JP6122839B2 - electric toothbrush - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electric toothbrush excellent in portability.
This application claims priority on March 23, 2012 based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-068043 for which it applied to Japan, and uses the content for it here.

In recent years, brushing is often performed not only at home, but also on the go such as at work or travel destination. For this reason, the toothbrush is required to be portable, but in the case of the electric toothbrush, since the whole is enlarged, there is a problem that it is inferior in portability.
As electric toothbrushes, there are known a rotary type in which a head part in which a plurality of brushes are implanted and a vibration type in which a head part in which a plurality of brushes are implanted vibrate. The vibration type is a configuration in which the entire brush is vibrated by an eccentric weight provided on the output shaft of the motor, and since the number of components is small, the entire electric toothbrush can be reduced in size compared to the rotary type.

An example of the vibration type electric toothbrush is the electric toothbrush 1 shown in FIG.
The electric toothbrush 1 includes an operation unit 2 that is gripped by a user, a neck unit 3 attached to the operation unit 2, and a head unit 4 provided at the tip of the neck unit 3.

Inside the operation unit 2, for example, a power source 5 such as an AAA battery, a motor 6 driven by power supply from the power source 5, an eccentric weight 7 attached to an output shaft 6 a of the motor 6, and a motor 6 The switch 8 etc. which turn ON / OFF a drive are provided. The motor 6 and the eccentric weight 7 constitute a vibration generating mechanism that applies vibration to the head portion 4 via the neck portion 3.
The neck portion 3 and the head portion 4 are integrated, and the neck portion 3 can be attached to and detached from the operation portion 2.

  As described above, in the electric toothbrush, the operation unit must be equipped with at least an electric motor such as a motor, a power source such as a battery, and the like. Was inconvenient.

Therefore, various proposals have been made in order to provide a small-sized electric toothbrush excellent in portability. For example, in a state where two toothbrush bodies in which the head part and the neck part in which the brush is implanted are integrated are removed from the operation part provided with the drive part, the two toothbrush bodies and the operation part are combined together. In a single case (Patent Document 1), a toothbrush body mounted on the operation unit covered with a cylindrical toothbrush case (Patent Document 2), and a motor placed on the base side of the neck portion for miniaturization (Patent Documents 3 and 4) and the like are typically listed.
Alternatively, an electric toothbrush (Patent Documents 5 and 6) in which a so-called linear motor is embedded in the head part and an electric toothbrush (Patent Document 7) including a drive part and a brush part in an exchange part have been proposed.

JP-A-8-80220 Japanese Patent No. 4,681,079 JP 2003-93415 A Japanese Patent No. 4748267 JP 2009-106355 A JP 2009-45202 A JP 2011-143057 A

  However, for example, in the device described in Patent Document 1 in which two toothbrush bodies and an operation unit are housed together in one case, the toothbrush body is attached to the drive shaft of the operation unit when in use. At the time of use, the toothbrush body has to be removed from the drive shaft, and there has been a problem that the attaching / detaching work is troublesome. Moreover, in a washroom or the like of a limited space such as a workplace, while the toothbrushing operation is being performed, there is a problem that it is difficult to place a case containing another toothbrush body.

  In Patent Document 2 in which the toothbrush body mounted on the operation unit is covered with a cylindrical toothbrush case, since the specific dimensional relationship is not clearly shown, the actual size is estimated, but at least the whole The size was almost the same size as that for home use not considering portability, and it was not a configuration specialized for portability.

  In Patent Documents 3 and 4 in which the motor is arranged on the base side of the neck portion to reduce the size, the base side of the neck portion becomes extremely thick and the length of the tip side of the neck portion must be secured to some extent. There arises a problem that the workability of the work is hindered. Moreover, when the motor is fixed inside the neck portion integrated with the brush body as in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 3, the neck portion including the motor is replaced when the toothbrush body is worn out and the replacement time comes. Since the whole has to be replaced, there has been a problem in that the cost increases.

Further, in Patent Document 5 in which a so-called driving unit (linear motor) is embedded in the head unit, it is difficult to reduce the size of the linear motor, and the head unit becomes larger or heavier, which impairs usability. In addition, the linear motor only gives vibration in the extending direction to the brush hair, and it is difficult to obtain a good cleaning effect. Furthermore, since the linear motor consumes a large amount of power, it is necessary to frequently replace the power source or increase the power source. If the power supply is increased, the operation unit cannot be reduced in size.
Furthermore, in Patent Document 6 in which a drive unit (linear motor) is mounted on the head unit, it is necessary to replace the head unit including the linear motor when replacing the brush, which is not economical.

  Further, in Patent Document 7 in which a drive unit (linear motor) is mounted on the head unit, the specification of the support unit including the linear motor can be inserted into the hollow head unit, so that the head unit and motor specifications can be freely customized. This is an electric toothbrush. However, when the support body including the motor with the eccentric weight is inserted into the hollow brush head portion, the brush portion becomes thin, and the strength remains uneasy. Although the thickness can be increased to ensure strength, the neck portion becomes thick and the oral operability is poor.

