JP2009125080A - Electromotive toothbrush - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electromotive toothbrush enhanced in waterproofness without obstructing the vibration of a brush part. <P>SOLUTION: In the electromotive toothbrush 100 equipped with a case 11 having a motor 12 being a drive source provided therein and becoming the part gripped by a user's hand at the time of toothbrushing, the vibration member 14 provided so as to protrude on the leading end side of the case 11 and a brush part 20 constituted so as to be made freely detachable with respect to the vibration member 14, the brush part 20 is equipped with the cylindrical body part 21 which is mounted on the vibration member 14 and forms a gap S with respect to the leading end of the case 11 in the mounted state, the brush part 22 provided to the leading end of the body part 21, and the cylindrical part 25 fixed along the body part 21 in the outer periphery on its one end side and brought into contact with the case 11 on the free end side of its other end side and having flexibility concealing the gap S. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electric toothbrush.

  Conventionally, an electric toothbrush in which a brush portion of a toothbrush vibrates electrically is known. This type of electric toothbrush will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is an external view of a general electric toothbrush.

  The electric toothbrush 200 includes a case 210 that is provided with a drive source therein and serves as a portion to be gripped by a user's hand when brushing teeth, and a brush component 220 provided on the front end side of the case 210. The brush part 220 is a consumable part and is configured so that it can be easily replaced. Further, the cylindrical main body portion of the brush component 220 is made of a hard resin material or the like because it is necessary to exhibit a vibration transmission function.

  Here, in order to sufficiently vibrate the brush component 220, it is necessary to provide a gap S between the tip of the case 210 and the brush component 220. By providing this gap S, the brush component 220 can freely vibrate without hitting the tip of the case 210. Accordingly, the brush component 220 can be sufficiently vibrated (see FIG. 10A).

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10B, if the gap between the tip of the case 210 and the brush component 220 (see the arrow X in the figure) is eliminated, the brush component 220 hits the tip of the case 210, so that vibration occurs. It will be disturbed.

  As described above, from the viewpoint of sufficiently vibrating the brush component 220, it is desirable to provide a gap S between the tip of the case 210 and the brush component 220.

  On the other hand, in an electric toothbrush, it is indispensable to have waterproofness so that water or the like does not enter the inside (see Patent Document 1). Also in the electric toothbrush 200 shown in FIG. 10 described above, a waterproof structure is provided in each part such as a joint portion between the case 210 and the brush part 220 so that water does not enter inside. Since the waterproof structure is provided inside, it does not appear in the appearance shown in FIG.

  However, as described above, when the gap S is provided between the tip of the case 210 and the brush part 220, water or the like easily enters the gap S during or after use of the electric toothbrush. End up. From the viewpoint of waterproofing, it is desirable to prevent water and the like from entering the gap S as much as possible. In particular, after use, water, saliva, and the like tend to enter the gap S, which is not preferable for hygiene purposes. This point will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state where the electric toothbrush is placed on the charger.

After tooth brushing, as shown in FIG. 11, the electric toothbrush 200 is placed in a state where it is inserted into the charger 250 so that the brush side is up. Therefore, the water and saliva remaining on the brush part drips downward. In the figure, an arrow T indicates the direction in which water or the like flows. At this time, if there is a gap S between the tip of the case 210 and the brush part 220, the water enters the gap S when water or the like drips. Therefore, it is not preferable in terms of hygiene, particularly when moisture mixed with saliva or food residue is left in the gap S for a long period of time.
JP-A-4-364806

  The objective of this invention is providing the electric toothbrush which aimed at the improvement of waterproofness, without preventing the vibration of a brush part.

  The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems.

That is, the electric toothbrush of the present invention is
A case where the drive source is provided inside and becomes a part that the user grips with his / her hand when brushing teeth (in the present invention, including a case where the user holds the finger only),
A vibration member provided so as to protrude toward the tip of the case;
A brush component configured to be detachable from the vibration member;
An electric toothbrush comprising:
The brush parts are
A cylindrical main body portion that is attached to the vibration member and in which the gap is formed between the tip of the case in the attached state;
A brush part provided at the tip of the main body part;
One end side is fixed along the outer periphery of the main body portion, the free end side of the other end side is in contact with the case, and a cylindrical portion having flexibility to cover the gap,
It is characterized by providing.

  According to the electric toothbrush of the present invention, since the gap between the cylindrical main body portion of the brush part and the tip of the case is formed in the mounted state, the brush part vibrates freely without being obstructed by the case. . And since this clearance gap is covered and concealed by the cylindrical part which has a softness | flexibility fixed to the main-body part of a brush component, it can suppress that a water, saliva, etc. permeate into this clearance gap. In addition, although a cylindrical part contacts with respect to a case, since it has a softness | flexibility, it does not prevent the vibration of a brush component.

