KR20220043075A - Apparatus for attaching and/or detaching toothbrushes and toothbrush heads - Google Patents

Abstract

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a toothbrush and apparatus for attaching and/or detaching a toothbrush head. The toothbrush includes a handle including a gripping portion and a head attachment connected to the gripping portion, and a head including a body and bristles mounted on a first side of the body, the body further comprising a second side opposite the first side and a first hole is formed in one of the second side surfaces of the head attachment portion and the body, and a corresponding protruding plug is formed in the other of the head attachment portion and the second side surface of the body, the head having the projecting plug formed in the first hole It is removably attached to the head attachment portion by inserting into it. According to the present invention, not only can the handle be reused to improve resource utilization and reduce the amount of waste to be disposed of, but also allow attachment and/or detachment of the head to be labor-saving and easily and efficiently performed.

Description

Apparatus for attaching and/or detaching toothbrushes and toothbrush heads

The present invention relates to toothbrushes and devices for attaching and/or detaching toothbrush heads.

Dentists recommend that people brush their teeth at least twice a day and change their toothbrush at least every three months. Therefore, worldwide toothbrush consumption is very high. When replacing toothbrushes, people typically replace the old toothbrush with a new toothbrush, and discard the old toothbrush as waste. However, while only the bristles on the head of an old toothbrush are no longer suitable for brushing teeth, the handle can continue to be used. Disposing of an entire old toothbrush would result in a huge waste of resources and greatly increase the amount of waste to be disposed of.

Accordingly, there is a need to improve existing toothbrushes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to overcome at least one drawback of existing toothbrushes described above and to improve resource utilization and to improve resource utilization by allowing the handle to be reused when the bristles on the head are no longer suitable for use for cleaning teeth. It is to provide an improved toothbrush that reduces the amount of waste.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for attaching and/or detaching a toothbrush head. Such a device allows the head to be easily attached to the handle and/or to allow the head to be easily detached from the handle.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toothbrush, the toothbrush comprising:

a handle including a gripping portion and a head attachment portion connected to the gripping portion;

a head comprising a body and bristles mounted to a first side of the body, the body further having a second side opposite the first side;

A first hole is formed in one of the second side surfaces of the head attachment portion and the body, and a corresponding projecting plug is formed in the other of the second side surface of the head attachment portion and the body, the head inserting the projecting plug into the first hole By doing so, it is removably attached to the head attachment part.

In one embodiment, the first hole is a through hole formed in the head attachment portion, and the protruding plug is formed on the second side surface of the body.

In one embodiment, the four first apertures are distributed symmetrically about the longitudinal axis of the handle.

In one embodiment, the protruding plug includes a root portion extending from the body and an end portion integral with the root portion but having an increased size, wherein the protruding plug is formed with a cutout.

In one embodiment, the protruding plug includes a root portion extending from the body, and an end portion integral with the root portion but having an increased size, the protruding plug having a cutout formed therein, the first opening having a second hole corresponding to the root portion a first portion and a second portion corresponding to the end portion and having a size greater than the first portion.

In one embodiment, the radial extent of the root portion is selected to be equal to or slightly less than the radial extent of the first portion, and the radial extent of the end portion is selected to be equal to or slightly less than the radial extent of the second portion.

In one embodiment, a flange is formed around the periphery of the head attachment portion to define a concave space for receiving the body, the concave space having a size corresponding to the size of the body.

In one embodiment, the bristles include a first group of bristles arranged in the center of the body, a second group of bristles and a third group of bristles arranged symmetrically on opposite sides of the first group of bristles along the longitudinal direction of the body. wherein each group of bristles comprises a plurality of bristle clusters comprising a plurality of bristles combined together, wherein the bristle clusters of the first group of bristles are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction of the body and arranged in a plurality of rows, wherein each bristle cluster of bristles of the first group passes through the longitudinal axis of the body and is arranged parallel to a plane perpendicular to the first side, and the bristle clusters of bristles of the second group and the bristles of the third group cross the longitudinal axis of the body. are arranged in rows spaced apart from each other along a plane, wherein each bristle cluster of the bristles of the second group and the bristles of the third group is such that the gap between the bristles of the first group and the bristles of the second group and the bristles of the third group is away from the body arranged to be inclined outwardly with respect to the plane so as to gradually increase in the direction along the

In one embodiment, each of the bristles of the second group and the bristles of the third group comprises at least two rows of bristle clusters, wherein of the at least two rows of bristle clusters, the row of bristle clusters distal from the bristles of the first group is angled outwardly at an angle greater than the row of bristle clusters proximate to the first group of bristles.

