WO2013057901A1 - Oral-hygiene device - Google Patents

Abstract

This oral-hygiene device (2) is provided with a functional component (50) that acts on an oral cavity and a device body (11) that supports said functional component. The device body (11) and the functional component (50) include a component-connection structure that can connect and disconnect the device body and the functional component to and from each other. Said component-connection structure is designed so as to connect/disconnect the device body and the functional component to/from each other by allowing relative movement between the device body (11) and the functional component (50) in the long direction of the oral-hygiene device (2).

Description

Oral hygiene equipment

The present invention relates to an oral hygiene device.

Patent Document 1 discloses an electric toothbrush as an example of an oral hygiene device. This electric toothbrush has a main body case, a gripping case, a toothbrush component (functional component), a cap, and an electric motor. The main body case and the toothbrush component have a structure that can be coupled and separated from each other.

JP 2009-294635 A

The electric toothbrush has a structure for inserting and inserting the insertion portion of the main body case into the toothbrush component and rotating the toothbrush component relative to the main body case as a structure for coupling and separating the main body case and the toothbrush component from each other. . That is, when the toothbrush component is coupled to the main body case, it is necessary to perform an operation of inserting a part of the main body case into the toothbrush component and an operation of rotating the toothbrush component with respect to the main body case. For this reason, there exists a possibility that a user may feel troublesome about the operation | work of a coupling | bonding and isolation | separation of a main body case and a toothbrush component. In addition, although the subject of the electric toothbrush was mentioned here, the other oral hygiene device which has a structure which can couple | bond and isolate | separate an apparatus main body and a functional component also has the same subject.

In order to solve the above-described problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an oral hygiene device capable of contributing to improvement in workability related to the coupling of a functional component to a device main body and the separation of the functional component from the device main body. To do.

· According to the first aspect of the present invention, the oral hygiene device includes a functional component that acts on the oral cavity and a device main body that supports the functional component. The apparatus main body and the functional component include a component coupling structure capable of coupling the device main body and the functional component to each other and separating them from each other. The component coupling structure is configured to couple or separate the device body and the functional component by allowing relative movement between the device body and the functional component in the longitudinal direction of the oral hygiene device. .

In this oral hygiene device, it is preferable that the device main body includes a main body case having a part of the component coupling structure and a gripping case that covers an outer surface of the main body case.

In this oral hygiene device, it is preferable that the functional component includes a cylindrical portion having an opening portion, and the main body case includes a coupling portion that is inserted into the cylindrical portion of the functional component from the opening portion. In this configuration, the coupling portion of the main body case includes a main body side protruding portion that forms the part of the component coupling structure, and a groove portion that extends in a longitudinal direction of the main body case, and the cylinder of the functional component Preferably, the portion includes a hole portion that is connectable to the main body side protruding portion and forms the component coupling structure together with the main body side protruding portion, and a component side protruding portion that can be fitted into the groove portion.

In this oral hygiene device, it is preferable that the main body side protruding portion includes an operation feeling imparting portion that comes into contact with the inner surface of the cylindrical portion in a process in which the component side protruding portion passes through the groove portion.

In this oral hygiene device, it is preferable that the component side protruding portion has an inclined surface in the circumferential direction of the functional component.

In this oral hygiene device, the component coupling structure is configured to restrict relative rotation between the device main body and the functional component when the device main body and the functional component are coupled to each other. It is preferable.

In this oral hygiene device, it is preferable that the main body case is made of a material harder than the functional component.

In this oral hygiene device, the oral hygiene device is preferably an electric toothbrush, and the functional component is preferably a toothbrush component. In this case, it is preferable that the oral hygiene device further includes an electric motor having an output shaft with an eccentric weight, and a cap configured to be connectable to and separable from the device main body.

According to the oral hygiene device of the present invention, it is possible to improve workability related to the coupling of the functional components to the device main body and the separation of the functional components from the device main body.

About the oral hygiene apparatus of 1st Embodiment, (a) is a perspective view which shows the perspective structure of the apparatus, (b) is a perspective view which shows the perspective structure of the partially broken state of a cap. About the electric toothbrush of 1st Embodiment, (a) is a perspective view which shows a perspective structure, (b) is a perspective view which shows the perspective structure of the partially broken state of a toothbrush attachment. About the electric toothbrush of 1st Embodiment, (a) is a perspective view which shows the perspective structure of the partially broken state of a holding case, (b) is a perspective view which shows the perspective structure of the partially broken state of an outer case and a decoration ring. (A) is a perspective view which shows the perspective structure of the partially broken state of an inner case about the electric toothbrush of 1st Embodiment, (b) is a perspective view which shows the perspective structure of the state where the dry cell was abbreviate | omitted. About the oral hygiene apparatus of 1st Embodiment, (a) is a side view which shows left side structure, (b) is a front view which shows front structure, (c) is a top view which shows planar structure, (d) is bottom structure FIG. About the electric toothbrush of 1st Embodiment, (a) is a side view which shows a left side structure, (b) is a front view which shows a front structure, (c) is a top view which shows a planar structure, (d) is a bottom structure. The bottom view shown. The perspective view which shows an exploded perspective structure about the oral-hygiene apparatus of 1st Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows typically the relationship of each component about the oral-hygiene apparatus of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional structure of the D5A-D5A plane of FIG. 5 and FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional structure of the D5B-D5B plane of FIG. Regarding the cap of the oral hygiene device of the first embodiment, (a) is a side view showing a left side structure, (b) is a cross sectional view showing a cross sectional structure in the right direction on the D10A-D10A plane, and (c) is D10A- (D) is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional structure in the D10B-D10B plane, (e) is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional structure in the D10C-D10C plane, and (f) is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional structure in the D10C-D10C plane. Sectional drawing which shows the cross-sectional structure in D10D-D10D plane. Regarding the gripping case of the electric toothbrush of the first embodiment, (a) is a front view showing a front structure, (b) is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional structure of the D11A-D11A plane of (a), and (c) is a YZ plane. (D) is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional structure of the D11B-D11B plane, (e) is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional structure of the D11C-D11C plane, and (f) is a cross-sectional structure of the D11D-D11D plane. FIG. (A) is a front view showing a front structure, (b) is a rear view showing a rear structure, and (c) is a cross-sectional structure viewed from the right in the D12A-D12A plane, with respect to the toothbrush attachment of the electric toothbrush of the first embodiment. (D) is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional structure in the D12B-D12B plane, (e) is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional structure in the D12C-D12C plane, and (f) is a cross-section showing the cross-sectional structure in the D12D-D12D plane. Figure. Regarding the outer case of the electric toothbrush of the first embodiment, (a) is a side view showing the left side structure, (b) is a side view showing the right side structure, (c) is a front view showing the front structure, and (d). FIG. 3 is a rear view showing a rear structure. (A) is a perspective view showing a perspective structure with a bottom side and a left side as a viewpoint, and (b) is a perspective structure with a plane side and a right side as a viewpoint, regarding the outer case of the electric toothbrush of the first embodiment. FIG. Regarding the inner case of the electric toothbrush of the first embodiment, (a) is a side view showing the left side structure, (b) is a side view showing the right side structure, (c) is a front view showing the front structure, and (d). FIG. 3 is a rear view showing a rear structure. (A) is a perspective view showing a perspective structure with the bottom side and the left side as a viewpoint, and (b) is an inner case of the inner case of the electric toothbrush of the first embodiment broken along the XZ plane in (a). The perspective view which shows a state, (c) is a perspective view which shows the state by which the inner case was fractured | ruptured by the YZ plane in (a). About the electric toothbrush of 1st Embodiment, (a) is sectional drawing which shows the state in which the cap and toothbrush attachment were abbreviate | omitted in Fig.9 (a), (b) is a cap and toothbrush attachment omitted in FIG.9 (b). Sectional drawing which shows the state. About the oral hygiene apparatus of 1st Embodiment, (a) shows the front structure of the part of an upper direction rather than a decoration ring, and the front view which shows the state which fractured | ruptured the cap at the YZ plane, (b) is more than a decoration ring The rear view which shows the back surface structure of the part of an upper direction, and shows the state which fractured | ruptured the cap at the YZ plane. About the electric toothbrush of 1st Embodiment, (a) shows the left side structure of the part of the upper direction rather than a decoration ring, and the side view which shows the state which fractured | ruptured the toothbrush attachment in XZ plane, (b) is from a decoration ring The rear view which shows the back surface structure of the upper part, and shows the state where the toothbrush attachment is broken at the XZ plane. Regarding the electric toothbrush of the first embodiment, (a) is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a part of the upper coupling part has entered the toothbrush attachment, and (b) is a toothbrush from a state in which a part of the upper coupling part is (a). Sectional drawing which shows the state which further entered into the attachment, (c) is a sectional view in which a part of the upper coupling part further enters the toothbrush attachment from the state of (b), (d) is the upper coupling part and Sectional drawing which shows the state which the toothbrush attachment couple | bonded together. FIG. 21A is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional structure of the D20A-D20A plane in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional structure of the D20B-D20B plane in FIG. About the toothbrush main body of the electric toothbrush of 1st Embodiment, (a) is a side view which shows the left side structure of the state by which the holding case was fractured | ruptured by XZ plane, (b) is the state of the state by which the holding case was fractured by XZ plane The side view which shows a right side structure. About the toothbrush main body of the electric toothbrush of 1st Embodiment, (a) is a front view which shows the front structure of the state by which the holding case was fractured | ruptured by YZ plane, (b) is the back surface of the state by which the holding case was fractured by YZ plane The rear view which shows a structure. Regarding the toothbrush body of the electric toothbrush of the first embodiment, (a) corresponds to the cross-sectional structure of the D22A-D22A plane of FIGS. 22 and 23, and shows the separated state as the relative rotation state of the body case and the gripping case. FIG. 24B is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-sectional structure of the D22B-D22B plane of FIGS. 22 and 23 and showing a separated state as a relative rotation state of the main body case and the gripping case. Regarding the toothbrush body of the electric toothbrush of the first embodiment, (a) corresponds to the cross-sectional structure of the D22A-D22A plane of FIGS. 22 and 23, and shows the OFF state as the relative rotation state of the body case and the gripping case. FIG. 24B is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-sectional structure of the D22B-D22B plane of FIGS. 22 and 23, and showing the off state as the relative rotation state of the main body case and the gripping case. Regarding the toothbrush body of the electric toothbrush of the first embodiment, (a) corresponds to the cross-sectional structure of the D22A-D22A plane of FIGS. 22 and 23, and shows the ON state as the relative rotation state of the body case and the gripping case. FIG. 24B is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-sectional structure taken along the plane D22B-D22B of FIGS. 22 and 23, and showing the ON state as the relative rotation state of the main body case and the gripping case. (A) is a top view which shows a planar structure, (b) is a side view which shows a left side structure, (c) is a front view which shows a front structure about the anode metal fitting of the electric toothbrush of 1st Embodiment. Regarding the gripping case of the electric toothbrush of the first embodiment, (a) is a plan view showing a planar structure, (b) is a sectional structure taken along the plane D22C-D22C in FIGS. 22 and 23, and the inner case and the dry battery are omitted. FIG. 24C is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional structure of the D22C-D22C plane of FIGS. 22 and 23, and shows a state where the dry battery is omitted. (A) is a perspective view which shows the perspective structure of FIG.28 (b) about the holding case of the electric toothbrush of 1st Embodiment, (b) is a perspective view which shows the perspective structure of FIG.28 (c). Regarding the gripping case of the electric toothbrush of the first embodiment, (a) is a perspective view showing a state in which a dry cell is inserted in FIG. 29 (b), and (b) is a cross-sectional structure as viewed from the right in the XZ plane of (a). FIG. About the electric toothbrush in the oral hygiene apparatus of 2nd Embodiment, (a) is a perspective view which shows the perspective structure of the partially broken state of a toothbrush attachment, (b) is a perspective view which shows the state from which the stain care attachment was isolate | separated from the toothbrush main body. Figure.

