the light amount of the red reflected light exceeds the third threshold, eject the fluid in each of the first case and the second case. 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 fluid ejection control unit detects the amount of dirt on the teeth, and the fluid ejection control unit removes the fluid in a third case in which the state in which the 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. It is to be injected.

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

  The disclosed method of operating an electric toothbrush is a method of operating an electric toothbrush having a driving unit that drives a brush unit mounted on a main body, wherein a light emitting step of emitting light from the brush unit; A reflected light detecting step of detecting reflected light of the reflected light, a dirt detecting step of detecting a tooth dirt amount based on the reflected light detected by the reflected light detecting step, and a fluid jet for jetting a fluid from the brush unit And a fluid ejection control step of controlling the ejection timing of the fluid based on the amount of reflected light detected by the reflected light detection step.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is particularly convenient and effective when applied to a household electric toothbrush.

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

Claims (11)

A drive unit for driving the brush unit mounted on the main body,
A light emitting unit that emits light from the brush unit,
A reflected light detection unit that detects reflected light of light emitted from the light emission unit,
A dirt detector that detects the amount of dirt on the tooth based on the reflected light detected by the reflected light detector,
A fluid ejecting unit that ejects fluid from the brush unit,
Separately from the dirt detection section, when a state in which the amount of reflected light detected by the reflected light detection section becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold continues for a predetermined time or more , a state in which a substance that blocks light is attached is determined. A determination unit;
An electric toothbrush comprising: a fluid ejection control unit configured to cause the fluid ejection unit to eject the fluid based on the determination of the state in which the substance is attached by the determination unit . The electric toothbrush according to claim 1,
The light emitting unit emits blue light,
The reflected light detection unit individually detects red light and green light as the reflected light,
The dirt detector detects the amount of dirt on the tooth based on the red light,
The electric toothbrush, wherein the fluid ejection control unit ejects the fluid in a first case where a 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 electric toothbrush, wherein the fluid ejection control unit further ejects the fluid in a second case in which a state in which the 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, wherein
The fluid ejection control unit, when the amount of the red reflected light exceeds the third threshold, the fluid ejection conditions different from the fluid ejection conditions in each of the first case and the second case Electric toothbrush to spray. The electric toothbrush according to claim 1,
The light emitting unit emits blue light,
The reflected light detection unit detects red light as the reflected light,
The dirt detector detects the amount of dirt on the tooth based on the red light,
The electric toothbrush, wherein the fluid ejection control unit ejects the fluid in a third case in which a state in which the 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 5, wherein
The electric toothbrush, wherein the fluid ejection control unit ejects the 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 driving unit that drives a brush unit mounted on a main body unit,
A light emitting step of emitting light from the brush unit,
Reflected light detection step of detecting the reflected light of the emitted light,
A stain detection step of detecting a tooth stain amount based on the reflected light detected by the reflected light detection step,
A fluid ejection step of ejecting fluid from the brush unit,
Separately from the dirt detection step, when a state in which the amount of reflected light detected by the reflected light detection step is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold continues for a predetermined time or more , a state in which a substance that blocks light is attached is determined. A determining step;
A fluid ejection control step of injecting the fluid in the fluid ejection step based on the determination of the state in which the substance is attached in the determination step . A drive unit for driving the brush unit mounted on the main body,
A light emitting unit that emits light from the brush unit,
A reflected light detection unit that detects reflected light of light emitted from the light emission unit,
A dirt detector that detects the amount of dirt on the tooth based on the reflected light detected by the reflected light detector,
A fluid ejecting unit that ejects fluid from the brush unit,
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 light emitting unit emits blue light,
The reflected light detection unit individually detects red light and green light as the reflected light,
The dirt detector detects the amount of dirt on the tooth based on the red light,
The electric toothbrush, wherein the fluid ejection control unit ejects the fluid in a first case where a 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. A drive unit for driving the brush unit mounted on the main body,
A light emitting unit that emits light from the brush unit,
A reflected light detection unit that detects reflected light of light emitted from the light emission unit,
A dirt detector that detects the amount of dirt on the tooth based on the reflected light detected by the reflected light detector,
A fluid ejecting unit that ejects fluid from the brush unit,
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 light emitting unit emits blue light,
The reflected light detection unit detects red light as the reflected light,
The dirt detector detects the amount of dirt on the tooth based on the red light,
The electric toothbrush, wherein the fluid ejection control unit ejects the fluid in a third case in which a state in which the 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. An operation method of an electric toothbrush having a driving unit that drives a brush unit mounted on a main body unit,
A light emitting step of emitting light from the brush unit,
Reflected light detection step of detecting the reflected light of the emitted light,
A stain detection step of detecting a tooth stain amount based on the reflected light detected by the reflected light detection step,
A fluid ejection step of ejecting fluid from the brush unit,
A fluid ejection control step of controlling the ejection timing of the fluid based on the amount of reflected light detected by the reflected light detection step,
The light emitting step emits blue light,
The reflected light detection step detects red light and green light individually as the reflected light,
The dirt detection step detects the amount of dirt on the tooth based on the red light,
The fluid ejection control step is a method of operating an electric toothbrush that ejects the fluid in a first case where a 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. An operation method of an electric toothbrush having a driving unit that drives a brush unit mounted on a main body unit,
A light emitting step of emitting light from the brush unit,
Reflected light detection step of detecting the reflected light of the emitted light,
A stain detection step of detecting a tooth stain amount based on the reflected light detected by the reflected light detection step,
A fluid ejection step of ejecting fluid from the brush unit,
A fluid ejection control step of controlling the ejection timing of the fluid based on the amount of reflected light detected by the reflected light detection step,
The light emitting step emits blue light,
The reflected light detection step detects red light as the reflected light,
The dirt detection step detects the amount of dirt on the tooth based on the red light,
The fluid ejection control step is a method of operating an electric toothbrush that ejects the fluid in a third case in which a state in which the 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.

Images