JP2012100938A - Electric toothbrush, brush body for the same, and method for manufacturing brush body - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a brush body comprising core sheath filaments that can stably obtain electrical connection with a conductive member and supply an effective component convergently to an appropriate part, and to provide a method for manufacturing the brush body, and an electric toothbrush comprising the brush body.SOLUTION: Bristle bunches 30 each comprising a plurality of filaments 40 are folded at an intermediate part of the longitudinal direction and press-fixed into insertion holes 23 of a bristled base 22 by flat wires 32 at the folded parts 31. Each filament 40 comprises a core part 41 containing a conductive material, and an insulating sheath part 42 covering the core part 41. Each end of the filament 40 is formed with a tip exposed part 41A with the core part 41 exposed from the sheath part 42. An intermediate exposure part 41B with the core part 41 exposed from the sheath part 42 is formed at an intermediate part in the longitudinal direction of the filament 40.

Description

  The present invention includes a bristle bundle formed by using a plurality of filaments each including a core portion including a conductive material and an insulating sheath portion covering the core portion, and the bristle bundle is intermediate in the longitudinal direction. A brush body that is folded at a portion and is press-fitted and fixed to the insertion hole of the flocking base by a fixing member at the folded portion, and the core portion is exposed from the sheath portion at at least one of both ends of the filament, and a manufacturing method thereof, Moreover, it is related with the electric toothbrush provided with the same brush body.

  Various toothbrushes having a sterilizing function for oral sterilization have been proposed. For example, in the toothbrushes described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, a pair of electrodes is provided on a head portion to which a bristle bundle (brush hair) composed of a plurality of filaments is fixed. Then, when the pair of electrodes described above is energized when using the toothbrush, chlorine is generated by electrolysis from chloride ions contained in the oral fluid, and sterilization of oral sterilization is performed with the generated chlorine. . In addition, in these patent documents 1 and 2, the example which forms the whole brush hair with an electroconductive material is also described, respectively.

  As a method of fixing the bristle bundle as described above to the head portion, the bristle bundle is folded back at the middle portion in the longitudinal direction in FIG. A flat wire flocking method for press-fitting and fixing is disclosed.

  In addition, as an anchorless flocking method that does not use a flat wire (non-flat wire flocking method), Patent Document 4 forms a molten lump that is melted and solidified in units of one bundle at the base end of a bristle bundle. A method for embedding and fixing a molten mass in a flocking table of a brush body is disclosed.

JP 2006-102095 A JP 2006-180953 A JP-A-6-90824 JP 2003-9947 A

  By the way, with normal toothbrush brushing, it is difficult to remove complete plaque in the fine gaps between the teeth and gums, or between the teeth, so oral bacteria propagate in these fine gaps. It's easy to do. Therefore, in the toothbrush having the sterilizing function for oral sterilization as described above, it is effective to perform sterilization centering on such fine gaps.

  In order to sterilize oral bacteria, in addition to the method of sterilizing by producing chlorine as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, toothpaste containing medicinal components effective for sterilization such as CPC (cetylpyridinium chloride) A method using an agent or mouthwash is also conceivable. Such chlorine and medicinal components are preferably supplied intensively to appropriate sites such as the above-mentioned fine gaps that require these active components, inflammatory sites and disease sites.

  Therefore, it is desirable that the bristle (filament) that directly contacts a desired site in the oral cavity has electrical conductivity and is configured to energize this filament. However, as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, when the entire bristle is formed of a conductive material, an active ingredient is generated from the entire bristle. Therefore, the active ingredient is intensively supplied to the appropriate portion. It is not preferable in terms.

  Therefore, a filament having a core-sheath structure (so-called core-sheath filament) having a conductive core and an insulating sheath covering the core to intensively supply active ingredients to appropriate sites. It is conceivable to use a bristle bundle composed of Specifically, the core portion is covered with the sheath portion over the entire length in the longitudinal direction of the core-sheath filament. And a core part is exposed from a sheath part in at least one of the both ends of this filament. As a result, since the exposed core can be brought into contact with a desired site in the oral cavity or in the vicinity thereof during tooth brushing, an electric circuit through the human body and oral fluid is formed and contacted with the oral cavity. An active ingredient can be generated from the core. Moreover, since generation | occurrence | production of the active ingredient from the part coat | covered by the sheath part in the core-sheath filament is suppressed, an active ingredient can be intensively supplied to the site | part in the oral cavity which the core part contacted.

