JP2021101760A - Toothbrush junction - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a toothbrush junction which can correctly sense a toothbrushing action.SOLUTION: There is provided a toothbrush junction which is joined to a toothbrush in which a head part having a bristle implantation surface is provided on a tip side and a gripping part extending in a long axis direction is provided on a rear end side. The toothbrush junction comprises: a housing 70 which has an insertion hole 72 to which at least a part of the gripping part is inserted and which is opened upward; and a detection part which detects a prescribed physical quantity regarding the toothbrush. The insertion hole is formed along an axial line J1 extending in an insertion direction of the gripping part. An inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole has outer shape contour lines D11, D12 that are asymmetrical to the axial line when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the axial line.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

The present invention relates to a toothbrush joint.

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

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

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

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

Japanese Patent No. 6465122

In order to detect the physical quantity related to the toothbrush and sense the tooth brushing behavior, it is necessary to align the direction of the toothbrush and the direction of the toothbrush joint in a predetermined direction.
However, it cannot be said that the proper orientation of the toothbrush joint described in Patent Document 1 is explicit when the toothbrush is attached. For example, if the toothbrush is attached to the toothbrush joint in the opposite direction, there arises a problem that the toothbrushing behavior cannot be accurately sensed.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush joint capable of accurately sensing tooth brushing behavior.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is a toothbrush joint portion in which a head portion having a fluffed surface is provided on the front end side and a grip portion extending in the long axis direction is joined to a toothbrush provided on the rear end side. The housing has a housing having an insertion hole that opens to the upper side into which at least a part of the grip portion is inserted, and a detection unit that detects a predetermined physical quantity related to the toothbrush, and the housing is within the width of the bottom surface. The insertion hole is formed along a central axis extending in the vertical direction through a point, the insertion hole extends in the insertion direction of the grip portion, and is formed along an axis parallel to the central axis, and the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole is formed. Provided is a toothbrush joint characterized by having an outer contour line that is asymmetric with respect to the axis line when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the axis line.

Further, in the toothbrush joint according to one aspect of the present invention, the axis is parallel to the central axis extending in the vertical direction through the midpoint of the width of the bottom surface of the housing, and the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole is When the grip portion is inserted into the insertion hole, the asymmetric outer shape is viewed from the side view in the normal direction of the flocked surface facing the front side in the head portion and the width direction orthogonal to the insertion direction. It is characterized by having a contour line.

Further, in the toothbrush joint according to one aspect of the present invention, the upper surface of the housing has an inclination of 30 ° or more and 50 ° or less with respect to the bottom surface, and the upper surface has a height on the front side. , The height is lower than the height of the back side opposite to the front side.

Further, in the toothbrush joint according to one aspect of the present invention, the front side of the housing has a length of 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less and a width of 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less from the upper surface to the lower side. It is characterized in that a notch for opening an insertion hole is provided.

Further, in the toothbrush joint according to one aspect of the present invention, the width of the housing expands from the upper surface to the bottom surface to the maximum width in the front view, and the width of the bottom surface in the front view is the same. It is characterized in that it is larger than the maximum width of the insertion hole opened on the upper surface, the width of the bottom surface is 15 mm or more and 30 mm or less, and the maximum width of the insertion hole on the upper surface is 8 mm or more and 20 mm or less. ..

Further, in the toothbrush joint according to one aspect of the present invention, the housing has one or more positions where the width is maximized between the upper surface and the bottom surface in the front view, and the width is maximized. The height of the position is 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less from the bottom surface, and the maximum width is 3 mm or more larger than the width of the bottom surface.

Further, in the toothbrush joint according to one aspect of the present invention, in the side view, between the upper surface and the lower surface of the housing, the outer contour line on the back surface side opposite to the front surface side and the central axis. There is one or more positions where the distance is maximum, and the height of the position where the distance is maximum is 8 mm or more and 19 mm or less from the bottom surface, and the maximum distance is the bottom surface in the side view. It is characterized in that it is 5 mm or more larger than 1/2 of the width of.

Further, in the toothbrush joint according to one aspect of the present invention, in the side view, the position of the outer contour line on the back side opposite to the front side at the height of the lower end on the front side of the upper surface of the housing is The width of the housing at the height position of the lower end on the front side of the upper surface is 17 mm or more and 22 mm or less in the side view. It is characterized by being.

Further, in the toothbrush joint according to one aspect of the present invention, the width of the housing that reaches the maximum in the side view is larger than the width that reaches the maximum in the front view, and the width reaches the maximum in the front view. The ratio of the width that becomes the maximum in the side view is 1.1 or more and 1.5 or less.

Further, in the toothbrush joint according to one aspect of the present invention, when the grip portion is inserted into the insertion hole, the central axis and the flocked surface intersect at an angle of 2 ° or more and 10 ° or less. It is characterized by that.

