Brush

Abstract

For example, a brush that allows for suitable brushing is provided. [Solution] The brush includes a body having a brush surface and multiple pins extending from the brush surface. The multiple pins have a first portion and a second portion that is located closer to the brush surface than the first portion and is thicker than the first portion, and the first pin is configured so that the thickness increase rate of the second portion, which is the rate of increase in thickness per unit length in the direction of extension of the pin, is higher than the thickness increase rate of the first portion.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to brushes. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, attention has been focused on biomimetics, a technology that mimics and utilizes the diverse functions of living organisms. Nature Technology (registered trademark) is known as an example of a manufacturing company that uses biomimetic technology in electrical products and other products.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a brush for brushing human hair, animal hair, and the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-51597 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Brushes are required to have improved brushing properties, such as preventing tangles of hair during brushing.

[0006] One object of the present disclosure is to provide, for example, a brush that enables suitable brushing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a brush includes a body having a brush surface and a plurality of pins extending from the brush surface. The plurality of pins have a first portion and a second portion located closer to the brush surface than the first portion and thicker than the first portion, and the first pin is configured such that the thickness increase rate of the second portion, which is the rate of increase in thickness per unit length in the direction of extension of the pin, is higher than the thickness increase rate of the first portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, for example, a brush that enables suitable brushing can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a brush according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view as seen from the arrow III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the brush body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing an enlarged portion of the brush body in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a brush body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view for explaining the shapes of a first pin, a second pin, a third pin, and a fourth pin in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a fourth pin in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of a fourth pin in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of a brush according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing an enlarged portion of a brush body according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12]FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of a brush body according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a brush body according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of a fourth pin in the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of a brush body in a first modified example. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a brush body in a first modified example. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of a brush body in a first modified example. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of a brush body in a second modified example. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a part of a brush body in a second modified example. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a brush body in a third modified example. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a brush according to a fourth modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, a brush 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions will be referred to by the same reference numerals, and the same descriptions will be incorporated herein by reference.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of a brush 1 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a schematic side view seen from the arrow III in Fig. 1.

[0012] 1 to 3 is used, for example, to brush and style human hair, animal hair, etc. Brush 1 is particularly suitable for use in untangling and styling tangled hair.

[0013] The brush 1 has a housing 10 and a brush body 20 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0014] (Housing 10) The brush body 20 is attached to the housing 10. The housing 10 has both the function of supporting the brush body 20 and the function of serving as a gripping portion that is gripped by the user of the brush 1.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 10 covers the back side (z2 side) of the brush body 20. The housing 10 has a shape that bulges outward from the brush body 20 toward the z2 side. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the housing 10 is substantially rectangular in plan view (when viewed from the z-axis direction). Specifically, the planar shape of the housing 10 is a rectangle with rounded corners and curved sides that protrude outward. Therefore, the housing 10 can be gripped, for example, in both the x-axis direction in which one pair of sides of the two pairs of sides face each other, and the y-axis direction in which the other pair of sides face each other. In this way, the housing 10, which also functions as a grip, is provided on the back side of the brush body 20. Therefore, the brush 1 can be used by a user by gripping the area directly behind the brush body 20. In plan view, the user can use the brush 1 by gripping the area that overlaps with the brush body 20.

[0016] However, the shape of the housing is not particularly limited in this disclosure. The housing may be, for example, circular, elliptical, oblong, or polygonal in plan view. The housing may have, for example, a holding portion that holds the brush body and a gripping portion that extends in one direction from the holding portion. In this case, the basic usage mode of the brush 1 is to grip the gripping portion that is positioned so as not to overlap the brush body 20 in plan view.

[0017] (Brush body 20) Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view of the brush body 20 in the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view enlarging a portion of the brush body 20 in the first embodiment. Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the brush body 20 in the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a schematic side view for explaining the shapes of the first pin 31, the second pin 32, the third pin 33, and the fourth pin 34 in the first embodiment. Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the fourth pin 34 in the first embodiment. Fig. 9 is a schematic plan view of the fourth pin 34 in the first embodiment.

[0018] Next, the brush body 20 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0019] 2 and 3, the brush body 20 is attached to the housing 10. The brush body 20 may be detachable from the housing 10, but in this embodiment, it is attached to the housing 10 in an undetachable manner.

[0020] The brush body 20 has a base 21 and a plurality of pins 30. In this embodiment, the brush body 20 including the base 21 and the plurality of pins 30 is integrally formed from an elastic material such as resin. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The base 21 and the plurality of pins 30 may be provided separately, and the plurality of pins 30 may be fixed to the base 21.

[0021] (base 21) As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the base 21 is flat. The outer shape of the base 21 is substantially the same as the inner shape of the housing 10. In the brush 1, the housing 10 and the base 21 are fixed together with the base 21 having been moved into the housing 10. The base 21 and the housing 10 may be fixed together with fastening members such as nuts or screws, or may be fixed together by fitting the base 21 into the housing 10. In Figures 2 and 3, the structure inside the housing 10, including the fixing parts that fix the base 21 and the housing 10, is not shown.

[0022] As described above, in this embodiment, the base 21 is made of an elastic material such as resin. Therefore, the base 21 is elastically deformable. However, a member supporting the back surface of the base 21 on the z2 side may be provided in the housing 10, so that the base 21 is substantially unable to change shape.

[0023] The base 21 has a brush surface 21a. The brush surface 21a faces away from the housing 10. In this embodiment, when the brush 1 is not in use, the brush surface 21a is substantially flat. However, in this disclosure, the shape of the brush surface is not particularly limited. The brush surface may be, for example, curved. The brush surface may have at least one unevenness. The brush surface may have an uneven shape in which multiple linear protrusions extending in one direction are arranged in another direction different from the one direction. The brush surface may have an uneven shape in which multiple dot-shaped protrusions are arranged in a matrix.

[0024] In this embodiment, the base 21 has a substantially uniform thickness. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The base may have uneven thickness. The base may have multiple portions with different thicknesses.

[0025] (Multiple pins 30) The multiple pins 30 are fixed to the base 21. Each of the multiple pins 30 extends along the z-axis direction perpendicular to the brush surface 21a. The multiple pins 30 are arranged at intervals from one another in a plan view. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which each of the multiple pins 30 is composed of a single pin. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the pins may be composed of multiple bristles bundled together.

[0026] In this embodiment, the plurality of pins 30 includes a plurality of first pins 31, a plurality of second pins 32, a plurality of third pins 33, and a plurality of fourth pins .

[0027] (Shape of first pin 31) As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the first pin 31 extends from the brush surface 21a along the z-axis direction. The first pin 31 has an elongated shape along the z-axis direction. The first pin 31 may have, for example, a uniform thickness along the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the first pin 31 has a portion on the tip side that is thicker (has a larger cross-sectional area) than the base end portion. The first pin 31 may have a shape that tapers from the base end side (towards the brush surface 21a) toward the tip side. Before the brush 1 is used, or before the brush 1 is deformed due to use, the first pin 31 extends in a substantially straight line. A central axis connecting the centroids of the cross sections of the first pin 31 is substantially straight.

[0028] The first pin 31 has a first base end 31a and a first tip end 31b. The first base end 31a extends from the brush surface 21a. Specifically, the first base end 31a extends from the brush surface 21a along the z-axis direction, which is parallel to the normal direction of the flat brush surface 21a. If the brush surface 21a is not flat, the z-axis direction is defined as a direction parallel to the normal direction of a virtual approximation plane that approximates the brush surface 21a to a flat surface.

[0029] The first base end 31a is columnar. Specifically, the first base end 31a is substantially cylindrical. However, in the present disclosure, the shape of the first base end is not limited to a substantially cylindrical shape. For example, it may be a substantially polygonal columnar shape, a substantially elliptical columnar shape, a substantially elongated columnar shape, or the like.

[0030] Here, in the present disclosure, a polygonal prism refers to a columnar shape with a polygonal cross section. An elliptical cylinder refers to a columnar shape with an elliptical cross section. An oblong cylinder refers to a columnar shape with an oval cross section. A polygon includes, for example, a polygon with at least one chamfered or rounded corner, and a polygon with some curved sides. A polygon includes, for example, a polygon with at least one obtuse angle. A polygon includes, for example, a star shape, a cross shape, an arch shape, etc.

[0031] The thickness of the first base end 31a may be approximately uniform in the longitudinal direction (z-axis direction). The first base end 31a may have a portion that tapers from the brush surface 21a side toward the tip end side. The entire first base end 31a may taper from the brush surface 21a side toward the tip end side. It is preferable that the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the thinnest part of the first base end 31a to the cross-sectional area of ​​the thickest part is 0.8 to 1.2 times.

[0032] The first tip portion 31b is connected to the tip portion of the first base end portion 31a. The first tip portion 31b extends along the z-axis direction from the connection portion with the first base end portion 31a. The first tip portion 31b and the first base end portion 31a are provided concentrically. Therefore, the first base end portion 31a and the first tip portion 31b are provided in a substantially straight line.