In one embodiment, the bristles further comprise a fourth group of bristles arranged at the end of the body distal from the handle, the fourth group of bristles comprising at least one row of bristle clusters arranged in an arc.

In one embodiment, each bristle cluster of the bristles of the fourth group is arranged to be inclined outwardly with respect to the center of the arc.

In one embodiment, a second hole is further formed in the head attachment and extends through the head attachment.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for attaching a toothbrush head for use in attaching the head to a handle of a toothbrush as described above, the apparatus for attaching a toothbrush head comprising:

a lower housing;

an upper housing pivotally mounted to the lower housing;

a lining component disposed in the lower housing;

A head attachment cavity is formed in the lining component, a step for supporting an edge portion of the body is formed on an inner wall of the head attachment cavity, and protrudes on a surface of the upper housing opposite the lining component at a position corresponding to the head attachment cavity A pressing portion is formed, the pressing portion being capable of applying a force on the head attachment portion to insert the projecting plug into the first hole when the head is supported by the step in the head attachment cavity and the projecting plug is aligned with the first hole .

In one embodiment, the lining component further defines a recess that opens into the head attachment cavity and receives a portion of the handle.

In one embodiment, the lining component is further formed with a cleaning brush receiving cavity.

In one embodiment, the lining component is further formed with a head receiving cavity for receiving a spare head.

In one embodiment, the lining component is formed separately from and mounted to the lower housing.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for removing a toothbrush head for use in removing the head from a handle of a toothbrush as described above, wherein a second hole is formed in the head attachment and extends therethrough. and a device for separating the toothbrush head,

a lower housing;

an upper housing pivotally mounted to the lower housing;

a lining component disposed in the lower housing;

A head separation cavity is formed in the lining component, a step for supporting a handle is formed on an inner wall of the head separation cavity, and a protruding pushing post is formed on a surface of the upper housing opposite the lining component at a position corresponding to the head separation cavity. A pushing post formed and passing through the second hole is capable of applying a force on the body to disengage the protruding plug from the first hole when the head attached to the handle is disposed in the head separation cavity and the handle is supported by the step. can

In one embodiment, the lining component is further formed with a recess that opens into the head separation cavity and receives a portion of the handle.

In one embodiment, the lining component is further formed with a cleaning brush receiving cavity.

In one embodiment, the lining component is further formed with a head receiving cavity for receiving a spare head.

In one embodiment, the lining component is formed separately from and mounted to the lower housing.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for attaching and detaching a toothbrush head used for attaching the head to or detaching the head from the handle of a toothbrush as described above, wherein a second aperture is provided in the head attachment portion. A device formed and extending through the head attachment for attaching and detaching a toothbrush head comprising:

a lower housing;

an upper housing pivotally mounted to the lower housing;

a lining component disposed in the lower housing;

A head attachment cavity is formed in the lining component, a step for supporting an edge portion of the body is formed on an inner wall of the head attachment cavity, and protrudes on a surface of the upper housing opposite the lining component at a position corresponding to the head attachment cavity A pressing portion is formed, the pressing portion being capable of applying a force on the head attachment portion to insert the projecting plug into the first hole when the head is supported by the step in the head attachment cavity and the projecting plug is aligned with the first hole, ,

A head separation cavity is formed in the lining component, a step for supporting a handle is formed on an inner wall of the head separation cavity, and a protruding pushing post is formed on a surface of the upper housing opposite the lining component at a position corresponding to the head separation cavity. A pushing post formed and passing through the second hole is capable of applying a force on the body to disengage the protruding plug from the first hole when the head attached to the handle is disposed in the head separation cavity and the handle is supported by the step. can

The toothbrush according to the present invention makes it possible to reuse the handle to improve resource utilization and reduce the amount of waste to be disposed of.

The device for attaching and/or detaching a toothbrush head according to the present invention enables the attachment and/or detachment of the head to be performed labor-savingly, easily and efficiently.

