EP2517601A1 - Corps de brosse et brosse à dents - Google Patents

Corps de brosse et brosse à dents Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2517601A1
EP2517601A1 EP10839357A EP10839357A EP2517601A1 EP 2517601 A1 EP2517601 A1 EP 2517601A1 EP 10839357 A EP10839357 A EP 10839357A EP 10839357 A EP10839357 A EP 10839357A EP 2517601 A1 EP2517601 A1 EP 2517601A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bristle
core
brush body
oral cavity
electrode
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP10839357A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Satoshi Uchida
Masayoshi Nagayama
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Panasonic Corp
Original Assignee
Panasonic Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Panasonic Corp filed Critical Panasonic Corp
Publication of EP2517601A1 publication Critical patent/EP2517601A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46BBRUSHES
    • A46B15/00Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0002Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46BBRUSHES
    • A46B15/00Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0002Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
    • A46B15/0016Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with enhancing means
    • A46B15/0022Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with enhancing means with an electrical means
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46DMANUFACTURE OF BRUSHES
    • A46D1/00Bristles; Selection of materials for bristles
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46DMANUFACTURE OF BRUSHES
    • A46D1/00Bristles; Selection of materials for bristles
    • A46D1/02Bristles details
    • A46D1/0207Bristles characterised by the choice of material, e.g. metal
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46BBRUSHES
    • A46B2200/00Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
    • A46B2200/10For human or animal care
    • A46B2200/1066Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to toothbrushes for oral care provided with an energizing function and to brush bodies used for such toothbrushes.
  • toothbrushes for oral care provided with an energizing function have been proposed in the prior art.
  • patent documents 1 to 3 listed below disclose toothbrushes that generate chlorine, which has a sterilization effect, from chloride ions included in an oral cavity fluid, such as saliva.
  • the toothbrush of patent document 1 includes a first electrode, which is arranged proximal to a brush head where bristles (brush bristles) are embedded, and a second electrode, which is arranged in a grip of the toothbrush.
  • the first electrode, the second electrode, the human body, and the oral cavity fluid form an electric circuit that generates chlorine through electrolysis of the oral cavity fluid near the first electrode of the brush head.
  • the toothbrushes illustrated in patent documents 2 and 3 each include first and second electrodes that are both arranged in a brush head where bristles (brush bristles) are embedded. During use of the toothbrush, an electric circuit formed in the oral cavity between the first and second electrodes generates chlorine through electrolysis of the oral cavity fluid near the first electrode of the brush head.
  • Fig. 7 of patent document 1 discloses another example in which the bristles are partially used as electrodes.
  • Paragraph 0033 of patent document 2 and paragraph 0041 of patent document 3 describe further examples in which the bristles are entirely used as electrodes.
  • Patent document 4 illustrates a toothbrush using parts of bristles as electrodes in the same manner as the structure shown in Fig. 7 of patent document 1.
  • Each bristle has a double-layer structure including a conductive core and an insulative sheath.
  • the electrodes of the bristles in patent document 4 detect plaque.
  • Patent document 5 discloses a toothbrush that energizes the oral cavity through a conductive body arranged in a brush head, which supports bristles, to perform sterilization and promote blood circulation in the gum.
  • Patent document 6 discloses an ion toothbrush including a conductive member partially exposed through a window in the brush head and having an electric effect that weakens the bonding of teeth surface and plaque to facilitate the removal of plaque.
  • Patent document 7 discloses an electronic toothbrush that supplies pulse current to bristles in order to draw fluorine ions into the teeth surface.
  • the electrode may not be sufficiently immersed in oral cavity fluid, which forms part of the electric circuit, and the generation of chlorine may become insufficient. Further, the electrode of the brush head is separated from periodontal pockets. Thus, chlorine cannot be directly supplied to the periodontal pockets, and effective sterilization of the periodontal pockets cannot be performed.
  • the bristles be used as the electrode like patent document 6 and the further examples of patent documents 1 to 3.
  • the bristles are entirely used as electrodes.
  • the bristles entirely diffuse current to the entire oral cavity through the oral cavity fluid.
  • the odor of the large amount of generated chlorine becomes a problem.
  • sufficient chlorine may not be locally supplied to the periodontal pockets.
  • each bristle functions as the electrode.
  • each bristle is relatively thin.
  • the exposed area of the flat distal end surface is insufficient for electrolysis, and sufficient chlorine may not be generated.
  • each bristle is used to detect plaque.
  • the electrode is not suitable for being energized for oral care.