[0033] Like the first base end 31a, the first tip portion 31b is also columnar. Specifically, the first tip portion 31b is substantially cylindrical. However, in the present disclosure, the shape of the first tip portion is not limited to a substantially cylindrical shape. For example, it may be a substantially polygonal pillar, a substantially elliptical pillar, a substantially elongated pillar, or the like.

[0034] The cross-sectional shape of the first distal end portion 31b and the cross-sectional shape of the first proximal end portion 31a may be the same as or different from each other. The cross-sectional shape of the first distal end portion 31b and the cross-sectional shape of the first proximal end portion 31a may be, for example, substantially similar or dissimilar. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the first distal end portion 31b and the cross-sectional shape of the first proximal end portion 31a are both substantially circular and similar in shape.

[0035] The thickness of the first tip portion 31b may be approximately uniform in the longitudinal direction (z-axis direction). The first tip portion 31b may have a portion that tapers from the brush surface 21a side toward the tip portion. The entire first tip portion 31b may taper from the brush surface 21a side toward the tip portion. It is preferable that the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the thinnest portion of the first tip portion 31b to the cross-sectional area of ​​the thickest portion is 0.8 to 1.2 times.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 7 , the first tip portion 31b is thinner than the first base portion 31a. Specifically, the base end of the first tip portion 31b is thinner than the tip portion of the first base portion 31a. Therefore, a step 31c is formed between the first base portion 31a and the first tip portion 31b. The thickness of the first pin 31 changes suddenly at this step 31c. The surface of the step 31c may face, for example, the z-axis direction or may face a direction inclined with respect to the z-axis direction. For example, the step 31c may have substantially no length in the z-axis direction or may have a length in the z-axis direction. For example, the step 31c may have a rate of change per unit length of thickness from the base end side to the tip end side that is higher than the rate of change of the first base portion 31a and the first tip portion 31b. The rate of change in thickness per unit length of step 31c along the z-axis direction is preferably at least three times, more preferably at least five times, and even more preferably at least ten times, the rate of change in thickness per unit length of each of first base end 31a and first tip end 31b along the z-axis direction.

[0037] (Shape of second pin 32) As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the second pin 32 extends from the brush surface 21a along the z-axis direction. The second pin 32 has an elongated shape along the z-axis direction. The second pin 32 may have, for example, a uniform thickness along the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the second pin 32 has a portion on the tip side that is thicker (has a larger cross-sectional area) than the base end portion. The second pin 32 may have a shape that tapers from the base end side (toward the brush surface 21a) toward the tip side. Before the brush 1 is used, or before the brush 1 is deformed due to use, the second pin 32 extends in a substantially straight line. A central axis connecting the centroids of the cross sections of the second pin 32 is substantially straight.

[0038] The second pin 32 has a second base end 32a and a second tip end 32b. The second base end 32a extends from the brush surface 21a. Specifically, the second base end 32a extends from the brush surface 21a along the z-axis direction, which is parallel to the normal direction of the flat brush surface 21a.

[0039] The second base end 32a has a columnar shape. Specifically, the second base end 32a has a substantially cylindrical shape. However, in the present disclosure, the shape of the second base end is not limited to a substantially cylindrical shape. For example, it may have a substantially polygonal columnar shape, a substantially elliptical columnar shape, a substantially oblong columnar shape, or the like.

[0040] The thickness of the second base end 32a may be approximately uniform in the longitudinal direction (z-axis direction). The second base end 32a may have a portion that tapers from the brush surface 21a side toward the tip end side. The entire second base end 32a may taper from the brush surface 21a side toward the tip end side. It is preferable that the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the thinnest part of the second base end 32a to the cross-sectional area of ​​the thickest part is 0.8 to 1.2 times.

[0041] The second tip portion 32b is connected to the tip portion of the second base end portion 32a. The second tip portion 32b extends along the z-axis direction from the connection portion with the second base end portion 32a. The second tip portion 32b and the second base end portion 32a are provided concentrically. Therefore, the second base end portion 32a and the second tip portion 32b are provided in a substantially straight line.

[0042] The second tip portion 32b is also columnar, similar to the second base end portion 32a. Specifically, the second tip portion 32b is substantially cylindrical. However, in the present disclosure, the shape of the second tip portion is not limited to a substantially cylindrical shape. For example, it may be a substantially polygonal pillar, a substantially elliptical pillar, a substantially elongated pillar, or the like.

[0043] The cross-sectional shape of the second distal end portion 32b and the cross-sectional shape of the second proximal end portion 32a may be the same or different from each other. The cross-sectional shape of the second distal end portion 32b and the cross-sectional shape of the second proximal end portion 32a may be, for example, substantially similar or dissimilar. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the second distal end portion 32b and the cross-sectional shape of the second proximal end portion 32a are both substantially circular and similar.

[0044] The thickness of the second tip portion 32b may be approximately uniform in the longitudinal direction (z-axis direction). The second tip portion 32b may have a portion that tapers from the brush surface 21a side toward the tip portion. The entire second tip portion 32b may taper from the brush surface 21a side toward the tip portion. It is preferable that the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the thinnest portion of the second tip portion 32b to the cross-sectional area of ​​the thickest portion is 0.8 to 1.2 times.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 7 , the second tip portion 32b is thinner than the second base portion 32a. Specifically, the base end of the second tip portion 32b is thinner than the tip portion of the second base portion 32a. Therefore, a second step 32c is formed between the second base portion 32a and the second tip portion 32b. The thickness of the second pin 32 changes abruptly at this second step 32c. The surface of the second step 32c may, for example, face the z-axis direction or may face a direction inclined with respect to the z-axis direction. For example, the second step 32c may have substantially no length in the z-axis direction, or may have a length in the z-axis direction. For example, the second step 32c may have a rate of change per unit length of thickness from the base end to the tip end that is higher than the rates of change of the second base portion 32a and the second tip portion 32b. The rate of change in thickness per unit length along the z-axis direction of the second step 32c is preferably at least three times, more preferably at least five times, and even more preferably at least ten times, the rate of change in thickness per unit length along the z-axis direction of each of the second base end 32a and the second tip end 32b.

[0046] (Shape of the third pin 33) As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the third pin 33 extends from the brush surface 21a along the z-axis direction. The third pin 33 has an elongated shape along the z-axis direction. The third pin 33 may have, for example, a uniform thickness along the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the third pin 33 has a portion on the tip side that is thicker (has a larger cross-sectional area) than the base end portion. The third pin 33 may have a shape that tapers from the base end side (towards the brush surface 21a) toward the tip side. Before the brush 1 is used, or before the brush 1 is deformed due to use, the third pin 33 extends in a substantially straight line. A central axis connecting the centroids of the cross sections of the third pin 33 is substantially straight.

[0047] The third pin 33 has a third base end 33a and a third tip end 33b. The third base end 33a extends from the brush surface 21a. Specifically, the third base end 33a extends from the brush surface 21a along the z-axis direction, which is parallel to the normal direction of the flat brush surface 21a.

[0048] The third base end 33a has a columnar shape. Specifically, the third base end 33a has a substantially cylindrical shape. However, in the present disclosure, the shape of the third base end is not limited to a substantially cylindrical shape. For example, the third base end 33a may have a substantially polygonal columnar shape, a substantially elliptical columnar shape, a substantially oblong columnar shape, or the like.

[0049] The thickness of the third base end 33a may be approximately uniform in the longitudinal direction (z-axis direction). The third base end 33a may have a portion that tapers from the brush surface 21a side toward the tip end side. The entire third base end 33a may taper from the brush surface 21a side toward the tip end side. It is preferable that the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the thinnest part of the third base end 33a to the cross-sectional area of ​​the thickest part is 0.8 to 1.2 times.

[0050] The third tip portion 33b is connected to the tip portion of the third base end portion 33a. The third tip portion 33b extends along the z-axis direction from the connection portion with the third base end portion 33a. The third tip portion 33b and the third base end portion 33a are provided concentrically. Therefore, the third base end portion 33a and the third tip portion 33b are provided in a substantially straight line.

[0051] The third tip portion 33b is also columnar, similar to the third base end portion 33a. Specifically, the third tip portion 33b is substantially cylindrical. However, in the present disclosure, the shape of the third tip portion is not limited to a substantially cylindrical shape. For example, it may be a substantially polygonal pillar, a substantially elliptical pillar, a substantially elongated pillar, or the like.

[0052] The cross-sectional shape of the third distal end portion 33b and the cross-sectional shape of the third proximal end portion 33a may be the same as or different from each other. The cross-sectional shape of the third distal end portion 33b and the cross-sectional shape of the third proximal end portion 33a may be, for example, substantially similar or dissimilar. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the third distal end portion 33b and the cross-sectional shape of the third proximal end portion 33a are both substantially circular and similar in shape.

