WO2021157257A1 - Electric toothbrush - Google Patents

Electric toothbrush Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021157257A1
WO2021157257A1 PCT/JP2020/048906 JP2020048906W WO2021157257A1 WO 2021157257 A1 WO2021157257 A1 WO 2021157257A1 JP 2020048906 W JP2020048906 W JP 2020048906W WO 2021157257 A1 WO2021157257 A1 WO 2021157257A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
brush head
distance
brush
shaft body
electric toothbrush
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2020/048906
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
浩輝 篠田
真人 布村
真美 筒井
侑樹 二之宮
Original Assignee
パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 filed Critical パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社
Publication of WO2021157257A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021157257A1/en

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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61CDENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
    • A61C17/00Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
    • A61C17/16Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices
    • A61C17/22Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61CDENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
    • A61C17/00Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
    • A61C17/16Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices
    • A61C17/22Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like
    • A61C17/32Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like reciprocating or oscillating
    • A61C17/34Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like reciprocating or oscillating driven by electric motor
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61CDENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
    • A61C17/00Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
    • A61C17/16Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices
    • A61C17/22Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like
    • A61C17/40Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like orbiting, e.g. nutating

Definitions

  • This disclosure relates to an electric toothbrush.
  • the toothbrush described in Patent Document 1 is configured so that the rear end of the grip portion can be bent.
  • the wire is arranged in the rod portion that connects the brush head portion and the grip portion.
  • the brush head portion is rotatable with respect to the rod portion and is pressed by the spring.
  • the angle of the brush head portion in the oral cavity is determined by the user's feeling and the like. Therefore, it is difficult for the brush of the toothbrush to follow the shape of a fine tooth surface such as an interdental portion.
  • the user holds the toothbrush and manually operates it while stroking. Therefore, it is difficult to adjust the amount of operation of the brush head portion. As a result, the user may not be able to effectively brush the tooth surface.
  • the present disclosure provides an electric toothbrush that can effectively brush the tooth surface.
  • the electric toothbrush according to the present disclosure is an electric toothbrush that wipes the tooth surface.
  • the electric toothbrush has a shaft body, a grip portion connected to one end side of the shaft body in the axial direction, a brush base, and a brush provided on the brush base and provided with a sweeping surface for sweeping. Further, the electric toothbrush can rotate around the direction intersecting the axial direction of the shaft body as the axis of rotation, and rotates the brush head portion connected to the other end side of the shaft body in the axial direction and the brush head portion. It has a first drive mechanism that rotates around the axis of.
  • the electric toothbrush specifies the positional relationship between the tooth surface and the brush surface, and based on the specified positional relationship, the first drive mechanism is used so that the tooth surface and the brush surface have a predetermined positional relationship.
  • a control unit for rotating the brush head unit is provided.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the configuration of an electric toothbrush according to the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the brush head portion according to the embodiment when viewed from the front of the sweeping surface.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the electric toothbrush according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic view for explaining the rotation of the brush head portion according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the electric toothbrush according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a state in which the tooth surface is wiped with the electric toothbrush according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the brush head portion according to the modified example of the embodiment when viewed from the front of the sweeping surface.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the configuration of an electric toothbrush according to the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the brush head portion according to the embodiment when viewed from the front of the sweeping surface.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic view for explaining the rotation of the brush head portion according to the modified example of the embodiment.
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the electric toothbrush according to the modified example of the embodiment.
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing the configuration of an electric toothbrush according to another embodiment.
  • the present disclosure provides an electric toothbrush that is automatically changed to an angle that follows the shape of the tooth surface without the user having to change the angle of the brush by himself / herself. As a result, the tooth surface can be effectively brushed.
  • each figure is a schematic view and is not necessarily exactly illustrated. Further, in each figure, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the electric toothbrush 100 according to the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the brush head portion 130 of the electric toothbrush 100 when viewed from the front of the cleaning surface 133a.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the electric toothbrush 100.
  • the electric toothbrush 100 of the present embodiment includes a shaft body 110, a grip portion 120, a brush head portion 130, a control unit 140, a first drive mechanism 150, a plurality of sensors 160a, and a plurality of sensors 160a. It includes a sensor 160b, a cover 170, a second drive mechanism 180, a battery unit 190, a switch 200a, a switch 200b, and the like.
  • the electric toothbrush 100 wipes the tooth surface 210 (see FIG. 4).
  • the shaft body 110 is composed of a long shaft body, for example, made of resin or the like.
  • the grip portion 120 is connected to one end side in the axial direction, and the brush head portion 130 is connected to the other end side.
  • the grip portion 120 is a portion connected to one end side of the shaft body 110 in the axial direction and gripped by the user. Further, the grip portion 120 is formed of a material such as resin or metal to form a housing.
  • the grip unit 120 houses, for example, a control unit 140, a rotating device 151, a stroke device 181 and a battery unit 190, and the like.
  • the brush head portion 130 includes a brush base 131, a rotating shaft body 132, a brush 133, and the like.
  • the brush head portion 130 is rotatably connected to the other end side of the shaft body 110 in the axial direction with the direction intersecting the axial direction of the shaft body 110 as the axis of rotation.
  • the brush head portion 130 has an axial direction of the shaft body 110 with a direction parallel to the cleaning surface 133a of the brush 133, which will be described later, and a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the shaft body 110 as the axis of rotation. It is rotatably connected to the other end side of the. In the example shown in FIG.
  • the direction in which the brush head portion 130 is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the shaft body 110 due to rotation is the longitudinal direction (specifically, the longitudinal directions of the flocked surface 131a and the sweeping surface 133a described later). It is formed in a long shape that is (direction).
  • the longitudinal direction is specifically the longitudinal direction of the flocked surface 131a and the sweeping surface 133a, which will be described later.
  • the brush head portion 130 may be detachably connected to the shaft body 110.
  • the brush base 131 is a base having a flocked surface 131a.
  • the flocked surface 131a includes a plurality of sensors 160a and sensors 160b arranged along the array of brushes 133.
  • the brush base 131 is formed of, for example, resin.
  • the flocked surface 131a is, for example, an elongated rectangle.
  • the shape of the flocked surface 131a is not limited to the above-mentioned long rectangle, and may be, for example, a square or a circle.
  • the rotating shaft body 132 is fixed to the brush base 131, and one end side of the shaft body 110 in the axial direction is rotatably supported. As a result, the entire brush head portion 130 is rotatably connected to the shaft body 110.
  • the brush head portion 130 is rotated by the first drive mechanism 150, which will be described later, with the rotating shaft body 132 as the axis of rotation. That is, the rotating shaft body 132 functions as a rotating shaft of the brush head portion 130.
  • the rotating shaft body 132 is arranged near the center of the brush base 131 on the opposite side of the flocked surface 131a in the longitudinal direction of the brush base 131.
  • the rotating shaft body 132 may be arranged at the end of the brush base 131 in the longitudinal direction of the flocked surface 131a.
  • the axial direction of the rotating shaft body 132 is parallel to the flocked surface 131a and the brushing surface 133a and perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft body 110 (orthogonal direction).
  • the brush 133 is arranged on the brush base 131.
  • the brush 133 is a bundle of fibers formed of, for example, a resin such as nylon.
  • the brush 133 is planted on the brush base 131 so as to extend vertically from the flocking surface 131a of the brush base 131.
  • the brush 133 has a sweeping surface 133a for sweeping on the tip end side of the fiber from which the brush 133 extends from the flocked surface 131a.
  • the scavenging surface 133a and the flocked surface 131a are arranged in parallel with each other, for example.
  • the brushing surface 133a is formed in an elongated shape like the flocked surface 131a, and the longitudinal direction of the flocked surface 131a and the longitudinal direction of the brushing surface 133a are arranged in parallel.
  • the control unit 140 specifies the positional relationship between the tooth surface and the sweeping surface 133a, for example, based on the information from the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b. That is, the control unit 140 receives information regarding the measured distances of the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b.
  • the control unit 140, the sensor 160a, and the sensor 160b are connected by, for example, wireless communication or wired communication of a known communication method. That is, as described above, the control unit 140 specifies the positional relationship between the tooth surface and the sweeping surface 133a, for example, based on the distances measured by the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b, respectively.
  • control unit 140 controls the rotation of the brush head unit 130 by the first drive mechanism 150. Specifically, the control unit 140 makes the tooth surface and the brushing surface 133a have a predetermined positional relationship based on the positional relationship between the specified tooth surface and the brush 133a. 1
  • the drive mechanism 150 rotates the brush head portion 130.
  • the control unit 140 is, for example, in a predetermined positional relationship so that the brushing surface 133a is parallel to the tangential direction of the tooth surface of the portion facing the central portion of the cleaning surface 133a.
  • the drive mechanism 150 rotates the brush head portion 130.
  • the tangential direction of the tooth surface at the portion facing the central portion of the sweep surface 133a may be simply referred to as the “tangential direction of the tooth surface” and described.
  • control unit 140 stores information such as the positional relationship between the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b and the cleaning surface 133a of the brush 133, and the rotation direction of the brush head unit 130.
  • the control unit 140 is realized by, for example, a dedicated circuit, a processor, a memory, and the like.
  • the first drive mechanism 150 includes a rotating device 151, a torque transmission rod 152, a worm gear 153, a brush rotating gear 154, a rod support portion 155, and the like.
  • the first drive mechanism 150 rotates the brush head portion 130 around the axis of rotation of the rotating shaft body 132.
  • the rotating device 151 is, for example, a motor that rotates the output shaft.
  • the rotating device 151 is not limited to the motor, and may be any device as long as it has a mechanism for rotating the output shaft.
  • the rotating device 151 is provided inside the grip portion 120.
  • the rotating device 151 is fixed to, for example, a stroke member 182, which will be described later. When the electric toothbrush 100 is not provided with the second drive mechanism 180, the rotating device 151 may be fixed to the grip portion 120.
  • the torque transmission rod 152 is formed of, for example, a long rod-shaped member made of resin or metal.
  • the torque transmission rod 152 connects the rotating device 151 and the worm gear 153, and transmits the power of the rotating device 151 to the worm gear 153. That is, one end side of the torque transmission rod 152 in the axial direction is fixed to the output shaft of the rotating device 151, and the other end side is fixed to the worm gear 153.
  • the worm gear 153 is a gear provided with spiral teeth.
  • the worm gear 153 is arranged so as to mesh with the brush rotation gear 154.
  • the worm gear 153 rotates the brush rotation gear 154 by the rotation torque of the torque transmission rod 152 powered by the rotation device 151.
  • the brush rotation gear 154 is a disk-shaped gear provided with a plurality of teeth.
  • the brush rotation gear 154 is arranged so as to mesh with the worm gear 153.
  • the brush rotation gear 154 is rotated by the rotation of the worm gear 153.
  • the center of the brush rotation gear 154 is fixed to one end of the rotation shaft body 132 in the axial direction.
  • the rotation of the brush rotation gear 154 causes the rotation shaft body 132 to rotate. That is, the rotational torque of the torque transmission rod 152 generated by the rotating device 151 is converted into the rotational torque of the rotating shaft body 132 by the engagement between the worm gear 153 and the brush rotating gear 154.
  • the rotation of the brush rotation gear 154 causes the rotation shaft body 132 to rotate, and the entire brush head portion 130 to rotate.
  • the control unit 140 controls the rotation of the rotating device 151.
  • the angle of the brush head portion 130 in the longitudinal direction with respect to the axial direction of the shaft body 110 is changed.
  • the rod support portion 155 is a member that rotatably supports the torque transmission rod 152.
  • the rod support portion 155 is provided on the side surface (plane parallel to the axial direction) of the shaft body 110.
  • the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b are sensors that measure the distance to the tooth surface, respectively.
  • the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b are arranged on the brush head portion 130. Specifically, the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b are arranged on the flocked surface 131a.
  • the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b measure, for example, the distance from the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b to the tooth surface in the direction perpendicular to the flocked surface 131a.
  • the direction for measuring the distance may be changed according to the purpose. Further, the number of sensors is not limited to two in the example shown in FIG. 1, and may be three or more.
  • the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b sandwich, for example, the central position L1 having a length perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft body 132 on the flocked surface 131a (longitudinal direction). They are placed facing each other. That is, the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b are arranged side by side along the direction intersecting the axial direction of the rotating shaft body 132 on the flocked surface 131a. As a result, the accuracy of specifying the positional relationship between the tooth surface and the sweeping surface 133a in the control unit 140 is improved. In the example shown in FIG.
  • the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b are parallel to the axial direction of the rotating shaft body 132 along the longitudinal direction of the flocked surface 131a, which is the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft body 132. They are arranged side by side at the central position L2 of the length in the lateral direction of the flocked surface 131a, which is the direction. Further, the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b are arranged at symmetrical positions with respect to the central position L1 of the flocking surface 131a, that is, at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the flocking surface 131a. Further, the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b are arranged outside the brush 133 in the longitudinal direction of the flocked surface 131a.
  • the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b are each composed of a light-reflecting sensor such as an infrared sensor or a non-contact sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor that can measure a distance longer than the distance to the sweeping surface 133a. Will be done.
  • the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b can more reliably measure the distance between the cleaning surface 133a and the tooth surface 210 even when the cleaning surface 133a and the tooth surface 210 are separated from each other. Therefore, even before the user brings the brush surface 133a into contact with the tooth surface 210, the control unit 140 uses the first drive mechanism 150 so that the tooth surface 210 and the brush surface 133a are in a predetermined positional relationship. , The brush head portion 130 can be rotated.
  • the cover 170 is arranged so as to cover a part of the shaft body 110.
  • the cover 170 is a protective cover for preventing the constituent members of the first drive mechanism 150 from coming into contact with the inside of the oral cavity.
  • the second drive mechanism 180 reciprocates the brush head portion 130 in the axial direction of the shaft body 110 via the shaft body 110.
  • the second drive mechanism 180 includes a stroke device 181 and a stroke member 182.
  • the stroke device 181 is composed of, for example, a linear actuator in which the output shaft reciprocates.
  • the stroke device 181 is not limited to the linear actuator, and may be any device having a mechanism for reciprocating the output shaft.
  • the stroke device 181 is arranged inside the grip portion 120 and is fixed to the grip portion 120.
  • the stroke member 182 is fixed to the output shaft of the stroke device 181 and reciprocates in the axial direction of the shaft body 110.
  • the stroke member 182 is arranged so that at least a part thereof is located inside the grip portion 120.
  • the other end side of the shaft body 110 in the axial direction is fixed to the stroke member 182. Therefore, the grip portion 120 and the shaft body 110 are connected via the stroke device 181 and the stroke member 182.
  • the stroke member 182 transmits the driving force of the stroke device 181 to the shaft body 110. That is, when the shaft body 110 reciprocates in the axial direction of the shaft body 110, the brush head portion 130 connected to the shaft body 110 also reciprocates.
  • the rotating device 151 is also fixed to the stroke member 182.
  • the rotating device 151, the torque transmission rod 152, and the worm gear 153 also reciprocate in the axial direction of the shaft body 110 in synchronization with the brush head portion 130. Therefore, the meshing between the worm gear 153 and the brush rotating gear 154 fixed to the rotating shaft body 132 of the brush head portion 130 is maintained.
  • the battery unit 190 houses the battery.
  • the battery unit 190 supplies electric power to the control unit 140, the rotating device 151, the sensors 160a and 160b, the stroke device 181 and the like via wiring (not shown).
  • the switch 200a is a switch that turns on and off the drive of the first drive mechanism 150 by the control unit 140.
  • the control unit 140 rotates the brush head unit 130 by the first drive mechanism 150.
  • the switch 200b is a switch that turns on and off the drive of the second drive mechanism 180.
  • the second drive mechanism 180 reciprocates the brush head portion 130.
