Treatment equipment

Abstract

Improved brush control, including brush orientation, at the corners of the brush body. [Solution] The treatment instrument comprises a treatment member that contacts the area to be treated, a treatment surface on which the treatment member is placed, and a main body having an outer surface that surrounds the treatment surface and forms a corner with the treatment surface. The corner has a modified portion in which at least one of the shape and material is partially changed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in the present specification relates to a treatment instrument.

Background Art

[0002] A hair brush is known as a treatment instrument. The hair brush includes a flat plate-shaped main body and a plurality of pins. The main body has a treatment surface, a back surface opposite to the treatment surface, and an outer side surface connecting the treatment surface and the back surface over the entire circumference. The plurality of pins are arranged on the treatment surface. A user grips the outer side surface and the back surface of the main body, and while controlling the orientation of the hair brush, arranges the hair, or stimulates the scalp to perform massage (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The above conventional hair brush has problems such as difficulty in controlling the orientation of the hair brush and difficulty in gripping the main body of the hair brush, and there is room for improvement.

[0005] The present specification discloses a technology capable of solving at least one of the above-described problems. Note that such problems are common not only to scalp brushes and hair brushes, but also to other treatment instruments (for example, shampoo brushes, massagers, acupressure substitute devices, etc.).

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The technology disclosed in the present specification can be implemented in, for example, the following aspects.

[0007] (1) The treatment instrument disclosed herein is a treatment instrument comprising: a treatment member that contacts a treatment area; a treatment surface on which the treatment member is positioned; and a main body that surrounds the treatment surface and forms a corner with the treatment surface, wherein the corner has a modified portion in which at least one of its shape and material is partially changed. According to this treatment instrument, the corner formed by the treatment surface and the main body has a modified portion in which at least one of its shape and material is partially changed. Therefore, the user can grasp the position of the modified portion by touch and, for example, control the orientation of the treatment instrument.

[0008] (2) The treatment instrument may be configured such that the outer surface has a partially recessed portion, and the modified portion is located in the recessed portion. With this configuration, the outer shape of the treatment surface has a partially recessed portion, and the modified portion is located at the corner of the recessed portion, so that the user can grasp the position of the modified portion by touch and hold the treatment instrument stably.

[0009] (3) In the above treatment instrument, the treatment surface may have a pair of sides facing each other, and the modified portion may be located on each of the sides of the treatment surface. With this configuration, by providing modified portions on each of the pair of sides facing each other of the treatment surface, the user can grasp the position of the modified portion by touch and grip the treatment instrument more stably.

[0010] (4) In the above treatment instrument, the treatment surface may be long in the first direction, and the modified portion may be located on at least one side of the treatment surface in the first direction. With this configuration, because the modified portion is located on the side of the treatment surface in the first direction, the user can grasp the position of the modified portion by touch and grip the treatment instrument more stably.

[0011] (5) In the above treatment instrument, the main body may have a back surface opposite to the treatment surface, and may have a raised portion located on the outer circumference of the back surface and at least one recess located on the central side of the back surface. With this configuration, the user can grip the treatment instrument more stably by having a raised portion on the outer circumference of the back surface opposite to the treatment surface and a recess on the central side of the back surface.

[0012] (6) In the above-mentioned treatment instrument, the modified portion may be configured such that the curvature of the corner is partially reduced. With this configuration, the curvature of the corner of the modified portion is partially reduced, allowing the user to grip the treatment instrument more stably.

[0013] (7) In the above treatment device, the treatment member of the treatment device described in any of (1) to (6) may be configured to have multiple protrusions.

[0014] Furthermore, the technologies disclosed herein can be implemented in various forms, for example, in the form of treatment devices such as scalp brushes, shampoo brushes, massagers, and acupressure substitutes, and methods for manufacturing the same. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Perspective view showing the configuration of the brush in the embodiment. [Figure 2] An explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the treatment surface side of the brush in the embodiment. [Figure 3] Diagram illustrating the cross-sectional configuration of the brush at position III-III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] An explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the side of the brush in the embodiment. [Figure 5] An explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the back side of the brush in the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 2 shows an explanatory diagram illustrating the cross-sectional configuration of the brush at the VI-VI position. [Figure 7] Enlarged explanatory diagram of section E1 in Figure 6 [Figure 8]Enlarged explanatory view of the E2 portion in Figure 6 [Figure 9] Explanatory view showing the cross-sectional configuration of the brush at the position III-III in Figure 2 [Figure 10] Explanatory view showing the configuration of the brush in a modified example [Figure 11] Explanatory view showing the configuration on the treatment side of the brush in a modified example [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0016] A. Embodiment: The present embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1 to Figure 9. Each figure shows mutually orthogonal XYZ axes for specifying directions. The positive Z-axis direction is the upward direction, the negative Z-axis direction is the downward direction, the positive X-axis direction is the forward direction, and the negative X-axis direction is the backward direction. The positive Y-axis direction is the right direction, and the negative Y-axis direction is the left direction. The front-back direction is an example of the first direction.