  As other means for reducing the size of the vibration type electric toothbrush, there are methods such as shortening the neck portion and making the battery small (button battery or the like). However, if the neck portion is simply shortened, to reach the head portion to the back teeth, the thick operation portion is put into the mouth, and the operability is impaired. Further, if the battery is made small, such as a button battery, in order to shorten the operation unit, problems such as insufficient torque of the motor, frequent replacement of the battery, frequent charging, and the like occur.

  Therefore, the present invention mounts the drive unit (coin-type vibration motor) on the head unit and makes it a cassette type in which only the flocking portion (flocking plate, brush) can be replaced, so that it is not necessary to discard the driving unit, and It aims at providing the electric toothbrush which is excellent in intraoral operativity, ensuring the intensity | strength of a neck part. It is another object of the present invention to provide an electric toothbrush that is compact and excellent in portability and can reliably give vibration to a head portion without impairing usability.

In order to solve the above problem, the first aspect of the electric toothbrush of the present invention is:
[1] An electric toothbrush comprising a head portion, a neck portion, and an operation portion, having a coin-type vibration motor on the bottom surface side of the head portion and a detachable flocking plate on the upper surface side of the head portion. In the operation unit, a battery and a switch unit are accommodated, and the toothbrush vibrates by the coin-type vibration motor operated by power feeding from the battery.
According to the electric toothbrush having such a configuration, the head portion can be vibrated reliably while ensuring brushing operability in the oral cavity, and further, downsizing and weight reduction can be realized, thereby improving portability. Can be done and is economical.

The second aspect of the electric toothbrush of the present invention is:
[2] The electric toothbrush according to [1], wherein a member that blocks vibration is interposed in the neck portion.
According to the electric toothbrush having such a configuration, vibration transmitted to the operation unit can be reduced, and uncomfortable feeling that vibration is transmitted to the user's hand holding the operation unit can be reduced.

Furthermore, the third aspect of the electric toothbrush of the present invention is:
[3] The electric toothbrush according to [1], further including a mechanism in which a handle extends when used in a sliding type / feeding type / folding type / cap changing type method.
According to the electric toothbrush having such a configuration, compactness when not in use can be further improved while ensuring operability during use.

Furthermore, the fourth aspect of the electric toothbrush of the present invention is:
[4] The electric toothbrush according to [1], wherein a vibration transmission unit is provided on an upper surface of the coin-type vibration motor.
According to the electric toothbrush having such a configuration, it is possible to amplify the frequency, to specifically determine the directionality of the vibration, and to change the amplitude, thereby improving the cleanability in the oral cavity. it can. For example, the frequency is amplified by combining the orientation of fibers such as fiber reinforced plastic with the vibration direction of a coin type motor. In addition, to control the direction of vibration, by aligning the orientation of fibers such as fiber reinforced plastic to a certain direction, the vibration in the direction parallel to the fiber direction is amplified and the vibration in the vertical direction is attenuated. There is something to do. Furthermore, the amplitude can be changed by giving a weight.

  The electric toothbrush of the present invention has a drive unit (coin-type vibration motor) mounted on the head unit, and is a cassette type in which only the flocked portion (flocked plate, brush) can be replaced, so there is no need to discard the drive unit, And it is excellent in intraoral operability while ensuring the strength of the neck. Further, it is small and excellent in portability without impairing usability, and vibration can be reliably applied to the head portion.

It is sectional drawing of the electric toothbrush which shows the electric toothbrush which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a rear view of the electric toothbrush principal part, showing the electric toothbrush according to one embodiment of the present invention. The electric toothbrush which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is shown, and it is an enlarged view of the modification of electric toothbrush head part sectional drawing. The electric toothbrush which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is shown, and it is an enlarged view of the modification of electric toothbrush head part sectional drawing. The electric toothbrush which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is shown, and it is an enlarged view of the modification of electric toothbrush head part sectional drawing. The electric toothbrush which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is shown, and it is an enlarged view of the modification of electric toothbrush head part sectional drawing. The electric toothbrush which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is shown, and it is an enlarged view of the modification of electric toothbrush head part sectional drawing. The modification 1 of the electric toothbrush which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is shown, and it is sectional drawing of the electric toothbrush at the time of non-use. The modification 1 of the electric toothbrush which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is shown, and it is sectional drawing of the electric toothbrush at the time of use. The modification 2 of the electric toothbrush which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is shown, and it is a side view of the electric toothbrush at the time of non-use. The modification 2 of the electric toothbrush which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is shown, and it is a side view of the electric toothbrush at the time of use. The modification 3 of the electric toothbrush which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is shown, and it is a side view of the electric toothbrush at the time of non-use. The modification 3 of the electric toothbrush which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is shown, and it is a side view of the electric toothbrush at the time of use. The modification 4 of the electric toothbrush which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is shown, and it is a side view of the electric toothbrush at the time of non-use. The modification 4 of the electric toothbrush which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is shown, and it is a side view of the electric toothbrush at the time of use. It is explanatory drawing of the conventional electric toothbrush.