(First embodiment)
Terms relating to the portable oral hygiene device 1 are defined as follows.
(A) The Z direction indicates the longitudinal direction of the device 1.
(B) The Y direction indicates a direction orthogonal to the Z direction in the front view of the device 1.
(C) The X direction indicates a direction orthogonal to the Z direction in a side view of the device 1.
(D) The X axis represents a coordinate axis that defines the X direction.
(E) The Y axis indicates a coordinate axis that defines the Y direction.
(F) The Z axis indicates a coordinate axis that defines the Z direction.
(G) The XY plane indicates a plane defined by the X axis and the Y axis.
(H) The XZ plane indicates a plane defined by the X axis and the Z axis.
(I) The YZ plane is a plane defined by the Y axis and the Z axis.
(J) The front direction XA indicates a direction from the back side to the front side in the X direction.
(K) The rear direction XB indicates a direction from the front side toward the back side in the X direction.
(L) The right direction YA indicates a direction from the left side to the right side in the Y direction in a front view.
(M) The left direction YB indicates a direction from the right side to the left side in the Y direction when viewed from the front.
(N) The upward direction ZA indicates a direction from the bottom of the device 1 toward the tip in the Z direction.
(O) The downward direction ZB indicates a direction from the tip of the device 1 toward the bottom in the Z direction.
(P) The radial direction indicates the radial direction about the Z axis on the XY plane.
(Q) The outward direction indicates a direction away from the Z axis in the radial direction.
(R) The inward direction indicates a direction approaching the Z axis in the radial direction.

The radial direction is a virtual circle when a circle formed by fixing the central axis and moving another point is defined as a virtual circle for a line segment connecting the two points of the central axis and another point. Corresponds to the radius of.

FIG. 1A shows an external perspective structure of the portable oral hygiene device 1. The portable oral hygiene device 1 includes an electric toothbrush 2 that cleans teeth and a cap 80 that protects the toothbrush attachment 50 of the electric toothbrush 2. The cap 80 includes an outer peripheral wall portion 81 that covers the periphery of the toothbrush attachment 50, and an upper side wall portion 82 that closes an opening portion on the upper side of the outer peripheral wall portion 81. The upper side wall portion 82 has two vent holes 82A having an arc shape. The portable oral hygiene device 1 is an example of an “oral hygiene device”. The toothbrush attachment 50 is an example of a “functional component”.

FIG. 1 (b) shows the portable oral hygiene device 1 in which the cap 80 is broken along the XZ plane in FIG. 1 (a). The electric toothbrush 2 includes a toothbrush main body 10 incorporating various components and a toothbrush attachment 50 in which a plurality of bristle bundles 51 are planted. The toothbrush body 10 is an example of an apparatus body.

FIG. 2 (a) shows the portable oral hygiene device 1, that is, the electric toothbrush 2 from which the cap 80 is omitted in FIG. 1 (b). The toothbrush main body 10 includes a main body case 11 coupled to the toothbrush attachment 50, a gripping case 70 gripped by the user, and a decorative ring 12 that enhances the beauty of the electric toothbrush 2. The decorative ring 12 is an example of an “appearance portion”.

The decorative ring 12 has a plurality of decorative portions 12A (see FIG. 5A). One decorative portion 12A has a quadrangular pyramid shape. Each decorative portion 12 </ b> A is formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the decorative ring 12. The outer surface of the decorative ring 12 (hereinafter referred to as “decorative surface 12Z”) has a shape that makes contact with the installation surface of the portable oral hygiene device 1 at two or more points. The decorative surface 12Z is painted with a deposition paint. The deposited paint forms a film having a metallic luster.

Fig. 2 (b) shows the electric toothbrush 2 in which the toothbrush attachment 50 in Fig. 2 (a) is broken along the XZ plane. A part of the main body case 11 is located in a space in the toothbrush attachment 50.

FIG. 3 (a) shows the electric toothbrush 2 in which the gripping case 70 is broken along the XZ plane in FIG. 2 (b). The main body case 11 has an outer case 20 having a portion exposed to the outside, and an inner case 30 covered with the gripping case 70 and the outer case 20. The gripping case 70 is affixed to the outer peripheral wall 71 that covers the periphery of the outer case 20 and the inner case 30, the lower side wall 72 that closes the lower opening of the outer peripheral wall 71, and the outer surface of the lower side wall 72. Waterproof sheet (not shown).

FIG. 5D shows a planar structure of the lower wall portion 72. The lower wall portion 72 includes an intermediate recess 72A that is recessed from the outer surface side of the gripping case 70 to the inner space side, four grooves 72B that connect the intermediate recess 72A and the outer peripheral wall portion 71, and a space inside the gripping case 70. And a vent hole 72C that communicates the external space with each other. The intermediate recess 72A, the four grooves 72B, and the vent hole 72C are covered with the waterproof sheet.

FIG. 3B shows the electric toothbrush 2 in which the outer case 20 and the decorative ring 12 are broken along the XZ plane in FIG. A part of the inner case 30 is located in a space in the outer case 20. The outer case 20 is provided with an elastic member 25 that seals a gap between the main body case 11 and the gripping case 70.

FIG. 4 (a) shows the electric toothbrush 2 in which the inner case 30 is broken along the XZ plane in FIG. 3 (b). The inner case 30 holds a vibration generator 40 that vibrates the toothbrush attachment 50 and a battery holding portion 31 (see FIG. 7) that holds the dry battery 3. The vibration generator 40 includes an electric motor 41, an eccentric weight 43, and a spacer 44.

FIG. 4 (b) shows the electric toothbrush 2 in which the dry battery 3 is omitted from FIG. 4 (a). The gripping case 70 is provided with an anode fitting 64 that contacts the anode of the dry battery 3. In the inner case 30, a current-carrying metal fitting 67 connected to the anode metal fitting 64, a cathode metal fitting 63 that contacts the cathode of the dry battery 3, a circuit board 61 that connects the current-carrying metal fitting 67 and the cathode metal fitting 63 and the electric motor 41 to each other, Is provided. The anode fitting 64 is an example of a “gripping side electrode”. The energizing metal fitting 67 is an example of a “conductive member”.

As the material of the main body case 11, a material harder than the material of the brush stay 53 of the toothbrush attachment 50 is used. As a combination of the material of the main body case 11 and the brush stay 53, the following are mentioned, for example. A glass fiber-containing ABS resin is used as the material of the main body case 11, and a polyacetal resin is used as the material of the brush stay 53. Alternatively, ABS resin is used as the material of the main body case 11, and polypropylene resin is used as the material of the brush stay 53. In short, if the main body case 11 and the brush stay 53 are a combination of materials having the hardness necessary for maintaining the functions of the main body case 11 and the brush stay 53 and the main body case 11 having a higher hardness than the brush stay 53, it is exemplified here. Other combinations can be selected in addition to the combinations.

In addition, the outer case 20 of the main body case 11 uses a material harder than the brush stay 53 as described above in order to maintain a necessary function even when the toothbrush attachment 50 is repeatedly coupled and separated a predetermined number of times. Is preferred. On the other hand, for the inner case 30 of the main body case 11, even if a material softer than the brush stay 53 is used, there is no concern about a decrease in durability due to the connection and separation of the main body case 11 and the toothbrush attachment 50. A material different from that of the case 20 can also be selected.

With reference to FIG. 5, the structure regarding the external appearance of the portable oral hygiene apparatus 1 is demonstrated. FIG. 5A shows the left side structure of the portable oral hygiene device 1. FIG. 5B shows the front structure of the portable oral hygiene device 1. FIG. 5C shows a planar structure of the portable oral hygiene device 1. FIG. 5D shows the bottom structure of the portable oral hygiene device 1.

The outer surface 1Z of the portable oral hygiene device 1 has an outer surface of the cap 80 (hereinafter referred to as “cap outer surface 80Z”), a decorative surface 12Z, and an outer surface of the gripping case 70 (hereinafter referred to as “gripping outer surface 70Z”). The cap outer surface 80Z and the gripping outer surface 70Z have a smoothly curved shape.

The decorative surface 12Z is located outward from the cap outer surface 80Z over the entire periphery of the cap outer surface 80Z, as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 5D, the decorative surface 12Z is positioned outward from the gripping outer surface 70Z over the entire periphery of the gripping outer surface 70Z.

As shown in FIG. 5A, at a position corresponding to the front and back surfaces of the cap outer surface 80Z and the gripping outer surface 70Z, the decorative portion 12A protrudes outward from the cap outer surface 80Z and the gripping outer surface 70Z with a predetermined protrusion amount LA. To do. The predetermined protrusion amount LA corresponds to the distance between the most outwardly protruding portion of the decorative portion 12A and the cap outer surface 80Z and the gripping outer surface 70Z.

As shown in FIG. 5B, at a position corresponding to the right side surface and the left side surface of the cap outer surface 80Z and the gripping outer surface 70Z, the decorative portion 12A protrudes outward from the cap outer surface 80Z and the gripping outer surface 70Z by a predetermined amount LB. Protruding. The predetermined protrusion amount LB is larger than the predetermined protrusion amount LA. The predetermined protrusion amount LB corresponds to the distance between the most outwardly protruding portion of the decorative portion 12A and the cap outer surface 80Z and the gripping outer surface 70Z.

With reference to FIG. 6, the structure regarding the external appearance of the electric toothbrush 2 is demonstrated. FIG. 6A shows the left side structure of the electric toothbrush 2. FIG. 6B shows the front structure of the electric toothbrush 2. FIG. 6C shows the planar structure of the electric toothbrush 2. FIG. 6D shows the bottom structure of the electric toothbrush 2.

The outer surface 2Z of the electric toothbrush 2 has an outer surface of the toothbrush attachment 50 (hereinafter, “toothbrush surface 50Z”), an outer surface 20Z of the outer case 20, a decorative surface 12Z, and a gripping outer surface 70Z.

The decorative surface 12Z is located outward from the toothbrush surface 50Z and the outer surface 20Z over the entire periphery of the toothbrush surface 50Z and the outer surface 20Z of the outer case 20, as shown in FIG. 6 (c).

As shown in FIG. 6A, at a position corresponding to the front surface and the back surface of the outer surface 20Z of the outer case 20, the decorative portion 12A protrudes outward from the outer surface 20Z of the outer case 20 with a predetermined protrusion amount LC. . The predetermined protruding amount LC corresponds to the distance between the most outwardly protruding portion of the decorative portion 12A and the outer surface 20Z of the outer case 20.

As shown in FIG. 6B, at a position corresponding to the right side surface and the left side surface of the outer surface 20Z of the outer case 20, the decorative portion 12A protrudes outward from the outer surface 20Z of the outer case 20 with a predetermined protrusion amount LD. ing. The predetermined protrusion amount LD is larger than the predetermined protrusion amount LC. The predetermined protrusion amount LD corresponds to the distance between the most outwardly protruding portion of the decorative portion 12A and the outer surface 20Z of the outer case 20.

Referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the connection structure of each part will be described.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective structure of the portable oral hygiene device 1 configured to be separable. The user can separate the portable oral hygiene device 1 into the electric toothbrush 2 and the cap 80. Further, the user can separate the electric toothbrush 2 into the toothbrush body 10 and the toothbrush attachment 50. Further, the user can separate the toothbrush main body 10 into the main body case 11 and the gripping case 70.

The main body case 11 has an outer case 20 and an inner case 30. The inner case 30 has a battery holding portion 31 for housing the dry battery 3. The battery holding part 31 has an opening part 31 </ b> A for inserting the dry battery 3 into the space in the battery holding part 31 and for taking out the dry battery 3 from the space in the battery holding part 31.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic connection structure of each part.

The portable oral hygiene device 1 has the following four coupling structures.

(A) The electric toothbrush 2 and the cap 80 have a cap coupling structure R (see FIG. 18) that can be coupled and separated from each other. The cap coupling structure R includes two outer side fitting portions RA formed on the outer surface 20Z of the outer case 20 and two cap side fitting portions formed on the inner surface of the cap 80 (hereinafter referred to as “cap inner surface 80W”). RB.