[0017] A-1. External configuration of scalp brush 1: Figure 1 is a schematic view showing the entire scalp brush 1 of the present embodiment. The scalp brush 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "brush 1") includes a main body 10 and a plurality of protrusions 40, as shown in Figure 1. The main body 10 has a substantially flat plate shape. The shape when viewed in the direction orthogonal to the main body 10 (Z-axis direction) is a shape elongated in one direction (X-axis direction). The brush 1 is an example of a treatment instrument. The protrusion 40 is an example of a treatment member.

[0018] A-2. Main body 10 of brush 1: Figure 2 is a view of the brush 1 viewed from the treatment surface 100 side. Figure 3 is a schematic view showing the YZ cross-sectional configuration of the brush 1 at the position III-III in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a view of the brush 1 of the present embodiment viewed from the left side when the protrusions 40 are oriented upward. Figure 5 is a view of the brush 1 of the present embodiment viewed from the side opposite to the protrusions 40. Figure 6 is a schematic view showing the XZ cross-sectional configuration of the brush 1 at the position VI-VI in Figure 2.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the outer surface of the main body 10 has a treatment surface 100 and a gripping surface 200. The treatment surface 100 is the surface on which the multiple protrusions 40 are arranged. The gripping surface 200 is the surface that comes into contact with the fingertips and palm when, for example, the brush 1 is held (gripped) in the hand.

[0020] (Gripping surface 200) As shown in Figure 4, the gripping surface 200 has an outer surface 210 and a back surface 250. The back surface 250 is the surface opposite to the treatment surface 100. The outer surface 210 is the surface that connects the outer periphery of the treatment surface 100 and the outer periphery of the back surface 250 all around. In other words, the periphery of the treatment surface 100 is surrounded by the outer surface 210.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the outer surface 210 has a first outer surface 211, a second outer surface 212, a third outer surface 213, and a fourth outer surface 214. The first outer surface 211 and the second outer surface 212 face each other in the short direction (Y-axis direction) of the body 10. The third outer surface 213 and the fourth outer surface 214 face each other in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the body 10. The first outer surface 211 and the second outer surface 212 are substantially parallel to each other. The second outer surface 212 is shorter than the first outer surface 211 in the longitudinal direction of the body 10. The length of the third outer surface 213 in the short direction of the body 10 is shorter than the length of either the first outer surface 211 or the second outer surface 212 in the longitudinal direction of the body 10. The length of the fourth outer surface 214 in the short direction of the main body 10 is shorter than the length of either the first outer surface 211 or the second outer surface 212 in the long direction of the main body 10. The third outer surface 213 and the fourth outer surface 214 are inclined such that the distance between them decreases as you move from the first outer surface 211 towards the second outer surface 212.

[0022] The outer surface 210 has two curved portions 220, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The curved portions 220 are parts that curve inward from the main body 10. The curved portions 220 extend from the treatment surface 100 toward the back surface 250. In the longitudinal direction of the main body 10, the curved portion 222 is located in the center of the second outer surface 212. In the short direction of the main body 10, the curved portion 223 is located in the center of the third outer surface 213. The curved portions 220 are an example of a recessed portion.

[0023] As shown in Figure 5, the back surface 250 has the same shape as the circumference of the outer surface 210 (approximately trapezoidal) when viewed in the direction in which the treatment surface 100 and the back surface 250 face each other (Z-axis direction, hereinafter referred to as the "thickness direction of the main body 10"). The back surface 250 has a peripheral portion 260, a recessed portion 270, a flat portion 280, and a raised portion 290. The peripheral portion 260 is a surface that includes the periphery of the back surface 250. Inside the peripheral portion 260 is the recessed portion 270. The recessed portion 270 extends from the center of the back surface 250 toward the third outer surface 213. Inside the recessed portion 270 are two flat portions 280. The first flat portion 282 is located in the center of the back surface 250. The second flat portion 284 is located on the third outer surface 213 side relative to the first flat portion 282. On the back surface 250, a raised portion 290 is located between the first flat portion 282 and the second flat portion 284.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the peripheral portion 260 is a curved surface along a virtual arc line L1 with a specific curvature in any cross section (YZ cross section, hereinafter referred to as "cross section") perpendicular to the short direction of the main body 10. As shown in Figure 6, the peripheral portion 260 is a curved surface along a virtual arc line L2 with a specific curvature in any cross section (XZ cross section, hereinafter referred to as "longitudinal section") perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the main body 10. The recessed portion 270, the flat portion 280, and the raised portion 290 are located on the treatment surface 100 side of the virtual arc line L1 (virtual arc line L2). As shown in Figures 3 and 6, the recessed portion 270 is a surface recessed toward the treatment surface 100 side from the virtual arc line L1 (virtual arc line L2). The flat portion 280 is the bottom surface of the recessed portion 270. The flat portion 280 is a surface that is approximately perpendicular to the thickness direction of the main body 10. The raised portion 290 is a portion that is partially raised inside the recessed portion 270. That is, the raised portion 290 is located closer to the virtual arc line L1 (virtual arc line L2) than both the first flat portion 282 and the second flat portion 284.

