JPH0443064Y2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Field of Application] The present invention relates to a toothbrush that can accurately determine the number of times the toothbrush is brushed.

[Conventional technology]

In recent years, various types of toothbrushes have been developed with a mechanism built into the handle to count the number of brushings, with the aim of increasing awareness of brushing. For such toothbrushes, it is essential to have a mechanism that detects vibrations during brushing.
This includes the technology disclosed in No. 63237. Here, as a mechanism for detecting vibrations in the vertical and horizontal directions of the handle, we will use a method in which two piezoelectric elements are laminated in a sandwich pattern with electrode plates to form a detection unit.
A method of supporting a light-shielding weight with a string and positioning this weight in the middle of the path of light to form a detection unit.A method of supporting a weight made of a magnetic material with a spring and associating a coil with this magnetic material for detection. A method of forming units, etc. are disclosed. It is assumed that two sets of these detection units are used to detect vertical and horizontal vibrations of the handle.

[Problems that the invention aims to solve] However, as mentioned above, with such a detection unit, two sets of detection units are always required to detect vibrations in all directions of the handle, and a single detection unit cannot detect the vibration of the handle in all directions. There is a problem that vibrations in all directions cannot be detected. Therefore, when such a detection unit is used, the space for accommodating the detection unit becomes large, making it impossible to make the handle thinner, and detection of the vibration of the handle requires two detection units. There is also the problem that the device configuration of the control section becomes complicated because it is necessary to compare the output signals.

[Means for solving problems]

The present invention was developed in view of the current situation, and by incorporating a new vibration detection mechanism that can accurately detect the vibration of the brush in all directions accompanying the brushing operation, it is possible to enlarge the size and improve the device configuration. To provide a toothbrush with a brushing frequency counting function that can accurately count brushing in all directions without complication.

The gist of this toothbrush with a brushing count function that has achieved this purpose is that the toothbrush consists of a handle and a brush part that is removably attached to the handle. a pendulum mechanism that converts the vibrations of the toothbrush in all directions, such as up and down, left and right, into pendulum motion in a specific direction, a reed switch that detects the pendulum motion of the pendulum mechanism and outputs an electrical signal, and the pendulum motion. The handle is equipped with a control section that processes the signal output from the detection section and counts the number of pendulum movements, and a signal sound generation section that generates a signal sound as appropriate based on a command from the control section, and the handle part The device is characterized in that a display section is provided on the surface to display the number of counts counted by the control section.In particular, the pendulum mechanism section includes a pair of approximately disk-shaped disks that are attracted to each other on their outer peripheral surfaces. A magnetic body, one of which is fixed to the handle so that its magnetization direction has an angle of approximately 45° with respect to the length direction of the handle, and the other magnet is movable around the fixed magnet. Also, as a pendulum movement detection unit for detecting the pendulum movement of a floating magnet body around a fixed magnet body,
A reed switch is used which is placed within the range of the magnetic field of the floating magnet and at a position where the pendulum motion of the floating magnet can be detected as a change in the magnetic field.

[Function] When you perform normal brushing using a toothbrush with a function to count the number of times you brush, all the vibrations of the handle in all directions, such as up and down, left and right, that accompany brushing are converted into pendulum movements in a specific direction by the pendulum mechanism. converted. The fixed magnet and the floating magnet that make up the pendulum mechanism are approximately disk-shaped, and they contact each other on their outer peripheral surfaces, and the floating magnet is attracted to the fixed magnet by magnetic force so that it can oscillate. Therefore, the floating magnet sensitively responds to vibrations in any direction and makes a pendulum movement along the outer circumferential surface of the fixed magnet. In particular, the fixed magnet is fixed to the handle with its magnetization direction making an angle of 45° to the length direction of the handle, and the floating magnet attracted to the fixed magnet is also attached to the fixed magnet. Since it is positioned at a 45° angle, vibrations in all directions associated with brushing can be reliably captured. Moreover, since the floating magnet is relatively heavy, the swing width in pendulum motion is large, and even a slight vibration can be converted into pendulum motion of a magnitude that can be detected by the pendulum motion detection section.

