Electric Toothbrushes and Personal Care Kits

Abstract

To provide an electric toothbrush and a personal care kit capable of more reliably suppressing transmission of vibrations generated during use to the hand. [Solution] The electric toothbrush 1 includes a body 10 having a drive shaft 16 driven by a rotary motor 15. The electric toothbrush 1 also includes a head 20 that is detachably attached to the body 10 and has a power transmission mechanism 24 capable of transmitting power from the rotary motor 15 and an operating unit 25 that operates by power transmitted from the power transmission mechanism 24. The electric toothbrush 1 also includes a brush handle 30 that has bristles 3131 and is detachably attached to the head 20. The power transmission mechanism 24 has a power transmission unit 241 that can be attached to the drive shaft 16 in a state where free rotation is suppressed, and the drive shaft 16 is directly attached to a motor shaft 152 of the rotary motor 15.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electric toothbrushes and personal care kits. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in the following Patent Document 1, an electric toothbrush has been proposed that includes a body that can be held by hand and a brush handle that is provided with bristles and is detachably attached to the body.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, a rotary motor and an eccentric weight attached to the motor shaft of the rotary motor are built into the body. The rotary motor is driven to rotate the eccentric weight, which generates vibrations in the body, and the vibrations generated by the eccentric weight are transmitted from the body to the bristles on the brush handle. This allows the vibrations of the bristles inserted into the oral cavity to remove dirt from the oral cavity (tooth brushing). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5547468 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When using such an electric toothbrush, it is preferable to suppress transmission of vibrations generated during use to the hand.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an electric toothbrush and a personal care kit that can more reliably suppress the transmission of vibrations that occur during use to the hand. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The electric toothbrush according to the present disclosure includes a body having a drive shaft driven by a rotary motor. The electric toothbrush also includes a head that is detachably attached to the body and has a power transmission mechanism capable of transmitting power from the rotary motor and an operating unit that operates by power transmitted from the power transmission mechanism. The electric toothbrush also includes a brush handle that has bristles and is detachably attached to the head. The power transmission mechanism has a power transmission unit that can be attached to the drive shaft in a state where free rotation is suppressed, and the drive shaft is directly attached to the motor shaft of the rotary motor.

[0008] The personal care kit according to the present disclosure includes the electric toothbrush and a shaver head that is detachably attached to the body of the electric toothbrush and has the working part that cuts body hair. The shaver head has a waterproof function. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain an electric toothbrush and a personal care kit that can more reliably suppress the transmission of vibrations that occur during use to the hand. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of an electric toothbrush as viewed from one direction. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the example of the electric toothbrush as viewed from another direction. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a front view schematically illustrating an example of an electric toothbrush. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a side view schematically illustrating an example of an electric toothbrush. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a rear view schematically illustrating an example of an electric toothbrush. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating an example of an electric toothbrush. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of an electric toothbrush. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an electric toothbrush disassembled into three parts: a body, a head, and a brush handle. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of an electric toothbrush disassembled into three parts: a body, a head, and a brush handle. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a state in which the brush handle is attached to the head. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a rear view schematically showing the state in which the brush handle is attached to the head. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a front view schematically showing the state before the cap is attached to the brush handle attached to the head. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a state in which a cap is attached to a brush handle attached to a head. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a front view schematically showing an example of a body. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing an example of a body. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a body. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating preferred locations for positioning hooks provided on the body. [Figure 18] FIG. 3 is a front view schematically showing a state before the cap is attached to the body. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a front view schematically showing a state in which the cap is attached to the body. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a body. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a brush handle. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a head. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the brush handle is attached to the head. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view schematically showing a first modified example of the head. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view schematically showing a second modified example of the head. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view schematically showing a third modified example of the head. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a rear view schematically showing a third modified example of the head. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of an oral cavity cleansing head before it is attached to the body. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a schematic view of an example of an oral cavity cleansing head attached to a body. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically showing an example of an oral cavity cleansing head attached to a body. [Figure 31] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view showing a schematic diagram of a flow path of an example of an oral cavity cleansing head. [Figure 32] FIG. 2 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of an oral cleaning head attached to a body. [Figure 33] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a shaver head before it is attached to a body. [Figure 34] FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing an example of a shaver head attached to a body. [Figure 35] FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing an example of a shaver head attached to a body. [Figure 36] FIG. 2 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of a shaver head attached to a body. [Figure 37] FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically illustrating an example of a power transmission unit used in an example of a shaver head. [Figure 38] FIG. 2 is a front view schematically illustrating an example of a power transmission unit used in an example of a shaver head. [Figure 39] FIG. 10 is a rear view schematically illustrating an example of a power transmission unit used in an example of a shaver head. [Figure 40] FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of a power transmission unit used in an example of a shaver head, viewed from a direction different from the front. [Figure 41] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a power transmission unit used in an example of a shaver head. [Figure 42] FIG. 2 is a front view schematically showing a state before the cap is attached to the shaver head. [Figure 43]FIG. 2 is a front view schematically showing a state in which the cap is attached to the shaver head. [Figure 44] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a beard trimmer head before it is attached to a body. [Figure 45] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a beard trimmer head attached to a body. [Figure 46] FIG. 1 is a side view showing an example of a beard trimmer head attached to a body. [Figure 47] FIG. 2 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of a beard trimmer head attached to a body. [Figure 48] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a state before an example of an attachment is attached to a head for a beard trimmer. [Figure 49] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a state in which an example of an attachment is attached to a head for a beard trimmer. [Figure 50] FIG. 10 is a front view schematically showing another example of an attachment to be attached to a head of a beard trimmer. [Figure 51] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a beard / hair trimmer head before it is attached to the body. [Figure 52] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a beard / hair trimmer head attached to a body. [Figure 53] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a schematic view of an example of a beard / hair trimmer head attached to a body. [Figure 54] FIG. 1 is an enlarged schematic side cross-sectional view of an example of a beard / hair trimmer head attached to a body. [Figure 55] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic diagram of an example of an attachment before it is attached to a head for a beard / hair trimmer. [Figure 56] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic view of an example of an attachment attached to a head for a beard / hair trimmer. [Figure 57] FIG. 10 is a front view showing another example of an attachment to be attached to the head of a beard / hair trimmer. [Figure 58]FIG. 10 is a front view schematically showing yet another example of an attachment to be attached to the head of a beard / hair trimmer. [Figure 59] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a nose hair and ear hair trimmer head before it is attached to the body. [Figure 60] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a nose hair and ear hair trimmer head attached to a body. [Figure 61] FIG. 1 is a side view showing an example of a nose hair and ear hair trimmer head attached to a body. [Figure 62] FIG. 1 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view showing a schematic diagram of an example of a nose hair and ear hair trimmer head attached to a body. [Figure 63] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic view of the nose and ear hair trimmer head before the cap is attached. [Figure 64] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic view of the nose and ear hair trimmer head with the cap attached. [Figure 65] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a scalp massaging head viewed from one direction before being attached to a body. [Figure 66] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a scalp massaging head before being attached to a body, as viewed from another direction. [Figure 67] FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing an example of a scalp massaging head attached to a body. [Figure 68] FIG. 2 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view showing a schematic diagram of an example of a scalp massaging head attached to a body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary detailed description may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters or redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted.

[0012] The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0013] In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the body is defined as the up-down direction, the side of the body where the power switch is provided is defined as the front in the front-to-back direction, the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the front-to-back direction is defined as the width direction, and the side of the body where the head is located is defined as the upper side in the up-to-down direction.

[0014] [Example of an electric toothbrush] The electric toothbrush 1 according to this embodiment includes a body 10 having a drive shaft 16 driven by a rotary motor 15, as shown in FIGS.

[0015] The electric toothbrush 1 also has a power transmission mechanism 24 capable of transmitting the power of the rotary motor 15, and an eccentric weight (working part) 25 that operates by the power transmitted from the power transmission mechanism 24, and is equipped with a head 20 that is detachably attached to the body 10.

[0016] Furthermore, the electric toothbrush 1 includes a brush handle 30 that is detachably attached to the head 20, and the brush handle 30 has bristles 3131.

[0017] As described above, the electric toothbrush 1 according to this embodiment can be separated into three parts: the body 10, the head 20, and the brush handle 30, as shown in FIGS.

[0018] [Example of a body] In this embodiment, the body 10 has a cylindrical shape that is elongated in the vertical direction and is formed to a size that can be held by a user in one hand. That is, when using the electric toothbrush 1, the user can hold the body 10.

[0019] In this embodiment, the body 10 includes a housing 11 that forms an outer shell, as shown in Figures 14 to 20. The housing 11 can be made of, for example, an insulating synthetic resin material.

[0020] In this embodiment, the housing 11 is formed by joining a plurality of divided bodies, and a cavity is formed inside the housing 11 formed by joining the divided bodies. Various electrical components are accommodated inside this cavity.

[0021] Specifically, as shown in Figure 20, the housing 11 includes a cylindrical wall portion 12 that is approximately cylindrical and penetrates in the vertical direction, an upper lid portion 13 that is arranged to cover the upper opening of the cylindrical wall portion 12, and a lower lid portion 14 that is arranged to cover the lower opening of the cylindrical wall portion 12.

[0022] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 15 , a surface having a curvature different from that of the other portions is formed at the rear of the cylindrical wall portion 12 in the front-rear direction so as to extend vertically in an elongated manner. That is, the cylindrical wall portion 12 has a first surface 121 curved in an arc shape and a second surface 122 connected to both ends of the first surface 121 and having a curvature different from that of the first surface 121. In this embodiment, the curvature of the second surface 122 is made smaller than that of the first surface 121. Specifically, the curvature of the second surface 122 is made to be approximately zero, and the second surface 122 is formed to be a substantially flat surface. In this case, the second surface 122 may be formed so that the curvature is the same at any position in the vertical direction (the axial direction of the drive shaft 16, which will be described later). Alternatively, the second surface 122 may be formed so that the curvature at any position in the vertical direction (the axial direction of the drive shaft 16) is different from that of the other portions. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, the second surface 122 is formed so that it is a flat surface (with zero curvature) where the vertical wall portion 1322 is formed, and in other areas it is a concave surface that is curved slightly inward (towards the drive shaft 16).

[0023] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall portion 12 is configured to define the contour shape D of the body 10 when viewed in the vertical direction (the axial direction of the drive shaft 16, which will be described later). Therefore, in this embodiment, the contour shape D of the body 10 when viewed in the vertical direction (the axial direction of the drive shaft 16), as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 , has a shape including a first line portion D1 that is an arc with a predetermined curvature and a second line portion D2 that has a curvature different from that of the first line portion D1. Here, in this embodiment, the curvature of the second line portion D2 is configured to be smaller than that of the first line portion D1. Specifically, the curvature of the second line portion D2 is configured to be approximately zero, and the second line portion D2 is configured to be approximately linear. As described above, in this embodiment, the second surface 122 is configured to be flat where the vertical wall portion 1322 is formed and concave wherever else it is formed. Therefore, the second line portion D2 is a straight line in the area where the vertical wall portion 1322 is formed, and is an arcuate line that curves inward in other areas, thereby giving the body 10 a D-cut structure.

[0024] In this way, by giving the body 10 a D-cut shape, it becomes easier to grasp the front and rear directions of the body 10 when holding the body 10. Furthermore, by giving the body 10 a D-cut shape, it becomes possible to prevent the body 10 from rolling when placed on a washbasin or the like.

[0025] In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 20, a cavity formed inside the housing 11 houses the rotary motor 15, a rechargeable battery 171 that supplies power to the rotary motor 15, a control board 172 that controls the on / off of the power supply (on / off of driving the rotary motor 15), etc.

[0026] Specifically, the rotary motor 15 is built into the upper part of the housing 11, and the rechargeable battery 171 is built into the lower part of the housing 11, i.e., below the rotary motor 15, with its longitudinal direction roughly aligned with the up-down direction. By arranging the rotary motor 15 and the rechargeable battery 171 side by side in the up-down direction in this way, it is possible to make the body 10 more compact in the width direction. A control board 172 is built into the cavity of the housing 11 in front of the rechargeable battery 171.

[0027] The rotary motor 15 includes a rotary motor body 151 and a rotary motor shaft 152, and is housed in the cavity of the housing 11 with the rotary motor shaft 152 protruding upward from the rotary motor body 151. That is, the rotary motor 15 is housed in the cavity of the housing 11 with the direction of the rotation axis generally aligned with the up-down direction. The drive shaft 16 is attached to the rotary motor shaft 152 that protrudes upward.

[0028] The rechargeable battery 171 may be a lithium ion rechargeable battery, a nickel-metal hydride rechargeable battery, or the like.

[0029] Furthermore, a push-type power switch 123 for turning the power supply on and off (turning the drive of the rotary motor 15 on and off) is formed in approximately the center in the vertical direction at the front of the cylindrical wall portion 12 so as to face the control board 172. Note that although the push-type power switch 123 is exemplified as the power switch in this embodiment, a slide-type switch or other switch may be used as long as it can turn the power supply on and off.

[0030] Furthermore, the top cover 13 is a wall portion arranged to cover the upper opening of the cylindrical wall portion 12, and includes a rotary motor holding wall 131 that holds the rotary motor 15. Furthermore, the top cover 13 includes a movable wall 132 that is arranged above the rotary motor holding wall 131 in a state in which it can slide in the front-to-rear direction, and a pressing wall 133 that suppresses relative movement of the movable wall 132 in the up-and-down direction. In this embodiment, the top cover 13 is formed by fixing the rotary motor holding wall 131 and the pressing wall 133 with screws 173, with the movable wall 132 sandwiched between them.