  The cylindrical portion may be configured such that an inner peripheral surface thereof is in contact with the case on the free end side.

  Thereby, the waterproof function by a cylindrical part can be exhibited effectively.

  An annular convex portion protruding toward the distal end side along the periphery of the vibration member is provided at the distal end of the case, and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion is relative to the outer peripheral edge or outer peripheral surface of the annular convex portion. It may be configured to contact.

  Thereby, the waterproof function by a cylindrical part can be exhibited effectively.

  The said cylindrical part is good in the shape which expands toward a free end.

  As a result, when the brush part is attached to the vibration member, deformation such as bending of the distal end portion of the flexible cylindrical portion to the inside can be suppressed, and a desired portion can be more reliably attached to the case. Can be contacted.

  The main body portion may be provided with an engagement hole that engages with an engagement protrusion provided on the vibration member, and the cylindrical portion may be provided with a convex portion that fits into the engagement hole.

  Thereby, the engagement hole provided in the vibration member can also be closed by the cylindrical portion.

  In addition, said each structure can be employ | adopted combining as much as possible.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the waterproofness without disturbing the vibration of the brush portion.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be exemplarily described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to those unless otherwise specified. .

Example 1
With reference to FIGS. 1-6, the electric toothbrush which concerns on Example 1 of this invention is demonstrated. 1 is a perspective view of an electric toothbrush according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a component development view of the electric toothbrush according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cylindrical portion of the brush component in the electric toothbrush according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a front view of the cylindrical portion of the brush component in the electric toothbrush according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a plan view of a cylindrical portion of a brush component in the electric toothbrush according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a brush component in the electric toothbrush according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 6A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion indicated by an arrow P. FIG.

<Whole electric toothbrush>
In particular, with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, the configuration of the entire electric toothbrush according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The electric toothbrush 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an electric toothbrush main body 10 and a brush component 20 attached to the electric toothbrush main body 10. The brush component 20 is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the electric toothbrush main body 10 so that it can be easily replaced. Thereby, when the brush part 20 is consumed, it can be appropriately replaced with a new one. In addition, the user can use the brush component 20 properly.

  The electric toothbrush main body 10 includes a battery 40 as a power source and a motor 12 as a driving source inside, and a case 11 that is a part that a user grips with hands when brushing teeth, an eccentric shaft 13 that is rotated by the motor 12, and an eccentricity. And a vibration member 14 that vibrates with the rotation of the shaft 13. The vibration member 14 is provided so as to protrude from the inside of the case 11 toward the tip side.

  The brush component 20 includes a cylindrical main body portion 21 that is attached to the vibration member 14 and a brush portion 22 that is provided at the tip of the main body portion 21. In a state where the brush component 20 is mounted on the electric toothbrush main body 10, a gap S is formed between the main body 21 and the tip of the case 11.

  With the above configuration, when the power is turned on, the eccentric shaft 13 fixed to the shaft is rotated by the rotation of the shaft of the motor 12. Then, the vibration member 14 vibrates with the rotation of the eccentric shaft 13, and this vibration is transmitted to the brush component 20 attached to the vibration member 14. Therefore, since the brush component 20 vibrates, the teeth can be brushed by applying the brush portion 22 to the teeth.

<Brush parts>
The brush component 20 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. The brush component 20 is
As described above, the cylindrical main body 21 that is attached to the vibration member 14 is provided. The main body 21 is provided with an engagement hole 21 a for engaging with an engagement protrusion 14 a provided on the vibration member 14. Accordingly, the brush component 20 is fitted to the vibration member 14 so that the engagement hole 21a is aligned with the position of the engagement protrusion 14a, and the brush component 20 is rotated a little to attach the brush component 20 to the vibration member 14. can do.

  The brush component 20 includes a cylindrical portion 25 having flexibility in addition to the cylindrical main body portion 21 and the brush portion 22 described above. The cylindrical portion 25 is configured so that one end side is fixed along the outer periphery of the main body portion 21 and the free end side on the other end side contacts the case 11 so as to cover the gap S. . The main body 21 is made of a hard material such as ABS resin, while the cylindrical portion 25 is made of a flexible material such as an elastomer.

  In the present embodiment, the cylindrical portion 25 is configured to increase in diameter from the upper end side serving as a fixed end toward the lower end serving as a free end. A pair of convex portions 26 projecting inward are provided on the upper end side of the cylindrical portion 25. The convex portion 26 is configured to fit into an engagement hole 21 a provided in the main body portion 21. Accordingly, by fitting the cylindrical portion 25 on the outer peripheral side of the main body portion 21 so that the convex portion 26 is fitted in the engagement hole 21a, one end side of the cylindrical portion 25 is fixed along the outer periphery of the main body portion. At the same time, the engagement hole 21a can be sealed.