  Next, an electric toothbrush according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are preferred specific examples of the electric toothbrush of the present invention, and may have various technically preferable limitations. However, the technical scope of the present invention particularly limits the present invention. Unless otherwise stated, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In addition, the constituent elements in the embodiments shown below can be appropriately replaced with existing constituent elements and the like, and various variations including combinations with other existing constituent elements are possible. Therefore, the description of the embodiment described below does not limit the contents of the invention described in the claims.

1A to G show an electric toothbrush according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the electric toothbrush, FIG. 1B is a rear view of the main part, and FIGS. FIG.
FIG. 1C shows that the vibration transmitting portion 90 is projected on the head portion 13d in a convex shape so as to be in direct contact with the vibration motor 17 by, for example, a known insert molding method and to press the flocking plate 22 toward the brush 21. Provide. Thereafter, the head portion 13e is bonded. Since the vibration transmission part 90 and the motor 17 are in contact, the vibration of the vibration motor can be transmitted efficiently. Further, the fitting strength between the head portion 13d and the flocking plate 22 can be ensured.
In FIG. 1D, a vibration transmitting portion 90 is provided in the head portion 13d so as to be in direct contact with the vibration motor 17 by, for example, a known insert molding method, so that the vibration transmitting portion 90 does not protrude from the head portion 13d to the brush 21 side. Install. Since the vibration transmission part 90 and the motor 17 are in contact, the vibration of the vibration motor can be transmitted efficiently.
In the case of FIGS. 1C and 1D, the vibration transmission unit 90 is provided so as to be in contact with the vibration motor 17 by a known insert molding method, and the vibration motor 90 is formed after the head portion 13d is molded by a known insert molding method. 17 may be accommodated in each recess with the head portion 13e and bonded. In this case, the head portion 13e including the vibration motor 17 may be formed by a known insert molding method and then bonded to the head portion 13d including the vibration transmitting portion 90.
In FIG. 1E, the vibration motor 17 is sandwiched between the head portion 13d and the head portion 13e and bonded so that moisture does not enter. The vibration transmission part 90 can also be provided in the head part 13d in advance by, for example, a known insert molding method. At that time, the vibration transmitting portion 90 is provided so as to protrude in a convex shape so as to press the flocking plate 22 toward the brush 21, thereby efficiently transmitting the vibration of the vibration motor and fitting the head portion 13 d and the flocking plate 22. Strength can be ensured.
In FIG. 1F, the vibration motor 17 is sandwiched between the head portion 13d and the head portion 13e and bonded so that moisture does not enter. The vibration transmission part 90 can also be provided in the head part 13d in advance by, for example, a known insert molding method, and the vibration transmission part 90 is installed so as not to protrude from the head part 13d to the brush 21 side. Since the vibration transmission unit 90 and the motor 17 are close to each other, the vibration of the vibration motor can be transmitted efficiently.
In FIG. 1G, the vibration motor 17 is sandwiched between the head portion 13d and the head portion 13e and bonded so that moisture does not enter. At that time, on the head portion 13d side of the vibration motor 17, a protruding portion (corresponding to a vibration transmission portion) is provided in a protruding shape so as to press the flocking plate 22 toward the brush 21 side, so that the vibration of the vibration motor can be efficiently performed. It can transmit well and the fitting strength of the head part 13d and the flocking plate 22 can be ensured.

  As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1G, the electric toothbrush 10 includes an operation unit 11 that is gripped by a user, a neck unit 12 attached to the operation unit 11, and a head unit 13 provided at the tip of the neck unit 12. And.

  The operation unit 11 includes a resin cylindrical handle 14 and a battery provided inside the handle 14, for example, a replaceable AA type (AA type, AA type 5 or the like) or a rechargeable type. And a switch unit 16 for operating the driving of the power source 15. In addition, when a rechargeable battery is used for the power source 15, a known charging unit is provided at the rear end. Accordingly, since the operation unit 11 is not provided with an electric motor or an eccentric weight (including a transmission mechanism) as described in the prior art, the operation unit 11 is downsized (the diameter is reduced and the length is reduced). ), And portability can be improved. At this time, the operation unit 11 is not illustrated in detail, but for example, the handle 14 has an inner / outer two-layer structure that can be relatively slid along the axial direction, and the outer end of the operation unit 11 serves as an extension portion. The length of the operation unit 11 can be varied by slidably moving toward the end. Further, the switch portion 16 can be linked to the extended portion, and the switch can be turned ON / OFF simultaneously with the variable operation between the length / shortness of the handle 14. The material of the operation unit 11 is generally a material used for an electric toothbrush, such as ABS resin, but is not limited thereto.