This pendulum movement is detected by a reed switch placed within the range of the magnetic field of the floating magnet, and the pendulum movement is converted into an electrical signal by the opening and closing operations of the contacts of the reed switch, and then sent to the control section. The control section performs addition processing on the electrical signals that are sequentially sent, and the resulting count is displayed on a display section attached to the outer surface of the handle. Then, when the count after addition indicates a certain set value, the signal tone generator is activated to generate a signal tone to notify the user.

〔Example〕

Next, details of the present invention will be explained based on illustrated embodiments. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall structure of a toothbrush with a brushing count counting function according to the present invention.
The toothbrush with the function of counting the number of times of brushing consists of a brush part 1 and a handle part 2. The brush part 1 has a shape obtained by cutting off the tip side of the flocked part of a conventional well-known toothbrush, while the handle part 2 is made of water-resistant material such as synthetic resin. It has a box shape made of flexible material. The handle 2 is not limited to what is shown in the drawings, and may have any other shape that is easy to grip. The brush part 1 is detachably attached to the handle part 2, and is configured so that it can be replaced as appropriate when the tips of the bristles become worn during use or when it is necessary to change the shape of the brush.

A pendulum mechanism part 3 is installed on the base end side of the handle 2 to convert vibrations in all directions, such as up and down, left and right, and diagonal directions, of the handle 2 caused by brushing into pendulum motion in a specific direction. A reed switch 4 for detecting movement of the pendulum mechanism 3 is arranged at a position facing the pendulum mechanism 3. Pendulum mechanism part 3
The specific configuration and position of the reed switch 4 will be described later.

4 in the figure is a control unit that receives a signal from the reed switch 4 and counts the number of times of polishing. A circuit that performs this addition, that is, a circuit that sends a signal to the buzzer to emit a sound each time the number of times of polishing reaches a preset number registered in increments of a certain number of times, and a circuit that initializes the added count. It is mainly composed of circuits that In this example, these circuits are constructed using a single-chip large-scale integrated circuit (hereinafter referred to as LSI).
), which is placed on the control board.

A liquid crystal display 6 whose surface is exposed to the outer surface of the handle 2 is attached to the tip side of the handle 2. The one shown is attached to the inside of the handle 2, that is, on the same side as the bristle side of the brush 1, but this is so that the liquid crystal display 6 can be viewed even when the handle 2 is gripped. be.

A reset switch is provided at a position slightly toward the tip of the liquid crystal surface device 6, where the thumb can come into contact with the handle 2 when gripping it, for erasing the added count from the memory and the liquid crystal display 6 and initializing it. 11
is installed.

In the figure, 7 is a buzzer for notifying the user of the polishing condition by emitting a sound every time the number of times of polishing reaches a set number. Note that it is also optional to use an electronic sound generator, a sound generator, or the like instead of the buzzer. In the figure, 8 is a small battery such as an alkaline battery, and 9 is a power switch. The battery 8 can be either replaceably housed or non-replaceably mounted. If it is not replaceable, the toothbrush with brushing frequency counting function will be thrown away when the battery runs out, but in this embodiment, an LSI is used for the control section 5, and a liquid crystal display 6 is used as the display device. Because of this, the power consumption is very low, and therefore even a small battery such as a button battery can sufficiently guarantee a lifespan of about two years. Considering that this toothbrush with brushing frequency counting function is used in an environment where it constantly comes into contact with water, it is preferable that the battery 8 is non-replaceable and has a perfect waterproof and drip-proof structure. Needless to say.

In this embodiment, the setting number of polishing times is fixed, and the numerical values for every 50 times, such as 50 times, 100 times, 150 times, etc., are written in the ROM in the LSI. A separate manual switch may be provided to allow the user to set this number of times as appropriate.