1 is a schematic perspective view of a toothbrush according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;
1A is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush of FIG. 1 and through a protruding plug on the head;
1B is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush of FIG. 1 and through a protruding plug on the head;
Fig. 2 is another schematic perspective view of a toothbrush according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;
3 is a schematic side view of a toothbrush according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 3A is an enlarged view similar to Fig. 1A;
Fig. 3B is an enlarged view similar to Fig. 3A, with the head separated from the handle;
4 is a schematic perspective view of a handle according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;
5 is another schematic perspective view of a handle according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;
6 is a schematic perspective view of a head according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;
7 is another schematic perspective view of a head according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 8 is a schematic front view of a head according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 9 is a schematic end view of a head according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 10 is a schematic bottom view of a head according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;
11 is a schematic plan view of a head according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;
12 is a schematic perspective view of a toothbrush according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;
12A is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush of FIG. 12 and through a protruding plug on the head;
12B is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush of FIG. 12 and through a protruding plug on the head;
13 is a schematic perspective view of a head according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;
14 is another schematic perspective view of a head according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 15 is a schematic front view of a head according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;
16 is a schematic end view of a head according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;
17 is a schematic bottom view of a head according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 18 is a schematic plan view of a head according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;
19 is a schematic perspective view of a device for attaching and detaching a head according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 20 is a front view of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in Fig. 19;
Fig. 21 is an end view of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in Fig. 19;
Fig. 22 is a plan view of the apparatus for attaching and detaching the head shown in Fig. 19;
Fig. 23 is a bottom view of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in Fig. 19;
Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in Fig. 19 in an open state;
Fig. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in Fig. 19;
Fig. 26 is a bottom perspective view of a lining component of the apparatus for attaching and detaching the head shown in Fig. 19;
Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the lining component of the apparatus for attaching and detaching the head shown in Fig. 19 mounted to the lower housing;
Fig. 28 is a perspective view illustrating attaching a head using the apparatus for attaching and detaching the head shown in Fig. 19, wherein the head is disposed in the head attachment cavity;
Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view illustrating attaching a head using the apparatus for attaching and detaching the head shown in Fig. 19, wherein the handle is disposed on the head;
Fig. 30 is a perspective view showing attaching a head using the apparatus for attaching and detaching the head shown in Fig. 19, wherein the upper housing is rotated to a closed state;
Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional view illustrating attachment of a head using the apparatus for attaching and detaching the head shown in Fig. 19, wherein the head is attached to a handle;
Fig. 32 is a perspective view illustrating attachment of a head using the apparatus for attaching and detaching the head shown in Fig. 19, with the toothbrush having the head attached to the handle removed;
33 and 34 are perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, illustrating detaching the head using the apparatus for attaching and detaching the head shown in FIG. 19, wherein the head attached to the handle is disposed in the head detachment cavity;
Fig. 35 is a perspective view showing removing the head using the apparatus for attaching and detaching the head shown in Fig. 19, wherein the upper housing is rotated to a closed state;
Fig. 36 is a cross-sectional view illustrating removal of the head using the apparatus for attaching and detaching the head shown in Fig. 19, the head being separated from the handle;
Fig. 37 is a perspective view showing removing the head using the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in Fig. 19, with the handle and head removed separately;
Fig. 38 is a variant of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in Figs. 19 to 27;
Fig. 39 is another variant of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in Figs. 19-27;
Fig. 40 is a further variant of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in Figs. 19 to 27;

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in detail below by way of examples. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these exemplary embodiments are not intended to form any limitation on the present invention.

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a toothbrush according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is another schematic perspective view of a toothbrush according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 1 and 2 , a toothbrush 1 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a handle 3 and a head 5 detachably mounted to the handle 3 .

Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a handle according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 5 is another schematic perspective view of a handle according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 4 and 5 , the handle 3 includes a gripping portion 3a gripped by the user, and a head attachment portion 3b connected to the gripping portion 3a. Although the gripping portion 3a and the head attachment portion 3b may be formed separately and then assembled together, the gripping portion 3a and the head attachment portion 3b are preferably formed integrally. A first hole 7 is formed in the head attachment portion 3b and extends through the head attachment portion 3b. In a preferred embodiment, the first apertures 7 are shown to be four and distributed symmetrically about the longitudinal axis AA of the handle, although the number of the first apertures 7 is less than four, for example It should be understood that there may be three, two or even one. Of course, the number of first holes 7 may be more than four. If desired, the first apertures may be distributed in other ways. Also, although the first hole 7 is shown as a through hole, it should be understood that the first hole may be a blind hole.

A second hole 9 may be additionally formed in the head attachment portion 3b and extend through the head attachment portion 3b. In a preferred embodiment, the second apertures 9 are shown as three and are distributed along the longitudinal axis AA of the toothbrush, although the number of the second apertures 9 is less than three, for example two or even two. It should be understood that there may be one. Of course, the number of second holes 9 may be more than three. If desired, the second apertures may be distributed in other ways.

6 to 11 schematically show a head of a toothbrush according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 6 to 11 , the head 5 of the toothbrush according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a body 11 and bristles mounted on the first side 11a of the body 11 . (13) is included. According to the present invention, the head 5 further comprises a protruding plug 15 formed on a second side 11b of the body 11 opposite to the first side 11a. The number and distribution of the protruding plugs 15 on the head 5 corresponds to the number and distribution of the first holes 7 in the head attachment portion 3b of the handle 3 , so that each The protruding plug 15 can be inserted into the corresponding first hole 7 of the head attachment portion 3b of the handle 3 . As a result, the head 5 can be reliably attached to the head attachment portion 3b of the handle 3 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .

