JP3069418B2 - electric toothbrush - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a toothbrush used as an oral hygiene tool, and more particularly to an electric toothbrush.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In most conventional electric toothbrushes, the toothbrush portion reciprocates or rolls in most cases, and when the handle portion of the toothbrush touches the gums, cheeks or the like, vibration is transmitted and it is uncomfortable. Also, among the conventional electric toothbrushes, there are those in which the brush portion repeatedly rotates or the brush bundle repeatedly rotates.In this case, it is necessary to apply one position between each tooth or between teeth. It was taking time.

[0003] In addition, the brush of the conventional toothbrush is often replaced with a new brush only after the bristles open outward,
By then, the hair tips were worn and the brushing effect was reduced.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has as its object the following.
An object of the present invention is to provide an electric toothbrush capable of efficiently cleaning between teeth and gums and between teeth by reciprocating or reciprocating and rotating repetitively only the brush without moving the toothbrush portion.

[0005]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art and achieve the object of the present invention, an electric toothbrush according to the present invention is an electric toothbrush having an output portion capable of linearly moving in the axial direction. And means for reciprocating the 36 rows of brushes in the axial direction with respect to the toothbrush portion 3.

[0006] A plurality of 36 rows of brushes may have means for operating in mutually different directions. In addition, a plurality of brushes 3
It is also possible to have means for operating all six rows. Further, a means for operating both ends of a plurality of 36 rows of brushes may be provided. Further, in an electric toothbrush having an output portion capable of linear movement in the axial direction, a means may be provided in which 36 rows of brushes move circularly with respect to the toothbrush portion 3.

[0007] Further, a means may be provided for indicating that the brush 36 is worn. . Further, the entirety of the plurality of brushes 36 may have a means for performing a reverse rotation operation. Further, a plurality of 36 rows of brushes may have means for rotating and reciprocating in different directions.

[0008] A plurality of brushes 36 may have means for rotating and repetitively operating in the same direction. Further, both ends of the plurality of brushes 36 may have means for rotating and repeating the operation.

[0009]

In an electric toothbrush having an output portion capable of linearly moving in the axial direction, by providing means for the 36 rows of brushes to reciprocate in the axial direction with respect to the toothbrush section 3, only the 36 rows of brushes can be moved. It is designed to reduce irritation in the gums and oral cavity. A wide portion can be polished by providing a plurality of rows of brushes 36 with means that operate in different directions.

[0010] When the means for operating the entire 36 rows of brushes is provided, the entire 36 rows of brushes can be moved along the toothbrush section 3.
, The vibration is small, and the brush 3
The tooth brushing can be performed by operating the entire six rows. Further, if a means for operating both ends of a plurality of rows of brushes 36 is provided, brushing can be performed differently at the center and both ends of the brush 36 by brushing while slightly vibrating by hand.

In the electric toothbrush having an output portion capable of linearly moving in the axial direction, 36 rows of brushes are arranged in the toothbrush portion 3.
In a device provided with means for making a circular motion with respect to, only the 36 rows of brushes can be moved, so that irritation in the gums and the oral cavity can be reduced, and wide portions can be polished by rotating. In the apparatus provided with means for clearly indicating that the brush 36 has been worn, the time at which the brush 36 is worn can be well understood, so that a good plaque removal state can be clarified.

Further, in a device having a means in which the plurality of bundles of brushes 36 are reversely rotated, the brush can be brushed over a wide area by reciprocating while repeatedly rotating. Further, in a device in which a plurality of 36 rows of brushes have means for rotating and reciprocating in different directions, a large area can be brushed by reciprocating while rotating repeatedly.

Further, in the case where a plurality of rows of brushes 36 have means for rotating and repeating in the same direction, it is possible to brush a large area by repeatedly rotating. Further, in a configuration in which both ends of a plurality of brushes 36 have means for rotating and repeating,
If the brush is brushed while slightly vibrating by hand, different brushing can be performed at the center and both ends of the brush 36.