[0053] The thickness of the third tip portion 33b may be approximately uniform in the longitudinal direction (z-axis direction). The third tip portion 33b may have a portion that tapers from the brush surface 21a side toward the tip portion. The entire third tip portion 33b may taper from the brush surface 21a side toward the tip portion. It is preferable that the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the thinnest portion of the third tip portion 33b to the cross-sectional area of ​​the thickest portion is 0.8 to 1.2 times.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 7 , the third tip portion 33b is thinner than the third base portion 33a. Specifically, the base end of the third tip portion 33b is thinner than the tip portion of the third base portion 33a. Therefore, a third step 33c is formed between the third base portion 33a and the third tip portion 33b. The thickness of the third pin 33 changes abruptly at this third step 33c. The surface of the third step 33c may, for example, face the z-axis direction or may face a direction inclined with respect to the z-axis direction. For example, the third step 33c may have substantially no length in the z-axis direction, or may have a length in the z-axis direction. For example, the third step 33c may have a rate of change per unit length of thickness from the base end to the tip end that is higher than the respective rates of change of the third base portion 33a and the third tip portion 33b. The rate of change in thickness per unit length along the z-axis direction of the third step 33c is preferably at least three times, more preferably at least five times, and even more preferably at least ten times, the rate of change in thickness per unit length along the z-axis direction of each of the third base end 33a and the third tip end 33b.

[0055] (Difference in shape between first pin 31 and second pin 32) As shown in Fig. 7, the first pins 31 and the second pins 32 have approximately the same height. When a user presses the brush 1 against the scalp to comb hair, it is preferable that both the first pins 31 and the second pins 32 come into contact with the hair. For example, it is preferable that the difference in height between the first pins 31 and the second pins 32 is 0.7 to 1.3 times the height of the first pins 31. Within this range, the first pins 31 may be longer or shorter than the second pins 32.

[0056] In the present disclosure, the length of a pin is the distance along the z-axis direction from the position where the pin is provided on the brush surface to the tip of the pin.

[0057] In this embodiment, since the brush surface 21a is flat, it is preferable that the length of the first pin 31 and the length of the second pin 32 are approximately the same.

[0058] For example, in cases where the brush surface is non-planar, it is preferable that the position in the z-axis direction of the tip of the first pin 31 is substantially equal to the position in the z-axis direction of the second pin 32. The distance in the z-axis direction between the tip of the first pin 31 and the tip of the second pin 32 is preferably 1 / 5 or less, and more preferably 1 / 10 or less, of the length of the first pin 31 along the z-axis direction.

[0059] In the brush 1, strictly speaking, the length of the second pin 32 is slightly shorter than that of the first pin 31. The position along the z-axis direction of the tip of the second pin 32 is located closer to the brush surface 21a than the position along the z-axis direction of the tip of the first pin 31. The tip of the second pin 32 is closer to the brush surface 21a than the tip of the first pin 31, and is farther from the brush surface 21a than the connection portion (first step 31c) between the first base end portion 31a and the first tip end portion 31b. In the z-axis direction, the tip of the second pin 32 is located between the tip of the first pin 31 and the first step 31c.

[0060] The ratio of the lengths of the base ends 31a, 32a and the tips 31b, 32b along the z-axis direction is different between the first pin 31 and the second pin 32. In this embodiment, the ratio of the length of the tip end 31b along the z-axis direction to the length of the base end 31a of the first pin 31 along the z-axis direction is smaller than the ratio of the length of the tip end 32b along the z-axis direction to the length of the base end 32a of the second pin 32.

[0061] The length of the first base end 31a along the z-axis direction and the length of the second base end 32a along the z-axis direction are different from each other. Specifically, the length of the first base end 31a along the z-axis direction is longer than the length of the second base end 32a along the z-axis direction.

[0062] The length of the first tip portion 31b along the z-axis direction and the length of the second tip portion 32b along the z-axis direction are different from each other. Specifically, the length of the first tip portion 31b along the z-axis direction is shorter than the length of the second tip portion 32b along the z-axis direction.

[0063] Therefore, in the brush 1, the second step 32c forming the connection between the second base end 32a and the second tip end 32b is located closer to the brush surface 21a than the tip of the first pin 31. The first step 31c forming the connection between the first base end 31a and the first tip end 31b is located between the tip of the second base end 32a of the second pin 32 and the tip of the second tip end 32b in the z-axis direction.

[0064] The first pin 31 and the second pin 32 are arranged so that an imaginary straight line L1 extending in a direction perpendicular to the z-axis direction (in this embodiment, a direction parallel to the brush surface 21a) which is the extension direction of the first pin 31 passes through each of the first tip portion 31b and the second tip portion 32b in side view. Note that this imaginary straight line L1 passes through the fourth pin 34 in side view (when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the z-axis direction).

[0065] In this embodiment, the first base end 31a and the second base end 32a have substantially the same thickness. Specifically, at any position in the z-axis direction, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first base end 31a and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second base end 32a are substantially equal. The first tip end 31b and the second tip end 32b have substantially the same thickness. Specifically, at any position in the z-axis direction, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first tip end 31b and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second tip end 32b are substantially equal.

[0066] The first base end 31a and the second base end 32a each have a truncated cone shape that gradually tapers away from the brush surface 21a in the z-axis direction, while the first tip end 31b and the second tip end 32b each have a generally cylindrical shape whose thickness does not change in the z-axis direction.

[0067] (Difference in shape between the first pin 31 and the second pin 32 and the third pin 33) The third pin 33 is shorter than each of the first pin 31 and the second pin 32. The tip of the third pin 33 is located closer to the brush surface 21a than the tip of the first pin 31 and the tip of the second pin 32. Specifically, the third pin 33 is shorter than the first base end 31a and the second base end 32a. The position of the tip of the third pin 33 in the z-axis direction is closer to the brush surface 21a than the position of the first base end 31a in the z-axis direction and the position of the second base end 32a in the z-axis direction.

[0068] The length of the third pin 33 is preferably 0.3 to 0.8 times, more preferably 0.3 to 0.7 times, and even more preferably 0.4 to 0.6 times, the length of the first pin 31 and the second pin 32. The distance in the z-axis direction between the tip of the third pin 33 and the tip of the first pin 31 or the second pin 32 is preferably 0.3 to 0.4 times, and more preferably 0.4 times or more, the length of the first pin 31 or the second pin 32 in the z-axis direction. The distance in the z-axis direction between the tip of the third pin 33 and the tip of the first pin 31 or the second pin 32 is preferably 0.8 to 0.7 times, and more preferably 0.7 times, the length of the first pin 31 or the second pin 32 in the z-axis direction.

[0069] The tip of the third pin 33 is located closer to the brush surface 21a in the z-axis direction than the tips of the first base end 31a and the second tip end 32b. In a side view, there is no imaginary line L1 passing through the third pin 33. The ratio of the length of the third tip end 33b along the z-axis direction to the length of the third base end 33a along the z-axis direction is greater than the ratio of the length of the first tip end 31b along the z-axis direction to the length of the first base end 31a along the z-axis direction and the ratio of the length of the second tip end 32b along the z-axis direction to the length of the second base end 32a along the z-axis direction.

[0070] In this embodiment, the length of the third distal end 33b is substantially equal to the length of the second distal end 32b, while the length of the third proximal end 33a is shorter than the length of the second proximal end 32a. The length of the third proximal end 33a along the z-axis direction is preferably 0.8 times or less, and more preferably 0.7 times or less, the length of the second proximal end 32a along the z-axis direction. The length of the third proximal end 33a along the z-axis direction is preferably 0.2 times or more, and more preferably 0.3 times or more, the length of the second proximal end 32a along the z-axis direction.

[0071] In this embodiment, the third base end 33a is thinner than both the first base end 31a and the second base end 32a. Specifically, at any position in the z-axis direction, the cross-sectional area of ​​the third base end 33a is smaller than both the cross-sectional area of ​​the first base end 31a and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second base end 32a. Meanwhile, the third tip end 33b has substantially the same thickness as both the first tip end 31b and the second tip end 32b. Therefore, the ratio of the thickness of the third tip end 33b to the thickness of the third base end 33a in the third pin 33 is greater than the ratio of the thickness of the first tip end 31b to the thickness of the first base end 31a in the first pin 31 and the ratio of the thickness of the second tip end 32b to the thickness of the second base end 32a in the second pin 32.

[0072] (4th pin 34) The multiple pins provided on the brush 1 include multiple fourth pins 34. The fourth pins 34 are shorter than the first pins 31. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , in this embodiment, the thickness of the fourth pins 34 varies relatively more greatly in the z-axis direction compared to the first pins 31, the second pins 32, and the third pins 33. The ratio of the maximum thickness to the minimum thickness of the fourth pins 34 is greater than the ratios of the maximum thickness to the minimum thickness of each of the first pins 31, the second pins 32, and the third pins 33. The fourth pins 34 have a portion whose thickness (cross-sectional area) monotonically decreases from the brush surface 21a side toward the tip.