Further, in the toothbrush joint according to one aspect of the present invention, when the grip portion is inserted into the insertion hole, the rear end of the grip portion is located on one side of the central axis in the side view. The tip of the head portion is located on the other side of the central axis.

Further, in the toothbrush joint according to one aspect of the present invention, the front surface of the housing at an intermediate position between the height position of the opening end of the insertion hole on the front surface side and the height position of the bottom portion of the insertion hole. The thickness of the side is 2 mm or more and 5 mm or less, and the thickness of the back side opposite to the front side is 3 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

Further, in the toothbrush joint according to one aspect of the present invention, the housing is characterized in that the shore hardness is 40 or more and 70 or less.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can provide a toothbrush joint capable of accurately sensing tooth brushing behavior.

It is a figure which shows the embodiment of this invention, and is the external perspective view which shows the toothbrush 10 and the attachment 1 into which the toothbrush 10 is inserted. It is a front view of the toothbrush 10. It is a side view of the toothbrush 10. It is an exploded perspective view of the attachment 1. It is sectional drawing of the attachment 1 in the plane parallel to the YZ plane. It is sectional drawing of the attachment 1 in the plane parallel to the XZ plane. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the housing 45 as viewed from the + Z side. It is an external perspective view of the 1st structure 40. It is a side view of the substrate 42. It is sectional drawing of the housing 70 in the plane parallel to the YZ plane. It is sectional drawing of the housing 70 in the plane parallel to the XZ plane. It is a side view which shows the toothbrush 10 in which the grip portion 16 is inserted into the insertion hole 72 of the housing 70. It is a flowchart which shows the operation when the switch part 51 is pressed from the state where the attachment 1 is stopped. It is a flowchart which shows the operation when the 1st operation mode is selected. It is a flowchart which shows the operation when the 2nd operation mode is selected. It is a flowchart which shows the operation when the switch part 51 is pressed in the 1st operation mode or the 2nd operation mode. It is a partial side view which shows the tip side of the toothbrush 10 of a modification.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the toothbrush joint portion of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 17.
In the present embodiment, a configuration in which the toothbrush joint is an attachment for a communication type toothbrush (hereinafter, simply referred to as an attachment) will be described as an example.

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

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a toothbrush 10 and an attachment 1 attached to the toothbrush 10. FIG. 2 is a front view of the toothbrush 10. FIG. 3 is a side view of the toothbrush 10.

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

In the following description, the direction is orthogonal to the bottom surface 73a of the attachment 1 described later, the substantially major axis direction of the handle body 11 (grip portion 16) in the toothbrush 10 is the Z direction, and the flocked surface 21a of the head portion 14 The width direction of the head portion 14 orthogonal to the normal direction and the Z direction is used as the Y direction, and the direction orthogonal to the Z direction and the Y direction is appropriately used as the X direction. The brush portion 12 and the flocked surface 21a face the + X side in the X direction. Further, the + X side facing the brush portion 12 and the flocked surface 21a is the front side, and the −X side is the back side. Then, viewing the toothbrush 10 or the attachment 1 in the X direction is referred to as front view, and viewing in the Y direction is referred to as side view. Further, in the Z direction, the side where the head portion 14 is located is referred to as the front end side, and the side where the grip portion 16 is located is referred to as the rear end side.

A brush portion 12 is planted on the flocked surface 21a of the head portion 14. The brush portion 12 is shown in a simplified manner.
The neck portion 15 is a portion that connects the head portion 14 and the grip portion 16. The width of the neck portion 15 is configured to be narrower than the minimum width of the head portion 14 and the grip portion 16. The thickness of the neck portion 15 can be, for example, the same as the thickness of the head portion 14. The grip portion 16 is a portion that the user of the toothbrush 10 grips by hand. The region including the rear end of the grip portion 16, that is, the rear end of the handle body 11, is referred to as a tail portion 16a.

In the present embodiment, in front view, the width of the head portion 14 is narrowed from the tip of the head portion 14 toward the grip portion 16, the amount of change in the width is large, and the amount of change in the width is almost eliminated. The position is the boundary between the rear end and the tip of the neck portion 15. Further, the position where the width increases from the tip of the neck portion 15 toward the grip portion 16 and the amount of change in the width increases is defined as the position of the boundary between the rear end of the neck portion 15 and the tip of the grip portion 16.

As shown in FIG. 2, of the outer contour lines on the + Y side of the grip portion 16 in front view, the outer contour line C1 on the tail portion 16a side has a plurality of arcuate shapes in which the center of curvature is located on the −Y side and has a convex shape. It is formed by the curve of. Of the outer contour lines on the −Y side of the grip portion 16 when viewed from the front, the outer contour line C2 on the tail portion 16a side is formed by a plurality of arcuate curves having a convex shape with the center of curvature located on the + Y side. .. The outer contour line C1 and the outer contour line C2 are connected by the outer contour line C3 at the rear end of the grip portion 16. In front view, the outer contour line C1 on the + Y side and the outer contour line C2 on the −Y side of the grip portion 16 are line-symmetric with respect to the center line extending in the Z direction. The width of the grip portion 16 in the front view gradually increases from the tip toward the tail side and then gradually decreases.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the side view, the grip portion 16 has the Z direction as the major axis direction. In the lateral view, the flocked surface 21a is inclined at an angle θ1 so that the tip side is located on the back side with respect to the long axis direction. That is, in the side view, the flocked surface 21a is inclined so that the tip side is located on the −X side with respect to the Z direction.