[0031] Then, by inserting the rotary motor holding wall 131 into the cylindrical wall portion 12 from the upper opening of the cylindrical wall portion 12 with the rotary motor holding wall 131 facing downward, the upper opening of the cylindrical wall portion 12 is covered with the upper cover portion 13. At this time, the rotary motor holding wall 131 is inserted into the cylindrical wall portion 12 with the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the rotary motor holding wall 131 and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall portion 12 sealed by the packing 174.

[0032] Furthermore, a through-hole 1311 is formed in the rotary motor holding wall 131 at a position corresponding to the drive shaft 16, and the rotary motor 15 is held by the rotary motor holding wall 131 with the drive shaft 16 attached to the rotary motor shaft 152 inserted into the through-hole 1311. At this time, the rotary motor 15 is held by the rotary motor holding wall 131 with the gap between the rotary motor shaft 152 and the through-hole 1311 sealed by a waterproof rubber 175. This prevents water from entering the cavity of the housing 11 when the body 10 is washed with water, for example.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, no plate material is present in the movable wall 132 or the retaining wall 133 at a position corresponding to the drive shaft 16, and the drive shaft 16 is exposed to the outside, at least in a plan view of the body 10 (when the body is viewed from above in the vertical direction). This makes it possible to attach a power transmission unit 241 (described later) provided on the head 20 to the drive shaft 16 when the head 20 is attached to the body 10.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 15, the drive shaft 16 has a regular hexagonal (polygonal) shape in a plan view of the body 10 (viewing the body from above in the vertical direction), allowing the power transmission unit 241 to be attached to the drive shaft 16 in a manner that suppresses freewheeling. The drive shaft 16 and power transmission unit 241 are not limited to a polygonal shape as long as they are attached in a manner that suppresses freewheeling. For example, a drive shaft with a D-cut structure like the body 10 described above, i.e., a drive shaft with a D-cut structure, may also be used. Freewheeling may also be suppressed by using a means for increasing the frictional force between the drive shaft 16 and the power transmission unit 241.

[0035] In addition, in this embodiment, the movable wall 132 is provided with a hook (fitting portion) 1321 that protrudes upward and engages with a hook (fitting portion) 2221 provided on the head 20 when the head 20 is attached to the body 10.

[0036] 15 and 20, in this embodiment, three (plural) hooks 1321 are provided spaced apart from one another on the movable wall 132. All three hooks 1321 are provided such that the portions for hooking the hooks 2221 protrude rearward in the front-rear direction.

[0037] Furthermore, a vertical wall portion 1322 is provided at the rear end of the movable wall 132 so as to extend upward. By pushing this vertical wall portion 1322 forward in the front-to-rear direction, the hook 1321 (movable wall 132) moves forward relative to the rotation motor holding wall 131 and the pressing wall 133.

[0038] By providing such hook 1321 and vertical wall portion 1322 on the movable wall 132, the vertical wall portion 1322 functions as a release button that releases the engagement between the hook 1321 and the hook 2221.

[0039] In this embodiment, the retaining wall 133 includes a top wall 1331 that covers the movable wall 132 from above and a peripheral wall 1332 that extends downward from the outer periphery of the top wall 1331. The top wall 1331 has a through-hole 1331a through which at least a portion of the hook 1321 is exposed in a plan view of the body 10 and into which the hook 2221 on the head 20 is inserted when the head 20 is attached to the body 10. The top wall 1331 also has a cylindrical rib 1331b that protrudes upward and surrounds the entire periphery of the drive shaft 16. The cylindrical rib 1331b functions to guide the connection between the drive shaft 16 and the power transmission unit 241 when the head 20 is attached to the body 10. The top wall 1331 also has a restricting wall 1331c that restricts the vertical wall portion 1322 from moving too far forward.

[0040] The peripheral wall 1332 is a portion that is inserted into the peripheral wall 221 of the head 20 when the head 20 is attached to the body 10.

[0041] In this embodiment, the body 10 and head 20 are provided with vibration receiving sections that can receive vibrations in three or more intersecting directions on a plane perpendicular to the drive shaft 16. This makes it possible to dampen vibrations regardless of which of various heads that vibrate in different directions is attached to the body 10.

[0042] In this embodiment, three hooks (fitting portions) 1321, 2221 provided on the body 10 and the head 20, respectively, are designed to also function as vibration receiving portions.

[0043] For example, by determining the arrangement of the three hooks (fitting portions) 1321, 2221 and the drive shaft 16 using Method 1 or Method 2 described below, the three hooks (fitting portions) 1321, 2221 can also serve as vibration receiving portions.

[0044] First, method 1 will be described.

[0045] In Method 1, the positions of the three hooks (fitting portions) 1321, 2221 are set so that they do not overlap each other when viewed in the vertical direction (axial direction of the drive shaft 16). In this way, as shown in Fig. 17, the three hooks (fitting portions) 1321, 2221 are arranged so that an imaginary triangle T1 is formed on a plane when viewed in the vertical direction (axial direction of the drive shaft 16) with each hook (fitting portion) 1321, 2221 as its vertex P1.

[0046] Next, the drive shaft 16 is positioned so that it is within an area R1 surrounded by three sides of an imaginary triangle T1.

[0047] In this way, the three hooks (fitting portions) 1321, 2221 are arranged so that an imaginary triangle T1 in which the drive shaft 16 is arranged within the region R1 is formed when viewed in the vertical direction (axial direction of the drive shaft 16). In other words, the three hooks (fitting portions) 1321, 2221 are arranged on the vertex P1 of the imaginary triangle T1 in which the drive shaft 16 is arranged within the region R1.

[0048] Next, method 2 will be explained.

[0049] In Method 2, first, a location is set for one hook (fitting portion) 1321, 2221 and the drive shaft 16 so that they do not overlap each other when viewed in the vertical direction (axial direction of the drive shaft 16). Next, a location is set for another hook (fitting portion) 1321, 2221 so that they do not overlap with the one hook (fitting portion) 1321, 2221 and drive shaft 16 to which the imaginary straight line L1 has been drawn.

[0050] The locations of the two hooks (fitting portions) 1321 and 2221 and the drive shaft 16 can be set in any order. It is also possible to set the locations of all or any two of the two hooks (fitting portions) 1321 and 2221 and the drive shaft 16 at the same time.

[0051] In this way, an imaginary straight line L1 can be drawn on FIG. 17 connecting one of the two hooks (fitting portions) 1321, 2221 to the drive shaft 16. Also, an imaginary straight line L2 can be drawn on FIG. 17 connecting the other hook (fitting portion) 1321, 2221 to the drive shaft 16. Note that these two straight lines L1, L2 are imaginary straight lines drawn on FIG. 17. Also, the notation of straight line L1 and straight line L2 is for convenience, and does not mean that straight line L1 is drawn before straight line L2.

[0052] In this way, when two imaginary straight lines L1 and L2 are drawn on Figure 17, on a plane viewed in the vertical direction (axial direction of the drive shaft 16), an area R2 (the area shown by hatching in Figure 17), which is part of the area between the straight lines L1 and L2, is formed on the side opposite to the side where the two hooks (engagement portions) 1321 and 2221 through which the straight lines L1 and L2 pass, respectively, are located.

[0053] Then, the location of the remaining hook (fitting portion) 1321, 2221 is set so that it does not overlap with the drive shaft 16 and is positioned within the region R2.

[0054] Even when the arrangement of the three hooks (fitting portions) 1321, 2221 and the drive shaft 16 is determined by Method 2, the three hooks (fitting portions) 1321, 2221 are arranged so that an imaginary triangle T1 in which the drive shaft 16 is arranged within the region R1 is formed when viewed in the vertical direction (axial direction of the drive shaft 16). In other words, the three hooks (fitting portions) 1321, 2221 are arranged on the vertex P1 of the imaginary triangle T1 in which the drive shaft 16 is arranged within the region R1.

[0055] Then, when the three hooks (fitting portions) 1321, 2221 are arranged on the vertex P1 of an imaginary triangle T1 in which the drive shaft 16 is arranged within the region R1, the three hooks (fitting portions) 1321, 2221 are arranged so as to surround the drive shaft 16. As a result, the three hooks (fitting portions) 1321, 2221 arranged so as to surround the drive shaft 16 can receive vibrations in various directions.

[0056] In this way, by determining the arrangement of the three hooks (fitting portions) 1321, 2221 and the drive shaft 16 by method 1 or method 2, it becomes possible for the three hooks (fitting portions) 1321, 2221 to also function as vibration receiving portions.

[0057] Note that hooks (fitting portions) 1321, 2221 may be provided at four or more locations on the body 10 and the head 20. In this case, it is preferable to provide four or more hooks (fitting portions) 1321, 2221 so that the drive shaft 16 is positioned within the area of ​​at least one of two or more virtual triangles formed by connecting the hooks (fitting portions) 1321, 2221.

[0058] Furthermore, it is preferable that three or more hooks (fitting portions) 1321, 2221 are provided so as to be positioned on the same imaginary circumference centered on the drive shaft 16. In this case, it is more preferable that they are provided at equal intervals on the same imaginary circumference centered on the drive shaft 16.

[0059] If a fitting portion is provided so as to surround the entire circumference of the drive shaft 16, one fitting portion can receive vibrations in various directions. Also, if two semicircular fitting portions are provided so as to surround the drive shaft 16, vibrations in various directions can also be received.

[0060] Furthermore, it is also possible to provide a vibration receiving portion that can receive vibrations in three or more directions that intersect with each other on a plane perpendicular to the drive shaft 16, separate from the fitting portion.

[0061] 20, the lower lid portion 14 is a wall portion arranged to cover the lower opening of the cylindrical wall portion 12, and includes an outer wall 141 having a generally spherical truncated shape whose diameter decreases downward, and an inner wall 142 arranged inside the outer wall 141. In this embodiment, the lower lid portion 14 is formed by fixing the outer wall 141 and the inner wall 142 with screws 173.

[0062] Then, by inserting the upper part of inner wall 142 into cylindrical wall portion 12 from the lower opening of cylindrical wall portion 12, the lower opening of cylindrical wall portion 12 is covered with lower cover portion 14. At this time, the upper part of inner wall 142 is inserted into cylindrical wall portion 12 with packing 174 sealing the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the upper part of inner wall 142 and the inner peripheral surface of cylindrical wall portion 12.

[0063] 2, 7, etc., a connector 14a is formed on the underside of the lower cover 14, into which a charging cable or the like (not shown) can be inserted. That is, by inserting a charging cable or the like into the connector 14a, the rechargeable battery 171 can be charged. Note that the method of charging the rechargeable battery 171 is not limited to inserting a charging cable or the like into the connector 14a, and other methods, such as a charging method using contactless power supply or a charging method using long-distance power transmission using a power transmission system, are also possible.

[0064] 18 and 19, body 10 is provided with cap 176 that can cover the upper portion (drive shaft 16 side), and by attaching cap 176 when not in use, such as when carrying the device, drive shaft 16 is protected. In this embodiment, cap 176 has a generally spherical truncated shape that tapers in diameter toward the top.

[0065] [Example of head] In this embodiment, the head 20 comprises a base 21 that is attached to the body 10, and a shaft 23 that is attached to the base 21 and to which the brush handle 30 is attached, as shown in Figures 22 and 23.

[0066] In this embodiment, the base 21 includes a base housing 22. The base housing 22 can be made of, for example, an insulating synthetic resin material.

[0067] In this embodiment, the base housing 22 includes a peripheral wall 221 that penetrates in the vertical direction and forms the outer shell of the base 21, and a retaining wall 222 that is inserted into the peripheral wall 221 so as to cover a lower opening of the peripheral wall 221. The retaining wall 222 is fixed to the peripheral wall 221 by screws 261.

[0068] The shaft 23 includes a shaft housing 231. This shaft housing 231 can also be made of, for example, an insulating synthetic resin material.

[0069] In this embodiment, the shaft housing 231 has a shape that is elongated in the vertical direction, and a space 232 that opens downward is formed inside this shaft housing 231. An eccentric weight (action part) 25 that operates by power transmitted from the power transmission mechanism 24 is accommodated in this space 232.

[0070] In the present embodiment, the lower end of the shaft housing 231 is inserted through an upper opening of the peripheral wall 221, thereby attaching the shaft 23 to the base 21. At this time, the shaft 23 is held in the base 21 with the gap between the peripheral wall 221 and the shaft housing 231 sealed by the packing 262. Specifically, the packing 262 includes a first packing 2621 and a second packing 2622, and the shaft 23 is held in the base 21 with the gap between the peripheral wall 221 and the shaft housing 231 sealed by the first packing 2621 and the second packing 2622. In this way, in the present embodiment, the shaft 23 is supported by the base 21 via the first packing 2621 and the second packing 2622.

[0071] In this embodiment, when the shaft 23 is attached to the base 21, an engaging protrusion 2311 that engages with the brush handle 30 is formed on the lower outer periphery of the part of the shaft housing 231 that is exposed from the peripheral wall 221. A bearing protrusion 2312 that holds the upper end 252 of the eccentric weight (working portion) 25 is provided on the upper end of the shaft housing 231.

[0072] Furthermore, the head 20 is provided with a power transmission mechanism 24 capable of transmitting the power (rotation) of the rotary motor 15, and this power transmission mechanism 24 is held by the holding wall 222.

[0073] The peripheral wall 221 has a generally cylindrical lower portion and a generally truncated cone upper portion that tapers in diameter as it extends upward. A notch 221a is formed at the lower rear end of the peripheral wall 221 to prevent the peripheral wall 221 from interfering with the restricting wall 1331c and vertical wall portion 1322 of the body 10 when the head 20 is attached to the body 10. The restricting wall 1331c, the vertical wall portion 1322, and the notch 221a also determine the orientation of the head 20 when it is attached to the body 10.