[0025] (Treatment surface 100) As shown in Figure 2, the treatment surface 100 has the same shape (approximately trapezoidal) as the outer surface 210 when viewed in the thickness direction of the main body 10.

[0026] The treatment surface 100 has a placement area 110 and a peripheral area 120. The placement area 110 is the central area of ​​the treatment surface 100. Multiple protrusions 40 are arranged in the placement area 110. The peripheral area 120 is the area that surrounds the entire periphery of the placement area 110. The peripheral area 120 includes the outer edge of the treatment surface 100. Multiple protrusions 40 are not arranged in the peripheral area 120.

[0027] The peripheral region 120 is a substantially flat surface, as shown in Figure 2. The peripheral region 120 is a flat surface that is substantially perpendicular to the thickness direction of the main body 10. The outer edge of the peripheral region 120 is adjacent to the outer surface 210.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the placement area 110 has a central surface 112, an inner groove 116, and an outer groove 118. The central surface 112, the inner groove 116, and the outer groove 118 are formed in this order from the center of the placement area 110.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the central surface 112 is located in the center of the treatment surface 100. The shape of the central surface 112 is an elongated ellipse in the longitudinal direction of the treatment surface 100. The central surface 112 is located on the back surface 250 side with respect to the thickness direction of the main body 10, compared to the peripheral region 120.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the inner groove 116 is an elliptical groove formed to surround the central surface 112. As shown in Figure 3, when viewed in the direction in which the inner groove 116 extends (the X-axis direction in Figure 3), the shape of the inner groove 116 is approximately V-shaped. That is, the inner wall surface constituting the inner groove 116 includes the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface, and the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface are arranged in approximately V-shape. The inclination angle of the circumferential wall surface with respect to the peripheral region 120 is gentler than the inclination angle of the inner wall surface with respect to the peripheral region 120. The deepest end of the inner groove 116 is located closer to the inside (towards the central surface 112) within the inner groove 116 when viewed in the thickness direction (Z-direction) of the main body 10.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the outer groove 118 is a rounded rectangular groove that surrounds the inner groove 116. When viewed in the direction in which the outer groove 118 extends, the shape of the outer groove 118 is approximately V-shaped (not shown). That is, the inner wall surface constituting the outer groove 118 includes the outer circumferential wall surface and the inner circumferential wall surface, and the outer circumferential wall surface and the inner circumferential wall surface are arranged in an approximately V-shape. The inclination angle of the circumferential wall surface with respect to the peripheral region 120 is gentler than the inclination angle of the inner circumferential wall surface with respect to the peripheral region 120. The deepest end of the outer groove 118 is located closer to the inside (towards the central surface 112) within the outer groove 118 when viewed in the thickness direction (Z direction) of the main body 10. When viewed in the thickness direction (Z direction) of the main body 10, the width of the inner groove 116 and the width of the outer groove 118 are approximately the same. The depth of the inner groove 116 (length in the thickness direction of the main body 10) and the depth of the outer groove 118 are approximately the same (see Figures 3 and 6).

[0032] (Corner C) Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged view of section E1 in Figure 6. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged view of section E2 in Figure 6.

[0033] As shown in Figure 8, a corner C is formed by the treatment surface 100 and the gripping surface 200. The corner C is curved from the outer surface 210 to the treatment surface 100. In this specification, the curvature of the corner C is the curvature of the outer shape of the corner C (1 / R1 in Figure 7) in a cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the corner C extends (the direction along the ridge formed by the treatment surface 100 and the gripping surface 200). The corner C formed by the treatment surface 100 and the first outer surface 211 is the first corner C1. The corner C formed by the treatment surface 100 and the second outer surface 212 is the second corner C2. The corner C formed by the treatment surface 100 and the third outer surface 213 is the third corner C3. The corner C formed by the treatment surface 100 and the fourth outer surface 214 is the fourth corner C4 (see Figure 2).

[0034] (Recess 300) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a recess 300 (an example of a modified portion) is partially formed at corner C. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the curvature of the recess 300 is smaller than the curvature of corner C without the recess 300 in a direction perpendicular to corner C. In the direction in which corner C extends, the curvature of the recess 300 gradually decreases as it approaches the center of the recess 300. The curvature of the corner of the recess 300 decreases continuously as it approaches the center of the recess 300 from the portion of corner C adjacent to the recess 300.

[0035] Let the maximum radius of curvature of the recess 300 be defined as radius of curvature R1. Let the radius of curvature of the corner C where the recess 300 is not located be defined as radius of curvature R2. In this case, radius of curvature R1 is approximately twice that of radius of curvature R2. This ratio may be between 1.5 and 5 times, or between 1.8 and 3 times.