The neck portion 12 is made of the same material as the handle 14 and is tapered toward the distal end side, that is, toward the head portion 13. At this time, it is arbitrary whether the taper is coaxial with the center of the diameter of the handle 14 or is displaced. Further, the material and color may be different from those of the handle 14.
A head portion 13 is formed at the tip of the neck portion 12, and a coin-type vibration motor (hereinafter simply referred to as a vibration motor) 17 is provided on the bottom surface side of the head portion. Furthermore, wirings 18 and 19 for electrically connecting the power supply 15 and the vibration motor 17 are arranged inside the neck portion 12. The wirings 18 and 19 may be wiring cords, plate-like ones that are insert-molded when the neck portion 12 is injection-molded, or a combination thereof. That is, the structure is not particularly limited as long as power supply from the power supply 15 to the vibration motor 17 can be ensured. Accordingly, the neck portion 12 may be, for example, a cylindrical hollow body through which the wiring cord penetrates, or at least a tapered portion of the head portion 13 may be a solid body (non-hollow body). Further, the neck portion 12 itself may be formed of an elastic body, and the entire neck portion 12 may also be used as a vibration absorbing portion. In the present embodiment, the vibration absorber 20 is interposed in the middle portion of the neck portion 12, and thereby the neck portion 12 is divided and formed. Accordingly, the neck portion 12a on the handle 14 side (root side) of the vibration absorber 20 is formed of a hollow body, and cords are used for the wirings 18 and 19, and the head portion 13 side (tip side) of the vibration absorber 20 is used. The neck portion 12b is formed of a solid body, and the wires 18 and 19 are insert-molded.

  The vibration absorber 20 is not particularly limited as long as it has vibration absorption properties that make it difficult to transmit vibration of the vibration motor 17 between the neck portion 12 and the operation portion 11 at least to the operation portion 11. is not. The neck portion 12 is waterproof so that saliva or the like does not enter the neck portion 12 a on the root side from the vibration absorber 20. Further, the wires 18 and 19 connected to the vibration motor 17 from the power source 15 through the inside of the neck portion 12 pass through the vibration absorber 20, but an electrical connection relationship is appropriately adopted by adopting a contact structure. Is secured. In the present embodiment, the vibration absorber 20 is made of an elastomer (for example, olefin-based or styrene-based) or silicon (including silicon rubber).

The head portion 13 is composed of two parts, and a portion constituting the upper surface side of the head portion on which one flocking plate is formed is referred to as a head portion 13d, and a portion constituting the bottom surface side of the other head portion is referred to as a head portion 13e. The upper surface side refers to the direction of the head portion on which the brush is implanted, and the bottom surface side refers to the direction of the head portion on the base portion (13a) side.
On the upper surface side of the head portion 13d, that is, on the side facing the flocking plate 22 of the head portion 13d, a convex portion 13b that fits the flocking plate 22 is formed. The thickness of the flocked plate 22 facing the convex portion 13b is 1.5 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, preferably 2.0 mm or more and 2.5 mm or less.
The head portion 13e is formed with a recess 13c in which the vibration motor 17 is disposed, and a recess is formed at a position corresponding to the head portion 13d so that the vibration motor 17 is housed and fixed. It is integrated in close contact with water by ultrasonic bonding. The convex portion 13b of the head portion 13d into which the flocking plate 22 is fitted is formed so as to surround the periphery where the vibration motor is disposed. Furthermore, the vibration transmission part 90 is provided in the head part 13d, and is arrange | positioned at the convex part 13b of the head part 13d.
As shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D, the vibration transmission unit 90 can be in contact with the vibration motor 17 by a known insert molding method, for example. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1E and 1F, the vibration motor 17 and the vibration transmitting portion 90 may be arranged so as not to contact each other by being provided in 13d by a known insert molding method, for example. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1G, a vibration transmitting portion may be provided by providing a convex portion so as to press the flocking plate 22 toward the brush 21.
In the case of FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D, after shaping | molding the head part 13d containing the vibration transmission part 90 and the vibration motor 17, the head part 13e is adhere | attached. Since the vibration transmission part 90 and the motor 17 contact | connect, the vibration of a vibration motor can be transmitted efficiently.
Alternatively, after forming the head portion 13d of the vibration transmitting portion 90 by a known insert molding method, the vibration motor 17 may be accommodated in each recess with the head portion 13e and bonded.
In this case, the head portion 13e including the vibration motor 17 may be formed by a known insert molding method and then bonded to the head portion 13d including the vibration transmitting portion 90.
In the case of FIGS. 1E and 1F, the vibration motor 17 is sandwiched between the head portion 13d including the vibration transmitting portion 90 and the head portion 13e and bonded so that moisture does not enter.
In the case of FIG. 1G, the vibration motor is sandwiched between the head portion 13d and the head portion 13e and bonded so that moisture does not enter.
In FIG. 1C and FIG. 1E, the vibration transmission part 90 can also be provided in a convex shape so as to press the flocking plate 22 toward the brush. In this case, the fitting strength between the head portion 13d and the flocking plate 22 can be ensured.
A brush 21 for brushing teeth having an appropriate hardness and thickness is planted on the flocking plate 22. POM, PBT, PTT, etc. with high strength are preferably used as the material for the flocking plate 22 so that flocking strength can be ensured. In addition, the flocking plate 22 and the brush 21 are called a flocking part.
The flocking plate 22 may be fixed by a slide type or an undercut.
The material of the head portion 13 is generally a material used for an electric toothbrush, such as a POM resin, but is not limited thereto.