  • the brush head portion 130 is rotated so that the brush head portion 133a is parallel to the tangential direction of the tooth surface 210 facing the cleaning surface 133a as the above-mentioned predetermined positional relationship.
  • the case of making the device will be described.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic view for explaining the rotation of the brush head portion 130.
  • the first drive mechanism 150 is omitted.
  • FIG. 4A shows a state in which the brush head portion 130 has a brush head portion 130 that is inclined with respect to the tangent line of the tooth surface 210 at a portion facing the central portion of the brush head portion 130.
  • the control unit 140 rotates the brush head unit 130 to the first drive mechanism 150, and the cleaning surface 133a of the brush head unit 130 becomes parallel to the tangent line of the tooth surface 210.
  • FIG. 4 shows the distance from the sensor 160a to the tooth surface 210 as the distance A and the distance from the sensor 160b to the tooth surface 210 as the distance B.
  • the sensor 160a measures the distance A
  • the sensor 160b measures the distance B.
  • the control unit 140 identifies the positional relationship between the tooth surface 210 and the cleaning surface 133a based on the distance A and the distance B measured by the sensors 160a and 160b. In this case, specifically, the distance A is longer than the distance B. Therefore, in the control unit 140, the cleaning surface 133a is tilted so that the sensor 160b side of the cleaning surface 133a is closer to the tooth surface 210 with respect to the tangential direction of the tooth surface 210, and the cleaning surface 133a and the tooth surface 210 are inclined. Identify that and are not parallel.
  • the control unit 140 rotates the brush head unit 130 by the first drive mechanism 150 so that the tooth surface 210 and the cleaning surface 133a have a predetermined positional relationship based on the positional relationship specified above. Move it. Specifically, the control unit 140 rotates the brush head unit 130 by the first drive mechanism 150 in the direction in which the distance A becomes shorter.
  • the shortening direction is a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the direction shown in FIG. 4A.
  • the distance A and the distance B are equal, and the sweeping surface 133a is positioned parallel to the tangential direction of the tooth surface 210. As a result, the tooth surface 210 can be effectively brushed.
  • FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the electric toothbrush 100 according to the embodiment.
  • the user first turns on the switch 200a.
  • the control unit 140 starts controlling the operation of the first drive mechanism 150.
  • the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b each measure the distance to the tooth surface (step S11).
  • the distance from the sensor 160a to the tooth surface 210 is defined as the distance A
  • the distance from the sensor 160b to the tooth surface 210 is defined as the distance B.
  • control unit 140 receives information on the distance A and the distance B from the sensors 160a and 160b, and determines whether or not the distance A is larger than the distance B (step S12).
  • control unit 140 may determine whether or not the distance A is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold and greater than or equal to the distance B.
  • the predetermined threshold value is arbitrarily set according to, for example, the adjustment accuracy of the position of the cleaning surface 133a of the target brush head portion 130.
  • the control unit 140 rotates the brush head unit 130 by the first drive mechanism 150 in the direction in which the distance A becomes shorter (step). S13).
  • the control unit 140 uses the first drive mechanism 150 to shorten the distance A in the shaft body 110.
  • the longitudinal angle of the brush head portion 130 with respect to the axial direction of the brush head portion 130 is rotated by 1 °.
  • the angle of rotation is not limited to the above 1 °, and is set to an arbitrary angle depending on, for example, the adjustment accuracy and the adjustment time of the positional relationship.
  • step S13 the process returns to step S11 again, and the subsequent operations are executed. That is, when the distance A is larger than the distance B, the operations from step S11 to step S13 are repeatedly executed. As a result, the distance A becomes shorter, and the difference between the distance A and the distance B becomes smaller. As a result, the longitudinal angle of the brush head portion 130 with respect to the axial direction of the shaft body 110 is adjusted.
  • step S14 the control unit 140 determines whether or not the distance A is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value and smaller than the distance B.
  • the predetermined threshold value is set to an arbitrary value according to, for example, the adjustment accuracy of the angle of the target brush head portion 130.
  • the control unit 140 rotates the brush head unit 130 by the first drive mechanism 150 in the direction in which the distance B becomes shorter (step). S15).
  • the control unit 140 uses the first drive mechanism 150 to shorten the distance B in the shaft body 110.
  • the longitudinal angle of the brush head portion 130 with respect to the axial direction of the brush head portion 130 is rotated by 1 °.
  • the angle of rotation is not limited to the above 1 °, and is set to an arbitrary angle depending on, for example, the adjustment accuracy and the adjustment time of the positional relationship.
  • step S15 the process returns to step S11 again, and the subsequent operations are executed. That is, when the distance A is smaller than the distance B, the operations from step S11 to step S15 are repeatedly executed. As a result, the distance B becomes shorter, and the difference between the distance A and the distance B becomes smaller. As a result, the longitudinal angle of the brush head portion 130 with respect to the axial direction of the shaft body 110 is adjusted.
  • the control unit 140 determines that the distance A and the distance B are equal. That is, the control unit 140 identifies that the sweeping surface 133a is parallel to the tangential direction of the tooth surface 210 facing the cleaning surface 133a. Then, the control unit 140 ends the control operation of the first drive mechanism 150.
  • the operation of rotating the brush head portion 130 as described above is repeatedly executed, for example, at regular intervals.
  • step S14 even if the determination result is No, the operation does not have to end.
  • the control unit 140 may be configured to execute the operation from step S11 again and constantly control the rotation of the brush head unit 130.
  • step S13 and step S15 the control unit 140 has been described with an example in which the angle is rotated by 1 °, for example, but the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the control unit 140 first calculates the amount of rotation of the brush head unit 130 at which the distance A and the distance B are equal. Then, the control unit 140 may be configured to rotate the brush head unit 130 by the first drive mechanism 150 based on the calculated rotation amount.
  • the control unit 140 can specify the positional relationship between the tooth surface 210 and the brushing surface 133a without specifying the absolute position of the brush head unit 130 in the oral cavity and the posture of the electric toothbrush 100 itself. Further, the control unit 140 is brushed by the first drive mechanism 150 so that the tooth surface 210 and the cleaning surface 133a have a predetermined positional relationship based on the specified positional relationship by the operations of steps S13 and S15. The head portion 130 is rotated. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the position of the sweeping surface 133a is adjusted according to the shape of the tooth surface 210.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing how the electric toothbrush 100 wipes the tooth surface 210.
  • the electric toothbrush 100 of the present embodiment even if the position of the tooth surface 210 with which the cleaning surface 133a abuts changes, for example, the cleaning surface 133a
  • the brush head portion 130 is rotated so as to be parallel to the tangential direction of the tooth surface 210. As a result, the electric toothbrush 100 can effectively brush the tooth surface 210.
  • the electric toothbrush 100 is an electric toothbrush that wipes the tooth surface 210.
  • the electric toothbrush 100 includes a shaft body 110, a grip portion 120, a brush head portion 130, and a first drive mechanism 150.
  • the grip portion 120 is connected to one end side of the shaft body 110 in the axial direction.
  • the brush head portion 130 has a brush base 131 and a brush 133 provided on the brush base 131 and provided with a brushing surface 133a for wiping.
  • the brush head portion 130 is rotatably connected to the other end side of the shaft body 110 in the axial direction so as to be rotatable about a direction intersecting the axial direction of the shaft body 110 as a rotation axis.
  • the first drive mechanism 150 rotates the brush head portion 130.
  • the control unit 140 specifies the positional relationship between the tooth surface 210 and the cleaning surface 133a. Then, the control unit 140 rotates the brush head unit 130 by the first drive mechanism 150 so that the tooth surface 210 and the brush surface 133a have a predetermined positional relationship based on the specified positional relationship. ..
  • the control unit 140 can perform the position (position of the brush head portion 130 with respect to the axial direction of the shaft body 110).
  • the angle can be adjusted to keep the tooth surface 210 and the brush surface 133a in a predetermined positional relationship. Therefore, the position of the cleaning surface 133a can be automatically made to follow the tooth surface 210 without changing the position (angle) of the brush head portion 130 by the user himself / herself. As a result, the tooth surface 210 can be effectively brushed with the electric toothbrush 100.
  • the brush head portion 130 rotates toward the other end side of the shaft body 110 in the axial direction with the direction parallel to the sweeping surface 133a and the direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the shaft body 110 as the axis of rotation. Can be connected.
  • the brush head portion 130 can be rotated so that the angle of the sweeping surface 133a with respect to the axial direction of the shaft body 110 is inclined. Therefore, even if the user himself / herself does not change the position (angle) of the brush head portion 130, the brushing surface 133a can be brought into contact with the brush head portion 130a so as to follow the roundness of each tooth for brushing. As a result, the tooth surface 210 can be effectively brushed with the electric toothbrush 100.
  • the electric toothbrush 100 is provided on the brush head portion 130 and includes a plurality of sensors 160a and sensors 160b for measuring the distance from the tooth surface 210.
  • the control unit 140 identifies the positional relationship between the tooth surface 210 and the scavenging surface 133a based on the distances measured by each of the plurality of sensors 160a and the sensors 160b.
  • the positional relationship between the tooth surface 210 and the cleaning surface 133a is specified based on the distances measured by the plurality of sensors 160a and 160b provided on the brush head portion 130. Therefore, the control unit 140 can specify the positional relationship between the tooth surface 210 and the brushing surface 133a without specifying the absolute position of the brush head unit 130 in the oral cavity and the posture of the electric toothbrush 100 itself. This makes it possible to simplify the configuration of the electric toothbrush 100.
  • each of the plurality of sensors 160a and 160b is a non-contact type sensor capable of measuring a distance longer than the distance to the cleaning surface 133a.
  • the control unit 140 uses the first drive mechanism 150 so that the tooth surface 210 and the brush surface 133a are in a predetermined positional relationship. , The brush head portion 130 can be rotated. As a result, the electric toothbrush 100 can smoothly brush the tooth surface 210.
  • the electric toothbrush 100 includes a second drive mechanism 180 that reciprocates the brush head portion 130 in the axial direction of the shaft body 110.
  • the electric toothbrush 100 can wipe the tooth surface 210 by the reciprocating operation of the brush head portion 130 only by bringing the brushing surface 133a into contact with the tooth surface 210.
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the brush head portion 130A as viewed from the front of the sweep surface 133a.
  • the electric toothbrush according to this modification includes a brush head portion 130A instead of the brush head portion 130.
  • the brush head portion 130A differs from the brush head portion 130 in that the sensor 160c is further provided in addition to the sensors 160a and 160b.
  • the electric toothbrush according to the present modification further includes the sensor 160c in addition to the plurality of sensors 160a and 160b.
  • the sensor 160c is, for example, a sensor of the same type as the sensors 160a and 160b.
  • the number of sensors is three, but the number is not limited to three, and may be four or more.
  • the sensor 160a, the sensor 160b, and the sensor 160c are provided on the flocked surface 131a of the brush base 131.
  • the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b are arranged at the same positions as in the above embodiment.
  • the sensor 160c is arranged at a position between the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft body 132 (see FIG. 1) on the flocked surface 131a.
  • the sensor 160c is arranged at the midpoint position between the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b.
  • the sensor 160a, the sensor 160b, and the sensor 160c are arranged side by side at the central position L2 of the flocked surface 131a along the longitudinal direction of the flocked surface 131a.
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic view for explaining the rotation of the brush head portion 130A.
  • the first drive mechanism 150 is omitted.
  • the inter-tooth 220 is a recess of a plurality of tooth surfaces 210 of the arranged teeth.
  • FIG. 8A shows a state in which the brush head portion 130A has the sweeping surface 133a facing the inter-tooth 220.
  • the control unit 140 rotates the brush head unit 130A to the first drive mechanism 150, and the sweep surface 133a of the brush head unit 130A becomes parallel to the tangent line of the tooth surface 210.
  • FIG. 8 shows the distance from the sensor 160a to the tooth surface 210 as the distance A, the distance from the sensor 160b to the tooth surface 210 as the distance B, and the distance from the sensor 160c to the tooth surface 210 as the distance C. ing.
  • the sensor 160a measures the distance A
  • the sensor 160b measures the distance B
  • the sensor 160c measures the distance C.
  • the control unit 140 detects the unevenness of the tooth surface 210, for example, the interdental 220 on the tooth surface 210, based on the distance A, the distance B, and the distance C measured by the sensors 160a, 160b, and 160c.
  • the distance A and the distance B are the same
  • the distance C is longer than the distance A and the distance B. Therefore, in the control unit 140, the tooth surface 210 at the position where the sensor 160c faces is recessed from the tooth surface 210 at the position where the cleaning surface 133a faces the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b. Identify that you are.
  • the control unit 140 rotates the brush head unit 130A by the first drive mechanism 150 based on the unevenness of the specified tooth surface 210. Specifically, the control unit 140 causes the first drive mechanism 150 to rotate the angle of the brush head unit 130A with respect to the shaft body 110 in the longitudinal direction by a predetermined angle.
  • the predetermined angle is, for example, the angle at which the sweeping surface 133a does not face the inter-tooth 220.
  • the sweeping surface 133a is at a position where it does not face the inter-tooth 220.
  • the position of the brush head portion 130A can be readjusted while avoiding a state in which the brushing surface 133a does not properly abut on the tooth surface 210 when facing the tooth spacing 220.
  • the control unit 140 rotates the brush head unit 130A by the first drive mechanism 150 by the operation of steps S11 to S15 shown in FIG. 5 described above. Thereby, the tooth surface 210 and the scavenging surface 133a can be adjusted so as to have a predetermined positional relationship.
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the electric toothbrush according to this modification.
  • the control unit 140 starts controlling the operation of the first drive mechanism 150.
  • the sensors 160a, 160b and 160c measure the distance to the tooth surface 210 (step S21).
  • the distance from the sensor 160a to the tooth surface 210 is defined as the distance A
  • the distance from the sensor 160b to the tooth surface 210 is defined as the distance B
  • the distance from the sensor 160c to the tooth surface 210 is defined as the distance C.
  • the control unit 140 receives information on the distance A, the distance B, and the distance C from the sensor 160a, the sensor 160b, and the sensor 160c, and determines whether or not the distance A is larger than the distance B (step S22). .. At this time, when the distance A is larger than the distance B (Yes in step S22), the control unit 140 rotates the brush head unit 130A by the first drive mechanism 150 in the direction in which the distance A becomes shorter (step). S23). Then, after executing step S23, the process returns to step S21 again to execute the subsequent operations.
  • step S24 the control unit 140 determines whether or not the distance A is smaller than the distance B.
  • step S24 the control unit 140 rotates the brush head unit 130A by the first drive mechanism 150 in the direction in which the distance B becomes shorter (step). S25). Then, after the execution of step S25, the process returns to step S21 again to execute the subsequent operations.
  • the operation from step S22 to step S25 is the same as the operation from step S12 to step S15 shown in FIG. 5 described above.
  • step S26 the control unit 140 determines whether or not the distance A is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value and smaller than the distance C.
  • the predetermined threshold value is set to an arbitrary value according to, for example, the shape of the user's teeth.
  • step S27 the control unit 140 rotates the brush head unit 130A by the first drive mechanism 150 at a predetermined angle. Specifically, for example, the control unit 140 specifies that the portion facing the cleaning surface 133a is recessed. Then, the control unit 140 rotates the brush head unit 130A by, for example, 30 ° by the first drive mechanism 150.
  • the angle of rotation is not limited to the above 30 °, but is set in advance in consideration of the shape of the brush head portion 130A, for example, setting an angle larger than that of step S23 and step S25.
  • the direction of rotation may be any direction.
  • the brush head portion 130A may be rotated in a direction of reducing the inclination.
  • step S26 the process returns to step S21 again to execute the subsequent operations.
  • the control unit 140 states that the distance A and the distance B are equal and the distance C is equal to or greater than the distance A and the distance B. judge.
