JP2007151704A - Toothbrush - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a toothbrush excellent in a plaque elimination effect and cleaning property in interdentium or between a tooth and gum etc., maneuverability in the oral cavity, and design property etc. <P>SOLUTION: In the toothbrush 1, two or more bristle bundles 4 to 7 composed of plastic brush bristles are fixed to a bristle stand 3 of a plastic brush main body 10, to form a bristle part 9. At each of both of the side edges of the bristle stand 3, the bristle bundles 6 having the same triangle cross section tapered from the side edges toward the shaft center of the toothbrush 1 are arranged adjacently in the direction of the shaft center of the toothbrush 1 so that distances between their centers become nearly equal to the length in the width direction of one tooth. Between the bristle bundles 6, 6 each having the triangle cross section, the bristle bundles 7 each having a slender cross section whose cross section is longer in the direction of the shaft center of the toothbrush 1 are arranged outside in the width direction of the bristle stand from the bristle bundles 6 each having the triangle cross section. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a toothbrush excellent in plaque removal effect and cleanability, and more specifically, it is deposited between teeth (interdental part), particularly interdental papilla, gingival margin, periodontal pocket, etc. The present invention relates to a toothbrush that is excellent in removing plaque plaque.

  Conventionally, various toothbrushes that devise the tip shape of brush bristles made of synthetic resin filaments are known as toothbrushes that improve plaque removal effect and cleanability of narrow parts such as interdental parts and periodontal pockets. . For example, a taper shape in which the brush diameter at each portion of a predetermined length from the tip of the tapered portion of the synthetic monofilament focused and implanted in the flocking hole of the toothbrush has a predetermined ratio with respect to the brush diameter of the base (see Patent Document 1) .), One end of a filament of a hair bundle that is bent and planted in a U-shape in the bristles of the brush head, and the other end is a tapered shape. Toothbrushes (see Patent Document 2) planted in a more protruding manner, toothbrushes (see Patent Document 3) in which long taper bristle and short taper bristle are implanted in tufts and mixed with each other on the flocking table, etc. Various toothbrushes have been proposed in which the tip of the bristles is tapered and the insertion property into narrow portions such as interdental parts and periodontal pockets is improved. Further, the tip of a composite synthetic resin filament having a cross-sectional shape in which islands made of polyamide resin are scattered in a sea part made of polyester resin is immersed in an acid or alkali solution to dissolve the sea part. A toothbrush (see Patent Document 4) in which a sea-island composite fiber having a core hair formed in a predetermined length by exposing only the island portion is planted on the flocking base, and the base cross-sectional shape on the flocking base surface is circular, elliptical, triangular A brush composed of a plurality of unit cross-section elements having a predetermined shape such as a shape or a hexagonal shape is dipped in a chemical solution such as acid or alkali, the brush tip is branched into a plurality, and each branched hair is sharp A toothbrush in which a tapered brush is implanted (see Patent Document 5), a plurality of sharp tapered branched hairs are formed at the tip, and other branched hairs have different lengths with respect to a specific branched hair. Brush toothbrush formed by flocking (see Patent Document 6.) Was such, various toothbrushes have also been proposed in which branches the tip of the filament.

Various types of toothbrushes have also been proposed in which the cross-sectional shape of the hair bundle fixed to the toothbrush flocking table is devised. For example, a toothbrush (for example, refer to Patent Document 7) in which brush bristles are implanted in a substantially triangular flock hole, and a tip surface of a hair bundle (tuft) having an angular cross-sectional shape such as a triangle or a fan shape is inclined. A toothbrush (for example, refer to Patent Document 8) cut into a plane, a crescent shape, a triangle, or the like, and a hair bundle (tuft) having an acute angle portion in the cross-sectional shape, and the acute angle portion outside the peripheral portion of the flocked surface of the flocking table. Toothbrush (see, for example, Patent Document 9) arranged in such a manner that its cross-sectional shape tapers away from the outer edge of the brush bristle surface in the direction toward the longitudinal axis or the direction toward the outer edge of the brush bristle surface. A toothbrush (for example, see Patent Document 10) arranged in a bristle bundle is known.
JP-A-6-141923 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-284412 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-75939 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-322821 JP 2003-144229 A JP 2003-199626 A Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 56-58227 US Pat. No. 1981657 JP 2004-41403 A JP-T-2002-502268

  As described above, toothbrushes that have been devised in various ways for the tip shape of the bristle and the cross-sectional shape of the hair bundle for the purpose of removing plaque accumulated in the interproximal part and periodontal pocket and improving the cleaning effect are conventionally known. . However, when the tip of the bristle is tapered (tapered), the insertion of the bristle into the narrow part such as the interproximal part and periodontal pocket is certainly improved. In some cases, the rigidity is lowered and a satisfactory effect cannot be obtained in terms of plaque removal effect and cleanability on the entire tooth including a relatively flat portion such as a tooth surface. In addition, with regard to the cross-sectional shape of the hair bundle, it is possible to simultaneously satisfy plaque removal and cleanability at each part of the interdental part, particularly the interdental papilla, and the periodontal pocket at the gingival marginal part or the cervical part. No toothbrush has been obtained. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush that is excellent in plaque removal effect such as interdental part and between teeth and gums and cleanability, and further, operability and design in the oral cavity. It is intended to provide an excellent toothbrush for such as.

  In the toothbrush according to the present invention, a plurality of hair bundles made of synthetic resin brush bristles are fixed to a flocking base of a synthetic resin brush body, and a flocked portion is formed. The bristle bundles are arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction of the toothbrush so that the cross-sectional shape is substantially the same and the distance between the centers of the bristle bundles is substantially equal to the length in the width direction of one tooth. It is characterized by.

  The distance between the centers of bristles having the same cross-sectional shape that is arranged adjacent to the axial direction of the toothbrush so that the distance between the centers is equal to the length in the width direction of one tooth is 5 to 12 mm. Preferably there is. Further, the bristles of the same cross-sectional shape that are arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction of the toothbrush so that the distance between the centers is equal to the length in the width direction of one tooth are formed on the side edges of the flocking table. It is preferable that they are arranged.

