WO2021131692A1

WO2021131692A1 - Communicating type toothbrush attachment

Info

Publication number: WO2021131692A1
Application number: PCT/JP2020/045779
Authority: WO
Inventors: 真衣子菊地
Original assignee: ライオン株式会社
Priority date: 2019-12-24
Filing date: 2020-12-09
Publication date: 2021-07-01
Also published as: TW202128057A; JP2021101758A; JP7422537B2; CN113017238A; KR20220120541A

Abstract

The objective of the present invention is to provide a communicating type toothbrush attachment with which a desired operating mode can be selected easily and reliably from among a plurality of operating modes. This communicating type toothbrush attachment includes: a detecting portion for detecting a prescribed physical quantity relating to a toothbrush; a communication portion capable of communicating with a portable information terminal; and a switch portion (51) capable of selecting, in accordance with the length of time pressed, at least either a first operating mode for performing, with the portable information terminal via the communication portion, communication processing of the physical quantity detected by the detecting portion, or a second operating mode for processing, alone, the physical quantity detected by the detecting portion.

Description

Communication type toothbrush attachment

The present invention relates to an attachment for a communication type toothbrush.
The present application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-233340 filed in Japan on December 24, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Appropriate brushing is necessary to prevent caries and periodontal disease, but children do not know how to brush properly, and adults also have brushing habits, so the level is high for the user alone. It was difficult to master tooth brushing skills.

In recent years, with the rise of Iot technology, the movement when brushing the part displayed on the screen of a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone is acquired by a sensor, and the obtained data is transferred to the mobile information terminal to determine the brushing position and brushing stroke. A so-called smart toothbrush that can evaluate toothbrushing skills by calculating is being developed and introduced.

For example, Patent Document 1 describes a sensor unit that detects a physical quantity related to a toothbrush, a wireless transmission unit that transmits a wireless signal indicating the detected physical quantity, and a holding unit that holds the rear end side of the grip portion of the inserted toothbrush. The attachment for a communication type toothbrush having the above is disclosed.

The communication type toothbrush attachment described in Patent Document 1 provides a wireless signal indicating a physical quantity detected by a sensor unit by brushing with a toothbrush while being attached to the rear end side of the grip portion of the toothbrush in a holding portion. For example, it can be transmitted to the outside of a mobile information terminal (smartphone, etc.) that has activated the application by Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication. Therefore, when the attachment described in Patent Document 1 is used, it is possible to receive a wireless signal at a position away from the hand even while brushing teeth and to know information on the user's tooth brushing behavior based on the wireless signal. Become.

When the communication type toothbrush attachment described in Patent Document 1 is used for a toothbrush for children, the child does not always have his / her own mobile information terminal, and it is difficult to always start the application for brushing teeth. Therefore, an attachment for a communication type toothbrush that also has an operation mode that operates without starting an application is required.

Patent Document 2 automatically switches to an operation mode in which the communication type toothbrush attachment can be activated without using an application when the communication type toothbrush attachment and the mobile information terminal are not connected within a certain period of time. The technology is disclosed.

Japanese Patent No. 6465122 JP-A-2017-60662

In the attachment for a communication type toothbrush described in Patent Document 2, there is a waiting time until the operation mode is switched to the operation mode in which the application is operated independently without starting the application, or the attachment is operated without the application unintentionally depending on the communication state. There is a possibility that the operation mode to be activated will be activated.

Therefore, it is conceivable to separately provide switches for operating the operation mode for connecting the communication type toothbrush attachment and the mobile information terminal and the operation mode for operating the communication type toothbrush attachment alone. In this case, if the mobile information terminal has a plurality of switches corresponding to each operation mode, it is difficult for the child to operate the switch, and it is expected that the operation may be erroneous. This problem may occur not only in children but also in adults including the elderly.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an attachment for a communication type toothbrush that can easily and surely select a desired operation mode from a plurality of operation modes.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, an attachment for a communication type toothbrush to be attached to a toothbrush, a detection unit that detects a predetermined physical quantity related to the toothbrush, and a communication unit that can communicate with a mobile information terminal are operated. The first operation mode in which the physical quantity detected by the detection unit is communicated with the mobile information terminal via the communication unit according to the length of the pressed time from the stopped state, or the detection unit. Provided is an attachment for a communication type toothbrush, which comprises at least a switch unit capable of selecting a second operation mode for independently processing the physical quantity detected in the above.

Further, in the communication type toothbrush attachment according to one aspect of the present invention, the first operation mode is selected when the length of time that the switch portion is pressed is in the first range, and the first operation mode is selected. The second operation mode is selected when the range is different from the range.

