Electric toothbrush attachment and electric toothbrush

Abstract

Provided are an electric toothbrush attachment and an electric toothbrush that are capable of further improving visibility by illumination. An electric toothbrush attachment (30) according to the present disclosure is detachably attachable to a body portion (20) having a light-emitting surface (213), and is capable of illuminating at least a part of the surface of the attachment with light from the light-emitting surface (213). The electric toothbrush attachment (30) is provided with: a handle part (31) having an attachment / detachment section to which an attachment shaft (22) provided on the body portion (20) is detachably attachable; and a brush part connected to the handle part (31). On a bottom surface (3113) of the handle part (31), a light-receiving surface (3114) facing the light-emitting surface (213), which is formed in a region of the top surface of the body portion (20) excluding the attachment shaft (22), is formed.

Description

Attachment for Electric Toothbrush and Electric Toothbrush

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an attachment for an electric toothbrush and an electric toothbrush.

[0002] Conventionally, as shown in Patent Document 1, an attachment for an electric toothbrush that is detachably attached to a main body part is known. In Patent Document 1, the attachment for an electric toothbrush is made to emit light by light from a light source provided in the main body part.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-185141

[0004] In the case of an attachment for an electric toothbrush of a type that emits light by light from the main body part as described above, it is preferable to make it possible to further improve the visibility by light.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to obtain an attachment for an electric toothbrush and an electric toothbrush that can further improve the visibility by light.

[0006] An attachment for an electric toothbrush according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an attachment for an electric toothbrush that is detachably attached to a main body part having a light-emitting surface and can cause at least a part of the surface to emit light by light from the light-emitting surface, and includes a handle part having a detachable part to which a mounting shaft provided on the main body part is detachably attached, and a brush part connected to the handle part. A light-receiving surface facing a light-emitting surface formed in a region of the top surface of the main body part excluding the mounting shaft is formed on the bottom surface of the handle part.

[0007] An electric toothbrush according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-described attachment for an electric toothbrush, a mounting shaft detachably attached to the detachable part of the attachment for an electric toothbrush, and a main body part having a light-emitting surface formed in a region of the top surface excluding the mounting shaft.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain an attachment for an electric toothbrush and an electric toothbrush that can further improve the visibility by light.

[0009] This is a front view showing an example of an electric toothbrush according to the embodiment. This is a side view showing an example of an electric toothbrush according to the embodiment. This is a front view showing an exploded view of an example of an electric toothbrush according to the embodiment. This is a side view showing an exploded view of an example of an electric toothbrush according to the embodiment. This is a plan view showing an example of the main body of an electric toothbrush according to the embodiment. This is a front view showing an example of an attachment for an electric toothbrush according to the embodiment. This is a side view showing an example of an attachment for an electric toothbrush according to the embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the base of the brush part of an attachment for an electric toothbrush according to the embodiment. This is a diagram schematically showing an example of the brush part of an attachment for an electric toothbrush according to the embodiment. This is a side view schematically showing an example of a flat line in the embodiment. This is a plan view schematically showing an example of a flat line in the embodiment. This is a diagram for explaining the textured part formed on the handle of an attachment for an electric toothbrush according to the embodiment. This is a table for explaining the relationship between the roughness and visibility of the textured part formed on the handle of an attachment for an electric toothbrush according to the embodiment. This is a rear view showing an example of an attachment for an electric toothbrush according to the embodiment. This is a front view showing a partially enlarged view of an example of an electric toothbrush according to the embodiment. This is a side view showing a partially cutaway example of an electric toothbrush according to the embodiment. This is a side cross-sectional view showing a partially cutaway example of an attachment for an electric toothbrush according to the embodiment. This is a cross cross-sectional view showing a partially cutaway example of an attachment for an electric toothbrush according to the embodiment. This is a side cross-sectional view showing a partially enlarged example of an attachment for an electric toothbrush according to the embodiment. This is a cross cross-sectional view showing a partially enlarged example of an attachment for an electric toothbrush according to the embodiment. This is a side cross-sectional view showing a partially enlarged example of an attachment for an electric toothbrush according to the embodiment. This is a rear view showing a partially enlarged example of an attachment for an electric toothbrush according to the embodiment.

[0010] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted.

[0011] The attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable a person skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0012] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, the direction in which the mounting shaft extends is defined as the Z direction (i.e., the vertical direction or axial direction) for the explanation. In the following embodiments, when the main body is located below and the electric toothbrush attachment is located above, the upper side is defined as the upper side in the vertical direction, and the lower side is defined as the lower side in the vertical direction for the explanation.

[0013] Then, with the power button facing forward, the left-right direction is defined as the Y direction, and the front-back direction is defined as the X direction for explanation.

[0014] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, for convenience, the side on which the power button is formed will be defined as the front side of the electric toothbrush (i.e., the front in the X direction) and described accordingly.

[0015] (Embodiment) Figure 1 is a front view showing an example of an electric toothbrush 10 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a side view showing an example of an electric toothbrush 10 according to the embodiment. Figure 3 is a front view showing an exploded view of an example of an electric toothbrush 10 according to the embodiment. Figure 4 is a side view showing an exploded view of an example of an electric toothbrush 10 according to the embodiment. The electric toothbrush attachment 30 according to this embodiment is configured to be detachably attached to the main body 20 and constitutes a part of the electric toothbrush 10. Therefore, in this embodiment, the electric toothbrush 10 comprises a main body 20 and an electric toothbrush attachment 30 that is detachably attached to the main body 20.

[0016] In this embodiment, a mounting shaft 22 is formed to protrude upward from the center of the upper end of the main body 20, and a detachable part 3111 (see Figures 16 to 20 described later) is formed at the center of the lower end of the electric toothbrush attachment 30, which has a recess that opens downward in the Z direction (i.e., vertical or axial direction). The electric toothbrush attachment 30 is attached to the main body 20 by inserting the mounting shaft 22 into the recess formed in the detachable part 3111 and fitting it into the detachable part 3111.

