Brush

Abstract

The brush can be provided, for example, for appropriate combing. A brush includes a body having a brush surface and a plurality of card wires extending from the brush surface. The plurality of card wires have a first portion and a second portion, the second portion is located closer to the brush surface than the first portion and thicker than the first portion, and the plurality of card wires have a first card wire and a second card wire. The first card wire is configured such that the rate of increase in the thickness per unit length in the extension direction of the card wire in the second portion, i.e., the rate of increase in the thickness, is higher than the rate of increase in the thickness in the first portion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a brush. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, technologies that utilize a variety of functions of living organisms, so-called biomimetics, have attracted attention.

[0003] Moreover, as an example of applying such a living organism mimicking technology to the manufacture of electrical products and the like, the Natural Technology (registered trademark) has been known.

[0004] A brush for combing human hair, animal fur, or the like is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2024-51597. SUMMARY

[0005] For a brush, for example, it is required to improve combing properties to suppress the occurrence of hair entanglement or the like at the time of combing.

[0006] One of the objects of the present disclosure is to provide, for example, a brush that enables appropriate combing.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a brush includes a main body having a brush surface and a plurality of bristles extending from the brush surface. The plurality of bristles has a first portion and a second portion, the second portion is located at a position closer to the brush surface than the first portion, the second portion is thicker than the first portion, and the plurality of bristles has a first bristle, the first bristle is configured such that an increase rate of thickness per unit length in an extension direction of the bristle in the second portion is higher than an increase rate of thickness in the first portion.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, for example, it is possible to provide a brush that enables appropriate combing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a brush according to a first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II line of Figure 1

[0011] Figure 3 is a schematic side view as viewed from the arrow III direction of Figure 1

[0012] Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of a brush main body according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of a portion of the brush main body according to the first embodiment, which is enlarged.

[0014] ​​Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a brush body of the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 is a schematic side view for explaining shapes of the first bristles, the second bristles, the third bristles, and the fourth bristles of the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of the fourth bristles of the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 9 is a schematic plan view of the fourth bristles of the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 10 is a schematic plan view of a brush of the second embodiment.

[0019] Figure 11 is a schematic plan view of a portion of a brush body of the second embodiment enlarged.

[0020] Figure 12 is a schematic side view of a brush body of the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view of a brush body of the second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 14 is a schematic plan view of the fourth bristles of the second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 15 is a schematic plan view of a brush body of the first modification example.

[0024] Figure 16 is a schematic perspective view of a brush body of the first modification example.

[0025] Figure 17 is a schematic side view of a brush body of the first modification example.

[0026] Figure 18 is a schematic plan view of a brush body of the second modification example.

[0027] Figure 19 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a brush body of the second modification example.

[0028] Figure 20 is a schematic perspective view of a brush body of the third modification example.

[0029] Figure 21 is a schematic sectional view of a brush of the fourth modification example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that, in the following description, members having substantially common functions are referred to with the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is cited.

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of the brush 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II line of Figure 1 . Figure 3 is a schematic side view as viewed from the arrow III direction of Figure 1 .

[0032] Figures 1 to 3 The brush 1 illustrated in the drawing is used for grooming, for example, human hair, animal fur, and the like. The brush 1 is particularly suitable for use in detangling and grooming entangled hair.

[0033] The brush 1 has a housing 10 and a brush body 20 (refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 ).

[0034] (Housing 10) The brush body 20 is attached to the housing 10. The housing 10 has a function of supporting the brush body 20 and a function of serving as a grip portion to be gripped by a user of the brush 1.

[0035] As illustrated in Figure 2 , the housing 10 covers the back surface side of the brush body 20. The housing 10 has a shape that bulges toward the back surface side from the brush body 20. As illustrated in Figure 1 , in the present embodiment, the housing 10 has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view (when viewed from the z-axis direction). To be specific, the planar shape of the housing 10 is a rectangular shape in which the corners are rounded and each side is a curved line shape that protrudes toward the outside. Thus, the housing 10 can be gripped, for example, in both the x-axis direction in which one pair of sides faces each other and the y-axis direction in which the other pair of sides faces each other. In this way, the housing 10, which has a function as a grip portion, is provided on the back surface side of the brush body 20. Thus, the brush 1 is a brush that can be used by a user gripping the brush body 20 from the back. In plan view, the user can use the brush 1 by gripping the grip portion at a position that does not overlap the brush body 20.

[0036] However, in the present disclosure, the shape of the housing is not particularly limited. The housing may, for example, be a circular shape in plan view, an elliptical shape in plan view, an oblong shape in plan view, or a polygonal shape in plan view. The housing may, for example, have a holding portion that holds the brush body and a grip portion that extends from the holding portion in one direction. In this case, in plan view, a manner of using the brush 1 by gripping the grip portion at a position that does not overlap the brush body 20 becomes a basic manner of use.

[0037] (Brush body 20) Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of the brush body 20 of the first embodiment. Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of a portion of the brush body 20 of the first embodiment, enlarged. Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the brush body 20 of the first embodiment. Figure 7 is a schematic side view for explaining the shapes of the first bristles 31, the second bristles 32, the third bristles 33, and the fourth bristles 34 of the first embodiment. Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of the fourth bristles 34 of the first embodiment. Figure 9 is a schematic plan view of the fourth bristles 34 of the first embodiment.

[0038] Next, referring to Figures 2 to 9 the brush body 20 will be described in detail.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the brush body 20 is attached to the case 10. The brush body 20 can also be detachable with respect to the case 10, but in the present embodiment, the brush body 20 is attached to the case 10 in a manner that cannot be detached.

[0040] The brush body 20 has a base portion 21 and a plurality of bristles 30. In the present embodiment, the brush body 20 including the base portion 21 and the plurality of bristles 30 is integrally formed of an elastic material such as resin. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The base portion 21 and the plurality of bristles 30 can be provided separately, and the plurality of bristles 30 can be fixed to the base portion 21.

[0041] (Base portion 21) As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the base portion 21 is flat plate-shaped. The outer shape of the base portion 21 is substantially equal to the inner shape of the case 10. In the brush 1, the case 10 and the base portion 21 are fixed in a state in which the base portion 21 is displaced into the case 10. Further, the base portion 21 and the case 10 can be fixed, for example, by a fastening member such as a nut or a screw, or can be fixed by fitting the base portion 21 and the case 10. In Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the illustration of the structure inside the case 10 including a fixing portion for fixing the base portion 21 and the case 10 is omitted.

[0042] As described above, in the present embodiment, the base portion 21 is configured of an elastic material such as resin. Therefore, the base portion 21 is capable of elastically deforming. However, a member that supports the back surface side of the back surface of the base portion 21 can be provided in the case 10, and the base portion 21 can be provided so as to be substantially unable to change shape.

[0043] The base 21 has a brush surface 21a. The brush surface 21a faces the side opposite to the housing 10. In this embodiment, when the brush 1 is not in use, the brush surface 21a is substantially planar. However, in this disclosure, the shape of the brush surface is not particularly limited. The brush surface may, for example, be curved. The brush surface may also have at least one unevenness. The brush surface may have an uneven shape in which a plurality of linear protrusions extending in one direction are arranged in another direction different from the first direction. The brush surface may also have an uneven shape in which a plurality of dot-like protrusions are arranged in a matrix.

[0044] In this embodiment, the base 21 has a substantially uniform thickness. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The base may also have uneven thickness. The base may also have multiple portions with different thicknesses.

[0045] (Multiple comb needles 30) Multiple comb needles 30 are fixed to the base 21. Each of the multiple comb needles 30 extends along a z-axis direction perpendicular to the brush surface 21a. In top view, the multiple comb needles 30 are arranged spaced apart from each other. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example is described where each of the multiple comb needles 30 is composed of a single comb needle. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the comb needles may also be composed of bundles of multiple hairs.

[0046] In this embodiment, the plurality of comb needles 30 includes a plurality of first comb needles 31, a plurality of second comb needles 32, a plurality of third comb needles 33, and a plurality of fourth comb needles 34.

[0047] (The shape of the first comb needle 31) like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the first comb needle 31 extends from the brush surface 21a along the z-axis. The first comb needle 31 has an elongated shape extending along the z-axis. The first comb needle 31 may also have a uniform thickness along its length, for example. In this embodiment, the front end side of the first comb needle 31 has a portion that is thicker (with a larger cross-sectional area) than the base end side. The first comb needle 31 may also have a shape that gradually tapers from the base end side (one side of the brush surface 21a) to the front end side. Before the brush 1 is used, that is, before the brush 1 is deformed due to use, the first comb needle 31 extends in a generally straight line. The central axis formed by connecting the centroids of the cross-sections of the first comb needle 31 is a generally straight line.

[0048] The first comb needle 31 has a first base end portion 31a and a first front end portion 31b. The first base end portion 31a extends from the brush surface 21a. Specifically, the first base end portion 31a extends from the brush surface 21a along a z-axis direction parallel to the normal direction of the flat brush surface 21a. Furthermore, in the case where the brush surface 21a is not flat, the z-axis direction is defined as a direction parallel to the normal direction of a virtual approximate plane that approximates the brush surface 21a as a plane.