[0014]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below in detail based on embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. The electric toothbrush includes the storage battery 5 and the motor 40
The main body 1 has an elongated cylindrical shape, and a connecting shaft connected to a drive shaft 4 protruding from the tip of the main body 1 and a toothbrush portion. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a frame 13 on which a motor 40 and a cam block 41 are mounted, and a storage battery 5 are mounted inside a main body 1 in which covers 11 and 12 are mounted on upper and lower ends, respectively. Battery holder 5
0 is stored. The drive shaft 4 is also supported by the frame 13, and is provided with a motor 40 via a cam block 41.
It is connected to. In the figure, reference numeral 15 denotes a waterproof rubber for waterproofing a tip portion of the main body 1 and 2 denotes a switch, which performs a seesaw movement by alternately operating a push-on switch 22 and a push-off switch 23 arranged on the front surface of the main body 1. The switch plate 29 is formed of a switch plate 29 and a contact portion (not shown) that is turned on and off with the movement of the switch plate 29.

The cam block 41 converts the rotation of the motor 40 into a reciprocating linear motion of the drive shaft 4, and is supported by shafts 47, both ends of which are supported by the frame 13, as shown in FIG. A face gear 43 that meshes with a pinion 42 mounted on the output shaft, an eccentric shaft 44 formed integrally with the face gear 43, and a cam follower 46 that engages with the eccentric shaft 44. The cam follower 46 on which the eccentric shaft 44 is located is provided at the lower end of the drive shaft 4 which is slidably mounted on the frame 13 in the axial direction.

When the motor 40 rotates the eccentric shaft 44 via the pinion 42 and the face gear 43, the eccentric shaft 44
Reciprocates the cam follower 46 and the drive shaft 4 up and down. Since the drive shaft 4 reciprocates in the axial direction, it is necessary to mount the drive shaft 4 on the frame 13 through a bearing. Here, the drive shaft 4 is mounted on the frame 13 by rolling bearings 81, 81. The drive shaft 4 is supported.

Rolling bearing 8 for supporting the tip of drive shaft 4
As shown in FIG. 5, reference numeral 1 denotes an annular retainer 82, balls 83 respectively arranged in axial grooves 84 formed in the retainer 82, and outer peripheries of both ends of the ball 83 in the retainer 82. When the drive shaft 4 reciprocates in the axial direction, the ball 8
3 can be moved in the axial direction.

A toothbrush part 6 is detachably attached to the tip of the drive shaft 4 which performs a reciprocating linear movement. Body 1
When the motor 40 is operated by connecting the toothbrush portion 6 to the tip of the drive shaft 4 protruding from one end of the drive shaft 4, the connection shaft 31 provided in the toothbrush portion 6 performs fine reciprocating vibration.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show an embodiment of the toothbrush portion 6. FIG. The toothbrush portion 6 is detachably connected to the cover 11. In this case, the tip of the drive shaft 4 is detachably connected to the rear end of the connection shaft 31 slidably inserted into the hole 30 of the toothbrush portion 6. Things. The distal end of the connection shaft 31 is fitted to the brush base 32, and the axial reciprocation of the drive shaft 4 is transmitted to the brush base 32 via the connection shaft 31. The brush 36 is planted on a brush bundle base 39, and the brush bundle base 39 is press-fitted into the brush base 32 and attached. The brush base 32 is fitted into a groove 33 formed on the front side of the front end of the toothbrush part 6, and groove-like guides 34 provided on both sides of the brush base 32 are provided with protrusions on both sides of the inner surface of the groove 33. It is slidably attached to the guided portion 35. Then, the connecting shaft 31 is inserted from the rear opening of the hole 30 of the toothbrush unit 6, and the leading end of the connecting shaft 31 is fitted into the rear of the brush base 32 inserted through the opening of the groove 33, thereby making the brush base 3.
2 is attached to the connecting shaft 31.

By operating the motor 40, the drive shaft 4 reciprocates in the axial direction, and the drive shaft 4
As shown in (c) and (d), the brush base 32 reciprocates,
In this case, the toothbrush is brushed. In this case, the toothbrush portion 6 does not move, and only the toothbrush base 32 moves, so that the vibration can be reduced and the gums and the oral cavity can be stimulated with little brushing.

Here, when the brush 36 is worn or the tip of the brush is opened, the whole brush bundle base 39 is replaced. FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the brush base 32 has two brush bases 32.
a, 32b, and the opposing brush bases 32a,
A gear portion 37 is provided on the opposing surface of 32b, and meshes with a pinion 38 interposed between the opposing gear portions 37 and rotatably mounted on the toothbrush portion 6 side. The connecting shaft 31 is fitted to one of the brush bases 32a, and when the connecting shaft 31 reciprocates, as shown in FIGS.
The two brush bases 32a and 32b operate in different directions. still,
As shown in FIG. 6, when the brush 36 bundle is implanted into the brush bundle base 39 and pressed into the brush bases 32a and 32b, it is possible to replace only a part of the brush bundle without replacing the whole due to wear of the brush. That's it.