[0017] The electric toothbrush 10 may be equipped with only one electric toothbrush attachment 30, or it may be equipped with multiple electric toothbrush attachments 30 that can be detachably attached to a common main body 20. If the electric toothbrush 10 is equipped with multiple electric toothbrush attachments 30, it becomes possible to use different electric toothbrush attachments 30 for each user while using a common main body 20.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the main body 20 has an elongated shape in the Z direction (i.e., vertical or axial direction). The main body 20 is equipped with a main body housing 21 that forms the outer casing of the main body 20, and when using the electric toothbrush 10, the user can grasp this main body housing 21 with their hand.

[0019] Such a main housing 21 can be formed, for example, by joining together multiple divided parts using a material such as synthetic resin. The multiple divided parts can be joined together, for example, by using screws or by fitting the divided parts together. In this embodiment, a cavity is formed inside the main housing 21 formed by joining together multiple divided parts, and various electrical components such as a vibrating linear actuator are housed in this cavity. Specifically, the cavity formed inside the main housing 21 houses a vibrating linear actuator, a battery that drives the vibrating linear actuator, and a circuit board that controls the power supply to the vibrating linear actuator in response to the pressing operation of the power button 21a exposed to the outside. The battery housed inside the cavity formed inside the main housing 21 can be, for example, a dry cell battery or a rechargeable battery that has the same shape as a dry cell battery and is compatible with it (for example, a rechargeable battery in the shape of a dry cell battery). The circuit board also has a control unit that controls the light emission state of the light-emitting surface 213 (for example, the color of light emission, the light emission pattern, etc.), which will be described later.

[0020] Furthermore, the power button 21a is mounted on the front of the main housing 21 so that it is exposed to the outside and can be pushed inward. Below the power button 21a on the main housing 21, a display unit 21b is formed that allows the user to visually check the power on / off status. By operating the power button 21a, the user can switch the power on / off and the illumination mode of the light-emitting surface 213. It is also possible to provide a mode switching button in addition to the power button 21a for switching the power on / off, to switch the illumination mode of the light-emitting surface 213.

[0021] Furthermore, a mounting shaft 22 for attaching an electric toothbrush attachment 30 is connected to the vibrating linear actuator housed within the main body 20. The vibrating linear actuator is housed within the main body 20 such that the mounting shaft 22 protrudes above the main body housing 21. In this embodiment, the main body housing 21 has an annular (i.e., an example of an annular) top surface 211 and a side surface 212 connected to the outer periphery of the top surface 211, and the mounting shaft 22 is formed to protrude upward from the inside of the annular (i.e., an example of an annular) top surface 211. Figure 5 is a plan view showing an example of the main body 20 of the electric toothbrush 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the gap between the mounting shaft 22 and the top surface 211 is sealed by a sealing member 23. This prevents liquids such as water from entering the inside of the main body 20.

[0022] Figure 6 is a front view showing an example of an electric toothbrush attachment 30 according to an embodiment. Figure 7 is a side view showing an example of an electric toothbrush attachment 30 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the electric toothbrush attachment 30 comprises a handle portion 31 that is elongated in the Z direction (i.e., vertical direction or axial direction) and a brush portion 32 connected to the upper end of the handle portion 31.

[0023] The handle portion 31 comprises a handle portion body 311 which is roughly frustoconical in shape and gradually decreases in diameter toward the top, and a connecting portion 312 which is connected to the upper end of the handle portion body 311 and connects the handle portion body 311 and the brush portion 32. Figure 16 is a partially cutaway side view showing an example of an electric toothbrush 10 according to the embodiment. Figure 17 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of an electric toothbrush attachment 30 according to the embodiment. Figure 18 is a cross cross-sectional view showing an example of an electric toothbrush attachment 30 according to the embodiment. Figure 19 is a partially enlarged side cross-sectional view showing an example of an electric toothbrush attachment 30 according to the embodiment. Figure 20 is a partially enlarged cross cross-sectional view showing an example of an electric toothbrush attachment 30 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figures 16 to 20, a detachable portion 3111 is formed in the center of the lower end of the handle portion body 311, into which the mounting shaft 22 is releasably fitted. As shown in Figures 6, 7, and 16 to 20, an annular (i.e., an example of an annular shape) bottom surface 3113 is formed around the attachment / detachment portion 3111 at the lower end of the handle body 311, and the side surface 3115 of the handle body 311 is connected to the outer periphery of this bottom surface 3113.

[0024] The brush portion 32 comprises a base portion 321 connected to the upper end of the handle portion 31, and a plurality of brush bundles 322 planted on the base portion 321. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 16, the base portion 321 is connected to the upper end of a connecting portion 312 whose thickness in the X direction (i.e., the front-to-back direction) decreases as it goes upward, and the thickness T1 of the base portion 321 in the X direction (i.e., the front-to-back direction) (see Figure 9, described later) is substantially the same from the lower end to the upper end. The thickness T1 of the base portion 321 in the X direction (i.e., the front-to-back direction) is preferably 3.2 mm or less in order to facilitate introduction into the mouth of the user, etc., and in this embodiment, the thickness T1 of the base portion 321 in the X direction (i.e., the front-to-back direction) is approximately 3.15 mm.

[0025] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the base portion 321 of the brush portion 32 of the electric toothbrush attachment 30 according to the embodiment. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the brush portion 32 of the electric toothbrush attachment 30 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, a plurality of bristle holes 3211 are formed on the front side of the base portion 321, and a brush bundle 322 is planted in each bristle hole 3211. In this embodiment, a chamfered portion 32111 is formed at the back of each bristle hole 3211, so that the depth D1 of each bristle hole 3211 is approximately 2.6 mm.