Further, in the attachment for a communication type toothbrush according to one aspect of the present invention, the switch unit is pressed for a length of a predetermined time or longer while operating in the first operation mode or the second operation mode. Occasionally, a third operation mode different from the first operation mode and the second operation mode is activated.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the attachment for a communication type toothbrush to be attached to the toothbrush, the detection unit for detecting a predetermined physical quantity related to the toothbrush, the communication unit capable of communicating with the mobile information terminal, and the above. A housing that houses the detection unit and the communication unit inside, a switch unit that operates at least one of the detection unit and the communication unit, and a switch unit.
The switch portion is provided inside the housing rather than a virtual surface flush with the surface, which covers a hole formed on the surface of the housing. Toothbrush attachments are provided.

Further, in the attachment for a communication type toothbrush according to one aspect of the present invention, the housing is made of a hard resin, and the holes are watertightly sealed in a sealing portion made of a soft resin. It is characterized by that.

Further, in the attachment for a communication type toothbrush according to one aspect of the present invention, the housing has a recessed recess with respect to the virtual surface, and the hole is formed through the recess. It is characterized by that.

Further, in the attachment for a communication type toothbrush according to one aspect of the present invention, the sealing portion is characterized by having a protruding portion protruding inward at a position facing the hole portion.

Further, in the attachment for a communication type toothbrush according to one aspect of the present invention, the sealing portion is characterized in that the region around the protruding portion is formed thinner than the other regions.

Further, in the attachment for a communication type toothbrush according to one aspect of the present invention, the soft resin has a shore hardness A of 40 or more and 60 or less, a thickness of 0.5 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less, and styrene. It is characterized in that it is formed of a system elastomer.

Further, in the attachment for a communication type toothbrush according to one aspect of the present invention, the sealing portion is formed on a part of a structure having a fitting recess that fits watertightly with the housing on the bottom side. The structure is characterized by having a convex first curved surface on the front side where the switch portion is arranged and a concave second curved surface on the back side opposite to the front side in a side view. ..

Further, in the attachment for a communication type toothbrush according to one aspect of the present invention, the structure is provided at a position in the middle of the mounting surface provided at the bottom and the mounting surface provided at the back side in the normal direction of the previously described mounting surface. The second curved surface is provided on the upper side of the protrusion.

Further, in the attachment for a communication type toothbrush according to one aspect of the present invention, the maximum size of the hole and the recess is 7.0 mm or more and 11.0 mm or less.

Further, the attachment for a communication type toothbrush according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized by having a mounting portion that can be detachably attached to the toothbrush.

In the present invention, a desired operation mode can be easily and surely selected from a plurality of operation modes.

It is a figure which shows the embodiment of this invention, and is the external perspective view which shows the toothbrush 10 and the attachment 1 attached to the toothbrush 10. It is a partial side view which shows the tip side of the toothbrush 10. It is an exploded perspective view of the attachment 1. It is sectional drawing of the attachment 1 in the plane parallel to the YZ plane. It is sectional drawing of the attachment 1 in the plane parallel to the XZ plane. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the housing 45 as viewed from the + Z side. It is an external perspective view of the 1st structure 40. It is a side view of the substrate 42. It is a flowchart which shows the operation when the switch part 51 is pressed from the state where the attachment 1 is stopped. It is a flowchart which shows the operation when the 1st operation mode is selected. It is a flowchart which shows the operation when the 2nd operation mode is selected. It is a flowchart which shows the operation when the switch part 51 is pressed in the 1st operation mode or the 2nd operation mode. It is a partial side view which shows the tip side of the toothbrush 10 of a modification.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the attachment for a communication type toothbrush of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13. In this embodiment, a configuration in which a communication type toothbrush attachment is detachably provided on a manual toothbrush will be described as an example.

Note that the following embodiments show one aspect of the present invention, do not limit the present invention, and can be arbitrarily changed within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Further, in the following drawings, in order to make each configuration easy to understand, the scale and number of each structure are different from the actual structure.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a toothbrush 10 and an attachment (attachment for a communication type toothbrush) 1 attached to the toothbrush 10. FIG. 2 is a partial side view showing the tip end side of the toothbrush 10.

[Toothbrush 10]
First, the toothbrush 10 will be described. The toothbrush 10 is not particularly limited in shape, size, material and the like as long as the attachment 1 can be attached. The toothbrush 10 of the present embodiment is for infants as an example. The toothbrush 10 has a handle body 11 and a brush portion 12. The handle body 11 has a head portion 14, a neck portion 15, and a grip portion 16.

In the following description, the direction is orthogonal to the mounting surface 73a of the attachment 1 described later, the substantially major axis direction of the handle body 11 in the toothbrush 10 is the Z direction, and the brush portion 12 extends with respect to the flocked surface 21a. The direction is the X direction, and the Z direction and the direction orthogonal to the X direction are appropriately used as the Y direction.

