JP2004089353A - Ultrasonic toothbrush - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a toothbrush compact by dividing a handle into two parts. <P>SOLUTION: When the toothbrush is used, an ultrasonic transmitting circuit B1, a battery C, and an ultrasonic vibrator D are electrically connected by a non-contact connecting means 4 by connecting the top 1a of a body case 1 and a base end 2a of a brush holder 2. When the toothbrush is not used, the whole length of the handle A is reduced by separating the top 1a of the body case 1 and the base end 2a of the brush holder 2 and the non-contact connecting means 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an ultrasonic toothbrush in which a power source for cleaning teeth by ultrasonic vibration is portable with a battery.
In detail, the main part of the function that includes at least the ultrasonic transmission circuit is installed inside the handle, and the ultrasonic vibration is oscillated from the ultrasonic vibrator embedded at the tip of the handle by energizing this function main part, and the brush is Ultrasonic toothbrush transmitted to the teeth and gums of the user and the surrounding oral tissue through the toothbrush.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, this type of ultrasonic toothbrush arranges a functional main part such as an ultrasonic transmission circuit and a battery in an internal space of an integrally formed handle, and arranges an ultrasonic vibrator on a tip side of the handle. A brush is planted and arranged at the tip of the handle so that ultrasonic vibrations are transmitted from the ultrasonic vibrator (for example, see Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, and Patent Document 3). Furthermore, the main part of the function such as the ultrasonic transmission circuit and the battery are buried inside the integrally formed handle, and the ultrasonic vibrator is buried and arranged at the tip side of the handle. In order to ensure that the ultrasonic vibrations transmitted to the user's teeth and gums and the surrounding oral tissues via the brush are reliably and efficiently transmitted, the brush is implanted in close contact with the tip side of the handle. There is a type in which a brush head is detachably attached (for example, see Patent Document 4).
In addition, the handle is composed of a neck and a body that are detachably screwed to each other, and a main function part such as an ultrasonic transmission circuit, a battery, and an ultrasonic vibrator are installed in the internal space of the body. The ultrasonic vibrator has a waveguide metal rod projecting therethrough so as to penetrate the neck when the neck and the body are screwed, and a waveguide metal socket is buried at the tip of the neck. The root of the brush is fixed or connected to the waveguide metal plate extended to the wave metal socket, and ultrasonic vibration is applied from the ultrasonic vibrator to the brush via the waveguide metal rod, the waveguide metal socket, and the waveguide metal plate in order. (For example, see Patent Document 5).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 57-2829 (page 2, FIG. 1)
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 6-58722 (page 4-5, FIG. 1)
[Patent Document 3]
JP-A-10-165228 (page 2, FIG. 3)
[Patent Document 4]
Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-509151 (page 3-4, FIG. 1-3)
[Patent Document 5]
JP-A-63-109807 (page 2-3, FIG. 1)
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the case of such a conventional ultrasonic toothbrush, in a case where a functional main part such as an ultrasonic transmission circuit is disposed inside a integrally formed pattern and the brush is disposed on the tip side of the pattern, the total length of the pattern is reduced. It is long and inferior in portability, so that there is a problem that it is difficult to carry when going out, for example, when traveling, and the usability is poor.
Further, when the handle is composed of a neck and a body detachably screwed to each other, in order to improve portability, it is conceivable to carry with the neck and the body removed. Even if the neck is removed from the body, most of the waveguide metal rods protrude through the neck, so that there is a problem that the size cannot be significantly reduced.
In addition, there is a possibility that the waveguide metal rod protruding from the neck may be bent and deformed due to the vibration and shock generated by carrying, which may make it impossible to connect to the waveguide metal socket so that it can transmit ultrasonic waves. , It is practically difficult to carry with the neck and torso removed
In addition, if the brush head with the brush is detachably attached so as to be in close contact with the tip of the handle, if this brush head is frequently attached and detached, there will be a gap between the brush head and the tip of the handle. It is easy to generate backlash and, with this, the ultrasonic vibration oscillated from the ultrasonic vibrator cannot be reliably transmitted to the brush.As a result, it is not possible to replace only the brush head and share it with multiple users. There is a problem that can not be.