  • the toothbrushes of patent documents 5 and 6 include electrodes in the brush heads and that have the same problem as patent documents 1 to 3.
  • the object of the electronic toothbrush of patent document 7 is to supply fluorine ions to the teeth surface and is not intended for locally energizing periodontal pockets. Rather, in the case of the electronic toothbrush of patent document 7, it is preferable that the entire surface of each bristle function as an electrode so that contact occurs more frequently with the teeth surface.
  • the present invention solves the above problems. It is an object of the present invention to provide a brush body and a toothbrush that selectively performs localized energizing for oral care at gaps in the oral cavity such as periodontal pockets.
  • the plurality of bristle bundles includes a bristle that includes a core, which is formed by a conductive member, and a sheath, which covers the core and is formed by an insulative member.
  • the core projects from the sheath at a tip portion of the bristle and functions as an electrode that energizes an oral cavity.
  • a portion inserted into the oral cavity is at least partially covered by the insulative member.
  • the brush body includes a front surface on which the bristle bundles are embedded and a rear surface opposite to the front surface.
  • the insulative member covers at least the rear surface.
  • the portion inserted into the oral cavity excluding the tip portion of the bristle is covered by an insulative member.
  • the tip portion of the bristle has a pointed shape, and at least part of the pointed shape is formed by the core.
  • the tip portion of the bristle has a semispherical shape, and at least part of the semispherical shape is formed by the core.
  • the sheath of the bristle is formed by a material having a lower hardness than a material that forms the core.
  • the electrode generates chlorine having a sterilization effect through electrolysis of oral cavity fluid that is proximal to the electrode.
  • a further aspect of the present disclosure provides a toothbrush including the brush body of the first aspect and an energizing means for supplying the electrode of the bristle with current for local energizing.
  • the toothbrush includes an oscillation actuator that oscillates the brush head, on which the bristle bundles are embedded.
  • the present invention provides a brush body and toothbrush that selectively performs localized energizing for oral care at gaps in the oral cavity such as periodontal pockets.
  • a toothbrush 10 of the present invention includes a main body, or grip 11, which can be held by a user, and a brush body 21, which can be attached in a removable manner to a distal portion of the grip 11.
  • the brush body 21 includes a brush stem 22 and a brush head 23. Bristle bundles 24 are embedded on the brush head 23.
  • An oscillation actuator 13 in the grip 11 drives and oscillates the brush head 23 in an axial direction (longitudinal direction) to electrically perform brushing or the like.
  • the brush stem 22 and the brush head 23 may also be referred to as insulative members.
  • the grip 11 of the toothbrush 10 may be generally cylindrical so that it is easy to hold.
  • the grip 11 has an outer surface including a grip electrode 12, which comes into contact with the user who is holding the grip 11, and a switch (not shown).
  • the oscillation actuator 13, a battery 14, which is formed by a rechargeable battery or a primary battery, and a control circuit (circuit substrate) 15, which controls the supply of power from the battery 14 to the oscillation actuator 13 based on the operation of the switch, are arranged in the grip 11.
  • the oscillation actuator 13 includes an output shaft 13a, which projects out of the distal portion of the grip 11.
  • the brush body 21 (basal portion of the brush stem 22) is attached to cover the projected output shaft 13a.
  • the brush head 23 of the brush body 21 includes the bristle bundles 24 to remove plaque and the like.
  • Each bristle bundle 24 includes a basal portion fixed to the brush head 23.
  • filaments or bristles 25 are bundled.
  • Each bundle is folded in a U-shaped manner so as to sandwich a metal holding plate 26. The folded portion of each bundle and the holding plate 26 are pressed together into brush head 23 to fix or embed the bristle bundles 24 to the brush head 23.
  • each bristle 25 has a double-layer structure including a core 25x, which is formed from a flexible conductive resin (for example, polyamide resin containing carbon or polybutylene terephthalate resin containing carbon), and a sheath 25y, which covers the core 25x and is formed from a flexible insulative resin (for example, polyamide resin that does not contain carbon or polybutylene terephthalate resin that does not contain carbon).
  • the insulative resin forming the sheath 25y and the conductive resin forming the core 25x are both flexible materials (elastic materials). It is preferable that the resin forming the sheath 25y have a lower hardness than the resin forming the core 25x.
  • Each bristle 25 includes a generally conical or pointed tip portion 25a.
  • the tip portion 25a is formed by the core 25x that projects from the sheath 25y.
  • the core 25x includes a generally conical or pointed distal end that is not covered by the sheath 25y.
  • the projected length of the bristle 25 from the brush head 23 is preferable set to about 10 mm or greater, for example, about 20mm.
  • the length of the generally conical or pointed portion is set to about 2 mm
  • the diameter of each bristle 25 is set to about 0.2 mm
  • the thickness of the sheath 25y is set to about 0.06 mm.