A brush portion 12 is planted on the flocked surface 21a of the head portion 14.
The neck portion 15 is a portion that connects the head portion 14 and the grip portion 16. The width of the neck portion 15 in the Y direction is configured to be narrower than the width of the head portion 14 and the grip portion 16. The thickness of the neck portion 15 in the X direction can be, for example, the same as the thickness of the head portion 14.
The grip portion 16 is a portion that the user of the toothbrush 10 grips by hand.

Specific examples of the hard resin include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycyclohexylene methylene terephthalate (PCT), polyacetal (POM), polystyrene (PS), and acrylonitrile. -Examples include butadiene-styrene resin (ABS), cellulose propionate (CP), polyarylate, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer resin (AS), and the like. The hard resin may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[Attachment 1]
Next, the attachment 1 will be described.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the attachment 1.
The attachment 1 has a first structure 40 and a second structure 70.
The first structure 40 has a battery 41, a substrate 42, a speaker 43, a speaker film 44, a housing 45, a cap 46, and a connector cap 47.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the attachment 1 on a plane parallel to the YZ plane. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the attachment 1 on a plane parallel to the XZ plane.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the housing 45 is formed of a hard resin and has a storage space 50 surrounded by a substantially circular bottom portion 48 and a substantially cylindrical side wall portion 49 when viewed in the Z direction. Have. The accommodation space 50 is open to the −Z side. In the accommodation space 50, the speaker film 44, the speaker 43, the substrate 42, and the battery 41 are sequentially accommodated from the bottom 48 side (−Z side).

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the housing 45 as viewed from the + Z side. FIG. 7 is an external perspective view of the first structure 40.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the side wall portion 49 has an outer peripheral surface that curves outward in a convex shape with respect to the center. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a recess 58 recessed inward is provided on the + X side of the side wall portion 49. The recess 58 is formed in a groove shape extending in the Y direction. As shown in FIG. 7, the recess 58 is formed with a hole 59 that penetrates the side wall 49 in the X direction.

The cap 46 is made of hard resin and closes the accommodation space 50 when it is attached to the housing 45 from the + Z side. The cap 46 is fixed to the housing 45 with, for example, an adhesive.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the substrate 42.
The substrate 42 includes a switch unit 51, a detection unit 52, a communication unit 53, a connect unit 54, a control unit 55, and a light emitting element 56.

The switch unit 51 operates the operating states of the detection unit 52 and the communication unit 53.
The operation mode of the switch unit 51 is selected according to the operating state when the switch is pressed and the length of the pressed time (details will be described later). The switch portion 51 is mounted on the + X side end portion of the substrate 42. As shown in FIG. 5, the switch portion 51 is provided so as to face the hole portion 59. The switch portion 51 is arranged coaxially with the hole portion 59. The switch portion 51 is arranged inside the housing 45 with the outer peripheral surface 60 located on the + X side of the side wall portion 49 curved outward in a convex shape as a virtual surface 60. As an example, the switch portion 51 is arranged inside the housing 45 at a distance of 2 to 3 mm from the virtual surface 60. The switch unit 51 outputs a pressing signal to the control unit 55 by being pressed from the + X side via the hole portion 59.

The detection unit 52 detects a predetermined physical quantity of the toothbrush 10 to which the attachment 1 is attached. Examples of the predetermined physical quantity related to the toothbrush 10 include the direction of the brush portion 12, the moving direction, the moving speed, and the like. The detection unit 52 includes, for example, an acceleration sensor. As the acceleration sensor, for example, a three-axis acceleration sensor that detects acceleration in three directions can be used. A predetermined physical quantity related to the toothbrush 10 detected by the detection unit 52 is output to the control unit 55. As the acceleration sensor, a 6-axis acceleration sensor that detects acceleration in three directions and rotation in three directions may be used.

The communication unit 53 communicates (communicate processing) with an external device under the control of the control unit 55. The external device with which the communication unit 53 communicates is, for example, a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet, or a laptop computer on which a predetermined application is installed. The mobile information terminal in this case also includes a desktop personal computer on which the above application is installed and capable of communicating with the communication unit 53. Examples of the communication method with the mobile information terminal by the communication unit 53 include Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication and Wifi communication, but a configuration in which communication is performed by another communication standard may be used.

The connect portion 54 is a connector to which the power supply cable 57 shown in FIG. 1 is connected. The cable 57 includes, for example, a USB cable, but may be a cable of another connection standard. The electric power supplied through the cable 57 and the connect unit 54 is stored in a power storage unit (not shown).

The light emitting element 56 is mounted on the substrate 42 at the end on the + X side so as to face the hole 59. The light emitting element 56 emits light of a color set for each operation mode toward the + X side under the control of the control unit 55. The light emitting element 56 is, for example, an LED element. The light emitting element 56 may be, for example, a light emitting diode or the like.

