Toothbrush having replaceable head parts

Abstract

The present invention relates to a toothbrush with a replaceable head, and more specifically, to an eco-friendly toothbrush with a replaceable head that can conserve resources by composing the head and the main body of different materials, and by replacing only the head when the bristles of the head wear out, thereby allowing the main body to be used semi-permanently. A toothbrush with a replaceable head according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a head portion having bristles attached to the upper part and a coupling groove formed on the lower part, and a main body portion made of stainless steel, extending along the longitudinal direction and having a receiving groove formed at the tip to accommodate the lower part of the head portion, a pair of locking parts that are fastened to the coupling groove of the head portion, and a button portion that adjusts the distance between the pair of locking parts.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a toothbrush with a replaceable head, and more specifically, to an eco-friendly toothbrush with a replaceable head that can conserve resources by composing the head and the main body of different materials and replacing only the head when the bristles of the head wear out, thereby allowing the main body to be used semi-permanently. Background Technology

[0002] Toothbrushes are used for the user's oral hygiene; when the bristles wear down due to friction with the teeth from repeated use, the entire toothbrush should be discarded and replaced with a new one.

[0003] A toothbrush includes not only the bristles that come into contact with the teeth but also the main body that the user holds, and is made by combining various materials such as nylon, plastic, and rubber.

[0004] Since toothbrushes must be replaced periodically, tens of billions of toothbrushes are discarded internationally every year, and due to the resulting environmental pollution problems, the demand for eco-friendly toothbrushes is expanding.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for research and development of a toothbrush that can reduce resource waste and increase the efficiency of resource recycling by replacing only the head portion where the bristles are located, while constructing the main body, which the user holds, from a material that allows for semi-permanent use. The problem to be solved

[0006] The present invention was created in consideration of the above circumstances, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush with a replaceable head that can reduce wasted resources by replacing only the head when the head wears out and allowing the main body to be used semi-permanently.

[0007] In addition, the objective of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush with a replaceable head and a stable structure that allows for hygienic use through an optimized design of the length of the head and the length of the body.

[0008] In addition, the objective of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush with a replaceable head that can detect the model of the toothbrush head, provide information according to the head model, and allow the use of a head model tailored to the user's preference. means of solving the problem

[0009] A toothbrush with a replaceable head portion according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a head portion having bristles attached to the upper portion and a coupling groove formed on the lower portion, and a main body portion made of stainless steel, extending along the longitudinal direction and having a receiving groove formed at the tip portion to accommodate the lower portion of the head portion, a pair of locking portions fastened to the coupling groove of the head portion, and a button portion for adjusting the distance between the pair of locking portions.

[0010] In one embodiment, the pair of locking parts are fastened to the coupling groove of the head part on the outside of the head part, and when the button part is pressed, the gap between the pair of locking parts can be widened.

[0011] In one embodiment, the pair of locking parts are fastened to a coupling groove formed in an insertion passage inside the head part, and when the button part is pressed, the gap between the pair of locking parts can be narrowed.

[0012] In one embodiment, when the main body and the head part are combined, the length of the head part exposed from the main body may be configured to be 0.3 times or more and 0.5 times or less than the length of the main body.

[0013] In one embodiment, a cutting groove for separating the toothbrush bristles may be formed on the other side of the head portion to which the toothbrush bristles are attached.

[0014] In one embodiment, a sensor for detecting the number of movements of the main body may be provided inside the main body.

[0015] In one embodiment, the insertion portion of the head part is configured in a slanted shape in which the width gradually narrows along the direction of insertion into the receiving groove of the main body part, and the receiving groove of the main body part may be formed in a structure that abuts in correspondence with the shape of the insertion portion.

[0016] In one embodiment, the outer surface of the lower part of the head portion is provided with a step so that it can be caught on a receiving end forming a receiving groove of the main body portion.

[0017] In one embodiment, the bristles of the toothbrush are made of different materials depending on the model of the head part, and the distance between the step of the head part and the end of the head part is configured differently depending on the model of the head part, and the moving bar of the main body part is pressed by contacting the end of the head part, and a specific model of the head part can be detected depending on the depth to which the moving bar is pressed.

[0018] In one embodiment, a plurality of contactors are formed on the inner surface of the main body, and depending on the depth to which the movable bar is pressed, the connector of the movable bar may come into contact with a specific contactor among the plurality of contactors to conduct electricity. Effects of the invention

[0019] The toothbrush with a replaceable head according to the present invention has the effect of reducing waste resources because, when the head part wears out, only the head part needs to be replaced and the main body can be used semi-permanently.