The material of the brush to be implanted on the flocking plate is not particularly limited. For example, polyamide (eg 6-12 nylon, 6-10 nylon), polyester (eg polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate), polyolefin Synthetic resin materials such as (e.g., polypropylene) and elastomers (e.g., olefins and styrenes) can be used.
The tip of the brush should have a rounded tip, a tapered shape whose outer diameter gradually decreases toward the tip, and a shape such as a spatula, a sphere, and a tip crack. Can do.
The length of the brush is preferably 8 mm or more and 13 mm or less for adults and 6 mm or more and 9 mm or less for children. If the diameter of the selected brush is small, the hair of the brush is used in terms of usability in the oral cavity and feeling of use. It is preferable that the length is shortened. Further, considering a feeling of use, a feeling of brushing, a cleaning effect, durability, and the like, a plurality of brushes having different thicknesses may be used in any combination. Further, there is no limitation on the hair tip profile.

  The switch unit 16 may be a known rotary type provided on the side surface of the operation unit 11 in addition to a known rotary type provided at the rear end of the operation unit 11. In the case of the slide type, it is possible to provide a lock mechanism to prevent the slide from being unexpectedly displaced and turned ON.

The vibration motor 17 is a so-called eccentric motor, and includes, for example, a drive unit and a semicircular rotor provided on the rotation shaft of the drive unit in a coin-shaped container, and when the rotation shaft is rotated. The thing which vibrates the whole when the gravity center of the vibration motor 17 deviates is mentioned. The vibration motor 17 has a thickness of 1.5 mm to 3.0 mm, preferably 2.0 mm to 2.5 mm, and a diameter of about 8.0 mm to 12.0 mm, preferably about 10 mm to 12 mm. It is done.
By using such a vibration motor 17, the electric toothbrush 10 can be made compact and lightweight, and usability can be improved. In addition, since the vibration motor 17 can vibrate the brush 21 in the radial direction, the movable region of the brush 21 can be enlarged, and the brushing effect can be further enhanced.
Furthermore, since the vibration motor 17 consumes less power than a linear motor or the like, the vibration motor 17 can be sufficiently driven by one single 3 to 5 type small battery and does not need to be frequently replaced. For this reason, it is suitable for downsizing the operation unit.
For example, the vibration motor 17 may be smaller in size than the above-described one as long as the vibration frequency can be secured to 7500 rpm / min or more and 20000 rpm / min or less.

The vibration transmission part 90 is provided in the head part 13d, and is arrange | positioned at the convex part 13b of the head part 13d.
As shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D, the vibration transmitting unit 90 can be in contact with the vibration motor 17 by, for example, a known insert molding method, or as shown in FIGS. 1E and 1F, for example, by a known insert molding method. It can also be provided in 13d without contacting 17. Further, as shown in FIG. 1G, there is a case where a vibration transmitting portion is provided by providing a convex portion so as to press the flocking plate 22 toward the brush 21 side.
The vibration transmission unit 90 may be capable of amplifying the frequency, specifically determining the direction of vibration, and changing the amplitude, and vibration loss at the fitting portion between the flocking plate 22 and the head portion. In order to reduce the vibration loss, the convex portion protruding toward the brush 21 is provided integrally with the head portion 13d at the upper portion of the position where the vibration motor 17 of the head portion 13d is disposed, thereby reducing the vibration loss. You may make it do. The material is not particularly limited as long as it can control frequency amplification or vibration directionality, and can change amplitude.
Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, the vibration motor 17 has a diameter smaller than the width of the head portion 13 (for example, 8.5 mm or more and 13.0 mm or less) so as not to protrude from the head portion 13. Is preferred.
Examples of the commercially available vibration motor 17 include LE10E0H (φ10 mm, thickness 2.0 mm, mass = about 1 g, rotation speed 9000 rpm, manufactured by Lexin Japan Co., Ltd.) and the like.

By fitting or embedding the vibration motor 17 in the head portion 13, the vibration can be directly caused to vibrate the head portion 13 without using a transmission mechanism or the like. Therefore, when the brushing operation in the oral cavity is performed, the vibration is directly transmitted, so that the tooth brushing effect by the vibration can be surely ensured. Further, by directly transmitting the vibration, the vibration motor 17 to be applied can be downsized and an inexpensive one with a small number of rotations can be used. In addition, since the vibration motor 17 is in the oral cavity at the time of use, it is sealed structure by ultrasonic bonding, ensuring waterproofness by packing, etc., applying a waterproof coating to the outer surface of the vibration motor 17, insert molding, welding, etc. It is preferable to ensure waterproofness or airtightness using known means.
The head portion 13d and the head portion 13e are bonded so as to incorporate the vibration motor 17, so that the vibration motor 17 can be prevented from being exposed. A concave portion 13c in which the vibration motor 17 is disposed is formed in the head portion 13e, and a concave portion is formed at a position corresponding to the head portion 13d to store and fix the vibration motor 17. Each head portion 13d and head portion 13e are in close contact with each other and integrated with each other, for example, by ultrasonic bonding. POM, PBT, PP, etc. with high strength are preferably used as the material of the head portion 13d and the head portion 13e so as to withstand vibration.
As a method of fixing the vibration motor 17, an elastic material for filling a gap can be used in order to eliminate the rattling of the motor. Further, there may be several convex portions for fixing the vibration motor 17.
As the elastic material, silicone rubber, epoxy resin, acrylic resin, and particularly silicone rubber are preferable.