[0073] Specifically, the fourth pin 34 has a fourth base end 34a constituting the second portion and a fourth tip end 34b constituting the first portion. The fourth base end 34a constituting the second portion is located closer to the brush surface 21a than the fourth tip end 34b constituting the first portion.

[0074] For example, the fourth pin 34 may have a portion other than the fourth base end 34a and the fourth tip end 34b. In this embodiment, however, the fourth pin 34 is essentially composed of the fourth base end 34a and the fourth tip end 34b. The fourth base end 34a extends from the brush surface 21a along the z-axis direction. The fourth tip end 34b extends from the tip of the fourth base end 34a along the z-axis direction toward the opposite side of the brush surface 21a.

[0075] The fourth base end 34a gradually tapers from the brush surface 21a side toward the tip end. The cross-sectional area of ​​the fourth base end 34a perpendicular to the z-axis direction gradually decreases from the brush surface 21a side toward the tip end. The thickness increase rate, which is the rate of increase in thickness per unit length of the fourth tip end 34b constituting the second portion in the z-axis direction, which is the direction in which the fourth pin 34 extends, is higher than the thickness increase rate per unit length of the fourth base end 34a constituting the first portion in the z-axis direction. More specifically, the thickness of the fourth tip end 34b does not substantially change in the z-axis direction. The cross-sectional area of ​​the fourth tip end 34b perpendicular to the z-axis direction does not substantially change in the z-axis direction. In this embodiment, the fourth tip end 34b is approximately cylindrical.

[0076] The fourth pin 34 includes a non-circular portion whose cross section perpendicular to the z-axis direction is non-circular. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the fourth base end 34a constituting the second portion constitutes the non-circular portion. Substantially the entire fourth base end 34a constitutes the non-circular portion. In this embodiment, the fourth tip end 34b constituting the first portion does not constitute the non-circular portion.

[0077] In this embodiment, the cross section perpendicular to the z-axis direction of at least a portion of the fourth base end 34a constituting the non-circular portion is specifically polygonal. More specifically, the cross section perpendicular to the z-axis direction of substantially the entire fourth base end 34a is polygonal. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the cross section perpendicular to the z-axis direction of the fourth base end 34a is substantially octagonal.

[0078] Thus, the cross-sectional shape of the fourth base end 34a is non-circular, specifically polygonal, while the thickness increase rate of the fourth tip end 34b is substantially zero, and the cross-sectional shape of the fourth tip end 34b is circular. Therefore, the fourth pin 34 includes portions whose cross-sectional shapes perpendicular to the z-axis direction are different from each other.

[0079] Because the rate of increase in thickness of the fourth base end 34a is relatively large, the fourth pin 34 is configured so that the position where the area of ​​the cross section of the fourth pin 34 perpendicular to the z-axis direction is the average cross-sectional area of ​​the fourth pin 34 (the average area of ​​the cross-sectional areas of the fourth pins 34) is located closer to the brush surface than the center in the z-axis direction, which is the length direction of the fourth pin 34. In this way, the base end side of the fourth pin 34 is configured to be thicker.

[0080] Between the fourth base end 34a constituting the first portion and the fourth tip end 34b constituting the second portion, the cross-sectional shape of the fourth tip end 34b is closer to a circle. The area of ​​the portion enclosed by the cross section of the fourth base end 34a perpendicular to the z-axis direction and the approximate circle of that cross section is smaller than the area of ​​the portion enclosed by the cross section of the fourth tip end 34b perpendicular to the z-axis direction and the approximate circle of that cross section.

[0081] The multiple pins provided on the brush 1 are parallel to the brush surface 21a and include multiple first pins 31, multiple second pins 32, and multiple third pins that are thinner than the fourth pin 34 in a cross section taken along a plane passing through the fourth base end 34a that constitutes the second portion. At any position in the z-axis direction where the second base end 32a is located, the fourth pin 34 is the thickest of the first pins 31, the second pins 32, the third pins 33, and the fourth pin 34. The first tip portion 31b, the second tip portion 32b, the third tip portion 33b, and the fourth tip portion 34b are substantially the same thickness.

[0082] The fourth pin 34 is longer than the third pin 33. The tip of the fourth pin 34 is located on the opposite side of the tip of the third pin 33 from the brush surface 21a in the z-axis direction.

[0083] In this embodiment, the length of the fourth pin 34 along the z-axis direction is substantially equal to the lengths of the first pin 31 and the second pin 32 along the z-axis direction. The position of the tip of the fourth pin 34 in the z-axis direction is substantially equal to the positions of the tips of the first pin 31 and the second pin 32 in the z-axis direction. The position of the fourth tip portion 34b of the fourth pin 34 in the z-axis direction is substantially equal to the position of the second tip portion 32b in the z-axis direction. In other words, the base end of the fourth tip portion 34b, i.e., the tip of the fourth base end portion 34a, and the second step 32c are substantially in the same position in the z-axis direction.

[0084] (Arrangement of first pin 31 and second pin 32) First, the arrangement of the multiple first pins 31 and the multiple second pins 32 will be described mainly with reference to Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 5, the multiple first pins 31 and the multiple second pins 32 are arranged so that the first pins 31 and the second pins 32 are alternately positioned in the x-axis direction perpendicular to the z-axis direction.

[0085] In the y-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the z-axis direction and different from the x-axis direction, the multiple first pins 31 and the multiple second pins 32 are arranged so that the first pins 31 and the second pins 32 are positioned alternately.

[0086] In this embodiment, the y-axis direction is perpendicular to the z-axis direction and also perpendicular to the x-axis direction. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The angle formed between the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction may be an angle other than 90°. The x-axis direction and the y-axis direction may form, for example, an acute angle or an obtuse angle. Therefore, the multiple first pins 31 and the multiple second pins 32 may be roughly arranged in a square matrix or a diagonal matrix in a plan view.

[0087] Thus, in the brush 1, the first pins 31 and the second pins 32 are alternately arranged in at least one of two directions, the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction, each perpendicular to the z-axis, specifically in both directions. Furthermore, in at least one of the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction, adjacent first pins 31 and second pins 32 are arranged such that their positions in the other direction are different from each other. Specifically, the first pins 31 and the second pins 32 adjacent to each other in the x-axis direction are arranged in a zigzag pattern around the imaginary straight line L2, for example. The first pins 31 and the second pins 32 arranged in the direction of the imaginary straight line L2 are arranged in a zigzag pattern around the imaginary straight line L2 in a plan view. The first pins 31 and the second pins 32 arranged in the direction of the imaginary straight line L2 are not arranged on a single straight line in a plan view.

[0088] Specifically, in a plan view, when one first pin 31 is located on one side of the imaginary line L2 in the y-axis direction, the second pin 32 adjacent to the one first pin 31 in the x-axis direction is located on the other side of the imaginary line L2 in the y-axis direction. More specifically, among the multiple first pins 31 and multiple second pins 32 arranged in the y-axis direction, when focusing only on the multiple first pins 31, they are arranged along an imaginary line L21 that runs along the x-axis direction on one side of the imaginary line L2 in the y-axis direction (upper side in FIG. 5 ) with respect to the imaginary line L2. Among the multiple first pins 31 and multiple second pins 32 arranged in the y-axis direction, when focusing only on the multiple second pins 32, they are arranged along an imaginary line L22 that runs along the x-axis direction on the other side of the imaginary line L2 in the x-axis direction (lower side in FIG. 5 ). In this way, the axes of the multiple first pins 31 and the multiple second pins 32 are located at different positions in the y-axis direction.

[0089] The first pins 31 and the second pins 32 that are adjacent to each other in the y-axis direction are not arranged along the imaginary straight line L3, for example. The first pins 31 and the second pins 32 that are adjacent to each other in the y-axis direction are arranged in a zigzag pattern around the imaginary straight line L3, for example. The multiple first pins 31 and the multiple second pins 32 that are arranged in the direction in which the imaginary straight line L3 extends are arranged in a zigzag pattern around the imaginary straight line L3 in a plan view. The multiple first pins 31 and the multiple second pins 32 that are arranged in the direction in which the imaginary straight line L3 extends are not arranged on a single straight line in a plan view.