[0005]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the first aspect of the present invention is to easily divide a handle into two parts to reduce the size when not in use.
A second aspect of the present invention has an object to provide a waterproof structure for an electric coupling part in addition to the object of the first aspect.
The third aspect of the present invention is intended to reduce the size of the connecting device in addition to the object of the second aspect of the present invention.
The invention described in claim 4 has, in addition to the objects of the invention described in claim 1, 2 or 3, a plurality of users who are connected to the brush while maintaining the vibration transmission from the ultrasonic transducer to the brush for a long time. The purpose is to share the main body case.
A fifth aspect of the present invention has the object of easily confirming the connection state between the main body case and the brush holder in addition to the objects of the first, second, third, or fourth aspect.
The invention described in claim 6 aims at realizing stable electromagnetic coupling in addition to the object of the invention described in claim 2 or 3.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention has a handle provided with a main body case and a brush holder having a brush attached to a tip thereof, and a main functional part is provided inside the main body case. The ultrasonic transducer is buried on the tip side of the brush holder, and the tip of the main body case and the base end of the brush holder are detachably connected to each other. The present invention is characterized in that there is provided a separable contactless connecting means for electrically coupling the ultrasonic wave oscillator with the sound wave transmitting circuit and the battery.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first aspect, the non-contact connecting means comprises a primary coil and a secondary coil which can be separated from each other, one of which is disposed at a distal end portion of the main body case. At the same time, the other end is provided with the base end of the brush holder, and the primary coil and the secondary coil are electromagnetically coupled in a state where the tip of the main body case is connected to the base end of the brush holder. It is characterized by adding a certain configuration.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first or second aspect of the invention, the primary coil and the secondary coil are formed in a ring shape, and the leading end of the main body case is connected to the base end of the brush holder. It is characterized in that a configuration is added in which one of the rings is arranged on the outer periphery of the other in the state.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first, second or third aspect of the invention, a plurality of the brush holders are prepared, and a base end of each of the brush holders is arranged with respect to a tip end of one main body case. It is characterized in that the brush heads are provided with brush heads on which brushes are implanted in a detachable manner so as to be interchangeably connected and to be in close contact with the tip of the brush holder.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first, second, third or fourth aspect of the present invention, the brush holder is provided with a display unit connected to an ultrasonic vibrator by wiring. It is characterized in that a configuration in which the light is turned on only when the child is energized is added.
A sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that a configuration in which the number of turns of the secondary coil is increased relative to the primary coil is added to the configuration of the second or third aspect of the invention.
[0007]
[Action]
According to the first aspect of the invention, the ultrasonic transmitting circuit and the ultrasonic vibrator are electrically connected by the non-contact connecting means by connecting the distal end of the main body case and the base end of the brush holder during use. The ultrasonic vibrator vibrates ultrasonically, and when not in use, separates the distal end of the main body case from the base end of the brush holder and the contactless connecting means, thereby shortening the entire length of the handle.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first aspect, the non-contact connecting means comprises a primary side coil and a secondary side coil which can be separated from each other, and one of them is disposed at a distal end portion of the main body case. At the same time, the other end is provided with a base end of a brush holder, and the primary coil and the secondary coil are electromagnetically coupled in a state in which the front end of the main body case is connected to the base end of the brush holder. With the added configuration, the primary coil and the secondary coil are electromagnetically coupled with the main body case and brush holder connected, so that electrical connection can be achieved without exposing electrical contacts on the joint surface between the main body case and brush holder. Coupling becomes possible.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the configuration according to the second aspect, the primary coil and the secondary coil are formed in an annular shape, and the primary coil and the secondary coil are connected to each other in a state where the distal end of the main body case is connected to the proximal end of the brush holder. With the addition of a configuration in which one of the rings is arranged on the outer circumference of the other, the primary coil and secondary coil are arranged in an inner and outer duplex with the main body case and brush holder connected, and the total length of the pattern is shortened by the overlap. Be converted to
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first, second or third aspect, a plurality of the brush holders are prepared, and a base end of the brush holder is exchanged for a tip end of one main body case. A brush head with brushes is detachably attached to the brush holder so that the brush head can be freely connected and close to the tip of the brush holder. If you prepare for the number of people in advance, you can connect these brush holders dedicated to the user to one body case and replace them for each user, so that multiple brush heads can be used without frequently attaching and detaching the brush head from the brush holder. Can be shared.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first, second, third or fourth aspect, the brush holder is provided with a display unit connected to an ultrasonic vibrator by wiring, and the display unit is connected to the ultrasonic vibrator. Because the configuration that was lit only during the energization was added, if the tip of the main body case and the base end of the brush holder are not connected at the proper position of the contactless connection means, the ultrasonic transducer will not be energized, Since the display unit does not light, an abnormality is recognized.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a configuration in which the number of turns of the secondary coil is increased with respect to the primary coil is added to the configuration of the second or third aspect, so that the resonance frequency of the piezoelectric transducer varies. Output voltage difference is small.