[0036] In brush 1, as shown in Figure 2, for example, four recesses 300 are arranged. Recesses 310 and 320 are located at the first corner C1. Recess 330 is located at the second corner C2. Recess 340 is located at the third corner C3. Note that there are no recesses 300 at the fourth corner C4.

[0037] Recesses 310 and 320 are positioned symmetrically with respect to the center of the first corner C1. Recess 330 is located near the center of the second corner C2 in the longitudinal direction of the main body 10. In the longitudinal direction of the main body 10, the center of recess 330 (the point with the smallest curvature) is offset from both the center of recess 310 and the center of recess 320. Recess 340 is located in the center of the third corner C3.

[0038] The outer surface 210 side of the recess 330 is connected to the curved portion 222 in the thickness direction of the main body 10. The outer surface 210 side of the recess 340 is connected to the curved portion 223 in the thickness direction of the main body 10.

[0039] A-3. Brush 1 protrusion 40: Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the YZ cross-sectional configuration of brush 1 at position III-III in Figure 2. The shape of each projection 40 of brush 1 is, for example, cone-shaped. The diameter of the projection 40 decreases from the base to the tip. Each projection 40 extends in the thickness direction of the main body 10.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, the multiple protrusions 40 have multiple internal protrusions 410, multiple middle protrusions 420, and multiple external protrusions 430. The multiple internal protrusions 410 are located in the center of the treatment surface 100. The multiple middle protrusions 420 are arranged to surround the multiple internal protrusions 410. The multiple external protrusions 430 are arranged to surround the multiple middle protrusions 420.

[0041] The two internal protrusions 410 are positioned, for example, on the central surface 112 of the treatment surface 100, as shown in Figure 2. The two internal protrusions 410 are aligned longitudinally with respect to each other. The tip 410P of each internal protrusion 410 is located on the central surface 112 when viewed from the treatment surface 100 side.

[0042] As shown in Figures 2 and 9, among any intersection points between the internal projection 410 and the treatment surface 100, the intersection point on the longitudinal side of the main body 10 is the longitudinal base point 411P. The line connecting the longitudinal base point 411P and the tip 410P is the longitudinal generatrix 411. Among any intersection points between the internal projection 410 and the treatment surface 100, the intersection point on the short side of the main body 10 is the short base point 412P. The line connecting the short base point 412P and the tip 410P is the short generatrix 412.

[0043] The longitudinal base point 411P is located on the central surface 112. The short-side base point 412P is located on the inclined surface outside the inner groove 116. In the thickness direction of the main body 10, the short-side base point 412P is located on the back surface 250 side of the longitudinal base point 411P. The length of the short-side generatrix 412 is longer than the length of the longitudinal generatrix 411.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2, the multiple (e.g., 8) central protrusions 420 are arranged, for example, along the inner groove 116 of the treatment surface 100. The multiple central protrusions 420 are arranged at equal intervals from one another on the inner groove 116. The tip 420P of each central protrusion 420 is located outward (towards the peripheral region 120) relative to the line connecting the deepest ends of the inner groove 116, when viewed from the treatment surface 100 side.

[0045] As shown in Figures 2 and 9, among any intersection points between the central projection 420 and the treatment surface 100, the innermost intersection point in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the groove of the inner groove 116 extends is the inner base point 421P. The line connecting the inner base point 421P and the tip point 420P is the inner generatrix 421. Among any intersection points between the central projection 420 and the treatment surface 100, the outermost intersection point in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the groove of the inner groove 116 extends is the outer base point 422P. The line connecting the outer base point 422P and the tip point 420P is the outer generatrix 422.

[0046] The inner base point 421P is located on the inner inclined surface of the inner groove 116. The outer base point 422P is located on the outer inclined surface of the inner groove 116. In the thickness direction of the main body 10, the inner base point 421P is located on the back surface 250 side of the outer base point 422P. The length of the inner generatrix 421 is longer than the length of the outer generatrix 422. The length of the inner generatrix 421 is approximately 92% of the length of the outer generatrix 422. This ratio may be between 50% and 98%, or between 75% and 93%.

[0047] The joint surface between the base end of each central projection 420 and the treatment surface 100 has an inner joint surface and an outer joint surface, separated by a line connecting the deepest ends of the inner groove 116. The area of ​​the inner joint surface is larger than the area of ​​the outer joint surface. The ratio of the outer joint surface to the inner joint surface may be 55% or more and 95% or less, or 65% or more and 85% or less.

[0048] The multiple (for example, 12) external protrusions 430 are arranged, for example, along the outer groove 118 of the treatment surface 100, as shown in Figure 2. The multiple external protrusions 430 are arranged at equal intervals. The tip 430P of each external protrusion 430 is approximately in the same position as the line connecting the deepest ends of the outer groove 118, when viewed from the treatment surface 100 side.