Of the outer contour lines on the front side of the grip portion 16 in the side view, the outer contour line C11 on the tail portion 16a side is formed by a plurality of arcuate curves having a convex shape with the center of curvature located on the −Y side. .. Of the outer contour lines on the back side of the grip portion 16 in the side view, the outer contour line C12 on the tail portion 16a side is formed by a plurality of arcuate curves having a convex shape with the center of curvature located on the −Y side. .. The outer contour line C11 and the outer contour line C12 are connected by the outer contour line C13 at the rear end of the grip portion 16. In the side view, the curvature of the outer contour line C11 on the tail portion 16a side of the grip portion 16 is smaller than the curvature of the outer contour line C12 on the back surface side. That is, in the side view, the outer contour line C11 on the front side and the outer contour line C12 on the back side are formed asymmetrically.

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

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

[Attachment 1]
Next, the attachment 1 will be described.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the attachment 1.
The attachment 1 has a structure 40 and a housing 70.
The structure 40 has a battery 41, a substrate 42, a speaker 43, a speaker film 44, a housing 45, a cap 46, and a connector cap 47.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the attachment 1 on a plane parallel to the YZ plane. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the attachment 1 on a plane parallel to the XZ plane.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the housing 45 is formed of a hard resin and has a storage space 50 surrounded by a substantially circular bottom portion 48 and a substantially cylindrical side wall portion 49 when viewed in the Z direction. Have. The accommodation space 50 is open to the −Z side. In the accommodation space 50, the speaker film 44, the speaker 43, the substrate 42, and the battery 41 are sequentially accommodated from the bottom 48 side (−Z side).

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the housing 45 as viewed from the + Z side. FIG. 8 is an external perspective view of the structure 40.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the side wall portion 49 has an outer peripheral surface that curves outward in a convex shape with respect to the center. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, a recess 58 recessed inward is provided on the + X side of the side wall portion 49. The recess 58 is formed in a groove shape extending in the Y direction. As shown in FIG. 8, the recess 58 is formed with a hole 59 that penetrates the side wall 49 in the X direction.

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

FIG. 9 is a side view of the substrate 42.
The substrate 42 includes a switch unit 51, a detection unit 52, a communication unit 53, a connect unit 54, a control unit 55, and a light emitting element 56.

The switch unit 51 operates the operating states of the detection unit 52 and the communication unit 53.
The operation mode of the switch unit 51 is selected according to the operating state when the switch is pressed and the length of the pressed time (details will be described later). The switch portion 51 is mounted on the + X side end portion of the substrate 42. As shown in FIG. 6, the switch portion 51 is provided so as to face the hole portion 59. The switch portion 51 is arranged coaxially with the hole portion 59. The switch portion 51 is arranged inside the housing 45 with the outer peripheral surface 60 located on the + X side of the side wall portion 49 curved outward in a convex shape as a virtual surface 60. As an example, the switch portion 51 is arranged inside the housing 45 at a distance of 2 to 3 mm from the virtual surface 60. The switch unit 51 outputs a pressing signal to the control unit 55 by being pressed from the + X side via the hole portion 59.

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

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

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

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

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

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

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the housing 70 is fitted with a fitting recess 71 provided on the −Z side (bottom side) and watertightly fitting with the structure 40 (housing 45 and cap 46). It has an insertion hole 72 provided on the + Z side of the joint recess 71 and into which the toothbrush 10 can be detachably inserted, and a switch region (sealing portion) 74 provided at a position facing the switch portion 51.

The fitting recess 71 is formed in a size and shape that can be fitted to the outer size and shape of the structure 40. The fitting recess 71 is open to the −Z side and the −X side. The housing 70 extends from the lower end along the XY plane around the opening on the −Z side of the fitting recess 71, and engages and supports the bottom of the housing 45 from the −Z side. have. The engaging portion 73 watertightly seals the bottom portion of the housing 45.

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

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

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

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the housing 70 on a plane parallel to the YZ plane. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the housing 70 on a plane parallel to the XZ plane.
The insertion hole 72 is formed of a cavity that extends in the Z direction, which is the insertion direction in which at least a part of the grip portion is inserted, and opens on the + Z side (upper side). The insertion hole 72 is formed along the axis J1 extending in the insertion direction (Z direction).