FIG. 9 shows still another embodiment of the present invention. The brush base 32 is divided into three parts, and the brush base 32 at the center is divided.
c is fixed to the toothbrush part 6 so as not to move, and the brush bases 32a and 32b on both sides are slidably mounted on the toothbrush part 6, and the brush bases 32a and 32a on both sides are fixed.
At the rear end of the connecting shaft 32b, a forked part 31a which is a forked part of the leading end of the connecting shaft 31 is fitted and connected. Here, a paragraph section 61 is provided at the rear of the brush base 32c at the center to prevent the connecting shaft 31 from hitting.
Then, when the connecting shaft 31 reciprocates, FIG.
As shown in (c), the central brush base 32c does not move, but the brush bases 32a and 32b on both sides simultaneously reciprocate in the same direction.

FIG. 10 shows still another embodiment of the present invention. The brush base 32 is divided into three parts, and the brush base 3 at the center is divided into three parts.
2c is fixed to the toothbrush part 6 so as not to move, and the brush bases 32a and 32b on both sides are slidably attached to the toothbrush part 6, and the brush bases 32 on both sides are fixed.
At the rear ends of the connecting shafts 31a and 32b, fitting portions 31a which are bifurcated at the distal end of the connecting shaft 31 are fitted and connected respectively. A recess 6 is provided on the lower surface of the brush base 32c at the center.
Gear portions 37 are formed on opposing surfaces of the brush bases 32a and 32b on both sides facing each other in the recess 62, and a pinion 38 (in the recess 62) interposed between the facing gear portions 37 is provided. Boss). When the connecting shaft 31 reciprocates, as shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C, the central brush base 32c does not move, but the brush bases 32a and 32b on both sides reciprocate in different directions. is there.

FIG. 11 shows still another embodiment of the present invention. The groove 33 of the toothbrush 6 is formed in a circular shape, and a boss 63 is protrudingly provided at the center of the bottom of the groove 33. One end of a link 64 is pivotally supported on the boss 63, and one end of a link 65 is pivotally supported on the tip of the connection shaft 31, and the other ends of the links 64 and 65 are respectively brushed with pins 66 as shown in FIG. It is connected to the base 32 by being supported from below. A disc-shaped lid 67 is attached to the opening of the groove 33, and the connecting shaft 3
1 reciprocates, the brush base 3 via the links 64 and 65
2 makes a circular motion. In this case, it is preferable to set the pin 66 to make a circular motion along the inner periphery of the lid 67 as shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of one of the brushes 36. As shown in FIG. 12A, the brush 36 is formed by extruding nylon, PBT resin or the like coaxially. Here, the color is changed between the part A and the part A in FIG.
12 (a) is white, and as shown in FIG. 12 (b), after abrasion, it is worn down from the part a so that the color of the inside can be seen. As a result, if the color of the a can be seen, it is worn. Can be understood at a glance.

FIG. 13 shows still another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the groove 3 of the toothbrush 6
A shaft 68 protrudes from the brush base 32 which is movably inserted into the inside 3, and a disk-shaped brush bundle base 39 is rotatably supported on the shaft 68, and a pinion is provided around the outer periphery of the brush bundle base 39. The pinion 69 meshes with a rack 74 provided on the inner wall of the groove 33, and by reciprocating the connecting shaft 31, as shown in FIGS. 13B and 13C, the brush base 32.
The brush bundle table 39 on which the brush 36 is implanted rotates repeatedly while reciprocating.

FIG. 14 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a plurality of brush bases 32 are movably fitted in grooves 33 of a toothbrush portion 6 in two rows. Shafts 68 are protruded, and a disk-shaped brush bundle base 39 is rotatably supported on each row of shafts 68.
The pinion 69 is provided on the outer circumference of the rack 33. A plurality of pinions 69 in both rows are engaged with one of the racks 74 provided on both inner walls of the groove 33, respectively. ), (B) as shown in FIG.
The brush bundle table 39 on which the brushes 36 on both sides are implanted rotates repeatedly while the brush 2 reciprocates. In this case, the bristle bundle stands 39 in both rows repeatedly rotate in different directions.

