U.S. patent application number 11/665055 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-05 for electric toothbrush.
Invention is credited to Ichiro Sugimoto.
Application Number | 20090056043 11/665055 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36148403 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090056043 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sugimoto; Ichiro |
March 5, 2009 |
Electric toothbrush
Abstract
It is desired to realize designing of a light, compact body and
improved brushing effect and massage effect without causing any
inconvenience, and to prevent the tip of a brush formed by a
bristle bundle from remaining curled. A flexible diaphragm 13 which
is displaced together with a reciprocative base 10 of a brush 9 is
provided between a body space 2 and a brush guide passage 6. An air
introduction hole 15 having a valve 14 which opens only to the
inside is formed in a midpoint of the brush guide passage 6. When
the diaphragm 13 is displaced toward the body space 2 with the
reciprocation motion of the base 10, air is introduced through the
air introduction hole 15 into the brush guide passage 6, which is
now under negative pressure. When the diaphragm 13 is displaced
toward the brush guide passage 6, the introduced air is compressed
and is ejected from the opening 6a at the tip. Thus, the body can
be designed lightly and compactly, and the brushing effect and the
massage effect are improved without causing inconvenience.
Inventors: |
Sugimoto; Ichiro; (Osaka,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WENDEROTH, LIND & PONACK, L.L.P.
2033 K STREET N. W., SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20006-1021
US
|
Family ID: |
36148403 |
Appl. No.: |
11/665055 |
Filed: |
October 13, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
October 13, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP05/18842 |
371 Date: |
November 12, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/22.1 ;
15/167.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 15/046 20130101;
A61C 17/02 20130101; A61C 17/022 20130101; A61C 15/047 20130101;
A61C 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/22.1 ;
15/167.1 |
International
Class: |
A46B 9/04 20060101
A46B009/04; A46B 13/02 20060101 A46B013/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 14, 2004 |
JP |
2004-300236 |
Oct 18, 2004 |
JP |
2004-302875 |
Claims
1. An electric toothbrush comprising a casing having therein a
brush guide passage extending from one end side of a body space, a
reciprocating motion source mounted in the body space, and a base
mounted in said casing and coupled to the reciprocating motion
source, said base being planted with a brush formed by a bristle
bundle and extending toward a tip of the brush guide passage, said
base being reciprocated toward the brush guide passage so that the
tip of the brush moves in and out of an opening formed at the tip
of the brush guide passage, characterized in that a flexible
diaphragm which is displaced together with the reciprocative base
is provided between the body space and the brush guide passage, and
that an air introduction hole provided with a valve which opens
only to the inside is formed in a midpoint of the brush guide
passage, whereby when the diaphragm is displaced toward the body
space with the reciprocating motion of the base, air is introduced
into the brush guide passage, which is now under negative pressure,
and when the diaphragm is displaced toward the brush guide passage,
air introduced into the brush guide passage is compressed, and the
compressed air is injected from the opening formed at the tip of
the brush guide passage.
2. The electric toothbrush according to claim 1 further comprising
a cleaning fluid tank mounted in the casing and storing a cleaning
fluid, and means for discharging the cleaning fluid in the cleaning
fluid tank into the brush guide passage.
3. The electric toothbrush according to claim 2 wherein the
cleaning fluid is discharged into the brush guide passage near its
tip.
4. The electric toothbrush according to claim 2 wherein said means
for discharging the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid tank
discharges the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid tank by
introducing air in the brush guide passage, which is compressed
when the diaphragm is displaced toward the brush guide passage,
into the cleaning fluid tank.
5. The electric toothbrush according to claim 2 wherein the body
space is hermetically closed, an air introduction hole provided
with a valve which opens only to the inside is formed in a wall
forming the body space, and the means for discharging the cleaning
fluid in the cleaning fluid tank discharges the cleaning fluid in
the cleaning fluid tank by introducing air from the air
introduction hole to the body space, which is under negative
pressure, when the diaphragm is displaced toward the brush guide
passage, and by compressing air introduced into the body space and
introducing the compressed air into the cleaning fluid tank when
the diaphragm is displaced toward the body space.