[0008]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, this embodiment comprises a main body case 1 in which a user holds a handle A and a brush holder 2 to which a brush E1 is attached. At the same time, the distal end portion 1a of the main body case 1 and the base end portion 2a of the brush holder 2 are inserted and detachably connected to each other. This shows a case where the primary coil 4a and the secondary coil 4b are arranged close to each other in the axial direction of the handle A and electromagnetically coupled (dielectrically coupled).
[0009]
The main body case 1 is formed of a hard synthetic resin such as an ABS resin in the shape of a hollow bottomed cylinder, and its distal end portion 1a has an opening having a circular or elliptical or substantially rectangular cross section as shown in FIG. Then, a functional main part B including at least an ultrasonic transmission circuit B1 and a battery C are provided in the internal space, and these are connected by wiring as shown in the circuit diagram of FIG.
[0010]
As the functional main part B, an operation switch B2 and the like are integrally provided in addition to an ultrasonic transmission circuit B1 including, for example, an ultrasonic oscillator for operating an ultrasonic transducer D described later.
[0011]
Further, although not shown as necessary, an eccentric plate fixed to a rotating shaft of an electric motor is provided, for example, in order to allow a user to sense mechanical vibration during operation of an ultrasonic transducer D described later. The entire handle A may be mechanically vibrated by rotating it.
[0012]
In the case of the present embodiment, the battery C is a rechargeable battery such as a nickel-cadmium battery, for example, and is charged by setting it in a charger (not shown).
[0013]
The brush holder 2 is formed of a hard synthetic resin such as an ABS resin and has a cylindrical shape that gradually becomes thinner toward the front end, as in the case of the main body case 1, and a plurality of users share one main body case 1. In this case, it is preferable to prepare a plurality of brush holders 2 in advance.
[0014]
In the illustrated example, a base end 2a of the brush holder 2 is opened in a circular or elliptical shape or a substantially rectangular shape as shown in FIG. The distal end portion 1a of the case 1 and the proximal end portion 2a of the brush holder 2 are fitted and connected.
[0015]
In the case of the present embodiment, a fitting portion 2b larger than the outer diameter of the distal end portion 1a of the main body case 1 is connected to the base end portion 2a of the brush holder 2 so as to be fitted to each other. With the locking mechanism 3 interposed, the locking mechanism 3 is engaged by simply inserting the tip portion 1a of the main body case 1 into the fitting portion 2b of the brush holder 2 in the axial direction of the handle A, thereby securely connecting the two. Alternatively, the locking mechanism 3 is engaged by inserting the handle A in the axial direction and then rotating in the direction around the axis, thereby securely connecting the two.
[0016]
Further, in the case of the illustrated example, the connecting portion between the distal end portion 1a of the main body case 1 and the fitting portion 2b of the brush holder 2 is harder and more wear-resistant than a hard synthetic resin such as ABS resin, which is a constituent material thereof. By forming a part or the entirety of the lock mechanism 3 with the wear-resistant material 3a having excellent performance fixed to and interposed in one of the two, the connection portion and the lock are formed. It is preferable to improve the durability by making the mechanism 3 hard to wear.