As shown in FIG. 10, in the front view, the cross-sectional contour shape of the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 72 is a shape along the outer contour shape of the tail portion 16a side front view of the grip portion 16 of the toothbrush 10. More specifically, in front view, the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 72 is the outer contour line D1 located on the + Y side, the outer contour line D2 located on the −Y side, and the outer contour line D1 at the bottom of the insertion hole 72. It has an outer contour line D3 that connects D2.

The outer contour line D1 is formed by a plurality of arcuate curves having a convex shape with the center of curvature located on the −Y side, and fits with the outer contour line C1 of the grip portion 16. The outer contour line D2 is formed by a plurality of arcuate curves having a convex shape with the center of curvature located on the + Y side, and fits with the outer contour line C2 of the grip portion 16. The outer contour line D3 is formed in a convex shape whose center of curvature is located on the + Z side, and fits with the outer contour line C3 of the grip portion 16. In front view, the outer contour line D1 and the outer contour line D2 of the inner peripheral surface are line symmetric with respect to the axis J1.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the side view, the cross-sectional contour shape of the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 72 is a shape along the outer contour shape of the tail portion 16a side side view of the grip portion 16 of the toothbrush 10. More specifically, in the side view, the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 72 is the outer contour line D11 located on the front side on the + X side, the outer contour line D12 located on the back side on the −X side, and the bottom of the insertion hole 72. Has an outer contour line D13 connecting the outer contour lines D11 and D12.

The outer contour line D11 is formed by a plurality of arcuate curves having a convex shape with the center of curvature located on the −X side, and fits with the outer contour line C11 of the grip portion 16. The outer contour line D12 is formed by a plurality of arcuate curves having a convex shape with the center of curvature located on the + X side, and fits with the outer contour line C12 of the grip portion 16. The outer contour line D13 is formed in a convex shape whose center of curvature is located on the + Z side, and fits with the outer contour line C13 of the grip portion 16.

The curvature of the outer contour line D11 on the front side is smaller than the curvature of the outer contour line D12 on the back side in the side view viewed in the direction orthogonal to the axis J1. That is, in the side view, the outer contour line D11 on the front side and the outer contour line D12 on the back side are formed asymmetrically.

The outer contour line D11 on the front side and the outer contour line on the back side on the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 72 according to the outer contour line C11 on the front side and the outer contour line C12 on the back side of the grip portion 16 which is asymmetric in the side view. Since the line D12 is asymmetrically formed, when the grip portion 16 is inserted into the insertion hole 72 from the tail portion 16a side, the front side of the toothbrush 10 faces the front side of the housing 70, and the back side of the toothbrush 10 Can be positioned in a state of facing the back side of the housing 70.

Generally, the toothbrush 10 has a logo on the grip portion 16 on the flocked surface 21a side (front side). Therefore, by positioning the front side of the toothbrush 10 toward the front side of the housing 70, the user unconsciously inserts the toothbrush 10 into the insertion hole 72 so that the logo can be seen, and the orientation of the toothbrush 10 and the housing. The orientation of 70 can be aligned.

The size of the insertion hole 72 is set so that the grip portion 16 of the toothbrush 10 inserted into the cavity is held by soft press fitting. When the grip portion 16 is inserted into the insertion hole 72, the front side of the toothbrush 10 is the same as the side on which the switch region 74 is arranged. That is, in the attachment 1, the switch portion 51 and the switch area 74 are arranged on the front side of the toothbrush 10.

FIG. 12 is a side view showing the toothbrush 10 in which the grip portion 16 is inserted into the insertion hole 72 of the housing 70. The central axis J2 shown in FIG. 12 is a virtual line extending in the vertical direction (Z direction) through the midpoint of the width of the bottom surface 73a in the side view. As shown in FIG. 3, the flocked surface 21a is inclined at an angle θ1 so that the tip side is located on the back side with respect to the major axis direction in the side view. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, the insertion hole 72 When the grip portion 16 is inserted into, the tip side of the flocked surface 21a is located on the back side, and the central axis J2 and the flocked surface 21a intersect at an angle θ1.

The intersection angle θ1 between the central axis J2 and the flocked surface 21a is preferably an angle of 2 ° or more and 10 ° or less.
Since the child's development is immature, it is difficult to apply the dentition and the flocked surface in parallel when brushing the upper jaw. By imparting an angle, the flocked surface can be made parallel to a portion that is difficult to reach in the oral cavity, and the cleaning effect can be improved.

Further, regarding the toothbrush 10 in which the grip portion 16 is inserted into the insertion hole 72, the rear end of the grip portion 16 is located on one side of the central axis J2 (front side in the present embodiment) in the side view, and the head portion 14 It is preferable that the tip is located on the other side of the central axis J2 (in the present embodiment, the back side).
By locating the rear end of the grip portion 16 and the tip end of the head portion 14 on opposite sides of the central axis J2 in a side view, it is possible to improve the self-supporting stability of the toothbrush 10 gripped and inserted into the insertion hole 72. it can.