The head 5 can be reliably attached to the head attachment portion 3b of the handle 3 by forming a tight fit between the protruding plug 15 and the first hole 7 . However, as shown in FIG. 3B , in order to make it easier to attach and detach the head 5 to and from the handle 3 , each of the protruding plugs 15 on the head 5 has a main body ( a root portion 15a extending from 11), and an end portion 15b integral with the root portion 15a but having an increased size, wherein the protruding plug 15 has an end portion 15b from the end portion 15b. An excised portion 15c extending to the body 11 is formed. Correspondingly, the first hole 7 has a first portion 7a corresponding to the root portion 15a of the protruding plug 15 and a first portion 7a corresponding to the end portion 15b of the protruding plug 15 and corresponding to the first portion ( a second portion 7b having a size greater than 7a). The radial extent of the root portion 15a of the protruding plug 15 is selected to be substantially equal to or slightly smaller than the radial extent of the first portion 7a of the first hole 7 , The radial extent of the end portion 15b is selected to be substantially equal to or slightly smaller than the radial extent of the second portion 7b of the first hole 7 . The body 11 and the protruding plug 15 and/or the handle 3 are typically injection molded from a plastic material. When the protruding plug 15 is inserted into the corresponding first hole 7 of the head attachment portion 3b of the handle 3 , the end portion 15b of the protruding plug 15 is inserted into the first hole 7 . Pressed into contact with the sidewall, the cut 15c is such that the two portions of the end portion 15b are closer together and have a smaller radial dimension so that they pass through the first portion 7a of the first hole 7 . make it possible When the end portion 15b of the protruding plug 15 passes through the first portion 7a of the first hole 7 , the end portion 15b of the protruding plug 15 passes through the second portion of the first hole 7 . It enters the portion 7b and returns to its original size, allowing the head 5 and the handle 3 to be reliably locked together as shown in FIG. 3A . In the preferred embodiment, the cut 15c is shown as a transverse cut through the sidewall of the protruding plug 15, but the cut 15c is also cross-shaped, petal-shaped, hollow-shaped, or when subjected to compression. It can be formed into any other suitable shape that can reduce the radial size of the end portion 15b of the protruding plug 15 .

In order to easily align the protruding plug 15 on the head 5 with the corresponding first hole 7 of the head attachment portion 3b when the head 5 is attached to the handle 3, the handle 3 is A flange 3c is formed around the periphery of the head attachment portion 3b of the body 11 to define a concave space 3d for receiving the body 11 . The size of the concave space 3d substantially corresponds to the size of the body 11 . In this way, the protruding plug 15 on the head 5 is aligned with the corresponding first hole 7 of the head attachment portion 3b when the body 11 is positioned in the concave space 3d. In addition, the size of the concave space 3d substantially corresponding to the size of the main body 11 is made such that the distance between the head attaching portion 3b and the main body 11 is made as small as possible so that the head attaching portion 3b and the main body 11 are formed. Prevent or minimize dust or moisture trapped between them.

6 to 11 also show in detail the distribution of bristles 13 on the head 5 according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention. The bristles 13 have substantially three groups: a first group of bristles 13a arranged in the center of the body 11 and symmetrically on both sides of the bristles of the first group along the longitudinal direction of the body 11 . It can be divided into a second group of bristles 13b and a third group of bristles 13c arranged as Each group of bristles includes a plurality of bristle clusters comprising a plurality of bristles combined together. The bristle clusters of the first group of bristles 13a are arranged in a plurality of linear rows spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction of the body 11 . In the preferred embodiment, the bristle clusters of the first group of bristles 13a are shown arranged in four rows, however, it should be understood that they may be arranged in fewer or more than four rows. Each bristle cluster of bristles 13a of the first group also passes through the longitudinal axis BB of the body 11 and is substantially parallel to a plane P substantially perpendicular to the first side 11a of the body 11 . are arranged neatly The bristle clusters of the second group of bristles 13b and the third group of bristles 13c are arranged in a plurality of linear rows spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis of the body 11 . In a preferred embodiment, the bristle clusters of the second group of bristles 13b and the third group of bristles 13c are each arranged in two rows, although it should be understood that they may be arranged in fewer or more than two rows. Each bristle cluster of the bristles 13b of the second group and the bristles 13c of the third group is also arranged to be substantially outwardly inclined with respect to the plane P, such that the bristles 13a of the first group and the bristles 13c of the third group The gap between the second group of bristles 13b and the third group of bristles 13c gradually increases in the direction along the plane P away from the body 11 as shown in FIG. 9 . In a preferred embodiment, the rows of bristle clusters of the second group of bristles 13b and the third group of bristles 13c remote from the first group of bristles 13a are adjacent to the first group of bristles 13a. The rows of bristle clusters of the second group of bristles 13b and the third group of bristles 13c that slope outward at a greater angle than the rows of clusters, but away from the first group of bristles 13a, are the same as the rows of bristle clusters of the first group. It is also feasible to slope outwardly at an angle equal to the row of bristle clusters proximate to bristles 13a. The bristles arranged in this way allow the first group of bristles 13a to penetrate deeper into the interdental gap during brushing, thereby removing debris in the interdental gap, thereby improving the cleaning effect on the teeth. At the same time, the bristles 13b of the second group and the bristles 13c of the third group can provide a massage effect to the gums. More preferably, when viewed from the end side of the head 5, the bristles 13a of the first group, the bristles 13b of the second group and the bristles 13c of the third group that are separated from the body 11 are The ends of the bristle clusters are positioned on a substantially concave arcuate surface (C) to better fit the bristles to the teeth and gums, further enhancing the cleaning and massaging effect.