[0020] In addition, the head-replaceable toothbrush of the present invention has the effect of providing a toothbrush with a stable structure while allowing for hygienic use through an optimized design regarding the length of the head and the length of the body.

[0021] In addition, the head-replaceable toothbrush of the present invention can detect the head model, thereby providing information based on the head model and enabling the use of a head model tailored to the user's preference. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a toothbrush with a replaceable head portion according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) shows a toothbrush with the head portion and the main body portion combined, and (b) shows a toothbrush before the head portion and the main body portion are combined. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of part A of Figure 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a toothbrush with a replaceable head portion according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) shows a toothbrush with the head portion and the main body portion combined, and (b) shows a toothbrush before the head portion and the main body portion are combined. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of part B of Figure 3. FIG. 5 is a rear view of a toothbrush with a replaceable head portion according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view of a toothbrush with a replaceable head portion according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating a head portion for each model according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a part of the main body according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. It should be noted that in assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions could obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a toothbrush with a replaceable head portion according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) shows a toothbrush with the head portion and the main body portion combined, (b) shows a toothbrush before the head portion and the main body portion are combined, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of portion A of FIG. 1.

[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the head-replaceable toothbrush (100) of the present invention may include a head part (200) and a main body part (300).

[0026] The present invention allows the head portion (200) and the main body portion (300) to be combined and used as a toothbrush. When the bristles (210) of the head portion (200) wear out, the main body portion (300) can be used as is, and only the head portion (200) can be replaced and reassembled to the main body portion (300) for use. When the toothbrush is discarded, the main body portion (300) is not discarded but can be used semi-permanently, thereby preventing waste of resources.

[0027] A toothbrush bristles (210) are attached to the upper part of the head portion (200), and a coupling groove (222) may be formed in the lower part of the head portion (200). The material constituting the head portion (200) is not particularly limited and may be a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin.

[0028] The bristles (210) are made of a different material from the head portion (200), and various types of bristles (210) according to strength, material, etc. can be attached to the head portion (200).

[0029] The main body (300) is made of stainless steel and extends along the longitudinal direction, and a receiving groove (310) for receiving the lower part of the head part (200) may be formed at the tip.

[0030] Since stainless steel is easy to clean and has the property of inhibiting bacterial growth, the main body (300) can be made of stainless steel so that it can be used semi-permanently and hygienically.

[0031] Since the toothbrush (100) of the present invention is intended to continue using the main body (300) even after the head part (200) is replaced, it is preferable that the main body (300) be made of stainless steel, which has strength for repeated use and can be used hygienically.

[0032] The main body (300) may be equipped with a pair of locking parts (320) that are fastened to the coupling groove (222) of the head part (200), and a button part (330) that adjusts the distance between the pair of locking parts (320).

[0033] In FIGS. 1 and 2, a pair of locking parts (320) are fastened to the coupling groove (222) of the head part (200) on the outside of the head part (200), and when the button part (330) is pressed, the gap between the pair of locking parts (320) can be widened.

[0034] A pair of locking parts (320) have a structure in which tension is applied to the inner side, and in a normal state, the gap between the pair of locking parts (320) is configured to be narrower than the lower size of the head part (200), and when a force is applied to connect the head part (200) to the main body part (300), the gap between the pair of locking parts (320) widens slightly and can be fastened to the connecting groove (222) of the head part (200).

[0035] Accordingly, the user can combine the head part (200) with the main body part (300) to use it as a toothbrush (100), and when the bristles (210) of the head part (200) are worn out and the user wishes to replace the head part (200), the user can press the button part (330) to widen the gap between a pair of locking parts (320), thereby releasing the connection between the locking part (320) of the main body part (300) and the coupling groove (222) of the head part (200), and detach the head part (200) from the main body part (300).

[0036] The lower part of the head portion (200) is fitted into the receiving groove (310) of the main body portion (300), and when the user uses the toothbrush (100), the lower part of the head portion (200) is supported by the receiving end (340) of the main body portion (300), thereby minimizing shaking of the head portion (200) and allowing the user to move the head portion (200) and the main body portion (300) as a single unit.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a toothbrush with a replaceable head portion according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) shows a toothbrush with the head portion and the main body portion combined, (b) shows a toothbrush before the head portion and the main body portion are combined, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of portion B of FIG. 3.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the main body (300) is equipped with a pair of locking parts (320) that are fastened to the coupling groove (222) of the head part (200) and a button part (330) that adjusts the distance between the pair of locking parts (320), but compared to the head part replaceable toothbrush of FIGS. 1 and 2, the coupling form of the main body (300) and the head part (200) is partially different.