[0074] Meanwhile, three hooks (fitting portions) 2221 are provided to protrude downward on the holding wall 222. These three hooks 2221 are provided at positions corresponding to the three hooks 1321 of the body 10, respectively, and all of them are provided so that the portions for hooking the hooks 1321 protrude forward in the front-to-rear direction.

[0075] 11, the power transmission unit 241 of the power transmission mechanism 24 is held in the center of the holding wall 222 so as to be surrounded by three hooks 2221. Inside this power transmission unit 241, a regular hexagonal (polygonal) space is formed so as to open downward when viewed from the back of the head 20 (when the head is viewed from below in the vertical direction). This regular hexagonal (polygonal) space is formed to be approximately the same size as the outer diameter of the drive shaft 16, and when the head 20 is attached to the body 10, the drive shaft 16 is inserted into this regular hexagonal (polygonal) space. In this way, when the head 20 according to this embodiment is attached to the body 10, the power transmission unit 241 can be attached to the drive shaft 16 in a state in which free rotation is suppressed.

[0076] The power transmission mechanism 24 includes the above-described power transmission unit 241 and an operating shaft 242 that operates while attached to the power transmission unit 241. In this embodiment, the operating shaft 242 having a D-cut structure is inserted and fixed into an insertion hole 2411 formed in the upper part of the power transmission unit 241. Therefore, in this embodiment, the operating shaft 242 rotates together with the power transmission unit 241 that rotates due to the power (rotation) of the rotary motor 15 transmitted from the drive shaft 16.

[0077] In this embodiment, the operating shaft 242 is held by a bearing 243. That is, the power transmission mechanism 24 includes the operating shaft 242 that is attached to the power transmission unit 241 and operates, and the bearing 243 that supports the operating shaft 242.

[0078] In this way, by supporting the rotational movement of the operating shaft 242 by the bearing 243, the bearing 243 can prevent the operating shaft 242 from vibrating radially when the operating shaft 242 is rotated.

[0079] In this embodiment, the power transmission mechanism 24 includes a joint 244 for connecting the eccentric weight (action unit) 25 to the operating shaft 242. Specifically, the lower end of the joint 244 is attached to the upper end of the operating shaft 242, and the upper end of the joint 244 is attached to the lower end 251 of the eccentric weight (action unit) 25.

[0080] When the head 20 configured as described above is mounted on the body 10 and the power transmission unit 241 is attached to the drive shaft 16, pressing the power switch 123 to drive the rotary motor 15 causes the drive shaft 16 to rotate. The rotation of the drive shaft 16 is then transmitted to the power transmission unit 241, causing the power transmission unit 241 to rotate together with the drive shaft 16. At this time, the operating shaft 242 attached to the power transmission unit 241, the joint 244 attached to the operating shaft 242, and the eccentric weight (acting unit) 25 attached to the joint 244 also rotate together with the power transmission unit 241. The rotation of the eccentric weight (acting unit) 25 causes the shaft unit 23 (head 20) to vibrate.

[0081] As described above, the head 20 according to this embodiment is a head that has the function of causing vibration in the shaft portion 23 by rotating the eccentric weight (action portion) 25 via the power transmission mechanism 24 using the power (rotation) of the rotary motor 15. In other words, the power (rotation) of the rotary motor 15 is transmitted to the eccentric weight (action portion) 25 as is (without being converted into linear motion), thereby vibrating the shaft portion 23. This reduces the transmission loss of the power (rotation) of the rotary motor 15. Furthermore, by not converting it into linear motion and not providing a conversion mechanism, the configuration can be simplified and the size can be made more compact.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rotation centers of the power transmission unit 241, the operating shaft 242, the joint 244, and the lower end 251 and upper end 252 of the eccentric weight (action unit) 25 are made to substantially coincide with the rotation center of the drive shaft 16. This further reduces the transmission loss of the power (rotation) of the rotary motor 15.

[0083] [Example of a brush handle] In this embodiment, the brush handle 30 includes a handle housing 31. This handle housing 31 can also be made of, for example, an insulating synthetic resin material.

[0084] As shown in Figures 21 and 23, the handle housing 31 has a space 311 that opens downward, and the brush handle 30 is attached to the head 20 by inserting the shaft 23 of the head 20 into this space 311.

[0085] In this embodiment, an engagement hole 312 is formed at the lower end of the handle housing 31, and the brush handle 30 is attached to the head 20 by inserting and engaging the engagement protrusion 2311 of the shaft housing 231 into this engagement hole 312.

[0086] In addition, bristles 3131 formed by planting a plurality of bristle bundles are formed on the tip 313 of the handle housing 31. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, when the head 20 is attached to the body 10 and the brush handle 30 is attached to the head 20, the center of gravity G of the entire electric toothbrush 1 is located closer to the body 10 than the brush handle 30 in the axial direction of the drive shaft 16. This prevents the bristles 3131 from tilting downward and coming into contact with the washbasin or the like when the electric toothbrush 1 is placed on its side on a washbasin or the like.

[0087] 6, when the head 20 is attached to the body 10 and the brush handle 30 is attached to the head 20, the entire bristles 3131 are located within the area of ​​the body 10 (inside the outline shape D) when viewed along the axial direction of the drive shaft 16. This prevents the tips of the bristles 3131 from touching the surface of the washbasin or the like, even when the electric toothbrush 1 is placed on its side on a washbasin or the like and rotates around the axis of the drive shaft 16.

[0088] 12 and 13, the brush handle 30 in this embodiment is provided with a cap 32 that is detachably attached to the handle housing 31 and covers the bristles 3131. By attaching the cap 32 when not in use, such as when carrying the electric toothbrush 1, the bristles 3131, which are the functional part of the electric toothbrush 1, are protected. The cap 32 is formed with holes 321 for more efficiently drying the bristles 3131.

[0089] When the brush handle 30 configured in this way is attached to the head 20, the vibration of the shaft 23 (head 20) caused by the power (rotation) of the rotary motor 15 is transmitted to the brush handle 30, causing the brush handle 30 to vibrate. At this time, the bristles 3131 provided at the tip 313 of the brush handle 30 also vibrate.

[0090] [Example of using an electric toothbrush] The electric toothbrush 1 having the above-described configuration can be used, for example, as follows.

[0091] First, the head 20 is attached to the body 10, and the brush handle 30 is then attached to the head 20. Next, the power switch 123 is operated to drive the rotary motor 15 and vibrate the bristles 3131. Then, with the bristles 3131 vibrating, the user holds the body 10 in their hand and inserts the bristles 3131 into their mouth to brush their teeth and remove food debris, plaque, and the like.

[0092] It should be noted that the above-described method of use is merely an example, and the electric toothbrush 1 can be used in various ways.

[0093] [Other examples of heads] The head of the electric toothbrush 1 may also be a head 20 shown in FIG.

[0094] The head 20 shown in Figure 24 has basically the same configuration as the head 20 shown in the above embodiment, and comprises a base 21 that is attached to the body 10, and a shaft 23 that is attached to the base 21 and to which the brush handle 30 is attached.

[0095] The head 20 shown in FIG. 24 also includes a power transmission mechanism 24 having a power transmission section 241.

[0096] An eccentric weight (action part) 25 that operates by power transmitted from the power transmission mechanism 24 is housed in a space 232 formed in the shaft housing 231 of the shaft 23.

[0097] 24 has a speed change mechanism 245 that changes the speed of the power of the rotary motor 15. Specifically, the power transmission mechanism 24 has the speed change mechanism 245, and this speed change mechanism 245 is interposed between the operating shaft 242 and the joint 244. In this way, the eccentric weight (acting part) 25 is made to rotate at a rotation speed different from that of the rotary motor 15.

[0098] The speed change mechanism 245 includes a first gear 2451 attached to the upper end of the operating shaft 242. The first gear 2451 is attached to the operating shaft 242 so as to rotate together with the operating shaft 242.

[0099] The transmission mechanism 245 also includes a second gear 2452 that meshes with the first gear 2451 at the bottom and rotates around the horizontal direction (front-to-back direction), and a horizontal shaft 2453 to which the second gear 2452 is attached while extending horizontally.

[0100] Furthermore, the speed change mechanism 245 includes a third gear 2454 that meshes with an upper part of the second gear 2452 and rotates around the vertical direction (up and down direction), and a connecting shaft 2455 that extends in the vertical direction and to which the third gear 2454 is attached. In the head 20 shown in Fig. 24, the connecting shaft 2455 is disposed coaxially with the operating shaft 242. The joint 244 is connected to the upper end of this connecting shaft 2455.

[0101] At this time, the gear ratio between the first gear 2451 and the third gear 2454 is set to a value other than 1. In this way, the eccentric weight (action part) 25 is rotated at a rotation speed different from the rotation speed of the rotary motor 15.

[0102] The head of the electric toothbrush 1 may also be a head 20 shown in FIG.

[0103] The head 20 shown in Figure 25 is basically configured in the same way as the head 20 shown in the above embodiment, and comprises a base 21 that is attached to the body 10, and a shaft 23 that is attached to the base 21 and to which the brush handle 30 is attached.

[0104] The head 20 shown in FIG. 25 also includes a power transmission mechanism 24 having a power transmission section 241.

[0105] An eccentric weight (action part) 25 that operates by power transmitted from the power transmission mechanism 24 is housed in a space 232 formed in the shaft housing 231 of the shaft 23.

[0106] 25, the length of the eccentric weight (action portion) 25 is made different from the length of the eccentric weight (action portion) 25 shown in the above embodiment. This makes the weight of the eccentric weight (action portion) 25 different. It is also possible to make the weight of the eccentric weight (action portion) 25 different by changing the material.

[0107] In this way, by varying the weight of the eccentric weight (action portion) 25, it is possible to change the amplitude of the bristles 3131 that vibrate during use.

[0108] The head of the electric toothbrush 1 may also be a head 20 shown in FIGS.

[0109] The head 20 shown in Figures 26 and 27 is basically configured in the same way as the head 20 shown in the above embodiment, and comprises a base 21 that is attached to the body 10, and a shaft 23 that is attached to the base 21 and to which the brush handle 30 is attached.

[0110] The head 20 shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 also includes a power transmission mechanism 24 having a power transmission section 241.

[0111] An eccentric weight (action part) 25 that operates by power transmitted from the power transmission mechanism 24 is housed in a space 232 formed in the shaft housing 231 of the shaft 23.

[0112] 26 and 27, a communication hole 27 is formed in the head 20, which communicates with the eccentric weight (action part) 25. Specifically, the communication hole 27 is formed in the lower part of the base 21, which communicates with the space 232 in which the eccentric weight (action part) 25 is housed.

[0113] This makes it possible to more reliably wash away food particles and other debris adhering to the head 20 after use of the electric toothbrush 1.

[0114] The head 20 provided on the electric toothbrush 1 is not limited to one type, and it is also possible to provide a plurality of types of heads.

[0115] For example, a plurality of types of heads 20 with different operating performances of the eccentric weight (action portion) 25 may be provided, and any of the heads 20 may be attached to the body 10 .

[0116] Specifically, a plurality of types of heads 20 with different speed ratios may be provided, and any of the heads 20 may be attached to the body 10 .

[0117] Furthermore, the electric toothbrush 1 may be provided with a plurality of types of heads 20 with different weights of the eccentric weight (working portion) 25, and any of the heads 20 may be attached to the body 10.

[0118] Furthermore, a plurality of types of heads 20 with different speed ratios and different weights of the eccentric weight (action portion) 25 may be provided, and any of the heads 20 may be attached to the body 10 .

[0119] In this case, the head 20 shown in the above embodiment may or may not be included in the plurality of types of heads.

[0120] Furthermore, the communication hole 27 may be formed in at least one of the plurality of heads.

[0121] The electric toothbrush 1 described in the above embodiment and its modifications can also be used as part of a personal care kit in which heads with various functions can be attached to a common body 10. In other words, the electric toothbrush 1 may further include other heads with different working part functions.

[0122] For example, in addition to the head to which the brush handle 30 is attached, the device may further include one or more of the following heads: a head with a hair-cutting function, a head with an oral cleansing function, a head with a massage function, a head with a face-washing function, etc.

[0123] Other heads having different functions of the action parts will be described below.

[0124] [An example of a mouthwash head] The electric toothbrush 1 can be provided with an oral cleaning head 40 that has an oral cleaning function.

[0125] A specific configuration of an example of the oral cavity cleaning head 40 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0126] As shown in Fig. 31, the oral cleaning head 40 includes a head body 41 having a flow path 411 formed therein, and a nozzle 45 that is detachably attached to the upper part of the head body 41 and is capable of spraying liquid (water, cleaning liquid, etc.) into the oral cavity. The oral cleaning head 40 also includes a liquid supply tube 46 that is provided at the lower part of the head body 41 and is capable of supplying liquid into the flow path 411. The liquid supply tube 46 is flexible, and a coil-shaped spring 47 that can prevent the liquid supply tube 46 from bending is arranged around the outer periphery of the liquid supply tube 46, as shown in Figs. 30 and 31.

[0127] 28 and 32, the head body 41 has a generally elliptical shape in a plan view, and includes a head housing 42 that forms the outer shell of the head body 41. This head housing 42 can be formed using, for example, an insulating synthetic resin material.

[0128] The head housing 42 is formed by joining together a number of divided bodies, and a cavity is formed inside the head housing 42 formed by joining together the divided bodies. Part of this cavity serves as a flow path 411, and the cavity contains a pump 44 that discharges the liquid introduced into the flow path 411 from a nozzle 45.