[0026] Then, with multiple brush bristles 3222 held by the flat wire 3221, the flat wire 3221 is inserted into the bristle-planting hole 3211, thereby planting the brush bundle 322 in the bristle-planting hole 3211. Figure 10 is a schematic side view showing an example of the flat wire 3221 in the embodiment. Figure 11 is a schematic top view showing an example of the flat wire 3221 in the embodiment. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, a flat wire 3221 with grooves 32212 formed on both sides of the flat wire body 32211 is used as the flat wire 3221, and the brush bundle 322 is planted in the bristle-planting hole 3211 by embedding this flat wire 3221 with grooves 32212 formed on both sides of the flat wire body 32211.

[0027] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the vibrating linear actuator is driven, the mounting shaft 22 is configured to reciprocate in the Z direction (i.e., vertically or axially). Therefore, when the vibrating linear actuator is driven with the electric toothbrush attachment 30 connected to the mounting shaft 22, the electric toothbrush attachment 30 will also reciprocate in the Z direction (i.e., vertically or axially) in conjunction with the reciprocating motion of the mounting shaft 22. In other words, the brush bundle 322 embedded in the brush section 32 will vibrate (more specifically, reciprocate) in the Z direction (i.e., vertically or axially).

[0028] Then, with the brush bundle 322 vibrating in the Z direction (i.e., vertical or axial direction), the user can grasp the main body housing 21 with their hand, insert the brush part 32 (more specifically, the brush bundle 322) into their mouth, and brush their teeth to remove food debris, plaque, etc.

[0029] In this embodiment, with the electric toothbrush attachment 30 attached to the main body 20, the electric toothbrush attachment 30 is configured to vibrate 31,000 times per minute with an amplitude of 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z direction, the up-and-down direction, or the axial direction).

[0030] In this embodiment, the light emitted from the main body 20 illuminates at least a portion of the surface 30a of the electric toothbrush attachment 30, while also improving the visibility of the light-emitting portion of the surface 30a of the electric toothbrush attachment 30.

[0031] Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, a light-emitting surface 213 is formed on the top surface 211 of the main body 20, excluding the mounting shaft 22, and a light-receiving surface 3114 is formed on the bottom surface 3113 of the handle 31 to receive light emitted from the light-emitting surface 213. When the electric toothbrush attachment 30 is attached to the mounting shaft 22, the light-emitting surface 213 and the light-receiving surface 3114 face each other.

[0032] This allows the light emitted from the light-emitting surface 213 to be introduced more efficiently into the light-receiving surface 3114. This improves the intensity of the light emitted from the surface 30a of the electric toothbrush attachment 30, thereby improving the visibility of the light-emitting portion of the surface 30a of the electric toothbrush attachment 30.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the light-emitting surface 213 is formed of a light-transmitting material, and the mounting shaft 22 is formed of a light-shielding material.

[0034] This design suppresses light scattering by the mounting shaft 22 when the light-emitting surface 213 is illuminated. It also allows light emitted from the light-emitting surface 213 to be introduced more efficiently into the light-receiving surface 3114. This improves the visibility of the light-emitting portion on the surface 30a of the electric toothbrush attachment 30.

[0035] Figure 15 is a front view showing a partially enlarged example of an electric toothbrush 10 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, as described above, the attachment 30 for the electric toothbrush vibrates (more specifically, reciprocates) in a direction perpendicular to the main body 20 (i.e., in the Z direction, vertical direction, or axial direction). Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 15, a gap G1 is formed between the light-emitting surface 213 and the light-receiving surface 3114 when the mounting shaft 22 is attached to the attachment / detachment part 3111. This makes it possible to vibrate the attachment 30 for the electric toothbrush in a direction perpendicular to the main body 20 (i.e., in the Z direction, vertical direction, or axial direction).

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the mounting shaft 22 is attached to the attachment / detachment part 3111 and the mounting shaft 22 is vibrated (more specifically, reciprocated) in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z direction, the up-and-down direction, or the axial direction), a gap G1 is formed between the light-emitting surface 213 and the light-receiving surface 3114 regardless of the position of the mounting shaft 22. In other words, when the electric toothbrush attachment 30 is vibrated in the direction perpendicular to the main body 20 (i.e., the Z direction, the up-and-down direction, or the axial direction), a gap G1 is formed between the light-emitting surface 213 and the light-receiving surface 3114 even when the electric toothbrush attachment 30 is closest to the main body 20. This prevents the electric toothbrush attachment 30 from coming into contact with the main body 20 when the electric toothbrush attachment 30 is vibrated in the direction perpendicular to the main body 20 (i.e., the Z direction, the up-and-down direction, or the axial direction).

[0037] Such a configuration can be achieved, for example, by forming a gap G1 between the light-emitting surface 213 and the light-receiving surface 3114 that is larger than half the amplitude of the vibration of the mounting shaft 22.

[0038] Furthermore, by forming a gap G1 between the light-emitting surface 213 and the light-receiving surface 3114, abrasion of the light-receiving surface 3114 due to contact with the light-emitting surface 213 can be suppressed, thereby more reliably suppressing the scattering of light emitted from the light-emitting surface 213 by the light-receiving surface 3114. In other words, attenuation of light caused by friction between the light-emitting surface 213 and the light-receiving surface 3114 can be prevented. As a result, light emitted from the light-emitting surface 213 can be introduced to the light-receiving surface 3114 more efficiently, thereby improving the visibility of the light-emitting portion on the surface 30a of the electric toothbrush attachment 30.

[0039] Furthermore, if the electric toothbrush attachment 30 is prevented from coming into contact with the main body 20 when it is vibrated perpendicular to the main body 20 (i.e., in the Z direction, vertical direction, or axial direction), then the wear of the light-receiving surface 3114 due to contact with the light-emitting surface 213 can be more reliably suppressed. As a result, the visibility of the light-emitting portion of the surface 30a of the electric toothbrush attachment 30 will not decrease due to the use of the electric toothbrush 10.