[0039] A pair of locking parts (320) are provided inside a bar (350) protruding within a receiving groove (310) of the main body (300), and when a force is applied to insert the head part (200) into the main body (300), the pair of locking parts (320) can be fastened to a coupling groove (222) formed in an insertion passage (224) inside the head part (200).

[0040] A pair of locking parts (320) have a structure in which tension is applied to the outside, and when a force is applied to connect the head part (200) to the main body part (300), the gap between the pair of locking parts (320) is temporarily narrowed and inserted into the insertion passage (224) of the head part (200) and can be fastened to the coupling groove (222) of the head part (200).

[0041] Accordingly, the user can combine the head part (200) with the main body part (300) to use it as a toothbrush (100), and when the bristles (210) of the head part (200) are worn out and the user wishes to replace the head part (200), the user can press the button part (330) to narrow the gap between a pair of locking parts (320), thereby releasing the connection between the locking part (320) of the main body part (300) and the coupling groove (222) of the head part (200), and detach the head part (200) from the main body part (300).

[0042] FIG. 5 is a rear view of a toothbrush with a replaceable head portion according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 5, since the bristles (210) and the head portion (200) are made of different materials, it is preferable to separate the bristles (210) and the head portion (200) as much as possible for recycling. To this end, in one embodiment, a cutting groove (230) for separating the area to which the bristles (210) are attached may be formed on the other side of the head portion (200) to which the bristles (210) are attached. The cutting groove (230) may be configured in the form of a solid line or a dotted line.

[0044] The user can recycle the remaining area of ​​the head part (200) by applying force to the cutting groove (230) of the head part (200) to separate the area where the bristles (210) are attached.

[0045] When the main body (300) and the head part (200) are combined, the length (H2) of the head part (200) exposed from the main body (300) can be configured to be at least 0.3 times and no more than 0.5 times the length (H1) of the main body (300).

[0046] When a user uses the toothbrush (100), the head portion (200) is a part that enters the user's oral cavity and is highly likely to be contaminated by bacteria, dust, etc. To prevent contamination of the main body portion (300), it is desirable that the length (H2) of the head portion (200) exposed from the main body portion (300) be designed to be at least 0.3 times the length (H1) of the main body portion (300). If the length (H2) of the head portion (200) exposed from the main body portion (300) is shorter than this, the part of the main body portion (300) that enters the user's oral cavity increases when the user uses the toothbrush (100), which is not hygienically desirable.

[0047] In addition, when the main body (300) and the head part (200) are combined, it is preferable that the length (H2) of the head part (200) exposed from the main body (300) be 0.5 times or less than the length (H1) of the main body (300). If the length (H2) of the head part (200) exposed from the main body (300) is longer than this, the amount of head part (200) that is discarded increases when the head part (200) is replaced, which is not desirable for resource utilization, and the head part (200) combined with the main body (300) is more likely to shake from the main body (300), which can lead to structural instability.

[0048] In one embodiment, a sensor (not shown) for detecting the number of movements of the main body (300) may be provided inside the main body (300).

[0049] When a user holds the main body (300) of the toothbrush (100) and starts brushing, the sensor detects a start signal for the movement of the main body (300) and can continue to detect and count the movement of the main body (300) while brushing.

[0050] The user may temporarily stop the movement of the main body (300) while brushing teeth, but since the user may still be brushing teeth, the sensor may be set to continue counting the movement of the main body (300) for a preset time interval, for example, 10 seconds, as long as the movement of the main body (300) does not stop.

[0051] The sensor determines that brushing has ended when there is no movement of the main body (300) during a preset time interval, for example, 10 seconds, detects a termination signal for the movement of the main body (300), and can calculate a counting number for the movement of the main body (300) from the start signal to the end signal.

[0052] In one embodiment, an application installed on an electronic device can be linked with a sensor in the main body (300) of the toothbrush (100). The user can check the counting number of movements of the main body (300) detected by the sensor through the application, thereby checking the number of times the toothbrush is brushed and the toothbrushing habit.

[0053] Meanwhile, as the more the main body (300) moves, the more severe the wear of the bristles (210) of the head (200) becomes, the user can check the cumulative count of the movement of the main body (300) and estimate the time to replace the head (200).

[0054] In one embodiment, the main body (300) may be provided with a notification unit (not shown) that transmits a notification signal to the outside, and the notification signal may be a lighting signal through a small lamp formed in a part area of ​​the main body (300) or an acoustic signal through a small speaker.