[0129] Specifically, the head housing 42 comprises a cylindrical wall portion 421 that penetrates in the vertical direction, an upper lid portion 422 that is arranged to cover the upper opening of the cylindrical wall portion 421, and a lower lid portion 423 that is arranged to cover the lower opening of the cylindrical wall portion 421.

[0130] A partition wall 424 is formed in a cavity formed inside the head housing 42 to separate the cavity, and the pump 44 is disposed in a space 4241 separated by the partition wall 424. The partition wall 424 is held by the lower cover portion 423 with a packing 481 sealing a gap between the outer peripheral surface of the partition wall 424 and the inner peripheral surface of the lower cover portion 423. The flow path 411 is formed outside the space 4241 separated by the partition wall 424, and communicates with a pump chamber 441 of the pump 44 via a suction valve 4411.

[0131] Here, the upper cover portion 422 is formed with a nozzle insertion portion 4221 into which the nozzle 45 is inserted, and the cylindrical wall portion 421 is formed with a nozzle lock release button 4211 for removing the nozzle 45 attached to the head portion main body 41.

[0132] Nozzle 45 has an insertion end 451 that is inserted into nozzle insertion part 4221, and a discharge end 452 that can be inserted into the oral cavity, and a flow path 453 is formed inside nozzle 45. Nozzle insertion part 4221 is formed to communicate with space 4241 partitioned by partition wall 424, and when nozzle 45 is attached, flow path 453 of nozzle 45 communicates with space 4241 partitioned by partition wall 424. At this time, nozzle 45 is inserted into nozzle insertion part 4221 with a gap between the inner circumferential surface of partition wall 424 and the outer circumferential surface of insertion end 451 sealed by packing 481.

[0133] Meanwhile, a liquid supply tube insertion portion 4231 into which the liquid supply tube 46 is inserted is formed in the lower cover portion 423. By inserting the liquid supply tube 46 into this liquid supply tube insertion portion 4231, a flow path 461 in the liquid supply tube 46 is made to communicate with the flow path 411 in the head portion main body 41.

[0134] Furthermore, three hooks (fitting portions) 4232 are provided to protrude downward at positions away from the portion of the lower cover portion 423 where the liquid supply tube insertion portion 4231 is formed. These three hooks 4232 are provided at positions corresponding to the three hooks 1321 of the body 10, respectively, and all of them are provided so that the portions for hooking the hooks 1321 protrude forward in the front-to-rear direction.

[0135] The lower cover 423 holds a power transmission part 431 of the power transmission mechanism 43 so as to be surrounded by three hooks 4232. Inside this power transmission part 431, a regular hexagonal (polygonal) space is formed so as to open downward when viewed from the back of the oral cleansing head 40 (when the head is viewed from below in the up-down direction). This regular hexagonal (polygonal) space is formed to be approximately the same size as the outer diameter of the drive shaft 16, and when the oral cleansing head 40 is attached to the body 10, the drive shaft 16 is inserted into this regular hexagonal (polygonal) space.

[0136] Furthermore, the oral cleaning head 40 is provided with a power transmission mechanism 43 capable of transmitting the power (rotation) of the rotary motor 15, and this power transmission mechanism 43 is held by the lower cover part 423.

[0137] The power transmission mechanism 43 includes the above-mentioned power transmission unit 431 and an operating shaft 432 that operates while attached to the power transmission unit 431. The operating shaft 432 is inserted and fixed in an insertion hole 4311 formed in the upper part of the power transmission unit 431, and rotates together with the power transmission unit 431 that rotates by the power (rotation) of the rotary motor 15 transmitted from the drive shaft 16. Furthermore, the operating shaft 432 is held by a bearing 433.

[0138] The power transmission mechanism 43 is held by the lower cover 423 and the partition wall 424 with the upper end of the operating shaft 432 disposed within the space 4241 partitioned by the partition wall 424. Specifically, the power transmission mechanism 43 is held by the lower cover 423 and the partition wall 424 by sandwiching the power transmission mechanism 431 between the lower cover 423 and the partition wall 424. At this time, the power transmission mechanism 43 is held in a state where the gap between the operating shaft 432 and the partition wall 424 is sealed by the waterproof rubber 484 and the presser plate 425. This makes it possible to prevent water from directly entering the space 4241 partitioned by the partition wall 424 from the outside.

[0139] The power transmission mechanism 43 is also provided with a conversion mechanism 434 attached to the operating shaft 432, which converts rotational motion into vertical reciprocating linear motion, and this conversion mechanism 434 is connected to a piston (acting part) 442 of the pump 44. In other words, the conversion mechanism 434 is interposed between the operating shaft 432 and the piston (acting part) 442. In this way, the piston (acting part) 442 is caused to perform vertical reciprocating linear motion by the power of the rotary motor 15.

[0140] The conversion mechanism 434 includes a first gear 4341 attached to the upper end of the operating shaft 432. The first gear 4341 is attached to the operating shaft 432 so as to rotate together with the operating shaft 432.

[0141] The conversion mechanism 434 also includes a second gear 4342 that meshes with the first gear 4341 at the bottom and rotates around the horizontal direction (front-to-back direction), and a horizontal shaft 4343 on which the second gear 4342 is attached while extending horizontally.

[0142] Furthermore, the conversion mechanism 434 includes a cam 4344 attached to the second gear 4342, and a connecting rod 4345 extending vertically and attached to the cam 4344. A piston (acting portion) 442 is connected to the upper end of the connecting rod 4345 by a connecting shaft 4346.

[0143] Next, an example of how to use the oral cleaning head 40 having such a configuration will be described.

[0144] First, the oral cleaning head 40 is attached to the body 10, and the power transmission unit 431 is attached to the drive shaft 16. Then, the liquid supply tube 46 is inserted into a container (such as a plastic bottle) containing liquid. Then, in this state, the power switch 123 is pressed to drive the rotary motor 15, thereby rotating the drive shaft 16.

[0145] In this way, the rotation of the drive shaft 16 is transmitted to the power transmission unit 431, causing the power transmission unit 431 to rotate together with the drive shaft 16. At this time, the operating shaft 432 attached to the power transmission unit 431, the first gear 4341 attached to the operating shaft 432, and the second gear 4342 attached to the first gear 4341 also rotate together with the power transmission unit 431. The rotation of the second gear 4342 also causes the cam 4344 to rotate. The rotation of the cam 4344 causes the connecting rod 4345 and the piston (acting portion) 442 attached to the connecting rod 4345 to perform linear reciprocating motion in the vertical direction within the pump chamber 441. When the piston (acting portion) 442 performs linear reciprocating motion in the vertical direction within the pump chamber 441 in this way, the volume of the pump chamber 441 changes.

[0146] When the volume of the pump chamber 441 increases, an intake valve provided between the flow path 411 of the head unit main body 41 and the pump chamber 441 opens, causing liquid to flow from the flow path 411 into the pump chamber 441. Specifically, from the tip of the liquid supply tube 46 inserted into the container (e.g., a plastic bottle), liquid in the container is sucked into the liquid supply tube 46 and flows from the liquid supply tube 46 into the flow path 411 of the head unit main body 41. The liquid then flows into the pump chamber 441 connected to the flow path 411 of the head unit main body 41. At this time, a discharge valve 4412 provided between the pump chamber 441 and the nozzle 45 is closed. It is preferable to provide a filter at the tip of the liquid supply tube 46 to prevent foreign matter from flowing into the pump chamber 441 along with the liquid.

[0147] On the other hand, when the volume of the pump chamber 441 decreases, the discharge valve 4412 provided between the pump chamber 441 and the nozzle 45 opens, causing the liquid to be discharged from the pump chamber 441. Specifically, the liquid discharged from the pump chamber 441 passes through the nozzle insertion part 4221 provided at the upper end of the head unit main body 41 and a flow path 453 formed in the nozzle 45, and is discharged to the outside from the discharge end 452. At this time, the suction valve provided between the flow path 411 of the head unit main body 41 and the pump chamber 441 is closed.

[0148] By repeating this operation, liquid stored in a container (for example, a plastic bottle) is sucked into the flow path 411 of the head body 41 via the liquid supply tube 46, and the liquid in the flow path 411 is sprayed from the discharge end 452 of the nozzle 45. The liquid sprayed from the discharge end 452 of the nozzle 45 is then directed at the teeth and tongue in the oral cavity, thereby removing dirt from the oral cavity.

[0149] [Example of a shaver head] The electric toothbrush 1 may also be provided with a shaver head 50 that has the function of cutting hair.

[0150] A specific configuration of an example of the shaver head 50 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0151] The shaver head 50 includes a head main body 51 that is detachably attached to the body 10, and a blade frame portion 55 that is detachably attached to the head main body 51.

[0152] The head body 51 includes a head housing 52 that forms the outer shell of the head body 51. The head housing 52 can be made of, for example, an insulating synthetic resin material.

[0153] Head housing 52 is formed by joining together a number of divided bodies, and an accommodation space 511 is formed inside head housing 52 formed by joining together the divided bodies. As shown in Figure 36, this accommodation space 511 accommodates a conversion mechanism 534, which will be described later.

[0154] Specifically, head housing 52 includes a cylindrical peripheral wall 521 that penetrates in the vertical direction, a lower lid portion 522 that is arranged to cover a lower opening of peripheral wall 521, and an upper lid portion 523 that is arranged to cover an upper opening of peripheral wall 521. Furthermore, head housing 52 includes an upper pressing plate 524 that presses down from above an upper waterproof rubber 573 that is sandwiched between head housing 52 and upper lid portion 523.

[0155] A cutout 5211 is formed in the rear lower end of the peripheral wall 521, so that when the shaver head 50 is attached to the body 10, the peripheral wall 521 does not interfere with the restricting wall 1331c and the vertical wall portion 1322 of the body 10. In addition, the restricting wall 1331c, the vertical wall portion 1322, and the cutout 5211 determine the attachment direction of the shaver head 50 when the shaver head 50 is attached to the body 10.

[0156] The lower cover portion 522 is a wall portion arranged to cover the lower opening of the cylindrical peripheral wall 521, and includes a partition wall 5221 that defines the storage space 511, and a lower pressure plate 5222 that is arranged below the partition wall 5221 and holds the power transmission portion 531 from below.

[0157] The lower cover portion 522 is attached to the peripheral wall 521 by fixing the partition wall 5221 and the lower pressure plate 5222 with screws 571, with the wall portion protruding inward of the peripheral wall 521 sandwiched between the partition wall 5221 and the lower pressure plate 5222.

[0158] Three hooks (fitting portions) 5222a are provided to protrude downward on the lower pressing plate 5222. These three hooks 5222a are provided at positions corresponding to the three hooks 1321 of the body 10, respectively, and each of the hooks is provided so that the portion for hooking the hook 1321 protrudes forward in the front-to-rear direction.

[0159] A power transmission part 531 of the power transmission mechanism 53 is held in the center of the lower presser plate 5222 so as to be surrounded by the three hooks 5222a.

[0160] As shown in FIGS. 37 to 41, the power transmission section 531 includes a top wall 5311 and a peripheral wall 5312 that is connected to the center of the top wall 5311 and protrudes downward.

[0161] An insertion hole 5311a is formed in the center of the top wall 5311, into which the operating shaft 532 of the power transmission mechanism 53 is inserted and fixed.

[0162] Additionally, a regular hexagonal (polygonal) space is formed inside peripheral wall 5312 so as to open downward when viewed from the back of shaver head 50 (when the head is viewed from below in the vertical direction). This regular hexagonal (polygonal) space is formed to be approximately the same size as the outer diameter of drive shaft 16, and when shaver head 50 is attached to body 10, drive shaft 16 is inserted into this regular hexagonal (polygonal) space.

[0163] Furthermore, power transmission unit 531 is provided with a leaf spring (elastic member) 5313 that can elastically hold drive shaft 16. This leaf spring (elastic member) 5313 is formed separately from the main body of power transmission unit 531 that includes top wall 5311 and peripheral wall 5312, and power transmission unit 531 is formed by attaching leaf spring (elastic member) 5313 to the main body of power transmission unit 531.

[0164] Furthermore, leaf spring (elastic member) 5313 includes top plate 5313a disposed on top wall 5311. Top plate 5313a is formed with three spring pieces 5313b that are equally spaced apart in the circumferential direction in plan view. Spring pieces 5313b are formed by bending the outer peripheral edge of top plate 5313a downward.

[0165] Furthermore, the top wall 5311 is formed with insertion holes 5311b through which the spring pieces 5313b are inserted, and by inserting the spring pieces 5313b into the insertion holes 5311b from above, the leaf spring (elastic member) 5313 is attached to the main body of the power transmission part 531. At this time, the bent portions of the spring pieces 5313b protrude radially inward from notches 5312a formed in the peripheral wall 5312 so as to communicate with the insertion holes 5311b.

[0166] By doing this, when the drive shaft 16 is inserted into the regular hexagonal (polygonal) space, the sides of the drive shaft 16 are elastically held by the three spring pieces 5313b, thereby absorbing dimensional variations in the drive shaft 16 and the power transmission part 531.

[0167] The shaver head 50 has the power transmission unit 531 described above and is provided with a power transmission mechanism 53 that can transmit the power (rotation) of the rotary motor 15. The power transmission mechanism 53 is held by the lower cover part 522.

[0168] The power transmission mechanism 53 includes an operating shaft 532 that is attached to and operates on the above-described power transmission unit 531. The operating shaft 532 is inserted and fixed in an insertion hole 5311a formed in the upper part of the power transmission unit 531, and rotates together with the power transmission unit 531 that rotates by the power (rotation) of the rotary motor 15 transmitted from the drive shaft 16. Furthermore, the operating shaft 532 is held by a bearing 533.