Next, the specific configuration of the pendulum mechanism section 3 and the reed switch 4, which is a pendulum motion detection section, will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 3, the pendulum mechanism section 3 has a fixed magnet body 3a.
The fixed magnet 3a and the floating magnet 3b are both disk-shaped permanent magnets 3c and 3e magnetized in the radial direction, and a ring body 3d with a smooth surface made of a non-magnetic material such as plastic. , 3f, and includes a fixed magnet body 3a and a floating magnet body 3.
b are in contact with each other at their outer peripheral surfaces and are attracted to each other by magnetic force. Ring bodies 3d and 3f are permanent magnets 3
By intervening between c and 3e, the fixed magnet body 3
The contact surface between a and the floating magnet 3b is made smooth, and the attraction force due to magnetic force is weakened so that the floating magnet 3b responds sensitively to vibrations of the handle 2. The rings 3d and 3f also have the function of adjusting the sensitivity of the pendulum mechanism 3 and the swing width of the floating magnet by appropriately setting their weights. In addition, the ring body 3d,
It is also possible to directly contact the permanent magnets 3c and 3e without using magnet 3f.

The fixed magnet 3a is fixed to the handle 2 such that the angle θ between its magnetization direction and the length direction of the handle 2 is about 45 degrees, and therefore the magnet 3a is attracted to the fixed magnet 3a. When the floating magnet 3b is in a stationary state, its magnetization direction is approximately 45° with respect to the length direction of the handle 2.
It is said to have an angle of . this angle
The reason for setting the angle to 45° is to enable the floating magnet 3b to react to vertical, horizontal, and diagonal vibrations of the handle 2 and to perform pendulum motion. A guide wall 10 made of a non-magnetic material such as synthetic resin is provided at a position surrounding the pendulum mechanism section 3 for regulating the movement range of the floating magnet body 3b in its pendulum motion. In the illustrated example, the guide wall 10 is formed in the shape of a substantially fan-shaped frame, but it may be formed in the shape of a box and the pendulum mechanism section 3 is sealed within the box. Further, it is also possible to set up an appropriate number of pins and use them in place of the guide wall 10. The shape and size of the guide wall 10 are such that even when the swing width of the floating magnet 3b regulated by the guide wall 10 reaches its maximum swing width, the floating magnet 3b can naturally return to its initial position. It is determined based on the size.

A reed switch 4 is arranged at a position facing the flat surface of the floating magnet 3b, and detects changes in the magnetic field due to the pendulum motion of the floating magnet 3b so that the contact of the reed switch 4 can change from 0N to 0FF. .
The placement position of the reed switch 4 varies depending on the type of the reed switch 4 and the strength of the magnetic field, but it may be placed in any other position as long as it is within the magnetic field of the floating magnet 3b and can detect pendulum movement. For example, it is possible to place the reed switch 4 at a position slightly apart from the floating magnet 3b as shown in FIG. 4A, or by rotating the reed switch 4 by 90 degrees as shown in FIG.
The length direction of the reed switch 4 may be made to substantially match the magnetization direction of the floating magnet body 3b at the rest position, etc., as appropriate.

By the way, since it is necessary to magnetize both the fixed magnet body 3a and the floating magnet body 3b in the radial direction, it is necessary to use so-called resin-bonded magnets, which can set the magnetization direction arbitrarily and are easy to mold, for the permanent magnets 3c and 3e. There is. However, the permanent magnets do not necessarily have to be circular, so for example, as shown in Figure 5B, ordinary bar magnets 3c' and 3e' are used.
It is also possible to use this by fitting it into the rings 3d' and 3f' as another embodiment.