[0049] The first base end portion 31a is columnar. Specifically, the first base end portion 31a is generally cylindrical. However, in this disclosure, the shape of the first base end portion is not limited to generally cylindrical. For example, it may also be generally polygonal prism, generally elliptical prism, generally oblong cylinder, etc.

[0050] In this disclosure, a polygonal prism refers to a prism with a polygonal cross-section. An elliptical prism refers to a prism with an elliptical cross-section. A long cylindrical prism refers to a prism with an oblong cross-section. A polygon, for example, includes a polygon with at least one chamfered or rounded corner and a portion of its sides that is curved. A polygon, for example, includes a polygon with at least one obtuse angle. A polygon, for example, includes star-shaped, cross-shaped, arc-shaped, etc.

[0051] The thickness of the first base end portion 31a can be approximately uniform along its length (z-axis direction). The first base end portion 31a may also have a portion that gradually tapers from one side of the brush surface 21a toward the front end portion. The entire first base end portion 31a may also gradually taper from one side of the brush surface 21a toward the front end portion. The ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the thinnest portion of the first base end portion 31a to the cross-sectional area of ​​the thickest portion is preferably 0.8 times or more and 1 times or less.

[0052] The first front end portion 31b is connected to the front end portion of the first base end portion 31a. The first front end portion 31b extends along the z-axis from the connection portion with the first base end portion 31a. The first front end portion 31b and the first base end portion 31a are concentrically arranged. Therefore, the first front end portion 31b and the first base end portion 31a are arranged in a generally straight line.

[0053] The first front end portion 31b is also columnar, just like the first base end portion 31a. Specifically, the first front end portion 31b is generally cylindrical. However, in this disclosure, the shape of the first front end portion is not limited to being generally cylindrical. For example, it can also be generally polygonal prism, generally elliptical prism, generally oblong cylinder, etc.

[0054] The cross-sectional shape of the first front end portion 31b may be the same as or different from the cross-sectional shape of the first base end portion 31a. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the first front end portion 31b and the cross-sectional shape of the first base end portion 31a may be substantially similar or dissimilar. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shapes of the first front end portion 31b and the first base end portion 31a are both approximately circular and similar.

[0055] The thickness of the first front end portion 31b can be approximately uniform along its length (z-axis direction). The first front end portion 31b may also have a portion that gradually tapers from one side of the brush surface 21a towards the front end portion. The entire first front end portion 31b may also gradually taper from one side of the brush surface 21a towards the front end portion. The ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the thinnest portion of the first front end portion 31b to the cross-sectional area of ​​the thickest portion is preferably 0.8 times or more and 1 times or less.

[0056] Especially Figure 7 As shown, the first front end portion 31b is thinner than the first base end portion 31a. Specifically, the base end portion of the first front end portion 31b is thinner than the front end portion of the first base end portion 31a. Therefore, a step 31c is formed between the first base end portion 31a and the first front end portion 31b. The thickness of the first comb needle 31 changes abruptly at this step 31c. Furthermore, the surface of the step 31c may, for example, face the z-axis direction or face a direction inclined to the z-axis direction. The step 31c may, for example, have no substantial length in the z-axis direction or may have length in the z-axis direction. In the step 31c, for example, the rate of change of thickness per unit length from the base end side to the front end side only needs to be higher than the aforementioned rates of change for the first base end portion 31a and the first front end portion 31b respectively. The rate of change of thickness per unit length of the step 31c along the z-axis direction is preferably more than 3 times, more preferably more than 5 times, and even more preferably more than 10 times, the rate of change of thickness per unit length of the first base end portion 31a and the first front end portion 31b respectively along the z-axis direction.

[0057] (The shape of the second comb needle 32) like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the second comb needle 32 extends from the brush surface 21a along the z-axis. The second comb needle 32 has an elongated shape extending along the z-axis. The second comb needle 32 may also have a uniform thickness along its length, for example. In this embodiment, the front end side of the second comb needle 32 has a portion that is thicker (with a larger cross-sectional area) than the base end side. The second comb needle 32 may also have a shape that gradually tapers from the base end side (one side of the brush surface 21a) towards the front end side. Before the brush 1 is used, that is, before the brush 1 is deformed due to use, the second comb needle 32 extends in a generally straight line. The central axis formed by connecting the centroids of the cross-sections of the second comb needle 32 is a generally straight line.

[0058] The second comb needle 32 has a second base end portion 32a and a second front end portion 32b. The second base end portion 32a extends from the brush surface 21a. More specifically, the second base end portion 32a extends from the brush surface 21a along a z-axis direction parallel to the normal direction of the flat brush surface 21a.

[0059] The second base end portion 32a is columnar. Specifically, the second base end portion 32a is generally cylindrical. However, in this disclosure, the shape of the second base end portion is not limited to generally cylindrical. For example, it may also be generally polygonal prism, generally elliptical prism, generally oblong cylinder, etc.

[0060] The thickness of the second base end portion 32a can be approximately uniform along its length (z-axis direction). The second base end portion 32a may also have a portion that gradually tapers from one side of the brush surface 21a towards the front end portion. The entire second base end portion 32a may also gradually taper from one side of the brush surface 21a towards the front end portion. The ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the thinnest portion of the second base end portion 32a to the cross-sectional area of ​​the thickest portion is preferably 0.8 times or more and 1 times or less.

[0061] The second front end portion 32b is connected to the front end portion of the second base end portion 32a. The second front end portion 32b extends along the z-axis from the connection portion with the second base end portion 32a. The second front end portion 32b and the second base end portion 32a are concentrically arranged. Therefore, the second front end portion 32b and the second base end portion 32a are arranged in a generally straight line.

[0062] The second front end portion 32b is also columnar, just like the second base end portion 32a. Specifically, the second front end portion 32b is generally cylindrical. However, in this disclosure, the shape of the second front end portion is not limited to being generally cylindrical. For example, it can also be generally polygonal prism, generally elliptical prism, generally oblong cylinder, etc.

[0063] The cross-sectional shape of the second front end portion 32b may be the same as or different from the cross-sectional shape of the second base end portion 32a. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the second front end portion 32b and the cross-sectional shape of the second base end portion 32a may be substantially similar or dissimilar. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shapes of the second front end portion 32b and the second base end portion 32a are both approximately circular and similar.

[0064] The thickness of the second front end portion 32b can be approximately uniform along its length (z-axis direction). The second front end portion 32b may also have a portion that gradually tapers from one side of the brush surface 21a towards the front end portion. The entire second front end portion 32b may also gradually taper from one side of the brush surface 21a towards the front end portion. The ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the thinnest portion of the second front end portion 32b to the cross-sectional area of ​​the thickest portion is preferably 0.8 times or more and 1 times or less.

[0065] Especially Figure 7As shown, the second front end portion 32b is thinner than the second base end portion 32a. Specifically, the base end portion of the second front end portion 32b is thinner than the front end portion of the second base end portion 32a. Therefore, a second step 32c is formed between the second base end portion 32a and the second front end portion 32b. The thickness of the second comb needle 32 changes drastically at this second step 32c. Furthermore, the surface of the second step 32c may, for example, face the z-axis direction or face a direction inclined to the z-axis direction. The second step 32c may, for example, have no substantial length in the z-axis direction or may have length in the z-axis direction. In the second step 32c, for example, the rate of change of thickness per unit length from the base end side to the front end side only needs to be higher than the aforementioned rate of change for the second base end portion 32a and the second front end portion 32b respectively. The rate of change of thickness per unit length of the second step 32c along the z-axis direction is preferably more than 3 times, more preferably more than 5 times, and even more preferably more than 10 times, the rate of change of thickness per unit length of the second base end portion 32a and the second front end portion 32b along the z-axis direction.

[0066] (The shape of the third comb needle 33) like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the third comb needle 33 extends from the brush surface 21a along the z-axis. The third comb needle 33 has an elongated shape extending along the z-axis. The third comb needle 33 may also have a uniform thickness along its length, for example. In this embodiment, the front end side of the third comb needle 33 has a portion that is thicker (with a larger cross-sectional area) than the base end side. The third comb needle 33 may also have a shape that gradually tapers from the base end side (one side of the brush surface 21a) to the front end side. Before the brush 1 is used, that is, before the brush 1 is deformed due to use, the third comb needle 33 extends in a generally straight line. The central axis formed by connecting the centroids of the cross-sections of the third comb needle 33 is a generally straight line.

[0067] The third comb needle 33 has a third base end portion 33a and a third front end portion 33b. The third base end portion 33a extends from the brush surface 21a. More specifically, the third base end portion 33a extends from the brush surface 21a along a z-axis direction parallel to the normal direction of the flat brush surface 21a.

[0068] The third base end portion 33a is columnar. Specifically, the third base end portion 33a is generally cylindrical. However, in this disclosure, the shape of the third base end portion is not limited to generally cylindrical. For example, it may also be generally polygonal prism, generally elliptical prism, generally oblong cylinder, etc.

[0069] The thickness of the third base end portion 33a can be approximately uniform along its length (z-axis direction). The third base end portion 33a may also have a portion that gradually tapers from one side of the brush surface 21a towards the front end portion. The entire third base end portion 33a may also gradually taper from one side of the brush surface 21a towards the front end portion. The ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the thinnest portion of the third base end portion 33a to the cross-sectional area of ​​the thickest portion is preferably 0.8 times or more and 1 times or less.