[0169] The power transmission mechanism 53 is held by the lower cover 522 with the upper end of the operating shaft 532 disposed within the accommodation space 511. Specifically, the power transmission mechanism 53 is held by the partition wall 5221 and the lower presser plate 5222 by sandwiching the power transmission unit 531 between the partition wall 5221 and the lower presser plate 5222. At this time, the power transmission mechanism 53 is held in a state where the gap between the operating shaft 532 and the partition wall 5221 is sealed by the lower waterproof rubber 572 and the presser plate 5223. This makes it possible to prevent water from entering the accommodation space 511 partitioned by the partition wall 5221 from below.

[0170] The power transmission mechanism 53 is also provided with a conversion mechanism 534 attached to the operating shaft 532, which converts the rotational motion into a reciprocating linear motion in the width direction, and this conversion mechanism 534 is connected to the drive mechanism 54, which will be described later. In other words, the conversion mechanism 534 is interposed between the operating shaft 532 and the drive mechanism 54. In this way, the power of the rotary motor 15 causes two drivers (acting units) 541 provided in the drive mechanism 54 to perform a reciprocating linear motion in the width direction in opposite phases.

[0171] The conversion mechanism 534 includes a lower base 5341 attached to the upper end of the operating shaft 532. The lower base 5341 is attached to the operating shaft 532 so as to rotate together with the operating shaft 532.

[0172] The conversion mechanism 534 also includes a lower eccentric shaft 5342 that is attached to the lower base 5341 in an eccentric state relative to the operating shaft 532, and a lower connecting arm 5343 that is attached to the lower eccentric shaft 5342 and connected to one of the drivers (acting parts) 541.

[0173] Furthermore, the conversion mechanism 534 includes an upper base 5344 attached to the lower eccentric shaft 5342. The conversion mechanism 534 also includes an upper eccentric shaft 5345 attached to the upper base 5344 in a state where it is eccentric with respect to the operating shaft 532, and an upper connecting arm 5346 attached to the upper eccentric shaft 5345 and connected to the other driver (acting unit) 541.

[0174] Driver elements (acting units) 541 are connected to the lower connecting arm 5343 and the upper connecting arm 5346, respectively. At this time, the lower eccentric shaft 5342 and the upper eccentric shaft 5345 are arranged with a phase difference of 180° around the rotation axis of the rotary motor 15. In this way, the rotational motion of the rotary motor 15 is converted into reciprocating motion of the two driver elements (acting units) 541 in opposite phases.

[0175] The drive mechanism 54 also includes two drivers (acting units) 541 connected to the lower connecting arm 5343 and the upper connecting arm 5346, respectively, and inner blade mounting units 542 that are provided on each driver (acting unit) 541 and to which the inner blades 553 are detachably attached. The inner blade mounting units 542 are each provided with a push-up spring (urging member) 574 for pressing (urging upward) the inner blades 553 attached to the inner blade mounting units 542.

[0176] With the conversion mechanism 534 and the drive mechanism 54 disposed in the accommodation space 511 , the upper opening of the cylindrical peripheral wall 521 is covered with the upper cover portion 523 .

[0177] The upper cover portion 523 has two through holes 5231 formed therein, into which each inner blade mounting portion 542 is inserted, and the upper cover portion 523 is positioned so as to cover the upper opening of the cylindrical peripheral wall 521 when the inner blade mounting portions 542 are inserted into the through holes 5231.

[0178] At this time, the gap between the through hole 5231 and the inner blade mounting part 542 is sealed by the upper waterproof rubber 573. This upper waterproof rubber 573 is held between the upper cover part 523 and the upper presser plate 524. By sealing the gap between the through hole 5231 and the inner blade mounting part 542 with the upper waterproof rubber 573, it is possible to prevent water from entering the storage space 511 from above.

[0179] In this way, the shaver head 50 has a waterproof function, which prevents interference with the operation of the conversion mechanism 534 and drive mechanism 54 housed within the housing space 511. Note that the drive mechanism 54 has all parts other than the inner blade mounting portion 542 arranged within the housing space 511. This more reliably prevents performance degradation of the shaver head 50.

[0180] The head body 51 having such a configuration has a blade frame portion 55 detachably attached thereto.

[0181] The blade frame portion 55 comprises an outer blade cassette 551 having a substantially box shape to which three outer blades 5512 are attached, and a cylindrical outer frame 552 that stores and attaches the outer blade cassette 551 from below, thereby covering the entire outer blade frame 5511 of the outer blade cassette 551.

[0182] The outer blade cassette 551 is equipped with three outer blades 5512 arranged side by side in the front-to-rear direction. A large number of blade holes (not shown) are defined in the outer blades 5512. The three outer blades 5512 are engaged with an outer blade frame 5511 so as to be able to move up and down independently, thereby forming the outer blade cassette 551.

[0183] On the other hand, the outer peripheral frame 552 is formed so that its upper end opening is smaller than the outer shape of the outer cutter frame 5511 of the outer cutter cassette 551 and larger than the outer shape of the entire blade surface of the outer cutter 5512 (blade surface formed by the three outer cutters 5512). Also, its lower end opening is formed so that it is larger than the outer shape of the outer cutter frame 5511. This allows the outer cutter cassette 551 to be attached to the outer peripheral frame 552 in a state where it is prevented from coming off.

[0184] Furthermore, a dedicated inner blade 553 is provided for each outer blade 5512, and is detachably attached to the inner blade attachment portion 542 of the driver (acting portion) 541. One of the two driver (acting portion) 541 is provided with two inner blade attachment portions 542. The two inner blade attachment portions 542 provided on one driver (acting portion) 541 are respectively equipped with an outer blade 5512 disposed on one side and an inner blade 553 corresponding to the outer blade 5512 disposed in the center. Therefore, when the drive mechanism 54 is driven, the three inner blades 553 reciprocate in the width direction following the movement of the driver (acting portion) to which the respective inner blades 553 are attached.

[0185] When the drive mechanism 54 is driven with the blade frame portion 55 attached to the head body 51, the inner blades 553 disposed below (inside) the outer blades 5512 move relative to each of the outer blades 5512 (reciprocating in the width direction). In this way, the shaver head 50 is configured so that the outer blades 5512 and the inner blades 553 cooperate to cut body hair inserted into the blade holes of the outer blades 5512.

[0186] 35, the head housing 52 is provided with a release button 5224 for releasing the attachment between the head main body 51 and the blade frame 55. The outer blade cassette 551 is provided with a release button 5513 for releasing the attachment between the outer blade cassette 551 and the outer peripheral frame 552.

[0187] 42 and 43, the shaver head 50 is provided with a cap 56 that can cover the outer blade 5512 that is exposed to the outside. By attaching the cap 56 when not in use, such as when carrying the shaver head 50, the outer blade 5512, which is a functional part of the shaver head 50, is protected.

[0188] Next, an example of how to use the shaver head 50 having such a configuration will be described.

[0189] First, the shaver head 50 is attached to the body 10, and the power transmission unit 531 is attached to the drive shaft 16. Then, in this state, the power switch 123 is pressed to drive the rotary motor 15, thereby rotating the drive shaft 16.

[0190] In this way, the rotation of the drive shaft 16 is transmitted to the power transmission unit 531, and the power transmission unit 531 rotates together with the drive shaft 16. At this time, the operating shaft 532 attached to the power transmission unit 531, the lower base 5341 attached to the operating shaft 532, and the lower eccentric shaft 5342 attached to the lower base 5341 also rotate together with the power transmission unit 531. Then, as the lower eccentric shaft 5342 rotates, the lower connecting arm 5343 attached to the lower eccentric shaft 5342 moves back and forth in a linear motion in the width direction.

[0191] Furthermore, the upper base 5344 attached to the lower eccentric shaft 5342 and the upper eccentric shaft 5345 attached to the upper base 5344 also rotate following the rotation of the drive shaft 16. As the upper eccentric shaft 5345 rotates, the upper connecting arm 5346 attached to the upper eccentric shaft 5345 also moves back and forth in a linear motion in the width direction.

[0192] In this way, when the lower connecting arm 5343 and the upper connecting arm 5346 move back and forth in a linear manner in the width direction, the driver (acting part) 541 and the inner blade 553 connected to the lower connecting arm 5343 and the upper connecting arm 5346 also move back and forth in a linear manner in the width direction.

[0193] This allows the outer cutter 5512 and the inner cutter 553 to cooperate to cut the hair inserted into the blade hole of each outer cutter 5512 .

[0194] [Example of a beard trimmer head] The electric toothbrush 1 may also be provided with a beard trimmer head 60, which is a head that has a function of cutting hair.

[0195] A specific configuration of an example of the beard trimmer head 60 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0196] This beard trimmer head 60 is used, for example, when cutting hair in a relatively narrow area.

[0197] The beard trimmer head 60 includes a head main body 61 that is detachably attached to the body 10, and a blade unit 63 that is detachably attached to the head main body 61.

[0198] The head body 61 includes a head housing 62 that forms the outer shell of the head body 61. The head housing 62 can be made of, for example, an insulating synthetic resin material.

[0199] The head housing 62 is formed by joining together a number of divided bodies, and a cavity is formed inside the head housing 62 formed by joining together the divided bodies. As shown in Figure 47, a conversion mechanism 644, which will be described later, is housed in this cavity.

[0200] The head housing 62 includes an upper wall 621 that opens downward, and a lower lid portion 622 that is arranged to cover the lower opening of the upper wall 621. The lower lid portion 622 is fixed to the upper wall 621 by a screw 671.

[0201] A notch 6221 is formed in the lower rear end of the lower cover 622, which prevents the lower cover 622 from interfering with the regulating wall 1331c and vertical wall 1322 of the body 10 when the beard trimmer head 60 is attached to the body 10. The regulating wall 1331c, the vertical wall 1322, and the notch 6221 also determine the orientation of the beard trimmer head 60 when it is attached to the body 10.

[0202] Lower cover 622 is a wall disposed to cover the lower opening of upper wall 621, and three hooks (fitting portions) 6222 are provided to protrude downward on lower cover 622. These three hooks 6222 are provided at positions corresponding to the three hooks 1321 of body 10, respectively, and all of them are provided so that the portions for hooking onto hooks 1321 protrude forward in the front-to-rear direction.

[0203] The lower cover 622 holds a power transmission unit 641 of the power transmission mechanism 64, surrounded by the three hooks 6222. Inside this power transmission unit 641, a regular hexagonal (polygonal) space is formed so as to open downward when viewed from the back of the beard trimmer head 60 (when the head is viewed from below in the vertical direction). This regular hexagonal (polygonal) space is formed to be approximately the same size as the outer diameter of the drive shaft 16, and when the beard trimmer head 60 is attached to the body 10, the drive shaft 16 is inserted into this regular hexagonal (polygonal) space.

[0204] The beard trimmer head 60 has the power transmission mechanism 64 that has the above-mentioned power transmission unit 641 and is capable of transmitting the power (rotation) of the rotary motor 15.

[0205] The power transmission mechanism 64 includes an operating shaft 642 that is attached to and operates on the above-described power transmission unit 641. The operating shaft 642 is inserted and fixed in an insertion hole 6411 formed in the upper part of the power transmission unit 641, and rotates together with the power transmission unit 641 that rotates by the power (rotation) of the rotary motor 15 transmitted from the drive shaft 16. Furthermore, the operating shaft 642 is held by a bearing 643.

[0206] The power transmission mechanism 64 is held by the upper wall 621 in a state in which the upper end of the operating shaft 642 is disposed within the cavity in which the conversion mechanism 644 is housed.

[0207] The power transmission mechanism 64 is also provided with a conversion mechanism 644 that is attached to the operating shaft 642 and converts rotational motion into reciprocating linear motion in the width direction, and this conversion mechanism 644 is connected to a holding plate (acting portion) 635, which will be described later. In other words, the conversion mechanism 644 is interposed between the operating shaft 642 and the holding plate (acting portion) 635. In this way, the power of the rotary motor 15 causes the holding plate (acting portion) 635 to perform reciprocating linear motion in the width direction.

[0208] The conversion mechanism 644 includes a base 6441 attached to the upper end of the operating shaft 642. The base 6441 is attached to the operating shaft 642 so as to rotate together with the operating shaft 642.

[0209] The conversion mechanism 644 also includes an eccentric shaft 6442 attached to the base 6441 in an eccentric state relative to the operating shaft 642, and a link 6443 attached to the eccentric shaft 6442 and connected to a connection portion 6351 of the holding plate (acting portion) 635.

[0210] In this way, the rotational movement of the rotary motor 15 is converted into a reciprocating movement in the width direction of the holding plate (action portion) 635 .

[0211] A blade unit 63 is detachably attached to the head body 61 having such a configuration.

[0212] The blade unit 63 is provided with a blade portion 631 and has the function of cutting hair. In the beard trimmer head 60, the width of the blade portion 631 is narrower than the diameter of the body 10.

[0213] The blade portion 631 includes a fixed blade 6321 and a movable blade 6331 that slides back and forth relative to the fixed blade 6321. The movable blade 6331 is configured to move back and forth relative to the fixed blade 6321 in the width direction.

[0214] Specifically, the blade unit 63 includes a fixed plate 632 on which a plurality of fixed blades 6321 are formed, and a movable plate 633 on which a plurality of movable blades 6331 are formed. The blade unit 63 also includes a frame 634 that supports the fixed plate 632, and a holding plate 635 that supports the movable plate 633. The blade unit 63 also includes a spring 6341 that is attached to the frame 634 and presses the movable plate 633 against the fixed plate 632, thereby bringing the fixed blade 6321 and the movable blade 6331 into contact with each other.