Returning to FIG. 10, in the front view, the outer contour line E11 on the + Y side and the outer contour line E12 on the −Y side are line-symmetrical with respect to the central axis J2 extending in the Z direction.

When viewed from the front, the width of the housing 70 in the Y direction extends from the upper surface 90 toward the bottom surface 73a to the maximum width. The width W2 of the bottom surface 73a when viewed from the front is larger than the maximum width W1 of the insertion hole 72 opened in the top surface 90.

The width W2 of the bottom surface 73a is preferably 15 mm or more and 30 mm or less. The maximum width W1 of the insertion hole 72 on the upper surface 90 is preferably 8 mm or more and 20 mm or less. By setting the width W2 of the bottom surface 73a to 15 mm or more and 30 mm or less and the maximum width W1 of the insertion hole 72 to 8 mm or more and 20 mm or less, the bottom surface when the attachment 1 with the toothbrush 10 inserted into the insertion hole 72 is held. Since the wide portion of 73a is caught by the little finger or the hypothenar eminence of the palm, the attachment 1 can be easily held.

When viewed from the front, the housing 70 has one or more positions (two in the present embodiment) where the width in the Y direction is maximized between the upper surface 90 and the bottom surface 73a. The height at the position where the width of the housing 70 is maximized is preferably 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less from the bottom surface 73a. The maximum width W8 of the housing 70 is preferably 3 mm or more larger than the width W2 of the bottom surface 73a, and more preferably 5 mm or more larger than the width W2 of the bottom surface 73a. As a result, when the attachment 1 with the toothbrush 10 inserted into the insertion hole 72 is held, the little finger or the hypothenar eminence of the palm is caught on the upper surface 90 side of the lower surface 73a, so that the toothbrush 10 is closer to the flocked surface 21a. However, the operability is improved.

As shown in FIG. 11, the upper surface 90 of the housing 70 is inclined at an angle θ2 with respect to the lower surface 73a in the side view. The upper surface 90 is formed so that the height on the front side is lower than the height on the back side. The inclination angle θ2 of the upper surface 90 with respect to the lower surface 73a is preferably 30 ° or more and 50 ° or less. By setting the upper surface 90 whose height on the front side is lower than the height on the back side, the toothbrush 10 is inserted only when the toothbrush 10 is normally inserted into the insertion hole 72 and the flocked surface 21a is directed to the front side of the housing 70. You can see the logo. As a result, the user can unknowingly insert the toothbrush 10 so that the logo can be seen.

When the inclination angle θ2 of the upper surface 90 is less than 30 °, the front side is less exposed and the logo may not be sufficiently visible. When the inclination angle θ2 of the upper surface 90 exceeds 50 °, the holding length of the upper surface 90 with respect to the grip portion 16 becomes short, and the grip portion 16 may not be stably held. By setting the inclination angle θ2 of the upper surface 90 to 30 ° or more and 50 ° or less, the logo can be sufficiently viewed while the grip portion 16 is stably held.

The housing 70 has external contour lines E21, E22, and E23 in a side view. The outer contour line E21 on the + X side is formed by a plurality of arcuate curves having a convex shape with the center of curvature located on the −X side in a side view. The outer contour line on the −X side has an outer contour line E22 located on the + Z side and an outer contour line E23 located on the −Z side. The outer contour line E22 is formed by a plurality of arcuate curves having a concave shape with the center of curvature located on the −X side in side view. The outer contour line E23 is formed by a plurality of arcuate curves having a convex shape with the center of curvature located on the + X side in a side view. That is, the outer contour lines E21 located on the + X side and the outer contour lines E22 and E23 located on the −X side are asymmetric.

In the side view, between the upper surface 90 and the lower surface 73a of the housing 70, there is one or more positions where the distance W3 between the outer contour line E23 on the back side and the central axis J2 is maximized (one in FIG. 1). is there.
The height W4 at the position where the distance W3 is maximized is preferably 8 mm or more and 19 mm or less from the bottom surface 73a. Further, the maximum distance W3 is preferably 5 mm or more larger than 1/2 of the width W5 (see FIG. 6) of the bottom surface 73a in the side view.

As a result, the protrusion that maximizes the distance W3 protrudes toward the back side by 5 mm or more from the outer shell of the bottom surface 73a. Therefore, when the attachment 1 with the toothbrush 10 inserted into the insertion hole 72 is held, the protrusion from the bottom surface 73a Since the little finger or the hypothenar eminence of the palm is caught on the upper surface 90 side, the toothbrush 10 can be held close to the flocked surface 21a, and the operability is improved.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the side view, the position P22 of the outer contour line E22 on the back side at the height H1 of the lower end on the front side of the upper surface 90 of the housing 70 is the rear end of the bottom surface 73a of the housing 70. It is preferably on the front side (+ X side) of the position P73, and more preferably on the front side (+ X side) of 1 mm or more. Further, in the side view, the width W6 of the housing 70 at the position of the height H1 is preferably 17 mm or more and 22 mm or less, and more preferably 18 mm or more and 21 mm or less.