[0090] Specifically, in a plan view, when one first pin 31 is located on one side of the imaginary line L3 in the x-axis direction, the second pin 32 adjacent to the one first pin 31 in the y-axis direction is located on the other side of the imaginary line L3 in the x-axis direction. More specifically, among the multiple first pins 31 and multiple second pins 32 arranged in the y-axis direction, when focusing only on the multiple first pins 31, they are arranged along the imaginary line L31 that runs along the y-axis direction on one side of the imaginary line L3 in the x-axis direction (the right side in FIG. 11) with respect to the imaginary line L3. Among the multiple first pins 31 and multiple second pins 32 arranged in the y-axis direction, when focusing only on the multiple second pins 32, they are arranged along the imaginary line L32 that runs along the y-axis direction on the other side of the imaginary line L3 in the x-axis direction (the left side in FIG. 11). In this way, the axes of arrangement of the multiple first pins 31 and the multiple second pins 32 are located at different positions in the x-axis direction.

[0091] As described above, the multiple first pins 31 are arranged in a matrix along the imaginary line L21 extending in the x-axis direction and the imaginary line L31 extending in the y-axis direction. On the other hand, the multiple second pins 32 are arranged in a matrix along the imaginary line L22 extending in the x-axis direction and the imaginary line L32 extending in the y-axis direction. In this way, the multiple first pins 31 and the multiple second pins 32 have different arrangement matrices.

[0092] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the first pins 31 and the second pins 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, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the first pins 31 and the second pins 32 may be arranged in a zigzag pattern in only one of the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction. For example, the first pins 31 and the second pins 32 may be arranged in a straight line along both the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction. For example, the first pins 31 and the second pins 32 may be arranged in a straight line along both the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction.

[0093] (Arrangement of 3rd pin 33) The multiple third pins 33 are arranged in a matrix. Specifically, the multiple third pins 33 are arranged in a matrix along an imaginary line L41 extending in the x-axis direction and an imaginary line L42 extending in the y-axis direction. In this embodiment, the imaginary line L41 does not coincide with the imaginary line L2, the imaginary line L21, or the imaginary line L22. The imaginary line L42 does not coincide with the imaginary line L3, the imaginary line L31, or the imaginary line L32.

[0094] The plurality of first pins 31 and the plurality of second pins 32 include pins located in an area surrounded by four adjacent third pins 33 in the x-axis direction or the y-axis direction. In particular, of the plurality of first pins 31 and the plurality of second pins 32, substantially all of the plurality of first pins 31 and the plurality of second pins 32 that are adjacent to the fourth pin 34 without a third pin 33 in between in a plan view are located in an area surrounded by four adjacent third pins 33 in the x-axis direction or the y-axis direction. More specifically, in a plan view, the tip of the first pin 31 or the second pin 32 arranged within a rectangle (specifically, a square) R formed by connecting the tips of each of the four adjacent third pins 33 in the x-axis direction or the y-axis direction with a straight line is located at a position different from the position where two diagonal lines of the imaginary rectangle R intersect.

[0095] The principle behind combing hair with a brush to style it is roughly as follows: Pins are inserted between tangled strands of hair. This creates gaps between the tangled strands at the pins' locations. In this state, by moving the brush toward the tips of the hair, the tangled areas move toward the tips. As a result, the tangles at the roots of the hair are untangled. By repeating this brush operation, the tangled areas eventually reach the tips of the hair, and the tangles are then untangled. As a result, the tangled hair can be made neat and tangle-free.

[0096] For example, a brush could be equipped with multiple cylindrical or conical pins of the same type. In this case, when the brush is inserted into hair, each of the multiple pins will penetrate the hair in a similar manner. For example, the hair will penetrate the base end of the pin to a similar depth. When the brush is then moved, there is a possibility that the force acting on the hair will be primarily perpendicular to the direction of the brush's movement. In other words, the pins may only impart substantially two-dimensional movement to the tangled hair.

[0097] In contrast, in brush 1, the connection between second base end 32a and second tip end 32b is located closer to brush surface 21a than the tip of first pin 31. Multiple first pins 31 and multiple second pins 32 with different shapes are provided. Therefore, when brush 1 is stuck into hair, there are locations where the hair comes into contact with different types of pins 31, 32, and therefore the locations where the hair enters brush 1 in the depth direction of pins 31, 32 are different. Therefore, when brush 1 is stuck into hair, some hairs penetrate deep into brush 1 and some do not penetrate very deep, which can move multiple hairs relative to each other in the depth direction of pins 31, 32.

[0098] Furthermore, the first pins 31 and the second pins 32 each have a base end 31a, 32a and a tip end 31b, 32b that differ in thickness from the base ends 31a, 32a. The first pins 31 and the second pins 32 also have different shapes. Therefore, when the brush 1 is moved toward the tip of the hair, the first pins 31 and the second pins 32 have different actions and movements on the hair. For example, the first pins 31 and the second pins 32 have different actions to move the hair in the width direction, which is perpendicular to the depth direction of the pins 31, 32. Furthermore, the first pins 31 and the second pins 32 also have different actions to move the hair in the depth direction of the pins 31, 32. As a result, the first pins 31 and the second pins 32 can easily impart three-dimensional movement to the hair. Therefore, the hair can move more easily than when two-dimensional movement is imparted to the hair. As a result, tangled hair can be easily untangled, and the tangled portion of the hair can easily move toward the tip of the hair. Therefore, the brush 1 effectively eliminates hair tangles and makes hair easy to style. The user also needs to apply less force to the brush 1 to style their hair. Therefore, the brush 1 is easy to use. Furthermore, the less force the user applies to the brush 1, the less stress is generated between the pins 31 and 32 and the hair, and the less friction there is between the pins 31 and 32 and the hair. Therefore, deterioration of hair quality can be effectively prevented.

[0099] From the above viewpoint, it is preferable that both the first pin 31 and the second pin 32 penetrate into the hair when the brush 1 is placed against the hair. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, it is preferable that the first pin 31 and the second pin 32 are arranged so that there is an imaginary line L1 that passes through both the first tip portion 31b and the second tip portion 32b. For example, it is preferable that the difference in height between the first pin 31 and the second pin 32 is equal to or less than a predetermined value. The distance in the z direction between the tip of the first pin 31 and the tip of the second pin 32 is preferably equal to or less than 0.3 times the length of the first pin 31 in the z direction, more preferably equal to or less than 0.2 times, and even more preferably equal to or less than 0.1 times. It is preferable that multiple types of pins are provided, each having substantially the same tip position in the z direction and different positions in the z direction of the connection between the base end portion 31a, 32a and the tip portion 31b, 32b.

[0100] Strictly speaking, it is preferable that the length of the second pin 32 is slightly shorter than that of the first pin 31. It is preferable that the position of the tip of the second pin 32 along the z-axis direction is located closer to the brush surface 21a than the position of the tip of the first pin 31 along the z-axis direction. It is preferable that the tip of the second pin 32 is closer to the brush surface 21a than the tip of the first pin 31 and is farther from the brush surface 21a than the connection portion (first step 31c) between the first base end portion 31a and the first tip end portion 31b. It is preferable that the tip of the second pin 32 is located between the tip of the first pin 31 and the first step 31c in the z-axis direction.

[0101] Between base ends 31a, 32a and tip ends 31b, 32b, the relatively thick base ends 31a, 32a have a higher Young's modulus. Therefore, first pin 31 has a higher Young's modulus overall and is more rigid than second pin 32. By making first pin 31, which has higher rigidity, taller (positioning its tip on the opposite side from brush surface 21a) of first pin 31 and second pin 32 so that it hits hair first, the lifespan of brush 1 can be extended. In addition, the hair massage effect can be improved.

[0102] However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the tip of the second pin 32 may be farther from the brush surface 21a than the tip of the first pin 31. In this case, the second tip 32b, which is longer and more flexible than the first tip 31b, contacts the scalp first. This is gentle on the scalp and can reduce damage to the scalp caused by brushing.

[0103] For example, the length of first tip portion 31b may be longer than the length of second tip portion 32b. For example, if the position of the tip of first pin 31 in the z-axis direction is on the opposite side of brush surface 21a from the position of the tip of second pin 32 in the z-axis direction and the length of first tip portion 31b is longer than the length of second tip portion 32b, first pin 31, which has high rigidity on the base end side and long, flexible tip portion 31b, is likely to come into contact with the scalp first. This makes it possible to firmly bring first pin 31 into contact with the scalp while suppressing damage to the scalp caused by brushing.

[0104] For example, the position of the tip of the first pin 31 in the z-axis direction may be closer to the brush surface 21a than the position of the tip of the second pin 32 in the z-axis direction, and the length of the first tip portion 31b may be longer than the length of the second tip portion 32b.

[0105] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of increasing the difference between the movement of the hair in the z-axis direction imparted by first pin 31 and the movement of the hair in the z-axis direction imparted by second pin 32, it is preferable that the length of first tip portion 31b along the z-axis direction and the length of second tip portion 32b along the z-axis direction are different from each other. In particular, when the tip positions of first pin 31 in the z-axis direction and second pin 32 in the z-axis direction satisfy the relationship described above, it is preferable that the lengths of first tip portion 31b and second tip portion 32b are different from each other.