  Further, the cross-sectional shape of the hair bundle of the same cross-sectional shape arranged adjacent to the axial direction of the toothbrush so that the center-to-center distance is equal to the length in the width direction of one tooth is substantially triangular, And it is preferable that the hair | bristle bundle of this triangular cross section is being fixed to the flocking table with the part which becomes a substantially triangular taper in the same direction. Furthermore, it is preferable that the hair bundle having the triangular cross section has a substantially triangular cross section that tapers from the side edge of the flocking table toward the axis of the toothbrush. It is preferable that the hair bundle having the triangular cross section has a cross-sectional shape inscribed in a circle having a diameter of 1.4 to 4.5 mm.

  Moreover, in the toothbrush of preferable embodiment, the hair | bristle bundle of the elongate cross section whose cross-sectional shape is long in the axial center direction of a toothbrush is arrange | positioned among the several hair bundles of a triangular cross-section located in a line with the axial direction of a toothbrush. In this case, it is more preferable that the elongated cross-section hair bundle is disposed on the outer side in the width direction of the flocking table than the triangular cross-section hair bundle. Moreover, it is preferable that the cross-sectional shape of the hair | bristle bundle of the said elongate cross section is a substantially square shape.

  Brush bristle h that forms a bristle bundle having the same cross-sectional shape that is arranged adjacent to the axial direction of the toothbrush so that the distance between the centers is substantially equal to the length in the width direction of one tooth, taper processing It is preferable that The tapered brush bristles may be branched at the tip. Moreover, it is preferable that the bristles made of brush bristles subjected to normal rounding are fixed on the side closer to the axis of the toothbrush than the position of the bristles made of brush bristles that are tapered.

  Moreover, the toothbrush of this invention may have the unevenness | corrugation in the brush surface comprised by a bristle front end surface. Moreover, the center part of each hair | bristle bundle front end surface comprised by the front-end | tip of a bristle may be formed in convex shape.

  The bristles of the tapered brush bristles may be substantially the same as or longer than the normal bristled bristles.

  In the toothbrush of the present invention, the hair bundle may be thermally fixed to the flocking table. In this case, the same number of brush hairs are taken out when the number of brush hairs in the triangular cross-section hair bundle and / or the number of brush hairs in the elongated cross-section hair bundle is thermally fixed to the flocking table. The cross-sectional area of the bristles of the trigonal cross-section bristles and / or the cross-section area of the bristles of the long-bristle bristles is approximately an integral multiple of the number of the bristles taken out by the apparatus. It is preferable that it is substantially an integral multiple of the cross-sectional area with respect to the brush bristles of the gap from which the bristles are taken out by a device that takes out the same amount of bristles when thermally adhering to the flocking table.

  In the toothbrush according to the present invention, the bristle bundles having substantially the same cross-sectional shape are arranged at predetermined intervals so that the distance between the centers thereof is substantially equal to the length in the width direction of one tooth. Since the hair bundle fits well in the interdental part, particularly the position of the interdental papilla, it is excellent in the cleanability and plaque removal effect of the part. In addition, when the bristles adjacent to each other at the predetermined interval are fixed to the side edge of the flocking table, the scrub that brushes by moving the toothbrush tips at right angles to the teeth and moving them back and forth (in the axial direction of the toothbrush). When brushing teeth by the method or the bath method in which the hair tips are obliquely applied to the boundary between the teeth and gums and moved finely back and forth, the operation of fitting the interdental portion becomes easier. Furthermore, when the hair bundles adjacent to each other at the predetermined interval have a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape and are fixed so that the tapered portions of the substantially triangular shape are oriented in the same direction, the hair bundles having the triangular cross section are further provided. When the cross-sectional shape is a substantially triangular shape that tapers from the side edge of the flocking base toward the axis of the toothbrush, the fitting property to the interdental papilla is excellent.

  Further, a toothbrush in which a long and narrow hair bundle having a transverse cross-sectional shape that is long in the axial direction of the toothbrush is arranged between the triangular hair bundles adjacent to each other in the axial direction of the toothbrush at the predetermined interval is the scrub method or When brushing teeth by the bath method, the hair bundle of the elongated cross section is located at the gingival margin and the periodontal pocket at the boundary between the tooth and the gum on the cervical region, and at the same time the triangular cross hair on both sides thereof Since the bundle is located between the teeth on both sides, it is possible to clean both the gingival margin, periodontal pocket, and the interdental area at the same time. Excellent. Further, when the hair bundle of the elongated cross section is arranged on the outer side of the flock base than the hair bundle of the triangular cross section, the hair bundle of the elongated cross section and the hair bundle of the triangular cross section, It can be reliably applied to the periodontal pocket and the interdental papilla on both sides, and cleaning of these parts and removal of plaque are further facilitated.

  When the cross-sectional shape of the elongated hair bundle is substantially square, it is easy to clean the periodontal pocket and remove plaque when brushing the toothbrush by moving the toothbrush back and forth (axial direction) It becomes.

  Further, the bristles of the bristles having a triangular cross section are tapered, and preferably the bristles of the long cross section are also tapered, the tip of the bristles is narrow in the periodontal pocket and the interdental portion. It penetrates into the space and is excellent in cleanability and plaque removal effect. Further, when the brushed hair that has been tapered is a brush hair that has been subjected to branching at the tip, the insertion into the periodontal pocket and the interdental portion is good, and the cleaning effect and plaque removal effect are high. On the other hand, the bristles of the bristles fixed on the side closer to the axis of the toothbrush in the flocking table have higher bristles rigidity than normal bristled brush bristles, and remove dirt on the tooth surface. The effect is high and the cleanability of the entire tooth is improved.

  Further, when the length of the bristled brush bristles is approximately equal to or longer than that of the normal bristled brush bristles, the brush bristles that have been tapered are further rounded. There is little resistance due to hair, and its tip is easily inserted into the periodontal pocket or interdental part, and the cleaning properties and plaque removal effect of these parts are enhanced.

  In addition, it is preferable that the brush surface formed by the front end surface of the hair bundle is not a flat surface but has irregularities because the tips of the brush hairs easily fit into the irregularities of the dentition. Furthermore, when the central part of the front end surface of the hair bundle composed of the tips of the brush hairs in each hair bundle fixed to the flocking table is formed in a convex shape, the insertability of the hair bundle into the concave portion is better. Therefore, it is preferable.