As a result, when the attachment 1 with the toothbrush 10 inserted into the insertion hole 72 is held, the little finger or the hypothenar eminence of the palm is caught on the upper surface 90 side of the lower surface 73a, so that the toothbrush 10 is closer to the flocked surface 21a. However, the operability is improved.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the width W7, which is the maximum in the side view, is larger than the width W8, which is the maximum in the front view, as shown in FIG. The ratio (W7 / W8) of the maximum width W7 in the side view to the maximum width W8 in the front view is preferably 1.1 or more and 1.5 or less.

As a result, when the attachment 1 with the toothbrush 10 inserted into the insertion hole 72 is held, the front side of the attachment 1, that is, the side of the toothbrush 10 facing the flocked surface 21a can be easily set to the side facing the user.

In the side view, the front side of the housing 70 from the insertion hole 72 at the intermediate position H2 in the Z direction between the height position P31 of the opening end of the insertion hole 72 on the front side and the height position P32 of the bottom of the insertion hole 72. The thickness W9 of the above is preferably 2 mm or more and 5 mm or less, and the thickness W10 on the back side of the insertion hole 72 is preferably 3 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

If the grip portion 16 of the toothbrush 10 cannot be stably held in the insertion hole 72, the attachment 1 may come off from the toothbrush 10 during tooth brushing, or the relative positions of the toothbrush 10 and the attachment 1 in the circumferential direction (Z-axis circumferential direction) may shift. Therefore, the position of the detection unit 52 may fluctuate. On the other hand, by setting the thickness W9 on the front side to 2 mm or more and 5 mm or less and the thickness W10 on the back side from the insertion hole 72 to 3 mm or more and 10 mm or less, the thickness is sufficient to support the toothbrush 10. Can be secured in the housing 70, so that it is possible to prevent the attachment 1 from coming off from the toothbrush 10 and the relative positions of the toothbrush 10 and the attachment 1 in the circumferential direction from being displaced even during tooth brushing.

The housing 70 has a protrusion 83 that projects toward the back side in a side view, and a curved surface 84 that curves convexly toward the back side from the protrusion 83 to the bottom. The surface of the connector cap 47 is formed flush with the curved surface 84.

The housing 70 is made of a soft resin. The soft resin forming the housing 70 and the connector cap 47 described above is, for example, a styrene-based elastomer having a shore hardness A of 40 or more and 70 or less. Examples of such a soft resin include elastomer resins such as polyolefin-based elastomers, styrene-based elastomers, and polyester-based elastomers. Among them, styrene-based elastomers are preferable from the viewpoint of weldability with polypropylene (PP). ..
The thickness of the housing 70 at the portion covering the housing 45 is preferably 0.5 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less, more preferably 1.0 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, and further preferably 1.2 mm. The above is 1.8 mm or less.

The attachment 1 having the above configuration is attached to the toothbrush 10 by inserting the grip portion 16 of the toothbrush 10 into the insertion hole 72. As described above, in the attachment 1 of the present embodiment, the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 72 has a different curvature between the outer contour line D11 on the front side and the outer contour line D12 on the back side when viewed from the side. When the grip portion 16 is inserted into the insertion hole 72 from the tail portion 16a side, the attachment 1 and the toothbrush 10 can be positioned in a normal direction. Therefore, in the attachment 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to accurately sense the tooth brushing behavior using the toothbrush 10. Further, in the attachment 1 of the present embodiment, since the grip portion 16 is softly press-fitted into the insertion hole 72, when the attachment 1 is gripped and the teeth are brushed, the toothbrush 10 does not separate from the attachment 1 and brushing smoothly. Can be carried out.

Further, when the child grips the attachment 1, for example, the thumb is placed on the area (switch area 74) including the outer contour line E21 located on the front side where the brush portion 12 is provided, and the outer shape is located on the back side. The attachment 1 is gripped in a state where the index finger is placed on the area including the contour line E22 and the housing 70 is sandwiched, and the bottom surface 73a of the housing 70 is supported by the middle finger. By gripping at three places in this way, the attachment 1 can be held easily and stably.

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

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

Considering that the housing 70 is sandwiched between the thumb and the index finger, the shortest distance between the switch region 74 and the region including the outer contour line E22 located on the back side is preferably 25 mm or more and 30 mm or less. Further, considering that the index finger does not deviate from the region including the outer contour line E22, the shortest distance from the protrusion 83 to the switch region 74 is preferably 28 mm or more and 40 mm or less. Considering the ease of applying a force when the thumb pushes the switch portion 51 through the switch region 74 while the bottom surface 73a of the housing 70 is supported by the middle finger, the distance from the bottom surface 73a to the central portion of the switch region 74 in the Z direction is taken into consideration. The distance is preferably 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less. Further, considering that the outer contour of the housing 70 is asymmetrical in the side view, the angle at which the straight line connecting the back side end portion of the bottom surface 73a and the protrusion 83 and the bottom surface intersect is more than 90 °. It is preferably 150 ° or less.