  By the way, in the said embodiment, by arranging the vibration motor 17 on the bottom surface side of the head part 13, the operation part 11 and the neck part 12 are made compact, and not only the diameter of the operation part 11 is reduced, but also The length could be shortened. However, since the length for the user to perform the gripping operation becomes shorter during use, the specifications are as shown in the following examples.

Example 1
The electric toothbrush of the said form which has a coin type vibration motor in a head part is used.
2A and 2B show Modification 1 for improving the operability and compactness of the electric toothbrush, FIG. 2A is a sectional view of the electric toothbrush when not in use, and FIG. 2B is a sectional view of the electric toothbrush when in use. is there. 2A and 2B, a part of the same configuration as that of the above embodiment is not shown, and the same reference numeral is given, and the description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a bottomed cylindrical cap 24 that can be attached and detached by an inlay method is provided as an extension at the rear end of the operation unit 11, and the cap 24 is fitted to the front end side of the operation unit 11 when not in use. Thus, the head portion 13 and the neck portion 12 can be covered, and the length of the operation portion 11 can be extended by fitting the cap 24 on the rear end side of the operation portion 11 during use. That is, the extension portion of the present embodiment engages with the front end side of the operation portion 11 while covering the neck portion 12 and the head portion 13 when not in use, and engages with the rear end side of the operation portion 11 when in use. The cap 24 is used. According to the electric toothbrush having such a configuration, the hygiene of the brush of the head portion can be ensured when not in use, and can be used as a part of the operation unit without considering the storage place when in use.
The taper of the neck portion 12 is displaced to one side (the back side of the head portion) from the center of the operation portion 11 in consideration of the fitting of the cap 24 into the operation portion 11 and the cover function.

  Here, if the total length of the electric toothbrush 10 is not used, that is, the length of 110 mm or more and 150 mm or less in the form of FIG. Easy to put in. Further, the operability can be ensured if the total length of the extension portion as the electric toothbrush 10 can be 170 mm or more and 180 mm or less in use, that is, in the form of FIG. 2B. At this time, the lap allowance D4 between the cap 24 and the operation unit 11 is set to 5 mm or more and 50 mm or less.

  Therefore, when the cap 24 is used as an extension portion, the lap allowance D1 between the front end side and the rear end side of the operation portion 11 with the cap 24 is 5 mm or more and 10 mm or less, the total length D2 of the cap 24 is 65 mm or more and 80 mm or less, and the neck portion If the length D3 of the head 12 and the head portion 13 is about 60 mm or more and 70 mm or less in consideration of the length D2 of the cap 24 and the lapping allowance D1, the length of the operation unit 11 is 50 mm or more and 70 mm or less. The storage space for the power source 15 (AA type battery: length 30.2 mm, AAA type battery: length 44.5 mm, AA type battery: length 50.5 mm) and the switch unit 16 is as follows. It can be secured easily.

(Example 2)
The electric toothbrush of the said form which has a coin type vibration motor in a head part is used.
3A and 3B show Modification 2 for improving such compactness, FIG. 3A is a side view of the electric toothbrush when not in use, and FIG. 3B is a side view of the electric toothbrush when in use. 3A and 3B, a part of the same configuration as that of the above embodiment is not shown, and the same reference numeral is given, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A and B, the operation unit 31 is longer than the operation unit 11 described above, and when not in use, that is, in the form of FIG. 3A, the length at which the neck portion 12 and the head portion 13 are hidden is 120 mm or more and 155 mm. It is as follows. Further, the operation portion 31 can store the neck portion 12 and the head portion 13 on the tip side from the power source 15, and the neck portion 12 a on the root side can store the space portion 12 c in which the tip side of the power source 15 can be stored. Is formed. Further, the operation portion 31 is provided with a slide operation knob 32 so that the neck portion 12 can be projected and retracted from the operation portion 31 integrally with the head portion 13. If it can be set to 170 mm or more and 180 mm or less in use, that is, in the form of FIG. 3B, the operation unit 31 secures a length that allows easy brushing operation during use, and the neck unit 12 and the head unit 13 when not in use. Can be stored and contribute to compactness. At this time, the lap allowance D5 of the operation part 31 and the neck part 12 shall be 5 mm or more and 50 mm or less.