[0070] The third front end portion 33b is connected to the front end portion of the third base end portion 33a. The third front end portion 33b extends along the z-axis from the connection portion with the third base end portion 33a. The third front end portion 33b and the third base end portion 33a are concentrically arranged. Therefore, the third front end portion 33b and the third base end portion 33a are arranged in a generally straight line.

[0071] The third anterior end portion 33b is also columnar, just like the third basal end portion 33a. Specifically, the third anterior end portion 33b is generally cylindrical. However, in this disclosure, the shape of the third anterior end portion is not limited to being generally cylindrical. For example, it may also be generally polygonal prism, generally elliptical prism, generally oblong prism, etc.

[0072] The cross-sectional shape of the third front end portion 33b may be the same as or different from the cross-sectional shape of the third base end portion 33a. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the third front end portion 33b and the cross-sectional shape of the third base end portion 33a may be substantially similar or dissimilar. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shapes of the third front end portion 33b and the third base end portion 33a are both approximately circular and similar.

[0073] The thickness of the third front end portion 33b can be approximately uniform along its length (z-axis direction). The third front end portion 33b may also have a portion that gradually tapers from one side of the brush surface 21a towards the front end portion. The entire third front end portion 33b may also gradually taper from one side of the brush surface 21a towards the front end portion. The ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the thinnest portion of the third front end portion 33b to the cross-sectional area of ​​the thickest portion is preferably 0.8 times or more and 1 times or less.

[0074] Especially Figure 7As shown, the third front end portion 33b is thinner than the third base end portion 33a. Specifically, the base end portion of the third front end portion 33b is thinner than the front end portion of the third base end portion 33a. Therefore, a third step 33c is formed between the third base end portion 33a and the third front end portion 33b. The thickness of the third comb needle 33 changes drastically at this third step 33c. Furthermore, the surface of the third step 33c may, for example, face the z-axis direction or face a direction inclined to the z-axis direction. The third step 33c may, for example, have no substantial length in the z-axis direction or may have length in the z-axis direction. In the third step 33c, for example, the rate of change of thickness per unit length from the base end side to the front end side only needs to be higher than the aforementioned rates of change for the third base end portion 33a and the third front end portion 33b respectively. The rate of change of thickness per unit length of the third step 33c along the z-axis direction is preferably more than 3 times, more preferably more than 5 times, and even more preferably more than 10 times, the rate of change of thickness per unit length of the third base end portion 33a and the third front end portion 33b along the z-axis direction.

[0075] (Difference in shape between the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32) like Figure 7 As shown, the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32 have approximately the same height. Preferably, both the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32 are in contact with the hair when the user presses the brush 1 onto the scalp to comb the hair. For example, the difference in height between the second comb needle 32 and the first comb needle 31 is preferably more than 0.7 times and less than 1.3 times. Within this range, the first comb needle 31 can be longer or shorter than the second comb needle 32.

[0076] Furthermore, in this disclosure, the length of the comb needle is the distance along the z-axis from the position on the brush surface where the comb needle is located to the front end of the comb needle.

[0077] In this embodiment, the brush surface 21a is planar, so it is preferable that the length of the first comb needle 31 and the length of the second comb needle 32 are approximately the same.

[0078] For example, when the brush surface is non-planar, it is preferable that the position of the tip of the first comb needle 31 in the z-axis direction is substantially equal to the position of the second comb needle 32 in the z-axis direction. The distance between the tip of the first comb needle 31 and the tip of the second comb needle 32 in the z-axis direction is preferably less than 1 / 5 of the length of the first comb needle 31 along the z-axis direction, more preferably less than 1 / 10.

[0079] In brush 1, strictly speaking, the length of the second comb needle 32 is slightly shorter than that of the first comb needle 31. The position of the tip of the second comb needle 32 along the z-axis is closer to the brush surface 21a than the position of the tip of the first comb needle 31 along the z-axis. The tip of the second comb needle 32 is closer to one side of the brush surface 21a than the tip of the first comb needle 31, and farther away from the brush surface 21a than the connection (first step 31c) between the first base end portion 31a and the first front end portion 31b. In the z-axis direction, the tip of the second comb needle 32 is located between the tip of the first comb needle 31 and the first step 31c.

[0080] In the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32, the ratios of the lengths of the base ends 31a and 32a to the lengths of the front ends 31b and 32b along the z-axis are different. In this embodiment, the ratio of the length of the front end 31b along the z-axis to the length of the base end 31a along the z-axis in the first comb needle 31 is less than the ratio of the length of the front end 32b along the z-axis to the length of the base end 32a along the z-axis in the second comb needle 32.

[0081] The length of the first base end portion 31a along the z-axis is different from the length of the second base end portion 32a along the z-axis. Specifically, the length of the first base end portion 31a along the z-axis is longer than the length of the second base end portion 32a along the z-axis.

[0082] The length of the first front end portion 31b along the z-axis is different from the length of the second front end portion 32b along the z-axis. Specifically, the length of the first front end portion 31b along the z-axis is shorter than the length of the second front end portion 32b along the z-axis.

[0083] Therefore, in brush 1, the second step 32c, which forms the connection between the second base end portion 32a and the second front end portion 32b, is located on the side closer to the brush surface 21a than the front end of the first comb needle 31. The first step 31c, which forms the connection between the first base end portion 31a and the first front end portion 31b, is located in the z-axis direction between the front end of the second base end portion 32a and the front end portion 32b of the second comb needle 32.

[0084] The first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32 are configured such that a virtual straight line L1 extending along a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first comb needle 31, i.e., the z-axis direction (in this embodiment, a direction parallel to the brush surface 21a), passes through the first front end portion 31b and the second front end portion 32b respectively when viewed from the side. Furthermore, this virtual straight line L1 passes through the fourth comb needle 34 when viewed from the side (from a direction perpendicular to the z-axis direction).

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first base end portion 31a and the second base end portion 32a have substantially the same thickness. Specifically, at any position in the z-axis direction, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first base end portion 31a is substantially equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the second base end portion 32a. The first front end portion 31b and the second front end portion 32b have substantially the same thickness. Specifically, at any position in the z-axis direction, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first front end portion 31b is substantially equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the second front end portion 32b.

[0086] Furthermore, the first base end portion 31a and the second base end portion 32a are both frustoconical shapes that gradually taper in the z-axis direction toward the side away from the brush surface 21a. On the other hand, the first front end portion 31b and the second front end portion 32b are both approximately cylindrical in shape with no change in thickness in the z-axis direction.

[0087] (Differences in shape between the first comb needle 31, the second comb needle 32, and the third comb needle 33) The third comb needle 33 is shorter than both the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32. The tip of the third comb needle 33 is located closer to the brush surface 21a than the tips of the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32. Specifically, the third comb needle 33 is shorter than the first base end 31a and the second base end 32a. The tip of the third comb needle 33 is located closer to the brush surface 21a in the z-axis direction than the z-axis positions of the first base end 31a and the second base end 32a.

[0088] The length of the third comb needle 33 is preferably 0.3 times or more and 0.8 times or less than the lengths of the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32, more preferably 0.3 times or more and 0.7 times or less, and even more preferably 0.4 times or more and 0.6 times or less. The distance in the z-axis direction between the front end of the third comb needle 33 and the front end of the first comb needle 31 or the second comb needle 32 is preferably 0.3 times or more than the length of the first comb needle 31 or the second comb needle 32 in the z-axis direction, more preferably 0.4 times or more. The distance in the z-axis direction between the front end of the third comb needle 33 and the front end of the first comb needle 31 or the second comb needle 32 is preferably 0.8 times or less than the length of the first comb needle 31 or the second comb needle 32 in the z-axis direction, more preferably 0.7 times or less.

[0089] The tip of the third comb needle 33 is located on the side of the brush surface 21a further in the z-axis direction than the tips of the first base end portion 31a and the second front end portion 32b. In a side view, there is no virtual straight line L1 passing through the third comb needle 33. The ratio of the length of the third front end portion 33b along the z-axis to the length of the third base end portion 33a along the z-axis is greater than the ratio of the length of the first front end portion 31b along the z-axis to the length of the first base end portion 31a along the z-axis, and the ratio of the length of the second front end portion 32b along the z-axis to the length of the second base end portion 32a along the z-axis.

[0090] In this embodiment, the length of the third front end portion 33b is substantially equal to the length of the second front end portion 32b, while the length of the third base end portion 33a is shorter than the length of the second base end portion 32a. The length of the third base end portion 33a along the z-axis is preferably 0.8 times or less, more preferably 0.7 times or less, of the length of the second base end portion 32a along the z-axis. The length of the third base end portion 33a along the z-axis is preferably 0.2 times or more, more preferably 0.3 times or more, of the length of the second base end portion 32a along the z-axis.