6. An electric toothbrush comprising a brush formed by a bristle
bundle and reciprocated by a predetermined stroke along a brush
guide passage having a bent portion so that the tip of the brush
moves in and out of an opening formed at the tip of the brush guide
passage, characterized in that a straight portion or a reverse bent
portion which is bent in the direction opposite to the bent portion
is provided on the tip side of the bent portion in the brush guide
passage.
7. The electric toothbrush according to claim 6 wherein the
straight portion or the inverse bent portion in the brush guide
passage has a length equal to or larger than the stroke of the
brush.
8. The electric toothbrush according to claim 6 wherein a cleaning
hole for cleaning the brush in the passage is formed in a midpoint
of the brush guide passage.
9. The electric toothbrush according to claim 3 wherein said means
for discharging the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid tank
discharges the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid tank by
introducing air in the brush guide passage, which is compressed
when the diaphragm is displaced toward the brush guide passage,
into the cleaning fluid tank.
10. The electric toothbrush according to claim 3 wherein the body
space is hermetically closed, an air introduction hole provided
with a valve which opens only to the inside is formed in a wall
forming the body space, and the means for discharging the cleaning
fluid in the cleaning fluid tank discharges the cleaning fluid in
the cleaning fluid tank by introducing air from the air
introduction hole to the body space, which is under negative
pressure, when the diaphragm is displaced toward the brush guide
passage, and by compressing air introduced into the body space and
introducing the compressed air into the cleaning fluid tank when
the diaphragm is displaced toward the body space.
11. The electric toothbrush according to claim 7 wherein a cleaning
hole for cleaning the brush in the passage is formed in a midpoint
of the brush guide passage.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an electric toothbrush
having a base in which brush formed by a bristle bundle is
implanted and which is reciprocated so that the tip of the brush
moves in and out of an opening directed to the mouth.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] There are various forms of electric toothbrushes. In one of
such electric toothbrushes, in a casing having a brush guide
passage extending from a body space in which a reciprocating motion
source is disposed to one end side, a base in which a brush formed
by a bristle bundle directed to the tip of the brush guide passage
is implanted is reciprocated by predetermined strokes toward the
brush guide passage by the reciprocating motion source so that the
tip of the brush moves in and out of an opening formed at the end
of the brush guide passage having a bent portion. With the brush
moving in and out of the opening directed to the mouth, teeth are
brushed and also the gums can be massaged (see Patent Document
1).
[0003] The electric toothbrush disclosed in Patent Document 1 is
provided with a cleaning fluid tank storing a cleaning fluid. The
cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid tank is discharged by an
electric or manual pump and is ejected from the opening, through
which the brush moves in and out, thereby increasing the brushing
effect and the massage effect.
Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication
9-322823
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] In order to eject cleaning fluid from the opening which is
directed to the mouth and through which the brush moves in and out,
the electric toothbrush of Patent Document 1 needs a pump for
discharging cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid tank in addition
to the reciprocating motion source for reciprocating the base of
the brush. Consequently, the electric toothbrush has a problem that
the body is heavy and large.
[0005] When the electric toothbrush is used in a washroom, a
bathroom or the like, the cleaning fluid ejected into the mouth can
be discharged into its drainage system such as a washstand. But if
the electric toothbrush is used in a place where there is no
drainage system, such as in a living room, it is inconvenient for
the user since he/she cannot discharge the cleaning fluid from the
mouth.
[0006] Further, when the electric toothbrush is repeatedly used,
due to the influence of the bent portion in the brush guide
passage, the tip of the brush formed by a bristle bundle remains
curled. A problem occurs that the brushing effect and the massage
effect deteriorate.