The control unit 55 immediately after detecting a predetermined physical quantity regarding the toothbrush 10 detected by the detection unit 52 according to the operating state when the switch unit 51 is pressed and the length of time when the switch unit 51 is pressed ( The first operation mode in which the physical quantity is transmitted to the mobile information terminal via the communication unit 53 in real time) and navigation is performed via the mobile information terminal, and the physical quantity is temporarily processed independently in the attachment 1 and is simplified when brushing teeth. The set operation mode is selected from the second operation mode in which navigation is performed and the first operation mode in operation or the third operation mode in which the second operation mode is forcibly terminated. The simple navigation when brushing teeth is performed by generating voice (for example, music reminiscent of brushing teeth and instruction of brushing position) via the speaker unit 43 instead of navigation using the physical quantity. Toothpaste. The simple navigation when brushing teeth is held in advance by a holding portion 69 mounted on the substrate 42. The holding unit 69 is, for example, a memory (ROM). The control unit 55 reads the simple navigation information from the holding unit in the second operation mode and outputs it via the speaker unit 43 (details will be described later). The control unit 55 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) mounted on the board 42. The detection unit 52, the communication unit 53, and the control unit 55 operate with electric power supplied from the battery 41 or the power storage unit.

The connector cap 47 is detachably attached to the connect portion 54. When the connector cap 47 is attached to the connect portion 54, the connect portion 54 is watertightly sealed. The connector cap 47 is made of a soft resin described later.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the second structure 70 is provided on the −Z side (bottom side) and is a fitting recess that is watertightly fitted with the first structure 40 (housing 45 and cap 46). It has a 71, a mounting portion 72 provided on the + Z side of the fitting recess 71 and to which the toothbrush 10 can be detachably mounted, and a switch region (sealing portion) 74 provided at a position facing the switch portion 51. doing.

The fitting recess 71 is formed in a size and shape that can be fitted to the outer size and shape of the first structure 40. The fitting recess 71 is open to the −Z side and the −X side. The second structure 70 is engaged and supported by engaging and supporting the bottom of the housing 45 extending from the lower end along the XY plane around the opening on the −Z side of the fitting recess 71 from the −Z side. It has a part 73. The engaging portion 73 watertightly seals the bottom portion of the housing 45.

The surface of the engaging portion 73 on the −Z side is a mounting surface 73a that comes into contact with the attachment 1 when it is mounted on an object. Surrounded by the engaging portion 73, the bottom portion of the housing 45 is exposed at a position on the + Z side of the engaging portion 73. A connector cap 47 is fitted in the opening on the −X side of the second structure 70.

The switch area 74 is an area of the second structure 70 that faces the recess 58 and the hole 59, including the switch portion 51. The second structure 70 is curved outward in a convex shape following the outer peripheral surface of the side wall portion 49 which is curved outward in a convex shape around the switch region 74, and is recessed inward because it is flush with the virtual surface 60. The switch region 74 facing the recess 58 covers the recess 58 through a gap, and the hole 59 is watertightly sealed.

Inside the switch area 74, a protrusion 75 protruding toward the switch portion 51 is provided. The thickness of the switch region 74 excluding the protrusion 75 is formed to be thinner than the thickness around the switch region 74.

The mounting portion 72 is formed of a cavity extending in the Z direction and opening on the + Z side. The cross-sectional contour shape of the mounting portion 72 is a shape that follows the cross-sectional contour shape of the grip portion 16 on the −Z side of the toothbrush 10. The size of the mounting portion 72 is set so that the grip portion 16 of the toothbrush 10 inserted into the cavity is held by soft press fitting. When the grip portion 16 is inserted into the mounting portion 72, the front side (the side where the brush portion 12 is provided) of the toothbrush 10 is the same as the side where the switch region 74 is arranged. That is, in the attachment 1, the switch portion 51 and the switch area 74 are arranged on the front side of the toothbrush 10.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the second structure 70, when viewed from the + X side, the outer contours on both sides in the Y direction are line-symmetric with respect to the axis extending in the Z direction. As shown in FIG. 5, in the second structure 70, when viewed from the + Y side, the outer contours on both sides in the Y direction are asymmetric with respect to the axis extending in the Z direction.

More specifically, the second structure 70 is provided with a first curved surface 81 that curves in a convex shape on the front side where the switch portion 51 is arranged when viewed from the + Y side. Further, the second structure 70 has a second curved surface 82 that is curved in a concave shape on the back surface side (−X side) opposite to the front surface side, and a protrusion 83 that protrudes to the back surface side. The second curved surface 82 is provided on the + Z side (upper side) of the protrusion 83. Further, from the protrusion 83 to the bottom of the second structure 70, a third curved surface 84 that curves in a convex shape is provided on the back surface side. The surface of the connector cap 47 is formed flush with the third curved surface 84.