[0017]
The connecting portion between the distal end portion 1a of the main body case 1 and the base end portion 2a of the brush holder 2 is connected to the ultrasonic transmission circuit B1 and the battery C of the functional main portion B and the ultrasonic wave to be described later only when the two are connected. A separable contactless connection means 4 for electrically coupling the vibrator D and ultrasonically vibrating the ultrasonic vibrator D is provided.
[0018]
In the case of the present embodiment, the non-contact connecting means 4 comprises a primary coil 4a and a secondary coil 4b which can be separated from each other, one of which is disposed at the tip 1a of the main body case 1, and the other is a brush holder. 2 with the base 1a of the main body case 1 and the base 2a of the brush holder 2 connected to each other, the primary coil 4a and the secondary coil 4b are connected to the axis of the handle A. As shown in the circuit diagram of FIG. 3, the primary coil 4a is disposed and connected to the ultrasonic transmission circuit B1 and the battery C, and the secondary coil is arranged as shown in the circuit diagram of FIG. 4b is arranged and connected to an ultrasonic transducer D described later.
[0019]
Further, in the case of the illustrated example, as shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b), a primary coil 4a is incorporated in the distal end portion 1a of the main body case 1, and the primary coil 4a is inserted from the fitting portion 2b of the brush holder 2 into the base end portion 2a. In order to incorporate the secondary coil 4b and to increase the coupling efficiency from the primary coil 4a to the secondary coil 4b by the action of electromagnetic induction, the center of the primary coil 4a and the secondary coil 4b is insulated. The magnetic cores 4e and 4f are inserted across the bobbins 4c and 4d.
[0020]
When the primary coil 4a and the secondary coil 4b are assembled, a waterproof structure is used by using an adhesive or the like when the bobbins 4c and 4d are fitted. In the case of the example shown in the drawing, the joint surfaces of the secondary coil 4b and the exposed surfaces of the bobbins 4c and 4d and the magnetic cores 4e and 4f are covered with waterproof covers 4g and 4h, thereby sealing and preventing deterioration such as rust. It is preferable to prevent failure.
[0021]
In particular, when the turns ratio of the primary coil 4a and the secondary coil 4b is close to 1: 1, the output voltage of the secondary coil 4b greatly changes due to the variation in the resonance frequency of the piezoelectric conversion element D. If the number of turns of the secondary coil 4b is increased so that the ratio becomes, for example, about 1: 4, the output voltage difference due to the variation in the resonance frequency of the piezoelectric conversion element D is reduced, and stable electromagnetic coupling can be realized.
[0022]
A thin plate-shaped ultrasonic vibrator D made of, for example, a piezoelectric conversion element is directly embedded in the tip opening 2c of the brush holder 2.
In the case of the piezoelectric conversion element D, when an electric signal is input from the ultrasonic wave transmitting circuit B by a piezoelectric effect (piezo effect), the volume thereof expands and contracts to output an ultrasonic signal, such as a piezoelectric ceramic element. A piezoelectric vibrator that oscillates ultrasonic waves in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the handle A, and outputs an ultrasonic vibration of 10 to 100 mW / cm. ² And the frequency is set to 1.3 to 1.9 MHz.
[0023]
In the case of the illustrated example, this piezoelectric conversion element D is formed in a thin plate shape of, for example, about 4 × 17 × 1 mm, and is disposed substantially parallel to the axial direction of the handle A, and a viscous-curing type synthetic resin is adhered therearound. By filling and sealing the agent D1, an air layer is not generated between the brush holder 2 and the inner surface of the tip opening 2c.
[0024]
Further, the brush holder 2 is provided with a display unit 5 connected to the ultrasonic vibrator D by wiring, and this display unit 5 is turned on only when the ultrasonic vibrator D is energized.
In the case of the illustrated example, as shown in the circuit diagram of FIG. 3, for example, a light emitting diode (LED) is used as the display unit 5, which is wired in parallel with the ultrasonic vibrator D, and as shown in FIG. It is arranged in the internal space of the holder 2 and can be checked from the outside through the lens 5a.