12 to 18 show a toothbrush according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The toothbrush according to the second preferred embodiment shown in Figs. 12 to 18 is substantially the same as the toothbrush according to the first preferred embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 11 except for a slight difference in the arrangement of the bristles. Do. For simplicity, only the differences between the second preferred embodiment and the first preferred embodiment are described below, and detailed descriptions of other parts are omitted.

12 to 18, in addition to the first group of bristles 13a, the second group of bristles 13b and the third group of bristles 13c, in the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, The further head 5 further comprises a fourth group of bristles 13d arranged at the end of the body 11 remote from the handle 3 . In a preferred embodiment, the fourth group of bristles 13d comprises two arcuate rows of bristle clusters, although it should be understood that more than one arcuate row of bristle clusters may be provided. More preferably, each bristle cluster of the bristles 13d of the fourth group is arranged to be inclined outwardly with respect to the center of the arc. By providing the fourth group of bristles 13d, the cleaning effect on the teeth and the massage effect on the gums can be further improved.

Although the head can be removed from the handle by means of a tool passing directly through the second hole 9 of the handle, a specific device 20 for attaching and detaching the head is proposed in the present invention. 19 to 27 , a device 20 for attaching and detaching a head includes a lower housing 21 and an upper housing 23 pivotally mounted to the lower housing 21 . The upper housing 23 pivots relative to the lower housing to open and close the device 20 for attaching and detaching the head. The device 20 for attaching and detaching the head further comprises a lining component 25 mounted to the lower housing 21 . A head attaching cavity 27 is formed in the lining component 25 for receiving the head 5 to be attached. A stepped portion 27a is formed on the inner wall of the head attachment cavity 27 . In a preferred embodiment, the step 27a is formed at the longitudinal end of the head attachment cavity 27 , although it is understood that it is also feasible for the step 27a to be formed at the longitudinal side of the head attachment cavity 27 . should be As shown in Fig. 29, when the head 5 is disposed in the head attachment cavity 27, the edge portion of the body 11 of the head 5 is supported on the step 27a, whereby the head (5) is held in place in the head attachment cavity (27). Preferably, the lining component 25 may also be formed with a first recess 29 which opens into the head attachment cavity 27 and receives a portion of the handle 3 .

The lining component 25 is also formed with a head separation cavity 31 for receiving a portion of the handle and a head attached to the handle. A stepped portion 31a is formed on the inner wall of the head separation cavity 31 . In a preferred embodiment, the step 31a is formed at the longitudinal end of the head separating cavity 31 , but it is also feasible that the step 31a is formed on both longitudinal sides of the head separating cavity 31 . should be understood 34, when the head 5 attached to the handle is placed in the head separating cavity 31, the handle 3 is supported on the step 31a, but the body 11 of the head 5 ) is located inside the step 31a, thereby holding the head 5 attached to the handle in place in the head separation cavity 31. Preferably, the lining component 25 may also be formed with a second recess 33 which opens into the head separation cavity 31 and receives a portion of the handle 3 .

The lining component 25 may also be formed with a cleaning brush receiving cavity 35 for receiving the cleaning brush 37 . The cleaning brush 37 is used in particular for cleaning toothbrushes, and in particular can be used to remove dust that may be trapped between the head 5 and the handle 3 . In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning brush receiving cavity 35 is formed between the head attachment cavity 27 and the head separation cavity 31 , however, the cleaning brush receiving cavity 35 is located at a different location, for example as shown in FIG. 38 . It should be understood that it may be formed on the end side of the head attachment cavity 27 and the head separation cavity 31 as described above.