(B) The toothbrush main body 10 and the toothbrush attachment 50 have a toothbrush coupling structure S (see FIG. 19) that can be coupled and separated from each other. The toothbrush coupling structure S includes one outer side fitting portion SA formed on the outer surface 20Z of the outer case 20 and a toothbrush side fitting portion SB formed on the back wall portion of the toothbrush attachment 50. The toothbrush coupling structure S is an example of a “part coupling structure”. Further, the outer side fitting portion SA is an example of a “main body side protruding portion”, and the toothbrush side fitting portion SB is an example of “a hole portion that can be coupled to the main body side protruding portion”.

(C) The outer case 20 and the inner case 30 have a main body coupling structure T that can be coupled and separated from each other. The main body coupling structure T includes two inner-side fitting portions TA (see FIGS. 15A to 15D) formed on the outer surface 30Z of the inner case 30 and two outer surface 20Z of the outer case 20. It has the outer side fitting part TB (refer Fig.13 (a) and (b)).

(D) The main body case 11 and the gripping case 70 have a gripping and coupling structure U that can be coupled and separated from each other. The grip coupling structure U includes an upper grip coupling structure UX (see FIG. 24A) that restricts or allows relative rotation of the grip case 70 with respect to the outer case 20, and relative rotation of the grip case 70 with respect to the inner case 30. And a lower grip coupling structure UY (see FIG. 24B) that restricts or allows the movement. The upper grip coupling structure UX and the lower grip coupling structure UY cooperate or separate the main body case 11 and the grip case 70. The grip coupling structure U is an example of a “relative motion structure”. Further, the upper grip coupling structure UX is an example of a “second rotation structure”. Further, the lower grip coupling structure UY is an example of a “first rotation structure”. The outer surface 20Z of the outer case 20 and the outer surface 30Z of the inner case 30 are examples of the outer surface of the main body case.

The upper grip coupling structure UX (see FIG. 24A) is formed on two grip side fitting portions UA formed on the inner surface of the grip case 70 (hereinafter referred to as “grip inner surface 70W”) and the outer surface 20Z of the outer case 20. It has two outer side fitting parts UB formed.

The lower grip coupling structure UY (see FIG. 24B) includes two grip side fitting portions UC formed on the grip inner surface 70W and one inner side fit portion formed on the outer surface 30Z of the inner case 30. UD.

In addition, the connection state by each connection structure R, S, T, U in the portable oral hygiene device 1 means that when no force acts on two parts connected to each other by each connection structure, or two parts When the force acting in the direction separating them from each other is smaller than a predetermined force, the two components are restricted from operating relatively.

FIG. 9 (a) shows a cross-sectional structure of the D5A-D5A plane of FIG. 5 (c). FIG. 9B shows a cross-sectional structure of the D5B-D5B plane of FIG. FIGS. 9A and 9B show each component located in the main body case 11.

The entire upper coupling portion 21 is located in the toothbrush attachment 50. The electric motor 41 is entirely located in the upper coupling portion 21. The outer surface of the intermediate coupling portion 22 faces the cap inner surface 80W. The upper part of the inner case 30 is located in the outer case 20. The lower part of the inner case 30 is located in the gripping case 70.

The configuration of the cap 80 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10A shows the front structure of the cap 80. FIG. 10B shows a cross-sectional structure of the cap 80 viewed from the right direction YA in the D10A-D10A plane of FIG. FIG. 10C shows a cross-sectional structure of the cap 80 as viewed in the left direction YB on the D10A-D10A plane of FIG. FIG. 10 (d) shows a cross-sectional structure of the cap 80 as viewed in the downward direction ZB in the D10B-D10B plane of FIGS. 10 (a) to 10 (c). FIG. 10E shows a cross-sectional structure of the cap 80 viewed in the downward ZB direction in the D10C-D10C plane of FIGS. 10A to 10C. FIG. 10 (f) shows a cross-sectional structure of the cap 80 as viewed in the downward direction ZB in the D10D-D10D plane of FIGS. 10 (a) to 10 (c). In FIG. 10, each coordinate axis is omitted. The coordinates in the description related to FIG. 10 are the same as those shown in FIGS.

The cap 80 has two contact portions 83 that contact the toothbrush attachment 50 and the outer case 20 to guide the movement thereof, and two cap-side fitting portions RB that constitute the cap coupling structure R. Each contact portion 83 is formed from the opening portion 84 of the cap 80 to the upper side wall portion 82. One contact portion 83 and the other contact portion 83 have a positional relationship that faces each other about the X axis. Each cap-side fitting portion RB is formed in the vicinity of the opening portion 84 of the cap 80 adjacent to the contact portion 83. Further, as shown in FIG. 10D, each cap-side fitting portion RB has a shape that is recessed outward with respect to the cap inner surface 80 </ b> W that defines the contact portion 83.

The configuration of the gripping case 70 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11A shows the front structure of the gripping case 70. FIG. 11B shows a cross-sectional structure of the gripping case 70 viewed in the right direction YA in the D11A-D11A plane of FIG. FIG. 11C shows a cross-sectional structure of the gripping case 70 viewed from the rear ZB in the D11B-D11B plane of FIG. FIG. 11D shows a cross-sectional structure of the gripping case 70 as viewed in the downward direction ZB in the D11B-D11B plane of FIGS. 11A to 11C. FIG. 11E shows a cross-sectional structure of the gripping case 70 viewed in the downward direction ZB in the D11C-D11C plane of FIGS. 11A to 11C. FIG. 11 (f) shows a cross-sectional structure of the gripping case 70 as viewed in the downward direction ZB in the D11D-D11D plane of FIGS. 11 (a) to 11 (c). In FIG. 11, each coordinate axis is omitted. The coordinates in the description related to FIG. 11 are the same as those shown in FIGS.

The gripping case 70 protrudes inward from two gripping side fitting portions UA constituting the upper gripping coupling structure UX, two gripping side fitting portions UC constituting the lower gripping coupling structure UY, and a gripping inner surface 70W. Two vertical ribs 76. In addition, the gripping case 70 has a fixing portion 74 for fixing the anode fitting 64 (see FIG. 4) and an opening portion 73 for inserting the main body case 11 into the internal space.

Each grip side fitting portion UA is positioned near the opening portion 73 on the grip inner surface 70W. One gripping side fitting portion UA and the other gripping side fitting portion UA are opposed to each other around the X axis.

Each gripping side fitting portion UC is formed from the lower side wall portion 72 of the gripping case 70 to the middle portion in the Z direction. One gripping side fitting portion UC and the other gripping side fitting portion UC have an interval corresponding to the size of the inner side fitting portion UD (see FIG. 15) of the inner case 30 in the circumferential direction.

Each vertical rib 76 is formed at a position corresponding to the grip-side fitting portion UA around the Z axis. Each vertical rib 76 is formed from the lower wall portion 72 of the gripping case 70 to the vicinity of the lower portion of the gripping side fitting portion UA in the Z direction.

The configuration of the toothbrush attachment 50 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12A shows a front structure of the toothbrush attachment 50. FIG. 12B shows the back structure of the toothbrush attachment 50. FIG. 12C shows a cross-sectional structure of the toothbrush attachment 50 viewed in the right direction YA in the D12A-D12A plane of FIG. FIG. 12D shows a cross-sectional structure of the toothbrush attachment 50 as viewed in the downward direction ZB in the D12B-D12B plane of FIGS. 12A to 12C. FIG. 12E shows a cross-sectional structure of the toothbrush attachment 50 as viewed in the downward direction ZB in the D12C-D12C plane of FIGS. 12A to 12C. FIG. 12 (f) shows a cross-sectional structure of the toothbrush attachment 50 viewed in the downward direction ZB in the D12D-D12D plane of FIGS. 12 (a) to 12 (c). In FIG. 12, each coordinate axis is omitted. The coordinates in the description related to FIG. 12 are the same as those shown in FIGS.

The toothbrush attachment 50 includes a plurality of bristle bundles 51 for cleaning teeth, a brush head 52 in which each bristle bundle 51 is implanted, and a brush stay 53 coupled to the main body case 11. The brush stay 53 has an opening 59 for inserting the main body case 11. The brush stay 53 is an example of a cylindrical portion. The brush head 52 and the brush stay 53 are formed as a single member from the same resin material.

The brush stay 53 includes a toothbrush side fitting portion SB constituting the toothbrush coupling structure S, and a guide rib 54 fitted in the guide groove 21A of the outer case 20 (see FIG. 13C). The guide groove 21A is an example of a “groove portion”, and the guide rib 54 is an example of a “component side protruding portion”. In addition to this, the brush stay 53 has a rotary coupling structure 55 for coupling to and separating from an outer case having a structure different from that of the outer case 20 (hereinafter referred to as “another structural case”). The separate structure case is a separate structure fitting convex portion that is coupled to and separated from the toothbrush side fitting portion SB, and another structure that gives the user a feeling of operation when the toothbrush attachment 50 is coupled to the separate structure case by the user. An operation feeling imparting unit. In addition, illustration of another structure case is abbreviate | omitted.

The toothbrush side fitting portion SB has a through hole formed in the back wall portion of the brush stay 53. The guide rib 54 is formed from the opening portion 59 of the toothbrush attachment 50 to the intermediate portion in the Z direction.

The rotary coupling structure 55 includes a concave fitting portion 56 for fitting another structural operation feeling imparting section, an operation feeling imparting section 57 that imparts a reaction force to the separate structural operation feeling imparting section, and another structural operation feeling imparting section. And a rotation guide groove 58 for guiding the operation feeling imparting portion 57.

The concave fitting portion 56 has a regulation elevation surface 56 </ b> A that comes into contact with another structural operation feeling imparting portion fitted into the concave fitting portion 56. The operation feeling imparting portion 57 includes a guide slope 57A that guides the separate structural operation feeling imparting portion to the concave fitting portion 56, and a regulation elevation surface 57B that contacts the separate structural operation feeling imparting portion fitted in the concave fitting portion 56. And an intermediate curved surface 57C that connects the guide slope 57A and the regulation elevation surface 57B. The rotation guide groove 58 has a shape for guiding another structure fitting convex portion from the opening portion 59 to the toothbrush side fitting portion SB.

The user inserts another structure fitting convex portion into the rotation guide groove 58 when the toothbrush attachment 50 is coupled to another structure case. Next, by rotating the toothbrush attachment 50 around the Z axis with respect to the separate structure case, the separate structure fitting convex portion is fitted into the toothbrush side fitting portion SB. At this time, the separate structural operation feeling imparting portion moves from the rotation guide groove 58 to the concave fitting portion 56 via the guide slope 57A and the intermediate curved surface 57C. The separate structural operation feeling imparting section provides the user with a reaction force from the operation feeling imparting section 57 as an operational feeling when getting over the guide slope 57A and the intermediate curved surface 57C.

The movement with respect to the brush stay 53 is regulated by the contact with the back wall portion of the brush stay 53 of the another structure fitting convex portion fitted into the toothbrush side fitting portion SB. Thereby, the toothbrush attachment 50 is couple | bonded with another structure case.

The user gives the toothbrush attachment 50 a separate structure case by giving the brush stay 53 the force necessary for the separate structure fitting convex portion to ride on the inner surface of the back wall portion of the brush stay 53 from the toothbrush side fitting portion SB. Can be separated from

The configuration of the outer case 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13A shows the left side structure of the outer case 20. FIG. 13B shows a right side structure of the outer case 20. FIG. 13C shows the front structure of the outer case 20. FIG. 13D shows the back structure of the outer case 20.

The outer case 20 has an upper coupling portion 21 coupled to the toothbrush attachment 50, a lower coupling portion 23 coupled to the gripping case 70, and an intermediate coupling portion 22 connecting the upper coupling portion 21 and the lower coupling portion 23 to each other. The upper coupling portion 21, the intermediate coupling portion 22, and the lower coupling portion 23 are formed as a single member from the same resin material.