  • the cleaning surface 133a is parallel to the tangential direction of the tooth surface 210 facing the cleaning surface 133a, and the tooth surface 210 facing the cleaning surface 133a is convex or flat. Identify as. Then, the control unit 140 ends the control of the operation of the first drive mechanism 150.
  • the operation of rotating the brush head portion 130A as described above is repeatedly executed, for example, at regular intervals.
  • control unit 140 may be configured to execute the operation from step S21 again and constantly control the rotation of the brush head unit 130A.
  • step S26 may be configured to be executed before the execution of step S22. In this case, if the distance A is shorter than the distance C, step S27 may be executed. Further, step S27 may be executed when both the distance A and the distance B are shorter than the distance C.
  • the electric toothbrush according to this modification has three or more sensors.
  • the control unit 140 identifies the unevenness of the tooth surface 210 based on the distances measured by each of the plurality of sensors 160a, the sensor 160b, and the sensor 160c, and the first drive mechanism is based on the unevenness of the specified tooth surface 210.
  • the brush head portion 130A is rotated by the 150.
  • the control unit 140 determines whether or not the portion of the tooth surface 210 facing the cleaning surface 133a is a concave portion such as an inter-tooth 220, or a convex portion due to the roundness of the tooth surface 210. It is possible to specify whether or not it is. For example, when the control unit 140 identifies that the sweeping surface 133a and the tooth spacing 220 are facing each other, the brush head unit 130A is rotated. As a result, the state in which the sweeping surface 133a and the tooth spacing 220 face each other can be eliminated. Therefore, brushing in a state where the printing surface 133a and the convex portion of the tooth surface 210 are not properly in contact with each other can be avoided.
  • the brush head portion 130 is rotatable about the direction parallel to the sweeping surface 133a and the direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the shaft body 110 as the axis of rotation.
  • the configuration connected to the other end side in the axial direction of the above has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the brush head portion 130 may be rotatably connected to the other end side of the shaft body 110 in the axial direction with the direction intersecting the axial direction of the shaft body 110 other than the above as the axis of rotation. good. Specifically, as shown in FIG.
  • the brush head portion 130 has a direction perpendicular to the sweeping surface 133a (orthogonal direction) and a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the shaft body 110 as the axis of rotation. , May be rotatably connected to the other end side of the shaft body 110 in the axial direction.
  • the electric toothbrush 100A shown in FIG. 10 has a different direction in which the brush head portion 130 is pivotally supported by the shaft body 110 as compared with the electric toothbrush 100.
  • the axial direction of the rotating shaft body 132 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft body 110. Therefore, in the electric toothbrush 100A, the brush head portion 130 rotates so that the angle of the sweeping surface 133a with respect to the axial direction of the shaft body 110 does not change.
  • the control unit 140 first identifies whether the sweeping surface 133a and the tooth surface 210 are facing each other. Then, the control unit 140 rotates the brush head unit 130 by the first drive mechanism 150 so that the entire cleaning surface 133a faces the tooth surface 210.
  • the electric toothbrush 100 has been described as an example of a configuration including the second drive mechanism 180, but the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the electric toothbrush 100 may be configured not to include the second drive mechanism 180. That is, the electric toothbrush 100 may be configured such that the brush head portion 130 only rotates.
  • the electric toothbrush 100 has been described as an example of a configuration including a plurality of sensors 160a and sensors 160b as sensors for measuring the distance, but the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the configuration may not include a plurality of sensors 160a and 160b.
  • the electric toothbrush 100 may be configured to include, for example, at least one image sensor instead of the sensor for measuring the distance.
  • the control unit 140 may be configured such that, for example, an external device such as a mobile terminal receives information obtained by an image sensor or the like and specifies the positional relationship between the tooth surface 210 and the cleaning surface 133a.
  • the electric toothbrush 100 may be configured to include, for example, an operation unit for switching the rotation of the brush head portion 130 from automatic to manual and manually operating the rotation amount.
  • the first drive mechanism 150 has a mechanism for converting the rotational torque of the rotating device 151 into the rotational torque of the rotating shaft body 132
  • the first drive mechanism may be composed of a drive mechanism including a cam mechanism, a crank mechanism, a link mechanism, and the like.
  • the configuration in which the brush head portion 130 is rotatably connected to the shaft body 110 via the rotating shaft body 132 fixed to the brush base 131 has been described as an example. Not limited to this.
  • both the brush head portion 130 and the shaft body 110 may be rotatably connected to the rotating shaft body 132.
  • the brush head portion 130 may be connected to the shaft body 110 via, for example, a resin hinge.
  • the brush head portion 130 may be configured to be bendable, for example, connected to the shaft body 110 by a bellows member.
  • the present disclosure is applicable to a device that always keeps a constant angle with respect to a cleaning symmetric plane. Specifically, the present disclosure is applicable to electric toothbrushes, car wash machines, grinding machines, and the like.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Dentistry (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Brushes (AREA)

Abstract

An electric toothbrush (100) for brushing tooth surfaces, the electric toothbrush (100) comprising a shaft body (110), a grip part (120), a brush head part (130), and a first drive mechanism (150). The grip part (120) is connected to one axial-direction end of the shaft body (110). The brush head part (130) has a brush base (131), and a brush (133) having a tooth-brushing surface (133a), the brush head part (130) being connected to the other axial-direction end of the shaft body (110). The first drive mechanism (150) turns the brush head part (130). A control unit (140) specifies the positional relationship between the tooth surfaces and the tooth-brushing surface (133a), and causes the brush head (130) to be turned by the first drive mechanism (150) so that the tooth surfaces and the tooth-brushing surface (133a) reach the prescribed positional relationship.

Description

電動歯ブラシelectric toothbrush
 本開示は、電動歯ブラシに関する。 This disclosure relates to an electric toothbrush.
 従来、把持部に対するブラシヘッド部の角度を変更できる歯ブラシが知られている(例えば、特許文献1参照)。 Conventionally, a toothbrush that can change the angle of the brush head portion with respect to the grip portion is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
 特許文献1に記載の歯ブラシは、把持部の後端が屈曲可能に構成される。具体的には、ブラシヘッド部と把持部とを繋ぐロッド部の中にワイヤが配置される。これにより、ロッド部に対して、ブラシヘッド部が回動可能で、かつ、バネで押さえられる。 The toothbrush described in Patent Document 1 is configured so that the rear end of the grip portion can be bent. Specifically, the wire is arranged in the rod portion that connects the brush head portion and the grip portion. As a result, the brush head portion is rotatable with respect to the rod portion and is pressed by the spring.
 つまり、特許文献1に記載の歯ブラシは、把持部の後端を屈曲させるとワイヤが引かれ、ブラシヘッド部が回動する。そのため、ユーザは、口腔外で、把持部の後端を操作して、口腔内のブラシヘッド部の角度を操ることができる。これにより、ユーザは、歯面に沿った角度で、ブラシヘッド部に設けられたブラシを当てて、歯磨きを実行できる。 That is, in the toothbrush described in Patent Document 1, when the rear end of the grip portion is bent, the wire is pulled and the brush head portion rotates. Therefore, the user can operate the rear end of the grip portion outside the oral cavity to control the angle of the brush head portion inside the oral cavity. As a result, the user can brush the teeth by applying the brush provided on the brush head portion at an angle along the tooth surface.
 しかしながら、特許文献1に記載の歯ブラシは、口腔内でのブラシヘッド部の角度が、使用者の感覚などによって判断される。そのため、歯ブラシのブラシを、歯間部などの細かな歯面の形状に追従させることが難しい。また、ユーザは、歯ブラシを保持して、ストロークしながら、手動で操作する。そのため、ブラシヘッド部の操作量の加減も難しい。これにより、ユーザは、歯面を効果的にブラッシングできない虞がある。 However, in the toothbrush described in Patent Document 1, the angle of the brush head portion in the oral cavity is determined by the user's feeling and the like. Therefore, it is difficult for the brush of the toothbrush to follow the shape of a fine tooth surface such as an interdental portion. In addition, the user holds the toothbrush and manually operates it while stroking. Therefore, it is difficult to adjust the amount of operation of the brush head portion. As a result, the user may not be able to effectively brush the tooth surface.
特開2006-204464号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-204464
 本開示は、効果的に歯面をブラッシングできる電動歯ブラシを提供する。 The present disclosure provides an electric toothbrush that can effectively brush the tooth surface.
 本開示に係る電動歯ブラシは、歯面を刷掃する電動歯ブラシである。電動歯ブラシは、軸体と、軸体の軸方向の一端側に接続される把持部と、ブラシ台と、ブラシ台に設けられ、刷掃するための刷掃面を備えるブラシを有する。また、電動歯ブラシは、軸体の軸方向と交差する方向を回動の軸として回動可能に、軸体の軸方向の他端側に接続されるブラシヘッド部と、ブラシヘッド部を回動の軸周りに回動させる第1駆動機構を有する。さらに、電動歯ブラシは、歯面と刷掃面との位置関係を特定し、特定した位置関係に基づいて、歯面と刷掃面とを所定の位置関係になるように第1駆動機構により、ブラシヘッド部を回動させる制御部を備える。 The electric toothbrush according to the present disclosure is an electric toothbrush that wipes the tooth surface. The electric toothbrush has a shaft body, a grip portion connected to one end side of the shaft body in the axial direction, a brush base, and a brush provided on the brush base and provided with a sweeping surface for sweeping. Further, the electric toothbrush can rotate around the direction intersecting the axial direction of the shaft body as the axis of rotation, and rotates the brush head portion connected to the other end side of the shaft body in the axial direction and the brush head portion. It has a first drive mechanism that rotates around the axis of. Further, the electric toothbrush specifies the positional relationship between the tooth surface and the brush surface, and based on the specified positional relationship, the first drive mechanism is used so that the tooth surface and the brush surface have a predetermined positional relationship. A control unit for rotating the brush head unit is provided.
 本開示によれば、歯面を、効果的にブラッシングできる電動歯ブラシを提供できる。 According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an electric toothbrush that can effectively brush the tooth surface.
図1は、本実施の形態に係る電動歯ブラシの構成を示す模式図である。FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the configuration of an electric toothbrush according to the present embodiment. 図2は、同実施の形態に係るブラシヘッド部を刷掃面の正面から見た場合の模式図である。FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the brush head portion according to the embodiment when viewed from the front of the sweeping surface. 図3は、同実施の形態に係る電動歯ブラシの機能構成を示すブロック図である。FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the electric toothbrush according to the embodiment. 図4は、同実施の形態に係るブラシヘッド部の回動を説明するための模式図である。FIG. 4 is a schematic view for explaining the rotation of the brush head portion according to the embodiment. 図5は、同実施の形態に係る電動歯ブラシの動作例を示すフローチャートである。FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the electric toothbrush according to the embodiment. 図6は、同実施の形態に係る電動歯ブラシによって歯面を刷掃する様子を示す模式図である。FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a state in which the tooth surface is wiped with the electric toothbrush according to the embodiment. 図7は、同実施の形態の変形例に係るブラシヘッド部を刷掃面の正面から見た場合の模式図である。FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the brush head portion according to the modified example of the embodiment when viewed from the front of the sweeping surface. 図8は、同実施の形態の変形例に係るブラシヘッド部の回動を説明するための模式図である。FIG. 8 is a schematic view for explaining the rotation of the brush head portion according to the modified example of the embodiment. 図9は、同実施の形態の変形例に係る電動歯ブラシの動作例を示すフローチャートである。FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the electric toothbrush according to the modified example of the embodiment. 図10は、別の実施の形態に係る電動歯ブラシの構成を示す模式図である。FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing the configuration of an electric toothbrush according to another embodiment.
 (本開示に至る基礎となった知見)
 一般的に、効果的なブラッシングにより歯面清掃をするためには、歯面の形状に合わせてブラシの角度を変えながら磨く必要がある。そして、その適した角度とは、概ね、歯面の丸みに対する接線方向と平行であると考えられる。上記特許文献1に記載の歯ブラシは、把持部に対して、ブラシヘッド部を回動する。これにより、歯面に対するブラシヘッド部の角度を可変にして、歯面を清掃する。このとき、上記歯ブラシは、歯面とブラシとの当接が、主に、口腔内で起こる。そのため、使用者自身による当接角の視認が難しい。つまり、使用者は、歯面、および歯茎の感覚、ならびに把持部を介して、持ち手に伝わる力加減から、当接状態を推定せざるを得ない。そのため、使用者がブラシヘッド部の角度を可変にしても、ブラシの刷掃面が、歯面に対して、適した角度で当接されているとは限らない。さらに、歯面を刷掃するためには、ブラシの刷掃面を、歯面に当接させたまま、小刻みに往復運動をさせる必要がある。そのため、使用者が、歯面の形状に適したブラシヘッド部の角度を、適時、調整しながら、往復運動をさせることは、さらに難しい。本開示は、上記状況を鑑みて、使用者が自分でブラシの角度を変化させなくても、自動で、歯面の形状に沿う角度に変更される電動歯ブラシを提供する。これにより、歯面を、効果的にブラッシングできる。
(Knowledge that led to this disclosure)
Generally, in order to clean the tooth surface by effective brushing, it is necessary to brush while changing the angle of the brush according to the shape of the tooth surface. The suitable angle is considered to be generally parallel to the tangential direction with respect to the roundness of the tooth surface. The toothbrush described in Patent Document 1 rotates the brush head portion with respect to the grip portion. As a result, the angle of the brush head portion with respect to the tooth surface is made variable, and the tooth surface is cleaned. At this time, in the above toothbrush, the contact between the tooth surface and the brush occurs mainly in the oral cavity. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to visually recognize the contact angle. That is, the user has no choice but to estimate the contact state from the sensation of the tooth surface and gums, and the amount of force transmitted to the handle via the grip portion. Therefore, even if the user changes the angle of the brush head portion, the brush sweep surface is not always in contact with the tooth surface at an appropriate angle. Further, in order to wipe the tooth surface, it is necessary to reciprocate the brush in small steps while keeping the brush surface in contact with the tooth surface. Therefore, it is more difficult for the user to reciprocate while adjusting the angle of the brush head portion suitable for the shape of the tooth surface in a timely manner. In view of the above situation, the present disclosure provides an electric toothbrush that is automatically changed to an angle that follows the shape of the tooth surface without the user having to change the angle of the brush by himself / herself. As a result, the tooth surface can be effectively brushed.
 以下、本開示の実施の形態に係る電動歯ブラシについて、図面を用いて、詳細に説明する。なお、以下に説明する実施の形態は、いずれも本開示の好ましい一具体例を示すものである。したがって、以下の実施の形態で示される数値、形状、材料、構成要素、構成要素の配置および接続形態などは、一例であり、本開示を限定する趣旨ではない。 Hereinafter, the electric toothbrush according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that all of the embodiments described below show a preferred specific example of the present disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement of components, connection forms, etc. shown in the following embodiments are examples, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.
 また、本明細書において、平行および垂直などの要素間の関係性を示す用語、矩形などの要素の形状を示す用語、ならびに、数値範囲は、厳格な意味のみを表す表現ではなく、実質的に同等な範囲、例えば数%程度の差異をも含むことを意味する表現である。 Further, in the present specification, terms indicating relationships between elements such as parallel and vertical, terms indicating the shape of elements such as rectangles, and numerical ranges are not expressions that express only strict meanings, but substantially. It is an expression meaning that an equivalent range, for example, a difference of about several percent is included.
 また、各図は、模式図であり、必ずしも厳密に図示されたものではない。また、各図において、同じ構成部材については同じ符号を付している。 In addition, each figure is a schematic view and is not necessarily exactly illustrated. Further, in each figure, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals.
 (実施の形態)
 以下、本実施の形態に係る電動歯ブラシについて、図面を参照しながら、項分けして、説明する。
(Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the electric toothbrush according to the present embodiment will be described in terms of terms with reference to the drawings.