[0007] An object of the present invention is therefore to realize
designing of a light, compact body and improved brushing effect and
massage effect without causing any inconvenience, and to prevent
the tip of a brush formed by a bristle bundle from being
curled.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0008] To solve the problems, the present invention provides an
electric toothbrush comprising a casing having therein a brush
guide passage extending from one end side of a body space, a
reciprocating motion source mounted in the body space, and a base
mounted in the casing and coupled to the reciprocating motion
source, the base being planted with a brush formed by a bristle
bundle and extending toward a tip of the brush guide passage, the
base being reciprocated toward the brush guide passage so that the
tip of the brush moves in and out of an opening formed at the tip
of the brush guide passage, characterized in that a flexible
diaphragm which is displaced together with the reciprocative base
is provided between the body space and the brush guide passage, and
that an air introduction hole provided with a valve which opens
only to the inside is formed in a midpoint of the brush guide
passage, whereby when the diaphragm is displaced toward the body
space with the reciprocating motion of the base, air is introduced
into the brush guide passage, which is now under negative pressure,
and when the diaphragm is displaced toward the brush guide passage,
air introduced into the brush guide passage is compressed, and the
compressed air is injected from the opening formed at the tip of
the brush guide passage.
[0009] That is, the flexible diaphragm which is displaced together
with the reciprocative base is provided between the body space and
the brush guide passage. An air introduction hole provided with a
valve which opens only to the inside is formed in a midpoint of the
brush guide passage. When the diaphragm is displaced toward the
body space with the reciprocating motion of the base, air is
introduced into the brush guide passage, which is now under
negative pressure, through the air introduction hole. When the
diaphragm is displaced toward the brush guide passage, the air
introduced into the brush guide passage is compressed, and the
compressed air is injected through the opening formed at the tip of
the brush guide passage. With this arrangement, air can be injected
into the mouth without providing a separate pump. The body can be
designed lightly and compactly. Even when the electric toothbrush
is used in a place where there is no drainage system, there is no
inconvenience. The brushing effect and the massage effect can be
increased.
[0010] The electric toothbrush may further comprise a cleaning
fluid tank mounted in the casing and storing a cleaning fluid, and
means for discharging the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid tank
into the brush guide passage. With this arrangement, the cleaning
fluid discharged into the brush guide passage is injected together
with air from the opening formed at the tip of the brush guide
passage, thereby enabling the brushing effect and the massage
effect to be further increased.
[0011] By discharging the cleaning fluid into a portion of the
brush guide passage near its tip, the force of injecting the
cleaning fluid from the opening formed at the tip of the brush
guide passage can be enhanced.
[0012] The means for discharging the cleaning fluid in the cleaning
fluid tank may be configured to discharge the cleaning fluid in the
cleaning fluid tank by introducing air in the brush guide passage,
which is compressed when the diaphragm is displaced toward the
brush guide passage, into the cleaning fluid tank. With this
arrangement, the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid tank can be
ejected without providing a separate pump.
[0013] In another arrangement, the body space is hermetically
closed, an air introduction hole provided with a valve which opens
only to the inside is formed in a wall forming the body space, and
the means for discharging the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid
tank discharges the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid tank by
introducing air from the air introduction hole to the body space,
which is under negative pressure, when the diaphragm is displaced
toward the brush guide passage, and by compressing air introduced
into the body space and introducing the compressed air into the
cleaning fluid tank when the diaphragm is displaced toward the body
space. cleaning fluid tank. With the arrangement too, the cleaning
fluid in the cleaning fluid tank can be ejected without providing a
separate pump.
[0014] The invention also provides an electric toothbrush
comprising a brush formed by a bristle bundle and reciprocated by a
predetermined stroke along a brush guide passage having a bent
portion so that the tip of the brush moves in and out of an opening
formed at the tip of the brush guide passage, characterized in that
a straight portion or a reverse bent portion which is bent in the
direction opposite to the bent portion is provided on the tip side
of the bent portion in the brush guide passage.