  In addition, when the bristles are thermally fixed to the flocking table without using a flat wire, the flocking table thickness can be reduced and the toothbrush in the oral cavity has good operability. Easy to fix to the flocking table in a triangular cross section. Furthermore, in general, when a hair bundle is thermally fixed to a flocking table, a hair bundle obtained by converging brush hairs cut in advance to a predetermined length is removed from a device (such as a picker, but limited to a picker). Is set in the receiving hole formed in the mold member (first mold), and the brush molding space (cavity) between the brush molding mold (second mold) is set. In the case of the toothbrush of the present invention, the number of brush bristles and / or the cross-sectional area of the bristles having a substantially triangular cross-section are formed. The number and the cross-sectional area of the bristles in the long cross-section hair bundle are approximately an integral multiple of the number of brush bristles taken out with a picker that takes out the same amount of bristles, or the cross-sectional area of the gap bristles from which the bristles are taken out. When it is an approximately integer multiple, Only such adjustment of extraction times by car in can change the size of the tuft, the manufacturing process is convenient.

  1 to 3 show an embodiment of a toothbrush according to the present invention, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flocking table portion, FIG. 2A is a front view of the toothbrush, and FIG. FIG. 3A is a front view of the flocking table, FIG. 3B is a plan view, and FIG. 3C is a side view. In the toothbrush 1, a plurality of hair bundles 4, 5, 6, 7 made of brush hairs are fixed to a flocking table 3 at one end of the brush body 10 to form a flocked portion 9.

  The brush body 10 is integrally formed by injection molding of a thermoplastic resin, and a flocking table 3 in which the hair bundles 4 to 7 are implanted, a handle portion 11 for holding the toothbrush 1, a flocking table 3 and a handle. It consists of an elongated neck 2 that connects the two parts. The type of the thermoplastic resin as the material of the brush body 10 is not particularly limited, but a polybutylene terephthalate resin, a polypropylene terephthalate resin, a polyethylene terephthalate resin, a polyethylene naphthalate resin, a polyester resin such as a PCTA resin or a PCTG resin, a polyacetal resin (homo Polymer, copolymer), polycarbonate resin, aliphatic polyamide resin, aromatic polyamide resin, and a resin mainly composed of a resin selected from polyolefin resins such as polypropylene and polyethylene. Preferably, a resin mainly composed of a resin selected from polyester resins such as polybutylene terephthalate resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, PCTA resin, and PCTG resin and polyacetal resin is used. The PCTA resin is a copolymer of an ester compound of cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) and terephthalic acid (TPA) and an ester compound of CHDM and isophthalic acid (IPA), and the PCTG is composed of ethylene glycol and CHDM. It is a copolymer of an ester compound and an ester compound of CHDM and TPA, both of which are saturated polyester resins. Here, the main component means that the resin is contained in a blended or alloyed mixture with another resin in a proportion of 50% by weight or more, or is used together with another resin. The polymer contains a repeating unit of polymer of the resin in a proportion of 50% by weight or more. Other thermoplastic resins that can be used by mixing or copolymerizing with the thermoplastic resin as the main component as described above include ABS resins, polystyrene resins, EPDM in addition to the resins that can be used as the main components mentioned above. , Acrylic resin, polyurethane resin, polyarylate, thermoplastic elastomer, silicone resin, fluororesin and the like.

  The bristles 4 to 7 fixed to the flock base 3 of the toothbrush 1 focus the synthetic resin brush bristles and plant the hair by heat fusion, a fuse-in method or an in-mold method without using a flat wire. A so-called flat wire toothbrush formed by being thermally fixed to the table 3 is preferable. A method of fixing the hair bundle without using a flat wire on the flocking table 3 may be a conventionally known method. Examples of the fuse-in method include JP-A-60-241404, JP-A-61-76104, and Examples of the method and in-mold method described in Kaihei 2-99002 include, for example, JP-A-61-268208, JP-T-2-503150, JP-A-9-182632, JP-A-9-18232. Examples thereof include the methods described in JP-A-5512724 and JP-A-2003-102552. By these methods, the hair bundles 4 to 7 are thermally fixed to the flocking table 3 without using a flat wire, so that the burial depth of the hair bundle in the flocking table 3 is reduced and the flocking table 3 The thickness t can be made extremely thin, for example, 4 mm or less, and further 3.5 mm or less, and a toothbrush excellent in operability in the oral cavity and preferable in terms of design can be manufactured.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, on the flocked surface a of the flocking table 3, a large number of hair bundles 4 to 7 are arranged in a plurality of rows extending in the direction of the axis X of the toothbrush 1. In the middle row of hair bundles, a total of five hair bundles of a large hair bundle 4 located at the most distal end side of the flocking table 3 and four smaller hair bundles 5 are arranged along the axis X. These hair bundles 4 and 5 are formed in a substantially square shape whose cross-sectional shape is long in the axis X direction. The right and left side edges of the center row of hair bundles are orthogonal to the axial X direction with respect to the first, third, and fifth hair bundles 4, 5, and 5 from the tip side in the center row of hair bundles. Three hair bundles 5 having the same size and cross-sectional shape as the four hair bundles 5 in the central row are arranged at predetermined intervals at positions adjacent to each other in the direction. Each of these bristles 4 and 5 is composed of brush bristles whose tips are subjected to normal rounded processing. Further, the brush surfaces 4 a and 5 a configured by the brush bristles of the bristle bundles 4 and 5 are formed in a mountain shape including two inclined surfaces which are inclined forward and backward from the central portion of the toothbrush 1 in the axis X direction.

  Further, between the three hair bundles 5 of the left and right hair bundle rows, the cross-sectional shape is from the side edge of the flocking table 3 toward the axis X of the toothbrush, that is, from the side edge of the flocking table 3 to the inside. Two hair bundles 6 having a substantially triangular cross-section tapering toward the end are fixed. Further, the side cross-sectional shape of the toothbrush 1 on the side of the toothbrush 1 in the axial center X direction of the flocking table 3 is sandwiched between the two bristle bundles 6 and 6 having a triangular cross section so that the cross-sectional shape is the axial core X. A rectangular hair bundle 7 that is long in the direction is fixed. The triangular cross-section hair bundle 6 and the quadrangular cross-section hair bundle 7 fixed to the side edge between them (in FIG. 3, black-coated hair bundle) are all other hair bundles 4 and 5 (in FIG. 3, Unlike the white hair bundle), brush surfaces 6a and 7a, which are made of tapered brush hairs and constituted by the tips of the brush hairs, are formed in a plane parallel to the flocked surface a.