  Here, the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the bristle bundle composed of such a core-sheath filament corresponds to the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the core-sheath filament, that is, the portion where the core is covered with the sheath. I don't have it. Therefore, when this bristle bundle is fixed to the head part of the brush body by the flat wire flocking method described in Patent Document 3, an electric circuit through the human body and oral fluid is not formed when the toothbrush is used. Can not be energized.

  On the other hand, in the anchorless flocking method described in Patent Document 4, when the base end portion of the bristles bundle composed of the core-sheath filament is dissolved, the dissolved mass becomes a mixture of the core portion and the sheath portion. There is a possibility that desired conductivity cannot be obtained in the bundle.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and the object thereof is to stably obtain an electrical connection with a conductive member, and to concentrate an active ingredient at an appropriate site. An object of the present invention is to provide a brush body including a core-sheath filament that can be supplied, to provide a method for manufacturing the brush body, and to provide an electric toothbrush including the brush body.

Hereinafter, means for achieving the above object will be described.
The brush body of the present invention includes a bristle bundle formed by using a plurality of filaments each including a core portion including a conductive material and an insulating sheath portion covering the core portion. Folded at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction, and fixed at the folded portion into the insertion hole of the flocking base by a fixing member, and the core portion is exposed from the sheath portion at at least one of both ends of the filament. In the brush body, in at least a part of the filaments of the bristle bundle, an intermediate exposed portion in which the core portion is exposed from the sheath portion is formed in the intermediate portion.

-In this brush body, it is preferable that the hardness of the material of the said core part is higher than the hardness of the material of the said sheath part.
-In this brush body, the said intermediate | middle exposure part is formed by exposing the said core part from the said sheath part in the perimeter of the intermediate part of the longitudinal direction in at least one part filament of the said bristle bundle. It is preferable.

-In this brush body, it is preferable that the said flocking table is formed with the electroconductive material.
In this brush body, the bristle bundle is press-fitted and fixed to the insertion hole in a mode of penetrating the flocking table, and is opposite to the surface of the flocking table on which both ends of the bristle bundle are disposed. It is preferable that at least a part of the intermediate exposed portion is exposed from the surface.

In this brush body, it is preferable that a conductive member in contact with the intermediate exposed portion is further provided, and the intermediate exposed portion, the flocking table, and the conductive member are integrated.
-The electric toothbrush of this invention is provided with the said brush body, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

The electric toothbrush preferably further includes a vibration actuator that vibrates the brush body.
In the method for manufacturing a brush body according to the present invention, in the step of press-fitting the bristle bundle into the insertion hole, the intermediate exposed portion is formed by removing the sheath portion using stress generated in the sheath portion. It is characterized by that.

  -The method for manufacturing a brush body according to the present invention is characterized in that the bristle bundle is press-fitted and fixed in the insertion hole in a mode in which the bristle bundle penetrates the flocking table, and then the sheath portion of the filament in the folded portion is used for the flocking. The intermediate exposed portion is formed by removing from the surface opposite to the surface on which both ends of the bristle bundle are arranged on the table.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the brush body provided with the core-sheath filament which can obtain the electrical connection with an electrically-conductive member stably, and can supply an active ingredient intensively to an appropriate site | part, and its A brush body manufacturing method and an electric toothbrush provided with the brush body can be provided.