[0049] As shown in Figures 2 and 9, among any intersection points between the external projection 430 and the treatment surface 100, the innermost intersection point in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the groove of the external groove 118 extends is the inner base point 431P. The line connecting the inner base point 431P and the tip 430P is the inner generatrix 431. Among any intersection points between the external projection 430 and the treatment surface 100, the outermost intersection point in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the groove of the external groove 118 extends is the outer base point 432P. The line connecting the outer base point 432P and the tip 430P is the outer generatrix 432.

[0050] The inner base point 431P is located on the inner inclined surface of the outer groove 118. The outer base point 432P is located on the outer inclined surface of the outer groove 118. In the thickness direction of the main body 10, the outer base point 432P is located on the back surface 250 side of the inner base point 431P. The length of the inner generatrix 431 is shorter than the length of the outer generatrix 432. The length of the inner generatrix 431 is approximately 75% of the length of the outer generatrix 432. This ratio may be 50% or more and 95% or less, or 65% or more and 85% or less.

[0051] The joint surface between the base end of each external projection 430 and the treatment surface 100 has an inner joint surface and an outer joint surface, separated by a line connecting the deepest ends of the external groove 118. The area of ​​the inner joint surface is larger than the area of ​​the outer joint surface. The ratio of the outer joint surface to the inner joint surface may be 55% or more and 95% or less, or 65% or more and 85% or less.

[0052] As shown in Figure 9, the lengths of the generatrix of the internal projection 410, the internal projection 420, and the external projection 430 are different. Specifically, the length of the generatrix of the internal projection 410 is shorter than the length of the generatrix of the internal projection 420 in any direction. The length of the generatrix of the internal projection 410 is approximately the same as the length of the internal generatrix 431 of the external projection 430, but shorter than the length of the external generatrix 432.

[0053] As shown in Figure 3, in the cross-section of the brush 1, the virtual surface S1 formed by connecting the tips of the multiple protrusions 40 is convex with respect to the thickness direction of the main body 10. As shown in Figure 6, in the longitudinal cross-section of the brush 1, the virtual surface S2 formed by connecting the tips of the multiple protrusions 40 is concave with respect to the thickness direction of the main body 10.

[0054] A-4. Components of Brush 1

[0055] (Component of brush 1) As shown in Figure 1, the brush 1 is composed of, for example, a first member 12 and a second member 14. The first member 12 is the member that constitutes the side of the brush 1 with the protrusions 40. The first member 12 constitutes the multiple protrusions 40 of the brush 1 and approximately half of the main body 10 on the treatment surface 100 side. The multiple protrusions 40 of the brush 1 and the main body 10 on the treatment surface 100 side are integrally formed. The first member 12 constitutes 2 / 3 of the main body 10. The material of the first member 12 is, for example, silicone rubber. The first member 12 may also be made of fluororubber (FKM, FFKM), ethylene-propylene rubber (EPDM), urethane rubber (PU), TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), fluororesin (PTFE, PFA), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin (ABS), etc.

[0056] The second component 14 is a component that constitutes the back surface 250 side of the brush 1. The second component 14 constitutes the back surface 250 side of the main body 10. The material of the second component 14 is, for example, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) resin. However, the second component 14 may also be made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE, TPS, TPV), polyurethane (PU, TPU), polycarbonate (PC), glass fiber reinforced nylon (GF nylon), wood, metal, etc.

[0057] As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 6, the first member 12 has a fitting portion on its inner surface 12S side, and the second member has a fitting portion on its inner surface 14S side. The brush 1 is formed when the fitting portion of the first member 12 and the fitting portion of the second member 14 are fitted together. The inner surface 12S of the first member 12 is in contact with the inner surface 14S of the second member 14. The joint J on the outer surface 210 side of the first member 12 and the second member 14 is located on the back surface 250 side in the thickness direction of the main body 10. On the outer surface 210, the length of the main body 10 in the thickness direction from the back surface 250 to the joint J is approximately half the length of the main body 10 in the thickness direction from the treatment surface 100 to the joint J. The joint J is located in the circumferential direction of the main body 10. The joint J is approximately parallel to the peripheral region 120 of the treatment surface 100 with respect to the thickness direction of the main body 10.

[0058] A-5. Effects of this embodiment: According to the above structure, the brush 1 comprises a main body 10 and a plurality of protrusions 40. The plurality of protrusions 40 are arranged on the treatment surface 100 of the main body 10. The main body 10 consists of a treatment surface 100 and a gripping surface 200 surrounding the treatment surface 100. The treatment surface 100 and the gripping surface 200 form a corner C. The corner C has a recess 300 that differs in shape from the corner C.

[0059] Thus, by having a recess 300 at the corner C of the brush 1, the user can grasp the positional relationship of the brush 1, for example, by the sense of touch of their fingers. In addition, the user can accurately grasp the brush 1.