  • the core 25x is illustrated with a slightly exaggerated diameter. The dimensions are not limited in the above-described manner.
  • each of the bristles 25 is electrically connected by the metal holding plate 26 to a conductive base 27 in the brush head 23.
  • the base 27 is formed by a conductive resin
  • the brush head 23, excluding the base 27, and the brush stem 22 are formed from an insulative resin.
  • the conductive base 27 is electrically connected to the output shaft 13a of the oscillation actuator 13 by a connection terminal 28 that is arranged extending along the brush stem 22. This electrically connects the core 25x of each bristle 25 to the control circuit 15 via the holding plate 26, the base 27, the connection terminal 28, and the output shaft 13a.
  • the grip electrode 12 of the grip 11 is also connected to the control circuit 15.
  • the core 25x of each bristle 25 functions as a first electrode
  • the grip electrode 12 functions as a second electrode.
  • the oscillation actuator 13 drives and oscillates the brush head 23. This improves the brushing capability and produces a massaging effect on the gum.
  • the control circuit 15 applies a DC voltage of, for example, 15 V. Based on the applied voltage, the tip portion 25a of the bristle 25 performs local energizing for oral care with the oral cavity fluid around the core 25x.
  • the brush body 21 can perform concentrated oral care at gaps in the oral cavity.
  • the shape of the projection of the core 25x increases the energizing area and thus ensures sufficient energizing area for local energizing.
  • the conductive portion is only the core 25x at the tip portion 25a, and other parts of the brush body 21 excluding the core 25x at the tip portion 25a are covered by the insulative members. Thus, unnecessary current diffusion is prevented, and current can be concentrated at the core 25x of the tip portion 25a.
  • the brush body 21 achieves these effects at the same time and can thus selectively perform local energizing for oral care in at least gaps in the oral cavity.
  • An energizing means of the toothbrush 10 includes, in particular, the control circuit 15 and the core 25x.
  • the present embodiment has the characteristic advantages described below.
  • the cores 25x in the tip portion 25a directly contact the teeth surface and the gum.
  • the brush body 21 can separately and locally energize various portions in the oral cavity such as the teeth surface and the gum. Accordingly, the brush body 21 selectively obtains a desirable oral care effect for the user at portions in the oral cavity intended by the user.
  • the oral care effect of the local energizing achieves one or more, preferably, all of sterilization, blood circulation promotion of the gum, the drawing of ions into the teeth surface, and the promotion of plaque removal.
  • the bristles 25 (bristle bundles 24) embedded in the brush head 23 all have a double-layer structure of an electrode, or the core 25x, and the sheath 25y.
  • Such bristles 25, which include electrodes, may be selectively used for only predetermined bristle bundles 24 or be selectively used as predetermined bristles 24 in a bristle bundle 24.
  • the entire brush body 21 excluding the tip portions 25a of the bristles 25 is covered by insulative members.
  • the brush head 23 and the brush stem 22 may partially be covered by insulative members to prevent unnecessary current diffusion.
  • the brush body 21 includes a front surface (also referred to as brush surface), on which the bristle bundles 24 are embedded, and a rear surface, which is opposite to the front surface.
  • the rear surface is covered by a rear surface coating 21y, which is formed from an insulative resin.
  • the rear surface of the brush body 21 is apt to coming into contact with the wall surface of the oral cavity during use.
  • the rear surface coating 21y which is an insulative member, unnecessary current diffusion may be prevented in a preferable manner while decreasing the area and used amount of the insulative member. This also contributes to increasing the efficiency of local energizing.
  • the shape of the base 27, which is formed from conductive resin and connected to the bristle bundles 24, is enlarged.
  • the tip portion 25a of each bristle 25 has a pointed shape, and the core 25x projects from the sheath 25y.
  • the shape of the tip portion 25a of the bristle 25 may be changed as required.
  • the tip portion 25a of the bristle 25 may be semispherical, and the core 25x may project from the sheath 25y. This softens contact of the tip portion 25a of the bristle 25 with the gum or the like and lessens the stimuli during use.
  • the core 25x projecting from the sheath 25y may simply be cylindrical.
  • the sheath 25y of the bristle 25 has a lower hardness than the core 25x but is not limited in such a manner.
  • the sheath 25y and the core 25x may have about the same hardness.
  • the bristle bundles 24 are folded in a U-shaped manner so as to sandwich the metal holding plates 26.
  • basal ends of the bristle bundles 24 may be embedded in the brush head 23 without bending the bristle bundles 24 (without using the holding plates 26).
  • saliva is illustrated as one example of oral cavity fluid.
  • the oral cavity fluid may be a solution other than saliva such as a solution including chloride ions or an oral cavity care solution.
  • the electrode may generate chlorine, which has a sterilization effect, through electrolysis of the oral cavity fluid near the electrode.
  • the brush body 21 is supported so that it can be attached in a removable manner to the grip 11.
  • the brush body 21 may be formed integrally with the grip 11.
  • the oscillation actuator 13 may be eliminated.