Sectional drawing which shows the cross-sectional structure of the whole about the electric toothbrush of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the electric toothbrush of the embodiment. About the electric toothbrush of the embodiment, (a) is an enlarged sectional view showing a partial sectional structure of the brush body, (b) is a front view of the filament. About the brush body of the embodiment, (a) is a flowchart showing a manufacturing process of the filament, (b) to (d) are schematic diagrams of the filament in each process. (A)-(d) is a perspective view which shows the manufacturing process of the brush body about the brush body of the embodiment. About the brush body of the embodiment, (a) is a perspective view of the brush body, (b) is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional structure along the AA line of (a). About the electric toothbrush of 2nd Embodiment of this invention, (a) is a perspective view of the brush body, (b) is sectional drawing which shows the cross-section along the BB line of (a). The perspective view which shows the state which decomposed | disassembled the brush body of the embodiment. About the electric toothbrush of 3rd Embodiment of this invention, (a)-(c) is sectional drawing which shows the manufacturing process of the brush body. About the electric toothbrush of 4th Embodiment of this invention, (a) is a perspective view of the brush body, (b) is sectional drawing which shows the cross-section along the CC line of (a). About the brush body of the embodiment, (a)-(c) is sectional drawing which shows the manufacturing process of the brush body.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1, the toothbrush 1 can attach | detach the brush body 20 to the holding | maintenance main-body part 10 which can be hold | gripped by a user so that attachment or detachment is possible.

  The grip main body 10 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape considering user's grip and the like. On the outer surface of the grip body 10, a grip electrode 11 that comes into contact with the user's hand when gripped and a switch 16 that is operated by the user are provided.

  Inside the gripping body 10, there are a vibration actuator 14 that supplies vibration to the brush body 20, a power supply unit 12 that supplies power to the vibration actuator 14, and a circuit unit 13 that controls the supply of power to the vibration actuator 14 and the like. And are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the circuit unit 13 described above includes a control circuit 13 </ b> A electrically connected to the gripping electrode 11, a charging circuit 13 </ b> B that supplies power to the power supply unit 12, and power supply from the power supply unit 12. Power supply circuit 13C. These control circuit 13A, charging circuit 13B, and power supply circuit 13C are electrically connected to each other.

  The vibration actuator 14 shown in FIG. 1 includes an output shaft 15 having conductivity. The output shaft 15 is electrically connected to the power supply unit 12 and is provided so as to protrude from the grip body 10 toward the brush body 20. The output shaft 15 is inserted into the brush body 20 when the grip body 20 is attached to the grip body 10.

  The brush body 20 includes a brush handle 20A attached to the grip main body 10 and a head portion 20B formed integrally with the brush handle 20A. Inside the brush handle 20A, a lead plate 21 made of a conductive metal member is provided. The lead plate 21 is electrically connected to the output shaft 15 by mounting the grip body 10 and the brush body 20.

  As shown to Fig.3 (a), the some bristle bundle 30 is being fixed to the head part 20B in the aspect which protrudes outward. A flocking table 22 made of a conductive material is provided inside the head portion 20B. The flocking table 22 is formed of a resin mixed with a conductive material. For example, ABS (acryl butyl styrene) resin mixed with fibrous carbon is employed.

  The above-described conductive lead plate 21 is inserted and fixed to the flocking table 22. Further, insertion holes 23 into which the bristle bundle 30 is press-fitted and fixed are formed at positions corresponding to the through holes 20 </ b> C in the flocking table 22. The diameters of the through holes 20C and the insertion holes 23 are set to be substantially the same in a state where the bristle bundle 30 is not inserted.

  One bristle bundle 30 is configured by bundling a plurality of thin filaments 40 (for example, 20 to 30). The bristle bundle 30 is folded at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction to form a folded portion 31, thereby forming a U shape. The bristle bundle 30 is press-fitted and fixed to the insertion hole 23 of the flocking table 22 by a flat wire 32 at the folded portion 31. The flat wire 32 functions as a fixing member that press-fits the bristle bundle 30 into the insertion hole 23 of the flocking table 22.