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

Subsequently, a procedure for brushing teeth using the attachment 1 to which the toothbrush 10 is attached will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation when the switch unit 51 is pressed while the attachment 1 is stopped. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation when the first operation mode is selected. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation when the second operation mode is selected. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an operation when the switch unit 51 is pressed in the first operation mode or the second operation mode.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the switch unit 51 is pressed from the stopped operation state (step S1), the control unit 55 measures the time when the switch unit 51 is pressed (step S2). The control unit 55 determines whether or not the length of time that the switch unit 51 is pressed is within the first range (for example, 0.01 seconds or more and 0.5 seconds or less) (step S3). The control unit 55 operates the first operation mode if the pressing time length of the switch unit 51 is in the first range (step S4). On the other hand, in step S3, if the pressing time length of the switch unit 51 is outside the first range, the control unit 55 has the pressing time length of the switch unit 51 in the second range (for example, 2.0 seconds or more). It is determined whether or not it is 6.0 seconds or less (step S5). In step S5, if the pressing time length of the switch unit 51 is within the second range, the control unit 55 operates the second operation mode (step S6). The difference between the longest value of the first range and the shortest value of the second range is 2.0 seconds or more and 6.0 seconds or less so that the difference between the first range and the second range becomes clear. Is preferable, and it is more preferably 3.5 seconds or more and 4.5 seconds or less.

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

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

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

[First operation mode]
As shown in FIG. 14, when the first operation mode is selected and operated in step S4, the control unit 55 communicates with the mobile information terminal via the communication unit 53 (step S8) and installs the mobile information terminal. It is determined whether or not it is possible to connect to the installed application (step S9). At this time, if the application cannot be connected to the mobile information terminal due to reasons such as the application not being started, the control unit 55 outputs an error (step S10). In step S9, if the application cannot be connected, the control unit 55 may not accept the selection of the first operation mode and may not respond.

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

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

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

After that, the application continues the navigation while reflecting the evaluation result (step S15). After that, the tooth brushing is finished, the evaluation result is announced, and the first operation mode is finished (step S16).

[Second operation mode]
As shown in FIG. 15, when the second operation mode in which the attachment 1 independently navigates without communicating with the mobile information terminal is selected and operated in step S6, the control unit 55 uses music or the like. The simple navigation is started (step S17). The control unit 55 holds the simple navigation information (program) in the holding unit 69, and when the second operation mode is activated, the held program is activated to execute the simple navigation. This simple navigation is emitted from the speaker 43 under the control of the control unit 55.

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

In the second operation mode, the accumulated physical quantity related to the toothbrush 10 is transmitted to the application after the first operation mode is operated and the connection with the application is confirmed in step S9 shown in FIG. 14 (step S12). ).

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

As shown in FIG. 16, when the switch unit 51 is pressed while the first operation mode or the second operation mode is operating in step S20, the control unit 55 measures the pressing time of the switch unit 51 (step S21). ). The control unit 55 determines whether or not the length of time that the switch unit 51 is pressed is a predetermined time (for example, 1.0 second) or more (step S22), and unintentionally presses the switch unit 51 during brushing. If the pressing time is less than the predetermined time due to such reasons, the pressing information of the switch unit 51 is passed through to continue the first operation mode or the second operation mode.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Modification example of toothbrush 10]
In the above embodiment, the structure in which the handle body 11 is formed of the hard resin is illustrated, but the structure may be made of the hard resin and the soft resin.
FIG. 17 is a partial side view showing the tip end side of the modified toothbrush 10.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The outer contour shape of the grip portion 16 in the front view and the outer contour shape in the side view are symmetrical in the front view and the outer contour line in the side view, similarly to the grip portions shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Is asymmetric. The grip portion 16 is made of a soft resin 2. By forming the grip portion 16 with a soft resin, the grip portion 16 is deformed when a strong external force is applied from the rear end of the toothbrush 10 toward the tip of the head portion 14 while the toothbrush 10 is held in the mouth. It is possible to bend (bend). As a result, not only the neck portion 15 but also the grip portion 16 is bent, so that the external force from the rear end of the toothbrush 10 toward the tip of the head portion 14 can be released in a direction different from this, so that the toothbrush 10 can be released. It is possible to prevent damage to the oral cavity of the user.