The lining component 25 may also be formed with a head receiving cavity 39 configured to receive the spare head 5 . The through hole 41 corresponding to the protruding plug 15 on the body 11 is for receiving the protruding plug 15 on the body 11 so that the spare head 5 is fixedly disposed in the head receiving cavity 39 . It may be formed in the bottom wall of the head receiving cavity (39). In the preferred embodiment, there are two head receiving cavities 39 each arranged on either side of the head attachment cavity 27 and the head separation cavity 31, although the head receiving cavities 39 may be more or less than two and It should be understood that they may be arranged in other positions.

The lower housing 21 is formed with a boss 45 having a central cavity 43 and a protrusion 49 having a snap-in portion 47 . Correspondingly, on the bottom side of the lining component 25 is formed a protrusion 55 having a positioning post 51 and an opening 53 . By inserting the positioning post 51 on the bottom side of the lining component 25 into the central cavity 43 of the boss 45 on the lower housing 21 , the lining component 25 is secured to the lower housing 21 . can be located quickly for By further pressing the lining component 25 downward, the snap-in portion 47 of the protrusion 49 on the lower housing 21 fits into the opening 53 of the protrusion 55 on the bottom side of the lining component 25 . can be received, thereby reliably mounting the lining component 25 to the lower housing 21 as shown in FIG. 27 . It should be understood that the lining component 25 may also be mounted to the lower housing 21 in other ways. Also, although in a preferred embodiment the lining component 25 is formed separately from the lower housing 21 , it is also feasible for the lining component 25 to be formed integrally with the lower housing 21 .

A protruding pressing portion 57 is formed on the surface of the upper housing 23 facing the lower housing 21 or the lining component 25 at a position corresponding to the head attachment cavity 27 . In a preferred embodiment, the pressing portion 57 is formed in a hollow grid shape, but may have other shapes as long as pressure can be applied to the handle by the pressing portion. A protruding pushing post 59 is formed on the surface of the upper housing 23 opposite the lower housing 21 or the lining component 25 at a position corresponding to the head separation cavity 31 . The number and position of the pushing posts 59 correspond to the number and position of the second holes 9 of the handle 3 . The pushing post 59 can freely pass through the second hole 9 . In addition, locking means, for example, a protrusion 61 formed on the lower housing 21, and a notch formed on the upper housing 23 to accommodate the protrusion 61 are formed on the lower housing 21 and the upper housing 23 Thus, the device 20 for attaching and detaching the head reliably locks the lower housing 21 and the upper housing 23 together when not in use. The components of the device 20 for attaching and detaching the head may be substantially injection molded from a plastic material.

28-32 are schematic diagrams illustrating attachment of the head 5 using the device 20 for attaching and detaching the head. A process for attaching a head using the device 20 for attaching and detaching the head will be described below with respect to FIGS. 28-32 . First, as shown in FIG. 28 , the upper housing 23 is pivoted with respect to the lower housing 21 to open the device 20 for attaching and detaching the head, then the head 5 is moved to the body 11 . The overhanging plug 15 is disposed in the head attachment cavity 27 with the upward facing state. Next, as shown in FIG. 29 , the handle 3 is attached to the head so that the first hole 7 of the head attachment portion 3b of the handle 3 is aligned with the protruding plug 15 on the head 5 . 5) is placed on top. The upper housing 23 is then pivoted into a closed position with the lower housing 21 as shown in FIG. 30 . Next, the upper housing 23 so that the pressing portion 57 on the upper housing 23 contacts the head attachment portion 3b of the handle 3 and applies a downward force to the head attachment portion 3b of the handle 3 . ) is pressed downwards. Since the main body 11 is supported on the stepped portion 27a of the head attachment cavity 27, as shown in Fig. 31, the protruding plug 15 on the head 5 is the first of the head attachment portion 3b. 1 Pass through the hole 7 , thereby attaching the head 5 to the handle 3 . Finally, the upper housing 23 is pivoted back relative to the lower housing 21 to open the device 20 for attaching and detaching the head, and the assembled toothbrush 1 is removed as shown in FIG. Ready to use.