  In the hair bundle 6 having a triangular cross section, the distance between the centers of two hair bundles 6 adjacent to each other in the axial direction X of the toothbrush 1 (d shown in FIG. 3B) is the length in the width direction of one tooth. (W shown in FIG. 5) is arranged so as to be substantially equal. The center distance d of the bristle bundle 6 having a triangular cross section varies depending on the specification of the toothbrush, for example, for adults and children, but is, for example, 5 to 12 mm, and is about 6 to 10 mm for a normal toothbrush, preferably 7 ~ 9.5 mm. The cross-sectional shape of the hair bundle 6 having a triangular cross section is not particularly limited, but an equilateral triangle or an isosceles triangle is preferable because it easily fits to any interdental papilla such as an anterior tooth or a back tooth. Furthermore, the size of the hair bundle 6 having a triangular cross section preferably has a cross-sectional shape inscribed in a circle having a diameter of 1.4 to 4.5 mm, preferably 2.0 to 4.0 mm. By arranging the bunch 6 of triangular cross section having the above-mentioned center distance d and the above size adjacent to the axial direction X of the toothbrush, the interdental part, particularly the interdental papilla The hair bundle 6 having a triangular cross section fits well.

  Next, what is shown to Fig.4 (a) is a top view which shows other embodiment of the toothbrush which concerns on this invention. In the toothbrush 1A of this embodiment, the side edge portion of the flocking table 3 is made of brushed hair, and the cross-sectional shape is from the side edge portion of the flocking table 3 toward the axis X of the toothbrush, that is, Between the three bristle bundles 6 that are fixed in a triangular cross section that tapers inwardly from the side edge of the flocking table 3, it is composed of brush hairs that are also tapered, and the cross-sectional shape is in the direction of the axis X Two long hair bundles 7 having a rectangular shape are fixed to form a hair transplant portion 9.

  What is shown in FIG.4 (b) is a top view which shows other embodiment of the toothbrush which concerns on this invention. In the toothbrush 1B of this embodiment, the both side edges of the flocking table 3 are made of tapered brush hairs, and the cross-sectional shape is tapered from the side edge of the flocking table 3 toward the axis X of the toothbrush. The three bristle bundles 6 having a triangular cross section are arranged in the direction of the axis X of the toothbrush, and the inside thereof is made of brush hair that has been subjected to normal rounded processing, and the cross-sectional shape is planted from the axis X of the toothbrush Three hair bundles 8 having a substantially triangular cross-section that taper toward the side edge of the base are fixed in two rows to form a hair transplant portion 9.

  In the toothbrushes 1 </ b> A and 1 </ b> B of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the hair bundle 6 having a triangular cross section is the distance between the centers of the two hair bundles 6 adjacent to each other in the axial direction X of the toothbrush 1. d is, for example, 5 to 12 mm so as to be substantially equal to the length in the width direction of one tooth (w shown in FIG. 5), about 6 to 10 mm in a normal toothbrush, and further 7 to 9. The cross-sectional shape is preferably 1.4 to 4.5 mm, preferably in a size inscribed in a circle having a diameter of 2.0 to 4.0 mm. .

  In the toothbrushes 1, 1 </ b> A, 1 </ b> B according to the embodiment of the present invention as described above, the bristles 6 made of tapered brush hairs are fixed to the flocking table 3 so as to have a substantially triangular cross section, and the toothbrush The hair bundles having a plurality of triangular cross-sections adjacent to each other in the direction of the axis X are arranged so that the distance d between the centers of the hair bundles is substantially equal to the length w in the width direction of one tooth. Therefore, the interdental part, particularly the interdental papilla is excellent in cleanability and plaque removal effect. Moreover, since the hair bundle 6 having a triangular cross section is fixed to the side edge of the flocking table, a scrub method in which the tip of the toothbrush is applied at right angles to the tooth and moved back and forth finely, or the tip of the tooth and gingiva is polished. When brushing teeth by the bath method, which is slanted at the boundary and finely moved back and forth, the hair bundle 6 having a triangular cross section fits well between the interdental part, particularly the interdental papilla, Excellent dental plaque removal. Furthermore, in the toothbrushes 1 and 1A of the above-described embodiment, the bristles 7 having a long and narrow cross section are arranged between the bristles 6 having the triangular cross section in the axial direction of the toothbrush. As shown in FIG. 5, the hair bundle 7 having an elongated cross section is located at the gingival margin S portion of the boundary between the tooth T and the gum G, and at the same time, the hair bundle 6 having a triangular section is a tooth between the teeth T on both sides. Since it fits well in the interspace B, especially the interdental papilla N, the gingival marginal part S and the interdental part B (interdental papilla N) can be cleaned simultaneously. In addition, since the brush bristles of the hair bundle 6 having a triangular cross section and the hair bundle 7 having an elongated cross section are tapered, the tip of the bristles enters into the narrow space of the periodontal pocket and the interdental portion B, and the corresponding portion is cleaned to remove plaque. Remove. Further, since the hair bundle 7 having a narrow cross section is arranged on the outer edge side of the flocking table rather than the hair bundle 6 having a triangular cross section, the hair bundle 7 having a thin cross section and the hair bundle 6 having a triangular cross section are connected to the gingival margin. It can be reliably applied to the part S and the interdental papilla N on both sides, and cleaning of these parts and removal of plaque are further facilitated.

  The material of the bristle used in the present invention is a polyamide resin such as nylon or aramid, or a polyester resin such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polypropylene terephthalate (polytrimethylene terephthalate, PPT or PTT) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Known synthetic resins can be used as brush bristles for toothbrushes, such as polyolefin resins such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). Further, the tip shape of the tapered brush hair is not particularly limited, and a known tapered brush hair can be used, and the shape and length of the tapered portion are not particularly limited. In consideration of cleaning properties, the length of the tapered portion is preferably ½ or less of the bristle length (the length from the flocked surface a to the tip of the bristle). In addition to the taper-processed brush bristles, various types can be used in addition to the normal taper-processed one.