Landscapes

  • Brushes (AREA)
EP10839357A 2009-12-22 2010-12-20 Corps de brosse et brosse à dents Withdrawn EP2517601A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2009290467 2009-12-22
PCT/JP2010/072918 WO2011078127A1 (fr) 2009-12-22 2010-12-20 Corps de brosse et brosse à dents

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2517601A1 true EP2517601A1 (fr) 2012-10-31

Family

ID=44195653

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP10839357A Withdrawn EP2517601A1 (fr) 2009-12-22 2010-12-20 Corps de brosse et brosse à dents

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US20120233791A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP2517601A1 (fr)
JP (1) JPWO2011078127A1 (fr)
CN (1) CN102791166A (fr)
WO (1) WO2011078127A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3915515A1 (fr) * 2020-05-28 2021-12-01 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Unité de nettoyage et/ou de traitement pour un dispositif de nettoyage et/ou de traitement bucco-dentaire

Families Citing this family (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2013118895A (ja) * 2011-12-06 2013-06-17 Lion Corp 口腔内用イオンブラシ
BR112016012422B1 (pt) * 2013-12-12 2021-11-03 Colgate-Palmolive Company Cerda de múltiplos componentes que tem componentes com diferentes aditivos para cuidado oral e implemento para cuidado oral que compreende os mesmos
US10499725B2 (en) * 2014-07-31 2019-12-10 Geka Gmbh Applicator with bristles of particle-filled plastic
MX2018000271A (es) * 2015-07-07 2018-04-11 Colgate Palmolive Co Implemento de cuidado oral y cerda monofilamento para usar con este.
EP3397112B1 (fr) 2015-12-28 2020-03-04 Colgate-Palmolive Company Brosse à distribution de fluide
US20190380482A1 (en) * 2016-12-01 2019-12-19 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Oral care device and attachment
CN110868890A (zh) * 2017-07-12 2020-03-06 皇家飞利浦有限公司 刷头布置
DE102017120902A1 (de) * 2017-09-11 2019-03-14 Cinogy Gmbh Plasma-Behandlungsgerät
CN110292454A (zh) * 2019-08-06 2019-10-01 深圳市欣点通科技有限公司 一种多功能电动牙刷
US11618126B2 (en) * 2019-08-30 2023-04-04 Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited Polishing pad conditioning apparatus
US11812845B2 (en) 2020-06-15 2023-11-14 Church & Dwight Co., Inc. Ionic toothbrush
CN112336489A (zh) * 2020-11-11 2021-02-09 慈溪赛嘉电子有限公司 电力牙刷装置
EP4018881A1 (fr) 2020-12-22 2022-06-29 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Unité de nettoyage et/ou de traitement pour un dispositif de soins oraux
KR102628014B1 (ko) * 2021-09-08 2024-01-23 주식회사 프록시헬스케어 전기 칫솔