[0215] The fixed plate 632 and the movable plate 633 are disposed so as to face each other in the front-rear direction. The frame 634 supports the fixed plate 632 from the rear side (the side opposite to the side on which the movable plate 633 is disposed relative to the fixed plate 632). This prevents the fixed plate 632 from shifting out of position. The holding plate 635 supports the movable plate 633 from the front side (the side opposite to the side on which the fixed plate 632 is disposed relative to the movable plate 633). This prevents the movable plate 633 from shifting out of position.

[0216] As spring 6341 for bringing fixed blade 6321 and movable blade 6331 into contact with each other, for example, a torsion spring can be used, and this torsion spring (spring 6341) is attached to frame 634.

[0217] Furthermore, a connection part 6351 is provided on the holding plate 635, and when the blade unit 63 is attached to the head main body 61, this connection part 6351 is connected to a link 6443 of the conversion mechanism 644. In this way, when the rotary motor 15 is driven, only the force in the width direction of the blade unit 63 is transmitted from the link 6443 to the connection part 6351, and the movable plate 633 reciprocates in the width direction of the blade unit 63 via the holding plate 635.

[0218] The beard trimmer head 60 is also designed to allow a detachable attachment 66 to be attached to adjust the length of the hair to be cut (cutting length).

[0219] Attachment 66 includes a wall portion 661 attached to head body 61, and a comb portion (hair trimming portion) 662 provided on wall portion 661 and capable of guiding hair between fixed blade 6321 and movable blade 6331. By attaching such attachment 66 to head body 61, the distance between the skin and blade portion 631 becomes a predetermined distance, making it possible to cut hair to a desired length.

[0220] It is also possible to provide a plurality of attachments 66 with different lengths of hair to be cut (cutting lengths) instead of providing only one attachment 66, so that the desired attachment 66 can be selected and used.

[0221] For example, it is possible to provide an attachment 66 shown in FIGS. 48 and 49 and an attachment 66 shown in FIG. 50 which has a cutting length different from that of the attachment 66 shown in FIGS.

[0222] When such an attachment 66 is attached to the head body 61, the blade portion 631, which is a functional portion of the beard trimmer head 60, is also protected by the attachment 66.

[0223] Next, an example of how to use the beard trimmer head 60 having such a configuration will be described.

[0224] First, the beard trimmer head 60 is attached to the body 10, and the power transmission unit 641 is attached to the drive shaft 16. Then, in this state, the power switch 123 is pressed to drive the rotary motor 15, thereby rotating the drive shaft 16.

[0225] In this way, the rotation of the drive shaft 16 is transmitted to the power transmission unit 641, and the power transmission unit 641 rotates together with the drive shaft 16. At this time, the operating shaft 642 attached to the power transmission unit 641, the base 6441 attached to the operating shaft 642, and the eccentric shaft 6442 attached to the base 6441 also rotate together with the power transmission unit 641. Then, as the eccentric shaft 6442 rotates, the link 6443 attached to the eccentric shaft 6442 moves back and forth in a linear motion in the width direction.

[0226] In this way, when the link 6443 makes a linear reciprocating movement in the width direction, only the force in the width direction is transmitted from the link 6443 to the connecting portion 6351, and the holding plate 635 makes a linear reciprocating movement in the width direction. At this time, the movable plate 633 supported by the holding plate 635 also makes a linear reciprocating movement in the width direction, and the movable blade 6331 provided on the movable plate 633 makes a linear reciprocating movement (slides) in the width direction while abutting against the fixed blade 6321.

[0227] This allows the movable blade 6331 and the fixed blade 6321 to cooperate to cut body hair.

[0228] [Example of a beard / hair trimmer head] The electric toothbrush 1 may also be provided with a beard / hair trimmer head 70 that has a function of cutting hair.

[0229] A specific configuration of an example of a head 70 for a beard / hair trimmer will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0230] This beard / hair trimmer head 70 can be used to efficiently cut hair over a relatively large area.

[0231] The head 70 for beard and hair trimmer includes a head main body 71 that is detachably attached to the body 10, and a blade unit 73 that is detachably attached to the head main body 71.

[0232] The head body 71 includes a head housing 72 that forms the outer shell of the head body 71. The head housing 72 can be made of, for example, an insulating synthetic resin material.

[0233] The head housing 72 is formed by joining together a number of divided bodies, and a cavity is formed inside the head housing 72 formed by joining together the divided bodies. As shown in Figure 54, a conversion mechanism 744, which will be described later, is housed in this cavity.

[0234] The head housing 72 includes an upper wall 721 that opens downward, and a lower lid portion 722 that is arranged to cover the lower opening of the upper wall 721. The lower lid portion 722 is fixed to the upper wall 721 by screws 771.

[0235] A cutout 7221 is formed in the lower rear end of the lower lid 722 to prevent the lower lid 722 from interfering with the regulating wall 1331c and vertical wall 1322 of the body 10 when the beard / hair trimmer head 70 is attached to the body 10. The regulating wall 1331c, the vertical wall 1322 and the cutout 7221 also determine the orientation of the beard / hair trimmer head 70 when the beard / hair trimmer head 70 is attached to the body 10.

[0236] Furthermore, lower cover 722 is a wall portion disposed so as to cover the lower opening of upper wall 721, and three hooks (fitting portions) 7222 are provided so as to protrude downward on lower cover 722. These three hooks 7222 are provided at positions corresponding to the three hooks 1321 of body 10, respectively, and all of them are provided so that the portions for hooking onto hooks 1321 protrude forward in the front-to-rear direction.

[0237] The lower cover 722 holds a power transmission unit 741 of the power transmission mechanism 74, surrounded by the three hooks 7222. Inside this power transmission unit 741, a regular hexagonal (polygonal) space is formed so as to open downward when viewed from the back of the beard / hair trimmer head 70 (when the head is viewed from below in the vertical direction). This regular hexagonal (polygonal) space is formed to be approximately the same size as the outer diameter of the drive shaft 16, and when the beard / hair trimmer head 70 is attached to the body 10, the drive shaft 16 is inserted into this regular hexagonal (polygonal) space.

[0238] The beard / hair trimmer head 70 has the above-mentioned power transmission part 741 and is provided with a power transmission mechanism 74 that can transmit the power (rotation) of the rotary motor 15.

[0239] The power transmission mechanism 74 includes an operating shaft 742 that is attached to and operates on the above-described power transmission unit 741. The operating shaft 742 is inserted and fixed in an insertion hole 7411 formed in the upper part of the power transmission unit 741, and rotates together with the power transmission unit 741 that rotates by the power (rotation) of the rotary motor 15 transmitted from the drive shaft 16. Furthermore, the operating shaft 742 is held by a bearing 743.

[0240] The power transmission mechanism 74 is held by the upper wall 721 in a state in which the upper end of the operating shaft 742 is disposed within the cavity in which the conversion mechanism 744 is housed.

[0241] The power transmission mechanism 74 is also provided with a conversion mechanism 744 that is attached to the operating shaft 742 and converts rotational motion into reciprocating linear motion in the width direction, and this conversion mechanism 744 is connected to a holding plate (acting portion) 735, which will be described later. In other words, the conversion mechanism 744 is interposed between the operating shaft 742 and the holding plate (acting portion) 735. In this way, the power of the rotary motor 15 causes the holding plate (acting portion) 735 to perform reciprocating linear motion in the width direction.

[0242] The conversion mechanism 744 includes a base 7441 attached to the upper end of the operating shaft 742. The base 7441 is attached to the operating shaft 742 so as to rotate together with the operating shaft 742.

[0243] The conversion mechanism 744 also includes an eccentric shaft 7442 that is attached to the base 7441 in an eccentric state relative to the operating shaft 742, and a link 7443 that is attached to the eccentric shaft 7442 and connected to the connection portion 7351 of the holding plate (acting portion) 735.

[0244] In this way, the rotational movement of the rotary motor 15 is converted into a reciprocating movement in the width direction of the holding plate (action portion) 735 .

[0245] A blade unit 73 is detachably attached to the head body 71 having such a configuration.

[0246] The blade unit 73 is provided with a blade portion 731 and has the function of cutting hair. In the head 70 for beard and hair trimmer, the width of the blade portion 731 is wider than the diameter of the body 10.

[0247] This blade portion 731 includes a fixed blade 7321 and a movable blade 7331 that slides back and forth relative to the fixed blade 7321. The movable blade 7331 is configured to move back and forth relative to the fixed blade 7321 in the width direction.

[0248] Specifically, the blade unit 73 includes a fixed plate 732 on which a plurality of fixed blades 7321 are formed, and a movable plate 733 on which a plurality of movable blades 7331 are formed. The blade unit 73 also includes a frame 734 that supports the fixed plate 732, and a holding plate 735 that supports the movable plate 733. The blade unit 73 also includes a spring 7341 that is attached to the frame 734 and presses the movable plate 733 against the fixed plate 732, thereby bringing the fixed blade 7321 and the movable blade 7331 into contact with each other.

[0249] The fixed plate 732 and the movable plate 733 are disposed so as to face each other in the front-rear direction. The frame 734 supports the fixed plate 732 from the rear side (the side opposite to the side on which the movable plate 733 is disposed relative to the fixed plate 732). This prevents the fixed plate 732 from shifting out of position. The holding plate 735 supports the movable plate 733 from the front side (the side opposite to the side on which the fixed plate 732 is disposed relative to the movable plate 733). This prevents the movable plate 733 from shifting out of position.

[0250] As the spring 7341 that brings the fixed blade 7321 and the movable blade 7331 into contact with each other, for example, a torsion spring can be used, and this torsion spring (spring 7341) is attached to the frame 734.

[0251] Furthermore, a connection part 7351 is provided on the holding plate 735, and when the blade unit 73 is attached to the head main body 71, this connection part 7351 is connected to a link 7443 of the conversion mechanism 744. In this way, when the rotary motor 15 is driven, only the force in the width direction of the blade unit 73 is transmitted from the link 7443 to the connection part 7351, and the movable plate 733 reciprocates in the width direction of the blade unit 73 via the holding plate 735.

[0252] The beard / hair trimmer head 70 is also designed to have a detachable attachment 76 that adjusts the length of the hair to be cut (cutting length).

[0253] Attachment 76 includes a wall portion 761 attached to head body 71, and a comb portion (hair styling portion) 762 provided on wall portion 761 and capable of guiding hair between fixed blade 7321 and movable blade 7331. By attaching such attachment 76 to head body 71, the distance between the skin and blade portion 731 becomes a predetermined distance, making it possible to cut hair to a desired length.

[0254] It should be noted that instead of providing only one attachment 76, a plurality of types of attachments 76 with different lengths of hair to be cut (cutting lengths) may be provided so that the desired attachment 76 can be selected and used.

[0255] For example, it is possible to provide the attachment 76 shown in Figures 55 and 56 and the attachment 76 shown in Figure 57, which has a different cutting length from the attachment 76 shown in Figures 55 and 56. It is also possible to provide the attachment 76 shown in Figure 58, which has a different cutting length from the attachment 76 shown in Figures 55 and 56 and also a different cutting length from the attachment 76 shown in Figure 57. In other words, it is possible to provide at least two of the attachments 76 shown in Figures 55 and 56, the attachment 76 shown in Figure 57, and the attachment 76 shown in Figure 58.

[0256] When such an attachment 76 is attached to the head body 71, the blade portion 731, which is a functional portion of the head 70 for beard and hair trimmer, is also protected by the attachment 76.

[0257] Next, an example of how to use the beard / hair trimmer head 70 having such a configuration will be described.

[0258] First, the beard / hair trimmer head 70 is attached to the body 10, and the power transmission unit 741 is attached to the drive shaft 16. Then, in this state, the power switch 123 is pressed to drive the rotary motor 15, thereby rotating the drive shaft 16.

[0259] In this way, the rotation of the drive shaft 16 is transmitted to the power transmission unit 741, and the power transmission unit 741 rotates together with the drive shaft 16. At this time, the operating shaft 742 attached to the power transmission unit 741, the base 7441 attached to the operating shaft 742, and the eccentric shaft 7442 attached to the base 7441 also rotate together with the power transmission unit 741. Then, as the eccentric shaft 7442 rotates, the link 7443 attached to the eccentric shaft 7442 moves back and forth in a linear motion in the width direction.

[0260] In this way, when link 7443 makes a linear reciprocating movement in the width direction, only the force in the width direction is transmitted from link 7443 to connecting portion 7351, causing holding plate 735 to make a linear reciprocating movement in the width direction. At this time, movable plate 733 supported by holding plate 735 also makes a linear reciprocating movement in the width direction, and movable blade 7331 provided on movable plate 733 makes a linear reciprocating movement (slides) in the width direction while in contact with fixed blade 7321.

[0261] This allows the movable blade 7331 and the fixed blade 7321 to cooperate to cut body hair.

[0262] [Example of a nose and ear hair trimmer head] The electric toothbrush 1 may also be provided with a nose hair / ear hair trimmer head 80, which is a head having a function of cutting hair (nose hair and ear hair).

[0263] A specific configuration of an example of the nose hair / ear hair trimmer head 80 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0264] The nose hair and ear hair trimmer head 80 includes a head main body 81 that is detachably attached to the body 10. The head main body 81 can be formed using, for example, an insulating synthetic resin material.

[0265] The head body 81 is formed by joining together a number of segments, and a cavity is formed inside the head body 81 formed by joining together the segments. As shown in Figure 62, a fan 87, which will be described later, is housed in this cavity.

[0266] The nose hair / ear hair trimmer head 80 includes a filter 82 that is detachably attached to the top of the head body 81 and collects nose hair and ear hair scraps, and a blade 84 that can be inserted into a nostril, ear, or other opening to cut nose hair or ear hair. A holding frame 83 is attached to the outer periphery of the filter 82. The blade 84 is detachably attached to the top of the filter 82.