[0040] Furthermore, if the mounting shaft 22 is made to vibrate (more specifically, reciprocate) in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z direction, up and down direction, or axial direction), the distance between the light-emitting surface 213 and the light-receiving surface 3114 (i.e., the axial size of the gap G1) will change, which will change the degree of light emission from the surface 30a of the electric toothbrush attachment 30. This has the advantage of making it easier to notice the light emission from the surface 30a of the electric toothbrush attachment 30.

[0041] Furthermore, the light-emitting surface 213 is formed only on the top surface 211 of the main body 20. In other words, no light-emitting surface is formed on the side surface 212 of the main body 20.

[0042] By doing so, it is possible to suppress light from escaping from the side surface 212 of the main body 20, and to introduce the light irradiated from the light emitting surface 213 into the light receiving surface 3114 more efficiently. By doing this, the visibility of the light emitting part on the surface 30a of the attachment 30 for an electric toothbrush can be further improved.

[0043] In the present embodiment, the entire top surface 211 having an annular shape (that is, an example of an annular shape) surrounding the attachment shaft 22 serves as the light emitting surface 213, and the light emitting surface 213 also has an annular shape (that is, an example of an annular shape) surrounding the attachment shaft 22. Note that the light emitting surface 213 may have a polygonal annular shape surrounding the attachment shaft 22.

[0044] Similarly, the entire bottom surface 3113 having an annular shape (that is, an example of an annular shape) surrounding the detachable part 3111 serves as the light receiving surface 3114, and the light receiving surface 3114 also has an annular shape (that is, an example of an annular shape) surrounding the detachable part 3111. Note that the light receiving surface 3114 may have a polygonal annular shape surrounding the detachable part 3111. At this time, it is preferable that the shape of the light receiving surface 3114 is the same as the shape of the light emitting surface 213 (more specifically, congruent or similar shapes).

[0045] By doing so, it is possible to guide the light irradiated from the light emitting surface 213 and introduced from the light receiving surface 3114 uniformly around the attachment 30 for an electric toothbrush. By doing this, the periphery of the surface �a of the attachment 30 for an electric toothbrush can be made to glow more evenly, and the visibility of the light emitting part on the surface 30a of the attachment 30 for an electric toothbrush can be further improved. At this time, it is preferable that uniform light is irradiated from the entire surface of the light emitting surface 213. By doing this, the periphery of the surface 30a of the attachment 30 for an electric toothbrush can be made to glow more evenly.

[0046] Also, in the area outside the attachment shaft 22 and the detachable portion 3111, light is guided from the main body portion 20 to the electric toothbrush attachment 30. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the light from diffusing at the attachment shaft 22 and the detachable portion 3111, and to more efficiently introduce the light irradiated from the light emitting surface 213 into the light receiving surface 3114. As a result, the visibility of the light emitting portion on the surface 30a of the electric toothbrush attachment 30 can be further improved.

[0047] FIG. 14 is a rear view showing an example of the electric toothbrush attachment 30 according to the embodiment. It is preferable that the width W1 (see FIG. 14) of the annular (that is, an example of an annular shape) light receiving surface 3114 is 1.4 mm or more. By doing so, more light can be guided from the light receiving surface 3114, so that the visibility of the light emitting portion on the surface 30a of the electric toothbrush attachment 30 can be further improved.

[0048] Further, in the present embodiment, the light emitting surface 213 and the light receiving surface 3114 are formed to be plane-symmetric with respect to a plane P1 (see FIG. 15) orthogonal to the attachment shaft 22 in a state where the attachment shaft 22 is attached to the detachable portion 3111.

[0049] By doing so, the light irradiated from the light emitting surface can be more efficiently introduced from the light receiving surface, and the visibility of the light emitting portion on the surface of the electric toothbrush attachment can be further improved. Further, if the shapes of the light emitting surface 213 and the light receiving surface 3114 are an annular (that is, an example of an annular shape) plane-symmetric shape, the light can be more uniformly guided around the handle portion 31. Therefore, it is possible to uniformly illuminate the entire circumference of the surface 30a of the electric toothbrush attachment 30.

[0050] Here, in the present embodiment, the side surface 3115 of the handle portion 31 (more specifically, the handle body 311) is made to emit light by the light introduced from the light receiving surface 3114. Specifically, the lower part of the side surface 3115 of the handle portion 31 (more specifically, the handle body 311) is made to emit light by the light introduced from the light receiving surface 3114.

[0051] Thus, in this embodiment, the lower part of the handle portion 31 (more specifically, the handle body 311), which is not introduced into the oral cavity during use, is made to light up, rather than the brush portion 32 which is introduced into the oral cavity during use. This allows the user to visually confirm the illuminated part during use. This improves the visibility of the illuminated state of the lower part of the handle portion 31 (more specifically, the handle body 311), which is the surface 30a of the electric toothbrush attachment 30.

[0052] Furthermore, since the parts that are not introduced into the oral cavity during use are illuminated, the illumination status can be visually confirmed without the need for a mirror, thus improving the usability of the electric toothbrush 10.

[0053] As described above, in this embodiment, when the electric toothbrush 10 is used, the light-emitting surface 213 of the main body 20 is illuminated, and the light emitted from the light-emitting surface 213 passes through the light-receiving surface 3114 and is guided into the handle body 311. The light guided into the handle body 311 is then emitted to the outside from the lower part of the handle body 311, causing the lower part of the handle body 311 to light up.

[0054] Such light functions include, for example, informing the user of information such as the vibration mode being on, excessive pressure being applied, detection status by the brushing angle sensor, and detection status of the over-movement prevention sensor. In this case, it is preferable to illuminate each piece of information with a different color so that the user can identify which information it is by the color of the light. The electric toothbrush 10 can be configured to allow the user to select from multiple vibration modes of varying strengths. In this case, the lower part of the handle body 311 can be made to light up when the strongest vibration mode is on (for example, when the strongest vibration mode is selected), and the lower part of the handle body 311 can be made to remain submerged when other vibration modes are selected. It is also possible to configure the device to change the light emission pattern (for example, color, intensity, etc.) for each selected vibration mode strength. In this way, when multiple vibration modes of varying strengths can be selected, it is possible to make the lower part of the handle body 311 light up or not light up for each selected vibration mode.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a light-diffusing portion is formed on the lower part of the side surface 3115 of the handle portion 31 (more specifically, the handle body 311) (i.e., an example of an area to be illuminated), thereby improving the visibility of the light-emitting portion (more specifically, the lower part of the side surface 3115) on the surface 30a of the electric toothbrush attachment 30.