(Example 3)
The electric toothbrush of the said form which has a coin type vibration motor in a head part is used.
4A and 4B show Modification 3 for improving such compactness, FIG. 4A is a side view of the electric toothbrush when not in use, and FIG. 4B is a side view of the electric toothbrush when in use. 4A and 4B, a part of the same configuration as that of the above embodiment is not illustrated, and the same reference numeral is given, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and B, the operation unit 41 is longer than the operation unit 11 described above, and when not in use, that is, in the form of FIG. 4A, the length of the neck unit 12 and the head unit 13 is not less than 65 mm. 80 mm or less. Further, the operation unit 41 can store the neck portion 12 and the head portion 13 on the front end side with respect to the power source 15, and the neck portion 12 a on the root side can store the space portion 12 c in which the front end side of the power source 15 can be stored. Is formed. Further, the operation unit 41 is divided into a proximal end side operation unit 43 and a distal end side operation unit 42 so that the neck portion 12 can protrude from the operation unit 41 integrally with the head portion 13, and the neck portion is interposed between A rotary operation knob 44 is provided so that the part 12 can be made to appear and disappear from the operation part 41 integrally with the head part 13. In this case, for example, the neck part 12 is supported so that the neck part 12 does not rotate relative to the proximal-side operation part 43 and the neck part 12 and the distal-side operation part 42 are engaged by a spiral groove or a spiral ridge. In addition, the above-described protrusion and disengagement can be performed by rotating the distal-side operation unit 42 and the knob 44 after holding and fixing the proximal-side operation unit 43. If it can be set to 170 mm or more and 180 mm or less in use, that is, in the form of FIG. 4B, the operation unit 41 secures a length that allows easy brushing operation during use, and the neck unit 12 and the head unit 13 when not in use. Can be stored and contribute to compactness. At this time, the lap allowance D6 of the operation part 41 and the neck part 12 shall be 5 mm or more and 50 mm or less.

Example 4
The electric toothbrush of the said form which has a coin type vibration motor in a head part is used.
5A and 5B show Modification 4 for improving such compactness, FIG. 5A is a side view of the electric toothbrush when not in use, and FIG. 5B is a side view of the electric toothbrush when in use. 5A and 5B, a part of the same configuration as that of the above embodiment is not shown, and the same reference numeral is given and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the operation unit 51 is longer than the operation unit 11 described above, and the neck unit 12 and the head unit 13 are folded around the pin 52 when not in use, that is, in the form of FIG. 5A. Therefore, the length that these are hidden is set to 100 mm or more and 120 mm or less. Further, the operation unit 51 has a substantially U-shaped cross section so that the power source 15 and the switch unit 16 are disposed and the neck portion 12 and the head portion 13 can be accommodated. In addition, in the form of FIG. 5B, when used, that is, if it can be set to 170 mm or more and 180 mm or less, the operation unit 51 secures a length that allows easy brushing operation during use, and the neck unit 12 and the head unit when not used. 13 can be stored and contribute to compactness.

As described above, the electric toothbrush 10 of the present invention is an electric toothbrush including a head portion, a neck portion, and an operation portion, and a coin-type vibration motor is disposed on the bottom surface side of the head portion, It has a detachable flocking plate on the upper surface side, a battery and a switch part are accommodated in the operation part, and the toothbrush vibrates by the coin-type vibration motor operated by power supply from the battery. . According to the electric toothbrush having such a configuration, the head portion can be vibrated reliably while ensuring brushing operability in the oral cavity, and further, downsizing and weight reduction can be realized, thereby improving portability. Can be done and is economical.
In addition, since a coin-type vibration motor is employed, the brushing effect can be enhanced by vibrating the brush 21 in the radial direction of the coin-type vibration motor.
Furthermore, since the coin-type vibration motor has low power consumption, it can be sufficiently driven by one single 3 to 5 type small battery and does not need to be frequently replaced.

  In addition, the electric toothbrush 10 of the present invention includes the vibration absorber 20 between the head unit 13 and the operation unit, which alleviates transmission of vibration accompanying the drive of the vibration motor 17 to the operation unit 11. Thus, vibration transmitted to the operation unit 11 can be reduced, and uncomfortable feeling that vibration is transmitted to the user's hand holding the operation unit 11 can be reduced.

  Furthermore, in the electric toothbrush 10 of the present invention, the operability at the time of use is ensured by including an extension portion (for example, a cap 24) that is short when the operation portion 11 is not used and is long when the operation portion 11 is used. However, the compactness when not in use can be further improved. At this time, when the extension portion is not used, the neck portion 12 and the head portion 13 are covered and engaged with the front end side of the operation portion 11, and when used, the cap is engaged with the rear end side of the operation portion 11. When not in use, the hygiene of the brush 21 of the head unit 13 can be ensured, and when used, it can be used as a part of the operation unit 11 without considering the storage space.

  Furthermore, in the electric toothbrush 10 of the present invention, the diameter of the vibration motor 17 is smaller than the width of the head portion 13, thereby contributing to the compactness of the head portion 13, and in the oral cavity. Tooth brushing operability can be improved.