[0055] The user can pre-set an appropriate number of brushing times per brushing session through an application of an electronic device, and when the counting number of movements of the main body (300) detected by the sensor reaches the pre-set number of brushing times, the notification unit can send out a notification signal.

[0056] FIG. 6 is a front view of a toothbrush with a replaceable head portion according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 6, the insertion portion (220) of the head portion (200) may be configured in a slanted shape with a width that gradually narrows along the direction in which it is inserted into the receiving groove (310) of the main body portion (300).

[0058] Additionally, the receiving groove (310) of the main body (300) can be formed in a structure that abuts in correspondence with the shape of the insertion part (220) of the head part (200).

[0059] In this way, if the insertion part (220) and the receiving groove (310) are configured in an inclined shape, joining and unjoining becomes easier. Here, since the head part (200) and the main body part (300) are made of different materials, the width of the insertion part (220) of the head part (200) is configured to be slightly larger than the width of the receiving groove (310) of the main body part (300), and the two are joined by a press fit method, the head part (200) can be prevented from shaking from the main body part (300) when using the toothbrush (100).

[0060] FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating a head portion by model according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a part of a main body portion according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a step (240) may be provided on the outer surface of the lower part of the head portion (200), and when the insertion portion (220) of the head portion (200) is inserted into the receiving groove (310) of the main body portion (300), the step (240) of the head portion (200) may be caught on the receiving end (340) of the main body portion (300).

[0062] When replacing the head portion (200), the user can visually confirm that the head portion (200) is inserted into the main body portion (300) by pressing the head portion (200) until the step (240) of the head portion (200) catches on the receiving end (340) of the main body portion (300).

[0063] In one embodiment, the bristles (210) are made of different materials depending on the model of the head portion (200), and the distance between the step (240) of the head portion (200) and the end of the head portion (200) may be configured differently depending on the model of the head portion (200).

[0064] The moving bar (350a) of the main body (300) is pressed by contacting the end of the head part (200), and a specific model of the head part (200) can be detected depending on the depth to which the moving bar (350a) is pressed.

[0065] A plurality of contactors (372, 374) are formed on the inner surface of the main body (300), and depending on the depth to which the movable bar (350a) is pressed, the connector (352) of the movable bar (350a) may come into contact with a specific contactor among the plurality of contactors (372, 374) to conduct electricity. A specific model of the head part (200) can be identified according to the electrical signal from the specific contactor.

[0066] For example, the first model of the head portion (200) may be composed of strong bristles, and the second model may be composed of weak bristles. Since the materials of the bristles (210) of the first model and the second model are different, the level of wear progression of the bristles (210) according to the number of times the user brushes their teeth is also different, and accordingly, the appropriate replacement time of the head portion (200) may also vary.

[0067] In addition, information regarding the first model and the second model of the head unit (200) is transmitted to an application of an electronic device and can be used as statistical data for processing data such as recommending toothbrush heads based on the user's age, dental condition, etc., and an appropriate replacement cycle based on the wear of the toothbrush heads.

[0068] In the first model of the head portion (200), the distance between the step (240) of the head portion (200) and the end of the head portion (200) may be a first length (L1), and in the second model of the head portion (200), the distance between the step (240) of the head portion (200) and the end of the head portion (200) may be a second length (L2), and the first length (L1) may be configured to be shorter than the second length (L2).

[0069] When the head part (200) is coupled to the main body part (300), the end of the head part (200) presses the moving bar (350a). Here, when comparing the case where the first model and the second model of the head part (200) are coupled, the first length (L1) is configured to be shorter than the second length (L2), so the moving bar (350a) is pressed deeper when the second model is coupled than when the first model of the head part (200) is coupled.

[0070] A connector (352) protrudes from a portion of the moving bar (350a), and the moving bar (350a) has a structure that allows it to move up and down, with a portion of it inserted into a fixed member (354) at a fixed position.

[0071] An elastic member (360), such as a spring or a plate spring, is placed between the connector (352) and the stator (354) to transmit elastic force. When the pressure pressing the movable bar (350a) is released, the connector (352) can be restored to its original position by the elastic member (360).

[0072] A first contactor (372a, 372b) and a second contactor (374a, 374b) may be formed on the inner side of the main body (300). Depending on the depth to which the moving bar (350a) is pressed, the connector (352) may contact the first contactor (372a, 372b) or the second contactor (374a, 374b).

[0073] When the first model of the head part (200) is coupled to the main body part (300), the moving bar (350a) is pressed and the connector (352) also moves together to come into contact with the first contactor (372a, 372b).