[0060] In this embodiment, the outer surface 210 has a curved portion 220 that is partially curved inward from the main body 10. The curved portion 220 is integrated with the recess 300. The curved portion 220 is recessed from the peripheral region 120 of the treatment surface 100 to the back surface 250 of the outer surface 210. As a result, when the user places their fingers on the curved portion 220, for example, their fingers will naturally also place their fingers on the recess 300. In other words, the user can accurately grasp the position for gripping the brush 1. Also, when the user grips the brush 1, the user's palm and fingers make contact with the brush 1 over a larger area. As a result, the user can grip the brush 1 more securely. Furthermore, even when the user applies force to the brush 1, contact between the user's fingers and the brush 1 can be maintained. The user can reliably transmit force to the projection 40 and reliably stimulate the user's scalp. Note that the scalp is an example of a treatment area.

[0061] In this embodiment, the brush 1 has recesses 310 (recess 320) and 330 at the first corner C1 and the second corner C2, respectively. This allows the user to securely grip the brush 1 in the short direction. Furthermore, the recesses 310 (recess 320) and 330 are positioned at different locations relative to the longitudinal direction of the main body 10. This also allows the user to securely grip the brush 1 in the short direction.

[0062] In this embodiment, the brush 1 has a recess 340 at the third corner C3. This allows the user to securely grip the brush 1 in the longitudinal direction.

[0063] In this embodiment, the back surface 250 of the brush 1 includes a peripheral portion 260 that includes the outer edge of the back surface 250, and a recessed portion 270 that is recessed relative to the peripheral portion 260. Furthermore, the recessed portion 270 has one or more partially raised portions 290. This back surface 250 increases the contact area between the brush 1 and the user's palm when the user grips the brush 1. As a result, the user can firmly grip the brush 1. In addition, the user can firmly transmit force to the projection 40.

[0064] In a plane perpendicular to the direction along corner C, the curvature of the recess 300 of the brush 1 is greater than the curvature of corner C. This increases, for example, the contact area between the user's finger and the recess 300. As a result, the user can grip the brush 1 more securely. Furthermore, the user can reliably transmit force to the projection 40.

[0065] In this embodiment, the treatment surface 100 of the brush 1 has a central surface 112, an inner groove 116, and an outer groove 118. Multiple inner protrusions 410, multiple middle protrusions 420, and multiple outer protrusions 430 are arranged on the surfaces of these grooves. As a result, the length of the inner generatrix and the length of the outer generatrix of each protrusion 40 differ depending on their position relative to the treatment surface 100. Therefore, the movement of each protrusion 40 changes in a complex manner.

[0066] For example, in the inner projection 410, the length of the longitudinal generatrix 411 is shorter than the length of the transverse generatrix 412. Therefore, each inner projection 410 is more likely to bend in the transverse direction than in the longitudinal direction of the main body 10. In the middle projection 420, the length of the inner generatrix 421 is longer than the length of the outer generatrix 422. Therefore, each middle projection 420 is more likely to bend inward relative to the inside and outside of the main body 10. In the outer projection 430, the outer generatrix 432 is longer than the inner generatrix 431. Therefore, each outer projection 430 is more likely to bend outward relative to the inside and outside of the main body 10. As a result, even if one projection 40 bends, for example, upon contact with the scalp, the other projections 40 can remain unbent. This allows the user to continue to transmit force to complex shapes such as the head. Also, even if one projection 40 bends in one direction, the other projections 40 will bend in a different direction. As a result, the user can continuously transmit force to the scalp, etc., in various directions through the multiple protrusions 40.

[0067] In this embodiment, the first outer surface 211 and the second outer surface 212 of the main body 10 are substantially parallel. Furthermore, the second outer surface 212 is shorter than the first outer surface 211 in the longitudinal direction of the main body 10. This makes the main body 10 of the brush 1 more conform to the shape of the user's hand.

[0068] In this embodiment, the brush 1 is integrally formed by the first member 12, with multiple protrusions 40 and the portion of the main body 10 on the protrusion 40 side. That is, the corner C is formed from a single member. Furthermore, both the treatment surface 100 and the protrusions 40 are formed from the same member. Therefore, the corner C and the recess 300 are formed without any gaps. As a result, the user can reliably transmit force to the protrusions 40.

[0069] In this embodiment, the brush 1 is composed of a first member 12 and a second member 14. This allows for the selection of materials for the first member 12, which is suitable for the projection 40, and the second member 14, which is suitable for gripping. Furthermore, the inner surface 12S of the first member 12 and the inner surface 14S of the second member are in contact with each other. This allows the user to reliably transmit force from the second member 14 to the first member 12 having the projection 40. Also, on the outer surface 210, the length from the back surface 250 to the joint J is approximately half the length from the treatment surface 100 to the joint J. With this structure, the brush 1 can increase the contact area between the user and the first member 12 while ensuring the aesthetic appeal of the back surface 250. As a result, when using the brush 1, the user can grip the brush 1 without it slipping due to the material properties of the first member 12.