  For example, Fig.6 (a) has shown the front-end | tip part of the filament F made from a synthetic resin which shows one Embodiment of the bristle used for the toothbrush which concerns on this invention. The filament F is a tapered hair whose hair tip side is branched into a plurality, and the branched hair tip (branched hair 21) is formed in a tapered shape in advance. For example, as shown in FIGS. 6B to 6H, the filament F having the branched hairs 21 at the tip is connected to a plurality of unit cross-sectional elements 22 having various shapes such as a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a triangular shape, and a hexagonal shape. Having a cross-sectional shape. In addition, a single or a plurality of leaf portions having a cross-sectional area different from that of the leaf portion are arranged around a specific leaf portion via a joint portion having a thinner cross section than the minimum cross-sectional dimension of the leaf portion having the smallest cross-sectional area. A multileaf type cross section may be sufficient. In this case, the number of leaf portions is practically 2 to 5, but the number of leaf portions is not limited and is determined according to the purpose of use. By immersing the synthetic resin filament F having the above-described cross-sectional shape in a chemical solution such as caustic soda (NaOH), acid, or organic solvent, and pulling it up, as shown in FIG. Hair 21 is formed. At this time, the shape and length of the branched hairs 21 can be arbitrarily adjusted by the concentration of the chemical solution, the immersion time, the pulling rate from the chemical solution, and the like. As the material of the synthetic resin filament F, any of the various known synthetic resins described above can be used.

In the synthetic resin filament F on which the tapered branched hairs 21 are formed, the length from the branch point to the tip is ½ or less, preferably １ ／ or less of the brush height (ie, hair length) in the flocked state. To do. Moreover, although the cross-sectional area of the base end side from the branch point, that is, the portion not subjected to the dissolution treatment (brush bristle base) varies depending on the cross-sectional shape and the like, it is 0.001 to 0.5 mm ^2, and usually 0.01 to 0 .2mm ^2, more preferably from best to the 0.01 to 0.1 mm ^2. If the cross-sectional area of the brush bristle base is less than 0.001 mm ² , the bristle is weak and lacks the rigidity necessary for brushing. If it exceeds 0.5 mm ² , the bristle is thick and the insertability into details is poor. Therefore, the lower limit and the upper limit are determined as appropriate in consideration of related elements such as the cross-sectional shape and material. Moreover, in the brush hair which has two types of branched hair from which length differs, it is preferable that the length of a short branched hair is the range of 1/10-9/10 of the length of a long branched hair. When the length of the short branched hair is shorter than 1/10 of the length of the long branched hair, the brushing effect by the short branched hair is poor, and when it is longer than 9/10, the length of the branched hair is different. The effect made can not be fully demonstrated.

  7 (a) and 7 (b) show another embodiment of a tapered synthetic resin filament F having a branched tip. The synthetic resin filament F has a plurality of core hairs 24 projecting from the tip of the sheath 23, and in the illustrated example, three core hairs 24 are formed. The filament F in which the plurality of core hairs 24 protrude from the tip of the sheath 23 and branch the tip is made of, for example, a material mainly composed of polyamide resin such as nylon or aramid in the island, and the polybutylene in the sea. A composite synthetic resin monofilament F (hereinafter referred to as a composite monofilament) composed of a material mainly composed of a polyester resin such as terephthalate, for example, as shown in FIGS. 7 is immersed in caustic soda (NaOH), and the sea part 25 is dissolved and removed from the tip, and the island part 26 is exposed. As shown in (b), the bristle 2 having a plurality of core hairs 24 protruding from the tip of the sheath 23 constituting the outer surface of the bristle 2 is manufactured. It is. In this case, the taper shape at the tip of the sheath 23 and the exposed length of the core hair 24 can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the concentration of sodium hydroxide, the immersion time, the pulling speed from the sodium hydroxide, and the like. Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, a synthetic resin filament F having a cross-sectional shape in which a plurality of unit cross-sectional elements 22 are connected and each unit cross-sectional element 22 has a cross-sectional shape of a core-sheath structure or a sea-island structure. As shown in FIG. 8 (a), the core hair 24 protrudes from each tip of the plurality of tapered branched hairs 21 by immersing the wire in a chemical solution such as caustic soda (NaOH), acid, or organic solvent. Filament F (brush hair) can also be used.

  The size of the filament F that becomes a bristle having a plurality of core hairs 24 protruding from the distal end of the sheath portion 23 is 0.150 to 0.300 mm in diameter on the base end side (core-sheath composite portion). It is preferable that the diameter of 24 is 0.03 to 0.07 mm, the exposed length of the core hair is 0.2 to 4.0 mm, and further, the exposed length of the core hair is 0.5 to 4.0 mm. Moreover, it is preferable that the length (the length of the bristle exposed from the flocked surface 3a, ie, hair length) from a flocking base part to a front-end | tip is 7-11 mm. Furthermore, assuming that the diameter of the base end portion is 100%, the diameter at the position 1 mm closer to the composite portion side from this base point is 70 ± 15%, 3 mm with the boundary between the exposed core hair 24 and the composite portion as a base point. It is preferable that the end portion of the composite portion is subjected to a taper process of 89 ± 8% at 5 mm and 93 ± 7% at 5 mm. When the diameter of the composite part is 0.150 to 0.300 mm, the diameter of the core hair 24 is 0.03 to 0.07 mm, and the exposed length of the core hair 24 is 0.2 to 4.0 mm, Insertability, reachability to the depths in the oral cavity, and removal of plaque by the reached core hair 24 are more preferable, and when the exposed length of the core hair 24 is set to 0.5 to 4.0 mm, The insertability into the details, the reachability to the inner depth of the oral cavity, and the plaque removal action by the reached core hair 24 become even more preferable. In addition, if the length from the planted base to the tip of the planted sea-island composite fiber is in the range of 7 to 11 mm, sufficient hair and waist for obtaining a cleaning effect can be obtained and to a narrow part such as an interdental part. Is easy to operate.

  Furthermore, what is shown to Fig.9 (a) is the filament F made from a synthetic resin which shows other embodiment of the taper-processed brush hair used for this invention. This synthetic resin filament F has a core-sheath structure or a sea-island structure cross-sectional shape, and is preferably formed in a taper shape in which a sheath part or sea part made of a material mainly composed of a polyester resin becomes narrower toward the hair tip. A single core hair 24 made of a material mainly composed of polyamide resin is exposed at the hair tip. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9B, the core on the distal end side of the composite monofilament F having a core-sheath structure in which a sheath part (sea part) 25 is arranged around one core part (island part) 26. The part 26 is exposed, and the core hair 24 protrudes from the tip as shown in FIG. In the case of the composite monofilament F having the core-sheath structure, the cross-sectional area of the composite monofilament F including the core portion 26 and the sheath portion 25 is 15 to 80%, more preferably 40%. ˜80%. Thus, while maintaining an appropriate bristles on the proximal end side of the brush hair, the core hair 24 having a cross-sectional area of 15 to 80% exposed on the distal end side exhibits excellent detailed cleanability without damaging the gums, It is possible to prevent the tip of the hair from being bent or uneven during the thermal fixing operation to the table 3.