 (1-1.構成)
 まず、図1から図3を参照しながら、本実施の形態に係る電動歯ブラシ100の構成について、説明する。
(1-1. Configuration)
First, the configuration of the electric toothbrush 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.
 図1は、本実施の形態に係る電動歯ブラシ100の構成を示す模式図である。図2は、電動歯ブラシ100のブラシヘッド部130を、刷掃面133aの正面から見た場合の模式図である。図3は、電動歯ブラシ100の機能構成を示すブロック図である。 FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the electric toothbrush 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the brush head portion 130 of the electric toothbrush 100 when viewed from the front of the cleaning surface 133a. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the electric toothbrush 100.
 図1に示すように、本実施の形態の電動歯ブラシ100は、軸体110と、把持部120と、ブラシヘッド部130と、制御部140と、第1駆動機構150と、複数のセンサ160aおよびセンサ160bと、カバー170と、第2駆動機構180と、電池部190と、スイッチ200aおよびスイッチ200bなどを備える。電動歯ブラシ100は、歯面210(図4参照)を刷掃する。 As shown in FIG. 1, the electric toothbrush 100 of the present embodiment includes a shaft body 110, a grip portion 120, a brush head portion 130, a control unit 140, a first drive mechanism 150, a plurality of sensors 160a, and a plurality of sensors 160a. It includes a sensor 160b, a cover 170, a second drive mechanism 180, a battery unit 190, a switch 200a, a switch 200b, and the like. The electric toothbrush 100 wipes the tooth surface 210 (see FIG. 4).
 軸体110は、長尺状の軸体で構成され、例えば、樹脂などで形成される。軸体110は、軸方向の一端側に、把持部120が接続され、他端側に、ブラシヘッド部130が接続される。 The shaft body 110 is composed of a long shaft body, for example, made of resin or the like. In the shaft body 110, the grip portion 120 is connected to one end side in the axial direction, and the brush head portion 130 is connected to the other end side.
 把持部120は、軸体110の軸方向の一端側に接続され、使用者に把持される部位である。また、把持部120は、例えば、樹脂製または、金属製などの材料から形成され、筐体を構成する。把持部120は、内部に、例えば、制御部140、回転装置151、ストローク装置181および電池部190などを収容する。 The grip portion 120 is a portion connected to one end side of the shaft body 110 in the axial direction and gripped by the user. Further, the grip portion 120 is formed of a material such as resin or metal to form a housing. The grip unit 120 houses, for example, a control unit 140, a rotating device 151, a stroke device 181 and a battery unit 190, and the like.
 ブラシヘッド部130は、ブラシ台131と、回動軸体132と、ブラシ133などを有する。ブラシヘッド部130は、軸体110の軸方向と交差する方向を回動の軸として、軸体110の軸方向の他端側に、回動可能に接続される。具体的には、ブラシヘッド部130は、後述するブラシ133の刷掃面133aと平行な方向、かつ、軸体110の軸方向と直交する方向を回動の軸として、軸体110の軸方向の他端側に、回動可能に接続される。図1に示す例では、ブラシヘッド部130は、回動により、軸体110の軸方向に対して傾斜する方向が長手方向(具体的には、後述する植毛面131aおよび刷掃面133aの長手方向)である長尺形状で形成される。ここで、上記長手方向は、具体的には、後述する植毛面131aおよび刷掃面133aの長手方向である。なお、ブラシヘッド部130は、軸体110と着脱可能に接続される構成としてもよい。 The brush head portion 130 includes a brush base 131, a rotating shaft body 132, a brush 133, and the like. The brush head portion 130 is rotatably connected to the other end side of the shaft body 110 in the axial direction with the direction intersecting the axial direction of the shaft body 110 as the axis of rotation. Specifically, the brush head portion 130 has an axial direction of the shaft body 110 with a direction parallel to the cleaning surface 133a of the brush 133, which will be described later, and a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the shaft body 110 as the axis of rotation. It is rotatably connected to the other end side of the. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the direction in which the brush head portion 130 is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the shaft body 110 due to rotation is the longitudinal direction (specifically, the longitudinal directions of the flocked surface 131a and the sweeping surface 133a described later). It is formed in a long shape that is (direction). Here, the longitudinal direction is specifically the longitudinal direction of the flocked surface 131a and the sweeping surface 133a, which will be described later. The brush head portion 130 may be detachably connected to the shaft body 110.
 ブラシ台131は、植毛面131aを有する基台である。植毛面131aは、ブラシ133の並びに沿って配設される、複数のセンサ160aおよびセンサ160bを備える。ブラシ台131は、例えば、樹脂などによって形成される。植毛面131aは、例えば、長尺状の矩形である。なお、植毛面131aの形状は、上記長尺状の矩形に限られず、例えば、正方形でも、円形でもよい。 The brush base 131 is a base having a flocked surface 131a. The flocked surface 131a includes a plurality of sensors 160a and sensors 160b arranged along the array of brushes 133. The brush base 131 is formed of, for example, resin. The flocked surface 131a is, for example, an elongated rectangle. The shape of the flocked surface 131a is not limited to the above-mentioned long rectangle, and may be, for example, a square or a circle.
 回動軸体132は、ブラシ台131に固定され、軸体110の軸方向の一端側が、回動可能に軸支される。これにより、ブラシヘッド部130全体が、軸体110と回動可能に接続される。ブラシヘッド部130は、後述する第1駆動機構150によって、回動軸体132を回動の軸として、回動する。つまり、回動軸体132は、ブラシヘッド部130の回動の軸として、機能する。回動軸体132は、ブラシ台131の長手方向において、ブラシ台131の植毛面131aの反対側の中央付近に、配置される。なお、回動軸体132は、植毛面131aの長手方向におけるブラシ台131の端部に配置してもよい。 The rotating shaft body 132 is fixed to the brush base 131, and one end side of the shaft body 110 in the axial direction is rotatably supported. As a result, the entire brush head portion 130 is rotatably connected to the shaft body 110. The brush head portion 130 is rotated by the first drive mechanism 150, which will be described later, with the rotating shaft body 132 as the axis of rotation. That is, the rotating shaft body 132 functions as a rotating shaft of the brush head portion 130. The rotating shaft body 132 is arranged near the center of the brush base 131 on the opposite side of the flocked surface 131a in the longitudinal direction of the brush base 131. The rotating shaft body 132 may be arranged at the end of the brush base 131 in the longitudinal direction of the flocked surface 131a.
 また、回動軸体132の軸方向は、植毛面131aおよび刷掃面133aに対して、平行で、かつ、軸体110の軸方向に対して、垂直(直交方向)である。 Further, the axial direction of the rotating shaft body 132 is parallel to the flocked surface 131a and the brushing surface 133a and perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft body 110 (orthogonal direction).
 ブラシ133は、ブラシ台131に配設される。ブラシ133は、例えば、ナイロンなどの樹脂で形成された繊維の束である。ブラシ133は、ブラシ台131の植毛面131aから垂直に延びるように、ブラシ台131に植毛される。また、ブラシ133は、ブラシ133が植毛面131aから延びる繊維の先端側に、刷掃するための刷掃面133aを有する。刷掃面133aと植毛面131aとは、例えば、互いに、平行に配置される。刷掃面133aは、植毛面131aと同様に、長尺状の形状で形成され、植毛面131aの長手方向と刷掃面133aの長手方向とが、平行に配置される。 The brush 133 is arranged on the brush base 131. The brush 133 is a bundle of fibers formed of, for example, a resin such as nylon. The brush 133 is planted on the brush base 131 so as to extend vertically from the flocking surface 131a of the brush base 131. Further, the brush 133 has a sweeping surface 133a for sweeping on the tip end side of the fiber from which the brush 133 extends from the flocked surface 131a. The scavenging surface 133a and the flocked surface 131a are arranged in parallel with each other, for example. The brushing surface 133a is formed in an elongated shape like the flocked surface 131a, and the longitudinal direction of the flocked surface 131a and the longitudinal direction of the brushing surface 133a are arranged in parallel.
 制御部140は、例えば、センサ160aおよびセンサ160bからの情報に基づいて、歯面と刷掃面133aとの位置関係を特定する。つまり、制御部140は、センサ160aおよびセンサ160bの測定した距離に関する情報を受け取る。制御部140と、センサ160aおよびセンサ160bとは、例えば、公知の通信方式の無線通信または有線通信などによって接続される。つまり、制御部140は、上述したように、例えば、センサ160aおよびセンサ160bのそれぞれによって測定された距離に基づいて、歯面と刷掃面133aとの位置関係を特定する。 The control unit 140 specifies the positional relationship between the tooth surface and the sweeping surface 133a, for example, based on the information from the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b. That is, the control unit 140 receives information regarding the measured distances of the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b. The control unit 140, the sensor 160a, and the sensor 160b are connected by, for example, wireless communication or wired communication of a known communication method. That is, as described above, the control unit 140 specifies the positional relationship between the tooth surface and the sweeping surface 133a, for example, based on the distances measured by the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b, respectively.
 また、制御部140は、第1駆動機構150によるブラシヘッド部130の回動を制御する。具体的には、制御部140は、特定した歯面と、ブラシ133の刷掃面133aとの位置関係に基づいて、歯面と刷掃面133aとを所定の位置関係になるように、第1駆動機構150により、ブラシヘッド部130を回動させる。詳しくは、制御部140は、例えば、所定の位置関係として、刷掃面133aが、刷掃面133aの中心部と対面している箇所の歯面の接線方向と平行になるように、第1駆動機構150により、ブラシヘッド部130を回動させる。以下では、刷掃面133aの中心部と対面している箇所の歯面の接線方向を、単に、「歯面の接線方向」と称して、説明する場合がある。 Further, the control unit 140 controls the rotation of the brush head unit 130 by the first drive mechanism 150. Specifically, the control unit 140 makes the tooth surface and the brushing surface 133a have a predetermined positional relationship based on the positional relationship between the specified tooth surface and the brush 133a. 1 The drive mechanism 150 rotates the brush head portion 130. Specifically, the control unit 140 is, for example, in a predetermined positional relationship so that the brushing surface 133a is parallel to the tangential direction of the tooth surface of the portion facing the central portion of the cleaning surface 133a. The drive mechanism 150 rotates the brush head portion 130. In the following, the tangential direction of the tooth surface at the portion facing the central portion of the sweep surface 133a may be simply referred to as the “tangential direction of the tooth surface” and described.
 さらに、制御部140は、例えば、センサ160aおよびセンサ160bと、ブラシ133の刷掃面133aとの位置関係、ならびに、ブラシヘッド部130の回動方向などの情報を記憶する。制御部140は、例えば、専用回路、プロセッサおよびメモリなどによって実現される。 Further, the control unit 140 stores information such as the positional relationship between the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b and the cleaning surface 133a of the brush 133, and the rotation direction of the brush head unit 130. The control unit 140 is realized by, for example, a dedicated circuit, a processor, a memory, and the like.
 第1駆動機構150は、回転装置151と、トルク伝達ロッド152と、ウォームギア153と、ブラシ回動ギア154と、ロッド支持部155などを有する。第1駆動機構150は、上記回動軸体132の回動の軸周りに、ブラシヘッド部130を回動させる。 The first drive mechanism 150 includes a rotating device 151, a torque transmission rod 152, a worm gear 153, a brush rotating gear 154, a rod support portion 155, and the like. The first drive mechanism 150 rotates the brush head portion 130 around the axis of rotation of the rotating shaft body 132.
 回転装置151は、例えば、出力軸を回転させるモータである。なお、回転装置151は、モータに限られず、出力軸を回転させる機構を有する装置であれば、任意の装置でよい。回転装置151は、把持部120の内部に設けられる。回転装置151は、例えば、後述するストローク部材182に固定される。なお、電動歯ブラシ100が、第2駆動機構180を備えない構成の場合、回転装置151は、把持部120に固定される構成としてもよい。 The rotating device 151 is, for example, a motor that rotates the output shaft. The rotating device 151 is not limited to the motor, and may be any device as long as it has a mechanism for rotating the output shaft. The rotating device 151 is provided inside the grip portion 120. The rotating device 151 is fixed to, for example, a stroke member 182, which will be described later. When the electric toothbrush 100 is not provided with the second drive mechanism 180, the rotating device 151 may be fixed to the grip portion 120.
 トルク伝達ロッド152は、例えば、樹脂製、または、金属製の長尺棒状の部材で形成される。トルク伝達ロッド152は、回転装置151とウォームギア153とを接続し、回転装置151の動力を、ウォームギア153に伝達する。つまり、トルク伝達ロッド152の軸方向の一端側は、回転装置151の出力軸に固定され、他端側は、ウォームギア153に固定される。 The torque transmission rod 152 is formed of, for example, a long rod-shaped member made of resin or metal. The torque transmission rod 152 connects the rotating device 151 and the worm gear 153, and transmits the power of the rotating device 151 to the worm gear 153. That is, one end side of the torque transmission rod 152 in the axial direction is fixed to the output shaft of the rotating device 151, and the other end side is fixed to the worm gear 153.
 ウォームギア153は、螺旋状の歯が設けられた歯車である。ウォームギア153は、ブラシ回動ギア154と、噛み合うように配置される。ウォームギア153は、回転装置151の動力によるトルク伝達ロッド152の回転トルクによって、ブラシ回動ギア154を回転させる。 The worm gear 153 is a gear provided with spiral teeth. The worm gear 153 is arranged so as to mesh with the brush rotation gear 154. The worm gear 153 rotates the brush rotation gear 154 by the rotation torque of the torque transmission rod 152 powered by the rotation device 151.
 ブラシ回動ギア154は、複数の歯が設けられた円盤状の歯車である。ブラシ回動ギア154は、上記ウォームギア153と噛み合うように配置される。これにより、ブラシ回動ギア154は、ウォームギア153の回転により、回転する。ブラシ回動ギア154は、中心が、回動軸体132の軸方向の一端に固定される。そして、ブラシ回動ギア154の回転により、回動軸体132が回転する。つまり、回転装置151によって生み出されたトルク伝達ロッド152の回転トルクは、ウォームギア153とブラシ回動ギア154との噛み合いにより、回動軸体132の回転トルクに変換される。 The brush rotation gear 154 is a disk-shaped gear provided with a plurality of teeth. The brush rotation gear 154 is arranged so as to mesh with the worm gear 153. As a result, the brush rotation gear 154 is rotated by the rotation of the worm gear 153. The center of the brush rotation gear 154 is fixed to one end of the rotation shaft body 132 in the axial direction. Then, the rotation of the brush rotation gear 154 causes the rotation shaft body 132 to rotate. That is, the rotational torque of the torque transmission rod 152 generated by the rotating device 151 is converted into the rotational torque of the rotating shaft body 132 by the engagement between the worm gear 153 and the brush rotating gear 154.
 以上のように、ブラシ回動ギア154の回転により、回動軸体132が回転し、ブラシヘッド部130全体が回動する。このとき、例えば、制御部140によって、回転装置151の回転が制御される。これにより、軸体110の軸方向に対するブラシヘッド部130の長手方向の角度が、変更される。 As described above, the rotation of the brush rotation gear 154 causes the rotation shaft body 132 to rotate, and the entire brush head portion 130 to rotate. At this time, for example, the control unit 140 controls the rotation of the rotating device 151. As a result, the angle of the brush head portion 130 in the longitudinal direction with respect to the axial direction of the shaft body 110 is changed.
 ロッド支持部155は、トルク伝達ロッド152を回動可能に支持する部材である。ロッド支持部155は、軸体110の側面(軸方向と平行な面)に設けられる。 The rod support portion 155 is a member that rotatably supports the torque transmission rod 152. The rod support portion 155 is provided on the side surface (plane parallel to the axial direction) of the shaft body 110.