[0091] In this embodiment, the third base end portion 33a is thinner than both the first base end portion 31a and the second base end portion 32a. Specifically, at any position in the z-axis direction, the cross-sectional area of ​​the third base end portion 33a is smaller than both the cross-sectional areas of the first base end portion 31a and the second base end portion 32a. On the other hand, the third front end portion 33b has a thickness that is substantially the same as both the first front end portion 31b and the second front end portion 32b. Therefore, the ratio of the thickness of the third front end portion 33b to the thickness of the third base end portion 33a in the third comb needle 33 is greater than the ratio of the thickness of the first front end portion 31b to the thickness of the first base end portion 31a in the first comb needle 31, and the ratio of the thickness of the second front end portion 32b to the thickness of the second base end portion 32a in the second comb needle 32, respectively.

[0092] (Fourth comb needle 34) The brush 1 contains multiple fourth comb needles 34. Each fourth comb needle 34 is shorter than the first comb needle 31. For example... Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, compared to each of the first comb needle 31, the second comb needle 32, and the third comb needle 33, the thickness of the fourth comb needle 34 varies relatively significantly in the z-axis direction. The ratio of the maximum thickness to the minimum thickness of the fourth comb needle 34 is greater than the ratio of the maximum thickness to the minimum thickness of each of the first comb needle 31, the second comb needle 32, and the third comb needle 33. The fourth comb needle 34 has a portion whose thickness (cross-sectional area) decreases monotonically from one side of the brush surface 21a to the front end side.

[0093] Specifically, the fourth comb needle 34 has a fourth base end portion 34a constituting the second part and a fourth front end portion 34b constituting the first part. The fourth base end portion 34a constituting the second part is located on the side closer to the brush surface 21a than the fourth front end portion 34b constituting the first part.

[0094] For example, the fourth comb needle 34 may also have portions other than the fourth base end portion 34a and the fourth front end portion 34b, but in this embodiment, the fourth comb needle 34 is substantially composed of the fourth base end portion 34a and the fourth front end portion 34b. The fourth base end portion 34a extends from the brush surface 21a along the z-axis direction. The fourth front end portion 34b extends from the front end portion of the fourth base end portion 34a along the z-axis direction to the side opposite to the brush surface 21a.

[0095] The fourth base end portion 34a gradually tapers from one side of the brush surface 21a toward the front end side. The area of ​​the cross-section perpendicular to the z-axis direction of the fourth base end portion 34a gradually decreases from one side of the brush surface 21a toward the front end side. The rate of increase in thickness per unit length of the fourth front end portion 34b constituting the second part, which is the rate of increase in thickness per unit length in the z-axis direction of the extension direction of the fourth comb needle 34, is higher than the rate of increase in thickness per unit length in the z-axis direction of the fourth base end portion 34a constituting the first part. Specifically, the thickness of the fourth front end portion 34b does not change substantially in the z-axis direction. The area of ​​the cross-section perpendicular to the z-axis direction of the fourth front end portion 34b does not change substantially in the z-axis direction. In this embodiment, the fourth front end portion 34b is approximately cylindrical.

[0096] The fourth comb needle 34 includes a non-circular portion with a cross-section perpendicular to the z-axis direction. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the fourth base end portion 34a constituting the second part is a non-circular portion. The fourth base end portion 34a is substantially entirely a non-circular portion. The fourth front end portion 34b constituting the first part does not constitute a non-circular portion in this embodiment.

[0097] In this embodiment, the shape of at least a portion of the cross-section perpendicular to the z-axis direction of the fourth base end portion 34a constituting the non-circular portion is specifically polygonal. More specifically, the shape of the cross-section of the fourth base end portion 34a, which is substantially entirely perpendicular to the z-axis direction, is polygonal. More specifically, as... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the cross section of the fourth base end 34a, which is perpendicular to the z-axis direction, is approximately octagonal.

[0098] Thus, the cross-sectional shape of the fourth base end portion 34a is non-circular, specifically polygonal, while in the fourth front end portion 34b, the rate of increase in thickness is essentially zero, and the cross-sectional shape of the fourth front end portion 34b is circular. Therefore, the fourth comb needle 34 includes portions with different cross-sectional shapes perpendicular to the z-axis direction.

[0099] Because the rate of increase in thickness of the fourth base end portion 34a is relatively large, the fourth comb needle 34 is configured such that the area of ​​the cross-section of the fourth comb needle 34 perpendicular to the z-axis direction is equal to the average cross-sectional area of ​​the fourth comb needle 34 (the average area of ​​the cross-sectional area of ​​the fourth comb needle 34) and is located on the side closer to the brush surface than the center of the fourth comb needle 34 in the length direction, i.e., the z-axis direction. Thus, the base end portion of the fourth comb needle 34 is configured to be relatively thick.

[0100] In the fourth base end portion 34a constituting the first part and the fourth front end portion 34b constituting the second part, the cross-sectional shape of the fourth front end portion 34b is closer to a circle. The area of ​​the portion surrounded by the cross-section perpendicular to the z-axis direction of the fourth base end portion 34a and the approximately circular shape of that cross-section is smaller than the area of ​​the portion surrounded by the cross-section perpendicular to the z-axis direction of the fourth front end portion 34b and the approximately circular shape of that cross-section.

[0101] The brush 1 has a plurality of comb needles parallel to the brush surface 21a, and in a cross-section cut by the surface passing through the fourth base end portion 34a constituting the second part, the plurality of comb needles include a plurality of first comb needles 31, a plurality of second comb needles 32, and a plurality of third comb needles 33 that are thinner than the fourth comb needle 34. At any position of the second base end portion 32a in the z-axis direction, the fourth comb needle 34 is the thickest among the first comb needles 31, second comb needles 32, third comb needles 33, and fourth comb needles 34. The first front end portion 31b, the second front end portion 32b, the third front end portion 33b, and the fourth front end portion 34b have substantially the same thickness.

[0102] The fourth comb needle 34 is longer than the third comb needle 33. The front end of the fourth comb needle 34 is located on the opposite side of the brush surface 21a in the z-axis direction compared to the front end of the third comb needle 33.

[0103] In this embodiment, the length of the fourth comb needle 34 along the z-axis is substantially equal to the lengths of the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32 along the z-axis. The position of the front end of the fourth comb needle 34 in the z-axis direction is substantially equal to the position of the front ends of the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32 in the z-axis direction. The position of the fourth front end portion 34b of the fourth comb needle 34 in the z-axis direction is substantially equal to the position of the second front end portion 32b in the z-axis direction. That is, the base end of the fourth front end portion 34b, i.e., the front end of the fourth base end portion 34a, and the second step 32c are substantially at the same position in the z-axis direction.

[0104] (Arrangement of the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32) First, the main reference Figure 5 The arrangement of the multiple first comb needles 31 and the multiple second comb needles 32 is described. For example... Figure 5 As shown, in the x-axis direction perpendicular to the z-axis direction, a plurality of first comb needles 31 and a plurality of second comb needles 32 are arranged in an alternating manner.

[0105] In the y-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the z-axis direction and different from the x-axis direction, a plurality of first comb needles 31 and a plurality of second comb needles 32 are arranged in an alternating manner.

[0106] In this embodiment, the y-axis direction is perpendicular to both the z-axis and the x-axis direction. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. The angle between the x-axis and the y-axis direction can also be an angle other than 90°. For example, the x-axis and the y-axis direction can form an acute or an obtuse angle. Therefore, the plurality of first comb needles 31 and the plurality of second comb needles 32 can generally be configured in either a square matrix or a rhombic matrix when viewed from above.

[0107] Thus, in brush 1, first comb needles 31 and second comb needles 32 are alternately arranged in at least one of the two directions perpendicular to the z-axis and the y-axis, specifically in both directions. Furthermore, in at least one of the x-axis and y-axis directions, adjacent first comb needles 31 and second comb needles 32 are configured such that their positions differ from each other in other directions. Specifically, in the x-axis direction, adjacent first comb needles 31 and second comb needles 32 are arranged in a zigzag pattern, for example, centered on a virtual straight line L2. The plurality of first comb needles 31 and second comb needles 32 arranged along the extension direction of the virtual straight line L2 are arranged in a zigzag pattern centered on the virtual straight line L2 when viewed from above. The plurality of first comb needles 31 and second comb needles 32 arranged along the extension direction of the virtual straight line L2 are not arranged on the same straight line when viewed from above.

[0108] Specifically, when viewed from above, if a first comb needle 31 is located on one side of the y-axis relative to the virtual line L2, then a second comb needle 32 adjacent to that first comb needle 31 is located on the other side of the y-axis relative to the virtual line L2. More specifically, when considering only a plurality of first comb needles 31 and a plurality of second comb needles 32 arranged in the y-axis direction, relative to the virtual line L2, on one side of the y-axis direction (… Figure 5The virtual straight line L21 is arranged along the x-axis direction on the upper side of the middle. When focusing on only the multiple second comb needles 32 among the multiple first comb needles 31 and multiple second comb needles 32 arranged in the y-axis direction, the virtual straight line L2 is on the other side of the y-axis direction ( Figure 5 The lower side of the comb needles 31 and 32 are arranged along a virtual straight line L22 along the x-axis. In this way, the axes of the multiple first comb needles 31 and the multiple second comb needles 32 are arranged in different positions along the y-axis.