[0070] B. Variations: The technologies disclosed herein are not limited to the embodiments described above and can be modified in various forms without departing from their essence, for example, the following modifications are possible. The configuration of brush 1 in the above embodiments is merely an example and can be modified in various ways.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the shape of the main body 10 was substantially flat, but it does not have to be substantially flat. For example, the main body 10 may be elliptical. Also, all or part of the main body 10 may be ball-shaped.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the gripping surface 200 had an outer surface 210 and a back surface 250, but the outer surface 210 and the back surface 250 may be integrated. For example, the gripping surface 200 may be dome-shaped. Also, in the above embodiment, the outer surface 210 has two curved portions 220, but there may be more than two. There may be three or more curved portions 220. Also, the back surface 250 has a recessed portion 270 in the center of the back surface 250, but there may be further recessed portions 270 in other places (for example, the peripheral portion 260). For example, the back surface 250 may have a recessed portion 270 in the thickness direction of the body 10 relative to the recess 300. As a result, for example, the body 10 has a recess 330, a curved portion 222, and a recessed portion 270 on the back surface 250 in the thickness direction of the body 10.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the peripheral region 120 of the treatment surface 100 was a flat surface, but it does not have to be a flat surface as long as a corner C can be formed. For example, the surface of the peripheral region 120 may be curved toward the center of the treatment surface 100, either toward the direction of the projection 40 or the opposite direction. Also, the central surface 112 is located toward the back surface 250 with respect to the thickness direction of the main body 10, rather than the peripheral region 120, but it may be located on the same plane. Furthermore, the treatment surface 100 and the central surface 112 may be located on the same curved surface that curves toward the center.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the placement area 110 of the treatment surface 100 has multiple grooves (inner grooves 116 and outer grooves 118), but it does not have to have grooves, or it may have three or more grooves. Also, the positional relationship of the multiple grooves formed in the placement area 110 was that the outer groove 118 was formed outside the inner groove 116, but other positional relationships are also possible. For example, multiple grooves may be formed separately in the longitudinal direction of the placement area 110. Also, the shape of the inner groove 116 and outer groove 118 was V-shaped, but it may be other shapes, such as U-shaped. Also, the bottom (valley) of the inner groove 116 and outer groove 118 may be flat. The shape of the inner groove 116 and outer groove 118 is substantially the same, but they may be different shapes.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the recess 300 has a shape having a curvature smaller than that of the corner C where the recess 300 is not located, but it does not have to be such a shape. For example, the recess 300 may be a shape that is recessed inside the main body 10 in a direction perpendicular to the corner C. Also, the recess 300 may be a plurality of grooves as described later, a plurality of uneven shapes such as a dimple shape, or a textured surface. Furthermore, the modified portion may be made of a different material from the surrounding corner C. In this case, a material that adheres more easily to the user's hand than the material of the corner C, or a material with a higher coefficient of friction than the material of the corner C, is preferred. For example, the material of the modified portion may be rubber. The modified portion is a part of the corner that differs from the rest of the corner in at least one of its shape and material.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the curvature of the recess 300 gradually decreases toward the center of the recess in the direction in which the corner C extends, but the shape does not have to be this way. For example, the point where the curvature of the recess 300 is smallest does not have to be the center of the recess 300. Also, there may be two or more points where the curvature of the recess 300 is smallest. Furthermore, the curvature of the recess 300 may gradually decrease toward the center of the recess and become constant at a certain point.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the multiple recesses 300 are arranged such that two recesses 300 are located at the first corner C1, one recess 300 is located at the second corner C2, and one recess 300 is located at the third corner C3, but the locations where the recesses are located are not particularly limited. Also, although no recess 300 is located at the fourth corner C4, a recess 300 may be located there. For example, the recesses 300 can be located relative to the corners C as follows. Two recesses 300 are located at the first corner C1, and one recess 300 is located at the second corner C2. A pair of recesses 300 are located at the first corner C1 and the second corner C2. One recess 300 is located at the first corner C1, and three recesses 300 are located at the second corner C2. One recess 300 is located at the first corner C1, one recess 300 is located at the second corner C2, and three recesses 300 are located at the third corner C3. A pair of recesses 300 are located at the third corner C3 and the fourth corner C4. The four recesses 300 are located at the first corner C1, the second corner C2, the third corner C3, and the fourth corner C4, respectively. This allows for a secure grip of the brush 1 in both its longitudinal and transverse directions. Furthermore, the user can securely grip the brush 1 regardless of its orientation.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the shape of the projection 40 is conical, but is not limited to a cone. The shape of the projection 40 may be cylindrical, such as the pin 50 described later, or it may be pyramidal. Furthermore, the tip of the projection 40 may be spherical or hemispherical.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the arrangement and number of the multiple protrusions 40 are not particularly limited. For example, the multiple protrusions 40 may be arranged in a ring of four or more concentric rings. Alternatively, the multiple protrusions 40 may be aligned in the longitudinal direction.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the brush 1 comprises a first member 12 and a second member, but it does not have to be two members. For example, it may consist of a member for each projection 40 and a member for the main body 10. Also, although the first member 12 and the second member 14 are fitted together by their respective fitting portions, the first member 12 and the second member 14 may be joined by other methods. For example, the first member 12 and the second member 14 can be joined with adhesive or double-sided tape, or these can be combined.