[0106] Furthermore, when the first steps 31c, 32c are provided between the base ends 31a, 32a and the tip ends 31b, 32b, the first steps 31c, 32c have a significant effect of moving the hair in the z-axis direction, making it easier to move the hair in three dimensions, thereby more effectively eliminating hair tangles.

[0107] For example, it is conceivable to arrange the plurality of first pins 31 and the plurality of second pins 32 in the above-described configuration in a matrix along the x-axis and y-axis directions. As shown in FIG. 5 , in the brush 1, the plurality of first pins 31 and the plurality of second pins 32 are arranged so that the first pins 31 and the second pins 32 alternate 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 the brush 1 is moved in a direction (e.g., the y-axis direction) perpendicular to the direction in which the first pins 31 and the second pins 32 alternate (e.g., the x-axis direction), hair aligned in a direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) perpendicular to the moving direction of the brush 1 is easily imparted with different movements in the z-axis direction, allowing for large three-dimensional movement. This allows for more effective untangling of hair. In the brush 1, the plurality of first pins 31 and the plurality of second pins 32 are arranged so that the first pins 31 and the second pins 32 alternate in both the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction, which is different from the x-axis direction. Therefore, whether the brush 1 is operated in the x-axis direction or the y-axis direction, hair tangles can be effectively eliminated. Therefore, no matter how the brush 1 is held, hair tangles can be easily eliminated effectively.

[0108] For example, it is conceivable to arrange a plurality of first pins and a plurality of second pins in a matrix along two directions. In this case, for example, when the brush is operated along the direction of the pin arrangement, a pin inserted upstream of the tangled part of the hair will greatly contribute to moving the tangled position toward the tip of the hair, but a pin positioned downstream of that pin may not contribute much to untangling the hair.

[0109] In the brush 1, two first pins 31 adjacent in at least one of the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction and a second pin 32 located between the two first pins 31 are positioned differently in the other direction. Two second pins 32 adjacent in at least one of the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction and a first pin 31 located between the two second pins 32 are positioned differently in the other direction. Therefore, for example, when the brush 1 is operated along the x-axis direction or the y-axis direction, the pins 31, 32 inserted into the hair tangle move the hair tangle upstream in the operation direction, and then the pins 31, 32 located downstream of the pins 31, 32 in different positions in the direction perpendicular to the operation direction of the pins 31, 32 tend to impart further movement to the hair tangle. This makes it easier to disentangle hair tangles.

[0110] Specifically, in the brush 1, the positions of adjacent pins 31, 32 are shifted in both the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction, as described above. Therefore, whether the brush 1 is operated along the x-axis direction or the y-axis direction, tangled hair is more easily untangled.

[0111] Furthermore, if adjacent pins along the brush arrangement direction are positioned on a virtual straight line along the arrangement direction, there is a risk that the downstream pin will hinder the further movement of tangled hair moved by the upstream pin. In contrast, in the brush 1, the first pin 31 and the second pin 32, which are adjacent in at least one of the x-axis and y-axis directions, are positioned differently in the other direction. Therefore, tangled hair moved by the pins 31 and 32 located upstream of the adjacent first pin 31 and second pin 32 in the operation direction is less likely to directly hit the pins 31 and 32 located downstream. Therefore, the downstream pins 31 and 32 are less likely to hinder the further movement of tangled hair. As a result, the movement of tangled hair toward the tip of the hair is more effectively promoted. This makes it easier to disentangle tangled hair.

[0112] When the first pins 31 and the second pins 32 are alternately arranged in at least one of the x-axis and y-axis directions as in the brush 1, the pins adjacent in the x-axis or y-axis direction are the first pins 31 and the second pins 32. Two first pins 31 or two second pins 32 are substantially never adjacent to each other in the x-axis or y-axis direction without another type of pin in between. Therefore, it is not necessarily necessary to make the positions of the two first pins 31 or the two second pins 32 that are closest to each other in at least one of the x-axis or y-axis directions different in the other direction. Rather, by substantially matching the positions in the other direction of the two first pins 31 or the two second pins 32 that are closest to each other in at least one of the x-axis or y-axis directions, it is expected that the effect of dissolving hair tangles will be further enhanced. For example, if a tangled hair is moved toward the tip of the hair by the pin 31, 32 located most upstream in one of the x-axis and y-axis directions, movement is imparted by the pin 31, 32 located next to that pin 31, 32. Therefore, by the time the tangled hair reaches the next pin 31, 32, it is highly likely that the state of the tangled hair has changed from its original state. Therefore, the third pin 31, 32 is less likely to hinder the movement or disentanglement of the tangled hair, and may even impart further movement to the tangled hair. This may result in more effective untangling of hair. To achieve this effect regardless of whether the brush 1 is operated in the x-axis or y-axis direction, it is preferable that the second pin 32 be located in an area other than the area through which the imaginary lines L21, L31 pass, and it is preferable that the first pin 31 be located in an area other than the area through which the imaginary lines L22, L32 pass. In detail, it is preferable that the tip of the second pin 32 is provided in an area other than the area through which the virtual straight lines L21 and L31 pass, and it is preferable that the tip of the first pin 31 is provided in an area other than the area through which the virtual straight lines L22 and L32 pass.

[0113] For example, even if three adjacent pins 31, 32 in the x-axis direction or the y-axis direction are arranged so as to be positioned on an arbitrary imaginary straight line, the effect of being able to effectively untangle hair can be achieved by providing first pins 31 and second pins 32 that have mutually different shapes. Therefore, three adjacent pins 31, 32 in the x-axis direction or the y-axis direction may be arranged so as to be positioned on an arbitrary imaginary straight line.

[0114] The brush 1 is provided with multiple third pins 33 that are shorter than the first pins 31 and the second pins 32. The tips of the third pins 33 are located closer to the brush surface 21a in the z-axis direction than the tips of the first pins 31 and the second pins 32. In this type of brush 1, when the brush 1 is placed against the scalp, the relatively long first pins 31 and second pins 32 of the multiple pins 31, 32, and 33 are inserted into the hair. In areas where hair is severely tangled, the first pins 31 and second pins 32 do not insert deeply due to the resistance that occurs when inserting the first pins 31 or second pins 32. For example, in areas where hair is not very tangled, the first pins 31 and second pins 32 can be inserted smoothly with low resistance. Therefore, in areas where hair is not very tangled, the first pins 31 and second pins 32 can easily penetrate all the way to the base. For this reason, areas where hair is not very tangled may reach the area where the third pins 33 are provided. In areas where hair is not very tangled, tangles tend to move toward the tips of the hair and are easily untangled without requiring significant movement perpendicular to the operating direction of the brush 1. Therefore, in areas where hair is not very tangled, third pins 33 are provided in addition to the first and second pins 31 and 32, and passing through areas where the density of pins 31, 32, and 33 is high tends to effectively untangle hair. Therefore, by providing third pins 33, which are shorter than the first and second pins 31 and 32, hair can be effectively untangled even when there are both areas where hair is severely tangled and areas where hair is not very tangled. Furthermore, even if hair is severely tangled overall, repeated brushing with the brush 1 reduces hair tangles. When hair is severely tangled overall, the first pin 31 and the second pin 32 are primarily used to effectively untangle the hair, and once the hair has become less tangled, the third pin 33, in addition to the first pin 31 and the second pin 32, tends to further reduce hair tangles. This allows hair to be styled efficiently in a short period of time. Also, hair can be left in a more tidy state.

[0115] The third pin may be, for example, substantially cylindrical or substantially truncated cone-shaped. In the brush 1, the third pin 33, like the first pin 31 and the second pin 32, has a base end 33a extending from the brush surface 21a and a tip end 33b that is thinner than the base end 33a. A third step 33c is provided between the base end 33a and the tip end 33b. By giving the third pin 33 a stepped shape in this way, the third pin 33 can also easily impart movement to the hair along the z-axis direction, allowing the hair to move three-dimensionally. This effectively reduces hair tangles.

[0116] In the brush 1, the multiple third pins 33 are arranged in a matrix along both the x-axis and y-axis directions. Hair reaching the third pins 33 is often not particularly tangled. In such cases, arranging the multiple third pins 33 evenly, such as in a matrix arrangement, may be more effective in untangling hair. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The multiple third pins do not have to be arranged in a matrix. Furthermore, when the multiple third pins are arranged in a matrix, at least one of the two basis vectors of the matrix formed by the multiple third pins 33 may be different from the basis vector of the matrix formed by at least one of the multiple first pins 31 and the multiple second pins 32. The arrangement of at least one of the multiple first pins 31 and the multiple second pins 32 and the arrangement of the multiple third 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 arrangement pitch of the multiple third pins 33 is shorter than the arrangement pitch of the multiple first pins 31 and the multiple second pins 32 (the distance between the closest pins 31, 32).

