WO2001032052A1

WO2001032052A1 - Toothbrush

Info

Publication number: WO2001032052A1
Application number: PCT/EP2000/010661
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jörg WAGENFELD
Original assignee: KÖSE, Zeki
Priority date: 1999-10-30
Filing date: 2000-10-30
Publication date: 2001-05-10
Also published as: EP1267664A1; EP1267664B1; AU1277101A

Abstract

A toothbrush or similar device for cleaning teeth has a brush part (3), a shaft part (5) and a handle part (4). The inventively configured toothbrush (1; 1') is connected to a control device (K) which electronically detects and indicates the use of the toothbrush.

Description

toothbrush

The invention relates to a toothbrush according to the preamble of claim 1.

Known toothbrushes o. Like. Teeth cleaning devices include a brush part, a shaft portion and a handle portion, provided on this sticker with which children are encouraged to complete dental care in particular, to take care of their teeth regularly. Proof of the duration and frequency of the toothbrush use is not therefore possible and also by means of changing in color bristles on the brush part of the toothbrush, the detection of the dentifrice is inaccurate.

The invention addresses the problem of providing a toothbrush that accurate control of frequency and duration of dental care with high use motivation, especially in children permits with little technical effort.

The invention solves this problem BESTATIGUNGSKOPIE with a toothbrush having the features of claim 1. With regard to further significant refinements will be made to the Claims 2 to the 22nd

The toothbrush of the invention has the provided on this control device has a function part, with the duration of the use of each dentifrice operation is detected and displayed. For this purpose the control device is provided with an electronic control unit, in particular a microprocessor as a controller, which controls an onboard handle part of the toothbrush display element in a predetermined sequence program, that information such as service life, intensity o. The like. Can be represented.

This presentation is effected in particular by child-oriented symbols, for example by pictures in the form of differently filled honey pots, depicted bears or in the form of small animations. This younger users are particularly encouraged to use the toothbrush regularly and over a sufficient period of time.

The toothbrush with the inventive monitoring and display system is equipped, for example, with pressure sensors, which are connected via a microprocessor in the range of a control unit with the representation of being filled honeypots so that the optimum pressing and purification conditions of the toothbrush are symbolized by the filled honeypot. To enable the use of the toothbrush generally, are already represented different figures or games by an effective upon detection of the handle part thermal sensor in the viewing window of the display means, so that the fun factor is increased when brushing teeth.

The electronic control system can be used both in a manually operated toothbrush, for example with an exchangeable brush head, as well as to a power toothbrush. In addition, it is provided that the control device forms a structural unit with the display means, the sensors and the control unit to the largely arbitrary, in known toothbrushes by means of the handle part can be fixed. This assembly is supply devices with little technical effort as an accessory for tooth cleaning applications.

For further details and advantageous embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the following description and the drawing, in which the toothbrush of the invention is explained with reference to two embodiments. In the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the manually

Toothbrush with forming the handle portion control device, Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration similar to FIG. 1 with integrally formed shank part and the handle part, and

Fig. 3, the toothbrush according to Fig. 1 in a second embodiment in which the control device is designed as a releasable from the toothbrush assembly.

In Fig. 1 a, generally designated 1 is shown toothbrush having a brush part 3, for example with a replaceable brush, the front part 2 of its stem 5. integral with the stem 5 is a generally denoted by 4 grip part is in the form of a hollow body.

The toothbrush 1 is provided in the inventive design with a generally denoted by K control means by which can be detected and displayed, the use of the toothbrush. 1 In an expedient embodiment, a display element (Fig. 2) 12 is directly integrated in the hollow body or the handle part 4. The control device K has in the region of the handle part 4, a control unit 6, one or more batteries 7, respective sensors 8, 9 and 10, a push button designed as a pressure switch 11 and the display element 12. End the handle part 4 is provided with an end cap 13 which is non-positively and / or positively fixed to the handle part. 4

In the grip portion 4 the display element 12 is disposed behind a viewing window fourteenth With this structure, the control device K, the display means 12 is electronically controlled, so that detected in a particularly simple embodiment, in use the toothbrush by means of the sensors 8, 9, 10 data can be displayed. In particular, it is provided that the microcontroller is provided with a microprocessor as control unit 6 then applies 12 pedagogical thoughtful information to the user of the toothbrush in the range of the display element for indicating when enabled by the sensors 8, 9, 10 corresponding displays. Especially is intended for children who are to be found by figures, play representations o. Etc.. Fun brushing. It is also conceivable that (not shown) to the control device K plurality of display means are connected or the display means 12 is arranged in the region of the shaft. 5

The display means 12 can be effective in the above-described optical design, and also is conceivable that an acoustic display means (not shown) is provided on the toothbrush. 1 This display means 12 can be activated by the control device K independently of the user, so that takes place for example at a certain time a request for brushing teeth. The display means 12 may be embodied as a liquid crystal display with a screen, which is connected with a not shown micro controller within the unit. 6 This controller (eg ST62T80P / E80P) site has a Flüssigkeitskristall- screen driver, a required data storage and operationally relevant components known per se to type on. Furthermore, the microcontroller comprises inputs for the connection of the sensors 8, 9 and 10. FIG.