[0056] Specifically, as shown in Figure 12, a textured surface 3112 acting as a diffusion surface is formed on the lower part of the side surface 3115 of the handle portion 31 (more specifically, the handle portion body 311) (i.e., an example of the area to be illuminated). Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the textured surface 3112 formed on the handle portion 31 of the electric toothbrush attachment 30 according to this embodiment.

[0057] This allows the light-emitting portion of the surface 30a of the electric toothbrush attachment 30 (more specifically, the lower part of the side surface 3115) to emit light more uniformly.

[0058] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, in this embodiment, the area of ​​the textured portion 3112 on the brush portion 32 side (i.e., the upper part of the textured portion 3112) becomes a gradient textured portion 31122, where the surface gradually becomes smoother as it moves towards the brush portion 32 side (i.e., the upper side of the brush portion 32). This enhances the aesthetic appeal of the electric toothbrush attachment 30 when the surface 30a of the electric toothbrush attachment 30 is not polished.

[0059] As described above, in this embodiment, the textured section 3112 comprises a normal textured section 31121 located at the bottom and having a nearly uniform textured surface, and a gradient textured section 31122 located above the normal textured section 31121, where the surface gradually becomes smoother as it approaches the brush section 32 (i.e., the upper side of the brush section 32). At this time, the total length L1 of the textured section 3112 is set to 30 mm, and the length L2 of the normal textured section 31121 is set to 21 mm. Therefore, the length of the gradient textured section 31122 is 9 mm. Within this 9 mm range, the depth of the irregularities gradually decreases as it moves upward, thereby creating a gradient textured section 31122 where the density of the irregularities becomes coarser, and the surface gradually becomes smoother as it approaches the brush section 32 (i.e., the upper side of the brush section 32).

[0060] In this way, by making the length L2 of the normally textured portion 31121 21 mm, the attachment portion 3111 is made less visible from the outside (more specifically, from the side surface 3115 of the handle body 311). This prevents the side surface 3115 from appearing unevenly lit due to the visibility of the attachment portion 3111, thereby improving the visibility of the light-emitting portion of the surface 30a of the electric toothbrush attachment 30 (more specifically, the lower part of the side surface 3115).

[0061] Thus, in order to make the attachment / detachment part 3111 less visible from the outside (more specifically, from the side surface 3115 of the handle body 311), it is preferable that the textured part 31121 has an Rz (ten-point average roughness) of 3.8 μm to 27.3 μm and a Ry (maximum height) of 5.0 μm to 32.1 μm. As is well known, Rz (ten-point average roughness) and Ry (maximum height) are specified in Japanese Industrial Standard B 0601.

[0062] Figure 13 is a table illustrating the relationship between the roughness of the textured surface 3112 formed on the handle portion 31 of the electric toothbrush attachment 30 according to the embodiment and its visibility. For example, as shown in the table in Figure 13, if sample A has a Rz (ten-point mean roughness) smaller than 3.8 μm and a Ry (maximum height) smaller than 5.0 μm, the degree of opacity is too weak, and the light does not appear uniformly due to the transmission of the internal structure, resulting in visibility problems.

[0063] Furthermore, if sample G is used, where Rz (ten-point mean roughness) is greater than 27.3 μm and Ry (maximum height) is greater than 32.1 μm, the degree of turbidity is too strong, preventing light from diffusing from the sides, resulting in visibility problems.

[0064] On the other hand, in the case of sample B, which has an Rz (ten-point mean roughness) of 3.81 μm and a Ry (maximum height) of 5.04 μm, the degree of turbidity is somewhat weaker, and the internal structure is partially visible, but it is at a level that does not pose a problem for visibility.

[0065] Furthermore, when using sample E, which has an Rz (ten-point mean roughness) of 22.00 μm and a Ry (maximum height) of 26.96 μm, and sample F, which has an Rz (ten-point mean roughness) of 27.25 μm and a Ry (maximum height) of 32.13 μm, the degree of turbidity is slightly stronger and the light is slightly weaker, but it is still at a level that does not pose a problem for visibility.

[0066] Therefore, it is preferable that the textured surface portion 31121 has a Rz (ten-point average roughness) in the range of 3.8 μm to 27.3 μm and a Ry (maximum height) in the range of 5.0 μm to 32.1 μm.

[0067] Furthermore, when comparing sample C, which has an Rz (ten-point mean roughness) of 12.00 μm and a Ry (maximum height) of 14.76 μm, with sample D, which has an Rz (ten-point mean roughness) of 16.63 μm and a Ry (maximum height) of 20.65 μm, the degree of turbidity and light intensity are more appropriate, making it more suitable for visibility.

[0068] Therefore, it is more preferable that the textured surface portion 31121 has a Rz (ten-point average roughness) in the range of 12.0 μm to 16.7 μm and a Ry (maximum height) in the range of 14.7 μm to 20.7 μm.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, with the mounting shaft 22 attached to the attachment / detachment part 3111, a cavity 31111 is formed on the attachment / detachment part 3111 on the side of the brush part 32 (i.e., above the brush part 32) relative to the mounting shaft 22. This allows the light introduced into the electric toothbrush attachment 30 to be diffused towards the side surface 3115 of the handle body 311 by the cavity 31111. This further improves the visibility of the light-emitting portion on the surface 30a of the electric toothbrush attachment 30.