[0267] Here, the head body 81 includes a cylindrical peripheral wall 811 that penetrates in the vertical direction, and a lower lid portion 812 that is disposed so as to cover the lower opening of the peripheral wall 811 .

[0268] The peripheral wall 811 has a generally cylindrical lower portion and a generally truncated cone upper portion that tapers in diameter as it extends upward. A notch 8111 is formed in the lower rear end of the peripheral wall 811 to prevent the peripheral wall 811 from interfering with the restricting wall 1331c and vertical wall portion 1322 of the body 10 when the nose hair and ear hair trimmer head 80 is attached to the body 10. The restricting wall 1331c, the vertical wall portion 1322, and the notch 8111 also determine the orientation of the nose hair and ear hair trimmer head 80 when it is attached to the body 10.

[0269] Meanwhile, three hooks (fitting portions) 8121 are provided to protrude downward on the lower cover portion 812. These three hooks 8121 are provided at positions corresponding to the three hooks 1321 on the body 10, respectively, and all of them are provided so that the portions for hooking the hooks 1321 protrude forward in the front-to-rear direction.

[0270] The power transmission unit 861 of the power transmission mechanism 86 is held in the center of the lower cover 812, surrounded by the three hooks 8121. Inside this power transmission unit 861, a regular hexagonal (polygonal) space is formed that opens downward when viewed from the back of the nose hair / ear hair trimmer head 80 (when the head is viewed from below in the vertical direction). This regular hexagonal (polygonal) space is formed to be approximately the same size as the outer diameter of the drive shaft 16, and when the nose hair / ear hair trimmer head 80 is attached to the body 10, the drive shaft 16 is inserted into this regular hexagonal (polygonal) space.

[0271] The power transmission mechanism 86 includes the above-mentioned power transmission unit 861 and an operating shaft 862 that operates while attached to the power transmission unit 861. The operating shaft 862 is inserted and fixed into an insertion hole 8611 formed in the upper part of the power transmission unit 861, and rotates together with the power transmission unit 861 that rotates by the power (rotation) of the rotary motor 15 transmitted from the drive shaft 16. Furthermore, the operating shaft 862 is held by a bearing 863.

[0272] The operating shaft 862 is held by the lower cover 812 in a state where it protrudes above the head body 81, and a fan 87 is integrally attached to the operating shaft 862 at a portion disposed within a cavity formed in the head body 81. This allows the fan 87 to rotate together with the operating shaft 862 when the operating shaft 862 is rotated. An air port 8112 is formed in the peripheral wall 811 at a portion radially opposite the fan 87 to discharge the airflow generated by the fan 87 to the outside. In this way, the cavity formed in the head body 81 constitutes part of the air flow path 85 through which the airflow generated by the fan 87 passes.

[0273] The power transmission mechanism 86 also includes a joint 864 for connecting the internal body (acting portion) 842 of the blade portion 84 to the operating shaft 862. Specifically, the lower end of the joint 864 is attached to the upper end of the operating shaft 862, and the internal body (acting portion) 842 is attached to the upper end of the joint 864.

[0274] The filter 82 includes a generally cylindrical outer frame 821 that opens in the vertical direction, and a cavity that penetrates the outer frame 821 in the vertical direction is formed inside the outer frame 821. The filter 82 also includes a generally cylindrical inner frame 822 that is disposed inside the lower opening of the outer frame 821, and a connecting rib 823 that connects the outer frame 821 and the inner frame 822. A mesh 824 that collects nose hair and ear hair chips is provided in the opening formed between the outer frame 821 and the inner frame 822. The cavity formed inside the filter 82 also constitutes part of an air flow path 85 through which the airflow generated by the fan 87 passes.

[0275] The blade section 84 has a fixed blade 8412b and includes a generally cylindrical outer shell body 841 that is open at the top and bottom, and an inner body 842 that has a movable blade 8422a.

[0276] This outer shell 84 can be formed, for example, by integrally attaching a metallic hole insertion portion 8412, which can be inserted into a hole such as a nostril or ear hole, to the upper portion of a substantially cylindrical mounting frame portion 8411 that is attached to the filter 82, which is made of an insulating synthetic resin material. Note that the cavity formed inside the outer shell 84 also constitutes part of the air flow path 85 through which the airflow generated by the fan 87 passes.

[0277] Furthermore, the metal hole insertion part 8412 is formed with a slit 8412a extending from the upper end to the side, and this slit 8412a allows nose hair and ear hair to be guided into the hole insertion part 8412. The edge of the slit 8412a forms a fixed blade 8412b.

[0278] On the other hand, the internal body 842 includes a fitting portion 8421 that fits into the upper end of the joint 864, and an insertion protrusion 8422 that is attached above the fitting portion 8421 and is disposed inside the hole insertion portion 8412. The insertion protrusion 8422 is provided with a movable blade 8422a.

[0279] 63 and 64, the nose hair and ear hair trimmer head 80 is provided with a cap 88 that can cover the blade portion 84 and the filter 82. By attaching the cap 88 when not in use, such as when carrying the device, the blade portion 84, which is the functional part of the nose hair and ear hair trimmer head 80, can be protected.

[0280] Next, an example of how to use the nose hair / ear hair trimmer head 80 having such a configuration will be described.

[0281] First, the nose hair / ear hair trimmer head 80 is attached to the body 10, and the power transmission unit 861 is attached to the drive shaft 16. Then, in this state, the power switch 123 is pressed to drive the rotary motor 15, thereby rotating the drive shaft 16.

[0282] In this way, the rotation of the drive shaft 16 is transmitted to the power transmission unit 861, causing the power transmission unit 861 to rotate together with the drive shaft 16. At this time, the operating shaft 862 attached to the power transmission unit 861, the fan 87 attached to the operating shaft 862, and the joint 864 also rotate together with the power transmission unit 861. Then, as the joint 864 rotates, the internal body 842 attached to the joint 864 also rotates.

[0283] At this time, the rotation of the fan 87 generates an air flow in the air flow path 85 formed inside the nose hair and ear hair trimmer head 80. Specifically, an air flow is generated from the slit 8412a at the top of the nose hair and ear hair trimmer head 80 toward the air vent 8112.

[0284] In this state, when the hole insertion portion 8412 is inserted into a hole such as a nostril or ear hole, nose hair or ear hair introduced into the hole insertion portion 8412 through the slit 8412a is cut by the cooperation of the fixed blade 8412b and the movable blade 8422a. At this time, the cut chips are drawn toward the air port 8112 by the generated air flow and collected by the net portion 824 provided in the middle of the air flow path 85. The net portion 824 that collects nose hair or ear hair chips can be cleaned (washed) by removing the filter 82 from the head body 81.

[0285] [Example of scalp massage head] The electric toothbrush 1 may also be provided with a scalp massaging head 90 that has a massaging function.

[0286] A specific configuration of an example of the scalp massaging head 90 will be described below with reference to Figs.

[0287] The scalp massaging head 90 comprises a head main body 91 that is detachably attached to the body 10, and a treatment part 94 that is detachably attached to one end side (upper end side) of the head main body 91.

[0288] The head body 91 includes a head housing 92 that forms the outer shell of the head body 91. The head housing 92 can be made of, for example, an insulating synthetic resin material.

[0289] The head housing 92 is formed by joining together a number of segments, and a cavity is formed inside the head housing 92 formed by joining together the segments. As shown in Figure 68, this cavity houses a speed change mechanism 933, which will be described later.

[0290] Specifically, head housing 92 has a generally rectangular shape in a plan view, and includes peripheral wall 921 in the shape of a square tube that penetrates vertically, and bottom wall 922 that is arranged to cover the lower opening of peripheral wall 921. Peripheral wall 921 and bottom wall 922 are fixed together with screws 951. Furthermore, a generally cylindrical protruding wall 9221 that protrudes downward is formed in the approximate center of bottom wall 922, and when scalp massaging head 90 is attached to body 10, peripheral wall 1332 of body 10 is inserted into protruding wall 9221.

[0291] A notch 9221a is formed at the rear lower end of the protruding wall 9221, so that when the scalp massage head 90 is attached to the body 10, the protruding wall 9221 does not interfere with the restricting wall 1331c and the vertical wall portion 1322 of the body 10. In addition, the restricting wall 1331c, the vertical wall portion 1322, and the cutout 9221a determine the orientation of the scalp massage head 90 when it is attached to the body 10.

[0292] Furthermore, a lower lid portion 923 is disposed inside the protruding wall 9221 so as to cover the upper opening of the protruding wall 9221. That is, the head housing 92 includes the lower lid portion 923 disposed inside the protruding wall 9221. The head housing 92 also includes a waterproof base 924 disposed so as to cover the upper opening of the peripheral wall 921, and a pressing plate 925 disposed above the waterproof base 924. The pressing plate 925 and the waterproof base 924 are fixed with screws 951. This makes it possible to prevent water from entering the cavity formed in the head housing 92 (inside the waterproof base).

[0293] Three hooks (fitting portions) 9231 are provided to protrude downward on the lower cover portion 923. These three hooks 9231 are provided at positions corresponding to the three hooks 1321 on the body 10, and all of them are provided so that the portions for hooking the hooks 1321 protrude forward in the front-to-rear direction.

[0294] Furthermore, a power transmission unit 931 of the power transmission mechanism 93 is held in the center of the lower lid 923, surrounded by three hooks 9231. Inside this power transmission unit 931, a regular hexagonal (polygonal) space is formed that opens downward when viewed from the back of the scalp massage head 90 (when the head is viewed from below in the vertical direction). This regular hexagonal (polygonal) space is formed to be approximately the same size as the outer diameter of the drive shaft 16, and when the scalp massage head 90 is attached to the body 10, the drive shaft 16 is inserted into this regular hexagonal (polygonal) space.

[0295] The scalp massaging head 90 has the power transmission unit 931 described above, and is equipped with a power transmission mechanism 93 capable of transmitting the power (rotation) of the rotary motor 15.

[0296] The power transmission mechanism 93 includes an operating shaft 932 that is attached to and operates on the above-described power transmission unit 931. The operating shaft 932 is inserted and fixed in an insertion hole 9311 formed in the upper part of the power transmission unit 931, and rotates together with the power transmission unit 931 that rotates by the power (rotation) of the rotary motor 15 transmitted from the drive shaft 16.

[0297] In addition, the power transmission mechanism 93 is attached to the operating shaft 932 and includes a speed change mechanism 933 that changes (decelerates) the power of the rotary motor 15, and this speed change mechanism 933 is connected to four massage elements (acting units) 9422, which will be described later. In other words, this speed change mechanism 933 is interposed between the operating shaft 932 and the four massage elements (acting units) 9422. In this way, the four massage elements (acting units) 9422 are rotated independently by the power of the rotary motor 15 at a rotation speed that is lower than the rotation speed of the rotary motor 15.

[0298] The speed change mechanism 933 includes a pinion gear 9331 attached to the upper end of the operating shaft 932. The pinion gear 9331 is attached to the operating shaft 932 so as to rotate together with the operating shaft 932.

[0299] The speed change mechanism 933 also includes a cylindrical transmission gear 9333 disposed near a pinion gear 9331 fixed to the tip of the operating shaft 932 .

[0300] The transmission gear 9333 has gear portions on both the lower end surface and the outer circumferential surface, and the pinion gear 9331 meshes with the annular gear portion formed on the lower end surface of the transmission gear 9333.

[0301] The speed change mechanism 933 also includes an intermediate gear group 9334 that meshes with a gear portion formed on the outer circumferential surface of the transmission gear 9333, and a gear base 9332 to which the intermediate gear group 9334 is attached. The speed change mechanism 933 also includes four final gears 9325 to which the rotation of the intermediate gear group 9334 is transmitted.

[0302] The treatment section 94 is detachably attached to the head section main body 91 having such a configuration.

[0303] The treatment unit 94 includes a base unit 941 that is detachably attached to the head unit main body 91, and a cover unit 942 that is attached to the base unit 941.

[0304] The cover portion 942 can be made of a flexible material such as elastomer, and is set to have substantially the same shape and size as the head portion main body 91.

[0305] Further, the cover portion 942 is fitted with a base portion 941 made of a harder material than the cover portion 942 made of a flexible member.

[0306] Specifically, protrusions 9411 that protrude outward (laterally) are provided at approximately the center of each side of the base portion 941. The cover portion 942 is attached to the base portion 941 by fitting these protrusions 9411 into through-holes 9421 that are provided at approximately the center of each side of the outer periphery of the cover portion 942 so as to penetrate laterally.

[0307] Furthermore, four massage elements (action parts) 9422 are provided on the upper surface of the cover part 942 so as to be movable relative to the base part 941 (head part main body 91). Each massage element 9422 is provided with four massage projections 9422a that come into contact with the scalp during use.

[0308] The four massage elements (action units) 9422 are connected to the four final gears 9325 via connecting shafts or the like. In this way, the four massage elements (action units) 9422 are rotated independently at a rotation speed lower than the rotation speed of the rotary motor 15. At this time, the four massage elements (action units) 9422 are made to rotate eccentrically in different phases. In this way, by rotating the multiple massage elements 9422 eccentrically around the central axis in different phases, each massage element 9422 can massage the scalp more effectively.

[0309] Next, an example of how to use the scalp massaging head 90 having such a configuration will be described.

[0310] First, the scalp massage head 90 is attached to the body 10, and the power transmission unit 931 is attached to the drive shaft 16. Then, in this state, the power switch 123 is pressed to drive the rotary motor 15, thereby rotating the drive shaft 16.