The sensors 8 respective humidity and / or temperature sensors are arranged in the region of the brush section 3 and connected through non-illustrated connection lines to the controller of the control unit. 6 The temperature as tursensor trained sensor 10 is arranged for detecting the temperature in the handle part. 4 In the shaft 5, a pressure sensor 9 is provided, which is also connected to the control unit 6 by a non-illustrated connection line (Fig. 2). In an expedient embodiment 9 respective strain gauges are provided in the region of the pressure sensor from the measured values of the cleaning time and the contact pressure intensity can be derived.

In the handle 4 of the toothbrush 1 is designed as a pressure switch button is 11. If the toothbrush 1 on the handle part 4 detects by a user, the button 11 is directly operated by the user, so that the control unit 6 and the microcontroller with voltage from the 7 is supplied battery located within the hollow body.

By this power supply of the control unit 6 and the sensors 8, 9 and 10, for example, a temperature sensor KP100 supplied with Spännung and the output signals of the sensors are supplied as a digital or analog signal of the control unit. 6 Once here, for example, in a data memory, predetermined limit values of the output signals of the sensors 8, 9 and 10 are achieved, an optimal use of process is provided and the useful life of the toothbrush 1 with a located in the control unit 6 timer circuit by means of a timer (not shown) detected. Via the button 11 to enter the current time of day to the time-dependent control of an animation software is possible. Here, the control unit 6 with the microcontroller and the timing of the animation software by the battery voltage 7 are ac- tivert that detected by the sensors 8, 9, 10 of the cleaning process, and data are transmitted to the control unit. 6

Depending on the adherence to a predetermined minimum, for example, cleaning time, two to three minutes, the appearance of the display means 12 (display) changes tooth male depicted whose appearance can be stored and the next cleaning interval as the reference basis for further improvements are used. To address other user groups (in addition to the children) can be displayed via internal switches installed animations on the display means the 12th

By the microcontroller of the control unit 6, the temperature in the handle portion 6 and the humidity (sensor 8, Fig. 2) and / or temperature are monitored in the region of the brush 3. the measured values are within a predetermined measuring range, the service life of the toothbrush 1 is represented by an activation of the display element 12th This happens for example in that the Figuren- illustration of a bear is done when using the liquid crystal display with a Honigfaß and the increasing level of the honey barrel is a measure of the useful life.

Here, it is assumed that the Honigfaß is filled after use of the toothbrush 1 over a period of three minutes. With a shorter useful life of the toothbrush 1, the Honigfaß is only partially filled, the state is displayed and so is a control for example by children, is possible. In addition, an acoustic signal can be carried to this visual display, with the successful completion of the cleaning process is indicated.

In a further embodiment 12 grip each other illuminable translucent symbols can be provided in place of the liquid crystal display as a display means. Depending upon the useful life of the toothbrush 1 of the symbols becomes translucent illuminated, so that the user is possible, the respective, for example, detects the maximum dental care time and also a proof.

In another embodiment, the useful life of the toothbrush 1 is symbolized by LEDs. Several of these light-emitting diodes not shown may be lined up, and each light emitting diode is assigned a time stamp so that the use time is displayed by appropriate energization of the light emitting diodes to the user of the toothbrush 1 by a control means of the microcontroller, for example in the form of a straight line.

As already mentioned, acoustic elements in the control and signaling system can be added to increase the reward for a sufficient period of use of the toothbrush. 1 To this end an electro-acoustic transducer (not shown) can be inserted in the handle part 4, which is activated by the control unit 6, upon reaching the intended period of use of the toothbrush. 1

In Fig. 3, a toothbrush 1 'in per se known, commercially available embodiment is shown, wherein the grip portion is set in a unit 15 4, as a control device K of the display means 12, the sensors 8, 9 and 10 and the control unit 6 is provided.

The assembly 15 is formed as a part of the handle 4 of the toothbrush 1-positively and positively abstützender in a connecting channel 16 hollow body 17, whose contour is substantially the formation of the grip portion 4 of FIG. 1 or 2 may correspond. In this assembly 15, the already set with the first embodiment of the control device K above the electronic components in the inner space 18 and in the wall of the hollow body 17, the display means 12 is disposed. The toothbrush 1 'is inserted through a front insertion opening 19 with a seal 20 in the connecting channel sixteenth The connecting channel 16 is thereby formed by a shaft portion 21 (pressure) sensor is on the bottom side 10 is provided for detecting the movement of the toothbrush 1 used in the. The temperature sensor 8 and a further pressure sensor 9 are arranged in the interior 18 of the hollow body 17th The data acquisition means of the sensors 8, 9 and 10 by means of the control unit 6, as in the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2 described so that the corresponding view is activated in the display means 12 by a combination of the measurement data with the program of the microprocessor.