[0070] As described above, by emitting light from the top surface 211 of the main body 20, the light can be seen even if the handle portion 31 of the electric toothbrush attachment 30 is not transparent. However, from the viewpoint of improving visibility, it is preferable that at least the handle portion 31 be transparent.

[0071] Therefore, in this embodiment, the handle portion 31 and the base portion 321 are formed from a transparent polyethylene terephthalate resin. This makes it possible to illuminate the surface 30a of the electric toothbrush attachment 30 more efficiently, while also improving the safety of the electric toothbrush attachment 30, which is a component introduced into the oral cavity.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the handle portion 31 and the base portion 321 are integrally molded using a transparent polyethylene terephthalate resin. Therefore, in this embodiment, the handle portion 31 and the base portion 321 are single-color molded products. This improves the aesthetic appeal of the electric toothbrush attachment 30. Also, by making the handle portion 31 and the base portion 321 single-color molded products, the attachment portion 3111 is integrally formed with the handle portion 31, which suppresses light scattering and absorption at the attachment portion 3111 compared to when the attachment portion 3111 is formed from a separate component. As a result, the surface 30a of the electric toothbrush attachment 30 can emit light with greater intensity.

[0073] Furthermore, when integrally molding the handle portion 31 and the base portion 321 using a transparent polyethylene terephthalate resin, it is preferable to ensure that the intrinsic viscosity of the polyethylene terephthalate resin is 0.65 to 0.75. This is because it is possible to suppress the formation of voids in the base portion 321 and the handle portion 31 during the molding of the electric toothbrush attachment 30.

[0074] Furthermore, by preventing the formation of voids in the base portion 321 and the handle portion 31, the aesthetic design of the electric toothbrush attachment 30 can be further improved. In addition, by preventing the formation of voids in the handle portion 31, the surface 30a of the electric toothbrush attachment 30 can emit light with greater intensity.

[0075] Furthermore, by making the intrinsic viscosity of the polyethylene terephthalate resin 0.75 or less, the base portion 321 and the handle portion 31 can be made even thinner (for example, the thickness T1 of the base portion 321 in the X direction can be made 3.2 mm or less).

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 14, a resin gate mark 31131 is formed on the bottom surface 3113 of the handle portion 31. This prevents the formation of a resin gate mark on the side surface 3115 of the handle portion 31, allowing the side surface 3115 of the handle portion 31 to emit light more uniformly. This improves the visibility of the light-emitting portion on the surface 30a of the electric toothbrush attachment 30. In this case, it is preferable to form the resin gate mark 31131 on the bottom surface 3113 of the handle portion 31 in a part that has as little influence as possible on the light emission from the side surface 3115 of the handle portion 31, for example, in a part of the bottom surface 3113 of the handle portion 31 that does not face the light-emitting surface 213 in a direction perpendicular to it (i.e., in the Z direction, up and down direction, or axial direction).

[0077] Furthermore, with the mounting shaft 22 attached to the attachment / detachment part 3111, the shape of the cavity 31111 formed on the brush part 32 side (i.e., above the brush part 32) of the attachment / detachment part 3111 can be the shape shown in Figures 21 to 25. Figure 21 is a side cross-sectional view showing another example of the electric toothbrush attachment 30 according to the embodiment. Figure 22 is a cross cross-sectional view showing another example of the electric toothbrush attachment 30 according to the embodiment. Figure 23 is a side cross-sectional view showing a partially enlarged portion of another example of the electric toothbrush attachment 30 according to the embodiment. Figure 24 is a cross cross-sectional view showing a partially enlarged portion of another example of the electric toothbrush attachment 30 according to the embodiment. Figure 25 is a rear view showing another example of the electric toothbrush attachment 30 according to the embodiment.

[0078] By creating such a cavity 31111, the light introduced into the electric toothbrush attachment 30 can be diffused by the cavity 31111 towards the side surface 3115 of the handle body 311, thereby further improving the visibility of the light-emitting portion on the surface 30a of the electric toothbrush attachment 30.

[0079] (Note) The above description of embodiments discloses the following technologies.

[0080] (Technology 1) An attachment for an electric toothbrush that is detachably attached to a main body having a light-emitting surface, and which can illuminate at least a part of the surface with light from the light-emitting surface, comprising: a handle portion having a detachable part to which a mounting shaft provided on the main body is detachably attached; and a brush portion connected to the handle portion, wherein a light-receiving surface is formed on the bottom surface of the handle portion, facing the light-emitting surface formed in the area of ​​the top surface of the main body excluding the mounting shaft.

[0081] Thus, in the electric toothbrush attachment of Technology 1, a light-receiving surface is formed on the bottom surface of the handle, opposite to the light-emitting surface formed on the top surface of the main body, excluding the mounting axis. This allows light emitted from the light-emitting surface to be introduced more efficiently into the light-receiving surface. This improves the intensity of light emitted from the surface of the electric toothbrush attachment, thereby improving the visibility of the light-emitting part on the surface of the electric toothbrush attachment.

[0082] Thus, by using the electric toothbrush attachment of Technology 1, it becomes possible to further improve the visibility of the electric toothbrush attachment by light.

[0083] (Technology 2) An attachment for an electric toothbrush according to Technology 1, wherein a gap is formed between the light-emitting surface and the light-receiving surface when the mounting shaft is attached to the attachment / detachment part.

[0084] This method suppresses wear on the light-receiving surface due to contact with the light-emitting surface, thereby more effectively preventing the scattering of light emitted from the light-emitting surface onto the light-receiving surface. As a result, the light emitted from the light-emitting surface can be introduced to the light-receiving surface more efficiently, improving the visibility of the light-emitting part on the surface of the electric toothbrush attachment.

[0085] (Technology 3) An attachment for an electric toothbrush according to Technology 2, wherein the mounting shaft is configured to reciprocate in the axial direction, and when the mounting shaft is attached to the attachment / detachment part and the mounting shaft is reciprocated in the axial direction, the gap is formed between the light-emitting surface and the light-receiving surface regardless of the position of the mounting shaft.