[0081] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the brush 1B in a modified example. Figure 11 is a view of the brush 1B in a modified example from the pin 50 side. The body 10B of the brush 1B is heart-shaped when viewed from the direction of the pin 50. Except for the details described below, it is the same as the embodiment.

[0082] The pins 50 of brush 1B are approximately cylindrical with semicircular tips. The treatment surface 100B of brush 1B is a surface perpendicular to the direction in which the pins 50 extend (Z-axis direction). The gripping surface 200B of the main body 10B has an outer surface 210 and a back surface 250 integrated into one in this embodiment. The gripping surface 200B is curved toward the opposite side of the pins 50. When viewed from the opposite side of the treatment surface 100B, the gripping surface 200B has a heart shape.

[0083] The modified portion 350 of brush 1B consists of multiple elongated grooves. These multiple elongated grooves are formed in the corner CB extending from the treatment surface 100B to the gripping surface 200B. The multiple elongated grooves are formed along the treatment surface 100B to the gripping surface 200B. In other words, the curvature of the corner CB and the curvature of the modified portion 350 are approximately the same. Therefore, it is easier to process compared to the embodiment. Furthermore, it is also possible to process a completed brush.

[0084] Furthermore, the brush 1B has grooves 235B on the longitudinal gripping surface 200B of the brush 1B. When the user uses the brush 1B, the grooves 235B, together with the variable portion 350, contribute to controlling the orientation of the brush 1B.

[0085] In the above embodiment, a scalp brush 1 and a hairbrush, brush 1B, were exemplified as treatment tools. However, the treatment tools are not particularly limited to any gripping tool, such as a shampoo brush, massager, or acupressure substitute. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1, 1B: Brush 10, 10B: Main body 12: First component 12S: Inner surface 14: Second component 14S: Inner surface 40: Protrusion 50: Pin 100, 100B: Treatment surface 110: Placement area 112: Central surface 116: Inner groove 118: Outer groove 120: Peripheral area 200, 200B: Gripping surface 210: Outer surface 211: First outer surface 212: Second outer surface 213: Third outer surface 214: Fourth outer surface 220, 222, 223: Curved portion 235B: Groove 250: Back surface 260: Peripheral portion 270: Recessed portion 280: Flat portion 282: First flat portion 284: Second flat portion 290: Raised portion 300, 310, 320, 330, 340: Recess 350: Change 410: Internal projection 410P: Tip 411: Longitudinal stratum 411P: Longitudinal base point 412: Shortitudinal stratum 412P: Shortitudinal base point 420: Central projection 420P: Tip 421: Inner stratum 421P: Inner base point 422: Outer stratum 422P: Outer base point 430: External projection 430P: Tip 431: Inner stratum 431P: Inner base point 432: Outer stratum 432P: Outer base point C1: First corner C2: Second corner C3: Third corner C4: Fourth corner C, CB: Corner J: Joint L1: Virtual arc L2: Virtual arc R1: Radius of curvature R2: Radius of curvature S1: Virtual surface S2: Virtual surface

Claims

1. It is a treatment instrument, Treatment components that come into contact with the area to be treated, The device comprises a treatment surface on which the treatment member is placed, and a main body having an outer surface that surrounds the treatment surface and forms a corner with the treatment surface, The aforementioned corner portion has a modified portion in which at least one of its shape and material is partially changed. Treatment equipment.

2. A treatment device according to claim 1, The outer surface has a partially recessed portion, The modified portion is located in the recessed portion. Treatment equipment.

3. A treatment device according to claim 2, The treatment surface has a pair of sides that face each other, The modified portion is located on each of the aforementioned edges of the treatment surface. Treatment equipment.

4. A treatment device according to claim 2, The treatment surface has a shape that is elongated in the first direction, The modified portion is located on at least one side of the treatment surface in the first direction. Treatment equipment.

5. A treatment device according to claim 1, The main body has a back surface opposite to the treatment surface, The aforementioned back surface includes a peripheral portion that includes the outer edge of the back surface, and a recessed portion that is recessed relative to the peripheral portion. The recessed portion has one or more partially raised portions. Treatment equipment.

6. A treatment device according to claim 1, In the aforementioned modified portion, the curvature of the angle is partially reduced. Treatment equipment.

7. The treatment member of the treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is a plurality of protrusions, Treatment equipment.

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