  The method for exposing the core portion is the same as that for exposing the plurality of core portions shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, but when exposing the single core portion 26, a mechanical method other than the chemical method is used. A means for removing the sheath portion 25 by a general method can also be employed. In the case of the chemical removal method, for example, the front end side of the composite monofilament F in which a polyamide resin is used for the core portion 26 and a polyester resin such as PBT is used for the sheath portion 25 is an alkaline material such as caustic soda (NaOH). The filament F (brush hair) in which the core portion 26 is exposed by being immersed in a chemical solution or the like and the core hair 24 protrudes to the tip can be formed.

  A tapered portion 27 that is continuous with the core hair 24 is inevitably formed at the distal end side end of the sheath portion 23 (sea portion 25) to be dissolved as described above. It can be adjusted easily by controlling. By forming the tapered portion 27, the insertability and reachability into the oral cavity details are further improved.

  The cross-sectional shape of the composite monofilament F and its core portion 26 shown in FIG. 9B is substantially circular, and the outer diameter b2 of the composite monofilament F is set to 0.16 mm to 0.25 mm. The diameter b1 is set to 40 to 90%, more preferably 60 to 80% of the outer diameter of the composite monofilament F. The hair length from the planted base to the tip of the planted brush hair is preferably in the range of 6 to 12 mm. If it is too long, not only the operability in the mouth is bad, but also the hair and hips are too soft and a sufficient cleaning effect cannot be obtained. On the other hand, if the length is too short, there is little deflection of the hair during brushing, and the feeling of use becomes worse, and the insertability between the teeth becomes worse. Further, the exposed length of the core hair 24 is set to 5 to 50%, more preferably 10 to 50% of the bristle length, and specifically to a suitable range of 0.5 to 4.0 mm. If the exposed length of the core hair 24 is less than 5% of the bristle length, it is insufficient for reaching the back part of the interdental part, the periodontal pocket of the tooth neck part, the pit and fissure. Further, the longer the core hair 24 from which the core portion 26 is exposed, the higher the cleaning effect on the deep portion, but on the other hand, the durability decreases. The length of the core hair 24 that can maintain practical durability is 50% or less of the hair length, specifically about 4.0 mm or less.

  The exposed tip of the core hair 24 can be arbitrarily shaped and processed into an appropriate shape such as a hemisphere. In this embodiment, the core part 26 is made of polyamide resin, and the core hair 24 exposed from the sheath part 23 extends straight in a columnar shape. Thereby, the bend of the hair tip during the thermal fixing work to the flocking table 12 can be prevented.

  Next, FIG. 10 shows an example in which the cross-sectional shape of the core portion 26 and the core hair 24 where the core portion 26 is exposed from the sheath portion 25 is a substantially polygonal shape, and FIG. 11 shows the outer peripheral surface of the core portion 26 in the axial direction. FIG. 12 shows an example in which a plurality of groove portions 29 extending in the axial direction are provided on the outer peripheral surfaces of the core portion 26 and the core hair 24.

  If the cross-sectional shape of the core portion 26 is a substantially polygonal shape having an acute angle portion as in the filament F shown in FIG. 10, the end portion of the sheath portion is a recess formed in the core portion 26 at the exposed base end of the core portion. By forming the biting portion by remaining as if it was biting in, it is possible to prevent the sheath portion from being peeled off from the exposed base end of the core portion by use, and durability can be improved. In the case of the filament F shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, as in the case of the above-described substantially polygonal shape, the sheath portion is formed by forming a biting portion that bites into the ridge portion 28 or the concave groove 29 at the end portion of the sheath portion 23. The peeling of the 25 end portions is prevented.

  13 (a) and 13 (b) show a composite monofilament F in which an adhesive layer A is provided between the core portion 26 and the sheath portion 25 so as to adhere both, thereby peeling off the end portion of the sheath portion described above. It can be prevented more reliably. Further, FIG. 13C shows the composite monofilament F having a cross-sectional shape substantially similar to the cross-sectional shape of the core portion 26, whereby the thickness of the sheath portion 25 becomes substantially uniform along the circumferential direction. The part 25 is difficult to peel off from the core part 26.

  When the toothbrush according to the present invention is thermally fixed by an in-mold method, a fuse-in method, or the like without using a flat wire on the flocking table, the tip of the brush hair is brought into contact with a backing plate or the like. By aligning the brush surface constituted by the bundle tip surface and the hair bundle tip surface so as to have a desired shape, the brush surface constituted by the tip of the brush hair can be formed in an arbitrary shape. For example, the front end surface of the hair bundle is formed in a mountain shape such that the center portion is higher (long hair length) like the hair bundles 4 and 5 and becomes lower (short hair length) toward the peripheral portion, It can also be set as the three-dimensional shape in which a brush surface has an unevenness | corrugation in the width direction (direction orthogonal to the axial center X of a toothbrush) of a flocked part. When the front end surface of the hair bundle is formed in a mountain shape (convex shape) or the unevenness is formed on the brush surface in this way, the insertability of the hair bundle into a narrow portion such as an interdental portion or between a tooth and a gum is further increased. The toothbrush becomes more excellent due to improved cleaning and plaque removal effect.