FIG. 15 shows still another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the groove 3 of the toothbrush 6 is used.
A plurality of shafts 68 are protruded in three rows on the brush base 32 movably fitted in the inside 3, and a disk-shaped brush bundle base 39 is rotatably supported on the shafts 68 in both rows, respectively. A pinion 69 is provided on the outer periphery of each brush bundle table 39, and a plurality of pinions 69 in both rows are engaged with one of racks 74 provided on both inner walls of the groove 33, respectively. , A pinion 69a is rotatably mounted on the pinion 69, and the pinions 69 in both rows are arranged in the center row, respectively.
15 (b) and 15 (c), the brush base 32 reciprocates as shown in FIGS. 15 (b) and 15 (c). It rotates repeatedly. In this case, both sides of the brush bundle table 3
9 rotate repeatedly in the same direction as each other.

FIG. 16 shows still another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the groove 3 of the toothbrush 6 is used.
A plurality of shafts 68 are protruded in three rows on the brush base 32 movably fitted in the inside 3, and a disk-shaped brush bundle base 39 is rotatably supported on the shafts 68 in both rows, respectively. A pinion 69 is provided on the outer periphery of each brush bundle table 39, and a plurality of pinions 69 in both rows are engaged with one of racks 74 provided on both inner walls of the groove 33, respectively. , A pinion 69a is rotatably mounted on the pinion 69, and the pinions 69 in both rows are arranged in the center row, respectively.
16 (b) and (c), the brush base 32 reciprocates, and the brush bundle table 39 in which the brushes 36 on both sides are implanted is reciprocated as shown in FIGS. It rotates repeatedly. In this embodiment, the fixed brush table 7 is provided at the center of the opening of the groove 33 of the toothbrush 6.
The fixed brush stand 71 is also provided with the brush 36. Accordingly, the 36 rows of brushes in the center row are fixed, and the 36 rows of brushes on both sides repeatedly rotate while reciprocating. In this case, the brush bundle stands 39 in both rows repeatedly rotate in the same direction.

FIG. 17 shows still another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the groove 3 of the toothbrush 6
A plurality of shafts 68 are protruded in two rows on the brush base 32 movably fitted in the inside 3, and a disc-shaped brush bundle base 39 is rotatably supported on the shafts 68 in each row, respectively. A pinion 69 is provided on the outer periphery of each brush bundle table 39, and the plurality of pinions 69 in both rows are engaged with one of the racks 70 provided on both inner walls of the groove 33, and reciprocate on the connection shaft 31. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 17 (b) and (c), the brush base 32 reciprocates and the brush bundle table 39 on which the brushes 36 on both sides are implanted repeatedly rotates. In this embodiment, a fixed brush table 71 is provided at the center of the opening of the groove 33 of the toothbrush section 6.
The brush 36 is also planted. Accordingly, the 36 rows of brushes in the center row are fixed, and the 36 rows of brushes on both sides repeatedly rotate while reciprocating. In this case, the brush bundle stands 39 in both rows repeatedly rotate in different directions.

[0031]

According to the present invention, as described above, since the means for reciprocating the brush row in the axial direction with respect to the toothbrush section is provided, only the brush row section is moved without moving the toothbrush section during brushing. The toothbrush part can be vibrated and does not irritate the gums and the oral cavity, so that the toothbrush can be comfortably brushed.

Further, the arrangement in which a plurality of brush rows have means for operating in mutually different directions has the further advantage that a wide portion of the teeth can be polished. Further, in the apparatus having a means for operating the entire brush row, the entire brush row further moves with respect to the toothbrush portion, so that the vibration is reduced and the entire brush row is operated to efficiently operate the entire brush row. You can brush your teeth.

Further, in a device having means for operating both ends of a plurality of brush rows, if the brush is further polished while slightly vibrating by hand, different polishing can be performed at the center and both ends of the brush. You can brush your teeth efficiently. Also, in an electric toothbrush having an output portion capable of linear movement in the axial direction, in a device provided with a means in which the brush row moves circularly with respect to the toothbrush section, the toothbrush section moves only the brush row section without moving the toothbrush section during brushing. Not only can the toothbrush vibrate and give no irritation to the gums and the oral cavity, so that the toothbrush can be comfortably brushed, but also the wide part can be brushed efficiently by rotating.