[0311] In this way, the rotation of the drive shaft 16 is transmitted to the power transmission unit 931, causing the power transmission unit 931 to rotate together with the drive shaft 16. At this time, the operating shaft 932 attached to the power transmission unit 931 and the pinion gear 9331 attached to the operating shaft 932 also rotate together with the power transmission unit 931.

[0312] As the pinion gear 9331 rotates, the transmission gear 9333 that meshes with the pinion gear 9331, the intermediate gear group 9334 that meshes with the transmission gear 9333, and the four final gears 9325 to which the rotation of the intermediate gear group 9334 is transmitted rotate at a reduced speed.

[0313] In this way, when the four final gears 9325 rotate, the four massage elements (action parts) 9422 respectively connected to the four final gears 9325 also rotate. At this time, the massage protrusions 9422a provided on each massage element 9422 also rotate following the rotation of the four massage elements (action parts) 9422.

[0314] In this state, if the treatment projections 9422a are brought into contact with the scalp, the scalp can be massaged by the rotating treatment projections 9422a.

[0315] [Actions and Effects] The following describes the characteristic configurations of the electric toothbrushes shown in the above-described embodiment and its modified examples, and the effects obtained thereby.

[0316] (1) The electric toothbrush 1 shown in the above embodiment and its modified examples includes a body 10 having a drive shaft 16 driven by a rotary motor 15. The electric toothbrush 1 also includes a power transmission mechanism 24 capable of transmitting power from the rotary motor 15 and an eccentric weight (working unit) 25 that operates by power transmitted from the power transmission mechanism 24, and a head 20 that is detachably attached to the body 10. The electric toothbrush 1 also includes a brush handle 30 that has bristles 3131 and is detachably attached to the head 20. The power transmission mechanism 24 also includes a power transmission unit 241 that can be attached to the drive shaft 16 in a state where free rotation is suppressed.

[0317] As described above, the electric toothbrush 1 shown in this embodiment and its modified examples can be separated into three parts: the body 10, the head 20, and the brush handle 30. This makes it possible to prevent vibrations generated in the brush handle 30 (bristles 3131) from being transmitted to the hand (the hand holding the body 10) when using the electric toothbrush 1. As a result, the usability of the electric toothbrush 1 can be further improved.

[0318] In this way, with the electric toothbrush 1 shown in the above embodiment and its modified examples, it is possible to more reliably suppress transmission of vibrations that occur during use to the hand.

[0319] (2) The power transmission mechanism 24 may also have an operating shaft 242 that is attached to the power transmission part 241 and operates, and a bearing 243 that supports the operating shaft 242.

[0320] In this way, the bearing 243 can suppress the radial vibration of the operating shaft 242 when the operating shaft 242 is rotated. As a result, it is possible to further reduce the transmission loss of the power of the rotary motor 15 to the eccentric weight (action part) 25. Furthermore, because the radial vibration of the operating shaft 242 (vibration of the operating shaft 242) is suppressed, it is possible to more reliably suppress noise and abnormal sounds generated in the head during use.

[0321] Furthermore, by providing a bearing for each of a plurality of heads with different performance and function of the action part, even if the vibration directions of the action parts of the heads vary, it is possible to suppress the generation of noise and abnormal sounds when the heads are attached to the body 10 and used. In other words, even if various heads are attached to the same body 10, it is possible to suppress the generation of noise and abnormal sounds.

[0322] (3) The head 20 may also have a speed change mechanism 245 that changes the speed of the power of the rotary motor 15 .

[0323] In this way, it is possible to change the power performance (rotation speed) transmitted to the eccentric weight (action portion) 25 without changing the performance (rotation speed) of the rotary motor 15.

[0324] (4) The head 20 may be provided with a plurality of types of heads 20 having different operating performances of the eccentric weights (working portions) 25.

[0325] For example, a plurality of types of heads 20 with different speed ratios may be prepared, and any of the heads 20 may be attached to the body 10 .

[0326] In this way, by simply changing the head 20 attached to the common body 10, it is possible to obtain electric toothbrushes 1 with various performances (rotation speeds).

[0327] Furthermore, a plurality of types of heads 20 with different weights of the eccentric weight (action portion) 25 may be prepared, and any of the heads 20 may be attached to the body 10 .

[0328] In this way, by simply changing the head 20 attached to the common body 10, it is possible to obtain electric toothbrushes 1 with various performances (amplitudes).

[0329] In this way, by preparing a plurality of types of heads 20 with different performance (rotation speed, amplitude, etc.), electric toothbrushes 1 with various performance (rotation speed, amplitude, etc.) can be obtained simply by changing the head.

[0330] (5) Furthermore, other heads having different functions of the action parts may be further provided.

[0331] For example, in addition to the head to which the brush handle 30 is attached, the device may further include one or more of the following heads: a head with a hair-cutting function, a head with an oral cleansing function, a head with a massage function, a head with a face-washing function, etc.

[0332] Examples of heads that have a hair-cutting function include hair clipper heads, shaver heads, trimmer heads, etc. Trimmer heads also include beard trimmer heads, face trimmer heads, and body trimmer heads.

[0333] An example of a head with an oral cleansing function is a head for oral cleansing, an example of a head with a massaging function is a head for scalp massage, and an example of a head with a face washing function is a head for a face washing brush.

[0334] However, the other heads may be any heads that can drive the action part by the rotation of the rotary motor 15, and are not limited to heads having the above-mentioned functions.

[0335] If the electric toothbrush 1 is provided with the head described above, it can be used as both an electric toothbrush and a shaver using the same body 10. Therefore, for example, a user who needs both an electric toothbrush and a shaver can reduce the number of parts compared to purchasing each device separately. As a result, it is possible to reduce purchase costs and conserve storage space. Furthermore, portability can be improved when using the device outside the home, such as when traveling or commuting to work.

[0336] In addition, if multiple types of heads (personal care kits) with various functions are available and can be purchased individually, users can select and purchase only the heads they need, allowing them to customize their device by selecting their favorite heads.

[0337] (6) The power transmission unit 531 may also have an elastic member 5313 that can elastically hold the drive shaft 16 .

[0338] In this way, even if there is variation in the dimensions of the drive shaft 16 and the power transmission part 531, the variation can be absorbed by the elastic member 5313, making it possible to more reliably attach the power transmission part 531 to the drive shaft 16.

[0339] In the above embodiment and its modified example, the power transmission part 531 of the shaver head 50 has an elastic member 5313, but such a configuration can also be applied to the head 20 to which the brush handle 30 is attached or other heads.

[0340] (7) Furthermore, the body 10 and the head 20 may be provided with vibration receiving portions (hooks 1321, 2221) that can receive vibrations in three or more directions that intersect with each other on a plane perpendicular to the drive shaft 16.

[0341] In this way, vibrations can be reduced even when any of various heads that vibrate in different directions is attached to the body 10.

[0342] (8) Furthermore, the body 10 and the head 20 may each be provided with a fitting portion (hook 1321, 2221) that can be releasably fitted. The fitting portion (hook 1321, 2221) may also serve as a vibration receiving portion.

[0343] This eliminates the need to provide a vibration receiving portion separately from the fitting portion, making it possible to reduce vibration while simplifying the configuration.

[0344] (9) Furthermore, the body 10 and the head 20 may be provided with three or more mating portions (hooks 1321, 2221) that fit together. In this case, the mating portions (hooks 1321, 2221) may be arranged so that, when viewed along the axial direction of the drive shaft 16, at least one imaginary triangle T1 in which the drive shaft 16 is located is formed within the region R1.

[0345] In this way, the vibration of the head 20 can be received by three or more fitting portions (hooks 1321, 2221) arranged so as to surround the drive shaft 16, so that the vibration of the head 20 can be more reliably alleviated.

[0346] (10) The head 20 may also be formed with a communication hole 27 that communicates with the eccentric weight (action portion) 25.

[0347] This makes it possible to more reliably wash away food particles and other debris adhering to the head 20 after using the electric toothbrush 1, thereby keeping the head 20 in a cleaner state. Therefore, even when multiple types of heads with different functions are attached to a common body 10, each head can be used while maintaining a clean state.

[0348] (11) A cap 32 for covering the bristles 3131 may also be provided.

[0349] This will improve portability when used outside the home, such as when traveling or commuting to work.

[0350] (12) Furthermore, the contour shape D of the body 10 when viewed along the axial direction of the drive shaft 16 may have a first line portion D1 that is arc-shaped and a second line portion D2 that has a curvature different from that of the first line portion D1.

[0351] This allows the user to visually confirm the direction in which the head is attached and the direction in which it is used, thereby improving usability. In this case, by reducing the curvature of the second line portion D2 so that it is closer to a straight line, it is possible to prevent the body 10 from rolling when placed on a sink or the like.

[0352] (13) Furthermore, when the body 10, head 20, and brush handle 30 are attached, the center of gravity G may be located on the body 10 side, and when viewed along the axial direction of the drive shaft 16, the entire bristles 3131 may be present within the area of ​​the body 10 (inside the contour shape D).

[0353] This prevents the electric toothbrush 1 from tilting with the bristles 3131 facing downward when placed on a sink or the like. Furthermore, even if the electric toothbrush 1 rotates while placed on a sink or the like, it prevents the tips of the bristles 3131 from touching the ground. Therefore, this configuration allows the electric toothbrush 1 to be used more hygienically.

[0354] (14) The working portion may include a shaver head 50 having a function of cutting body hair, and the shaver head 50 may have a waterproof function.

[0355] This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the performance of the shaver head 50 from deteriorating.

[0356] [others] The electric toothbrush according to the present disclosure has been described above, but it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that it is not limited to this description and that various modifications and improvements are possible.

[0357] For example, it is possible to make an electric toothbrush by appropriately combining the configurations shown in the above-described embodiment and its modified examples.

[0358] Furthermore, while the above embodiment and its modifications have been described with reference to a single type of body 10 to which various heads are attached, it is also possible to provide multiple types of bodies with different rotary motor performance or rechargeable battery capacities. In other words, the electric toothbrush 1 can be provided with multiple types of bodies 10 that share a common hook 1321 and drive shaft 16.

[0359] Furthermore, in the above embodiment and its variants, the shaver head 50 is exemplified as one in which the inner blade 553 moves back and forth in the width direction, but it is also possible to use a shaver head of a type in which the inner blade rotates.

[0360] In addition, the head, brush handle, and other detailed specifications (shape, size, layout, etc.) can also be changed as appropriate. [Industrial Applicability]

[0361] As described above, the electric toothbrush according to the present disclosure can more reliably suppress the transmission of vibrations generated during use to the hand, and can therefore be used as a standalone electric toothbrush or as part of various heads for personal care kits. [Explanation of symbols]

[0362] 1 electric toothbrush 10 Body 1321 Hook (fitting part: vibration receiving member) 15 rotation motor 16 drive shaft 20 heads 2221 Hook (fitting part: vibration receiving member) 24 Power transmission mechanism 241 Power transmission section 242 Operation axis 243 Bearings 25 Eccentric weight (action part) 245 Transmission mechanism 27 Communication hole 30 brush handles 3131 Bristle 32 Cap 40,50,60,70,80,90 other heads D Contour shape D1 First line section D2 Second line section G center of gravity T1 Virtual Triangle R1 Imaginary triangular area

Claims

1. a body having a drive shaft driven by a rotary motor; a head having a power transmission mechanism capable of transmitting power of the rotary motor and an operating unit that operates by power transmitted from the power transmission mechanism, the head being detachably attached to the body; a brush handle having bristles and removably attached to the head; Equipped with the power transmission mechanism has a power transmission part that can be attached to the drive shaft in a state where free rotation is suppressed, the drive shaft to which the power transmission unit is detachably attached is directly attached to a motor shaft of the rotary motor, the action portion and the power transmission mechanism are provided in the head, and the drive shaft is provided in the body, The head is configured to be detached from the body, thereby detaching the action portion and the power transmission mechanism from the drive shaft, the body and the head are provided with vibration receiving portions capable of receiving vibrations in three or more directions intersecting with each other on a plane perpendicular to the drive shaft, The body and the head are provided with a body-side hook and a head-side hook, respectively, which can be releasably fitted together, The body-side hook and the head-side hook also serve as the vibration receiving portion, The body includes a main body and a movable wall that slides relative to the main body in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the drive shaft, The body-side hook is provided on the movable wall, the body-side hook is provided so as to protrude to one side in the axial direction of the drive shaft, and a portion for hooking the head-side hook is provided so as to protrude to one side in a direction perpendicular to the drive shaft, the head-side hook protrudes to the other side in the axial direction of the drive shaft, and a portion for hooking the body-side hook protrudes to the other side in a direction perpendicular to the drive shaft, the body side hook and the head side hook are arranged so that, when viewed along the axial direction of the drive shaft, at least one imaginary triangle is formed within which the drive shaft is arranged. Electric toothbrush.

2. The head includes a base portion attached to the body and a shaft portion to which the brush handle is attached, When the body and the brush handle are attached to the head, the base is exposed from the body and the brush handle, and the shaft is covered by the brush handle. The electric toothbrush of claim 1.

3. The base portion has a larger diameter than the shaft portion. The electric toothbrush according to claim 2.

4. The rotary motor is disposed on the side of the body where the head is attached. The electric toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. With the body, the head, and the brush handle attached, the center of gravity is positioned on the body side, so that when the brush is placed on its side, it is possible to prevent the bristles from tilting downward, When viewed along the axial direction of the drive shaft, the bristles are entirely within the area of ​​the body, so that when the brush is placed on its side with the tips of the bristles facing downward, a gap is formed between the tips of the bristles and the placement surface. The electric toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The electric toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a shaver head that is detachably attached to the body of the electric toothbrush, the working portion having a function of cutting body hair; Equipped with The shaver head has a waterproof function. Personal care kit.

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