[0025]
Furthermore, a brush head E on which a brush E1 is implanted is detachably attached to a tip side of the brush holder 2 in which the ultrasonic transducer D is embedded so as to be in close contact with the brush holder.
[0026]
In the case of the present embodiment, the rear surface 2d on the distal end side of the brush holder 2 is gently inclined so that the wall thickness gradually increases as going from the distal end portion to the intermediate portion. The opposite inner surface of the back surface portion E2 of the brush head E is gently inclined so as to be parallel, an engagement hole E3 is formed in the back surface portion E2, and the engagement hole E3 is formed in the inclined back surface 2d. By protruding the projection 2e fitted with E3, the tip bottom surface 2f of the brush holder 2 is elastically pressed against the inner bottom surface E4 of the brush head E where the root portion of the brush E1 is planted.
[0027]
In the case of the illustrated example, the protrusion 2e is formed in a shape symmetrical in the press-fitting direction of the brush head E, for example, as a mountain shape as shown in FIG. At this time, the projection 2e is securely fitted to the engagement hole E3 of the brush head E with a light force, and has a structure that does not easily come off. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and the brush head E may be attached so as to be in close contact with the tip side of the brush holder 2 with a structure other than the above.
[0028]
Next, a method of using such an ultrasonic toothbrush will be described.
First, at the time of use, the distal end portion 1a of the main body case 1 and the proximal end portion 2a of the brush holder 2 are inserted and connected.
Thereby, the ultrasonic oscillator D is electrically coupled to the ultrasonic transmission circuit B1 and the battery C of the functional main part B by the contactless connection means 4.
[0029]
In this connection state, if the user switches the operation switch B2 to the ON state, the ultrasonic vibrator D is energized and ultrasonically vibrates, and the ultrasonic vibration oscillated from the ultrasonic vibrator D passes through the brush E1. Thus, it is transmitted to the teeth and gums of the user and the oral tissues around the teeth, thereby enabling effective brushing for removing plaque and the like.
[0030]
In addition, when not used, the entire length of the handle A is reduced to about 1 / in the case of the present embodiment by separating the distal end portion 1a of the main body case 1 from the base end portion 2a of the brush holder 2 and the contactless connecting means 4. It is shortened to about 2.
As a result, the handle A can be easily divided into two parts to achieve compactness when not in use.
[0031]
Further, in the case of the present embodiment, the primary coil 4a and the secondary coil 4b are electromagnetically coupled in a state where the main body case 1 and the brush holder 2 are connected. Even without being exposed, electrical coupling is possible.
As a result, the electric coupling portion can be made waterproof.
[0032]
If the brush holders 2 to which the brush heads E are attached are prepared in advance for the number of users, the brush holders 2 dedicated to the users are connected to one main body case 1 and exchanged for each user. Thereby, a plurality of users can share the brush head E without frequently attaching and detaching the brush head E from the brush holder 2.
As a result, a plurality of users can share one main body case 1 while maintaining the transmission of vibration from the ultrasonic transducer D to the brush E1 for a long time.
Further, when shared by a plurality of users, the brush holder 2 is separated and replaced from the long brush holder 2, so that there is an advantage that there is a sense of security in a sanitary manner.
[0033]
Furthermore, if the tip 1a of the main body case 1 and the base 2a of the brush holder 2 are not connected at an appropriate position of the contactless connection means 4 even when the operation switch B2 is turned on during use, the ultrasonic vibrator is used. Since power is not supplied to D, the display unit 5 does not light up, indicating an abnormality.
As a result, the connection state between the main body case 1 and the brush holder 2 can be easily checked. If the display unit 5 is not lit even though the display unit 5 is connected at an appropriate position, a failure such as a disconnection is considered, and such a failure can be easily detected.