In addition, in the case described above, the permanent magnet and ring body are constructed separately and fitted onto the permanent magnet at the assembly stage to form a fixed magnet body and a floating magnet body, but it is also possible to use a resin bonded magnet as the permanent magnet. When used, the ring and the permanent magnet can be integrally molded by a two-color molding method. What is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is another embodiment of the pendulum mechanism. Figure 6 shows the fixed magnet body 3
This is a case where a mark 15 indicating the direction of magnetization is attached to the surface of a permanent magnet 3c installed in a. In this way, the direction of magnetization can be visually recognized, so positioning and fine adjustment when attaching the permanent magnet 3a to the handle 2 become easy. Figure 7 shows floating magnet body 1.
3 is set larger than the diameter of the fixed magnet body 12, and the outer periphery of the floating magnet body 13 is the center of the fixed magnet body 12 in a stationary state and the floating magnet body 1.
A weight 14 is placed at a position off the straight line connecting the centers of 3.
This is an example of installing. In this way, the floating magnet 13 can more sensitively respond to the vibration of the handle 2 and can also increase the amplitude of vibration, so that the movement of the handle 2 associated with brushing can be controlled by turning the reed switch 4 ON and OFF. This can be accurately detected as a motion. In addition, it is generally difficult to mass-produce permanent magnets with exactly the same magnetization direction and magnetic field pattern, so when each pendulum mechanism is made using these permanent magnets, the characteristics will not be constant and the lead Turn on switch 4-
There is a problem that the magnitude of vibration of the handle 2 required to turn it off is different, but this problem also occurs when the weight 14
This problem can be solved by appropriately setting the weight and mounting position of the device.

The method of using the thus constructed toothbrush with a brushing count counting function is to turn on the power switch 9 and then brush by grasping the handle 2 in the same way as a normal toothbrush. The vibration of the handle 2 is converted into a pendulum motion of the floating magnet 3b by the pendulum mechanism 3, and this pendulum motion is detected by the reed switch 4 as a change in the magnetic field, and the contacts of the reed switch 4 are opened and closed. reed switch 4
The ON-OFF signal is sent to the control unit 5, and the control unit 5 adds the count every time this signal is received, and displays the added count value on the liquid crystal display 6. In addition, the control unit 5 always compares the added count with the set number of polishing times, and when the added count reaches the set number of times, it sounds the buzzer 7 to notify the user that the number of times of polishing has reached the set value. It also has the effect of making people aware. Then, when using it again or when wanting to return the displayed value to zero during brushing, the reset switch 11 is pressed.

By the way, the manner in which the vibration of the handle 2 accompanying the brushing operation is converted into a pendulum movement, and further this movement is detected by the reed switch 4 and converted into an electric signal is as follows.

In a stationary state before brushing starts, that is, in an initial state, the floating magnet 3b is a fixed magnet with its magnetization direction at an angle of about 45° with respect to the length direction of the handle 2 against its own weight. It is adsorbed to 3a. In this state, the permanent magnets 3c and 3e with different polarities attract each other, and when there is no external force, the floating magnet 3b always returns to this state, but the floating magnet 3b and the fixed magnet 3a are The permanent magnets 3c, 3c are in contact with each other on their smooth outer peripheral surfaces, and
Since the magnetic force of the magnet 3e is weakened by the non-magnetic rings 3d and 3f, this condition can easily be overcome by the action of a slight external force. And as an external force to break this initial state, in the length direction of the handle 2,
An external force in any direction is effective as long as it has a component force in a direction other than the 45° direction, that is, the magnetization direction of the fixed magnet body 3a. Theoretically, if only a force in the 45° direction or a force in the thickness direction of the fixed magnet body 3a, that is, in the axial direction, exists, the floating magnet body 3b would not make a pendulum movement, but in reality, 45° Brushing, where only vibrations in the ° direction and vibrations in the thickness direction of the fixed magnet body 3a exist, is impossible.
It can be seen that the method can reliably respond to brushing in any direction. Moreover, the floating magnet body 3b is relatively heavy, and therefore the floating magnet body 3b is relatively heavy.
Since the swing width of b is large, the reed switch 4 can be actuated by reacting extremely sensitively to even weak vibrations or slow vibrations. In particular, when the pendulum mechanism shown in FIG. 7 is used, the floating magnet 13 is extremely unstable in a stationary state, and even a slight vibration can break the equilibrium state, causing the floating magnet 13 to The number of brushings can be counted accurately because the brushing touches a large area.