The second structure 70 is made of a soft resin. As the soft resin forming the second structure 70 and the connector cap 47 described above, for example, the shore hardness A is preferably 20 or more and 90 or less, more preferably 30 or more and 70 or less, still more preferably 40 or more and 60. The following styrene-based elastomers. Examples of such a soft resin include elastomer resins such as polyolefin-based elastomers, styrene-based elastomers, and polyester-based elastomers. Among them, styrene-based elastomers are preferable from the viewpoint of weldability with polypropylene (PP). ..
The thickness of the second structure 70 at the portion covering the housing 45 is preferably 0.5 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less, more preferably 1.0 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, and further preferably 1 It is .2 mm or more and 1.8 mm or less.

The attachment 1 having the above configuration is attached to the toothbrush 10 by inserting the gripping portion 16 of the toothbrush 10 into the attachment portion 72. Since the grip portion 16 is softly press-fitted into the mounting portion 72, brushing can be smoothly performed without the toothbrush 10 being detached from the attachment 1 when the attachment 1 is gripped and the teeth are brushed.

When gripping the attachment 1, for example, the thumb is placed on the first curved surface 81 (switch area 74) located on the front side where the brush portion 12 is provided, and the index finger is placed on the second curved surface 82 located on the back side. The attachment 1 is gripped with the second structure 70 sandwiched between the two structures 70 and the bottom surface of the second structure 70 supported by the middle finger. By gripping at three places in this way, the attachment 1 can be held easily and stably.

When operating the attachment 1, the switch area 74 is pushed toward the back side with the thumb, and the switch part 51 is pushed through the protrusion 75. The second structure 70 on the front side covers the housing 45 made of hard resin around the switch region 74 and is not easily deformed, but the switch region 74 has a gap formed between it and the recess 58. Since it is easily deformed to the back side, the position of the switch portion 51 can be easily recognized.

Further, since the switch region 74 is formed thinner than the surroundings, it is easily deformed, and the switch portion 51 can be pushed in with a small resistance.

For example, when a child grips the attachment 1, the thumb is placed on the first curved surface 81 (switch area 74) located on the front side where the brush portion 12 is provided, and the index finger is placed on the second curved surface 82 located on the back side. It is preferable to support the bottom surface of the second structure 70 with the middle finger in a state where the second structure 70 is sandwiched between the two and the second structure 70 from the viewpoint of convenient and stable holding.

Considering that the second structure 70 is sandwiched between the thumb and the index finger, the shortest distance between the switch region 74 and the second curved surface is preferably 25 mm or more and 30 mm or less. Further, considering that the index finger does not deviate from the second curved surface 82, the shortest distance from the protrusion 83 to the switch region 74 is preferably 28 mm or more and 40 mm or less. Considering the ease of applying a force when the thumb pushes the switch portion 51 through the switch region 74 while the bottom surface of the second structure 70 is supported by the middle finger, the distance from the bottom surface to the central portion of the switch region 74 in the Z direction is taken into consideration. The distance is preferably 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less. Further, considering that the outer contours on both sides in the Y direction are asymmetric when the second structure 70 is viewed from the + Y side, the straight line connecting the back surface side end portion of the bottom surface and the protrusion 83 intersects the bottom surface. The angle is preferably more than 90 ° and not more than 150 °.

Further, the maximum size of the hole 59 and the recess 58 is preferably 7.0 mm or more and 11.0 mm or less. If the maximum size of the switch portion 51 is less than 7 mm, it is too small to be pushed in, and operability is deteriorated. If the maximum size of the switch portion 51 exceeds 11 mm, it may be pushed in unintentionally because it is too large, and the push-in may not be performed at an accurate timing.

Subsequently, a procedure for brushing teeth using the attachment 1 to which the toothbrush 10 is attached will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation when the switch unit 51 is pressed while the attachment 1 is stopped. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation when the first operation mode is selected. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation when the second operation mode is selected. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation when the switch unit 51 is pressed in the first operation mode or the second operation mode.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the switch unit 51 is pressed from the operation stopped state (step S1), the control unit 55 measures the time when the switch unit 51 is pressed (step S2). The control unit 55 determines whether or not the length of time that the switch unit 51 is pressed is within the first range (for example, 0.01 seconds or more and 0.5 seconds or less) (step S3). The control unit 55 operates the first operation mode if the pressing time length of the switch unit 51 is in the first range (step S4). On the other hand, in step S3, if the pressing time length of the switch unit 51 is outside the first range, the control unit 55 has the pressing time length of the switch unit 51 in the second range (for example, 2.0 seconds or more). It is determined whether or not it is 6.0 seconds or less (step S5). In step S5, if the pressing time length of the switch unit 51 is within the second range, the control unit 55 operates the second operation mode (step S6). The difference between the longest value of the first range and the shortest value of the second range is 2.0 seconds or more and 6.0 seconds or less so that the difference between the first range and the second range becomes clear. Is preferable, and it is more preferably 3.5 seconds or more and 4.5 seconds or less.