 センサ160aおよびセンサ160bは、それぞれ、歯面との距離を測定するセンサである。センサ160aおよびセンサ160bは、ブラシヘッド部130に配設される。具体的には、センサ160aおよびセンサ160bは、植毛面131aに配設される。センサ160aおよびセンサ160bは、例えば、植毛面131aと垂直な方向における、センサ160aおよびセンサ160bから、歯面までの距離を測定する。なお、距離を測定する方向は、目的に応じて変更されてもよい。また、センサの数は、図1に示す例の2つに限られず、3つ以上でもよい。 The sensor 160a and the sensor 160b are sensors that measure the distance to the tooth surface, respectively. The sensor 160a and the sensor 160b are arranged on the brush head portion 130. Specifically, the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b are arranged on the flocked surface 131a. The sensor 160a and the sensor 160b measure, for example, the distance from the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b to the tooth surface in the direction perpendicular to the flocked surface 131a. The direction for measuring the distance may be changed according to the purpose. Further, the number of sensors is not limited to two in the example shown in FIG. 1, and may be three or more.
 センサ160aとセンサ160bとは、図2に示すように、例えば、植毛面131aにおける回動軸体132の軸方向と、垂直な方向(長手方向)の長さの中央位置L1を挟むように、対向して配置される。つまり、センサ160aとセンサ160bとは、植毛面131aにおける回動軸体132の軸方向と交差する方向に沿って並んで配置される。これにより、制御部140における歯面と刷掃面133aとの位置関係の特定の精度が、向上する。図2に示す例では、センサ160aとセンサ160bとは、回動軸体132の軸方向と垂直な方向である植毛面131aの長手方向に沿って、回動軸体132の軸方向と平行な方向である植毛面131aの短手方向の長さの中央位置L2に、並んで配置される。また、センサ160aとセンサ160bとは、植毛面131aの中央位置L1を挟んで対称の位置、つまり、植毛面131aの長手方向の両端部に配置される。さらに、センサ160aとセンサ160bとは、植毛面131aの長手方向において、ブラシ133の外側に配置される。 As shown in FIG. 2, the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b sandwich, for example, the central position L1 having a length perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft body 132 on the flocked surface 131a (longitudinal direction). They are placed facing each other. That is, the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b are arranged side by side along the direction intersecting the axial direction of the rotating shaft body 132 on the flocked surface 131a. As a result, the accuracy of specifying the positional relationship between the tooth surface and the sweeping surface 133a in the control unit 140 is improved. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b are parallel to the axial direction of the rotating shaft body 132 along the longitudinal direction of the flocked surface 131a, which is the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft body 132. They are arranged side by side at the central position L2 of the length in the lateral direction of the flocked surface 131a, which is the direction. Further, the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b are arranged at symmetrical positions with respect to the central position L1 of the flocking surface 131a, that is, at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the flocking surface 131a. Further, the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b are arranged outside the brush 133 in the longitudinal direction of the flocked surface 131a.
 また、センサ160aおよびセンサ160bは、それぞれ、刷掃面133aまでの距離よりも長い距離を測定可能な、例えば、赤外線センサなどの光反射型センサ、または超音波センサなどの非接触式センサで構成される。これにより、センサ160aおよびセンサ160bは、刷掃面133aと歯面210とが離れた状態でも、刷掃面133aと歯面210との距離を、より確実に測定できる。そのため、使用者が刷掃面133aを歯面210に当接させる前から、制御部140は、歯面210と刷掃面133aとを所定の位置関係になるように、第1駆動機構150により、ブラシヘッド部130を回動させることができる。 Further, the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b are each composed of a light-reflecting sensor such as an infrared sensor or a non-contact sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor that can measure a distance longer than the distance to the sweeping surface 133a. Will be done. As a result, the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b can more reliably measure the distance between the cleaning surface 133a and the tooth surface 210 even when the cleaning surface 133a and the tooth surface 210 are separated from each other. Therefore, even before the user brings the brush surface 133a into contact with the tooth surface 210, the control unit 140 uses the first drive mechanism 150 so that the tooth surface 210 and the brush surface 133a are in a predetermined positional relationship. , The brush head portion 130 can be rotated.
 カバー170は、軸体110の一部を覆うように配設される。カバー170は、第1駆動機構150の構成部材が、口腔内部と接触しないようにするための保護カバーである。 The cover 170 is arranged so as to cover a part of the shaft body 110. The cover 170 is a protective cover for preventing the constituent members of the first drive mechanism 150 from coming into contact with the inside of the oral cavity.
 第2駆動機構180は、軸体110を介して、軸体110の軸方向に、ブラシヘッド部130を往復動作させる。第2駆動機構180は、ストローク装置181と、ストローク部材182などを有する。 The second drive mechanism 180 reciprocates the brush head portion 130 in the axial direction of the shaft body 110 via the shaft body 110. The second drive mechanism 180 includes a stroke device 181 and a stroke member 182.
 ストローク装置181は、出力軸が往復動作する、例えば、リニアアクチュエータで構成される。なお、ストローク装置181は、上記リニアアクチュエータに限られず、出力軸が往復動作する機構を有する装置であればよい。ストローク装置181は、把持部120の内部に配設され、把持部120に固定される。 The stroke device 181 is composed of, for example, a linear actuator in which the output shaft reciprocates. The stroke device 181 is not limited to the linear actuator, and may be any device having a mechanism for reciprocating the output shaft. The stroke device 181 is arranged inside the grip portion 120 and is fixed to the grip portion 120.
 ストローク部材182は、ストローク装置181の出力軸に固定され、軸体110の軸方向に往復動作する。ストローク部材182は、少なくとも一部が、把持部120の内部に位置するように配設される。 The stroke member 182 is fixed to the output shaft of the stroke device 181 and reciprocates in the axial direction of the shaft body 110. The stroke member 182 is arranged so that at least a part thereof is located inside the grip portion 120.
 また、ストローク部材182には、軸体110の軸方向の他端側が、固定される。そのため、把持部120と軸体110とは、ストローク装置181およびストローク部材182を介して、接続される。ストローク部材182は、ストローク装置181の駆動力を、軸体110に伝達する。つまり、軸体110が軸体110の軸方向に往復動作することにより、軸体110に接続されたブラシヘッド部130も往復動作する。 Further, the other end side of the shaft body 110 in the axial direction is fixed to the stroke member 182. Therefore, the grip portion 120 and the shaft body 110 are connected via the stroke device 181 and the stroke member 182. The stroke member 182 transmits the driving force of the stroke device 181 to the shaft body 110. That is, when the shaft body 110 reciprocates in the axial direction of the shaft body 110, the brush head portion 130 connected to the shaft body 110 also reciprocates.
 さらに、ストローク部材182には、回転装置151も固定される。これにより、回転装置151、トルク伝達ロッド152およびウォームギア153も、軸体110の軸方向に、ブラシヘッド部130と同期して、往復動作する。そのため、ウォームギア153と、ブラシヘッド部130の回動軸体132に固定されているブラシ回動ギア154との噛み合いが、維持される。 Further, the rotating device 151 is also fixed to the stroke member 182. As a result, the rotating device 151, the torque transmission rod 152, and the worm gear 153 also reciprocate in the axial direction of the shaft body 110 in synchronization with the brush head portion 130. Therefore, the meshing between the worm gear 153 and the brush rotating gear 154 fixed to the rotating shaft body 132 of the brush head portion 130 is maintained.
 電池部190は、電池を収容する。電池部190は、制御部140、回転装置151、センサ160aおよび160b、ならびに、ストローク装置181などに、配線(図示省略)を介して、電力を供給する。 The battery unit 190 houses the battery. The battery unit 190 supplies electric power to the control unit 140, the rotating device 151, the sensors 160a and 160b, the stroke device 181 and the like via wiring (not shown).
 スイッチ200aは、制御部140による第1駆動機構150の駆動をオン、オフするスイッチである。使用者がスイッチ200aをオンすることにより、制御部140は、第1駆動機構150によって、ブラシヘッド部130を回動させる。 The switch 200a is a switch that turns on and off the drive of the first drive mechanism 150 by the control unit 140. When the user turns on the switch 200a, the control unit 140 rotates the brush head unit 130 by the first drive mechanism 150.
 スイッチ200bは、第2駆動機構180の駆動をオン、オフするスイッチである。使用者がスイッチ200bをオンすることにより、第2駆動機構180は、ブラシヘッド部130を往復動作させる。 The switch 200b is a switch that turns on and off the drive of the second drive mechanism 180. When the user turns on the switch 200b, the second drive mechanism 180 reciprocates the brush head portion 130.
 (1-2.動作)
 つぎに、本実施の形態に係る電動歯ブラシ100の動作例について、図4を用いて、説明する。
(1-2. Operation)
Next, an operation example of the electric toothbrush 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
 なお、本動作例においては、上記所定の位置関係として、刷掃面133aが、刷掃面133aと対面する歯面210の接線方向に対して平行になるように、ブラシヘッド部130を回動させる場合について、説明する。 In this operation example, the brush head portion 130 is rotated so that the brush head portion 133a is parallel to the tangential direction of the tooth surface 210 facing the cleaning surface 133a as the above-mentioned predetermined positional relationship. The case of making the device will be described.
 図4は、ブラシヘッド部130の回動を説明するための模式図である。なお、図4は、ブラシヘッド部130の回動をわかりやすく図示するため、第1駆動機構150を省略して図示している。詳しくは、図4の(a)は、ブラシヘッド部130の刷掃面133aが、刷掃面133aの中心部と対面する箇所の歯面210の接線に対して傾斜している状態を示している。一方、図4の(b)は、制御部140がブラシヘッド部130を第1駆動機構150に回動させ、ブラシヘッド部130の刷掃面133aが歯面210の接線に対して平行になっている状態を示している。なお、図4には、センサ160aから歯面210までの距離を距離Aとし、センサ160bから歯面210までの距離を距離Bとして、図示している。 FIG. 4 is a schematic view for explaining the rotation of the brush head portion 130. In addition, in FIG. 4, in order to show the rotation of the brush head portion 130 in an easy-to-understand manner, the first drive mechanism 150 is omitted. Specifically, FIG. 4A shows a state in which the brush head portion 130 has a brush head portion 130 that is inclined with respect to the tangent line of the tooth surface 210 at a portion facing the central portion of the brush head portion 130. There is. On the other hand, in FIG. 4B, the control unit 140 rotates the brush head unit 130 to the first drive mechanism 150, and the cleaning surface 133a of the brush head unit 130 becomes parallel to the tangent line of the tooth surface 210. Indicates the state of. Note that FIG. 4 shows the distance from the sensor 160a to the tooth surface 210 as the distance A and the distance from the sensor 160b to the tooth surface 210 as the distance B.
 まず、図4の(a)に示す状態では、センサ160aは距離Aを計測し、センサ160bは距離Bを計測する。制御部140は、センサ160aおよび160bによって計測された距離Aおよび距離Bに基づいて、歯面210と刷掃面133aとの位置関係を特定する。この場合、具体的には、距離Aが距離Bよりも長い。そのため、制御部140は、刷掃面133aが、歯面210の接線方向に対して、刷掃面133aのセンサ160b側が歯面210に近くなるように傾斜し、刷掃面133aと歯面210とが平行ではないことを特定する。 First, in the state shown in FIG. 4A, the sensor 160a measures the distance A, and the sensor 160b measures the distance B. The control unit 140 identifies the positional relationship between the tooth surface 210 and the cleaning surface 133a based on the distance A and the distance B measured by the sensors 160a and 160b. In this case, specifically, the distance A is longer than the distance B. Therefore, in the control unit 140, the cleaning surface 133a is tilted so that the sensor 160b side of the cleaning surface 133a is closer to the tooth surface 210 with respect to the tangential direction of the tooth surface 210, and the cleaning surface 133a and the tooth surface 210 are inclined. Identify that and are not parallel.
 つぎに、制御部140は、上記で特定した位置関係に基づいて、歯面210と刷掃面133aとが所定の位置関係になるように、第1駆動機構150により、ブラシヘッド部130を回動させる。具体的には、制御部140は、距離Aが短くなる方向に、第1駆動機構150によりブラシヘッド部130を回動させる。なお、短くなる方向とは、図4の(a)に示す方向から見た場合、左回り(反時計回り)の方向である。これにより、図4の(b)で示すように、距離Aと距離Bとが等しく、刷掃面133aが歯面210の接線方向に対して平行な位置となる。その結果、歯面210を、効果的にブラッシングすることができる。 Next, the control unit 140 rotates the brush head unit 130 by the first drive mechanism 150 so that the tooth surface 210 and the cleaning surface 133a have a predetermined positional relationship based on the positional relationship specified above. Move it. Specifically, the control unit 140 rotates the brush head unit 130 by the first drive mechanism 150 in the direction in which the distance A becomes shorter. The shortening direction is a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the direction shown in FIG. 4A. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4B, the distance A and the distance B are equal, and the sweeping surface 133a is positioned parallel to the tangential direction of the tooth surface 210. As a result, the tooth surface 210 can be effectively brushed.
 以下、ブラシヘッド部130を回動させる動作について、図5を用いて、さらに詳細に説明する。 Hereinafter, the operation of rotating the brush head portion 130 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.
 図5は、同実施の形態に係る電動歯ブラシ100の動作例を示すフローチャートである。 FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the electric toothbrush 100 according to the embodiment.
 図5に示すように、まず、使用者は、スイッチ200aをオンする。これにより、制御部140は、第1駆動機構150の動作の制御を開始する。 As shown in FIG. 5, the user first turns on the switch 200a. As a result, the control unit 140 starts controlling the operation of the first drive mechanism 150.
 つぎに、センサ160aおよびセンサ160bは、それぞれ、歯面までの距離を測定する(ステップS11)。ここでは、図4と同様に、センサ160aから歯面210までの距離を距離Aとし、センサ160bから歯面210までの距離を距離Bとする。 Next, the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b each measure the distance to the tooth surface (step S11). Here, as in FIG. 4, the distance from the sensor 160a to the tooth surface 210 is defined as the distance A, and the distance from the sensor 160b to the tooth surface 210 is defined as the distance B.
 つぎに、制御部140は、センサ160aおよび160bから、距離Aおよび距離Bの情報を受け取り、距離Aが、距離Bよりも大きいか否かを判定する(ステップS12)。なお、ステップS12において、制御部140は、距離Aが、所定の閾値以上、距離Bよりも大きいか否かを判定してもよい。なお、所定の閾値は、例えば、目的とするブラシヘッド部130の刷掃面133aの位置の調整精度などに応じて、任意に設定される。 Next, the control unit 140 receives information on the distance A and the distance B from the sensors 160a and 160b, and determines whether or not the distance A is larger than the distance B (step S12). In step S12, the control unit 140 may determine whether or not the distance A is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold and greater than or equal to the distance B. The predetermined threshold value is arbitrarily set according to, for example, the adjustment accuracy of the position of the cleaning surface 133a of the target brush head portion 130.
 このとき、距離Aが、距離Bよりも大きい場合(ステップS12のYes)、制御部140は、距離Aが短くなる方向に、第1駆動機構150により、ブラシヘッド部130を回動させる(ステップS13)。例えば、刷掃面133aのセンサ160b側が歯面210に近くなるように傾斜していると特定した場合、制御部140は、第1駆動機構150により、距離Aが短くなる方向に、軸体110の軸方向に対するブラシヘッド部130の長手方向の角度を、1°回動させる。なお、回動させる角度は、上記1°に限らず、例えば、位置関係の調整精度および調整時間などによって、任意の角度に設定される。そして、ステップS13を実行後、再び、ステップS11に戻って、以降の動作が実行される。つまり、距離Aが距離Bよりも大きい場合、ステップS11からステップS13までの動作が繰り返し実行される。これにより、距離Aが短くなり、距離Aと距離Bとの差が小さくなる。その結果、軸体110の軸方向に対するブラシヘッド部130の長手方向の角度が、調整される。 At this time, when the distance A is larger than the distance B (Yes in step S12), the control unit 140 rotates the brush head unit 130 by the first drive mechanism 150 in the direction in which the distance A becomes shorter (step). S13). For example, when it is specified that the sensor 160b side of the sweeping surface 133a is inclined so as to be close to the tooth surface 210, the control unit 140 uses the first drive mechanism 150 to shorten the distance A in the shaft body 110. The longitudinal angle of the brush head portion 130 with respect to the axial direction of the brush head portion 130 is rotated by 1 °. The angle of rotation is not limited to the above 1 °, and is set to an arbitrary angle depending on, for example, the adjustment accuracy and the adjustment time of the positional relationship. Then, after executing step S13, the process returns to step S11 again, and the subsequent operations are executed. That is, when the distance A is larger than the distance B, the operations from step S11 to step S13 are repeatedly executed. As a result, the distance A becomes shorter, and the difference between the distance A and the distance B becomes smaller. As a result, the longitudinal angle of the brush head portion 130 with respect to the axial direction of the shaft body 110 is adjusted.