Family Cites Families (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4010308A (en) * 1953-05-04 1977-03-01 Wiczer Sol B Filled porous coated fiber
JPS6045362A (ja) 1983-08-23 1985-03-11 井元 太郎 電気歯ブラシ
JPS61196636U (fr) * 1985-05-31 1986-12-08
CN87101867A (zh) * 1987-03-09 1988-09-21 王龄 电离子口腔治疗微电器
JPH0690824A (ja) 1992-03-31 1994-04-05 Shiken:Kk 電動歯ブラシ
CN1102562A (zh) * 1993-11-11 1995-05-17 史淳茂 一种电离子、磁疗牙刷及使用方法
JPH0824050A (ja) * 1994-07-13 1996-01-30 Nippon Tungsten Co Ltd 歯ブラシ
JPH09140453A (ja) * 1995-09-21 1997-06-03 Sangi Co Ltd 電子イオン歯ブラシ
DE19605845A1 (de) * 1996-02-16 1997-08-21 Lingner & Fischer Gmbh Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Nachweis von Zahnbelägen
JP3909446B2 (ja) * 1996-10-25 2007-04-25 生田 稔郎 磁気イオン歯ブラシ
JPH10192055A (ja) * 1997-01-06 1998-07-28 Kitano Seisaku Kk 電子歯ブラシ
RU2170051C2 (ru) * 1998-09-08 2001-07-10 Общество с ограниченной ответственностью "Габитус" Электрофоретическая зубная щетка "habitus"
AU7956500A (en) * 1999-10-26 2001-05-08 Eroica Corporation Toothbrush
JP2001309820A (ja) 2000-04-28 2001-11-06 Fukuba Dental Kk イオン歯ブラシ
JP2004121327A (ja) * 2002-09-30 2004-04-22 Keitouuwai Project:Kk トリートメントプローブ
JP4372537B2 (ja) * 2003-12-26 2009-11-25 ライオン株式会社 口腔清掃用具
JP4642422B2 (ja) 2004-10-05 2011-03-02 ライオン株式会社 口腔清掃用具
JP2006180953A (ja) 2004-12-27 2006-07-13 Lion Corp 電動歯刷子
JP2006223369A (ja) 2005-02-15 2006-08-31 Matsushita Electric Works Ltd 電子歯ブラシ
US8156602B2 (en) * 2005-10-14 2012-04-17 Colgate-Palmolive Company Generating a chemical agent in situ
JP2008154757A (ja) * 2006-12-22 2008-07-10 Matsushita Electric Works Ltd 電子口腔清掃器
CN101569461A (zh) * 2008-04-29 2009-11-04 高浪 新型牙刷
JP2010124904A (ja) * 2008-11-25 2010-06-10 Panasonic Electric Works Co Ltd 口腔ケア装置
CN201341577Y (zh) * 2008-12-24 2009-11-11 侯智勋 多功能牙擦

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2011078127A1 *

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3915515A1 (fr) * 2020-05-28 2021-12-01 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Unité de nettoyage et/ou de traitement pour un dispositif de nettoyage et/ou de traitement bucco-dentaire
WO2021239556A1 (fr) * 2020-05-28 2021-12-02 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Unité de nettoyage et/ou de traitement pour un dispositif de nettoyage et/ou de traitement buccal

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN102791166A (zh) 2012-11-21
US20120233791A1 (en) 2012-09-20
JPWO2011078127A1 (ja) 2013-05-09
WO2011078127A1 (fr) 2011-06-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2517601A1 (fr) Corps de brosse et brosse à dents
EP2517602A1 (fr) Corps de brosse et brosse à dents
JP5292346B2 (ja) ブラシ体および歯ブラシ
EP2394530A2 (fr) Corps de brosse et brosse à dents comportant ce corps de brosse
AU2011248332B2 (en) Tongue cleaning device
US20130180061A1 (en) Head Portion And Handle Portion Of An Oral Care Device
EP1955730B1 (fr) Dispositif de protection orale
JP5314675B2 (ja) 電子歯ブラシ
EP1908435A1 (fr) Dispositif de nettoyage de bouche
JP2010124904A (ja) 口腔ケア装置
EP1908434A1 (fr) Dispositif de nettoyage de bouche
JP2020533110A (ja) プラズマ処置装置
CN103987295B (zh) 口腔内用离子刷
WO2011013533A1 (fr) Brosse de massage de gencive et dispositif de massage des gencives
JP2009125125A (ja) 歯ブラシ
JP2012000149A (ja) 通電歯茎マッサージ用ブラシ
JP2014050640A (ja) 歯ブラシ
JP4372537B2 (ja) 口腔清掃用具
WO2012063565A1 (fr) Brosse à dents électrique, corps de brosse de cette dernière et procédé de fabrication de cette dernière
JP2013066547A (ja) 口腔ケア装置
JP2012130500A (ja) ブラシ体、歯ブラシ、およびブラシ体の製造方法
WO2023241946A1 (fr) Dispositif d'électrolyse et son procédé de fonctionnement
JPH0751097B2 (ja) 電子歯間ブラシ

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20120525

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN

18W Application withdrawn

Effective date: 20140605