[0015] Specifically, by forming a straight portion or a reverse
bent portion which is bent in the direction opposite to the bent
portion on the tip side of the bent portion in the brush guide
passage, curling of the tip of the brush formed in the bent portion
is corrected by the straight portion or the reverse bent portion
formed at the tip of the bent portion, so that the tip of the brush
does not remain curled.
[0016] By setting the straight portion or the inverse bent portion
in the brush guide passage to a length equal to or larger than the
stroke of the brush, a sufficient curl correcting effect can be
obtained.
[0017] By forming a cleaning hole for cleaning the brush in the
passage in a midpoint of the brush guide passage, the base portion
of the brush in the brush guide passage can be easily washed by
injecting tap water or the like from the cleaning hole.
Effects of the Invention
[0018] In the electric toothbrush of the invention, a flexible
diaphragm which is displaced together with the reciprocative base
is provided between the body space and the brush guide passage. An
air introduction hole provided with a valve which opens only to the
inside is formed in a midpoint of the brush guide passage. When the
diaphragm is displaced toward the body space side the reciprocating
motion of the base, air is introduced into the brush guide passage,
which is now under negative pressure, through the air introduction
hole. When the diaphragm is displaced toward the brush guide
passage, the air introduced into the brush guide passage is
compressed, and the compressed air is injected through the opening
formed at the tip of the brush guide passage. With this
arrangement, air can be injected into the mouth without providing a
separate pump. The body can be designed lightly and compactly. Even
when the electric toothbrush is used in a place where there is no
drainage system, there is no inconvenience. The brushing effect and
the massage effect can be increased.
[0019] By mounting a cleaning fluid tank storing a cleaning fluid
in the body space, and providing means for discharging the cleaning
fluid in the cleaning fluid tank into the brush guide passage is
provided, the cleaning fluid discharged into the brush guide
passage is injected together with air through the opening formed at
the tip of the brush guide passage, thereby enabling the brushing
effect and the massage effect to be further increased.
[0020] By discharging the cleaning fluid into a portion of the
brush guide passage near its tip, the force of injecting the
cleaning fluid from the opening formed at the tip of the brush
guide passage can be enhanced.
[0021] The means for discharging the cleaning fluid in the cleaning
fluid tank may be configured to discharge the cleaning fluid in the
cleaning fluid tank by introducing air in the brush guide passage,
which is compressed when the diaphragm is displaced toward the
brush guide passage, into the cleaning fluid tank. With this
arrangement, the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid tank can be
ejected without providing a separate pump.
[0022] In another arrangement, the body space is hermetically
closed, an air introduction hole provided with a valve which opens
only to the inside is formed in a wall forming the body space, and
the means for discharging the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid
tank discharges the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid tank by
introducing air from the air introduction hole to the body space,
which is under negative pressure, when the diaphragm is displaced
toward the brush guide passage, and by compressing air introduced
into the body space and introducing the compressed air into the
cleaning fluid tank when the diaphragm is displaced toward the body
space. cleaning fluid tank. With the arrangement too, the cleaning
fluid in the cleaning fluid tank can be ejected without providing a
separate pump.
[0023] The present invention also provides an electric toothbrush
including a brush formed by a bristle bundle and reciprocated by a
predetermined stroke along a brush guide passage having a bent
portion so that the tip of the brush moves in and out of an opening
formed at the tip of the brush guide passage, wherein a straight
portion or a reverse bent portion which is bent in the direction
opposite to the bent portion is provided on the tip side of the
bent portion in the brush guide passage. Consequently, curling of
the tip of the brush formed in the bent portion is corrected by the
straight portion or the reverse bent portion formed at the tip of
the bent portion, so that the tip of the brush does not remain
curled. Thus, the brushing effect and the massage effect can be
maintained for a long period.
[0024] By setting the straight portion or the inverse bent portion
in the brush guide passage to a length equal to or larger than the
stroke of the brush, a sufficient curl correcting effect can be
obtained.