The upper coupling portion 21 has one outer side fitting portion SA constituting the toothbrush coupling structure S and a guide groove 21A for guiding the guide rib 54 of the toothbrush attachment 50 toward the facing surface 22C of the intermediate coupling portion 22.

The intermediate coupling portion 22 has two outer side fitting portions RA constituting the cap coupling structure R and two fixed portions 22A into which the concave portions of the decorative ring 12 are fitted. In addition, the intermediate coupling portion 22 includes a fitting groove 22B into which the elastic member 25 (see FIG. 3A) is fitted, and a facing surface 22C that faces the end surface of the toothbrush attachment 50 on the opening portion 59 side. . Each fixed portion 22 </ b> A and each outer-side fitting portion RA has a shape protruding in the radial direction from the outer surface of the intermediate coupling portion 22.

The lower coupling portion 23 has two outer side fitting portions UB that constitute the upper gripping coupling structure UX, and two outer side fitting portions TB that form the main body coupling structure T. Each outer-side fitting portion TB has a hole that penetrates a part of the wall portion of the lower coupling portion 23.

Each outer-side fitting portion UB (see FIG. 24A) includes a first rotation groove UB1 for restricting a movement range of the holding-side fitting portion UA of the upper holding coupling structure UX and a holding-side fitting portion UA. It has the 2nd rotation groove UB2 guided to 1 rotation groove UB1, and the boundary rib UB3 located in the boundary of 1st rotation groove UB1 and 2nd rotation groove UB2. The boundary rib UB3 moves when the gripping side fitting portion UA moves from the second rotation groove UB2 to the first rotation groove UB1, and when the gripping side fitting portion UA moves from the first rotation groove UB1 to the second rotation groove UB2. At this time, the gripping case 70 has a function of applying a reaction force.

As shown in FIG. 13A, the one outer side fitting portion UB and the outer side fitting portion TB are located on the right side surface of the outer surface of the lower coupling portion 23. As shown in FIG. 13 (b), the other outer side fitting portion UB and outer side fitting portion TB are located on the left side surface of the outer surface of the lower coupling portion 23.

14A and 14B, the shape of the outer fitting portion SA will be described.

The outer-side fitting portion SA includes two upright wall portions SA1 projecting from the outer surface of the upper coupling portion 21 in the rear direction XB, and the rear direction XB from the outer surface of the upper coupling portion 21 between the two upright wall portions SA1. And an intermediate recess SA4 projecting from the center. The intermediate recess SA4 forms a recess with respect to each upright wall SA1.

Each upright wall SA1 has a coupling-side contact surface SA2 that gives the user a feeling of operation when coupled to the toothbrush attachment 50, and a separation-side contact surface SA3 that gives the user a feeling of operation when separated from the toothbrush attachment 50. Have The coupling-side contact surface SA2 has a shape standing upright in the rear direction XB with respect to the outer surface of the upper coupling portion 21. The separation-side contact surface SA3 has a shape protruding toward the rear direction XB from the lower direction ZB toward the upper direction ZA with respect to the outer surface of the upper coupling portion 21.

The configuration of the inner case 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 (a) to 15 (d).

The inner case 30 includes a battery holding portion 31 that holds the dry battery 3 (see FIG. 7), a substrate holding portion 32 that holds the circuit board 61 (see FIG. 9), and a device holding portion 33 that holds the vibration generating device 40. Have

The battery holding part 31 has two inner side fitting parts TA constituting the main body coupling structure T, an opening part 31A for inserting and removing the dry battery 3, and a sandwiching part 31B for sandwiching the dry battery 3. In addition to this, the battery holding portion 31 includes a cutout portion 31C for exposing a part of the dry battery 3 accommodated in the battery holding portion 31, and a cathode fitting for fitting the cathode fitting 63 (see FIG. 16). A portion 31D and an anode fitting portion 31E for fitting the current-carrying metal fitting 67 (see FIG. 16) are included. In addition, the battery holding portion 31 includes a base portion 31F as a wall portion having high strength, and three support portions 31G that connect the inner side fitting portion TA to the base portion 31F.

Each inner side fitting portion TA is supported by three support portions 31G with respect to the base portion 31F. Each inner side fitting portion TA protrudes outward from the outer surface 30Z of the inner case 30 at a portion surrounded by the three support portions 31G in the outer surface 30Z of the inner case 30.

The anode insertion portion 31E is formed from one end portion to the other end portion on the outer surface of the battery holding portion 31. Further, the anode fitting portion 31E has a plurality of protrusions for fixing the current-carrying metal fitting 67 by heat caulking.

Each clamping part 31B is inclined from the outside to the inside as it goes from the connection part with the wall part of the battery holding part 31 to the tip part. For this reason, when the dry cell 3 is inserted into the battery holding portion 31, each sandwiched portion 31 </ b> B is pushed out from the inside to the outside by contact with the dry cell 3.

The substrate holding part 32 includes two connection parts 32A for connecting a part of the wall part of the substrate holding part 32 and a part of the wall part of the apparatus holding part 33 to each other and a circuit board 61 (see FIG. 16). And a hook portion 32B.

The electrical components will be described with reference to FIGS.

The electric motor 41 and the spacer 44 are fixed to the device holding portion 33 with adhesive tape (not shown). The eccentric weight 43 is fixed to the output shaft 42 of the electric motor 41 (see FIG. 17).

The electric toothbrush 2 has an electrical component group 60 including a plurality of electrical components. The electrical component group 60 includes a circuit board 61 that supplies the electric current of the dry battery 3 to the electric motor 41, a current fuse 62 attached on the circuit board 61, a cathode fitting 63 that contacts the cathode of the dry battery 3, and the dry battery 3. And an anode fitting 64 (see FIG. 4) in contact with the anode. In addition to this, the electrical component group 60 includes a current-carrying metal fitting 67 connected to an end of the circuit board 61 of the anode metal fitting 64, an end of the cathode metal fitting 63 on the circuit board 61 side, and a cathode on the output side of the circuit board 61. A cathode lead wire 65 for connecting the terminals to each other, and an anode lead wire 66 for connecting the end of the current-carrying metal fitting 67 on the circuit board 61 side and the anode terminal on the output side of the circuit board 61 to each other.

The current fuse 62 is located between one of the anode lead wires 66 and the other of the anode lead wires 66. The cathode fitting 63 is fixed to the substrate holding portion 32 of the inner case 30. The end of the cathode fitting 63 on the circuit board 61 side is connected to the cathode terminal on the input side of the circuit board 61. The current-carrying metal fitting 67 is fixed to the anode fitting portion 31E of the battery holding portion 31. The cathode terminal on the output side of the circuit board 61 is connected to the cathode terminal of the electric motor 41. The anode terminal on the output side of the circuit board 61 is connected to the anode terminal of the electric motor 41.

Referring to FIG. 17, an electrical circuit formed by electrical components will be described. FIG. 17A shows a state where the cap 80 and the toothbrush attachment 50 are omitted in FIG. 9A. FIG. 17B shows a state where the cap 80 and the toothbrush attachment 50 are omitted in FIG. 9B.

When the dry battery 3 is inserted into the battery holding portion 31 and when the anode metal fitting 64 and the current-carrying metal fitting 67 are in contact with each other, the electrical component group 60 includes the anode of the dry battery 3, the anode metal fitting 64, the circuit board 61, and the anode. A closed circuit is formed in which the lead wire 66, the electric motor 41, the cathode lead wire 65, the circuit board 61, the cathode fitting 63, and the cathode of the dry battery 3 are electrically connected in this order.

The current fuse 62 interrupts the closed circuit formed by the electrical component group 60 when the current flowing through the closed circuit is larger than the rated current. When the anode fitting 64 moves to a position where it does not come into contact with the energization fitting 67 by the rotation of the gripping case 70 with respect to the main body case 11, the anode fitting 64 blocks the closed circuit formed by the electrical component group 60. Further, the anode fitting 64 connects a closed circuit formed by the electrical component group 60 when the anode fitting 64 is moved to a position in contact with the energization fitting 67 by the rotation of the gripping case 70 with respect to the main body case 11.

The current-carrying metal fitting 67 has a straight part 67A fitted into the anode fitting part 31E (see FIG. 15C) and a bent part 67B subjected to a bending process. The energizing metal fitting 67 is fixed to the anode fitting portion 31E by heat caulking. The bent portion 67B is located in the opening portion of the inner case 30. The outer surface of the bent portion 67B has a curved shape. The curved outer surface of the bent portion 67 </ b> B suppresses the wear of the parts when contacting with the relative movement with the anode metal fitting 64.

The operation of the cap coupling structure R will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 18A is a front structure in a state where the electric toothbrush 2 and the cap 80 are coupled to each other, and shows a front structure of a part of the portable oral hygiene device 1 in which the cap 80 is broken along the YZ plane. FIG. 18B is a back structure in a state where the electric toothbrush 2 and the cap 80 are coupled to each other, and shows a back structure of a part of the portable oral hygiene device 1 in which the cap 80 is broken along the YZ plane.

The cap coupling structure R releases the coupling between the electric toothbrush 2 and the cap 80 when a force larger than the first separation force acts in the Z direction in a state where the electric toothbrush 2 and the cap 80 are coupled to each other. On the other hand, in the state where the electric toothbrush 2 and the cap 80 are separated from each other and the positional relationship between the outer side fitting portion RA of the outer case 20 and the cap side fitting portion RB of the cap 80 corresponds to each other, the Z direction When a force larger than the first coupling force is applied, the cap coupling structure R couples the electric toothbrush 2 and the cap 80 to each other.

The operation of the toothbrush coupling structure S will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 19A shows a left side structure in which the toothbrush body 10 and the toothbrush attachment 50 are coupled to each other, and shows a left side structure of a part of the portable oral hygiene device 1 in which the toothbrush attachment 50 is broken along the XZ plane. FIG. 19B is a back structure in a state where the toothbrush main body 10 and the toothbrush attachment 50 are coupled to each other, and shows a back structure of a part of the portable oral hygiene device 1 in which the toothbrush attachment 50 is broken along the XZ plane.

The toothbrush coupling structure S releases the coupling between the electric toothbrush 2 and the cap 80 when a force larger than the second separation force acts in the Z direction in a state where the toothbrush main body 10 and the toothbrush attachment 50 are coupled to each other. On the other hand, in the state where the electric toothbrush 2 and the cap 80 are separated from each other, and the positional relationship between the outer side fitting portion SA of the outer case 20 and the toothbrush side fitting portion SB of the toothbrush attachment 50 corresponds to each other, When a greater force acts in the Z direction, the toothbrush coupling structure S couples the electric toothbrush 2 and the cap 80 to each other.

The detailed relationship of the toothbrush coupling structure S will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 20 shows a process in which the toothbrush main body 10 and the toothbrush attachment 50 are coupled to each other by the toothbrush coupling structure S with respect to the toothbrush coupling structure S and its peripheral sectional structure. FIG. 21A shows a cross-sectional structure of the main body case 11 and the toothbrush attachment 50 on the plane D20A-D20A of FIG. FIG. 21B shows a cross-sectional structure of the main body case 11 and the toothbrush attachment 50 on the plane D20B-D20B in FIG.

20A, the toothbrush attachment 50 moves in the downward direction ZB with respect to the upper coupling portion 21, whereby the tip portion of the upper coupling portion 21 is inserted into the opening portion 59. At this time, the guide rib 54 enters the guide groove 21A.

As shown in FIG. 20B, the toothbrush attachment 50 moves further in the downward direction ZB with respect to the upper coupling portion 21, so that the end surface of the opening portion 59 becomes the outer side fitting portion SA of the upper coupling portion 21. To touch.