  Further, as described above, the cylindrical portion 25 is configured to cover the gap S when the free end on the other end side contacts the case 11. Here, in the case of the present embodiment, the tip of the case 11 is provided with an annular protrusion 11 a that protrudes toward the tip along the periphery of the vibration member 14. And the cylindrical part 25 in the brush component 20 is comprised so that the inner peripheral surface may contact with the outer peripheral surface of this cyclic | annular convex part 11a (refer (A) in FIG. 6). In the illustrated example, the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 25 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the annular convex portion 11a in a surface contact state. However, the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 25 is an annular convex portion. It is also preferable that the outer peripheral edge of 11a is configured to contact in a line contact state.

<Excellent points of this embodiment>
According to the electric toothbrush 100 according to the present embodiment, a gap S is formed between the cylindrical main body portion 21 of the brush component 20 and the tip of the case 11 in a mounted state. Therefore, the brush component 20 vibrates freely without being obstructed by the case 11. The gap S is covered with a flexible cylindrical portion 25 fixed to the main body portion 21 of the brush component 20. Therefore, even when the electric toothbrush 100 is in use and when it is placed on the charger after use, it is possible to prevent water or saliva from entering the gap S. In addition, although the cylindrical part 25 contacts with respect to the case 11, since it has a softness | flexibility, the vibration of the brush component 20 is not prevented.

  In addition, by covering the gap S with the cylindrical portion 25, it is possible to suppress sound generated inside the electric toothbrush 100 (such as sound generated by the motor 12 and various vibrations) from leaking to the outside.

  Here, if the free end of the cylindrical portion 25 is brought into contact with the case 11 over the entire circumference, the gap S is covered and the waterproof function can be exhibited. Therefore, even when the tip of the cylindrical portion 25 is in contact with the case 11, the waterproof function can be exhibited. However, when the tip of the cylindrical portion 25 is brought into contact with the case 11, a gap is likely to be generated between the cylindrical portion 25 and the case 11. Therefore, in this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 25 is configured such that the inner peripheral surface thereof is in contact with the case 11 on the free end side. Thereby, the waterproof function by the cylindrical part 25 can be exhibited effectively.

In the present embodiment, the tip of the case 11 is provided with an annular protrusion 11a that protrudes toward the tip along the periphery of the vibration member 14, and the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion 25 is the annular protrusion. It is comprised so that it may contact with respect to the outer peripheral edge or outer peripheral surface of 11a. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent a gap from being formed between the cylindrical portion 25 and the case 11, and to effectively exhibit the waterproof function by the cylindrical portion 25.

  In the present embodiment, the cylindrical portion 25 is configured to increase in diameter toward the free end. Thereby, when the brush component 20 is attached to the vibration member 14, deformation such as bending of the distal end portion of the flexible cylindrical portion 25 can be suppressed, and a desired portion can be more reliably placed in the case. 11 can be contacted.

  In the present embodiment, the body portion 21 is provided with an engagement hole 21a for engaging the engagement protrusion 14a provided on the vibration member 14, and the tubular portion 25 has this engagement hole. The convex part 26 which fits 21a is provided. Thereby, the engagement hole 21 a provided in the vibration member 14 can be closed by the cylindrical portion 25. Thus, in the present embodiment, the cylindrical portion 25 also has a function of sealing the engagement hole 21 a provided in the vibration member 14.

(Example 2)
FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a modification of the cylindrical portion in the first embodiment will be described. Since other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view of a schematic cross-sectional view of a brush component in the electric toothbrush according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 7 corresponds to an enlarged view of the P portion in FIG. 6 described above.

  In the cylindrical portion 25a in the present embodiment, the fixed end side has the same shape as the cylindrical portion 25 in the first embodiment, and the free end side has a diameter larger than that of the cylindrical portion 25 in the first embodiment. It is comprised so that the degree of may become large. Thereby, the free end side of the cylindrical part 25a which concerns on a present Example contacts the surface of the outer diameter side rather than the cyclic | annular convex part 11a in the front-end | tip of the case 11. FIG. Note that the distal end on the free end side of the tubular portion 25 a is deformed so as to bend in the diameter increasing direction, and the inner peripheral surface thereof is configured to contact the distal end of the case 11.