33-38 are schematic diagrams illustrating the removal of the head 5 using the device 20 for attaching and detaching the head. A process for detaching the head using the device 20 for attaching and detaching the head will be described below with reference to FIGS. 33-38. First, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34 , the upper housing 23 is pivoted with respect to the lower housing 21 to open the device 20 for attaching and detaching the head, and then attaching it to the handle 3 . The removed head 5 is placed in the head separation cavity 31 with the handle 3 facing upward. Next, the upper housing 23 is pivoted into a closed position with the lower housing 21 as shown in FIG. 35 . Next, the pushing post 59 on the upper housing 23 passes through the second hole 9 of the head attachment portion 3b and comes into contact with the main body 11 so as to apply a downward force to the main body 11 . (23) is pressed downward. Since the handle 3 is supported on the step 31a of the head separation cavity 31 , as shown in FIG. 36 , the pushing post 59 of the upper housing 23 is a protruding plug on the head 5 . (15) separate from the first hole (7) of the head attachment portion (3b), thereby separating the head (5) from the handle (3). Finally, the upper housing 23 is pivoted again with respect to the lower housing 21 as shown in FIG. 37 to open the device 20 for attaching and detaching the head, the handle 3 and the head separated from each other. (5) is removed.

Fig. 38 is a modification of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in Figs. 19 to 27; The device for attaching and detaching the head shown in Fig. 38 is similar to that of Figs. 19 to 27 only in that the cleaning brush receiving cavity 35 is formed on the end side of the head attaching cavity 27 and the head detaching cavity 31. It differs from the device for attaching and detaching the head described in relation thereto.

Fig. 39 is another variant of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in Figs. 19 to 27; The device for attaching and detaching the head shown in FIG. 39 differs from the device for attaching and detaching the head described in connection with FIGS. 19 to 27 only in that it does not include a head receiving cavity for receiving the spare head. .

Fig. 40 is a further variant of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in Figs. 19 to 27; The apparatus for attaching and detaching the head shown in Fig. 40 has a cleaning brush accommodating cavity 35 formed on the end side of the head attaching cavity 27 and the head detaching cavity 31, and has a head receiving for accommodating a spare head. It differs from the device for attaching and detaching the head described in connection with FIGS. 19 to 27 only in that it does not include a cavity.

It should also be understood that the arrangement of bristles of the spare head stored in the head receiving cavity is not limited to that shown in the preferred embodiment.

The apparatus for attaching and detaching the head according to the present invention enables the attaching and detaching of the head to be performed with reduced labor and easily and efficiently.

While the present invention has been described in detail in connection with preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detailed description is intended to be illustrative only of the present invention and does not constitute any limitation on the present invention. For example, the protruding plug may be formed on the handle, and a hole for receiving the protruding plug may be formed in the body of the head. It is also feasible that the device for attaching and detaching the head does not include a head attaching cavity and a corresponding pressing portion or a head detaching cavity and a corresponding pushing post. In this way, the device has only one function of attachment and detachment. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined by the technical solutions of the claims.

Claims (21)