 一方、距離Aが、距離Bよりも大きくない場合(ステップS12のNo)、制御部140は、距離Aが、距離Bよりも小さいか否かを判定する(ステップS14)。なお、ステップS14において、制御部140は、距離Aが、所定の閾値以上で、距離Bよりも小さいか否かを判定してもよい。なお、所定の閾値は、例えば、目的とするブラシヘッド部130の角度の調整精度などに応じて、任意の値に設定される。 On the other hand, when the distance A is not larger than the distance B (No in step S12), the control unit 140 determines whether or not the distance A is smaller than the distance B (step S14). In step S14, the control unit 140 may determine whether or not the distance A is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value and smaller than the distance B. The predetermined threshold value is set to an arbitrary value according to, for example, the adjustment accuracy of the angle of the target brush head portion 130.
 このとき、距離Aが、距離Bよりも小さい場合(ステップS14のYes)、制御部140は、距離Bが短くなる方向に、第1駆動機構150により、ブラシヘッド部130を回動させる(ステップS15)。例えば、刷掃面133aのセンサ160a側が歯面210に近くなるように傾斜していると特定した場合、制御部140は、第1駆動機構150により、距離Bが短くなる方向に、軸体110の軸方向に対するブラシヘッド部130の長手方向の角度を、1°回動させる。なお、回動させる角度は、上記1°に限らず、例えば、位置関係の調整精度および調整時間などによって、任意の角度に設定される。そして、ステップS15を実行後、再び、ステップS11に戻って、以降の動作が実行される。つまり、距離Aが距離Bよりも小さい場合、ステップS11からステップS15までの動作が繰り返し実行される。これにより、距離Bが短くなり、距離Aと距離Bとの差が小さくなる。その結果、軸体110の軸方向に対するブラシヘッド部130の長手方向の角度が、調整される。 At this time, when the distance A is smaller than the distance B (Yes in step S14), the control unit 140 rotates the brush head unit 130 by the first drive mechanism 150 in the direction in which the distance B becomes shorter (step). S15). For example, when it is specified that the sensor 160a side of the sweeping surface 133a is inclined so as to be close to the tooth surface 210, the control unit 140 uses the first drive mechanism 150 to shorten the distance B in the shaft body 110. The longitudinal angle of the brush head portion 130 with respect to the axial direction of the brush head portion 130 is rotated by 1 °. The angle of rotation is not limited to the above 1 °, and is set to an arbitrary angle depending on, for example, the adjustment accuracy and the adjustment time of the positional relationship. Then, after executing step S15, the process returns to step S11 again, and the subsequent operations are executed. That is, when the distance A is smaller than the distance B, the operations from step S11 to step S15 are repeatedly executed. As a result, the distance B becomes shorter, and the difference between the distance A and the distance B becomes smaller. As a result, the longitudinal angle of the brush head portion 130 with respect to the axial direction of the shaft body 110 is adjusted.
 一方、距離Aが、距離Bよりも小さくない場合(ステップS14のNo)、制御部140は、距離Aと距離Bとが等しいと判定する。つまり、制御部140は、刷掃面133aが、刷掃面133aと対面する歯面210の接線方向に対して平行になっていると特定する。そして、制御部140は、第1駆動機構150の制御動作を終了する。 On the other hand, when the distance A is not smaller than the distance B (No in step S14), the control unit 140 determines that the distance A and the distance B are equal. That is, the control unit 140 identifies that the sweeping surface 133a is parallel to the tangential direction of the tooth surface 210 facing the cleaning surface 133a. Then, the control unit 140 ends the control operation of the first drive mechanism 150.
 以上のようなブラシヘッド部130を回動させる動作が、例えば、一定時間ごとに、繰り返し実行される。 The operation of rotating the brush head portion 130 as described above is repeatedly executed, for example, at regular intervals.
 なお、ステップS14において、判定結果がNoの場合でも、動作を終了しなくてもよい。例えば、制御部140は、再び、ステップS11からの動作を実行し、常時、ブラシヘッド部130の回動を制御する構成としてもよい。 Note that in step S14, even if the determination result is No, the operation does not have to end. For example, the control unit 140 may be configured to execute the operation from step S11 again and constantly control the rotation of the brush head unit 130.
 また、ステップS13およびステップS15において、制御部140は、例えば角度を、1°ずつ、回動させる例で説明したが、これに限られない。例えば、制御部140は、まず、距離Aと距離Bとが等しくなる、ブラシヘッド部130の回動量を算出する。そして、制御部140は、算出した回動量に基づいて、第1駆動機構150により、ブラシヘッド部130を回動させる構成としてもよい。 Further, in step S13 and step S15, the control unit 140 has been described with an example in which the angle is rotated by 1 °, for example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 140 first calculates the amount of rotation of the brush head unit 130 at which the distance A and the distance B are equal. Then, the control unit 140 may be configured to rotate the brush head unit 130 by the first drive mechanism 150 based on the calculated rotation amount.
 以上のように、本実施の形態に係る電動歯ブラシ100では、図5に示す、ステップS12およびステップS14の動作によって、刷掃面133aと歯面210との位置関係を特定する。そのため、制御部140は、口腔内のブラシヘッド部130の絶対位置および電動歯ブラシ100自体の姿勢などを特定しなくても、歯面210と刷掃面133aとの位置関係を特定できる。さらに、ステップS13およびS15の動作によって、特定した位置関係に基づいて、歯面210と刷掃面133aとを所定の位置関係になるように、制御部140は、第1駆動機構150により、ブラシヘッド部130を回動させる。これにより、以下、図6に示すように、歯面210の形状に合わせて、刷掃面133aの位置が調整される。 As described above, in the electric toothbrush 100 according to the present embodiment, the positional relationship between the sweeping surface 133a and the tooth surface 210 is specified by the operations of steps S12 and S14 shown in FIG. Therefore, the control unit 140 can specify the positional relationship between the tooth surface 210 and the brushing surface 133a without specifying the absolute position of the brush head unit 130 in the oral cavity and the posture of the electric toothbrush 100 itself. Further, the control unit 140 is brushed by the first drive mechanism 150 so that the tooth surface 210 and the cleaning surface 133a have a predetermined positional relationship based on the specified positional relationship by the operations of steps S13 and S15. The head portion 130 is rotated. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the position of the sweeping surface 133a is adjusted according to the shape of the tooth surface 210.
 図6は、電動歯ブラシ100によって歯面210を刷掃する様子を示す模式図である。 FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing how the electric toothbrush 100 wipes the tooth surface 210.
 図6の(a)および(b)に示すように、本実施の形態の電動歯ブラシ100は、刷掃面133aが当接する歯面210の位置が変化しても、例えば、刷掃面133aが歯面210の接線方向に平行になるように、ブラシヘッド部130が回動される。これにより、電動歯ブラシ100は歯面210を、効果的にブラッシングできる。 As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, in the electric toothbrush 100 of the present embodiment, even if the position of the tooth surface 210 with which the cleaning surface 133a abuts changes, for example, the cleaning surface 133a The brush head portion 130 is rotated so as to be parallel to the tangential direction of the tooth surface 210. As a result, the electric toothbrush 100 can effectively brush the tooth surface 210.
 (1-3.効果等)
 以上のように、本実施の形態に係る電動歯ブラシ100は、歯面210を刷掃する電動歯ブラシである。電動歯ブラシ100は、軸体110と、把持部120と、ブラシヘッド部130と、第1駆動機構150を備える。把持部120は、軸体110の軸方向の一端側に接続される。ブラシヘッド部130は、ブラシ台131と、ブラシ台131に設けられ、刷掃するための刷掃面133aを備えるブラシ133を有する。ブラシヘッド部130は、軸体110の軸方向と交差する方向を回動の軸として回動可能に、軸体110の軸方向の他端側に接続される。第1駆動機構150は、ブラシヘッド部130を回動させる。制御部140は、歯面210と刷掃面133aとの位置関係を特定する。そして、制御部140は、特定した位置関係に基づいて、歯面210と刷掃面133aとを、所定の位置関係になるように、第1駆動機構150により、ブラシヘッド部130を回動させる。
(1-3. Effects, etc.)
As described above, the electric toothbrush 100 according to the present embodiment is an electric toothbrush that wipes the tooth surface 210. The electric toothbrush 100 includes a shaft body 110, a grip portion 120, a brush head portion 130, and a first drive mechanism 150. The grip portion 120 is connected to one end side of the shaft body 110 in the axial direction. The brush head portion 130 has a brush base 131 and a brush 133 provided on the brush base 131 and provided with a brushing surface 133a for wiping. The brush head portion 130 is rotatably connected to the other end side of the shaft body 110 in the axial direction so as to be rotatable about a direction intersecting the axial direction of the shaft body 110 as a rotation axis. The first drive mechanism 150 rotates the brush head portion 130. The control unit 140 specifies the positional relationship between the tooth surface 210 and the cleaning surface 133a. Then, the control unit 140 rotates the brush head unit 130 by the first drive mechanism 150 so that the tooth surface 210 and the brush surface 133a have a predetermined positional relationship based on the specified positional relationship. ..
 この構成によれば、使用者が口腔内のブラシヘッド部130の位置(角度)を認識(視認)できなくても、制御部140は、軸体110の軸方向に対するブラシヘッド部130の位置(角度)を調整して、歯面210と刷掃面133aとを所定の位置関係に保つことができる。そのため、使用者自身がブラシヘッド部130の位置(角度)を変化させなくても、刷掃面133aの位置を、自動で、歯面210に追従させることができる。これにより、電動歯ブラシ100で、歯面210を、効果的にブラッシングできる。 According to this configuration, even if the user cannot recognize (visually recognize) the position (angle) of the brush head portion 130 in the oral cavity, the control unit 140 can perform the position (position of the brush head portion 130 with respect to the axial direction of the shaft body 110). The angle) can be adjusted to keep the tooth surface 210 and the brush surface 133a in a predetermined positional relationship. Therefore, the position of the cleaning surface 133a can be automatically made to follow the tooth surface 210 without changing the position (angle) of the brush head portion 130 by the user himself / herself. As a result, the tooth surface 210 can be effectively brushed with the electric toothbrush 100.
 また、ブラシヘッド部130は、刷掃面133aと平行な方向、かつ、軸体110の軸方向と直交する方向を回動の軸として、軸体110の軸方向の他端側に、回動可能に接続される。 Further, the brush head portion 130 rotates toward the other end side of the shaft body 110 in the axial direction with the direction parallel to the sweeping surface 133a and the direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the shaft body 110 as the axis of rotation. Can be connected.
 この構成によれば、軸体110の軸方向に対する刷掃面133aの角度が傾斜するように、ブラシヘッド部130を回動できる。そのため、使用者自身がブラシヘッド部130の位置(角度)を変化させなくても、1本ずつの歯の丸みに沿うように、刷掃面133aを当接させて、ブラッシングができる。これにより、電動歯ブラシ100で、歯面210を、効果的にブラッシングできる。 According to this configuration, the brush head portion 130 can be rotated so that the angle of the sweeping surface 133a with respect to the axial direction of the shaft body 110 is inclined. Therefore, even if the user himself / herself does not change the position (angle) of the brush head portion 130, the brushing surface 133a can be brought into contact with the brush head portion 130a so as to follow the roundness of each tooth for brushing. As a result, the tooth surface 210 can be effectively brushed with the electric toothbrush 100.
 また、電動歯ブラシ100は、ブラシヘッド部130に設けられ、歯面210との距離を測定する複数のセンサ160aおよびセンサ160bを備える。制御部140は、複数のセンサ160aおよびセンサ160bのそれぞれによって測定された距離に基づいて、歯面210と刷掃面133aとの位置関係を特定する。 Further, the electric toothbrush 100 is provided on the brush head portion 130 and includes a plurality of sensors 160a and sensors 160b for measuring the distance from the tooth surface 210. The control unit 140 identifies the positional relationship between the tooth surface 210 and the scavenging surface 133a based on the distances measured by each of the plurality of sensors 160a and the sensors 160b.
 この構成によれば、ブラシヘッド部130に設けられた複数のセンサ160aおよび160bによって測定された距離に基づいて、歯面210と刷掃面133aとの位置関係が特定される。そのため、制御部140は、口腔内のブラシヘッド部130の絶対位置および電動歯ブラシ100自体の姿勢などを特定しなくても、歯面210と刷掃面133aとの位置関係を特定できる。これにより、電動歯ブラシ100の構成を簡素化できる。 According to this configuration, the positional relationship between the tooth surface 210 and the cleaning surface 133a is specified based on the distances measured by the plurality of sensors 160a and 160b provided on the brush head portion 130. Therefore, the control unit 140 can specify the positional relationship between the tooth surface 210 and the brushing surface 133a without specifying the absolute position of the brush head unit 130 in the oral cavity and the posture of the electric toothbrush 100 itself. This makes it possible to simplify the configuration of the electric toothbrush 100.
 また、複数のセンサ160aおよびセンサ160bは、それぞれ、刷掃面133aまでの距離よりも長い距離を測定可能な非接触式センサである。 Further, each of the plurality of sensors 160a and 160b is a non-contact type sensor capable of measuring a distance longer than the distance to the cleaning surface 133a.
 この構成によれば、刷掃面133aと歯面210とが離れた状態でも、複数のセンサ160aおよびセンサ160bは、歯面210との距離を測定できる。そのため、使用者が刷掃面133aを歯面210に当接させる前から、制御部140は、歯面210と刷掃面133aとを所定の位置関係になるように、第1駆動機構150により、ブラシヘッド部130を回動させることができる。これにより、電動歯ブラシ100で、歯面210を、円滑にブラッシングをできる。 According to this configuration, even when the sweeping surface 133a and the tooth surface 210 are separated from each other, the plurality of sensors 160a and the sensor 160b can measure the distance from the tooth surface 210. Therefore, even before the user brings the brush surface 133a into contact with the tooth surface 210, the control unit 140 uses the first drive mechanism 150 so that the tooth surface 210 and the brush surface 133a are in a predetermined positional relationship. , The brush head portion 130 can be rotated. As a result, the electric toothbrush 100 can smoothly brush the tooth surface 210.
 また、電動歯ブラシ100は、軸体110の軸方向にブラシヘッド部130を往復動作させる第2駆動機構180を備える。 Further, the electric toothbrush 100 includes a second drive mechanism 180 that reciprocates the brush head portion 130 in the axial direction of the shaft body 110.
 この構成によれば、電動歯ブラシ100は、刷掃面133aを歯面210に当接させるだけで、ブラシヘッド部130の往復動作によって、歯面210を刷掃できる。 According to this configuration, the electric toothbrush 100 can wipe the tooth surface 210 by the reciprocating operation of the brush head portion 130 only by bringing the brushing surface 133a into contact with the tooth surface 210.