[0109] The first comb needles 31 and second comb needles 32 that are adjacent to each other in the y-axis direction are not arranged along the virtual line L3, for example. The first comb needles 31 and second comb needles 32 that are adjacent to each other in the y-axis direction are arranged in a zigzag pattern with the virtual line L3 as the center. The plurality of first comb needles 31 and the plurality of second comb needles 32 arranged along the extension direction of the virtual line L3 are arranged in a zigzag pattern with the virtual line L3 as the center when viewed from above. The plurality of first comb needles 31 and the plurality of second comb needles 32 arranged along the extension direction of the virtual line L3 are not arranged on the same straight line when viewed from above.

[0110] Specifically, when viewed from above, if a first comb needle 31 is located on one side of the virtual line L3 in the x-axis direction, then a second comb needle 32 adjacent to that first comb needle 31 in the y-axis direction is located on the other side of the virtual line L3 in the x-axis direction. More specifically, when considering only a plurality of first comb needles 31 and a plurality of second comb needles 32 arranged in the y-axis direction, on one side of the virtual line L3 in the x-axis direction (… Figure 11 The virtual straight line L31 is arranged along the y-axis direction on the right side of the image. When focusing on only the multiple second comb needles 32 among the multiple first comb needles 31 and multiple second comb needles 32 arranged in the y-axis direction, the virtual straight line L3 is on the other side of the x-axis direction (…). Figure 11 The left side of the image shows a virtual straight line L32 arranged along the y-axis. In this way, the axes of the multiple first comb needles 31 and multiple second comb needles 32 are arranged at different positions in the x-axis direction.

[0111] As described above, a plurality of first comb needles 31 are arranged in a matrix along a virtual straight line L21 extending in the x-axis direction and a virtual straight line L31 extending in the y-axis direction. On the other hand, a plurality of second comb needles 32 are arranged in a matrix along a virtual straight line L22 extending in the x-axis direction and a virtual straight line L32 extending in the y-axis direction. Thus, the matrices arranged in the plurality of first comb needles 31 and the plurality of second comb needles 32 are all different.

[0112] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32 are arranged in a zigzag pattern in both the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction, which are perpendicular to the z-axis direction. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32 may be arranged in a zigzag pattern only in one of the x-axis and y-axis directions. For example, the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32 may be arranged in a straight line along both the x-axis and y-axis directions. For example, the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32 may be arranged in a straight line along both the x-axis and y-axis directions.

[0113] (The arrangement of the third comb needle 33) Multiple third comb needles 33 are arranged in a matrix. Specifically, the multiple third comb needles 33 are arranged in a matrix along virtual straight lines L41 extending in the x-axis direction and L42 extending in the y-axis direction, respectively. In this embodiment, virtual straight line L41 is not the same as virtual straight lines L2, L21, and L22. Virtual straight line L42 is not the same as virtual straight lines L3, L31, and L32.

[0114] The plurality of first comb pins 31 and the plurality of second comb pins 32 include comb pins located in a region surrounded by four adjacent third comb pins 33 in the x-axis or y-axis direction. Specifically, substantially all of the plurality of first comb pins 31 and the plurality of second comb pins 32 that, when viewed from above, are adjacent to a fourth comb pin 34 without passing through a third comb pin 33, are located in a region surrounded by four adjacent third comb pins 33 in the x-axis or y-axis direction. More specifically, when viewed from above, the front ends of the first comb pins 31 or second comb pins 32 disposed within a rectangle (specifically a square) R are located at positions different from the intersections of the two diagonals of the virtual rectangle R, which is formed by connecting the front ends of the four adjacent third comb pins 33 in the x-axis or y-axis direction with straight lines.

[0115] However, the principle behind styling hair by brushing is roughly as follows: The brush needles penetrate the tangled hair. This creates gaps between the tangled hairs where the brush needles are inserted. In this state, by moving the brush towards the front of the hair, the tangled areas are moved towards the front. As a result, the tangles at the roots of the hair are untangled. By repeatedly brushing, the tangled parts eventually reach the tips of the hair, after which the tangles are completely removed. The result is neat, tangle-free hair.

[0116] For example, consider a brush with multiple cylindrical or conical comb needles of one type. In this case, if the brush is inserted into the hair, the multiple comb needles insert into the hair in the same way. For example, the depth to which the hair enters the base of the comb needle is the same. If the brush is moved from this state, it is possible that only the hair is subjected to a predominantly force in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the brush's movement. In other words, it is possible that only substantially two-dimensional motion is applied to the tangled hair by the comb needles.

[0117] In contrast, in brush 1, the connection between the second base end 32a and the second front end 32b is located on the side closer to the brush surface 21a than the front end of the first comb pin 31. Multiple first comb pins 31 and multiple second comb pins 32 with different shapes are provided. Therefore, initially, when brush 1 is inserted into the hair, since different parts of the hair come into contact with the comb pins 31 and 32, the depth of the hair penetrating brush 1 varies in the direction of the depth of the comb pins 31 and 32. Therefore, when brush 1 is inserted into the hair, hair that is deeply inserted into brush 1 and hair that is not deeply inserted can move relative to each other in the depth direction of the comb pins 31 and 32.

[0118] Furthermore, the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32 each have a base end 31a, 32a and a front end 31b, 32b with a thickness different from the base end 31a, 32a, and the shapes of the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32 are different from each other. Therefore, when the brush 1 is moved toward the front end of the hair, the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32 exert different effects or movements on the hair. For example, the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32 exert different effects on the hair in the width direction perpendicular to the depth direction of the comb needles 31, 32. Moreover, the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32 exert different effects on the hair in the depth direction of the comb needles 31, 32. As a result, it is easy to apply three-dimensional movement to the hair by the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32. Therefore, compared with the case of applying two-dimensional movement to the hair, the hair is easier to move in large movements. As a result, tangled hair becomes easier to untangle, and the tangled part of the hair becomes easier to move toward the front end of the hair. Therefore, brush 1 can effectively detangle hair and make it easy to style. Furthermore, the user needs to apply less force to brush 1 to style their hair. Thus, brush 1 offers excellent operability. Moreover, the less force the user applies to brush 1, the less stress is generated between the comb needles 31 and 32 and the hair, and the less friction occurs between the comb needles 31 and 32 and the hair. Therefore, it can effectively prevent hair deterioration.

[0119] Based on the above viewpoint, it is preferable that both the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32 penetrate the hair when the brush 1 contacts the hair. Therefore, asFigure 7 As shown, it is preferable that the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32 are configured such that a virtual straight line L1 passes through both the first front end portion 31b and the second front end portion 32b. For example, it is preferable that the height difference between the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32 is less than a specified value. The distance along the z-axis between the front end of the first comb needle 31 and the front end of the second comb needle 32 is preferably less than 0.3 times the length of the first comb needle 31 along the z-axis, more preferably less than 0.2 times, and even more preferably less than 0.1 times. It is preferable that the front end positions in the z-axis direction are substantially the same, and that various comb needles are provided with different z-axis positions for the connection portions of the base ends 31a, 32a and the front ends 31b, 32b.

[0120] Strictly speaking, the length of the second comb needle 32 is preferably slightly shorter than that of the first comb needle 31. Preferably, the position of the tip of the second comb needle 32 along the z-axis is closer to the brush surface 21a than the position of the tip of the first comb needle 31 along the z-axis. Preferably, the tip of the second comb needle 32 is closer to one side of the brush surface 21a than the tip of the first comb needle 31, and farther away from the brush surface 21a than the connection (first step 31c) between the first base end portion 31a and the first front end portion 31b. Preferably, in the z-axis direction, the tip of the second comb needle 32 is located between the tip of the first comb needle 31 and the first step 31c.

[0121] Among the base tips 31a and 32a and the front tips 31b and 32b, the relatively thicker base tips 31a and 32a have a higher Young's modulus. Therefore, the first comb needle 31 has a higher Young's modulus overall than the second comb needle 32, resulting in higher rigidity. By ensuring that the first comb needle 31 (with its tip positioned on the side opposite to the brush surface 21a), which has higher rigidity, contacts the hair first, the lifespan of the brush 1 can be extended. Furthermore, it improves the massage effect on the hair.

[0122] However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The tip of the second comb 32 may also be further away from the brush surface 21a than the tip of the first comb 31. In this case, the second tip 32b, which is longer and softer than the first tip 31b, contacts the scalp first. Therefore, the scalp can be treated gently, and damage to the scalp caused by combing can be suppressed.

[0123] For example, the length of the first front end portion 31b can also be longer than the length of the second front end portion 32b. For example, when the front end of the first comb needle 31 is located on the side opposite to the brush surface 21a in the z-axis direction than the front end of the second comb needle 32 in the z-axis direction, and the length of the first front end portion 31b is longer than the length of the second front end portion 32b, the first comb needle 31, which has high rigidity at its base and a long and flexible front end portion 31b, is more likely to make contact with the scalp first. Therefore, it is possible to make the first comb needle 31 firmly in contact with the scalp while suppressing the application of damage to the scalp caused by the brush.