  As the flat wire 32, a small metal piece is employed. The width W of the flat wire 32 is set longer than the diameter of the insertion hole 23 in a state where the bristle bundle 30 is not inserted. For example, the width W of the flat wire 32 is set 0.5 to 2 mm longer than the diameter of the insertion hole 23. The width W is set to a suitable size in consideration of the resin hardness of the flocking table 22, the fixing strength of the flat wire 32 to the flocking table 22, the work efficiency, and the like. The flat wire 32 is fixed together with the bristle bundle 30 as a wedge in the insertion hole 23 described above.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the filament 40 is a single thin filamentary monofilament whose longitudinal length is cut to L (for example, 30 mm), and includes a core portion 41 including a conductive material and the core portion 41. This is a so-called core-sheath filament having a core-sheath structure including an insulating sheath part 42 that covers the core part 41. The core-sheath filament preferably has an area ratio in the radial cross-sectional area in the range of core / sheath = 15 / 85-50 / 50. In addition, when the ratio of the core part 41 is less than 15%, there exists a possibility that it may become difficult to exhibit sufficient electroconductivity. On the other hand, if the ratio of the core portion 41 exceeds 50%, the spinning stability and stretchability are lowered, and it may be difficult to obtain practically sufficient fiber performance. In the present embodiment, the outer diameter of the core portion 41 of the filament 40 is set to 0.06 mm. On the other hand, the outer diameter of the sheath part 42 is set to 0.17 mm.

  The core 41 is made of a resin containing a conductive material. Examples of the conductive material include carbon particles, carbon long fibers / short fibers, metal particles (silver particles, etc.), and the like. Examples of the resin include nylon resin and polyester resin. Specifically, it is desirable that the durometer type D hardness measured by the JIS-K7215 plastic durometer hardness test method is HDD60 or more. Moreover, it is preferable that the content rate of the electroconductive material in the core part 41 exists in the range of 20-60 mass%. In addition, when the content rate of the electroconductive material in the core part 41 is less than 20 mass%, there exists a possibility that it may become difficult to exhibit sufficient electroconductivity. On the other hand, when the content rate of the conductive material in the core part 41 exceeds 60 mass%, it may be difficult to obtain sufficient dispersibility of the carbon particles in the stock solution of the core part 41. In this embodiment, the carbon particles are kneaded with nylon 6 so that the content of the carbon particles in the core portion 41 is 30% by mass.

  On the other hand, the sheath portion 42 is made of an insulating thermoplastic elastomer resin. That is, the sheath portion 42 does not include a conductive material such as carbon particles. Specific examples of the thermoplastic elastomer include nylon elastomer, polyester elastomer, styrene elastomer, urethane elastomer, and olefin elastomer. In view of work efficiency, nylon elastomer or polyester elastomer is preferred. Specifically, it is desirable that the durometer type D hardness measured by the JIS-K7215 plastic durometer hardness test method is HDD 40-80. In addition to such hardness characteristics, each material of the core part 41 and the sheath part 42 is selected so that the hardness of the core part 41 described above is higher than the hardness of the sheath part 42. Thereby, the filament 40 whose hardness of the core part 41 is higher than the hardness of the sheath part 42 is formed.

The core portion 41 has higher conductivity than the sheath portion 42. Specifically, the volume specific resistance value of the core portion 41 is 1 × 10 ² to 1 × 10 ⁶ (Ω · cm). On the other hand, the volume specific resistance value of the sheath portion 42 is 1 × 10 ⁷ to 1 × 10 ¹³ (Ω · cm). The volume specific resistance value is a value indicating the volume specific resistance of the object. The volume specific resistance indicates not the electrical resistivity on the surface of the object but the electrical resistivity inside the object.

  At both ends of the filament 40, exposed end portions 41A in which the core portion 41 is exposed from the sheath portion 42 are formed. The tip exposed portion 41A is in direct contact with the surface of the tooth or denture when the toothbrush 1 is used. Further, an intermediate exposed portion 41 </ b> B in which the core portion 41 is exposed from the sheath portion 42 is formed on the entire circumference of the filament 40 in the longitudinal direction. The intermediate exposed portion 41B is formed in a portion corresponding to the folded portion 31 of the bristle bundle 30 described above. Thereby, in the bristle bundle 30 press-fitted and fixed to the flocking table 22, the core portion 41 exposed from the sheath 42 contacts the flocking table 22. In addition, it is preferable that the length of the longitudinal direction of the intermediate | middle exposure part 41B is 2-10 mm. When the length of the intermediate exposed portion 41B is less than 2 mm, the contact area between the intermediate exposed portion 41B and the flocking table 22 becomes small, so that the conductivity may be lowered. On the other hand, when the length of the intermediate exposed portion 41B exceeds 10 mm, the intermediate exposed portion 41B may reach the outside of the flocking table 22, that is, the outside of the head portion 20B. Thereby, when using the toothbrush 1, in addition to the tip exposed portion 41A, an active ingredient may be generated from the intermediate exposed portion 41B outside the head portion 20B.