[0034]
On the other hand, what is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is another embodiment of the present invention, in which a primary coil 4a and a secondary coil 4b which can be separated from each other are annularly formed as the non-contact connecting means 4. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, one of the rings is arranged on the outer periphery of the other in a connected state between the distal end portion 1 a of the main body case 1 and the base end portion 2 a of the brush holder 2. Unlike this, the other configuration is the same as that of the embodiment shown in FIGS.
[0035]
In the case of the illustrated example, the distal end portion 1a of the main body case 1 is opened larger than the base end portion 2a of the brush holder 2, and the primary side coil 4a incorporated in the distal end portion 1a of the main body case 1 is formed in an annular shape without a magnetic core. In addition, the secondary coil 4b incorporated in the base end 2a of the brush holder 2 is inserted and connected to the inside of the annular primary coil 4a, thereby connecting the primary coil 4a to the secondary coil 4a. The secondary coil 4b is closely arranged in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the handle A and electromagnetically coupled (dielectrically coupled).
[0036]
At this time, between the inner peripheral surface of the bobbin 4c inside the annular primary coil 4a and the outer peripheral surface of the base end portion 2a of the brush holder 2 in which the secondary coil 4b is incorporated. By attaching a wear-resistant material 3a having excellent wear-resistance performance and interposing a lock mechanism 3, and forming part or all of the lock mechanism 3 with the wear-resistant material 3a, the connection portion and the lock are formed. It is preferable to improve the durability by making the mechanism 3 hard to wear.
[0037]
4 and 5, the primary coil 4a and the secondary coil 4b are arranged in an inner and outer double in a use state in which the main body case 1 and the brush holder 2 are connected, and the pattern A is overlapped by the overlap. Is shortened.
As a result, there is an advantage that the size at the time of connection can be reduced more than the embodiment shown in FIGS.
Further, as shown in the drawing, if the secondary coil 4b is arranged inside the primary coil 4a, there is an advantage that the coupling efficiency is more advantageous than the opposite case.
[0038]
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the primary coil 4a and the secondary coil 4b are electromagnetically coupled (dielectrically coupled) as the non-contact connection means 4 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the same operation and effect can be obtained. If possible, another structure such as capacitive coupling may be used.
Further, the length of the main body case 1 and the brush holder 2 at the time of separation are not substantially the same length, and either one may be longer than the other.
[0039]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention connects the distal end of the main body case and the base end of the brush holder during use, so that the ultrasonic transmission circuit and the ultrasonic The vibrator is electrically coupled, the ultrasonic vibrator vibrates ultrasonically, and when not in use, separates the tip of the main body case from the base end of the brush holder and the contactless connection means to reduce the total length of the handle. Since the length is shortened, the handle can be easily divided into two parts, and the size can be reduced when not in use.
Therefore, a conventional function in which a functional main part such as an ultrasonic transmission circuit is arranged inside a integrally formed handle and a brush is arranged on the tip side of the handle, or the neck is penetrated even when the neck is removed from the trunk. As compared with the conventional one in which most of the waveguide metal rods are protruded, portability when not in use is improved, and the device is easy to carry when going out, for example, when traveling, and is easy to use.
Further, since the electrical coupling portion is non-contact, reliability is improved.
[0040]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first aspect of the present invention, the primary side coil and the secondary side coil are electromagnetically coupled in a connected state of the main body case and the brush holder, so that the joint surface between the main body case and the brush holder is provided. Since the electrical connection can be made without exposing the electrical contact to the electrical connection portion, the electrical connection portion can be made to have a waterproof structure.
Therefore, deterioration or failure due to rust or the like can be prevented, and it can be used for a long time, and is economical.
[0041]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the second aspect, the primary coil and the secondary coil are arranged in an inner and outer double in a state where the main body case and the brush holder are connected, and the total length of the handle is equal to the overlap. Is shortened, so that compactness at the time of connection can be achieved.
Further, if the secondary coil is arranged inside the primary coil, the coupling efficiency becomes more advantageous than the opposite case.
[0042]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first, second, or third aspect, if a predetermined number of brush holders to which the brush heads are attached are prepared in advance for the number of users, these user-specific brush holders can be provided. By connecting to a single body case and exchanging for each user, multiple users can share the brush head without frequently attaching and detaching the brush head from the brush holder. A plurality of users can share one main body case while maintaining vibration transmission for a long time.