[0124] For example, the front end of the first comb needle 31 may be positioned on the side of the brush surface 21a closer to the front end of the second comb needle 32 in the z-axis direction than the front end of the second comb needle 32 in the z-axis direction, and the length of the first front end portion 31b may be longer than the length of the second front end portion 32b.

[0125] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of increasing the difference between the movement of the first comb needle 31 and the movement of the second comb needle 32 in the z-axis direction applied to the hair, it is preferable that the length of the first front end portion 31b along the z-axis direction and the length of the second front end portion 32b along the z-axis direction are different from each other. In particular, when the front end position of the first comb needle 31 and the front end position of the second comb needle 32 in the z-axis direction are in the aforementioned relationship, it is preferable that the lengths of the first front end portion 31b and the second front end portion 32b are different from each other.

[0126] Furthermore, when the first steps 31c and 32c are provided between the base ends 31a and 32a and the front ends 31b and 32b, the first steps 31c and 32c have a greater effect on moving the hair in the z-axis direction, thus making it easier for the hair to move in more three-dimensional directions. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively untangle the hair.

[0127] For example, the multiple first comb needles 31 and multiple second comb needles 32 described above could also be arranged in a matrix along the x-axis and y-axis directions. For example... Figure 5As shown, in brush 1, a plurality of first comb needles 31 and a plurality of second comb needles 32 are configured such that the first comb needles 31 and the second comb needles 32 are in alternating positions in at least one of the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction, which is different from the x-axis direction. Therefore, for example, when brush 1 is moved in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the alternating positions of the first comb needles 31 and the second comb needles 32 (e.g., the x-axis direction), it is easy to apply different movements to hair arranged in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of brush 1 (e.g., the x-axis direction) in the z-axis direction, enabling large-scale three-dimensional movement. Therefore, hair tangles can be detangled more effectively. In brush 1, a plurality of first comb needles 31 and a plurality of second comb needles 32 are configured such that the first comb needles 31 and the second comb needles 32 are in alternating positions in each of the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction, which is different from the x-axis direction. Therefore, hair tangles can be effectively detangled whether brush 1 is operated in the x-axis direction or the y-axis direction. Therefore, no matter how you hold the brush 1, it is easy to effectively untangle hair.

[0128] For example, it is also possible to arrange multiple first comb needles and multiple second comb needles in a matrix along two directions. In this case, for example, if the brush is operated along the direction of the comb needle arrangement, the comb needles inserted upstream of the hair knot will greatly help to move the knot towards the front of the hair, but the comb needles located downstream of the same comb needle may sometimes be less helpful in untangling the hair.

[0129] In brush 1, the positions of two adjacent first comb needles 31 in at least one of the x-axis and y-axis directions and the second comb needle 32 located between these two first comb needles 31 are different from each other in another direction. Similarly, the positions of two adjacent second comb needles 32 in at least one of the x-axis and y-axis directions and the first comb needle 31 located between these two second comb needles 32 are different from each other in another direction. Therefore, for example, when brush 1 is operated along the x-axis or y-axis direction, after the comb needles 31, 32 inserted into the hair tangle move the hair tangle upstream in the operating direction, further movement of the hair tangle can be applied downstream of these comb needles 31, 32 by means of comb needles 31, 32 positioned at different locations in a direction perpendicular to the operating direction of these comb needles 31, 32. Therefore, it is easier to untangle the hair.

[0130] Specifically, in brush 1, as described above, the adjacent comb needles 31 and 32 are staggered in both the x-axis and y-axis directions. Therefore, it is easier to untangle hair even when brush 1 is operated along the x-axis or along the y-axis.

[0131] Furthermore, when adjacent comb needles along the brush's arrangement direction are located on a virtual straight line along that direction, further movement of tangled hair moved by upstream comb needles may be hindered by downstream comb needles. In contrast, in brush 1, the positions of adjacent first comb needles 31 and second comb needles 32 differ in at least one of the x-axis and y-axis directions. Therefore, tangled hair that can be moved by upstream comb needles 31 and 32 in the operating directions of adjacent first and second comb needles 31 and 32 is unlikely to encounter downstream comb needles 31 and 32. Consequently, further movement of tangled hair is difficult to obstruct by downstream comb needles 31 and 32. As a result, it is more effective to promote the movement of tangled hair towards the front end of the hair. Therefore, it is easier to untangle hair tangles.

[0132] In the case where the first comb needles 31 and the second comb needles 32 are arranged alternately in at least one of the x-axis and y-axis directions, as in brush 1, the comb needles adjacent in the x-axis or y-axis direction are the first comb needles 31 and the second comb needles 32. The two first comb needles 31 and the two second comb needles 32 are directly adjacent to each other in the x-axis and y-axis directions without passing through other types of comb needles. Therefore, it is not necessary to make the positions of the two first comb needles 31 closest to each other or the two second comb needles 32 different in the other direction. Of course, it is desirable to further enhance the effect of untangling hair by making the positions of the two first comb needles 31 closest to each other or the two second comb needles 32 substantially consistent in the other direction. For example, the tangling of hair is detangled by the comb needles 31 and 32 located at the upstream side in one of the x-axis and y-axis directions moving towards the front end of the hair, and the movement is applied by the comb needles 31 and 32 after these comb needles 31 and 32. Therefore, when a hair tangle reaches the next comb needle 31 or 32, the tangling pattern is highly likely to change from its initial state. Thus, it is difficult to hinder the movement and untangling of the hair tangle by contacting the third comb needle 31 or 32; moreover, it is possible to further move the tangle. Therefore, it may be possible to untangle the hair more effectively. From the viewpoint that this effect can be obtained when the brush 1 is operated in either the x-axis or y-axis direction, it is preferable that the second comb needle 32 is located outside the area traversed by the virtual lines L21 and L31, and it is preferable that the first comb needle 31 is located outside the area traversed by the virtual lines L22 and L32. Specifically, it is preferable that the tip of the second comb needle 32 is located outside the area traversed by the virtual lines L21 and L31, and it is preferable that the tip of the first comb needle 31 is located outside the area traversed by the virtual lines L22 and L32.

[0133] Furthermore, for example, even when three adjacent comb pins 31 and 32 in the x-axis or y-axis direction are arranged on any virtual straight line, the effect of effectively untangling hair can be achieved by setting the first comb pin 31 and the second comb pin 32 with different shapes. Therefore, three adjacent comb pins 31 and 32 in the x-axis or y-axis direction can be arranged on any virtual straight line.

[0134] In the brush 1, there are multiple third comb needles 33 that are shorter than the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32. The tip of the third comb needle 33 is located on the side of the brush surface 21a that is closer in the z-axis direction than the tip of the first comb needle 31 and the tip of the second comb needle 32. In such a brush 1, when the brush 1 touches the scalp, the longer of the multiple comb needles 31, 32, and 33, the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32, are inserted into the hair. The heavily tangled parts of the hair are not inserted deeper into the comb needles 31 and 32 due to the resistance generated when the first comb needle 31 or the second comb needle 32 is inserted at this time. For example, the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32 can easily and smoothly insert into the less tangled parts of the hair with low resistance. Therefore, the less tangled parts of the hair can easily enter the roots of the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32. Therefore, there is a possibility that the less tangled parts of the hair reach the area where the third comb needle 33 is provided. Even in areas where the hair is less tangled, the tangles tend to move towards the front of the hair and are easily untangled, even with minimal movement in a direction perpendicular to the brush 1's operating direction. Therefore, in areas where the hair is less tangled, a third brush 33 is added in addition to the first and second brushes 31 and 32. The high density of the brushes 31, 32, and 33 makes it easier to effectively untangle the hair. Furthermore, by further specifying a third brush 33 that is shorter than the first and second brushes 31 and 32, the tangles can be effectively untangled even in areas with both severe and considerable tangles. Additionally, even when the hair is generally severely tangled, repeated brushing with the brush 1 reduces the amount of tangling. When the hair is generally severely tangled, the first and second brushes 31 and 32 are primarily used to effectively untangle the hair. After reducing the tangles, the third brush 33, in addition to the first and second brushes 31 and 32, further reduces the tangles. Therefore, it can effectively style hair in a short time. Additionally, it can keep hair in a neater state.

[0135] The third comb needle can be, for example, generally cylindrical or generally frustum conical. In the brush 1, the third comb needle 33, like the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32, has a base end portion 33a extending from the brush surface 21a and a front end portion 33b that is thinner than the base end portion 33a. Furthermore, a third step 33c is provided between the base end portion 33a and the front end portion 33b. Thus, by arranging the third comb needle 33 in a shape with a height difference structure, it is easy to apply movement along the z-axis to the hair, enabling three-dimensional movement of the hair. Therefore, hair tangling can be effectively reduced.

[0136] In brush 1, multiple third comb pins 33 are arranged in a matrix along the x-axis and y-axis directions, respectively. Since the hair reaching the third comb pins 33 is generally not tangled, arranging the multiple third comb pins 33 in a matrix-like manner can sometimes effectively untangle the hair. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The multiple third comb pins may not be arranged in a matrix. Furthermore, when the multiple third comb pins are arranged in a matrix, at least one of the two basis vectors of the matrix formed by the multiple third comb pins 33 may be different from the basis vectors of the matrix formed by at least one of the multiple first comb pins 31 and the multiple second comb pins 32. The arrangement of at least one of the multiple first comb pins 31 and the multiple second comb pins 32 and the arrangement of the multiple third comb pins 33 may be the same as or different from each other. From the viewpoint of more effectively untangling hair, it is preferable that the spacing between the multiple third comb pins 33 is shorter than the spacing between the multiple first comb pins 31 and the multiple second comb pins 32 (the distance between the closest comb pins 31 and 32).