On the other hand, in step S5, when the pressing time length is out of the second range, the control unit 55 outputs an error because the operation mode corresponding to the pressing time length is not set (step S7). .. In step S5, when the pressing time length is out of the second range and an error is determined, the control unit 55 may not accept the pressing operation of the switch unit 51 and may not respond.

When operating the first operation mode in step S4, the control unit 55 causes the light emitting element 56 to emit blue light corresponding to the first operation mode as an example. Further, when the second operation mode is operated in the step S6, the control unit 55 causes the light emitting element 56 to emit white light corresponding to the second operation mode as an example. The blue light or white light emitted from the light emitting element 56 illuminates the switch region 74 from the inside through the hole 59. Since the thickness of the switch region 74 is formed to be thinner than the thickness of the surroundings, at least a part of the emitted blue light or white light passes through the switch region 74.

Therefore, by visually recognizing the color display of the illuminated switch area 74, the user can easily visually recognize the operation mode set according to the length of time that the switch unit 51 is pushed through the switch area 74. Will be possible. That is, the light emitting element 56 and the switch region 74 constitute a display unit that displays the display corresponding to the selected operation mode by color display.

[First operation mode]
As shown in FIG. 10, when the first operation mode is selected and operated in step S4, the control unit 55 communicates with the mobile information terminal via the communication unit 53 (step S8) and installs the mobile information terminal. It is determined whether or not it is possible to connect to the installed application (step S9). At this time, if the application cannot be connected to the mobile information terminal due to reasons such as the application not being started, the control unit 55 outputs an error (step S10). In step S9, if the application cannot be connected, the control unit 55 may not accept the selection of the first operation mode and may not respond.

On the other hand, if the application can be connected in step S9, the control unit 55 determines whether or not there is a physical quantity accumulated in the second operation mode at the time of the previous tooth brushing (step S11), but steps S11 and S12 will be described later.

After connecting to the control unit 55 (attachment 1), the application starts navigation related to tooth brushing (step S13). In the first operation mode, when the user brushes the teeth according to the navigation emitted from the mobile information terminal, the control unit 55 applies the physical quantity related to the toothbrush 10 detected by the detection unit 52 via the communication unit 53. (Step S14).

From the analysis result of the physical quantity of the toothbrush 10 transmitted from the attachment 1, for example, the posture of the toothbrush 10, the movement of the toothbrush 10 (movement distance, movement speed, movement path, etc. of the brush portion 12 of the toothbrush 10), brushing angle ( The angle of contact of the brush surface of the toothbrush 10 with respect to the teeth and gums), the number of brushings, the brushing position (the part of the tooth in contact with the toothbrush filament), and the brushing pressure (the stress value applied to the teeth from the brush surface of the toothbrush 10 and its change) ) And other parameters that represent the user's toothbrushing behavior are generated and evaluated.

After that, the app continues navigation while reflecting the evaluation result (step S15). After that, the tooth brushing is completed, the evaluation result is notified, and the first operation mode is completed (step S16).

[Second operation mode]
As shown in FIG. 11, when the second operation mode in which the attachment 1 independently navigates without communicating with the mobile information terminal is selected and operated in step S6, the control unit 55 uses music or the like. The simple navigation is started (step S17). The control unit 55 holds the simple navigation information (program) in the holding unit 69, and when the second operation mode is activated, the held program is activated to execute the simple navigation. This simple navigation is emitted from the speaker 43 under the control of the control unit 55.

In the second operation mode, when the user brushes the teeth according to the simple navigation, the control unit 55 (or a storage unit (not shown)) accumulates the physical quantity of the toothbrush 10 detected by the detection unit 52 (step S18). ). That is, in the two operation modes, the navigation is performed in a state where the detected physical quantity of the toothbrush 10 is not reflected. After that, the second operation mode ends by notifying that the tooth brushing has been completed (step S19).

In the second operation mode, the accumulated physical quantity related to the toothbrush 10 is transmitted to the application after the first operation mode is operated and the connection with the application is confirmed in step S9 shown in FIG. 10 (step S12). ).

[Third operation mode]
In the first operation mode and the second operation mode, the switch unit 51 is pressed and operated when the attachment 1 is in the operation stopped state, but the attachment 1 of the present embodiment has the first operation mode or the second operation mode. It has a third operation mode that operates when the switch unit 51 is pushed during operation.

As shown in FIG. 12, when the switch unit 51 is pressed while the first operation mode or the second operation mode is operating in step S20, the control unit 55 measures the pressing time of the switch unit 51 (step S21). ). The control unit 55 determines whether or not the length of time that the switch unit 51 is pressed is a predetermined time (for example, 1.0 second) or more (step S22), and unintentionally presses the switch unit 51 during brushing. If the pressing time is less than the predetermined time due to such reasons, the pressing information of the switch unit 51 is passed through to continue the first operation mode or the second operation mode.