After an activation of the control unit 6 is also possible by the timing of the animation software for the microcontroller, to be spread over the day predetermined cleaning intervals are possible. In this case also the timely execution of the cleaning operation can be registered via the activation of the sensors 8, 9 and 10. FIG. By an internal interrupt of the control program the cleaning intervals can be set so that activation of the display is possible only at the predetermined time and thus the user, especially children, are 'not animated outside the cleaning times to a use of the toothbrush 1 and 1 respectively. Thus an undesirable, excessive use of the toothbrush 1 is prevented and avoided, wear of the teeth.

The toothbrush 1 or the assembly 15 is provided in the control device K with a storage medium in which the detectable during the cleaning process data are stored. Regardless of the above-described use of these data for the images in the area of the display means 12 can be read provided for example in the field of control unit 6, the storage medium at arbitrary times.

It is particularly thought the stored concealed data (sensor data, time tracking) to an external sensing device (not shown) to transfer and define an application-specific further processing and evaluation with the user. As a suitable transmission methods besides direct electrical line contact an induction, infrared, ultrasonic or Funküber- mi11lung is conceivable.

It is also provided to program the microprocessor so that all animation programs are blocked by a too large time interval between two cleaning intervals and a new activation of a particular task, such as a fee o. The like., Is connected for the child. Also, a more timely replacement of the brush part 3 can be controlled with the system.

Claims

claims

1. Toothbrush tooth-cleaning device or the like with a brush part (3), a shank part (5) and a handle part (4), characterized in that the toothbrush (1; 1 ').. Having a use thereof detected electronically and displaying control means (K ) connected is.

2. A toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device (K) with an electronically controllable display means (12) is provided with which, in use of the toothbrush (1; 1 ') detected data can be displayed.

3. A toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said multiple control devices (K) and / or display means (12) is provided.

4. A toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least the display means (12) is arranged on the handle part (4).

5. A toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in the handle portion (4) arranged control device (K) comprises an indicating means (12) control unit (6) connected, and that one or more sensors (8 , 9, 10) of the toothbrush (1; 1 '), the use of the toothbrush (1; l ¹⁾ is detected.

6. Toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it is in the range of the control unit (6) comprises a removable storage medium provided with a microcontroller.

7. Toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the display means (12) of the control device (K) depending on the duration of use of the toothbrush (1; 1 ') by the control unit (6) can be activated.

8. A toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the display means (12) and / or optically acoustically effective.

9. A toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the optical display means (12) is provided with a liquid crystal display.

10. A toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the optical display means (12) is formed of light diodes and these light emitting diodes each at the handle part (4) are assigned to pictures located.

11. A toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that located the grip part (4) display means (12) at least one of the control unit (6) activatable light source is associated with transilluminated symbols and / or images.

12. A toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that in the handle portion (4) by the use of the toothbrush (1; '1) activatable, the control unit (6) is arranged an activating switching element (11).

13. A toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the control device (K) comprises a microcontroller, a microprocessor, which electric data by direct connection lines, infrared, induction, ultrasonic or radio transmission can be fed.

14. A toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the control unit (6), the output signals or data with predetermined data are compared, and that the presence or reaching the preset sensor data or output signals of at least one of the sensors (8, 9 , 10), a timer is activated.

15. A toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that in response to the detected useful life of the toothbrush (1; 1 ') by the control unit (6) of the useful life image with the display means (12) is associated with activatable and / can be switched or a lighting means which is associated with a corresponding image or icon.

16. A toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the toothbrush (1; 1 ') is associated with at least one moisture (8) and / or temperature (10) and / or pressure sensor (9) is / are.

17. A toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the brush part (3) of the toothbrush (1) of the humidity sensor (8) is arranged.

18. A toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the control device (K) with at least the display means (12), the sensors (8, 9, 10), the control unit (6) and the accessory parts an assembly (15 ) forms, at a known toothbrush

(1 ') o. The like. Tooth-cleaning device can be fixed by a releasable coupling engagement.

19. The toothbrush according to claim 18, characterized in that said force-fitting a handle part (4) of the toothbrush (1 ') and positively supporting the hollow body (17), in the interior (18) of the electronic components and parts of the control device (K ) are added and the display means (in the wall 12) is fixed.

20. A toothbrush according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the toothbrush (1 ') via an end-side plug-in opening (19) in the assembly (15) can be fixed.

21. A toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that in the control device (K) registered data can be stored and capture device by an external ER read.

22. A toothbrush according to claim 21, characterized in that the data of the control device (K) as specified by induction, infrared, ultrasonic, radio or cable connections to the external recording device are transferable.