[0137] From the viewpoint of enabling all the first comb needles 31, the second comb needles 32, and the third comb needles 33 to function effectively, it is preferable to arrange the plurality of first comb needles 31, the plurality of second comb needles 32, and the plurality of third comb needles 33 in a sparse manner with high uniformity. From this viewpoint, it is preferable to arrange the plurality of comb needles 31, 32, and 33 such that, in a top view, the first comb needle 31 or the second comb needle 32 is located in an area surrounded by four adjacent third comb needles 33 in the x-axis direction or the y-axis direction.

[0138] The brush 1 also has a fourth comb needle 34. The fourth comb needle 34 has a base end portion 34a as a second part and a front end portion 34b as a first part. The rate of increase in thickness (cross-sectional area) per unit length in the z-axis direction of the extension of the fourth comb needle 34 is greater in the base end portion 34a than in the front end portion 34b. The thickness of the fourth comb needle 34 varies more on the brush surface 21a side, i.e., the base end side, and the variation is less significant on the front end side. Therefore, the fourth comb needle 34 has a much thicker portion at the base end portion 34a than other portions. The front end portion 34b is formed to be thinner. Thus, because the front end portion 34b is thinner, the front end portion 34b of the fourth comb needle 34 easily penetrates the hair when the brush 1 presses against the scalp. When the fourth comb needle 34 is inserted into the hair, the tangled hair is effectively and smoothly opened in the direction in which the tangled hair is untangled by the base end portion 34a with its high rate of increase in thickness. Therefore, by providing a fourth comb 34 with the configuration described above, it is possible to effectively untangle tangled hair.

[0139] As described above, the fourth comb needle 34 has the function of untangling hair by inserting it into the tangled hair. On the other hand, the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32 have the function of untangling hair by applying movement to the hair in various directions when operating the brush 1. Thus, the fourth comb needle 34 and the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32 share the function of untangling hair, but their functions in untangling hair are different. Therefore, for example, only a plurality of first comb needles 31 and a plurality of second comb needles 32 may be provided, or only a plurality of fourth comb needles 34 may be provided, but it is preferable to provide a plurality of first comb needles 31 and a plurality of second comb needles 32 and a plurality of fourth comb needles 34 simultaneously.

[0140] like Figure 5 As shown, in brush 1, preferably two adjacent fourth comb needles 34 (the two fourth comb needles 34 at the shortest distance when viewed from above) are located within the virtual rectangle R at the vertices, and at least one of the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32 is located at the vertices. With this arrangement, the untangling effect of the hair being stretched open when the fourth comb needle 34 is inserted into the hair, and the untangling effect of the first comb needle 31 or the second comb needle 32 moving the untangled part of the hair towards the front end when it passes through the untangled hair, can be effectively achieved simultaneously. As a result, hair tangles can be untangled more effectively.

[0141] As described above, the important function of the fourth comb needle 34 is to separate tangled hair in a direction perpendicular to the operating direction of the brush 1. Therefore, it is preferable that it extends significantly from the front end to the base end in a direction perpendicular to the operating direction of the brush 1. At least one of the two ends of the fourth comb needle 34 in the direction perpendicular to the operating direction of the brush 1 is sharp, so as to efficiently apply a separating force to the hair. From this point of view, the fourth comb needle 34 preferably includes a non-circular portion with a non-circular cross-sectional shape.

[0142] The front end 34b is made thinner to easily entangle tangled hair, while the base end 34a is made thicker to separate tangled hair. Therefore, it is more preferable that the base end 34a, which mainly has the effect of separating hair, includes a non-circular portion, and the base end 34a is substantially entirely non-circular.

[0143] As described above, when at least one of the two ends of the fourth comb needle 34 in the direction perpendicular to the operating direction of the brush 1 is sharp, it can effectively apply a force to open the hair. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the non-circular portion is preferably polygonal, for example. More preferably, the non-circular portion is provided such that at least one end in the x-axis direction and at least one end in the y-axis direction are located at its corners. More preferably, the non-circular portion is provided such that at least one end in the x-axis direction and at least one end in the y-axis direction are located at an acute angle (less than 90°).

[0144] Since the process involves untangling the hair by stretching it out, if excessive stress is applied to the hair at the beginning of this untangling process, the hair becomes prone to rapid movement, potentially causing damage and worsening the tangling. Therefore, it is preferable to configure the fourth comb 34 such that it does not apply excessive stress to the hair at the beginning of the untangling process, but applies greater stress to the tangled hair as it is inserted. From this perspective, the fourth comb 34 is preferably configured such that its cross-sectional area is equal to the average cross-sectional area of ​​the fourth comb 34, and its position along the z-axis is located closer to the brush surface 21a (base end side) than the center of the fourth comb 34 along its length, i.e., along the z-axis.

[0145] In brush 1, the base end 34a and the front end 34b perform different main functions. Therefore, the fourth comb needle 34 preferably includes portions with different cross-sectional shapes.

[0146] Since the preferred tip 34b has a shape that facilitates the insertion of tangled hair, its cross-section is preferably closer to a circle than that of the base tip 34a. This is because a near-circular cross-sectional shape reduces resistance when inserting the hair. Specifically, the area enclosed by the approximately circular cross-section of the tip 34b and that cross-section is preferably smaller than the area enclosed by the approximately circular cross-section of the base tip 34a and that cross-section. More preferably, the tip 34b includes a portion with a zero rate of increase in thickness (a substantially cylindrical portion), and even more preferably, the rate of increase in thickness of the tip 34b is substantially zero overall.

[0147] Hereinafter, other examples and modifications of the preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described. In the following description, components having substantially the same function as those in the first embodiment described above will be described using common reference numerals, and the descriptions in the first embodiment described above will also be applied to the following embodiments and modifications.

[0148] (Second Implementation) Figure 10 This is a schematic top view of the brush according to the second embodiment. Figure 11 This is a schematic top view of an enlarged portion of the brush body 20 of the second embodiment. Figure 12 This is a schematic side view of the brush body 20 according to the second embodiment. Figure 13 This is a schematic perspective view of the brush body 20 according to the second embodiment. Figure 14 This is a schematic top view of the fourth comb needle 34 in the second embodiment.

[0149] The second embodiment relates to a brush that differs from the brush 1 of the first embodiment in the following aspects, while being substantially the same as brush 1 in other aspects. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the differences from brush 1 will be explained, while the description of other components will refer to the first embodiment.

[0150] (Arrangement of multiple first comb needles 31 and multiple second comb needles 32) like Figure 10 As shown, in the second embodiment, the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32, which are located at alternating positions in the z-axis direction, are situated on a virtual straight line L2, which differs from the aspect of brush 1. The brush according to the second embodiment functions differently when moving along the x-axis and when moving along the y-axis. Therefore, the user can choose from a wider range of brush usage methods.

[0151] (The shape of the fourth comb needle 34) In the first embodiment, an example of symmetry at 34 points on the fourth comb needle when viewed from above was described. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, as... Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, the shape of the fourth comb needle 34 is not point-symmetrical when viewed from above. In this embodiment, the fourth comb needle 34 is an elongated shape with its long side along the x-axis when viewed from above. Therefore, when the fourth comb needle 34 is inserted into the hair, tangled hair tends to move significantly in the x-axis direction. Moreover, since multiple first comb needles 31 and multiple second comb needles 32 are alternately arranged in the y-axis direction, it is easier to untangle the hair when operating the brush in the y-axis direction. Therefore, the brush of this embodiment is a brush that more effectively untangles hair when operating the brush in the y-axis direction.

[0152] In this embodiment, viewed from above, the curvature of the central end of the fourth comb needle 34 in the y-axis direction is higher than that of the outer end. The radius of curvature of the outer end of the fourth comb needle 34 in the y-axis direction is also greater than that of the outer end. Therefore, if the brush of this embodiment is operated along the y-axis direction, the hair tangled upstream of the fourth comb needle 34 is stretched more effectively. Thus, hair tangling can be suppressed more effectively.

[0153] On the other hand, for example, from the viewpoint of reducing the friction between the fourth comb needle 34 and the hair when operating the brush in the y-axis direction, it is preferable that the curvature of the central side edge of the fourth comb needle in the y-axis direction is lower than the curvature of the outer side edge.

[0154] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example has been described where the length direction of each of the plurality of fourth comb pins 34 is along the x-axis or y-axis direction when viewed from above. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the plurality of fourth comb pins may include comb pins having a long side direction along a direction other than the x-axis and y-axis directions. The plurality of fourth comb pins 34 may, for example, include a variety of fourth comb pins 34 with different long side directions when viewed from above. For example, the plurality of fourth comb pins 34 may include a variety of comb pins, including comb pins with their long side direction facing the x-axis direction and comb pins with their long side direction facing the y-axis direction when viewed from above.