[0117] From the viewpoint of making all of the first pins 31, second pins 32, and third pins 33 function effectively, it is preferable to arrange the multiple first pins 31, the multiple second pins 32, and the multiple third pins 33 sparsely with high uniformity. From this viewpoint, it is preferable to arrange the multiple pins 31, 32, and 33 so that the first pin 31 or the second pin 32 is located in an area surrounded by four adjacent third pins 33 in the x-axis direction or the y-axis direction in plan view.

[0118] The brush 1 further includes a fourth pin 34. The fourth pin 34 has a base end 34a as a second portion and a tip end 34b as a first portion. The thickness increase rate, which is the rate of increase in thickness (cross-sectional area) per unit length in the z-axis direction, which is the direction in which the fourth pin 34 extends, is greater at the base end 34a than at the tip end 34b. The thickness of the fourth pin 34 changes significantly on the brush surface 21a side, i.e., the base end side, but does not change as significantly on the tip end side as on the base end side. Therefore, the fourth pin 34 has a portion at the base end 34a that is significantly thicker than other portions. The tip end 34b is narrowed. Because the tip end 34b is narrow, the tip end 34b of the fourth pin 34 easily penetrates into the hair when the brush 1 is pressed against the scalp. As the fourth pin 34 is inserted into the hair, the base end 34a, which has a high thickness increase rate, effectively and smoothly spreads the tangled hair in the direction of untangling. Therefore, by providing the fourth pin 34 having the above-described configuration, tangled hair can be effectively untangled.

[0119] As described above, the fourth pin 34 has the function of piercing tangled hair to untangle it, while the first pin 31 and the second pin 32 have the function of untangling hair by moving it in various directions when the brush 1 is operated. Thus, the fourth pin 34 and the first pin 31 and the second pin 32 have the common function of untangling hair, but have different hair untangling actions. Therefore, for example, it is possible to provide only a plurality of first pins 31 and a plurality of second pins 32, or to provide only a plurality of fourth pins 34, but it is preferable to provide both a plurality of first pins 31 and a plurality of second pins 32, and a plurality of fourth pins 34.

[0120] 5, in the brush 1, it is preferable that at least one of the first pins 31 and the second pins 32 be located within an imaginary rectangle R whose vertices are two adjacent fourth pins 34 (the two fourth pins 34 located closest to each other in a plan view). This arrangement effectively achieves both a detangling effect by spreading the hair when the fourth pins 34 are inserted into the hair, and a detangling effect by moving the detangled portion of the hair toward the tip of the hair when the first pins 31 or the second pins 32 pass through the detangled hair. As a result, hair tangles can be more effectively untangled.

[0121] As described above, an important function of the fourth pin 34 is to spread out tangled hair in a direction perpendicular to the operating direction of the brush 1. Therefore, it is preferable that the fourth pin 34 spreads out widely from the tip end to the base end in a direction perpendicular to the operating direction of the brush 1. If at least one of the ends of the fourth pin 34 in the direction perpendicular to the operating direction of the brush 1 is sharp, it can efficiently apply a spreading force to the hair. From this perspective, it is preferable that the fourth pin 34 include a noncircular portion whose cross-sectional shape is noncircular.

[0122] The tip end 34b is relatively thin so that it can easily penetrate tangled hair, and the base end 34a is relatively thick so that it can spread tangled hair apart. For this reason, it is more preferable that the base end 34a, which has the main effect of spreading hair apart, includes a non-circular portion, and it is preferable that substantially the entire base end 34a is a non-circular portion.

[0123] As mentioned above, if at least one of the ends of the fourth pin 34 in the direction perpendicular to the operating direction of the brush 1 is sharp, it is possible to more efficiently apply a spreading force to the hair. For this reason, it is preferable that the cross-sectional area of ​​the non-circular portion is, for example, polygonal. It is more preferable that the non-circular portion is provided so that a corner is located at at least one end in the x-axis direction and at least one end in the y-axis direction. It is more preferable that the non-circular portion is provided so that an acute-angled (less than 90°) corner is located at at least one end in the x-axis direction and at least one end in the y-axis direction.

[0124] In consideration of the process of loosening and spreading tangled portions of hair, applying a large amount of stress to the hair at the beginning of the loosening process may cause the hair to move too easily, resulting in damage to the hair or worsening tangles. Therefore, it is preferable to configure fourth pins 34 so that the stress applied to tangled hair increases as fourth pins 34 are inserted without applying a large amount of stress to the hair at the beginning of the loosening process. From this perspective, it is preferable to configure fourth pins 34 so that the position in the z direction where the cross-sectional area of ​​fourth pins 34 is the average cross-sectional area of ​​fourth pins 34 is located closer to brush surface 21a (the base end) than the center in the z-axis direction, which is the length direction of fourth pins 34.

[0125] In the brush 1, the base end portion 34a and the tip end portion 34b have different main functions. Therefore, it is preferable that the fourth pin 34 includes portions having mutually different cross-sectional shapes.

[0126] Since it is preferable that the tip portion 34b has a shape that allows it to easily penetrate tangled hair, it is preferable that the cross section of the tip portion 34b is closer to a circle than the cross section of the base portion 34a. This is because a cross section that is closer to a circle reduces resistance when penetrating hair. Specifically, it is preferable that the approximate circle of the cross section of the tip portion 34b and the area of ​​the region enclosed by that cross section are smaller than the approximate circle of the cross section of the base portion 34a and the area of ​​the region enclosed by that cross section. It is more preferable that the tip portion 34b includes a portion (a substantially cylindrical portion) where the thickness increase rate is zero, and it is even more preferable that the thickness increase rate is zero over substantially the entire tip portion 34b.

[0127] Other examples and modifications of the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the first embodiment will also be applied to the following embodiments and modifications.

[0128] (Second embodiment) Fig. 10 is a schematic plan view of a brush according to the second embodiment. Fig. 11 is a schematic plan view enlarging a portion of the brush body 20 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 12 is a schematic side view of the brush body 20 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 13 is a schematic perspective view of the brush body 20 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 14 is a schematic plan view of a fourth pin 34 according to the second embodiment.

[0129] The brush according to the second embodiment differs from the brush 1 according to the first embodiment in the following respects, but is otherwise substantially similar to the brush 1. Therefore, in the second embodiment, only the differences from the brush 1 will be described, and the description of the first embodiment will be used for the other configurations.

[0130] (Arrangement of the multiple first pins 31 and the multiple second pins 32) 10, the second embodiment differs from brush 1 in that the first pins 31 and the second pins 32, which are alternately positioned in the z direction, are positioned on an imaginary line L2. The brush according to the second embodiment operates differently when moved along the x-axis direction than when moved along the y-axis direction. This allows the user to select from a wider range of brush usage methods.

[0131] (Shape of the fourth pin 34) In the first embodiment, an example was described in which the fourth pin 34 is point-symmetric in plan view. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the shape of the fourth pin 34 in plan view is not point-symmetric. In this embodiment, the fourth pin 34 has an elongated shape with its longitudinal direction along the x-axis direction in plan view. Therefore, when the fourth pin 34 is stuck into hair, tangled hair tends to move significantly in the x-axis direction. Furthermore, since the multiple first pins 31 and the multiple second pins 32 are alternately arranged in the y-axis direction, tangled hair tends to be more easily untangled when the brush is operated in the y-axis direction. Therefore, the brush according to this embodiment is a brush that can more effectively untangle hair when the brush is operated in the y-axis direction.

[0132] In this embodiment, in a plan view, the curvature of the central edge of the fourth pin 34 in the y-axis direction is greater than the curvature of the outer edge. The radius of curvature of the outer edge of the fourth pin 34 in the y-axis direction is greater than the radius of curvature of the outer edge. Therefore, assuming that the brush of this embodiment is operated along the y-axis direction, tangled hair on the upstream side of the fourth pin 34 is pushed open more widely. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent hair tangles.

[0133] On the other hand, from the viewpoint of reducing the frictional force generated between the fourth pin 34 and the hair when the brush is operated in the y-axis direction, it is preferable that the curvature of the central end edge of the fourth pin in the y-axis direction is lower than the curvature of the outer end edge.

[0134] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the longitudinal direction of each of the multiple fourth pins 34 is aligned with the x-axis direction or the y-axis direction in plan view. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the multiple fourth pins may include pins whose longitudinal direction is aligned with a direction other than the x-axis direction or the y-axis direction. The multiple fourth pins 34 may include, for example, multiple types of fourth pins 34 whose longitudinal directions are different from each other in plan view. For example, the multiple fourth pins 34 may include multiple types of pins, including pins whose longitudinal direction is aligned with the x-axis direction and pins whose longitudinal direction is aligned with the y-axis direction in plan view.

[0135] In the first and second embodiments, the first pin 31, the second pin 32, and the third pin 33 are each described as being circular in plan view. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The first pin 31, the second pin 32, and the third pin 33 may each have an elongated shape in plan view.