On the other hand, when the pressing time of the switch unit 51 measured in step S22 is longer than a predetermined time, the third operation mode is operated and the operation in the first operation mode or the second operation mode is forcibly terminated (step S25). .. By operating the third operation mode in this way, even if an unexpected situation occurs, it becomes possible to deal with it.

Note that the control unit 55 stops the light emission by the light emitting element 56 when operating the third operation mode. As a result, the lighting to the switch area 74 is stopped and turned off, so that the user can easily visually recognize that the forced termination (the third operation mode is in operation).

As described above, in the attachment 1 of the present embodiment, the first operation of brushing teeth by navigation by a mobile information terminal that communicates according to the length of time that one switch unit 51 is pressed from the operation stopped state. Since at least the mode or the second operation mode for brushing teeth under the single navigation by the attachment 1 can be selected, there is no operation difficulty such as single-click and double-click pressing and pressing due to the difference in pressing, and each Even a child or an elderly person can easily and surely select a desired operation mode without causing an erroneous operation as in the case where the switch units corresponding to the operation modes are individually provided.

In particular, in the attachment 1 of the present embodiment, the switch area 74 is color-displayed in the color corresponding to the selected operation mode, so that the user can visually recognize the color display of the illuminated switch area 74 to switch. It is possible to easily confirm the operation mode set according to the length of time that the switch unit 51 is pushed through the area 74.

Further, in the attachment 1 of the present embodiment, since a plurality of operation modes can be selected by one switch unit 51, it is possible to simplify the control by the control unit 55.

Further, in the attachment 1 of the present embodiment, the second structure 70 is formed in an asymmetric outer contour between the front side where the switch portion 51 is provided and the back side opposite to the front side in the side view. Therefore, when the second structure 70 is gripped, the thumb naturally easily hits the front side, and the operation to the switch area 74 provided on the front side becomes easy.

[Modification example of toothbrush 10]
In the above embodiment, the structure in which the handle body 11 is formed of the hard resin is illustrated, but the structure may be made of the hard resin and the soft resin.
FIG. 13 is a partial side view showing the tip end side of the modified toothbrush 10.

The toothbrush 10 shown in FIG. 13 has a core member 17 made of a hard resin that constitutes a part of a head portion 14, a neck portion 15, and a grip portion 16.

The head portion 14 has a base member 21 that forms a part of the core member 17, and a soft portion 22 formed of a soft resin that covers the base member 21. A brush portion 12 is planted on the flocked surface 21a of the base member 21.

The neck portion 15 has a core portion 25 which is a component of the core member 17 and a soft portion 26. The core portion 25 extends in the Z direction (extending direction of the neck portion 15) and penetrates the neck portion 15, and extends in the Z direction, and one end thereof is the first portion 31. It has a second portion 32 that is integrated and arranged as part of the grip portion 16.

The first part 31 has the same thickness in the Z direction. The first portion 31 has a bending strength when an external force applied to the −X side is applied to the head portion 14, and a bending strength when an external force is applied to the head portion 14 in the Y direction (+ Y side or −Y side). Is set larger than. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the first portion 31 parallel to the XY plane is an elliptical shape with the X direction as the major axis (major axis) direction.

As a specific example of the hard resin, the hard resin described in the above embodiment can be used.
As the soft resin, for example, a soft resin having a hardness of JIS K 7215 Shore hardness A of preferably 20 or more and 90 or less, more preferably 30 or more and 70 or less, still more preferably 40 or more and 60 or less. Good to use.
As such a soft resin, the same soft resin as the soft resin constituting the second structure 70 described above can be used.

Since the bending strength of the first portion 31 in the X direction is larger than the bending strength in the Y direction, the neck portion 15 exerts a force when pressing the tip of the brush portion 12 against the teeth, interdental teeth, or the like when brushing the teeth. It is hard to be deformed in the direction in which the brush portion 12 is applied, and the tip of the brush portion 12 can be firmly pressed against the teeth or between the teeth. On the other hand, since the bending strength of the first portion 31 in the Y direction is smaller than the bending strength in the X direction, the neck portion 15 can be bent in the Y direction when an external force is applied. As a result, the force applied to the tip of the head portion 14 can be released, so that damage to the oral cavity of the user of the toothbrush 10 can be suppressed.

The grip portion 16 is a portion to be gripped by the user of the toothbrush 10 and is made of the soft resin 2. By forming the grip portion 16 with a soft resin, the grip portion 16 is deformed when a strong external force is applied from the rear end of the toothbrush 10 toward the tip of the head portion 14 while the toothbrush 10 is held in the mouth. It is possible to make (bend). As a result, not only the neck portion 15 but also the grip portion 16 is bent, so that the external force from the rear end of the toothbrush 10 toward the tip of the head portion 14 can be released in a direction different from this, so that the toothbrush 10 can be released. It is possible to prevent damage to the oral cavity of the user.