As shown in FIG. 20 (c), the back wall portion of the toothbrush attachment 50 (brush stay 53) has the upright wall portions SA1 (FIG. 14) when a force larger than the second coupling force acts in the downward direction ZB. Slide while contacting (see (a)). At this time, each upright wall portion SA1 applies a reaction force to the back wall portion. The reaction force acting on the back wall portion gives the user an operational feeling associated with the operation of coupling the toothbrush attachment 50. Accordingly, each upright wall portion SA1 functions as an “operation feeling imparting portion”. As shown in FIG. 21 (a), when the rear wall portion moves on each upright wall portion SA1, the operation feeling imparting portion 57 moves on the intermediate recess portion SA4 (see FIG. 14 (a)).

As shown in FIG. 20D, when the entire toothbrush side fitting part SB moves to a position corresponding to the outer side fitting part SA of the upper coupling part 21, the toothbrush side fitting part SB and the outer side fitting The mating portions SA are fitted together. For this reason, the toothbrush attachment 50 is coupled to the toothbrush body 10.

21B, each upright wall portion SA1 of the outer side fitting portion SA is in contact with the wall surface of the toothbrush side fitting portion SB. The contact between each upright wall portion SA1 and the wall surface of the toothbrush side fitting portion SB regulates the rotation of the toothbrush attachment 50 with respect to the upper coupling portion 21. Further, when the outer side fitting portion SA and the toothbrush side fitting portion SB are fitted together, the guide rib 54 is fitted into the guide groove 21 </ b> A of the upper coupling portion 21.

Referring to FIGS. 22A and 22B, the detailed relationship of the main body coupling structure T will be described.

In the state where the outer case 20 and the inner case 30 are coupled to each other, the main body coupling structure T allows the outer case 20 and the inner case 30 to be coupled when a force larger than the third separation force acts in the Z direction of the electric toothbrush 2. To release. On the other hand, in the state where the outer case 20 and the inner case 30 are separated from each other and the positional relationship between the inner side fitting portion TA and the outer side fitting portion TB corresponds to each other, a force larger than the third coupling force is applied to the electric toothbrush. When acting in the Z direction of 2, the main body coupling structure T couples the outer case 20 and the inner case 30 to each other.

The detailed relationship of the grip coupling structure U will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 22A shows a left side structure of the toothbrush body 10 in a state where the gripping case 70 is broken along the XZ plane. FIG. 22B shows a right side structure of the toothbrush body 10 in a state where the gripping case 70 is broken along the XZ plane. Fig.23 (a) shows the front structure of the toothbrush main body 10 in the state which fractured | ruptured the holding | grip case 70 by the YZ plane. FIG. 23B shows the back structure of the toothbrush body 10 in a state where the gripping case 70 is broken along the YZ plane.

In the state where the main body case 11 and the gripping case 70 are coupled to each other, the gripping and coupling structure U is coupled to the main body case 11 and the gripping case 70 when a force larger than the fourth separating force acts around the central axis of the electric toothbrush 2. Is released. On the other hand, the main body case 11 and the gripping case 70 are separated from each other, the positional relationship between the gripping-side fitting portion UA and the outer-side fitting portion UB is in correspondence with each other, and the gripping-side fitting portion UC and the inner-side fitting In a state where the positional relationships of the portions UD correspond to each other, when a force larger than the fourth coupling force acts around the central axis of the electric toothbrush 2, the grip coupling structure U couples the main body case 11 and the grip case 70 to each other. .

The grip coupling structure U allows relative rotation of the grip case 70 with respect to the main body case 11 in a state where the main body case 11 and the grip case 70 are coupled to each other. The relative rotation state of the gripping case 70 with respect to the main body case 11 includes a “separated state” shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, an “OFF state” shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B, and It is divided into three “ON states” shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B.

When the gripping case 70 and the main body case 11 are in the separated state, the gripping case 70 can be separated from the main body case 11. When the main body case 11 and the gripping case 70 are in the off state, the electric toothbrush 2 is powered off. When the main body case 11 and the gripping case 70 are in the on state, the electric toothbrush 2 is powered on. In the present embodiment, in the coupled state in which the gripping case 70 is coupled to the main body case 11, the on state and the off state are switched.

When the gripping case 70 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 24A with respect to the main body case 11 from the separated state, the gripping case 70 and the main body case 11 shift from the separated state to the coupled state. Hereinafter, this rotation direction is referred to as a “coupling direction”. In the present embodiment, when the gripping case 70 is rotated in the coupling direction from the separated state, the gripping case 70 and the main body case 11 are first brought into the coupled state corresponding to the off state (FIGS. 25A and 25B). Then, it shifts to the coupled state corresponding to the ON state (FIGS. 26A and 26B). That is, the gripping case 70 is rotated in the coupling direction with respect to the main body case 11 in the order of the separation position, the power-off position, and the power-on position. On the other hand, when the gripping case 70 is rotated in the clockwise direction in FIG. 25A with respect to the main body case 11 from the off state, the gripping case 70 and the main body case 11 shift from the coupled state to the separated state. Hereinafter, this rotation direction is referred to as a “separation direction”. The relative rotation position of the gripping case 70 with respect to the main body case 11 in the off state corresponds to the “first rotation position”. Further, the relative rotation position of the gripping case 70 with respect to the main body case 11 in the on state corresponds to a “second rotation position”.

The separation state will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 24A shows a cross-sectional structure of the D22A-D22A plane of FIGS. 22A and 22B in a state where the main body case 11 and the gripping case 70 are separated. FIG. 24B shows a cross-sectional structure of the plane D22B-D22B in FIGS. 22A and 22B in a state where the main body case 11 and the gripping case 70 are separated.

As shown in FIG. 24A, when the operating force for rotating the gripping case 70 from the separated state in the coupling direction is smaller than the fourth coupling force, the movement range of the gripping side fitting portion UA around the Z axis is the outer range. It is restricted within the first rotation groove UB1 of the case 20. The first rotation groove UB1 corresponds to a range from the rotation restriction wall portion UB4 of the outer case 20 to the boundary rib UB3.

The rotation restricting wall portion UB4 restricts the rotation of the gripping case 70 in the separating direction with respect to the outer case 20 when it is in contact with the gripping side fitting portion UA. The boundary rib UB3 restricts the rotation of the gripping case 70 in the connecting direction with respect to the outer case 20 when it is in contact with the gripping side fitting portion UA.

Also, as shown in FIG. 24B, when the operating force for rotating the gripping case 70 from the separated state in the coupling direction is smaller than the fourth coupling force, the movement range of the gripping side fitting portion UC around the Z axis. Is regulated by the inner side fitting portion UD. When the inner side fitting portion UD is in contact with the holding side fitting portion UC, the inner side fitting portion UD regulates the rotation of the holding case 70 in the connecting direction with respect to the inner case 30.

22A and 22B, the first rotation groove UB1 opens in the downward direction ZB along the outer surface 30Z of the inner case 30. Therefore, when the gripping case 70 moves in the downward direction ZB with respect to the main body case 11 in a state where the gripping side fitting portion UA is positioned in the first rotation groove UB1, the gripping side fitting portion UA is moved from the first rotation groove UB1. Will be withdrawn. When the gripping case 70 moves in the upward direction ZA with respect to the main body case 11 in a state where the gripping side fitting portion UA and the first rotation groove UB1 are aligned in the Z direction, the gripping side fitting portion UA is Enter one rotation groove UB1.

Accordingly, in the separated state of FIGS. 24A and 24B, the gripping case 70 is moved in the downward direction ZB with respect to the main body case 11 so as to separate the gripping side fitting portion UA from the first rotation groove UB1. The main body case 11 can be detached from the opening 73 of the gripping case 70.

Explain the transition from the separated state to the off state.

In the separated state, when the gripping case 70 rotates in the coupling direction with respect to the main body case 11, the gripping side fitting portion UA contacts the boundary rib UB3 as shown in FIG.

In the separated state shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, when the gripping case 70 is rotated in the coupling direction with respect to the main body case 11 with an operating force larger than the fourth coupling force, the gripping side fitting portion UA Gets over the boundary rib UB3 in the coupling direction, and the gripping side fitting portion UC gets over the inner side fitting portion UD in the coupling direction. Thereby, the relative rotation state of the gripping case 70 with respect to the main body case 11 shifts to the off state as shown in FIGS. 25 (a) and 25 (b).

The fourth coupling force is necessary for the grip side fitting portion UA to overcome the boundary rib UB3 in the coupling direction and the grip side fitting portion UC to overcome the inner side fitting portion UD in the coupling direction. It is equivalent to a combination of various operating forces. The fourth coupling force is an example of “second operating force”.

As shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, the anode fitting 64 is not in contact with the energizing fitting 67 in the separated state. The tip portion of the anode fitting 64 gradually approaches the energization fitting 67 as the gripping case 70 is rotated in the connecting direction with respect to the main body case 11. Also, the anode fitting 64 remains in a non-contact state with the energization fitting 67 even when the rotation state of the gripping case 70 with respect to the main body case 11 shifts from the separated state to the off state.

The off state will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

FIG. 25 (a) shows a cross-sectional structure of the D22A-D22A plane of FIGS. 22 (a) and 22 (b) when the main body case 11 and the gripping case 70 are off. FIG. 25B shows a cross-sectional structure of the D22B-D22B plane of FIGS. 22A and 22B when the main body case 11 and the gripping case 70 are in an off state.

As shown in FIG. 25 (b), when the operating force for rotating the gripping case 70 from the off state in the coupling direction is smaller than the on operating force, the inner side fitting portion UD has two gripping side fitting portions UC. Held in between. Accordingly, the rotation of the gripping case 70 with respect to the inner case 30 (main body case 11) in the coupling direction is restricted, and the off state is maintained.

Also, as shown in FIG. 25 (b), when the operating force for rotating the gripping case 70 from the off state in the separating direction is smaller than the fourth separating force, the inner side fitting portion UD has two gripping side fittings. It is held between the parts UC. Thereby, the rotation of the gripping case 70 with respect to the inner case 30 (main body case 11) in the separating direction is restricted, and the off state is maintained.

Further, as shown in FIG. 25A, when the operating force for rotating the gripping case 70 from the off state in the separating direction is smaller than the fourth separating force, the gripping-side fitting portion UA becomes the outer-side fitting portion UB. Is supported by the boundary rib UB3. Thereby, the rotation of the gripping case 70 with respect to the outer case 20 (main body case 11) in the separating direction is restricted, and the off state is maintained.

Accordingly, in the off state, when the operating force for rotating the gripping case 70 in the coupling direction is smaller than the on operating force and the operating force for rotating the gripping case 70 in the separating direction is smaller than the fourth separating force, the gripping case 70 Does not rotate relative to the body case 11.

移行 Explain the transition from the off state to the on state.

In the off state shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B, when the gripping case 70 is rotated in the coupling direction with respect to the main body case 11 with an operating force larger than the on operating force, the gripping side fitting portion UC is Get over the inner fitting part UD in the coupling direction. Thereby, the relative rotation state of the gripping case 70 with respect to the main body case 11 shifts to the ON state as shown in FIGS. 26 (a) and 26 (b).

The on-operation force corresponds to an operation force necessary for one grip-side fitting portion UC to overcome the inner-side fitting portion UD in the coupling direction. Therefore, the ON operation force is smaller than the fourth coupling force necessary for changing the rotation state of the main body case 11 and the gripping case 70 from the separated state to the OFF state. The ON operation force corresponds to the “first operation force”.

As shown in FIG. 23, the anode fitting 64 is in a non-contact state with the energization fitting 67 in the off state. The tip portion of the anode fitting 64 gradually approaches the energization fitting 67 as the gripping case 70 is rotated in the connecting direction with respect to the main body case 11. Then, when the rotation state of the gripping case 70 with respect to the main body case 11 shifts from the off state to the on state, the anode fitting 64 contacts the energizing fitting 67. For this reason, the closed circuit of the electrical component group 60 is formed (refer FIG. 16). For this reason, the electric motor 41 rotates. In addition, the rotation position of the anode fitting 64 with respect to the energization fitting 67 in the off state corresponds to the “first electrode position”. Further, the rotation position of the anode fitting 64 with respect to the energization fitting 67 in the ON state corresponds to the “second electrode position”.