[0074] When the second model of the head part (200) is coupled to the main body part (300), the moving bar (350a) is pressed relatively deeper compared to the first model, and the connector (352) moves together to come into contact with the second contactor (374a, 374b).

[0075] The connector (352), the first contact (372a, 372b), and the second contact (374a, 374b) are made of a conductive metal material, and when the connector (352) comes into contact with the first contact (372a, 372b) or the second contact (374a, 374b), current is supplied, and the depth to which the moving bar (350a) is pressed can be determined, so the model type of the head part (200) can be identified.

[0076] For convenience, in FIGS. 5 to 8, the coupling groove (222), the locking part (320), the button part (330), etc. as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 have been omitted from the illustration, but it is obvious that this can also be applied to a toothbrush with a structure like FIGS. 5 to 8.

[0077] In addition, in the above example, the head part (200) was described by dividing it into a first model and a second model, but the head part (200) can be divided into a larger number of models, and the structure of the main body part (300) can be changed accordingly.

[0078] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the technical concept of the present invention extends to the scope in which various modifications or alterations are possible by anyone with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs, without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the following claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0079] 100: Toothbrush 200: Head 210: Bristles 220: Insertion part 222: Connecting groove 224: Insertion passage 230: Cutting groove 240: Step 300: Main body part 310: Receiving groove 320: Locking part 330: Button part 340: Reception Unit 350: Bar 350a: Move bar 352: Connector 354: Stator 360: Elastic member 372a, 372b: First contact 374a, 374b: Second contact

Claims

Claim 1 A head part having bristles attached to the upper part and a coupling groove formed in the lower part; It comprises a main body made of stainless steel and extending along the longitudinal direction, having a receiving groove formed at the tip to accommodate the lower part of the head part, a pair of locking parts engaged in the coupling groove of the head part, and a button part for adjusting the distance between the pair of locking parts; a step is provided on the outer surface of the lower part of the head part to engage with the receiving end forming the receiving groove of the main body; the bristles are made of different materials depending on the model of the head part, and the distance between the step of the head part and the end of the head part is configured differently depending on the model of the head part; the moving bar of the main body contacts and is pressed against the end of the head part, and a specific model of the head part is detected according to the depth to which the moving bar is pressed; the main body further comprises a sensor that detects the number of movements of the main body and a notification part that transmits a notification signal to the outside; when a user holds the main body of the toothbrush and begins brushing, the sensor detects a start signal regarding the movement of the main body, continues to detect and count the movement of the main body while brushing, and the sensor [determines] the movement of the main body during a preset time interval As long as the movement does not stop, the movement of the main body is continuously counted, and if there is no movement of the main body for a preset time interval, the sensor determines that brushing has ended, detects a termination signal for the movement of the main body, calculates the count number for the movement of the main body from the start signal to the end signal, and when the count number for the movement of the main body detected by the sensor reaches the number of brushings preset for one brushing of the user, the notification unit transmits a notification signal, and the first model of the head unit is composed of strong bristles and the second model is composed of weak bristles, so the level of wear progression of the first model and the second model according to the number of brushings of the user is different,A toothbrush with a replaceable head, characterized in that the cumulative count of the movement of the main body is provided in an application installed on an electronic device linked to the sensor, so as to provide replacement cycle information based on the wear of the head part for each model. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A toothbrush with a replaceable head portion according to claim 1, wherein the pair of locking portions are fastened to a coupling groove formed in an insertion passage inside the head portion, and the gap between the pair of locking portions is narrowed when the button portion is pressed. Claim 4 A toothbrush with a replaceable head portion according to claim 1, wherein, when the main body portion and the head portion are combined, the length of the head portion exposed from the main body portion is 0.3 times or more and 0.5 times or less than the length of the main body portion. Claim 5 A toothbrush with a replaceable head portion according to claim 1, wherein a cutting groove for separating the bristles is formed on the other side of the head portion to which the bristles are attached. Claim 6 delete Claim 7 A toothbrush with a replaceable head portion according to claim 1, wherein the insertion portion of the head portion is configured in a slanted shape in which the width gradually narrows along the direction of insertion into the receiving groove of the main body portion, and the receiving groove of the main body portion is formed in a structure that abuts in correspondence with the shape of the insertion portion. Claim 8 delete Claim 9 delete Claim 10 A toothbrush with a replaceable head portion according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of contactors are formed on the inner surface of the main body portion, and a connector of the movable bar contacts a specific contactor among the plurality of contactors to conduct electricity according to the depth to which the movable bar is pressed.

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