Although the preferred embodiments according to the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such examples. The various shapes and combinations of the constituent members shown in the above-mentioned examples are examples, and can be variously changed based on design requirements and the like within a range that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, the configuration in which the attachment 1 is attached to the manual toothbrush 10 is illustrated, but the configuration is not limited to this configuration, and at least the head portion can be applied to an electric toothbrush that is electrically driven.

Further, in the above embodiment, the first operation mode and the second operation mode in which the attachment 1 is operated from the stopped state, and the third operation mode in which the attachment 1 is operated from the state in which the first operation mode or the second operation mode is operated are exemplified. , Not limited to three operation modes, for example, a configuration having three or more operation modes in which the attachment 1 operates from a stopped state, or a forced transition from an operating mode to another operation mode. It may be configured to have an operation mode or the like.

Further, the materials constituting the first structure 40 and the second structure 70 illustrated in the above embodiment are examples, and other materials may be used.

The present invention can be applied to an attachment for a communication type toothbrush.

1 ... Attachment (attachment for communication type toothbrush), 10 ... Toothbrush, 45 ... Housing, 51 ... Switch part, 52 ... Detection part, 53 ... Communication part, 56 ... Light emitting element (display part), 58 ... Recess, 59 ... Hole, 70 ... second structure (structure), 72 ... mounting part, 73a ... mounting surface, 74 ... switch area (sealing part, display part), 75 ... protrusion, 81 ... first curved surface, 82 … Second curved surface, 83… protrusion

Claims

A communication type toothbrush attachment that is attached to a toothbrush.
A detection unit that detects a predetermined physical quantity related to the toothbrush, and
A communication unit that can communicate with a mobile information terminal,
The first operation mode in which the physical quantity detected by the detection unit is communicated with the mobile information terminal via the communication unit according to the length of the pressed time from the operation stopped state, or the detection. An attachment for a communication type toothbrush, characterized by having at least a switch unit capable of selecting a second operation mode for independently processing the physical quantity detected by the unit.
The first operation mode is selected when the length of time that the switch unit is pressed is in the first range, and the second operation mode is set in a second range different from the first range. The attachment for a communication type toothbrush according to claim 1, which is selected.
The first operation mode and the second operation mode are different from the first operation mode and the second operation mode when the switch unit is pressed for a length of a predetermined time or longer while operating in the first operation mode or the second operation mode. The third operation mode is activated,
The attachment for a communication type toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2.
A communication type toothbrush attachment that is attached to a toothbrush.
A detection unit that detects a predetermined physical quantity related to the toothbrush, and
A communication unit that can communicate with a mobile information terminal,
A housing that houses the detection unit and the communication unit inside,
A switch unit that operates the operating state of at least one of the detection unit and the communication unit, and
Have,
The switch portion is an attachment for a communication type toothbrush, which is provided inside the housing rather than a virtual surface flush with the surface, which covers a hole formed on the surface of the housing.
The housing is made of hard resin and
The holes are watertightly sealed in a sealing portion made of a soft resin.
The attachment for a communication type toothbrush according to claim 4.
The housing has a recess recessed with respect to the virtual surface.
The hole is formed so as to penetrate the recess.
The attachment for a communication type toothbrush according to claim 5.
The sealing portion has a protrusion protruding inward at a position facing the hole portion.
The attachment for a communication type toothbrush according to claim 5 or 6.
In the sealing portion, the region around the protrusion is formed thinner than the other regions.
The attachment for a communication type toothbrush according to claim 7.
The soft resin is
Shore hardness A is 40 or more and 60 or less,
The thickness is 0.5 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less.
Formed of styrene-based elastomer,
The attachment for a communication type toothbrush according to any one of claims 5 to 8.
The sealing portion is formed on a part of a structure having a fitting recess that fits watertightly with the housing on the bottom side.
The structure has a convex first curved surface on the front side where the switch portion is arranged and a concave second curved surface on the back side opposite to the front side in a side view.
The attachment for a communication type toothbrush according to any one of claims 5 to 9.
The structure has a mounting surface provided at the bottom and a protrusion provided on the back surface side at a position halfway in the normal direction of the previously described mounting surface and projecting toward the back surface side.
The second curved surface is provided above the protrusion.
The attachment for a communication type toothbrush according to claim 10.
The maximum size of the hole and the recess is 7.0 mm or more and 11.0 mm or less.
The attachment for a communication type toothbrush according to claim 6.
It has a mounting portion that can be detachably attached to the toothbrush.
The attachment for a communication type toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 12.