Explain the transition from the off state to the separated state.

In the off state shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B, when the gripping case 70 is rotated in the separating direction with respect to the main body case 11 with an operating force larger than the fourth separating force, the gripping side fitting portion UA Gets over the boundary rib UB3 in the separating direction, and the gripping side fitting portion UC gets over the inner side fitting portion UD of the inner case 30 in the separating direction. Thereby, the relative rotation state of the gripping case 70 with respect to the main body case 11 shifts to the separated state as shown in FIGS. 24 (a) and 24 (b).

The fourth separation force is the operating force necessary for the gripping side fitting portion UA to get over the boundary rib UB3 in the separation direction, and because one gripping side fitting portion UC gets over the inner side fitting portion UD in the separation direction. It is equivalent to a combination of the necessary operating force. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24B, the inner side fitting portion UD has a first inclined surface that comes into contact with one holding side fitting portion UC when the holding case 70 rotates in the coupling direction, It has the 2nd slope which contacts another grip side fitting part UC at the time of rotation in the separation direction of grip case 70. The second slope has a larger tilt angle than the first slope. For this reason, when the gripping case 70 is rotated in the separating direction, the rotational force required for one gripping side fitting portion UC to get over the inner side fitting portion UD is one when the gripping case 70 is rotated in the coupling direction. The gripping side fitting portion UC is larger than the rotational force required to get over the inner side fitting portion UD. Accordingly, the fourth separation force is greater than the fourth coupling force. However, the fourth separation force and the fourth coupling force may be the same. The fourth separation force is an example of “second operating force”.

The main body case 11 and the gripping case 70 rotate relatively over the first predetermined rotation amount around the Z axis in the process of shifting from the separated state to the off state or in the process of shifting from the off state to the separated state. Further, the main body case 11 and the gripping case 70 rotate relatively over the second predetermined rotation amount around the Z axis in the process of shifting from the off state to the on state or in the process of shifting from the on state to the off state. The second predetermined rotation amount is smaller than the first predetermined rotation amount. The first predetermined rotation amount corresponds to a “second operation amount”. The second predetermined rotation amount corresponds to a “first operation amount”.

The on state will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 26A shows a cross-sectional structure of the D22A-D22A plane of FIGS. 22A and 22B when the main body case 11 and the gripping case 70 are in the ON state. FIG. 26B shows a cross-sectional structure of the D22B-D22B plane of FIGS. 22A and 22B when the main body case 11 and the gripping case 70 are in the ON state.

As shown in FIG. 26 (a), when the gripping side fitting portion UA is supported by the rotation restricting wall portion UB5, the rotation of the gripping case 70 in the separating direction with respect to the outer case 20 is restricted.

As shown in FIG. 26B, when the operating force for rotating the gripping case 70 from the ON state to the separating direction is smaller than the OFF operating force, the gripping side fitting portion UC is supported by the inner side fitting portion UD. The Thereby, the rotation of the gripping case 70 with respect to the inner case 30 in the separating direction is restricted.

Therefore, in the ON state, when the operating force for rotating the gripping case 70 in the separating direction is smaller than the OFF operating force, the gripping case 70 does not rotate with respect to the main body case 11. At this time, the rotation restricting wall portion UB5 of the outer case 20 disables rotation of the gripping side fitting portion UA in the coupling direction. For this reason, the gripping case 70 does not rotate in the coupling direction with respect to the main body case 11 in the ON state.

移行 Explain the transition from the on state to the off state.

In the ON state shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B, when the gripping case 70 is rotated in the separating direction with respect to the main body case 11 with an operating force larger than the OFF operating force, the gripping side fitting portion UC is moved. Get over the inner fitting part UD in the separation direction. Thereby, the relative rotation state of the gripping case 70 with respect to the main body case 11 shifts to the off state as shown in FIGS. 25 (a) and 25 (b).

The off-operation force corresponds to an operation force necessary for one grip-side fitting portion UC to overcome the inner-side fitting portion UD in the separation direction. As described above, when the gripping case 70 is rotated in the separating direction, the rotational force required for one gripping-side fitting portion UC to get over the inner-side fitting portion UD is determined when the gripping case 70 is rotated in the coupling direction. One grip side fitting portion UC is larger than the rotational force required to get over the inner side fitting portion UD. For this reason, the off operation force is greater than the on operation force required to change the rotation state of the main body case 11 and the gripping case 70 from the off state to the on state. However, the off operation force and the on operation force may be set to be the same. The off operation force is an example of “first operation force”.

The anode fitting 64 (see FIG. 23) is in contact with the current-carrying fitting 67 in the on state. Then, when the rotation state of the main body case 11 and the holding case 70 shifts from the on state to the off state, the anode fitting 64 is separated from the energization fitting 67. Thereby, the closed circuit of the electrical component group 60 is interrupted | blocked (refer FIG. 16). For this reason, the rotation of the electric motor 41 is stopped.

The shape of the anode metal fitting 64 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 27A shows a planar structure of the anode fitting 64. FIG. 27 (b) shows the left side structure of the anode fitting 64. FIG. 27C shows a front structure of the anode fitting 64.

The anode fitting 64 is fitted into the anode contact portion 64 </ b> A that contacts the anode of the dry battery 3 (see FIG. 30), two fitting contact portions 64 </ b> B that contact the energizing fitting 67, and the fixed portion 74 of the holding case 70. 64C. The current-carrying metal fitting 67 (see FIG. 29) contacts one of the two metal fitting contact portions 64B.

Each fitting portion 64 </ b> C has a hooking portion 64 </ b> D that is hooked on the inner surface of the gripping case 70. The tip portion of each hook portion 64D has a shape that narrows toward the tip. Each metal fitting contact portion 64B is inclined from the downward direction ZB toward the upward direction ZA from the connection portion with the fitting portion 64C toward the tip portion. The tip end portion of each metal fitting contact portion 64B is curved toward the energizing metal fitting 67 side.

The anode contact portion 64A, each fitting portion 64C, each hooking portion 64D, and each metal fitting contact portion 64B are formed of a single continuous metal plate. The anode contact portion 64A is located in the upward direction ZA with respect to each fitting portion 64C and each hooking portion 64D. The tip end portion of each metal contact portion 64B is located in the upward direction ZA from the anode contact portion 64A when not in contact with the inner case 30 or the energizing metal fitting 67 (see FIG. 29).

Details of the electrode structure of the gripping case 70 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 28A shows a planar structure of the gripping case 70 with the anode metal fitting 64 removed. FIG. 28B shows a state in which the inner case 30 is omitted in the cross-sectional structure taken along the plane D22C-D22C in FIG. FIG. 28C shows a cross-sectional structure of the D22C-D22C plane of FIG.

The fitting portion 64 </ b> C of the anode metal fitting 64 is fitted into the fixed portion 74 of the gripping case 70. Each catching portion 64 </ b> D is pressed against the inner surface of the gripping case 70. The fitting of the fixed portion 74 and the fitting portion 64 </ b> C and the contact between the inner surface of the gripping case 70 and the hooking portion 64 </ b> D regulate the rotation and movement of the anode fitting 64 with respect to the lower wall portion 72 of the gripping case 70. In the inner surface of the gripping case 70, the boundary portion from the inner surface of the outer peripheral wall portion 71 to the inner surface of the lower wall portion 72 and a portion in the vicinity thereof have a smoothly curved shape. Each hooking portion 64D is pressed against the curved portion.

As shown in FIGS. 28 (b) and 29 (a), when the inner case 30 is not inserted into the gripping case 70, the tip end portion of each metal contact portion 64B of the anode metal fitting 64 is the anode contact portion 64A and It is located in the upward direction ZA from the restriction portion 75.

As shown in FIGS. 28 (c) and 29 (b), the wall portion of the opening portion 31A of the inner case 30 is brought into contact with the tip portion of each metal contact portion 64B, thereby lowering each metal contact portion 64B. Push down in direction ZB. The fitting contact portion 64B does not contact the bent portion 67B of the energizing fitting 67 when the rotation position of the gripping case 70 with respect to the main body case 11 is the off position.

As shown in FIG. 30A, when the inner case 30 in which the dry battery 3 is inserted into the battery holding portion 31 is inserted into the gripping case 70, the gripping case 70 is connected to the anode contact portion 64 </ b> A and the anode of the dry battery 3. Are brought into contact with each other.

As shown in FIG. 30 (b), the restriction portion 75 of the lower wall portion 72 faces the dry cell 3 through a gap. The end surface of the opening portion 31 </ b> A of the inner case 30 is located in the lower direction ZB with respect to the anode plane 3 </ b> A of the dry battery 3. The bent portion 67 </ b> B of the current-carrying metal fitting 67 is located in the downward direction ZB of the end surface of the opening portion 24. Further, the bent portion 67B of the energizing metal fitting 67 is positioned outward from the inner surface of the opening portion 31A. That is, the bent portion 67 </ b> B is located at a place where it is difficult to contact the dry battery 3.

The operation of the electric toothbrush 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

When the user vibrates the brush head 52 when using the electric toothbrush 2, the user rotates the gripping case 70 in the coupling direction with respect to the main body case 11. That is, the relative rotation state of the main body case 11 and the gripping case 70 is changed from the off state to the on state. The anode metal fitting 64 contacts the energizing metal fitting 67 with the change from the off state to the on state. Thereby, the closed circuit which electrically connects the dry cell 3 and the electric motor 41 is formed.

The electric motor 41 rotates the output shaft 42 and the eccentric weight 43 by the current supplied from the dry battery 3. Vibration generated by the rotation of the eccentric weight 43 is transmitted to the toothbrush attachment 50 through the main body case 11. For this reason, the brush head 52 and each bristle bundle 51 vibrate as the electric motor 41 rotates.

The portable oral hygiene device 1 of the present embodiment has the following effects.

(1) The main body case 11 and the gripping case 70 of the electric toothbrush 2 have a gripping coupling structure U that enables relative movement between the main body case 11 and the gripping case 70. The grip coupling structure U functions as a power switch for the electric motor 41. According to this configuration, the power switch part of the electric motor 41 can be omitted. For this reason, it contributes to size reduction of the electric toothbrush 2.

(2) The toothbrush body 10 of the electric toothbrush 2 does not have the power switch part of the electric motor 41 in the intermediate coupling portion 22 of the outer case 20. According to this configuration, the length of the electric toothbrush 2 in the longitudinal direction is reduced as compared with the configuration having the power switch part in the intermediate coupling portion 22 of the outer case 20.

(3) The grip coupling structure U has a structure that allows relative rotation between the main body case 11 and the grip case 70. According to this configuration, the length of the electric toothbrush 2 in the longitudinal direction does not change when the gripping case 70 is operated to select whether the electric motor 41 is turned on or off. For this reason, the user can feel downsizing even while using the electric toothbrush 2.

(4) The grip coupling structure U is a structure that allows relative rotation between the main body case 11 and the grip case 70, the lower grip coupling structure UY that functions as a power switch of the electric motor 41, the main body case 11, and the grip And an upper grip coupling structure UX that couples and separates the case 70 from each other. According to this configuration, since the two functions are given to the relative rotation of the main body case 11 and the gripping case 70, compared with the configuration that gives the above functions for each of the different movements, This contributes to the miniaturization of the electric toothbrush 2.

(5) The on-operation force and the off-operation force for changing the power on and off of the electric motor 41 in the lower grip coupling structure UY are for separating the main body case 11 and the grip case 70 in the upper grip coupling structure UX. Less than the fourth separation force. According to this configuration, the gripping case 70 is less likely to be separated from the main body case 11 in accordance with an operation for changing the power on and off of the electric motor 41.