[0025] By forming a cleaning hole for cleaning the brush in the
passage in some midpoint in the brush guide passage, the base
portion of the brush in the brush guide passage can be easily
washed by injecting service water or the like from the cleaning
hole.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a partly omitted longitudinal section of an
electric toothbrush of a first embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a partly omitted longitudinal section showing a
state where a base of FIG. 1 is in a forward position.
[0028] FIG. 3 is an enlarged longitudinal section of a cleaning
fluid tank in FIG. 1 and its mounting portion.
[0029] FIG. 4A is a longitudinal section of a cylindrical member of
FIG. 1, and FIG. 4B is a longitudinal section of a modification of
the cylindrical member of FIG. 4A.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a partly omitted longitudinal section of an
electric toothbrush of a second embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a partly omitted longitudinal section showing a
state where a base of FIG. 5 is in a forward position.
[0032] FIG. 7 is an enlarged longitudinal section of a cleaning
fluid tank of FIG. 5 and its mounting portion.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0033] 1 Casing
[0034] 2 Body space
[0035] 3 Motor
[0036] 4 Crankshaft
[0037] 5 Cleaning fluid tank
[0038] 6 Brush guide passage
[0039] 6a Opening
[0040] 6b Bent portion
[0041] 6c Straight portion
[0042] 6d Reverse bent portion
[0043] 7 Cleaning fluid passage
[0044] 8 Cylindrical member
[0045] 9 Brush
[0046] 10 Base
[0047] 11 Arm member
[0048] 12 Coupling member
[0049] 13 Diaphragm
[0050] 14 Valve
[0051] 15 Air introduction hole
[0052] 16 Mounting wall
[0053] 17 Inner bag
[0054] 18 Fluid hole
[0055] 19 Air hole
[0056] 20 Valve
[0057] 21 Air introduction hole
[0058] 22 Fluid filing pipe
[0059] 23 Air hole
[0060] 24 Cleaning hole
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0061] Embodiments of the present invention will be described
hereinbelow with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 to FIGS. 4A and
4B show the first embodiment. In the electric toothbrush of the
first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a motor 3 as a reciprocating
motion source, a crankshaft 4 provided for the output shaft of the
motor, and a cleaning fluid tank 5 storing cleaning fluid are
disposed in a body space 2 of a casing 1. A cylindrical member 8 is
attached to the casing 1. The cylindrical member 8 includes a brush
guide passage 6 extending from one end of the body space 2 and
having an opening 6a at its tip and a cleaning fluid passage 7 that
extends along the brush guide passage 6 and opens to the brush
guide passage 6 near its tip. In the brush guide passage 6, a base
10 in which a brush 9 formed by a bristle bundle directed to the
tip side of the brush guide passage 6 is implanted is coupled via a
coupling member 12 to an arm member 11 attached to the crankshaft
4. Therefore, by rotating the motor 3, the base 10 reciprocates in
a predetermined stroke in the direction of the brush guide passage
6, and the tip of the brush 9 moves in and out of the opening
6a.
[0062] To the coupling member 12, a flexible diaphragm 13
separating between the body space 2 and the brush guide passage 6
is attached. An air introduction hole 15 attached with a
tongue-shaped valve 14 which opens only to the inside is formed in
a midpoint of the brush guide passage 6. The outer periphery of the
diaphragm 13 is attached to the inner wall of the casing 1 and a
mounting wall 16 of the cleaning fluid tank 5 extending radially
inwardly into the body space 2.