  Also in the present embodiment, the gap S between the cylindrical main body 21 and the tip of the case 11 in the brush component 20 is covered by the cylindrical portion 25a. Therefore, although the waterproof function by the cylindrical portion 25a is considered to be slightly inferior to the case of the first embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Example 3)
FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a modification of the case in the first embodiment will be described. Since other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view of a schematic cross-sectional view of the brush component in the electric toothbrush according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 8 corresponds to an enlarged view of the P portion in FIG. 6 described above.

  The case 11 in this embodiment does not include the annular convex portion 11a. However, the tip of the case 11 according to the present embodiment is configured to have a tapered shape that gradually decreases in diameter toward the tip. Thus, in the present embodiment, the case 11 is not provided with the annular convex portion 11 a, so that only the tip of the cylindrical portion 25 contacts the tip of the case 11.

Also in the present embodiment, the gap S between the cylindrical main body portion 21 and the tip of the case 11 in the brush component 20 is covered with the cylindrical portion 25. Therefore, although it is thought that the waterproof function by the cylindrical part 25 is inferior compared with the case of the said Example 1, the effect similar to the case of Example 1 can be acquired.

Example 4
FIG. 9 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a modification of the cylindrical portion and the case in the first embodiment will be described. In addition, what was shown in Example 2 is employ | adopted about a cylindrical part, and what is shown in Example 3 is employ | adopted about a case. Since other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view of a schematic cross-sectional view of the brush component in the electric toothbrush according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 corresponds to an enlarged view of the P portion in FIG.

  In the cylindrical portion 25a in the present embodiment, as described in the second embodiment, the fixed end side is configured in the same shape as the cylindrical portion 25 in the first embodiment, and the free end side is a tube in the first embodiment. Compared to the shape portion 25, the degree of diameter expansion is increased. Further, the distal end on the free end side of the cylindrical portion 25 a is deformed so as to bend in the diameter increasing direction, and its inner peripheral surface is in contact with the distal end of the case 11.

  Moreover, the case 11 in the present embodiment does not include the annular convex portion 11a as described in the third embodiment.

  Also in the present embodiment, the gap S between the cylindrical main body 21 and the tip of the case 11 in the brush component 20 is covered by the cylindrical portion 25a. Therefore, although the waterproof function by the cylindrical portion 25a is considered to be slightly inferior to the case of the first embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  In addition, when the cylindrical parts 25 and 25a in each said Example are colored and several users, such as between families, share case 11 by preparing the brush component of several types of colors, it changes for every user. Color brush parts can be used. Also, if you create different types of brush parts and make the colors different for each type, you can see the types of brush parts by looking at the color of the cylindrical parts 25, 25a of the brush parts, and use them properly. It becomes easy.

1 is a perspective view of an electric toothbrush according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a component development view of the electric toothbrush according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cylindrical portion of the brush component in the electric toothbrush according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a front view of the cylindrical portion of the brush component in the electric toothbrush according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a plan view of a cylindrical portion of a brush component in the electric toothbrush according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a brush component in the electric toothbrush according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view of a schematic cross-sectional view of a brush component in the electric toothbrush according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view of a schematic cross-sectional view of the brush component in the electric toothbrush according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view of a schematic cross-sectional view of the brush component in the electric toothbrush according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an external view of a general electric toothbrush. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state where the electric toothbrush is placed on the charger.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Electric toothbrush main body 11 Case 11a Annular convex part 12 Motor 13 Eccentric shaft 14 Vibrating member 14a Engagement protrusion 20 Brush component 21 Main-body part 21a Engagement hole 21
22 brush part 25 cylindrical part 25a cylindrical part 26 convex part 40 battery 100 electric toothbrush S gap

Claims (5)

A case where the drive source is provided inside and the user grips with hand when brushing teeth,
A vibration member provided so as to protrude toward the tip of the case;
A brush component configured to be detachable from the vibration member;
An electric toothbrush comprising:
The brush parts are
A cylindrical main body portion that is attached to the vibration member and in which the gap is formed between the tip of the case in the attached state;
A brush part provided at the tip of the main body part;
One end side is fixed along the outer periphery of the main body portion, the free end side of the other end side is in contact with the case, and a cylindrical portion having flexibility to cover the gap,
An electric toothbrush comprising:   The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical portion is configured such that an inner peripheral surface thereof is in contact with the case on the free end side.   An annular convex portion protruding toward the distal end side along the periphery of the vibration member is provided at the distal end of the case, and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion is relative to the outer peripheral edge or outer peripheral surface of the annular convex portion. The electric toothbrush according to claim 2, wherein the electric toothbrush is configured to contact.   The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical portion has a shape that expands toward a free end.   The main body is provided with an engagement hole to be engaged with an engagement protrusion provided on a vibration member, and the cylindrical portion is provided with a convex portion that fits into the engagement hole. The electric toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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