(6) When the upper grip coupling structure UX rotates in the coupling direction, the main body case 11 and the grip case 70 are coupled to each other. The upper grip coupling structure UX separates the main body case 11 and the grip case 70 from each other when rotating in the separation direction. When the lower gripping coupling structure UY rotates in the coupling direction, the electric motor 41 is turned on. When the lower gripping coupling structure UY rotates in the separation direction, the electric motor 41 is turned off. According to this configuration, the gripping case 70 is prevented from being separated from the main body case 11 due to the operation for changing the power source of the electric motor 41 from OFF to ON. For this reason, when the brush head 52 is vibrated when the electric toothbrush 2 is used, the possibility that the brushing is interrupted due to the gripping case 70 rotating in the separating direction from the main body case 11 is reduced.

(7) The lower gripping and coupling structure UY has a second predetermined operation amount as an operation amount for changing the power on and off of the electric motor 41. The upper grip coupling structure UX has a first predetermined operation amount as an operation amount for changing the coupling and separation of the main body case 11 and the grip case 70. The second predetermined operation amount is smaller than the first predetermined operation amount. According to this configuration, the gripping case 70 is less likely to be separated from the main body case 11 with the operation for turning on and off the electric motor 41.

(8) The main body case 11 and the toothbrush attachment 50 have a toothbrush coupling structure S that allows the main body case 11 and the toothbrush attachment 50 to be coupled to and separated from each other. The toothbrush coupling structure S couples or separates the main body case 11 and the toothbrush attachment 50 by relative movement in the longitudinal direction between the main body case 11 and the toothbrush attachment 50. According to this configuration, the functional component is moved in the Z direction with respect to the main body case, a part of the main body case is entered into the functional component, and then the functional component and the main body case are rotated by rotating the functional component into the main body case. The main body case 11 and the toothbrush attachment 50 can be easily coupled as compared with the coupling structure coupled to each other. An example of the coupling structure described here as a comparative example is a rotary coupling structure 55 for coupling and separating another structural case and the toothbrush attachment 50 from each other.

(9) The anode fitting 64 is fixed to the lower side wall 72 of the gripping case 70. According to this configuration, the position of the anode fitting 64 relative to the energizing fitting 67 can be changed with the rotation of the gripping case 70 relative to the main body case 11.

(10) The main body case 11 has a current-carrying metal fitting 67 connected to the anode of the dry battery 3. The anode fitting 64 has a first electrode position that does not contact the current-carrying metal fitting 67 and a second electrode position that contacts the current-carrying metal fitting 67. The gripping and coupling structure U changes the first electrode position and the second electrode position of the anode fitting 64 by relative rotation between the main body case 11 and the gripping case 70. According to this configuration, since the power source of the electric motor 41 is selected to be turned off and on by the operation of the gripping case 70 gripped during brushing, the user can intuitively operate the power source of the electric motor 41.

(11) The gripping case 70 has a restricting portion 75 that restricts the anode contact portion 64A and the cathode of the dry battery 3 from contacting each other. The restricting portion 75 is formed of a nonconductive material. The distal end portion of the restricting portion 75 is located closer to the battery holding portion 31 than the anode contact portion 64 </ b> A in the longitudinal direction of the gripping case 70. According to this configuration, when the cathode of the dry battery 3 is accommodated in the battery holding portion 31 in a state of facing the anode metal fitting 64, the cathode of the dry battery 3 comes into contact with the regulating portion 75 and through the gap between the anode contact portion 64A and the anode contact portion 64A. opposite. That is, the cathode of the dry battery 3 does not contact the anode contact portion 64A. For this reason, generation | occurrence | production of a short circuit is suppressed.

(12) Since the electric toothbrush 2 has a portable structure, it is smaller in size than a stationary electric toothbrush. For this reason, it is difficult for a user who has been able to use a stationary electric toothbrush to grip the gripping case during brushing because the area of the electric toothbrush 2 in contact with the hand is smaller than that of the stationary electric toothbrush. There is a risk of feeling. On the other hand, the electric toothbrush 2 has a decorative ring 12 protruding outward from the gripping outer surface 70Z. The decorative ring 12 prevents the gripping case 70 from slipping with respect to the user's hand by being caught by the user's hand. For this reason, a user who has been able to use a stationary electric toothbrush can reduce the above-mentioned uncomfortable feeling by holding the gripping case 70 with the decorative ring 12 as a non-slip.

(13) The electric toothbrush gripping case of Patent Document 1 has a smooth curved outer surface in order to enhance aesthetics. For this reason, there is a possibility that the gripping case slips with respect to the user's hand during brushing. On the other hand, since the electric toothbrush 2 has the decorative ring 12, the operability when used as the electric toothbrush of Patent Document 1 is improved.

(14) The energizing metal fitting 67 is fixed to the outer surface of the battery holding portion 31 of the inner case 30. According to this configuration, the possibility that the current-carrying metal fitting 67 contacts the cathode metal fitting 63 is small. Further, as compared with the configuration in which the current-carrying metal fitting 67 is fixed to the inner surface of the battery holding portion 31, the work for the current-carrying metal fitting 67 to the battery holding portion 31 is facilitated.

(15) The battery holding part 31 has a cutout part 31C for inserting and removing the dry battery 3. According to this structure, when taking out the dry cell 3 from the battery holding part 31, it becomes possible to grasp the outer peripheral surface of the dry cell 3 exposed in the notch part 31C. For this reason, the operation | work which takes out the dry cell 3 from the battery holding part 31 becomes easy.

(16) The battery holding portion 31 has a sandwiching portion 31B that is inclined from the outside to the inside. According to this configuration, when the dry battery 3 is inserted into the battery holding portion 31, the dry battery 3 pushes the holding portions 31B outward, so that the restoring force of each holding portion 31B causes the dry battery 3 to move against the battery holding portion 31. The position is difficult to change.

(17) The body case 11 has a circuit board 61 connected to the cathode fitting 63 and the anode fitting 64. The circuit board 61 has a current fuse 62. According to this configuration, an energization path from the dry battery 3 to the electric motor 41 can be easily formed. Further, when a short circuit occurs in the dry battery 3, it is possible to suppress a large current from flowing through the dry battery 3.

(18) The energizing metal fitting 67 has a straight portion 67A and a bent portion 67B. According to this configuration, when the bent portion 67B comes into contact with the current-carrying metal fitting 67 with the rotation of the gripping case 70 with respect to the main body case 11, the current-carrying metal fitting 67 is compared with the configuration in which the edge portion of the metal fitting comes into contact with the current-carrying metal fitting 67. The anode metal fitting 64 is hard to be scraped when it comes into contact.

(19) The main body case 11 has an elastic member 25 in the upward direction ZA from the joint portion of the outer case 20 and the inner case 30. That is, the elastic member 25 seals the gap between the main body case 11 and the gripping case 70 by contacting the gripping inner surface 70 </ b> W near the opening 73 of the gripping case 70. According to this configuration, entry of foreign matter into the main body case 11 is suppressed. Moreover, since the effect which suppresses a foreign material approach is acquired by the one elastic member 25, the physique of the toothbrush main body 10 can be made small compared with the structure which show | plays the same effect by several elastic members.

(20) The main body coupling structure T includes an inner side fitting portion TA of the inner case 30 and an outer side fitting portion TB of the outer case 20. The inner side fitting portion TA is connected to the base portion 31F of the inner case 30 by three support portions 31G. According to this configuration, the strength of the inner side fitting portion TA is higher than the configuration in which the inner side fitting portion TA is not connected to the base portion 31F by the support portion 31G.

(21) The toothbrush coupling structure S includes an outer side fitting part SA of the upper coupling part 21 and a toothbrush side fitting part SB of the toothbrush attachment 50. The outer side fitting portion SA has a structure that restricts rotation of the toothbrush attachment 50 with respect to the upper coupling portion 21. According to this configuration, in a state where the toothbrush attachment 50 is attached to the upper coupling portion 21, the toothbrush attachment 50 is suppressed from rotating with respect to the upper coupling portion 21.

(22) The upright wall portion SA1 of the outer fitting portion SA has a function of imparting an operational feeling to the toothbrush attachment 50 and a function of regulating the rotation of the toothbrush attachment 50. According to this configuration, the toothbrush coupling structure S can be reduced in size as compared with a configuration in which these two functions are provided to individual components.

(Second Embodiment)
The portable oral hygiene device 1 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 31 has the following differences as main differences from the portable oral hygiene device 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. That is, the electric toothbrush 2 of the portable oral hygiene device 1 of the first embodiment has the toothbrush attachment 50 as one functional component. On the other hand, the electric toothbrush 2 of the portable oral hygiene device 1 of the present embodiment has a toothbrush attachment 50 and a stain care attachment 100 as two functional parts. Below, the detail of a different point from the electric toothbrush 2 of 1st Embodiment is demonstrated, about the structure which is common in 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the part or all of the description is abbreviate | omitted.

FIG. 31 (a) shows the electric toothbrush 2 in which the toothbrush attachment 50 is broken along the XZ plane in FIG. 2 (a). The toothbrush body 10 has a stain care attachment 100. The stain care attachment 100 is coupled to the upper coupling portion 26 of the outer case 20. Moreover, it is located in the space in the toothbrush attachment 50.

FIG. 31 (b) shows the electric toothbrush 2 in a state where the toothbrush attachment 50 is omitted in FIG. 31 (a) and the stain care attachment 100 is separated from the upper coupling portion 26. The upper coupling portion 26 includes a concave fitting portion 26B for fitting the stain care attachment 100, and a tip support portion 26C that supports the stain care attachment 100 in the Z direction. In addition to this, the upper coupling portion 26 has a gap between the guide groove 26A having the same shape as the guide groove 21A of the upper coupling portion 21 of the first embodiment and the inner surface of the toothbrush attachment 50 and the outer surface of the upper coupling portion 26. And an elastic member 27 for sealing. The other configuration of the upper coupling portion 26 is common to the configuration of the upper coupling portion 21 of the first embodiment.

The stain care attachment 100 includes a convex fitting portion 101 that is fitted into the concave fitting portion 26B, and a care portion 102 that polishes teeth. The care portion 102 has a working surface 103 that inclines from the rear direction XB to the front direction XA as it goes from the upper direction ZA to the lower direction ZB. As a material for the stain care attachment 100, silicon rubber containing an abrasive is used.

The main body case 11 has a central axis orthogonal to the XY plane. The stain care attachment 100 has a central axis orthogonal to the XY plane. In the XZ plane of the electric toothbrush 2, the central axis of the stain care attachment 100 is located in the rear direction XB with respect to the central axis of the main body case 11. Further, the central axis of the stain care attachment 100 and the central axis of the main body case 11 are parallel to each other.

The portable oral hygiene device 1 of the second embodiment has the following effects in addition to the effects (1) to (22) exhibited by the portable oral hygiene device 1 of the first embodiment.

(23) The electric toothbrush 2 includes a toothbrush attachment 50 as a first functional component and a stain care attachment 100 as a second functional component. According to this configuration,
Two sanitary operations can be performed on the oral cavity with one electric toothbrush 2.

(24) The stain care attachment 100 is coupled to the upper coupling portion 26 of the main body case 11. For this reason, compared with the structure which cannot couple | bond the stain care attachment 100 with the upper coupling part 26, management of the attachment 100 becomes easy.

(Other embodiments)
The oral hygiene device of the present invention includes embodiments other than the first and second embodiments. Hereinafter, modifications of the first and second embodiments will be described as other embodiments of the oral hygiene device. The following modifications can be combined with each other.

The electric toothbrush 2 of the second embodiment has a structure that couples and separates the outer case 20 and the stain care attachment 100 from each other. However, the relationship between the outer case 20 and the stain care attachment 100 is not limited to the content exemplified in the second embodiment. For example, the modified electric toothbrush 2 has a structure in which the stain care attachment 100 is fixed to the outer case 20. That is, the stain care attachment 100 cannot be separated from the outer case 20.