 (1-4.変形例)
 つぎに、本実施の形態の変形例について、図7を用いて、説明する。
(1-4. Modification example)
Next, a modified example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7.
 図7は、ブラシヘッド部130Aを、刷掃面133aの正面から見た場合の模式図である。 FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the brush head portion 130A as viewed from the front of the sweep surface 133a.
 図7に示すように、本変形例に係る電動歯ブラシは、ブラシヘッド部130の代わりに、ブラシヘッド部130Aを備える。ブラシヘッド部130Aは、センサ160aおよび160bに加えて、さらに、センサ160cを備える点で、ブラシヘッド部130と相違する。 As shown in FIG. 7, the electric toothbrush according to this modification includes a brush head portion 130A instead of the brush head portion 130. The brush head portion 130A differs from the brush head portion 130 in that the sensor 160c is further provided in addition to the sensors 160a and 160b.
 つまり、本変形例に係る電動歯ブラシは、複数のセンサ160aおよびセンサ160bに加えて、センサ160cを、さらに備える。センサ160cは、例えば、センサ160aおよび160bと同じ種類のセンサである。なお、本変形例においては、センサの数は、3つであるが、3つに限られず、4つ以上であってもよい。 That is, the electric toothbrush according to the present modification further includes the sensor 160c in addition to the plurality of sensors 160a and 160b. The sensor 160c is, for example, a sensor of the same type as the sensors 160a and 160b. In this modification, the number of sensors is three, but the number is not limited to three, and may be four or more.
 センサ160a、センサ160bおよびセンサ160cは、ブラシ台131の植毛面131aに設けられる。センサ160aおよびセンサ160bは、上記実施の形態と同様の位置に配置される。一方、センサ160cは、植毛面131aにおける回動軸体132(図1参照)の軸方向と垂直な方向で、センサ160aとセンサ160bとの間の位置に配置される。図7に示す例では、センサ160cは、上記センサ160aとセンサ160bとの中点の位置に配設される。また、センサ160a、センサ160bおよびセンサ160cとは、植毛面131aの長手方向に沿って、植毛面131aの中央位置L2に並んで配設される。 The sensor 160a, the sensor 160b, and the sensor 160c are provided on the flocked surface 131a of the brush base 131. The sensor 160a and the sensor 160b are arranged at the same positions as in the above embodiment. On the other hand, the sensor 160c is arranged at a position between the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft body 132 (see FIG. 1) on the flocked surface 131a. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the sensor 160c is arranged at the midpoint position between the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b. Further, the sensor 160a, the sensor 160b, and the sensor 160c are arranged side by side at the central position L2 of the flocked surface 131a along the longitudinal direction of the flocked surface 131a.
 つぎに、本変形例に係る電動歯ブラシ100の動作例について、図8を用いて、説明する。 Next, an operation example of the electric toothbrush 100 according to this modification will be described with reference to FIG.
 図8は、ブラシヘッド部130Aの回動を説明するための模式図である。なお、図8は、ブラシヘッド部130Aの回動をわかりやすく図示するため、第1駆動機構150を省略して図示している。また、図8において、歯間220は、複数、並んだ歯の歯面210の凹部である。 FIG. 8 is a schematic view for explaining the rotation of the brush head portion 130A. In addition, in FIG. 8, in order to show the rotation of the brush head portion 130A in an easy-to-understand manner, the first drive mechanism 150 is omitted. Further, in FIG. 8, the inter-tooth 220 is a recess of a plurality of tooth surfaces 210 of the arranged teeth.
 詳しくは、図8の(a)は、ブラシヘッド部130Aの刷掃面133aが、歯間220に対面している状態を示している。一方、図8の(b)は、制御部140がブラシヘッド部130Aを第1駆動機構150に回動させ、ブラシヘッド部130Aの刷掃面133aが歯面210の接線に対して平行になっている状態を示している。なお、図8には、センサ160aから歯面210までの距離を距離A、センサ160bから歯面210までの距離を距離B、センサ160cからの歯面210までの距離を距離Cとして、図示している。 Specifically, FIG. 8A shows a state in which the brush head portion 130A has the sweeping surface 133a facing the inter-tooth 220. On the other hand, in FIG. 8B, the control unit 140 rotates the brush head unit 130A to the first drive mechanism 150, and the sweep surface 133a of the brush head unit 130A becomes parallel to the tangent line of the tooth surface 210. Indicates the state of. Note that FIG. 8 shows the distance from the sensor 160a to the tooth surface 210 as the distance A, the distance from the sensor 160b to the tooth surface 210 as the distance B, and the distance from the sensor 160c to the tooth surface 210 as the distance C. ing.
 まず、図8の(a)に示す状態では、センサ160aは距離Aを計測し、センサ160bは距離Bを計測し、センサ160cは距離Cを計測する。制御部140は、センサ160a、160bおよび160cによって計測された距離A、距離Bおよび距離Cに基づいて、歯面210の凹凸、例えば、歯面210における歯間220を検出する。この場合、具体的には、距離Aと距離Bとが同じで、距離Cは、距離Aおよび距離Bよりも長い。そのため、制御部140は、刷掃面133aが、対面する歯面210において、センサ160aおよびセンサ160bと対面する位置の歯面210よりも、センサ160cが対面する位置の歯面210が、凹んでいることを特定する。 First, in the state shown in FIG. 8A, the sensor 160a measures the distance A, the sensor 160b measures the distance B, and the sensor 160c measures the distance C. The control unit 140 detects the unevenness of the tooth surface 210, for example, the interdental 220 on the tooth surface 210, based on the distance A, the distance B, and the distance C measured by the sensors 160a, 160b, and 160c. In this case, specifically, the distance A and the distance B are the same, and the distance C is longer than the distance A and the distance B. Therefore, in the control unit 140, the tooth surface 210 at the position where the sensor 160c faces is recessed from the tooth surface 210 at the position where the cleaning surface 133a faces the sensor 160a and the sensor 160b. Identify that you are.
 つぎに、制御部140は、特定した歯面210の凹凸に基づいて、第1駆動機構150により、ブラシヘッド部130Aを回動させる。具体的には、制御部140は、第1駆動機構150に、所定の角度分、軸体110に対するブラシヘッド部130Aの長手方向の角度を回動させる。なお、所定の角度分とは、例えば、刷掃面133aが歯間220と対面しなくなる角度分である。その結果、図8の(b)で示すように、刷掃面133aが歯間220と対面しない位置となる。これにより、歯間220と対面している場合における、刷掃面133aが歯面210に、適切に当接しない状態を回避して、ブラシヘッド部130Aの位置の調整をやり直すことができる。 Next, the control unit 140 rotates the brush head unit 130A by the first drive mechanism 150 based on the unevenness of the specified tooth surface 210. Specifically, the control unit 140 causes the first drive mechanism 150 to rotate the angle of the brush head unit 130A with respect to the shaft body 110 in the longitudinal direction by a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle is, for example, the angle at which the sweeping surface 133a does not face the inter-tooth 220. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8B, the sweeping surface 133a is at a position where it does not face the inter-tooth 220. As a result, the position of the brush head portion 130A can be readjusted while avoiding a state in which the brushing surface 133a does not properly abut on the tooth surface 210 when facing the tooth spacing 220.
 そして、位置の調整後、上述した図5に示すステップS11からステップS15の動作によって、制御部140は、第1駆動機構150により、ブラシヘッド部130Aを回動させる。これにより、歯面210と刷掃面133aとを、所定の位置関係になるように、調整できる。 Then, after adjusting the position, the control unit 140 rotates the brush head unit 130A by the first drive mechanism 150 by the operation of steps S11 to S15 shown in FIG. 5 described above. Thereby, the tooth surface 210 and the scavenging surface 133a can be adjusted so as to have a predetermined positional relationship.
 以下、ブラシヘッド部130Aを回動させる動作について、図9を用いて、さらに詳細に説明する。 Hereinafter, the operation of rotating the brush head portion 130A will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.
 図9は、本変形例に係る電動歯ブラシの動作例を示すフローチャートである。 FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the electric toothbrush according to this modification.
 図9に示すように、まず、使用者は、スイッチ200aをオンする。これにより、制御部140は、第1駆動機構150の動作の制御を開始する。 As shown in FIG. 9, the user first turns on the switch 200a. As a result, the control unit 140 starts controlling the operation of the first drive mechanism 150.
 つぎに、センサ160a、160bおよび160cは、歯面210までの距離を測定する(ステップS21)。ここでは、図8と同様に、センサ160aから歯面210までの距離を距離Aとし、センサ160bから歯面210までの距離を距離Bとし、センサ160cからの歯面210までの距離を距離Cとする。 Next, the sensors 160a, 160b and 160c measure the distance to the tooth surface 210 (step S21). Here, as in FIG. 8, the distance from the sensor 160a to the tooth surface 210 is defined as the distance A, the distance from the sensor 160b to the tooth surface 210 is defined as the distance B, and the distance from the sensor 160c to the tooth surface 210 is defined as the distance C. And.
 つぎに、制御部140は、センサ160a、センサ160bおよびセンサ160cから、距離A、距離Bおよび距離Cの情報を受け取り、距離Aが、距離Bよりも大きいか否かを判定する(ステップS22)。このとき、距離Aが、距離Bよりも大きい場合(ステップS22のYes)、制御部140は、距離Aが短くなる方向に、第1駆動機構150により、ブラシヘッド部130Aを回動させる(ステップS23)。そして、ステップS23を実行後、再び、ステップS21に戻って、以降の動作を実行する。 Next, the control unit 140 receives information on the distance A, the distance B, and the distance C from the sensor 160a, the sensor 160b, and the sensor 160c, and determines whether or not the distance A is larger than the distance B (step S22). .. At this time, when the distance A is larger than the distance B (Yes in step S22), the control unit 140 rotates the brush head unit 130A by the first drive mechanism 150 in the direction in which the distance A becomes shorter (step). S23). Then, after executing step S23, the process returns to step S21 again to execute the subsequent operations.
 一方、距離Aが、距離Bよりも大きくない場合(ステップS22のNo)、制御部140は、距離Aが、距離Bよりも小さいか否かを判定する(ステップS24)。このとき、距離Aが、距離Bよりも小さい場合(ステップS24のYes)、制御部140は、距離Bが短くなる方向に、第1駆動機構150により、ブラシヘッド部130Aを回動させる(ステップS25)。そして、ステップS25の実行後、再び、ステップS21に戻って、以降の動作を実行する。なお、ステップS22からステップS25までの動作は、上述の図5に示すステップS12からステップS15までの動作と同様の動作である。 On the other hand, when the distance A is not larger than the distance B (No in step S22), the control unit 140 determines whether or not the distance A is smaller than the distance B (step S24). At this time, when the distance A is smaller than the distance B (Yes in step S24), the control unit 140 rotates the brush head unit 130A by the first drive mechanism 150 in the direction in which the distance B becomes shorter (step). S25). Then, after the execution of step S25, the process returns to step S21 again to execute the subsequent operations. The operation from step S22 to step S25 is the same as the operation from step S12 to step S15 shown in FIG. 5 described above.
 一方、距離Aが、距離Bよりも小さくない場合(ステップS24でNo)、制御部140は、距離Aが、距離Cよりも小さいか否かを判定する(ステップS26)。なお、ステップS26において、制御部140は、距離Aが、所定の閾値以上で、距離Cよりも小さいか否かを判定してもよい。ここで、所定の閾値は、例えば、使用者の歯の形状などに応じて、任意の値に設定される。 On the other hand, when the distance A is not smaller than the distance B (No in step S24), the control unit 140 determines whether or not the distance A is smaller than the distance C (step S26). In step S26, the control unit 140 may determine whether or not the distance A is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value and smaller than the distance C. Here, the predetermined threshold value is set to an arbitrary value according to, for example, the shape of the user's teeth.
 このとき、距離Aが、距離Cよりも小さい場合(ステップS26のYes)、制御部140は、所定の角度、第1駆動機構150により、ブラシヘッド部130Aを回動させる(ステップS27)。具体的には、例えば、制御部140は、刷掃面133aと対面している箇所が、凹んでいると特定する。そして、制御部140は、第1駆動機構150により、ブラシヘッド部130Aを、例えば、30°回動させる。 At this time, if the distance A is smaller than the distance C (Yes in step S26), the control unit 140 rotates the brush head unit 130A by the first drive mechanism 150 at a predetermined angle (step S27). Specifically, for example, the control unit 140 specifies that the portion facing the cleaning surface 133a is recessed. Then, the control unit 140 rotates the brush head unit 130A by, for example, 30 ° by the first drive mechanism 150.
 なお、回動させる角度は、上記30°に限らず、例えば、ステップS23およびステップS25よりも大きい角度に設定するなど、ブラシヘッド部130Aの形状などを考慮し、予め設定される。また、回動させる方向は、いずれの方向でもよい。さらに、例えば、ブラシヘッド部130Aの長手方向が軸体110の軸方向に対して傾斜している場合、傾斜を減らす方向に、回動させてもよい。 The angle of rotation is not limited to the above 30 °, but is set in advance in consideration of the shape of the brush head portion 130A, for example, setting an angle larger than that of step S23 and step S25. Further, the direction of rotation may be any direction. Further, for example, when the longitudinal direction of the brush head portion 130A is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the shaft body 110, the brush head portion 130A may be rotated in a direction of reducing the inclination.
 そして、ステップS26の実行後、再び、ステップS21に戻って、以降の動作を実行する。 Then, after the execution of step S26, the process returns to step S21 again to execute the subsequent operations.
 このとき、距離Aが、距離Cよりも小さくない場合(ステップS27のNo)、制御部140は、距離Aと距離Bとが等しく、かつ、距離Cが、距離Aおよび距離B以上であると判定する。この場合、制御部140は、刷掃面133aが、刷掃面133aと対面する歯面210の接線方向に対して平行、かつ、刷掃面133aと対面する歯面210が、凸状または平坦であると特定する。そして、制御部140は、第1駆動機構150の動作の制御を終了する。 At this time, when the distance A is not smaller than the distance C (No in step S27), the control unit 140 states that the distance A and the distance B are equal and the distance C is equal to or greater than the distance A and the distance B. judge. In this case, in the control unit 140, the cleaning surface 133a is parallel to the tangential direction of the tooth surface 210 facing the cleaning surface 133a, and the tooth surface 210 facing the cleaning surface 133a is convex or flat. Identify as. Then, the control unit 140 ends the control of the operation of the first drive mechanism 150.
 以上のようなブラシヘッド部130Aを回動させる動作が、例えば、一定時間ごとに、繰り返し実行される。 The operation of rotating the brush head portion 130A as described above is repeatedly executed, for example, at regular intervals.
 なお、ステップS26において、判定結果がNoの場合、動作を終了しなくてもよい。例えば、制御部140は、再び、ステップS21からの動作を実行し、常時、ブラシヘッド部130Aの回動を制御する構成としてもよい。 If the determination result is No in step S26, the operation does not have to end. For example, the control unit 140 may be configured to execute the operation from step S21 again and constantly control the rotation of the brush head unit 130A.
 また、ステップS26は、ステップS22の実行前に、実行する構成としてもよい。この場合、距離Aが距離Cよりも短い場合、ステップS27を実行してもよい。また、距離Aおよび距離Bのいずれもが、距離Cよりも短い場合に、ステップS27を実行してもよい。 Further, step S26 may be configured to be executed before the execution of step S22. In this case, if the distance A is shorter than the distance C, step S27 may be executed. Further, step S27 may be executed when both the distance A and the distance B are shorter than the distance C.
 以上のように、本変形例に係る電動歯ブラシは、複数のセンサの数は、3つ以上である。制御部140は、複数のセンサ160a、センサ160bおよびセンサ160cのそれぞれによって測定された距離に基づいて、歯面210の凹凸を特定し、特定した歯面210の凹凸に基づいて、第1駆動機構150により、ブラシヘッド部130Aを回動させる。 As described above, the electric toothbrush according to this modification has three or more sensors. The control unit 140 identifies the unevenness of the tooth surface 210 based on the distances measured by each of the plurality of sensors 160a, the sensor 160b, and the sensor 160c, and the first drive mechanism is based on the unevenness of the specified tooth surface 210. The brush head portion 130A is rotated by the 150.