On the other hand, even if extremely strong vibrations or impact due to a fall are applied, the floating magnet 3b will only temporarily detach from the fixed magnet 3a, and the moving range of the floating magnet 3b after detachment will be limited by the guide wall 10. Since it is regulated, it can quickly return to its initial state.

Next, looking at the operation mode of the reed switch 4 that detects the pendulum movement of the floating magnet 3b, for example, one example of the ON-OFF operation of the reed switch 4 is the 8th
Shown in Figures A, B, and C. In the initial state, the floating magnet 3b is located directly below the reed switch 4 as shown in A, and both reed pieces 4a of the reed switch 4,
4b is the magnetic field G formed by the floating magnet body 3b,
Since the lead pieces 4a and 4b are not magnetized, or even if they are magnetized, they are magnetized to the same polarity. Therefore, in this state, the contacts 4a' and 4b' on the tip sides of the lead pieces 4a and 4b are not magnetized, or even if they are magnetized, they are magnetized to the same polarity, so that both the contacts 4a' and 4b' It remains open.

Next, the handle 2 vibrates, as shown in FIG.
When the floating magnet 3b moves to the left in the figure, the lead piece 4a approaches the N pole of the floating magnet 3b, and the lead piece 4b approaches the S pole. An N pole is generated at contact 4b, and as a result, an N pole is generated at contact 4a' and an S pole is generated at contact 4b', so that both contacts are attracted and closed.
Also, when the floating magnet 3b moves to the right in the figure as shown in FIG. 8C due to the vibration of the handle 2,
The magnetic pole opposite to the one described above is connected to the reed switch 4.
occurs at each part of the contact point 4.
a' and 4b' will be closed.

In this way, the vibration accompanying brushing is converted into a pendulum motion of the floating magnet 3b, regardless of whether the direction is vertical, horizontal, or diagonal, and this pendulum motion is transmitted to the reed switch 4.
The electric signal corresponding to the brushing is sent to the control unit 5.

In this way, the toothbrush with a function to count the number of times of brushing according to the present invention accurately counts the number of times of brushing and displays it on the LCD, so it is possible to easily and accurately know the number of times of brushing, and it also allows you to easily and accurately know the number of times you have brushed, as well as 50, 100, 150, etc. ...When the number of brushing reaches the set number of brushings registered at a certain number of times, a notification will be given each time by sounding a buzzer or various other signal sounds, thereby increasing the user's interest in brushing. It is possible to contribute to the spread of dental hygiene philosophy.

In addition, the brush part 1 is detachable from the handle part 2, so when the brush part 1 becomes worn or when changing the type of bristles, the whole family can share one toothbrush with a brushing count function. Even when doing so, it is possible to correspond to each of the above-mentioned usage modes simply by replacing the brush portion 1.

In particular, this invention uses a pendulum mechanism consisting of a fixed magnet and a floating magnet as a mechanism for detecting the vibration of the handle, which makes it possible to detect vibrations in all directions of the handle, resulting in accurate polishing. You can know the number of times. In addition, since a reed switch is used as a mechanism to detect the movement of the pendulum mechanism,
It is possible to easily convert the vibration of the handle into an electrical signal, simplifying the device configuration, and the reed switch has a long life and does not deteriorate in performance even with frequent opening and closing of the contacts, so it can be easily used during heavy brushing. It is possible to provide a toothbrush with a brushing frequency counting function that does not deteriorate in performance even after long-term use. Furthermore, since the reed switch has good responsiveness, it is possible to accurately count the number of times of brushing even during intense brushing.

[Effect of idea]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it is possible to accurately know the number of times of brushing, and it is possible to improve awareness of brushing.