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

For example, in the above embodiment, the configuration in which the upper surface 90 of the housing 70 is inclined in a direction in which the front side is lower than the back side with respect to the bottom surface 73a is illustrated, but the configuration is not limited to this, and the upper surface 90 is the bottom surface. The configuration may be parallel to 73a, or the condition 90 may be inclined so that the front side is higher than the back side. In this case, it is preferable that the front side of the housing 70 is provided with a notch for opening the insertion hole 72 to the front side from the upper surface 90 to the lower side. The size of the cut is preferably 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less in the Z direction, and preferably 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less in the Y direction. As a result, the user can see the logo of the toothbrush 10 through the notch only when the toothbrush 10 is normally inserted into the insertion hole 72 and the flocked surface 21a is directed to the front side of the housing 70. Therefore, the user can unknowingly insert the toothbrush 10 so that the logo can be seen.

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

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

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

1 ... Attachment (toothbrush joint), 10 ... Toothbrush, 14 ... Head, 16 ... Grip, 16a ... Tail, 21a ... Flocked surface, 52 ... Detection, 70 ... Housing, 72 ... Insert hole, 73a ... Bottom (Mounting surface), 90 ... Top surface, D11, D12 ... External contour line, J1 ... Axis line, J2 ... Central axis

Claims (13)

A toothbrush joint in which a head portion having a flocked surface is provided on the tip side and a grip portion extending in the long axis direction is joined to a toothbrush provided on the rear end side.
A housing having an insertion hole that opens on the upper side into which at least a part of the grip portion is inserted,
It has a detection unit that detects a predetermined physical quantity related to the toothbrush, and has a detection unit.
The insertion hole is formed along an axis extending in the insertion direction of the grip portion.
A toothbrush joint portion characterized in that the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole has an outer contour line that is asymmetric with respect to the axis line when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the axis line. The axis is parallel to the central axis extending in the vertical direction through the midpoint of the width of the bottom surface of the housing.
The inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole is viewed in the width direction orthogonal to the normal direction of the flocked surface facing the front side in the head portion and the insertion direction when the grip portion is inserted into the insertion hole. It has the asymmetric outer contour line when viewed from the side.
The toothbrush joint according to claim 1. The upper surface of the housing has an inclination of 30 ° or more and 50 ° or less with respect to the bottom surface.
The height of the upper surface on the front side is lower than the height on the back side opposite to the front side.
The toothbrush joint according to claim 2. The front side of the housing is provided with a notch having a length of 5 mm or more, 15 mm or less, a width of 5 mm or more, and a size of 15 mm or less from the upper surface to the lower side to open the insertion hole.
The toothbrush joint according to claim 2. When viewed from the front, the housing widens from the top surface to the bottom surface to the maximum width.
In the front view, the width of the bottom surface is larger than the maximum width of the insertion hole opened in the top surface.
The width of the bottom surface is 15 mm or more and 30 mm or less.
The maximum width of the insertion hole on the upper surface is 8 mm or more and 20 mm or less.
The toothbrush joint according to any one of claims 2 to 4. The housing has one or more positions where the width is maximized between the upper surface and the bottom surface in the front view.
The height of the position where the width becomes maximum is 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less from the bottom surface.
The maximum width is 3 mm or more larger than the width of the bottom surface.
The toothbrush joint according to claim 5. In the side view, there is one or more positions between the upper surface and the bottom surface of the housing where the distance between the outer contour line on the back side opposite to the front side and the central axis is maximized.
The height of the position where the distance is maximized is 8 mm or more and 19 mm or less from the bottom surface.
The maximum distance is 5 mm or more larger than 1/2 of the width of the bottom surface in the side view.
The toothbrush joint according to any one of claims 2 to 6. In the side view, the position of the outer contour line on the back side opposite to the front side at the height of the lower end on the front side of the upper surface of the housing is larger than the position of the back end portion on the bottom surface of the housing. On the front side
In the side view, the width of the housing at the height position of the lower end on the front side of the upper surface is 17 mm or more and 22 mm or less.
The toothbrush joint according to any one of claims 2 to 7. The maximum width of the housing in the side view is larger than the maximum width in the front view.
The ratio of the maximum width in the side view to the maximum width in the front view is 1.1 or more and 1.5 or less.
The toothbrush joint according to any one of claims 2 to 8. When the grip portion is inserted into the insertion hole, the central axis and the flocked surface intersect at an angle of 2 ° or more and 10 ° or less.
The toothbrush joint according to any one of claims 2 to 9. When the grip portion is inserted into the insertion hole, the rear end of the grip portion is located on one side of the central shaft and the tip of the head portion is located on the other side of the central shaft in the side view. ,
The toothbrush joint according to claim 10. The thickness of the front side of the housing at an intermediate position between the height position of the opening end of the insertion hole on the front side and the height position of the bottom of the insertion hole is 2 mm or more and 5 mm or less, and the front surface. The thickness of the back side opposite to the side is 3 mm or more and 10 mm or less.
The toothbrush joint according to any one of claims 2 to 11. The housing has a shore hardness of 40 or more and 70 or less.
The toothbrush joint according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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