Accordingly, when a plurality of users use the ultrasonic toothbrushes, such as a family member, the number of ultrasonic toothbrushes corresponding to the number of users is not required, which is economical.
Furthermore, when shared by a plurality of users, the brush holder 2 is separated and replaced from the long brush holder 2, so that there is a sanitary sense of security.
[0043]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first, second, third, or fourth aspect, when the distal end of the main body case and the base end of the brush holder are not connected at an appropriate position of the contactless connection means. Since the ultrasonic vibrator is not energized, the display unit does not light up, indicating an abnormality, so that the connection state between the main body case and the brush holder can be easily checked.
[0044]
According to the invention of claim 6, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 2 or 3, the output voltage difference due to the variation of the resonance frequency of the piezoelectric conversion element is small, so that stable electromagnetic coupling can be realized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional front view of an ultrasonic toothbrush showing an embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) shows a connected state and (b) shows a separated state.
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional side view taken along line (2)-(2) of FIG. 1 (a).
FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram.
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional front view of an ultrasonic toothbrush showing another embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) shows a state of connection and (b) shows a state of separation.
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional side view taken along line (5)-(5) in FIG. 4 (a).
[Explanation of symbols]
A pattern B function main part
B1 Ultrasonic transmission circuit C Battery
D Ultrasonic vibrator E Brush head
E1 brush 1 body case
1a Tip 2 Brush holder
2a Base end 4 Non-contact connection means
4a Primary coil 4b Secondary coil
5 Display

Claims (6)

A functional main part (B) including at least an ultrasonic transmission circuit (B1) is provided inside the handle (A), and an ultrasonic wave buried at the tip of the handle (A) by energizing the functional main part (B). In an ultrasonic toothbrush which oscillates ultrasonic vibration from the vibrator (D) and propagates through the brush (E1) to the user's teeth, gums and surrounding oral tissues,
The handle (A) includes a main body case (1) and a brush holder (2) having a brush (E1) attached to a tip thereof, and a main functional part (B) is arranged inside the main body case (1). At the same time, an ultrasonic transducer (D) is buried at the tip side of the brush holder (2), and the tip part (1a) of the main body case (1) and the base end part (2a) of the brush holder (2) are detachable. The connecting portion is provided with separable contactless connecting means (4) for electrically connecting the ultrasonic transmitting circuit (B1) and the ultrasonic vibrator (D) only when the two are connected. An ultrasonic toothbrush characterized in that: The non-contact connecting means (4) is composed of a primary coil (4a) and a secondary coil (4b) which can be separated from each other, one of which is disposed at the tip (1a) of the main body case (1), The other end is provided with the base end (1b) of the brush holder (2) and brought close to each other, and the front end (1a) of the main body case (1) is connected to the base end (2a) of the brush holder (2). The ultrasonic toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the primary coil (4a) and the secondary coil (4b) are electromagnetically coupled in such a state. The primary side coil (4a) and the secondary side coil (4b) are formed in an annular shape, and are connected with the distal end (1a) of the main body case (1) and the base end (2a) of the brush holder (2). 3. The ultrasonic toothbrush according to claim 2, wherein one of said rings is arranged on the outer periphery of the other. A plurality of the brush holders (2) are prepared, and a base end (2a) of each of the brush holders (2) is exchangeably connected to a front end (1a) of one body case (1). The ultrasonic toothbrush according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein a brush head (E) on which a brush (E1) is planted is detachably attached so as to be in close contact with a tip portion (1a) of the brush holder (2). . The brush holder (2) is provided with a display unit (5) connected to the ultrasonic vibrator (D) by wiring, and the display unit (5) is turned on only when the ultrasonic vibrator (D) is energized. Item 7. The ultrasonic toothbrush according to item 1, 2, 3 or 4. The ultrasonic toothbrush according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the number of turns of the secondary coil (4b) is larger than that of the primary coil (4a).

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