The electric toothbrush 2 of the second embodiment has a central axis in which the convex fitting portion 101 of the stain care attachment 100 is eccentric with respect to the upper coupling portion 26 of the outer case 20. However, the relationship between the upper coupling portion 26 and the convex fitting portion 101 is not limited to the content exemplified in the second embodiment. For example, in the electric toothbrush 2 of a modified example, the upper coupling portion 26 and the convex fitting portion 101 have the same axis.

-The electric toothbrush 2 of 2nd Embodiment has the stain care attachment 100 as a 2nd functional component. However, the form of the second functional component is not limited to the content exemplified in the second embodiment. For example, the electric toothbrush 2 of a modification has a nail brush attachment or a gum massage attachment as the second functional component.

-The electric toothbrush 2 of 2nd Embodiment has the toothbrush attachment 50 as a 1st functional component, and has the stain care attachment 100 as a 2nd functional component. However, the form of the first functional component and the second functional component is not limited to the content exemplified in the second embodiment. For example, the electric toothbrush 2 of the modified example has a first functional component and a second functional component in the following combinations (A) to (F).

(A) The electric toothbrush 2 of the modified example has a toothbrush attachment 50 as a first functional component. Moreover, the electric toothbrush 2 of a modification has any one functional component of a toothbrush attachment, a gum massage attachment, a point brush, a nail brush attachment, a dentifrice tube, and a weight for vibration adjustment as a second functional component. Have.

(B) The modified electric toothbrush 2 has a gum massage attachment as the first functional component. Moreover, the electric toothbrush 2 of a modification is a toothbrush attachment, a gum massage attachment, a point brush, a nail brush attachment, a dentifrice tube, a weight for vibration adjustment, an interdental brush, and a stain care attachment as the second functional parts. It has any one functional component.

(C) The electric toothbrush 2 of the modified example has a point brush as a first functional component. Moreover, the electric toothbrush 2 of a modification is a point brush, toothbrush attachment, gum massage attachment, nail brush attachment, dentifrice tube, weight for vibration adjustment, interdental brush, and stain care attachment as the second functional parts. It has any one functional component.

(D) The electric toothbrush 2 of the modified example has a nail brush attachment as a first functional component. In addition, the electric toothbrush 2 of the modified example has any one of a toothbrush attachment, a gum massage attachment, a point brush, a dentifrice tube, a weight for vibration adjustment, an interdental brush, and a stain care attachment as the second functional component. Has functional parts.

(E) The modified electric toothbrush 2 has a stain care attachment as the first functional component. Further, the electric toothbrush 2 of the modified example includes, as second functional parts, a stain care attachment, a toothbrush attachment, a gum massage attachment, a point brush, a nail brush attachment, a dentifrice tube, a weight for vibration adjustment, an interdental brush, And any one functional component of the paste tube.

(F) The modified electric toothbrush 2 has an interdental brush as a first functional component. Moreover, the electric toothbrush 2 of a modification is any one of an interdental brush, a toothbrush attachment, a gum massage attachment, a point brush, a nail brush attachment, a dentifrice tube, and a weight for vibration adjustment as a second functional component. Has two functional parts.

In the modified examples (A) to (F), the electric toothbrush 2 having the vibration adjusting weight has a structure for coupling and separating the toothbrush body 10 and the weight from each other. In this configuration, when the weight is coupled to the toothbrush main body 10, the vibration applied from the vibration generating device 40 to the first functional component or the second functional component is reduced. On the other hand, when the weight is separated from the toothbrush main body 10, the vibration applied from the vibration generating device 40 to the first functional component or the second functional component is larger than when the weight is coupled. That is, the weight adjusts the magnitude of vibration that the vibration generator 40 imparts to the first functional component or the second functional component.

-The electric toothbrush 2 of 2nd Embodiment has the stain care attachment 100 formed with the silicone rubber. However, the configuration of the stain care attachment 100 is not limited to the content exemplified in the second embodiment. For example, the electric toothbrush 2 of a modification has a metal material subjected to knurling as a stain care attachment.

The electric toothbrush 2 of the first and second embodiments has a current fuse 62 between the current-carrying metal fitting 67 and the anode terminal on the output side of the circuit board 61. However, the formation position of the current fuse 62 is not limited to the contents exemplified in the first and second embodiments. For example, the modified electric toothbrush 2 includes a current fuse 62 between the cathode metal fitting 63 and the cathode terminal on the output side of the circuit board 61.

The electric toothbrush 2 according to the first and second embodiments has a decorative ring 12 configured separately from the main body case 11. However, the configuration of the electric toothbrush 2 is not limited to the contents exemplified in the first and second embodiments. For example, the electric toothbrush 2 of the modified example has a portion corresponding to the decorative ring 12 formed as a part of the main body case 11 instead of the decorative ring 12. Alternatively, in place of the decorative ring 12, a portion corresponding to the decorative ring 12 formed as a part of the gripping case 70 is provided.

In the electric toothbrush 2 of the first and second embodiments, when the rotation position of the gripping case 70 with respect to the main body case 11 is the on position, the gripping outer surface 70Z does not form an integral outer surface with respect to the cap outer surface 80Z. However, the shape of the outer surface of the electric toothbrush 2 is not limited to the contents exemplified in the first and second embodiments. For example, in the electric toothbrush 2 of the modification, the gripping outer surface 70Z forms an outer surface integral with the cap outer surface 80Z when the rotation position of the gripping case 70 with respect to the main body case 11 is the on position and the off position. The formation of an integral outer surface indicates a state in which one outer surface is extended to form a virtual surface, and the other outer surface belongs to the virtual surface.

The electric toothbrush 2 as an example of the modified example has a cap having an N-shaped cross section in the XY plane instead of the cap 80, and has a gripping case having an N-shaped cross section in the XY plane instead of the gripping case 70. . In the N-shaped cap and the N-shaped gripping case, the outer surface of the cap and the gripping case forms an integral outer surface when the relative rotation position is the off position and the on position, respectively. At this time, the rotation angle of the gripping case for changing from the off position to the on position is defined by “360 degrees / N degrees”.

The electric toothbrush 2 of the first and second embodiments has a structure capable of rotating the gripping case 70 with respect to the main body case 11 as the gripping coupling structure U. However, the structure related to the relative operation of the main body case 11 and the gripping case 70 is not limited to the contents exemplified in the first and second embodiments. For example, the electric toothbrush 2 according to the modified example has a structure that allows the main body case 11 and the gripping case 70 to move in the longitudinal direction instead of or in addition to the rotation of the gripping case 70 with respect to the main body case 11. The electric toothbrush 2 turns off the electric motor 41 when the gripping case 70 is located at a first predetermined position in the longitudinal direction with respect to the main body case 11. On the other hand, when the gripping case 70 is located at the second predetermined position in the longitudinal direction with respect to the main body case 11, the electric motor 41 is turned on.

The gripping and coupling structure U of the electric toothbrush 2 according to the first and second embodiments has a structure in which the entire gripping case 70 rotates with respect to the main body case 11. However, the structure related to the relative rotation of the main body case 11 and the gripping case 70 is not limited to the contents exemplified in the first and second embodiments. For example, the gripping and coupling structure U of the electric toothbrush 2 according to the modification has two gripping cases (hereinafter, “divided gripping cases”) that can be individually rotated with respect to the main body case 11. The divided gripping case has a lower divided case including the lower wall portion 72 to the middle portion in the Z direction, and an upper divided case including the middle portion to the opening portion 73. The configuration of the divided gripping case including the lower split case and the upper split case is in accordance with the configuration of the gripping case 70. The gripping and coupling structure U of this modification has a structure in which the lower divided case rotates with respect to the main body case 11. The relative rotation state of the main body case 11 and the lower divided case has a separated state, an off state, and an on state, similarly to the relative rotation state of the main body case 11 and the gripping case 70.

The electric toothbrush 2 of the first and second embodiments has an electric motor 41 in the upper coupling portion 21 of the outer case 20. However, the position of the electric motor 41 is not limited to the contents exemplified in the first and second embodiments. For example, the modified electric toothbrush 2 has an electric motor 41 in the intermediate coupling portion 22. Alternatively, the electric motor 41 is provided across the intermediate coupling portion 22 and the lower coupling portion 23.

The decorative ring 12 according to the first and second embodiments has a structure in which the decorative surface 12Z contacts the installation surface of the portable oral hygiene device 1 at two or more points. However, the shape of the decorative ring 12 is not limited to the content exemplified in the first and second embodiments. For example, the decorative ring 12 of the modified example has a flat surface that contacts the installation surface of the portable oral hygiene device 1. The plane restricts the portable oral hygiene device 1 from rotating with respect to the installation surface.

The portable oral hygiene device 1 of the first and second embodiments has an electric toothbrush 2 and a cap 80. However, the components of the portable oral hygiene device 1 are not limited to the contents exemplified in the first and second embodiments. For example, the modified portable oral hygiene device 1 does not have the cap 80. That is, the portable oral hygiene device 1 may be formed with only the electric toothbrush 2.

In the first and second embodiments, the dry battery 3 is used as the power source for the electric toothbrush 2. However, the power source of the electric toothbrush 2 is not limited to the contents exemplified in the first and second embodiments. For example, the modified electric toothbrush 2 may use a secondary battery as a power source.

The present invention can also be applied to other oral hygiene devices other than the portable oral hygiene device 1 exemplified in the first and second embodiments. Examples of other oral hygiene devices include a stain removing device. The stain removing device includes a polishing portion for polishing teeth, an electric motor that vibrates the polishing portion, a main body case that holds the electric motor, and a gripping case that covers an outer surface of the main body case. The main body case and the gripping case have a relative motion structure that enables relative motion between the main body case and the gripping case. The relative operation structure functions as a power switch for the electric motor.

In short, any device can be used as long as it is an oral hygiene device including a functional component that acts on the oral cavity, an electric motor that operates the functional component, a main body case that holds the electric motor, and a gripping case that covers the outer surface of the main body case. The present invention can also be applied to this.

Claims (8)

1. An oral hygiene device,
   Functional parts that act on the oral cavity;
   An apparatus main body for supporting the functional component,
   The device main body and the functional component include a component coupling structure capable of coupling the device main body and the functional component to each other and separating them from each other.
   The component coupling structure is configured to couple or separate the device main body and the functional component by allowing relative movement between the device main body and the functional component in the longitudinal direction of the oral hygiene device. An oral hygiene device characterized by that.
2. The oral hygiene device according to claim 1,
   The apparatus main body is
   A body case having a part of the component coupling structure;
   A gripping case covering the outer surface of the main body case;
   Oral hygiene apparatus characterized by including.
3. The oral hygiene device according to claim 2,
   The functional component includes a cylindrical portion having an opening portion,
   The main body case includes a coupling portion that is inserted into the cylindrical portion of the functional component from the opening portion,
   The coupling portion of the body case is
   A body-side protruding portion that forms the part of the component coupling structure;
   A groove portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the main body case;
   Including
   The cylindrical portion of the functional component is
   A hole portion that is connectable to the main body side protruding portion and forms the component connecting structure together with the main body side protruding portion;
   A component-side protruding portion that can be fitted into the groove portion;
   Oral hygiene apparatus characterized by including.
4. The oral hygiene device according to claim 3,
   The main body side protruding portion includes an operation feeling imparting portion that comes into contact with an inner surface of the cylindrical portion in a process in which the component side protruding portion passes through the groove portion.
5. In the oral hygiene device according to claim 3 or 4,
   The component-side protruding portion has an inclined surface in a circumferential direction of the functional component.
6. In the oral hygiene device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
   The component hysteretic device is configured to restrict relative rotation between the device main body and the functional component when the device main body and the functional component are coupled to each other. .
7. The oral hygiene device according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
   The oral cavity hygiene device, wherein the main body case is made of a material harder than the functional component.
8. The oral hygiene device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
   The oral hygiene device is an electric toothbrush;
   The functional component is a toothbrush component;
   The oral hygiene device further includes
   An electric motor having an output shaft with an eccentric weight;
   An oral hygiene device comprising: a cap configured to be coupled to the device main body and separable from the device main body.

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