  In addition, a hair bundle obtained by concentrating brush hairs cut in advance to a predetermined length is taken out by means of a brush hair take-out device, and after making it into a thermally integrated hair bundle, the molding material of the main body is injected to form a toothbrush. You can also The number of hair bundles having a triangular cross-section according to claim 4 of the present invention and / or the number of hair bundles having an elongated cross-section according to claim 7 is substantially an integral multiple of the number of hairs taken out by a device for taking out the bristles. It is preferable. Here, “substantially integer multiple” means that an error of ± 10% is included around a numerical value that is an integer multiple. This is because the number of brush hairs to be taken out varies depending on the mechanism of the device for taking out the bristle. Further, the cross-sectional area of the hair bundle having a triangular cross section according to claim 4 and / or the hair bundle having a long cross-section according to claim 7 is substantially an integral multiple of the cross-sectional area of the air gap from which the brush hair of the take-out device is taken out. It may be. Furthermore, considering the efficiency at the time of production, the number of the bristle of the triangular cross section according to claim 4 and / or the number or cross-sectional area of the elongated cross section according to claim 7 is the number of the bristle of the apparatus for taking out the bristle or It is more preferable that it is substantially the same as the cross-sectional area of the gap from which the brush hair is taken out with respect to the brush hair. Thus, the toothbrush according to the present invention heats a synthetic resin filament that has been taper-processed in advance or is subjected to normal tip-round processing to the flock base 3 of the toothbrush body 10 by an insert method, a fuse-in method, or the like. The cross-sectional shape of each hair bundle can be arbitrarily formed. In addition, a hair bundle made of brush hair is placed in a plate shape so that it is reflected in the final planting pattern to make a prototype of the planted part, and then the plate on which the bundle is installed A method may be used in which the brush body is formed to include the flocked portion. That is, the shape of the hair bundle receiving hole of the hair bundle holding fitting (first mold) when the brush hair (hair bundle) is fixed to the flocking table 3 or the shape of the flocked hole formed in the flocking table 3 is triangular or rectangular. In addition, the hair bundle of arbitrary cross-sectional shape can be fixed to the flocking table 3 by forming in other arbitrary shapes.

  In the above embodiment, only the manual toothbrush 1 having the handle portion 11 has been described. However, the toothbrush of the present invention may be a brush for an electric toothbrush having a drive portion with a short handle portion. it can.

Example 1
A toothbrush handle 10 shown in FIG. 2 is molded by injection molding using polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and among the bristles 9 of the flock 9 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. In addition, the bristles (hereinafter referred to as “normal hairs”) in which the nylon filaments are rounded as the hair bundles 6 and 6 having a triangular cross section are omitted in the cross-sectional shape inscribed in a circle having a diameter of 2.7 mm, A toothbrush having a flocked portion that was flocked to a distance of 7.0 mm was formed by an in-mold method. The hair bundle specifications are shown in Table 1.

(Example 2)
In the toothbrush of Example 1, the toothbrush was shape | molded like Example 1 except the center-to-center distance between the hair | bristle bundles 6 and 6 of a triangular cross section having been 9.4 mm.

(Example 3)
In the toothbrush of Example 1, the hair bundles 6 and 6 having a triangular cross section were planted in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the hair was planted so as to have a triangular cross section tapered toward the side edge of the flocking table from the axis of the toothbrush. A toothbrush was molded.

Example 4
In the toothbrush of Example 1, the toothbrush was shape | molded like Example 1 except having planted the hair | bristle bundle (normal hair) with a square cross section instead of the hair | bristle bundles 6 and 6 of a triangular cross section.

(Example 5)
In the toothbrush of Example 1, the toothbrush was shape | molded like Example 1 except having planted the hair | bristle bundle (normal hair) with a circular cross section instead of the hair | bristle bundles 6 and 6 of a triangular cross section.

(Example 6)
In the toothbrush of Example 1, the toothbrush was molded in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the hair bundles 6 and 6 having a triangular cross section were inscribed in a circle having a diameter of 2.0 mm.

(Example 7)
In the toothbrush of Example 1, the toothbrush was molded in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the bristles 6 and 6 having a triangular cross section were inscribed in a circle having a diameter of 4.0 mm.

(Example 8)
The toothbrush of Example 1 is the same as Example 1 except that a bunch of square cross section 7 (ordinary hair having a hair length of 8 mm) shown in FIG. A toothbrush was formed.

Example 9
In the toothbrush of Example 8, the hair bundles 6 and 6 having a triangular cross section and the hair bundle 7 having a quadrangular cross section have a PBT as a sea part (sheath part), nylon as an island part (core part), and a tip branched into three. A toothbrush was molded in the same manner as in Example 8 except that it was composed of 10 mm bristle brush hair (hereinafter referred to as “special hair”).

(Example 10)
In Example 1, a toothbrush was formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the hair bundles 6 and 6 having a triangular cross section were inscribed in a circle having a diameter of 1.4 mm.

(Example 11)
In Example 1, a toothbrush was formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the hair bundles 6 and 6 having a triangular cross section were inscribed in a circle having a diameter of 4.5 mm.

(Example 12)
In the toothbrush of Example 1, the toothbrush was shape | molded like Example 1 except the center-to-center distance between the hair | bristle bundles 6 and 6 of a triangular cross section having been 11.0 mm.

(Comparative Example 1)
In Example 1, a toothbrush was molded in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the center-to-center distance between the bristle bundles 6 and 6 having a triangular cross section was set to 3.5 mm.

(Comparative Example 2)
In Example 4, a toothbrush was formed in the same manner as in Example 4 except that the distance between the centers of the hair bundles having a square cross section was 3.5 mm.

(Comparative Example 3)
In Example 5, a toothbrush was formed in the same manner as in Example 5 except that the distance between the centers of the bristles having a circular cross section was set to 2.5 mm.

About the toothbrush of each Example and Comparative Example which were shape | molded as mentioned above, cleaning property (plaque removal property) was investigated with the following method. The results are shown in Table 2, and the criteria for evaluating the cleaning property are shown in Table 3.
(Cleaning evaluation method)
A pseudo plaque is attached to the upper first molar portion of the jaw model, the jaw model is attached to a brushing simulation device, and the upper first molar is applied so that one end of the toothbrush flocked portion is in contact with the first flocked portion. Place a toothbrush over the molars. Brushing is performed for 3 seconds with a lateral stroke of 20 mm and a load of 300 g. The area of the pseudo plaque is measured and calculated for each part by the image analyzer, and the pseudo plaque is removed from the area where the pseudo plaque is attached. The area ratio was defined as the plaque removal rate. The cleaning property of each part was evaluated by the obtained plaque removal rate.

  The comprehensive cleaning performance evaluation shown in Table 2 represents the height of the function of the toothbrush product. In the cleaning performance evaluation of each part, “◎” is 2 points, “○” is 1 point, “△” is The evaluation score of 0.5 points was totaled, and the product with the higher total evaluation score was judged as a product with higher cleaning effect. In addition, the overall evaluation of those that did not meet the criteria was “x”. That is, in the cleaning property evaluation of each part, if there was at least one “x”, it was judged that the function as a product was not satisfied, and the comprehensive evaluation was also rejected as “x”. In the overall evaluation and the evaluation of each part, one without “x” was regarded as acceptable.