[0063] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, when the reciprocating base
10 moves backward, the diaphragm 13 is displaced toward the body
space 2, and air is introduced from the air introduction hole 15
into the brush guide passage 6 because the brush guide passage 6 is
now under negative pressure. As shown in FIG. 2, when the base 10
moves forward, the diaphragm 13 is displaced toward the brush guide
passage 6, the air introduced into the brush guide passage 6 is
compressed, and the compressed air is ejected through the opening
6a.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 3, a flexible inner bag 17 is housed in the
cleaning fluid tank 5 and is filled with cleaning fluid. The mouth
of the inner bag 17 is connected to the cleaning fluid passage 7 of
the cylindrical member 8 via a fluid hole 18 formed in the mounting
wall 16. In the mounting wall 16, an air hole 19 for passing air to
the side of the diaphragm 13 facing the brush guide passage 6 is
formed. The air hole 19 communicates with the interior of the
cleaning fluid tank 5 outside the inner bag 17.
[0065] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, when the diaphragm 13 is
displaced toward the brush guide passage 6 and air introduced into
the brush guide passage 6 is compressed, compressed air is
introduced into the cleaning fluid tank 5 via the air hole 19, and
the cleaning fluid in the inner bag 17 passes through the fluid
hole 18 and the cleaning fluid passage 7 and is discharged into a
portion of the brush guide passage 6 near its tip. The discharged
cleaning fluid is ejected together with compressed air through the
opening 6a.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 4A, the brush guide passage 6 of the
cylindrical member 8 has a bent portion 6b and, at its tip side, a
straight portion 6c. The length of the straight portion 6c is
substantially equal to the stroke of the brush 9. In midpoints of
the brush guide passage 6, two ellipsoidal cleaning holes 24 are
formed through which e.g. tap water is injected to clean the brush
9.
[0067] FIG. 4B shows a modified brush guide passage 6 of the
cylindrical member 8. The modified brush guide passage 6 has a
reverse bent portion 6d which is bent in the direction opposite to
a bent portion 6b similar to that of the embodiment at the tip side
of a bent portion 6b. The length of the reverse bent portion 6d is
substantially equal to the stroke of the brush 9.
[0068] FIGS. 5 to 7 show the second embodiment. The basic
configuration of an electric toothbrush of the second embodiment is
the same as that of the first embodiment, but the following points
are different. As shown in FIG. 5, in place of the air hole 19 in
the mounting wall 16, an air introduction hole 21 attached with a
tongue-shaped valve 20 which opens only to the inside is formed in
the wall of the casing 1 forming the body space 2. Although not
shown, the rear end side of the body space 2 is hermetically
closed. As shown in FIG. 7, the cleaning fluid tank 5 is provided
with a fluid supply pipe 22 whose tip opens near the bottom of the
fluid and which is continued to the fluid hole 18 in the mounting
wall 16. The interior of the cleaning fluid tank 5 communicates
with the body space 2 via an air hole 23. Otherwise, this
embodiment is the same as the first embodiment.
[0069] Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, when the
base 10 moves forward and the diaphragm 13 is displaced toward the
brush guide passage 6, air is introduced from the air introduction
hole 21 into the body space 2, which is now under negative
pressure. As shown in FIG. 5, when the base 10 moves backward and
the diaphragm 13 is displaced toward the body space 2, the
introduced air is compressed, and the compressed air is introduced
into the cleaning fluid tank 5 via the air hole 23. The interior of
the cleaning fluid tank 5 is thus pressurized, and cleaning fluid
therein is discharged via the fluid hole 18 and the cleaning fluid
passage 7 into a portion of the brush guide passage 6 near its tip.
The discharged cleaning fluid is ejected from the opening 6a
together with the compressed air in a manner similar to the first
embodiment.
[0070] Although in the embodiments, a motor provided with a
crankshaft on its output shaft is used as the reciprocating motion
source of the base, the reciprocating motion source is not limited
to that in the embodiments. An arbitrary drive source for giving
the reciprocating motion to the base can be employed.
[0071] Although the casing in which the body space is formed and
the cylindrical member having the brush guide passage are separate
members in the embodiments, the cylindrical member may be
integrally formed with the casing. The shapes of the casing and the
cylindrical member are not limited to those of the embodiments.
* * * * *