With reference to FIGS. 4-6, the manufacturing process of the brush body 20 is demonstrated.
In the manufacturing process of the filament 40 shown in FIG. 4A, in the melting and kneading process, first, the spinning stock solution of the core portion 41 and the spinning stock solution of the sheath portion 42 are separately prepared. Next, in the melt extrusion process, these two types of spinning dope are extruded by a core-sheath composite spinning nozzle, and after passing through a cooling and solidifying process, a stretching process, and a heat setting process, a long filament 45 (hereinafter referred to as “long filament”). 43 ") (see FIG. 4B). The long filament 43 has a core-sheath structure in which the core portion 41 is covered with the sheath portion 42.

  Next, in the sheath portion removing step, the sheath portion 42 of the long filament 43 is removed at a predetermined interval to expose the core portion 41 (see FIG. 4C). In this embodiment, in the long filament 43, the sheath part 42 of the perimeter is removed 5 mm every 30 mm. The core portion 41 thus exposed corresponds to the above-described intermediate exposed portion 41B. The removal of the sheath portion 42 is performed by a fine grinding method such as sand blasting or water jet. Various conditions such as the injection pressure, the injection time, and the injection angle at this time are adjusted to suitable conditions that can efficiently remove the sheath portion 42 and suppress the removal of the core portion 41. Further, by performing fine grinding by sandblasting, water jet or the like while rotating the long filament 43, the removal of the sheath portion 42 on the entire circumference of the long filament 43 can be performed more efficiently.

Next, in the winding process, the long filament 43 is wound into a cylindrical winding to obtain a roll of the long filament 43.
Next, in the filament cutting step, the long filament 43 is cut every 30 mm so that the intermediate exposed portion 41B of the core portion 41 is located in the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction (see FIG. 4D). Further, in the thus formed short filament having a length of 30 mm, the sheath portion 42 at both ends thereof is removed by 2 mm from the end of the filament to form the tip exposed portion 41A of the core portion 41. As a result, the filament 40 shown in FIGS. 3B and 5A is formed.

Next, the bristle bundle 30 shown in FIG. 5B is formed by bundling a plurality of filaments 40 thus obtained (for example, 20 to 30 filaments).
Next, as shown in FIG. 5C, the bristle bundle 30 is folded back at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction, and the flat line 32 is sandwiched between the folded portions 31. Thereafter, the sandwiched flat wire 32 is driven together with the bristle bundle 30 into the insertion hole 23 of the flocking table 22 with a hair transplanter, whereby the flat wire 32 becomes a wedge and the bristle bundle 30 is press-fitted and fixed to the flocking table 22. . Thereby, the brush body 20 shown in FIG.5 (d) and FIG. 6 is formed. The flocking table 22 is fixed in advance in the head portion 20B so that the position of the insertion hole 23 and the position of the through hole 20C coincide. As shown in FIG. 6B and FIG. 3A, the brush body 20 obtained in this way is fixed by inserting the folded portion 31 of the bristle bundle 30 into the flocking table 22.

  When the switch 16 is operated by the user during use of the toothbrush 1 in which the manufactured brush body 20 is mounted on the grip body 10, the vibration actuator 14 built in the grip body 10 is supplied from the power source 12. The output shaft 15 is vibrated using the supplied power as a driving force. Thereby, the brush body 20 vibrates and the brushing by the bristle bundle 30 is performed. When brushing the teeth, the power supply unit 12, the gripping electrode 11, the user's hand, the tissues of the user's gums, the bristle bundle 30, the flocking table 22, the lead plate 21, and the output shaft 15 are connected in this order. An electrical circuit is formed. When the electric circuit is formed in this way, current is supplied to the tip exposed portion 41A of the core portion 41 by energizing the filament 40, that is, the bristle bundle 30. Thereby, the active ingredient with respect to sterilization of oral bacteria is generated from the tip exposed portion 41A.