In particular, the mechanism for detecting the vibration of the handle is composed of a pendulum mechanism section consisting of a fixed magnet body and a floating magnet body, and a pendulum motion detection section that detects the pendulum motion of the floating magnet body. Once the vibrations in all directions are converted into pendulum motion of the floating magnet in a specific direction, the pendulum motion detection section detects the pendulum motion of the floating magnet. Therefore, the pendulum motion detection section and the control section are It is only necessary to detect the pendulum movement in a specific direction, and therefore these devices can be realized with simple equipment. Since the floating magnet body and the fixed magnet body are only attracted by magnetic force, it is possible to react extremely sensitively to vibrations in all directions of the handle during various brushing methods, and it is possible to react extremely sensitively to vibrations in all directions of the handle in various brushing methods. It is also possible to accurately count vibrations caused by

Furthermore, since the structure of the pendulum mechanism is extremely simple, it is not only strong against impact but also has no problems with durability.
Even against intense brushing and rough handling,
It is possible to provide a toothbrush with a function to count the number of times of brushing, which has excellent durability and whose performance does not deteriorate. Furthermore, since a reed switch is used as a means for detecting the pendulum motion of the floating magnet, the pendulum motion can be easily converted into an electrical signal, and the electrical signal can be directly output as an ON-OFF digital signal. Therefore, the configuration of the control section can be simplified, and a toothbrush with a brushing count counting function can be provided at a low cost. Furthermore, the reed switch has a long life and excellent responsiveness, making it possible to accurately count the number of polishing operations.

In addition, this toothbrush with a brushing count function has a handle and brush part that are detachable, so when the brush part becomes worn out, it is possible to continue using it by simply replacing the brush part. This toothbrush with a brushing frequency counting function can be said to be excellent in economical efficiency since the same toothbrush with a brushing frequency counting function can be used together by replacing the toothbrushes.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall structure of an embodiment of a toothbrush with a brushing frequency counting function according to the present invention, and FIG.
The figure is a simplified block diagram of the same embodiment, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration around the pendulum mechanism in the same embodiment.
4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams showing the arrangement of the reed switch; FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 are explanatory diagrams showing other embodiments of the pendulum mechanism; and FIGS. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the operating state of the reed switch as the floating magnet moves. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Brush part, 2... Handle part, 3... Pendulum mechanism part, 3a, 3a'... Fixed magnet body, 3b, 3b'...
Floating magnet, 3c, 3e...Permanent magnet, 3c', 3
e'... Bar magnet, 3d, 3f, 3f', 3d'... Ring body,
4... Reed switch, 4a, 4b... Lead piece, 4a', 4b'... Contact, 5... Control unit, 6...
LCD display, 7...Buzzer, 8...Battery, 9...
Power switch, 10... Guide wall, 11... Reset switch, 12... Fixed magnet, 13... Floating magnet, 12', 13'... Permanent magnet, 14...
Weight, 15...mark, G...magnetic field.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claim for Utility Model Registration] 1) A toothbrush consisting of a handle and a brush part removably attached to the handle, and a pair of substantially disc-shaped magnets attached to each other within the handle of the toothbrush. One magnet body is fixed to the handle part with its magnetization direction at an angle of approximately 45° to the length direction of the handle part to form a fixed magnet body, and the other magnet body is a pendulum mechanism section that is movably attached to the fixed magnet to form a floating magnet; A reed switch arranged therein, a control unit that receives electrical signals from the opening and closing operations of the reed switch and counts the number of pendulum movements of the floating magnet, and a signal sound that generates an appropriate signal sound based on commands from the control unit. A toothbrush with a brushing frequency counting function, comprising: a generating section; and a display section on the surface of the handle for displaying the number of times counted by the control section. 2) Claim No. 2, wherein a weight is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the floating magnet at a position that is off the extension of a straight line connecting the center of the fixed magnet and the center of the floating magnet in a stationary state. A toothbrush with a brushing count counting function as described in item 1.