 この構成によれば、制御部140は、刷掃面133aに対面している歯面210の箇所が、歯間220のような凹部であるか否か、または、歯面210の丸みによる凸部であるか否かなどを、特定できる。例えば、制御部140が、刷掃面133aと歯間220とが対面していると特定した場合、ブラシヘッド部130Aを回動させる。これにより、刷掃面133aと歯間220とが対面している状態を解消できる。そのため、刷掃面133aと歯面210の凸部とが、適切に当接していない状態でのブラッシングを回避できる。 According to this configuration, the control unit 140 determines whether or not the portion of the tooth surface 210 facing the cleaning surface 133a is a concave portion such as an inter-tooth 220, or a convex portion due to the roundness of the tooth surface 210. It is possible to specify whether or not it is. For example, when the control unit 140 identifies that the sweeping surface 133a and the tooth spacing 220 are facing each other, the brush head unit 130A is rotated. As a result, the state in which the sweeping surface 133a and the tooth spacing 220 face each other can be eliminated. Therefore, brushing in a state where the printing surface 133a and the convex portion of the tooth surface 210 are not properly in contact with each other can be avoided.
 (その他の実施の形態)
 以上、本開示に係る電動歯ブラシについて、上記実施の形態に基づいて説明したが、本開示は、上記実施の形態に限定されるものではない。
(Other embodiments)
The electric toothbrush according to the present disclosure has been described above based on the above-described embodiment, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment.
 例えば、上記実施の形態では、ブラシヘッド部130は、刷掃面133aと平行な方向、かつ、軸体110の軸方向と直交する方向を回動の軸として、回動可能に、軸体110の軸方向の他端側に接続される構成を例に説明したが、これに限らない。例えば、ブラシヘッド部130は、上記以外の軸体110の軸方向と交差する方向を回動の軸として、回動可能に、軸体110の軸方向の他端側に接続される構成としてもよい。具体的には、図10に示すように、ブラシヘッド部130は、刷掃面133aと垂直な方向(直交する方向)、かつ、軸体110の軸方向と直交する方向を回動の軸として、回動可能に、軸体110の軸方向の他端側に接続されてもよい。 For example, in the above embodiment, the brush head portion 130 is rotatable about the direction parallel to the sweeping surface 133a and the direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the shaft body 110 as the axis of rotation. The configuration connected to the other end side in the axial direction of the above has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the brush head portion 130 may be rotatably connected to the other end side of the shaft body 110 in the axial direction with the direction intersecting the axial direction of the shaft body 110 other than the above as the axis of rotation. good. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the brush head portion 130 has a direction perpendicular to the sweeping surface 133a (orthogonal direction) and a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the shaft body 110 as the axis of rotation. , May be rotatably connected to the other end side of the shaft body 110 in the axial direction.
 つまり。図10に示す電動歯ブラシ100Aは、電動歯ブラシ100と比較して、ブラシヘッド部130が、軸体110に軸支される方向が異なる。回動軸体132の軸方向は、軸体110の軸方向に対して垂直である。そのため、電動歯ブラシ100Aは、軸体110の軸方向に対する刷掃面133aの角度が変化しないように、ブラシヘッド部130が回動する。この場合、例えば、制御部140は、まず、刷掃面133aと歯面210とが対面しているかを特定する。そして、制御部140は、刷掃面133aの全体が歯面210と対面するように、第1駆動機構150により、ブラシヘッド部130を回動させる。 in short. The electric toothbrush 100A shown in FIG. 10 has a different direction in which the brush head portion 130 is pivotally supported by the shaft body 110 as compared with the electric toothbrush 100. The axial direction of the rotating shaft body 132 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft body 110. Therefore, in the electric toothbrush 100A, the brush head portion 130 rotates so that the angle of the sweeping surface 133a with respect to the axial direction of the shaft body 110 does not change. In this case, for example, the control unit 140 first identifies whether the sweeping surface 133a and the tooth surface 210 are facing each other. Then, the control unit 140 rotates the brush head unit 130 by the first drive mechanism 150 so that the entire cleaning surface 133a faces the tooth surface 210.
 また、上記実施の形態では、電動歯ブラシ100は、第2駆動機構180を備える構成を例に説明したが、これに限られない。例えば、電動歯ブラシ100は、第2駆動機構180を備えない構成としてもよい。つまり、電動歯ブラシ100は、ブラシヘッド部130が回動するだけの構成としてもよい。 Further, in the above embodiment, the electric toothbrush 100 has been described as an example of a configuration including the second drive mechanism 180, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the electric toothbrush 100 may be configured not to include the second drive mechanism 180. That is, the electric toothbrush 100 may be configured such that the brush head portion 130 only rotates.
 また、上記実施の形態では、電動歯ブラシ100は、距離を測定するセンサとして、複数のセンサ160aおよびセンサ160bを備える構成を例に説明したが、これに限られない。例えば、複数のセンサ160aおよびセンサ160bを備えない構成としてもよい。具体的には、電動歯ブラシ100は、距離を測定するセンサの代わりに、例えば、少なくとも1つのイメージセンサを備える構成としてもよい。この場合、制御部140は、例えば、携帯端末などの外部機器で、イメージセンサなどによって得られる情報を受信し、歯面210と刷掃面133aとの位置関係を特定する構成としてもよい。 Further, in the above embodiment, the electric toothbrush 100 has been described as an example of a configuration including a plurality of sensors 160a and sensors 160b as sensors for measuring the distance, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the configuration may not include a plurality of sensors 160a and 160b. Specifically, the electric toothbrush 100 may be configured to include, for example, at least one image sensor instead of the sensor for measuring the distance. In this case, the control unit 140 may be configured such that, for example, an external device such as a mobile terminal receives information obtained by an image sensor or the like and specifies the positional relationship between the tooth surface 210 and the cleaning surface 133a.
 また、電動歯ブラシ100は、例えば、ブラシヘッド部130の回動を、自動から手動に切り替え、回動量を、手動で操作するための操作部を備える構成としてもよい。 Further, the electric toothbrush 100 may be configured to include, for example, an operation unit for switching the rotation of the brush head portion 130 from automatic to manual and manually operating the rotation amount.
 また、上記実施の形態では、第1駆動機構150は、回転装置151の回転トルクを、回動軸体132の回転トルクに変換する機構を有する構成を例に説明したが、これに限らない。例えば、第1駆動機構は、カム機構、クランク機構またはリンク機構など含む駆動機構で構成してもよい。 Further, in the above embodiment, the configuration in which the first drive mechanism 150 has a mechanism for converting the rotational torque of the rotating device 151 into the rotational torque of the rotating shaft body 132 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first drive mechanism may be composed of a drive mechanism including a cam mechanism, a crank mechanism, a link mechanism, and the like.
 また、上記実施の形態では、ブラシヘッド部130は、ブラシ台131に固定された回動軸体132を介して、回動可能に、軸体110と接続される構成を例に説明したが、これに限らない。例えば、ブラシヘッド部130および軸体110のいずれもが、回動可能に、回動軸体132に接続される構成としてもよい。また、ブラシヘッド部130は、例えば、樹脂ヒンジを介して、軸体110と接続される構成としてもよい。さらに、ブラシヘッド部130は、屈曲可能な、例えば、蛇腹部材で軸体110と接続される構成としてもよい。 Further, in the above embodiment, the configuration in which the brush head portion 130 is rotatably connected to the shaft body 110 via the rotating shaft body 132 fixed to the brush base 131 has been described as an example. Not limited to this. For example, both the brush head portion 130 and the shaft body 110 may be rotatably connected to the rotating shaft body 132. Further, the brush head portion 130 may be connected to the shaft body 110 via, for example, a resin hinge. Further, the brush head portion 130 may be configured to be bendable, for example, connected to the shaft body 110 by a bellows member.
 その他、各実施の形態に対して当業者が思いつく各種変形を施して得られる形態や、本開示の趣旨を逸脱しない範囲で各実施の形態における構成要素および機能を任意に組み合わせることで実現される形態も、本開示に含まれる。 In addition, it is realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions in each embodiment within the range obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment and the purpose of the present disclosure. Forms are also included in the present disclosure.
 本開示は、洗浄対称面に対して、常に、一定の角度を保つ装置に適用可能である。具体的には、本開示は、電動歯ブラシ、洗車機または研磨機などに、適用可能である。 The present disclosure is applicable to a device that always keeps a constant angle with respect to a cleaning symmetric plane. Specifically, the present disclosure is applicable to electric toothbrushes, car wash machines, grinding machines, and the like.
 100,100A  電動歯ブラシ
 110  軸体
 120  把持部
 130,130A  ブラシヘッド部
 131  ブラシ台
 131a  植毛面
 132  回動軸体
 133  ブラシ
 133a  刷掃面
 140  制御部
 150  第1駆動機構
 151  回転装置
 152  トルク伝達ロッド
 153  ウォームギア
 154  ブラシ回動ギア
 155  ロッド支持部
 160a,160b,160c  センサ
 170  カバー
 180  第2駆動機構
 181  ストローク装置
 182  ストローク部材
 190  電池部
 200a,200b  スイッチ
 210  歯面
 220  歯間
100,100A Electric toothbrush 110 Shaft body 120 Grip part 130, 130A Brush head part 131 Brush stand 131a Fleece surface 132 Rotating shaft body 133 Brush 133a Brushing surface 140 Control part 150 First drive mechanism 151 Rotating device 152 Torque transmission rod 153 Worm gear 154 Brush rotation gear 155 Rod support 160a, 160b, 160c Sensor 170 Cover 180 Second drive mechanism 181 Stroke device 182 Stroke member 190 Battery part 200a, 200b Switch 210 Tooth surface 220 Tooth spacing

Claims (6)

  1. 歯面を刷掃する電動歯ブラシであって、
    軸体と、
    前記軸体の軸方向の一端側に接続される把持部と、
    ブラシ台と、前記ブラシ台に設けられ、刷掃するため刷掃面を備えるブラシと、を有し、前記軸体の軸方向と交差する方向を回動の軸として、回動可能に、前記軸体の軸方向の他端側に接続されるブラシヘッド部と、
    前記ブラシヘッド部を前記回動の軸周りに回動させる第1駆動機構と、
    前記歯面と前記刷掃面との位置関係を特定し、前記特定した位置関係に基づいて、前記歯面と前記刷掃面とを所定の位置関係になるように、前記第1駆動機構により、前記ブラシヘッド部を回動させる制御部と、
    を備える、
    電動歯ブラシ。
    An electric toothbrush that wipes the tooth surface
    Axis and
    A grip portion connected to one end side of the shaft body in the axial direction,
    The brush base has a brush base and a brush provided on the brush base and provided with a sweeping surface for wiping, and the brush base is rotatable around a direction intersecting the axial direction of the shaft body as a rotation axis. The brush head part connected to the other end side of the shaft body in the axial direction,
    A first drive mechanism that rotates the brush head portion around the axis of rotation, and
    The positional relationship between the tooth surface and the brush surface is specified, and based on the specified positional relationship, the first drive mechanism is used so that the tooth surface and the brush surface have a predetermined positional relationship. , The control unit that rotates the brush head unit, and
    To prepare
    electric toothbrush.
  2. 前記ブラシヘッド部は、前記刷掃面と平行な方向、かつ、前記軸体の軸方向と直交する方向を前記回動の軸として、前記軸体の軸方向の他端側に、回動可能に接続される、
    請求項1に記載の電動歯ブラシ。
    The brush head portion can rotate to the other end side in the axial direction of the shaft body with the direction parallel to the sweeping surface and the direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the shaft body as the axis of rotation. Connected to,
    The electric toothbrush according to claim 1.
  3. 前記電動歯ブラシは、
    前記ブラシヘッド部に設けられ、前記歯面との距離を測定する複数のセンサを備え、
    前記制御部は、前記複数のセンサのそれぞれによって測定された距離に基づいて、前記歯面と前記刷掃面との位置関係を特定する、
    請求項1または請求項2のいずれか1項に記載の電動歯ブラシ。
    The electric toothbrush
    A plurality of sensors provided on the brush head portion and measuring the distance to the tooth surface are provided.
    The control unit identifies the positional relationship between the tooth surface and the scavenging surface based on the distance measured by each of the plurality of sensors.
    The electric toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 and 2.
  4. 前記複数のセンサの数は、3つ以上で、
    前記制御部は、前記複数のセンサのそれぞれによって測定された距離に基づいて、前記歯面の凹凸を特定し、特定した前記歯面の凹凸に基づいて、前記第1駆動機構により、前記ブラシヘッド部を回動させる、
    請求項3に記載の電動歯ブラシ。
    The number of the plurality of sensors is three or more.
    The control unit identifies the unevenness of the tooth surface based on the distance measured by each of the plurality of sensors, and based on the specified unevenness of the tooth surface, the brush head is provided by the first drive mechanism. Rotate the part,
    The electric toothbrush according to claim 3.
  5. 前記複数のセンサは、それぞれ、前記刷掃面までの距離よりも長い距離を測定可能な非接触式センサである、
    請求項3または請求項4のいずれか1項に記載の電動歯ブラシ。
    Each of the plurality of sensors is a non-contact type sensor capable of measuring a distance longer than the distance to the cleaning surface.
    The electric toothbrush according to any one of claims 3 and 4.
  6. 前記電動歯ブラシは、前記軸体の軸方向に前記ブラシヘッド部を往復動作させる第2駆動機構を備える、
    請求項1から請求項5のいずれか1項に記載の電動歯ブラシ。
    The electric toothbrush includes a second drive mechanism that reciprocates the brush head portion in the axial direction of the shaft body.
    The electric toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
PCT/JP2020/048906 2020-02-07 2020-12-25 Electric toothbrush WO2021157257A1 (en)

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Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH04244109A (en) * 1991-01-30 1992-09-01 Hiroshi Fukuba Motor tooth-brush
JPH07124016A (en) * 1993-10-29 1995-05-16 Matsushita Electric Works Ltd Motor-driven tooth brush
JP2001170084A (en) * 1999-12-16 2001-06-26 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Tooth brushing device with video scope
JP2001299451A (en) * 2000-04-26 2001-10-30 Sunstar Inc Toothbrush having function for sensing excessive brushing pressure
US20110005013A1 (en) * 2009-07-10 2011-01-13 Igor Lantsberg Orbital electric toothbrush
JP2019017418A (en) * 2017-07-11 2019-02-07 オムロンヘルスケア株式会社 Electric tooth-brush, system, brushing region detection method and program

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JP4244109B2 (en) 2001-05-15 2009-03-25 アルパイン株式会社 Digital broadcast receiver
JP7124016B2 (en) 2019-07-18 2022-08-23 フジモリ産業株式会社 TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT SYSTEM AND METHOD, AND PROGRAM

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH04244109A (en) * 1991-01-30 1992-09-01 Hiroshi Fukuba Motor tooth-brush
JPH07124016A (en) * 1993-10-29 1995-05-16 Matsushita Electric Works Ltd Motor-driven tooth brush
JP2001170084A (en) * 1999-12-16 2001-06-26 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Tooth brushing device with video scope
JP2001299451A (en) * 2000-04-26 2001-10-30 Sunstar Inc Toothbrush having function for sensing excessive brushing pressure
US20110005013A1 (en) * 2009-07-10 2011-01-13 Igor Lantsberg Orbital electric toothbrush
JP2019017418A (en) * 2017-07-11 2019-02-07 オムロンヘルスケア株式会社 Electric tooth-brush, system, brushing region detection method and program

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