[0155] In the first and second embodiments, examples were described in which the first comb needle 31, the second comb needle 32, and the third comb needle 33 are circular when viewed from above. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The first comb needle 31, the second comb needle 32, and the third comb needle 33 may also have an elongated shape when viewed from above.

[0156] (First variation) Figure 15 This is a schematic top view of the brush body 20 of the first modified example. Figure 16 This is a schematic three-dimensional view of the brush body 20 of the first modified example. Figure 17 This is a schematic side view of the brush body 20 of the first variant.

[0157] The brush in the first variation differs from the brush 1 in the first embodiment in that the height relationship between the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32 and the arrangement of the fourth comb needle 34 are as follows.

[0158] like Figure 17 As shown, in the first modification, the region where multiple first comb needles 31, multiple second comb needles 32, and multiple third comb needles 33 are arranged is separated from the region where multiple fourth comb needles 34 are arranged. In this modification, the multiple fourth comb needles 34 are arranged in a straight line along the y-axis direction at their ends in the x-axis direction of the brush surface 21a.

[0159] The brush involved in this variation, for example, can effectively create the effect of untangling hair tangles by moving along the x-axis, for instance, using the fourth comb pins 34. First, the hair tangled by the multiple fourth comb pins 34 is untangled along the y-axis, and after being partially untangled, the tangles are further untangled by the multiple first comb pins 31, multiple second comb pins 32, and multiple third comb pins 33. Thus, it can also be configured so that the tangled hair initially comes into contact with the fourth comb pins 34.

[0160] like Figure 17 As shown, in this modified example, the lengths of the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32 along the z-axis are substantially equal. The position of the tip of the first comb needle 31 along the z-axis is substantially equal to the position of the tip of the second comb needle 32 along the z-axis. By adopting this configuration, the first comb needle 31 and the second comb needle 32 can contact the scalp with higher reliability.

[0161] (Second variation) Figure 18 This is a schematic top view of the brush body 20 of the second variation. Figure 19 This is a schematic perspective view of a part of the brush body 20 in the second variation.

[0162] like Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, in the second variation, the plurality of fourth comb needles 34 include various fourth comb needles 34 with different shapes. Thus, by providing a variety of fourth comb needles 34, more diverse movements can be given to the hair. As a result, hair tangles can be untangled more effectively.

[0163] Specifically, in this modified example, the plurality of fourth comb pins 34 includes a plurality of fourth comb pins 34A and a plurality of fourth comb pins 34B. The shapes of the fourth comb pins 34A and 34B differ when viewed from above. In top view, the aspect ratios (the ratio of their length along the x-axis to their length along the y-axis) of the fourth comb pins 34A and 34B are different. The aspect ratio of the fourth comb pin 34A is higher than that of the fourth comb pin 34B. In top view, the fourth comb pin 34A has an elongated shape along its long side in the x-axis direction. On the other hand, the fourth comb pin 34B has an elongated shape along its long side in the y-axis direction. Both the fourth comb pins 34A and 34B have a shape that protrudes outwards towards the x-axis direction.

[0164] The plurality of fourth comb needles 34A have multiple comb needle rows consisting of multiple fourth comb needles 34A arranged at intervals along the y-axis. Specifically, the plurality of fourth comb needles 34A have two comb needle rows. In the two comb needle rows, the spacing of the fourth comb needles 34A in the outer comb needle row (outer comb needle row) in the x-axis direction is wider than the spacing of the fourth comb needles 34A in the inner comb needle row (inner comb needle row).

[0165] Multiple fourth comb pins 34B are arranged in a straight line at intervals along the y-axis. The multiple fourth comb pins 34B are located between two comb pin rows formed by multiple fourth comb pins 34A in the x-axis direction. The fourth comb pins 34B form an outer or inner comb pin row in the y-axis direction and are located between two adjacent fourth comb pins 34A. The multiple fourth comb pins 34 are configured such that, when viewed from the x-axis direction, the center lines of the multiple fourth comb pins 34A and the multiple fourth comb pins 34B in the y-axis direction do not coincide.

[0166] (Third variation) Figure 20 This is a schematic perspective view of the brush body 20 of the third variation.

[0167] In the above embodiments and modifications, an example where the brush surface 21a is flat was described. In contrast, in the third modification, the brush surface 21a is non-planar. The brush surface 21a has at least one unevenness. Specifically, in this modification, multiple unevennesses are provided on the brush surface 21a. Specifically, the brush surface 21a has multiple protrusions extending in one direction and arranged in another. In this way, the contact manner between the comb pins 31, 32, 33, 34 provided on the protrusions of the brush surface 21a and those provided on other parts, and the elastic deformation of the brush surface 21a and the comb pins 31, 32, 33, 34 upon contact with the scalp, are different. Therefore, more diverse movements can be applied to the hair. As a result, hair tangles can be effectively detangled.

[0168] This modified example illustrates an instance where the brush surface 21a has multiple linear protrusions and depressions. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the brush surface 21a may be entirely convex or concave. For example, the brush surface 21a may have multiple dot-like protrusions and depressions.

[0169] (Fourth variation) Figure 21 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the brush involved in the fourth variation. It should be noted that... Figure 21 The cross-sectional lines of the cross section are omitted.

[0170] like Figure 21 As shown, brushes can also have ion-generating devices. By using brushes with ion-generating devices, ions can be supplied to the hair and scalp during combing. As a result, combing not only untangles the hair but also moisturizes the hair and scalp.

[0171] like Figure 21 As shown, the brush of the fourth modified example includes an ion generating device 40. The ion generating device 40 is disposed within the housing 10. The ion generating device 40 has a first electrode 41 and a second electrode 42. The ion generating device 40 is configured to generate a discharge between the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42, resulting in positive ions being generated at one of the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42, and negative ions being generated at the other electrode.

[0172] The base 20 has two through holes 21b extending through the thickness direction. The front ends of the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 are disposed within the through holes 21b. The through holes 21b extend in the z-axis direction to a side further away from the housing 10 than the brush surface 21a. The respective front ends of the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 protrude from the brush surface 21a to the side away from the housing 10. Therefore, the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42, which generate ions, are close to the hair and scalp during combing. Thus, ions can be effectively supplied to the hair and scalp.

[0173] Furthermore, the through hole 21b is surrounded by a cylindrical wall portion 21c provided in the base 20. The wall portion 21c extends in the z-axis direction closer to the side opposite to the housing 10 than the respective front ends of the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42. The respective front ends of the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 do not protrude from the wall portion 21c. Therefore, contact between the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 and the scalp, etc., is effectively suppressed.

[0174] A third comb needle 33, the shortest of the comb needles 31-34, is provided near the wall portion 21c surrounding the front end of the first electrode 41 or the second electrode 42. The front end of the third comb needle 33 is located further away from the housing 10 in the z-axis direction than the front end of the first electrode 41 or the second electrode 42. That is, the front ends of the comb needles 31-34 are located further away from the housing 10 in the z-axis direction than the front ends of the electrodes 41 and 42. Therefore, the comb needles 31-34 effectively perform combing.

[0175] Furthermore, this disclosure incorporates technical ideas focusing on otter grooming. Specifically, this disclosure incorporates technical ideas focusing on the wrinkles on an otter's paws and claws. That is, this disclosure is related to bionics.

[0176] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the invention is defined not by the foregoing description but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. Furthermore, configurations obtained by combining the different embodiments described in this specification are also included within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A brush characterized by, Comprise: a body having a brush surface; and a plurality of bristles extending from the brush surface, the plurality of bristles having a first portion and a second portion, the second portion being located at a position closer to the brush surface than the first portion, the second portion being thicker than the first portion, the plurality of bristles having a first bristle configured such that the rate of increase in thickness of the second portion is higher than the rate of increase in thickness of the first portion, the rate of increase in thickness being the rate of increase in thickness per unit length in the extending direction of the bristle.

2. The brush according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of bristles are parallel to the brush surface, and in a cross section cut by a plane passing through the second portion, there are also a plurality of second bristles thinner than the first bristle.

3. The brush according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of bristles have a plurality of the first bristles, the plurality of second bristles include second bristles located within a virtual rectangle having each of the adjacent two first bristles as a vertex.

4. The brush according to claim 1, wherein the first bristle includes a non-circular portion having a non-circular cross-sectional shape.

5. The brush according to claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the second portion is constituted by the non-circular portion.

6. The brush according to claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the non-circular portion has a polygonal cross-sectional shape.

7. The brush according to claim 1, wherein the first bristle includes portions having mutually different cross-sectional shapes.

8. The brush according to claim 1, wherein the area of the region surrounded by an approximate circle of the cross section of the first portion and the cross section is smaller than the area of the region surrounded by an approximate circle of the cross section of the second portion and the cross section.

9. The brush according to claim 1, wherein the first portion includes a portion in which the rate of increase in thickness is zero.

10. The brush according to claim 1, wherein the first bristle is configured such that the position at which the cross-sectional area of the first bristle is equal to the average cross-sectional area of the first bristle is located at a position closer to the brush surface than the center in the length direction of the first bristle.

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