According to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the brush body 20, the intermediate exposed portion 41 </ b> B is formed by exposing the core portion 41 from the sheath portion 42 at the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the filament 40. That is, since the core part 41 configured to obtain suitable conductivity is exposed, the filament 40 is stably connected to the conductive member (the flocking table 22) through the core part 41 (intermediate exposed part 41B). Can be electrically connected. Thereby, desired electroconductivity can be obtained in the filament 40 (brissle bundle 30). On the other hand, when the bristle bundle 30 is fixed to the flocking table 22 by, for example, the anchor flocking method, it is necessary to dissolve the proximal end portion of the bristle bundle 30 to form a dissolved mass. Since this melted mass becomes a mixture of the core portion 41 and the sheath portion 42, there is a possibility that desired conductivity cannot be obtained in the bristle bundle 30.

  (2) Since the core portion 41 is exposed from the sheath portion 42 at both ends of the filament 40 to form the tip exposed portion 41A, the core portion is located at an appropriate portion in the oral cavity and in the vicinity thereof when the toothbrush 1 is used. 41 can be in direct contact. Furthermore, since the core portion 41 excluding the tip exposed portion 41A and the intermediate exposed portion 41B is covered with an insulating sheath portion 42, when the filament 40 is energized when the toothbrush 1 is used, the entire filament 40, that is, the bristle. Generation of active ingredients from the entire bundle 30 is suppressed. Therefore, when the toothbrush 1 is used, the active ingredient can be intensively supplied to an appropriate part in the oral cavity and the vicinity thereof through the tip exposed portion 41A.

  (3) Since the hardness of the material of the core part 41 is higher than the hardness of the material of the sheath part 42, the core part 41 is removed in the sheath part removing step of removing the sheath part 42 and exposing the core part 41. Is suppressed. Therefore, various conditions in this sheath part removal process can be set widely. Therefore, the sheath portion 42 can be easily removed by a fine grinding method such as sand blasting or water jet. Moreover, the yield of the filament 40 can be improved.

  (4) On the entire circumference of the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the filament 40, an intermediate exposed portion 41B in which the core portion 41 is exposed from the sheath portion 42 is formed. Therefore, the intermediate exposed portion 41 </ b> B and the conductive member (the flocking table 22) can be in contact with each other around the circumference of the bristle bundle 30 constituted by the filament 40. Therefore, when the bristle bundle 30 is formed by the filament 40, the intermediate exposed portion 41B and the flock base 22 can be brought into contact without considering the position of the intermediate exposed portion 41B around the circumference of the filament 40. On the other hand, in the configuration in which the core portion is exposed at only a part of the circumference in the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the filament to form the intermediate exposed portion, the intermediate exposed portion is formed when the bristle bundle is formed by the filament. It is necessary to consider the position around the circumference of the intermediate exposed portion so that the flocking table 22 and the flocking table 22 are brought into contact. This is because the intermediate exposed portion needs to be disposed outside the bristles bundle in order to bring the intermediate exposed portion and the flocking table 22 into contact with each other. In other words, when the intermediate exposed portion is disposed only inside the folded portion of the bristle bundle, the intermediate exposed portion cannot be brought into contact with the flocking table 22. In this regard, according to the present embodiment, the electrical connection between the intermediate exposed portion 41 </ b> B and the flocking table 22 is simplified as compared with the above-described configuration in which the core portion is exposed only at a part around the circumference of the filament 40. The electrical connection between the core portions 41 of the filaments 40 in the bristle bundle 30 is also simplified.

  (5) Since the flocking table 22 is formed of a conductive material, the bristles bundle 30 is press-fitted and fixed into the insertion hole 23 of the flocking table 22 so that the flocking table 22 that is a conductive member and the intermediate exposed portion 41B are brought into contact with each other. Can be made. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced and a simple configuration can be achieved as compared with the configuration in which the intermediate exposed portion 41B and the conductive member are brought into contact with each other after the bristle bundle 30 is press-fitted and fixed to the flocking table 22.