[0086] This method makes it possible to suppress wear on the light-receiving surface due to contact with the light-emitting surface, even when the mounting shaft is attached to the attachment / detachment part and the mounting shaft is moved back and forth in the axial direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the decrease in visibility of the light-emitting part on the surface of the electric toothbrush attachment due to the use of an electric toothbrush.

[0087] Furthermore, by making the mounting shaft reciprocate in the axial direction, the distance between the light-emitting surface and the light-receiving surface (i.e., the axial size of the gap) changes, which alters the degree of light emission on the surface of the electric toothbrush attachment. This has the advantage of making it easier to notice the light emission on the surface of the electric toothbrush attachment.

[0088] (Technology 4) An attachment for an electric toothbrush according to any one of the technologies 1 to 3, wherein the light-emitting surface is formed only on the top surface, and the light-receiving surface faces the light-emitting surface formed only on the top surface.

[0089] This prevents light from escaping from the sides of the main body, allowing light emitted from the light-emitting surface to be more efficiently introduced into the light-receiving surface, thereby improving the visibility of the light-emitting part on the surface of the electric toothbrush attachment.

[0090] (Technology 5) An attachment for an electric toothbrush according to any one of the technologies 1 to 4, wherein the light-emitting surface is an annular shape surrounding the mounting shaft, and the light-receiving surface is an annular shape surrounding the attachment / detachment part.

[0091] This allows light to be guided evenly around the electric toothbrush attachment, resulting in more uniform illumination of the attachment's surface. Consequently, the visibility of the light-emitting part on the electric toothbrush attachment's surface can be improved.

[0092] Furthermore, since light is guided from the main body to the electric toothbrush attachment in an area away from the mounting shaft and attachment / detachment part, light diffusion at the mounting shaft and attachment / detachment part is suppressed, and the light emitted from the light-emitting surface can be introduced to the light-receiving surface more efficiently. As a result, the visibility of the light-emitting part on the surface of the electric toothbrush attachment can be further improved.

[0093] (Technical 6) The electric toothbrush attachment according to Technical 5, wherein the light-emitting surface and the light-receiving surface are formed to be symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the mounting shaft when the mounting shaft is attached to the attachment / detachment part.

[0094] This allows light emitted from the light-emitting surface to be introduced more efficiently into the light-receiving surface, thereby improving the visibility of the light-emitting part on the surface of the electric toothbrush attachment.

[0095] (Technology 7) An attachment for an electric toothbrush according to any one of the technologies 1 to 6, wherein the side of the handle part lights up due to light introduced from the light-receiving surface.

[0096] In this way, by making the side of the handle—a part that is not inserted into the mouth during use—light up, rather than the brush head that is inserted into the mouth during use, the user can visually confirm the illuminated part during use. As a result, the visibility of the illuminated part on the surface of the electric toothbrush attachment can be further improved. Furthermore, the usability of the electric toothbrush can be further improved.

[0097] (Technical 8) An attachment for an electric toothbrush according to Technical 7, wherein the lower part of the side of the handle illuminates due to light introduced from the light-receiving surface.

[0098] This allows for more reliable illumination of areas that are not introduced into the oral cavity during use, thereby improving the visibility of the light-emitting parts on the surface of the electric toothbrush attachment and enhancing the usability of the electric toothbrush.

[0099] (Technology 9) An attachment for an electric toothbrush according to any one of the technologies 1 to 8, wherein a light-diffusing portion is formed on the side of the handle portion.

[0100] This will improve the visibility of the luminous parts on the surface of the electric toothbrush attachment.

[0101] (Technical 10) The attachment for an electric toothbrush according to Technical 9, wherein the diffusion portion is a textured portion.

[0102] This allows the light-emitting part on the surface of the electric toothbrush attachment to emit light more uniformly, thereby improving the visibility of the light-emitting part on the surface of the electric toothbrush attachment.

[0103] (Technical 11) An attachment for an electric toothbrush according to Technical 10, wherein the region of the textured area on the brush side is a gradient textured area in which the surface gradually becomes smoother as it approaches the brush side.

[0104] This allows for an improved aesthetic appeal of the electric toothbrush attachment when its surface is not polished.

[0105] (Technology 12) An attachment for an electric toothbrush according to any one of the technologies 1 to 11, wherein, when the mounting shaft is attached to the attachment / detachment part, a cavity is formed in the attachment / detachment part on the brush part side of the mounting shaft.

[0106] This design allows the light introduced into the electric toothbrush attachment to be diffused to the side of the handle through the cavity, thereby improving the visibility of the light-emitting part on the surface of the electric toothbrush attachment.

[0107] (Technology 13) An attachment for an electric toothbrush according to any one of the technologies 1 to 12, wherein the brush portion comprises a base portion connected to the handle portion and a plurality of brush bundles planted on the base portion, and the handle portion and the base portion are single-color molded products.

[0108] This will allow for an improved aesthetic design of the electric toothbrush attachment. Furthermore, by integrally forming the attachment part with the handle, light scattering and absorption at the attachment part can be suppressed compared to when the attachment part is made from a separate component, allowing the surface of the electric toothbrush attachment to emit a stronger light.

[0109] (Technical 14) An attachment for an electric toothbrush according to Technical 13, wherein the handle portion and the base portion are formed of a transparent polyethylene terephthalate resin.

[0110] This allows for more efficient illumination of the surface of the electric toothbrush attachment, and also improves the safety of the electric toothbrush attachment, which is a component introduced into the oral cavity.

[0111] (Technical 15) An attachment for an electric toothbrush according to Technical 14, wherein the intrinsic viscosity of the polyethylene terephthalate resin is 0.65 to 0.75.

[0112] This method helps to prevent voids from forming in the base and handle during the molding of the electric toothbrush attachment, thereby improving the aesthetic appeal of the attachment. Furthermore, by preventing voids from forming in the handle, the surface of the electric toothbrush attachment can be made to emit light more brightly.