  As is clear from Table 2, the toothbrush according to the present invention arranged adjacent to the axial center direction of the toothbrush so that the distance between the centers of the hair bundles is substantially equal to the length in the width direction of one tooth Excellent cleanability over the whole area. In particular, by arranging the hair bundle having a triangular cross section so as to taper from the side edge portion of the flocking table toward the axis of the toothbrush, the interdental portion can be easily cleaned. Further, by arranging a hair bundle of a square cross section between the hair bundles of a triangular cross section, the cleaning performance of the tooth neck portion is improved, and further, by using a tip branch hair (special hair), the interdental portion, the tooth neck portion This improves the cleaning performance.

The perspective view of the flocking base part which shows one Embodiment of the toothbrush of this invention. (A) is a front view of a toothbrush, (b) is a top view. (A) is an enlarged front view of a flocking base part, (b) is an enlarged plan view, (c) is an enlarged side view. (A) is a top view of the flocking base part which shows other embodiment of a toothbrush, (b) is a top view of the flocking base part which shows other embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows a mode that the bristle bundle of a toothbrush hits an interdental part and a gingival marginal part. (A) is an enlarged view of the front-end | tip part of a branched hair, (b)-(h) is sectional drawing of a branched hair filament. (A) is a front view of a bristle having a plurality of core hairs protruding from the tip, (b) is a perspective view thereof, and (c) to (e) are cross-sectional views of a filament having a sea-island structure. (A) is a perspective view of another example of the bristle having a plurality of core hairs protruding from the tip, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the filament of the bristle. (A) is a perspective view of the brush hair in which the single core hair protruded at the front-end | tip, (b) is the sectional drawing. (A) is the perspective view of other embodiment of the bristle by which the single core hair protruded at the front-end | tip, (b) is the sectional drawing. (A) is the perspective view of other embodiment of the bristle by which the single core hair protruded at the front-end | tip, (b) is the sectional drawing. (A) is the perspective view of other embodiment of the bristle by which the single core hair protruded at the front-end | tip, (b) is the sectional drawing. (A)-(c) is sectional drawing of a cross-section core-sheath structure filament.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Toothbrush 2 Neck part 3 Flocking table 3a Flocked surface 4 Hair bundle 4a Brush surface 5 Hair bundle 5a Brush surface 6 Hair bundle 6a Brush surface 7 Hair bundle 7a Brush surface 8 Hair bundle 9 Hair transplantation part 10 Brush body 11 Handle part B Interproximal part N Interdental papilla S Singular margin

Claims (18)

  A plurality of hair bundles made of synthetic resin brush hairs are fixed to a hair flocking base of a synthetic resin brush body to form a hair transplant portion, and a part of the plurality of hair bundles cross The surface shapes are substantially the same, and the distance between the centers of the bristles is arranged adjacent to the axial direction of the toothbrush so that the distance in the width direction of one tooth is substantially equal. toothbrush.   The distance between the centers of bristles of the same cross-sectional shape arranged adjacent to the axial direction of the toothbrush so that the distance between the centers is equal to the length in the width direction of one tooth is 5 to 12 mm. The toothbrush according to claim 1.   A bunch of the same cross-sectional shape arranged adjacent to the axial direction of the toothbrush so that the distance between the centers is equal to the length in the width direction of one tooth is arranged at the side edge of the flocking table. The toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2.   The cross-sectional shape of the hair bundle of the same cross-sectional shape arranged adjacent to the axial direction of the toothbrush so that the distance between the centers is equal to the length in the width direction of one tooth is substantially triangular, and The toothbrush in any one of Claims 1-3 in which the bristle bundle of this triangular cross section is being fixed to the flocking base with the part which becomes a substantially triangular taper in the same direction.   The toothbrush according to claim 4, wherein the bristle bundle having a triangular cross section has a substantially triangular cross section that tapers from a side edge of the flocking base toward the axis of the toothbrush.   The toothbrush according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the triangular bundle has a cross-sectional shape inscribed in a circle having a diameter of 1.4 to 4.5 mm.   The toothbrush according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein a long and narrow bristle bundle having a transverse cross-sectional shape that is long in the axial direction of the toothbrush is arranged between a plurality of triangular bristle bundles arranged in the axial direction of the toothbrush. .   The toothbrush according to claim 7, wherein the hair bundle having the elongated cross section is disposed on the outer side in the width direction of the flocking table than the hair bundle having the triangular cross section.   The toothbrush according to claim 7 or 8, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the elongated bundle is a substantially square shape.   The bristles constituting the bristles of the same cross-sectional shape arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction of the toothbrush so that the distance between the centers is substantially equal to the length in the width direction of one tooth are tapered. The toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 9.   The toothbrush according to claim 10, wherein the tapered brush bristles are branched at the tip.   The hair bundle consisting of the brush hair which carried out the normal rounding process is being fixed to the side close | similar to the axial center of a toothbrush from the position of the hair bundle which consists of the brush hair which has been taper-processed. Toothbrush.   The toothbrush in any one of Claims 1-12 in which the brush surface comprised by a hair | bristle bundle front end surface has an unevenness | corrugation.   The toothbrush according to claim 13, wherein a central portion of each hair bundle tip surface constituted by the tips of the brush hairs is formed in a convex shape.   The toothbrush according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein a hair length of the tapered brush bristles is substantially equal to or longer than the normal rounded brush bristles.   The toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the hair bundle is thermally fixed to the flocking table.   When the number of brush hairs of the hair bundle having a triangular cross section according to claim 4 and / or the number of brush hairs of the hair bundle having an elongated cross section according to claim 7 is thermally fixed to the flocking table. The toothbrush according to claim 16, wherein the toothbrush is substantially an integral multiple of the number of brush hairs taken out by a device for taking out the same amount of brush hairs. The cross-sectional area of the brush bristles of the hair bundle having a triangular cross-section according to claim 4 and / or the cross-sectional area of the bristles of the bristles having a long cross-section hair according to claim 7 thermally fixes the bristles to the flocking table. The toothbrush according to claim 16, wherein the toothbrush is substantially an integral multiple of the cross-sectional area of the air gap where the bristles are taken out with a device that takes out the same amount of bristles.

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