Moreover, in the electric toothbrush 10 of the present invention, the vibration transmitting unit 90 is provided in the head unit 13d.
As shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D, the vibration transmitting unit 90 can be in contact with the vibration motor 17 by, for example, a known insert molding method, or as shown in FIGS. 1E and 1F, for example, by a known insert molding method. It can also be provided in 13d. Further, as shown in FIG. 1G, there is a case where a vibration transmitting portion is provided by providing a convex portion so as to press the flocking plate 22 toward the brush 21 side.
The vibration transmitting unit 90 can amplify the frequency, specifically determine the directionality of the vibration, further change the amplitude, and can control the amplification of the frequency and the directionality of the vibration. The material is not particularly limited as long as it can change the amplitude.
Further, the vibration transmitting portion 90 is a convex portion that protrudes toward the brush 21 in the upper portion of the position of the vibration motor 17 of the head portion 13d in order to reduce the vibration loss of the fitting structure between the flocking plate 22 and the head portion. As a structure integrally provided with the head portion 13d, the fitting state may be ensured and vibration loss may be reduced.

  Furthermore, in the electric toothbrush 10 of the present invention, the drive unit, that is, the coin type motor is mounted on the head unit, and the drive unit is configured by replacing only the flocking portion (flocking plate, brush). Therefore, it is possible to provide an electric toothbrush excellent in intraoral operability while ensuring the strength of the neck portion.

In the above-described embodiment, the vibration absorber is provided near the neck portion on the base side, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the vibration absorber is provided between the head portion and the position held by the user. It may be provided at any position.
Further, the vibration absorber may be a covering in which a part of the neck portion is covered with an elastomer by secondary molding.

  In the above-described embodiment, the vibration motor is disposed by bonding the head portions 13d and 13e. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a recess is formed in the back surface of the base portion of the head portion. A vibration motor may be inserted from the back side of the part, and the opening surface of the recess may be sealed watertight with a lid. As a configuration for sealing the opening surface of the recess in a watertight manner, a conventionally known configuration such as providing a rubber packing on the periphery of the lid can be employed.

(Comparative Example 1)
An electric toothbrush (denter system sonic assist brush, Lion Co., Ltd.) having a motor mounting position in the operation section and a total length of about 180 mm was used.
(Comparative Example 2)
An electric toothbrush (Pocket Dolts, Panasonic Corporation) having a motor mounting position on the brush mounting shaft of the operation unit and a total length of about 160 mm was used.

(Evaluation method)
Sixteen women who brushed their teeth when they went out carried the electric toothbrushes of Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 and evaluated their usability and usability.

Ａ：よいと回答した人が１２〜１６名
Ｂ：よいと回答した人が７〜１１名
Ｃ：よいと回答した人が０〜６名

A: 12 to 16 people who answered good B: 7 to 11 people who answered good C: 0 to 6 people who answered good

As shown in Table 1, the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied has a good size when being carried, a good size when used, a good vibration transmitted to the head part, no discomfort of vibration transmitted to the hand, All of the internal operability was “A”.
On the other hand, the electric toothbrush of Comparative Example 1 was excellent in intraoral operability and size during use because the neck portion was thin. However, since the size of the electric toothbrush is not reduced, it is inconvenient to carry.
Although the electric toothbrush of the comparative example 2 is a size which can be barely stored in a woman's makeup pouch, there are many opinions that it must be put in an oblique direction, and a more compact size is desired. In addition, the neck is thick and the oral operability is poor.

  In the electric toothbrush of the present invention, the drive unit (coin-type motor) is mounted on the head unit, and only the flocking unit (flocking plate, brush) is made a replaceable cassette type. An electric toothbrush excellent in intraoral operability can be provided while ensuring the strength of the neck portion. Further, it is small and excellent in portability without impairing usability, and vibration can be reliably applied to the head portion.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Electric toothbrush 11 Operation part 12 Neck part 12a Neck part (base side)
12b Neck (tip side)
13 Head part 13a Base part of head part 13 13b Convex part of head part 13d 13c Concave part of head part 13e 13d Head part (upper surface side)
13e Head (bottom side)
14 Handle 15 Power supply 16 Switch part 17 Vibration motor 18 Wiring 19 Wiring 20 Vibration absorber (vibration absorption part)
21 Brush 22 Flocking plate 23 Packing 24 Cap 90 Vibration transmitting part

Claims (4)

An electric toothbrush comprising a head part, a neck part, and an operation part,
A coin-type vibration motor is provided on the bottom side of the head part, and a detachable flocking plate is provided on the top side of the head part,
A vibration transmission part is provided on the upper surface of the coin-type vibration motor,
The vibration transmission unit is in contact with the coin-type vibration motor and the flocking plate,
The electric toothbrush is characterized in that a battery and a switch part are accommodated in the operation part, and the toothbrush vibrates by the coin-type vibration motor operated by power feeding from the battery. The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein a member that blocks vibration is interposed in the neck portion. Sliding, telescopic electric toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2 in use by folding or cap replacement type method with a mechanism for the full length extends. The electric toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the vibration transmission unit is formed of fiber-reinforced plastic.

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