[0113] (Technology 16) An attachment for an electric toothbrush according to any one of the technologies 13 to 15, wherein a resin gate mark is formed on the bottom surface of the handle portion.

[0114] This prevents resin gate marks from forming on the sides of the handle, allowing the sides of the handle to emit light more uniformly.

[0115] (Technology 17) An electric toothbrush comprising an attachment for an electric toothbrush described in any one of the technologies 1 to 16, a mounting shaft that is detachably attached to the attachment / detachment part of the electric toothbrush attachment, and a main body having a light-emitting surface formed in the area of ​​the top surface excluding the mounting shaft.

[0116] This would allow for an electric toothbrush with improved visibility of the luminescent part on the surface of the attachment.

[0117] [Other] The contents of the electric toothbrush attachment and electric toothbrush described herein have been explained above, but it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to these descriptions and that various modifications and improvements are possible.

[0118] For example, this disclosure can be applied to embodiments in which the configuration shown in the above embodiments is modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to combine the components described in the above embodiments and their variations with other components to create new embodiments.

[0119] Furthermore, although the above embodiment illustrates a configuration in which the light-emitting surface 213 is formed only on the top surface 211 of the main body 20, it is also possible to form a light-emitting surface on the side surface 212 of the main body 20. In this case, it is preferable that the side surface near the top surface 211 becomes the light-emitting surface. This makes it possible to minimize the amount of light that escapes without being introduced into the electric toothbrush attachment 30.

[0120] Alternatively, the handle portion 31 may be laser-printed with a brand logo, identification mark, etc. This makes the brand logo, identification mark, etc., more visible in the light.

[0121] Furthermore, the handle, brush, and other detailed specifications (for example, shape, size, layout, etc.) can be modified as needed.

[0122] As described above, the electric toothbrush attachment and electric toothbrush described herein can further improve visibility through light, and can therefore be used in various electric toothbrush attachments and electric toothbrushes, including those for home and commercial use.

[0123] 10 Electric toothbrush 20 Main body 21 Main body housing 21a Power button 21b Display unit 211 Top surface 212 Side surface 213 Light-emitting surface 22 Mounting shaft 23 Sealing member 30 Attachment for electric toothbrush 30a Surface 31 Handle 311 Handle body 3111 Detachable part 31111 Hollow 3112 Textured surface 31121 Standard textured surface 31122 Gradient textured surface 3113 Bottom surface 31131 Resin gate mark 3114 Light-receiving surface 3115 Side surface 312 Connecting part 32 Brush part 321 Base 3211 Bristle holes 32111 Chamfered part 322 Brush bundle 3221 Flat wire 32211 Flat wire body 32212 Groove D1 Depth G1 Gap L1 Length L2 Length T1 Thickness W1 Width

Claims

1. An attachment for an electric toothbrush that is detachably mounted on a main body having a light-emitting surface, and which can illuminate at least a portion of the surface with light from the light-emitting surface, comprising: a handle portion having a detachable part to which a mounting shaft provided on the main body is detachably mounted; and a brush portion connected to the handle portion, wherein a light-receiving surface is formed on the bottom surface of the handle portion, facing the light-emitting surface formed in the area of ​​the top surface of the main body excluding the mounting shaft.

2. An attachment for an electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein a gap is formed between the light-emitting surface and the light-receiving surface when the mounting shaft is attached to the attachment / detachment part.

3. The attachment for an electric toothbrush according to claim 2, wherein the mounting shaft is configured to reciprocate in the axial direction, and when the mounting shaft is attached to the attachment / detachment part and the mounting shaft is reciprocated in the axial direction, the gap is formed between the light-emitting surface and the light-receiving surface regardless of the position of the mounting shaft.

4. An attachment for an electric toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light-emitting surface is formed only on the top surface, and the light-receiving surface faces the light-emitting surface formed only on the top surface.

5. An attachment for an electric toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light-emitting surface is an annular shape surrounding the mounting shaft, and the light-receiving surface is an annular shape surrounding the attachment / detachment part.

6. The electric toothbrush attachment according to claim 5, wherein the light-emitting surface and the light-receiving surface are formed to be symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the mounting shaft when the mounting shaft is attached to the attachment / detachment part.

7. An attachment for an electric toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the side surface of the handle illuminates due to light introduced from the light-receiving surface.

8. The attachment for an electric toothbrush according to claim 7, wherein the lower part of the side of the handle illuminates due to light introduced from the light-receiving surface.

9. An attachment for an electric toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a light-diffusing portion is formed on the side surface of the handle portion.

10. The attachment for an electric toothbrush according to claim 9, wherein the diffusion portion is a textured portion.

11. The attachment for an electric toothbrush according to claim 10, wherein the region of the textured area on the brush side is a gradient textured area in which the surface gradually becomes smoother as it approaches the brush side.

12. An attachment for an electric toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, when the mounting shaft is attached to the attachment / detachment portion, a cavity is formed in the attachment / detachment portion on the side of the brush portion that is closer to the mounting shaft.

13. The attachment for an electric toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the brush portion comprises a base portion connected to the handle portion and a plurality of brush bundles planted on the base portion, and the handle portion and the base portion are single-color molded products.

14. The attachment for an electric toothbrush according to claim 13, wherein the handle portion and the base portion are formed of a transparent polyethylene terephthalate resin.

15. The electric toothbrush attachment according to claim 14, wherein the intrinsic viscosity of the polyethylene terephthalate resin is 0.65 to 0.

75.

16. The electric toothbrush attachment according to claim 13, wherein a resin gate mark is formed on the bottom surface of the handle portion.

17. An electric toothbrush comprising: an attachment for an electric toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 3; a main body having a mounting shaft that is detachably attached to the attachment / detachment part of the electric toothbrush attachment; and a light-emitting surface formed in the area of ​​the top surface excluding the mounting shaft.

Images