[0136] (First Modification) Fig. 15 is a schematic plan view of the brush body 20 in the first modified example. Fig. 16 is a schematic perspective view of the brush body 20 in the first modified example. Fig. 17 is a schematic side view of the brush body 20 in the first modified example.

[0137] The brush according to the first modified example differs from the brush 1 according to the first embodiment in the height relationship between the first pins 31 and the second pins 32 and in the arrangement of the fourth pins .

[0138] 17, in the first modification, an area where a plurality of first pins 31, a plurality of second pins 32, and a plurality of third pins 33 are arranged is separated from an area where a plurality of fourth pins 34 are arranged. In this modification, the plurality of fourth pins 34 are arranged linearly along the y-axis direction at the end of the brush surface 21a in the x-axis direction.

[0139] The brush according to this modified example can preferably produce the effect of spreading out tangled hair by the fourth pins 34, for example, by moving it along the x-axis direction. First, the tangled hair is spread out in the y-axis direction by the multiple fourth pins 34, and after it has been loosened to a certain extent, the tangled hair is further loosened by the multiple first pins 31, the multiple second pins 32, and the multiple third pins 33. In this way, the brush may be configured so that the fourth pins 34 come into contact with the tangled hair first.

[0140] 17, in this modification, the length of the first pin 31 along the z-axis direction and the length of the second pin 32 along the z-axis direction are substantially equal to each other. The position of the tip of the first pin 31 in the z-axis direction is substantially equal to the position of the tip of the second pin 32 in the z-axis direction. By employing such a configuration, the first pin 31 and the second pin 32 can be brought into contact with the scalp with high reliability.

[0141] (Second Modification) Fig. 18 is a schematic plan view of the brush body 20 in the second modified example. Fig. 19 is a schematic perspective view of a part of the brush body 20 in the second modified example.

[0142] 18 and 19, in the second modification, the plurality of fourth pins 34 include a plurality of types of fourth pins 34 that are different from one another in shape. By providing a plurality of types of fourth pins 34 in this way, it is possible to impart a greater variety of movement to the hair. As a result, it is possible to more effectively untangle hair.

[0143] Specifically, in this modification, the multiple fourth pins 34 include multiple fourth pins 34A and multiple fourth pins 34B. The fourth pins 34A and 34B have different shapes in a plan view. In a plan view, the aspect ratios, which are the ratios of the length along the x-axis direction to the length along the y-axis direction, are different between the fourth pins 34A and 34B. The aspect ratio of the fourth pin 34A is higher than the aspect ratio of the fourth pin 34B. In a plan view, the fourth pin 34A has an elongated shape with its longitudinal direction along the x-axis direction. On the other hand, the fourth pin 34B has an elongated shape with its longitudinal direction along the y-axis direction. Both the fourth pins 34A and 34B have shapes that protrude outward in the x-axis direction.

[0144] The plurality of fourth pins 34A include a plurality of pin rows each composed of a plurality of fourth pins 34A arranged at intervals along the y-axis direction. Specifically, the plurality of fourth pins 34A include two pin rows. Of the two pin rows, the arrangement pitch of the fourth pins 34A in the pin row located on the outer side in the x-axis direction (outer pin row) is wider than the arrangement pitch of the fourth pins 34A in the pin row located on the inner side thereof (inner pin row).

[0145] The multiple fourth pins 34B are linearly arranged at intervals along the y-axis direction. The multiple fourth pins 34B are located between two pin rows formed by the multiple fourth pins 34A in the x-axis direction. The fourth pins 34B form an outer pin row or an inner pin row in the y-axis direction, and are located between two adjacent fourth pins 34A. The multiple fourth pins 34 are arranged such that the center lines of the multiple fourth pins 34A and the multiple fourth pins 34B in the y-axis direction do not coincide when viewed from the x-axis direction.

[0146] (Third Modification) FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view of the brush body 20 in the third modified example.

[0147] In the above embodiment and modified examples, the brush surface 21a is flat. In contrast, in the third modified example, the brush surface 21a is non-planar. The brush surface 21a has at least one unevenness. Specifically, in this modified example, the brush surface 21a has multiple unevennesses. Specifically, the brush surface 21a has multiple protrusions extending in one direction and arranged in another direction. This configuration results in different contact patterns with the scalp between the pins 31, 32, 33, and 34 located on the protrusions of the brush surface 21a and the pins 31, 32, 33, and 34 located on other parts of the brush surface 21a, as well as different degrees of elastic deformation of the brush surface 21a and the pins 31, 32, 33, and 34 upon contact. This allows for more varied movement of the hair. As a result, hair tangles can be effectively eliminated.

[0148] In this modification, an example in which multiple linear irregularities are provided on the brush surface 21a has been described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the brush surface 21a may be provided with a convex or concave shape as a whole. For example, the brush surface 21a may have multiple dot-shaped irregularities.

[0149] (Fourth Modification) Fig. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a brush according to the fourth modified example, in which hatching on the cross section is omitted.

[0150] As shown in Figure 21, the brush may have an ion generator. By using a brush with an ion generator, ions can be supplied to the hair and scalp during brushing. As a result, brushing not only untangles the hair but also moisturizes the hair and scalp.

[0151] As shown in Fig. 21 , the brush in the fourth modified example includes an ion generator 40. The ion generator 40 is disposed within the housing 10. The ion generator 40 has a first electrode 41 and a second electrode 42. The ion generator 40 is configured such that a discharge occurs 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.

[0152] Two through holes 21b are formed in the base 20, penetrating in the thickness direction. The tips of the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 are displaced within the through holes 21b. The through holes 21b extend beyond the brush surface 21a to the side opposite the housing 10 in the z-axis direction. The tips of the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 protrude from the brush surface 21a to the side opposite the housing 10. Therefore, the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42, which generate ions, are close to the hair or scalp during brushing. This allows ions to be effectively supplied to the hair or scalp.

[0153] The through-hole 21b is surrounded by a cylindrical wall 21c provided on the base 20. The wall 21c extends beyond the tip ends of the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 to the opposite side of the housing 10 in the z-axis direction. The tip ends of the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 do not protrude from the wall 21c. This effectively prevents the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 from coming into contact with the scalp or the like.

[0154] Of the pins 31 to 34, the lowest third pin 33 is located closest to the wall 21c surrounding the tip of the first electrode 41 or the second electrode 42. The tip of the third pin 33 is located on the opposite side of the housing 10 in the z-axis direction from the tip of the first electrode 41 or the second electrode 42. In other words, the tips of the pins 31 to 34 are located on the opposite side of the housing 10 in the z-axis direction from the tips of the electrodes 41, 42. This allows the pins 31 to 34 to effectively act on brushing.

[0155] This disclosure includes a technical idea focusing on sea otter grooming. Specifically, this disclosure includes a technical idea focusing on the wrinkles on sea otter paws and sea otter claws. In other words, this disclosure relates to biomimetics.

[0156] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. Furthermore, configurations obtained by combining the configurations of the different embodiments described in this specification are also included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0157] 1: Brush 10: Housing 20: Brush body 21: Base 21a: Brush surface 30: Pin 31: First pin 31a: First proximal end 31b: First tip 31c: First step 32: 2nd pin 32a: Second base end 32b: 2nd tip 32c: 2nd step 33: 3rd pin 33a: Third proximal end 33b: Third tip 33c: 3rd step 34: 4th pin 34a: 4th proximal end 34b: 4th tip

Claims

1. a body having a brush surface; a plurality of pins extending from the brush face; Equipped with The brush has a first pin, wherein the plurality of pins have a first portion and a second portion that is located closer to the brush surface than the first portion and is thicker than the first portion, and the thickness increase rate of the second portion, which is the rate of increase in thickness per unit length in the direction in which the pin extends, is configured to be higher than the thickness increase rate of the first portion.

2. 2. The brush according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of pins further includes a plurality of second pins that are parallel to the brush surface and thinner than the first pins in a cross section cut along a plane passing through the second portion.

3. the plurality of pins includes a plurality of the first pins, The brush according to claim 2 , wherein the plurality of second pins include second pins located within an imaginary rectangle having two adjacent first pins at its vertices.

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

5. 5. The brush of claim 4, wherein at least a portion of said second portion is defined by said non-circular portion.

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

7. 2. The brush of claim 1, wherein the first pin includes portions having mutually different cross-sectional shapes.

8. 2. The brush of claim 1, wherein the area of ​​the region enclosed by the approximation of a circle of the cross section of the first portion and the cross section is smaller than the area of ​​the region enclosed by the approximation of a circle of the cross section of the second portion and the cross section.

9. The brush of claim 1 , wherein the first portion includes a portion where the thickness increase rate is zero.

10. The brush according to claim 1, wherein the first pin is configured so that the position where the cross-sectional area of ​​the first pin is the average cross-sectional area of ​​the first pin is located closer to the brush surface than the center of the first pin in the longitudinal direction.

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