Further, in the apparatus provided with means for clearly indicating that the brush is worn, the time when the brush is worn can be well understood, so that a good plaque removal state can be clarified. Further, in a device having a means for reversing and rotating a plurality of brush bundles in total, the brush can be efficiently brushed over a wide area by reciprocating while further rotating.

Further, in the apparatus having a plurality of brush rows having means for rotating and rotating in different directions from each other,
Furthermore, by reciprocating while repeating rotation, a large area can be brushed efficiently. Further, in a configuration in which a plurality of brush rows have means for repeatedly rotating in the same direction, the brush can efficiently brush a large area by repeatedly rotating.

Further, in the apparatus in which both end rows of the plurality of brush rows have means for rotating and repeating,
Further, if the brush is brushed while slightly vibrating by hand, different brushing can be performed at the center and both ends of the brush, so that efficient brushing can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the main body.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the main body.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the above drive block.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the bearing.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a toothbrush portion, a connecting shaft, and a brush base used in the same.

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the same, and FIG.
FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views taken along the line AA of FIG.

FIG. 8A is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the toothbrush portion, the connecting shaft, and the brush base used in the above embodiment, and FIGS.
(C) is an operation state explanatory view of the above.

FIG. 9A is an exploded perspective view of still another embodiment of the toothbrush portion, the connecting shaft, and the brush base used in the above embodiment.
(B), (c) is an operation state explanatory view of the above.

FIG. 10A is an exploded perspective view of still another embodiment of the toothbrush portion, the connecting shaft, and the brush base used in the above embodiment.
(B), (c) is an operation state explanatory view of the above.

FIG. 11A is an exploded perspective view of still another embodiment of the toothbrush portion, the connecting shaft, and the brush base used in the above embodiment;
(B) is a partially cutaway plan view, and (c) is an explanatory view of the operation state of the above link.

12A is a plan view and a front sectional view showing a new state of the brush, and FIG. 12B is a plan view and a front sectional view after the brush is worn.

FIG. 13A is an exploded perspective view of still another embodiment of the toothbrush portion, the connecting shaft, and the brush base used in the above embodiment.
(B), (c) is an operation state explanatory view of the above.

FIG. 14A is an exploded perspective view of still another embodiment of the toothbrush portion, the connecting shaft, and the brush base used in the above embodiment.
(B), (c) is an operation state explanatory view of the above.

FIG. 15A is an exploded perspective view of still another embodiment of the toothbrush portion, the connecting shaft, and the brush base used in the above embodiment.
(B), (c) is an operation state explanatory view of the above.

FIG. 16A is an exploded perspective view of still another embodiment of the toothbrush portion, the connecting shaft, and the brush base used in the above embodiment.
(B), (c) is an operation state explanatory view of the above.

FIG. 17 (a) is an exploded perspective view of still another embodiment of the toothbrush portion, the connecting shaft, and the brush base used in the above embodiment.
(B), (c) is an operation state explanatory view of the above.

[Explanation of symbols]

 3 Toothbrush part 36 Brush

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-54-33148 (JP, A) JP-A-62-49806 (JP, A) JP-A Sho 62-185536 (JP, U) JP-A No. 2-185536 136533 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A46B 1/00-17/08 A46D 1/00-9/06 A61C 1/00-7/00 A61C 19/00 -19/10 A61C 15/00-17/04

Claims (10)

(57) [Claims] 1. An electric toothbrush having an output portion capable of linearly moving in the axial direction, wherein the brush row is provided with means for reciprocating in the axial direction with respect to the toothbrush portion. 2. The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of brush rows have means for operating in mutually different directions. 3. The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, further comprising means for operating the entire brush row. 4. The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, further comprising means for operating both ends of the plurality of brush rows. 5. An electric toothbrush having an output portion capable of linearly moving in an axial direction, the electric toothbrush comprising means for making a brush row circularly move with respect to the toothbrush portion. 6. The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, further comprising means for indicating that the brush is worn. 7. The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, further comprising means for rotating the plurality of brush bundles in a reverse rotation operation. 8. The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of brush rows have means for repeatedly rotating in different directions. 9. The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, further comprising means for rotating a plurality of brush rows in the same direction. 10. The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein both end rows of the plurality of brush rows have means for repetitively rotating.