A device for attaching a toothbrush head to a toothbrush handle, the head (5) comprising a body (11) and bristles (13) mounted to the body (11), the handle (3) comprising a head attachment portion ( A device for attaching the toothbrush head comprising 3b),
a lower housing 21;
an upper housing (23) pivotally mounted to the lower housing (21);
a lining component (25) disposed in the lower housing (21);
A head attachment cavity (27) is formed in the lining component (25), and a step portion (27a) for supporting an edge portion of the body (11) is formed on an inner wall of the head attachment cavity (27), the A protruding pressing portion 57 is formed on the surface of the upper housing 23 opposite to the lining component 25 at a position corresponding to the head attachment cavity 27, and the pressing portion 57 is disposed on the body ( 11) capable of applying a force on the head attachment part 3b to attach it to the head attachment part 3b.
A device for attaching a toothbrush head. The method of claim 1,
The lining component (25) is further formed with a recess (29) that opens into the head attachment cavity (27) and receives a portion of the handle (3).
A device for attaching a toothbrush head. The method of claim 1,
The lining component (25) is further formed with a cleaning brush receiving cavity (35).
A device for attaching a toothbrush head. The method of claim 1,
The lining component (25) is further formed with a head receiving cavity (39) for receiving the spare head (5).
A device for attaching a toothbrush head. The method of claim 1,
The lining component (25) is formed separately from the lower housing (21) and is mounted to the lower housing (21).
A device for attaching a toothbrush head. The method of claim 1,
The pressing part 57 is formed in a hollow lattice shape
A device for attaching a toothbrush head. In the toothbrush kit,
a device for attaching a toothbrush head according to any one of claims 1 to 6;
a toothbrush head and/or toothbrush handle received in the head attachment cavity (27);
toothbrush kit. A device for detaching a toothbrush head from a toothbrush handle, the head (5) comprising a body (11) and bristles (13) mounted to the body (11), the handle (3) comprising a head attachment ( 3b), wherein the body (11) is attached to the head attachment (3b), the device for detaching the toothbrush head,
a lower housing 21;
an upper housing (23) pivotally mounted to the lower housing (21);
a lining component (25) disposed in the lower housing (21);
A head separation cavity 31 is formed in the lining component 25 , and on the inner wall of the head separation cavity 31 a step 31a for supporting the head attachment portion 3b of the handle 3 is provided. A protruding pushing post (59) is formed on the surface of the upper housing (23) opposite the lining component (25) at a position corresponding to the head separation cavity (31), the pushing post (59) can apply a force on the main body 11 to separate the main body 11 from the head attachment part 3b
A device for removing the toothbrush head. 9. The method of claim 8,
The lining component (25) is further formed with a recess (33) opening into the head separation cavity (31) and receiving a portion of the handle (3).
A device for removing the toothbrush head. 9. The method of claim 8,
The lining component (25) is further formed with a cleaning brush receiving cavity (35).
A device for removing the toothbrush head. 9. The method of claim 8,
The lining component (25) is further formed with a head receiving cavity (39) for receiving the spare head (5).
A device for removing the toothbrush head. 9. The method of claim 8,
The lining component (25) is formed separately from the lower housing (21) and is mounted to the lower housing (21).
A device for removing the toothbrush head. In the toothbrush kit,
13. A device for removing the toothbrush head according to any one of claims 8 to 12, comprising:
a toothbrush head and/or toothbrush handle received in the head separation cavity (31);
toothbrush kit. A device for attaching a toothbrush head to a toothbrush handle and for detaching a toothbrush head from a toothbrush handle, the head (5) comprising a body (11) and bristles (13) mounted to the body (11), the handle comprising: (3) comprises a head attachment portion 3b, wherein the body 11 is attachable to the head attachment portion 3b, for attaching a toothbrush head to the toothbrush handle and for detaching the toothbrush head from the toothbrush handle. In the device for
a lower housing 21;
an upper housing (23) pivotally mounted to the lower housing (21);
a lining component (25) disposed in the lower housing (21);
A head attachment cavity (27) is formed in the lining component (25), and a step portion (27a) for supporting an edge portion of the body (11) is formed on an inner wall of the head attachment cavity (27), the A protruding pressing portion 57 is formed on the surface of the upper housing 23 opposite to the lining component 25 at a position corresponding to the head attachment cavity 27, and the pressing portion 57 is disposed on the body ( 11) may apply a force on the head attachment part 3b to attach it to the head attachment part 3b,
A head separation cavity 31 is formed in the lining component 25 , and on the inner wall of the head separation cavity 31 a step 31a for supporting the head attachment portion 3b of the handle 3 is provided. A protruding pushing post (59) is formed on the surface of the upper housing (23) opposite the lining component (25) at a position corresponding to the head separation cavity (31), the pushing post (59) can apply a force on the main body 11 to separate the main body 11 from the head attachment part 3b
A device for attaching a toothbrush head to a toothbrush handle and for detaching the toothbrush head from the toothbrush handle. 15. The method of claim 14,
The lining component (25) is further formed with a recess (29) that opens into the head attachment cavity (27) and receives a portion of the handle (3).
A device for attaching a toothbrush head to a toothbrush handle and for detaching the toothbrush head from the toothbrush handle. 15. The method of claim 14,
The lining component (25) is further formed with a recess (33) opening into the head separation cavity (31) and receiving a portion of the handle (3).
A device for attaching a toothbrush head to a toothbrush handle and for detaching the toothbrush head from the toothbrush handle. 15. The method of claim 14,
The pressing part 57 is formed in a hollow lattice shape
A device for attaching a toothbrush head to a toothbrush handle and for detaching the toothbrush head from the toothbrush handle. 15. The method of claim 14,
The lining component (25) is further formed with a cleaning brush receiving cavity (35).
A device for attaching a toothbrush head to a toothbrush handle and for detaching the toothbrush head from the toothbrush handle. 15. The method of claim 14,
The lining component (25) is further formed with a head receiving cavity (39) for receiving the spare head (5).
A device for attaching a toothbrush head to a toothbrush handle and for detaching the toothbrush head from the toothbrush handle. 15. The method of claim 14,
The lining component (25) is formed separately from the lower housing (21) and is mounted to the lower housing (21).
A device for attaching a toothbrush head to a toothbrush handle and for detaching the toothbrush head from the toothbrush handle. In the toothbrush kit,
21. A device according to any one of claims 14 to 20 for attaching a toothbrush head to a toothbrush handle and for detaching the toothbrush head from the toothbrush handle;
a toothbrush head and/or toothbrush handle received in the head attachment cavity (27);
a toothbrush head and/or toothbrush handle received in the head separation cavity (31);
toothbrush kit.

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