  (6) The bristle bundle 30 is press-fitted and fixed to the flocking table 22 by a flat wire 32 (flat wire flocking method). On the other hand, for example, when the bristle bundle 30 is fixed to the flocking table 22 by the anchorless flocking method, a process of forming the dissolved lump by dissolving the proximal end portion of the bristle bundle 30 is necessary. Advanced control and management are required for formation. Therefore, compared with the brush body 20 manufactured by the flat wire flocking method as in the present embodiment, the manufacturing cost of the brush body manufactured by the anchorless flocking method tends to be higher. In this regard, according to the manufacturing method of the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the brush body 20 while suppressing the manufacturing cost.

  (7) Since the toothbrush 1 includes the brush body 20, the filament 40 can be energized through the intermediate exposed portion 41B when the toothbrush 1 is used. Therefore, the bactericidal effect of oral sterilization can be obtained.

  (8) The toothbrush 1 includes a vibration actuator 14 that vibrates the brush body 20. Therefore, in addition to the bactericidal effect of bacteria in the oral cavity, it is possible to improve the scavenging property and to massage the gums.

(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
The brush body 20 of the present embodiment is configured as a part of the brush body 20 of the first embodiment modified as follows. That is, as shown in FIG.7 (b), in the brush body 20 of this embodiment, it replaces with the flocking table 22 of 1st Embodiment, and the flocking table 52 and the electrically-conductive member 54 are provided. The bristle bundle 30 is fixed to the flocking table 52 so as to penetrate the flocking table 52.

  Details of the changed part will be described below. In addition, since the same structure as 1st Embodiment is employ | adopted about the other point, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about a common structure, and the one part or all part of the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, the insertion hole 53 of the flocking table 52 is provided through the flocking table 52. The flocking table 52 is formed of a resin having no electrical conductivity, such as ABS (acrylbutyl styrene) resin. In addition, the thickness of the flocking table 52 is smaller than the thickness of the flocking table 22, and is set to 1/2 the thickness of the flocking table 22 in this embodiment.

  The bristle bundle 30 is folded at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction to form a folded portion 31. The bristle bundle 30 is press-fitted and fixed by a flat wire 32 to the insertion hole 53 of the flocking table 52 in such a manner as to penetrate the through hole 20C of the head portion 20B and the flocking table 52. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 8, in the flocking table 52, the filament 40 starts from the surface 52 </ b> B opposite to the surface 52 </ b> A on the side where both ends (tip exposed portions 41 </ b> A) of the bristle bundle 30 are arranged. The intermediate exposed portion 41B protrudes outward. The intermediate exposed portion 41B is formed by the same method as in the first embodiment. The bristle bundle 30 is configured by bundling a plurality (for example, 20 to 30) of filaments 40 having the intermediate exposed portion 41B. In the following description, the surface 52A on the side where both ends (tip exposed portion 41A) of the bristle bundle 30 are arranged is referred to as “planted surface 52A”, and the surface 52B opposite to the planted surface 52A is used. This is referred to as “rear surface 52B”.

  The conductive member 54 is provided in contact with the back surface 52B of the flocking table 52 and the intermediate exposed portion 41B. The conductive member 54 is formed of a metal member having conductivity. The conductive member 54 is provided with a plurality of ribs 54A at positions corresponding to the intermediate exposed portion 41B.

  Further, the conductive member 54 is integrally formed with a lead plate 51 made of a metal member having the same conductivity (see FIG. 8). Similar to the lead plate 21 in the first embodiment, the lead plate 51 is electrically connected to the output shaft 15 by mounting the grip body 10 and the brush body 20.

  The pressing member 55 is an elastic body formed of, for example, a sponge. When the conductive member 54 is pressed against the flock base 52 by the pressing member 55, the rib 54A of the conductive member 54 and the intermediate exposed portion 41B are brought into close contact with each other.

  The intermediate exposed portion 41B, the conductive member 54, and the pressing member 55 described above are covered with a cover 56 provided on the brush handle 20A and the head portion 20B. The cover 56 is fixed in a watertight manner so as not to be removed from the brush handle 20A and the head portion 20B.

According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects shown in (1) to (4) and (6) to (8) of the first embodiment, the following effects are obtained.
(9) The intermediate exposed portion 41B of the filament 40 is exposed from the back surface 52B side of the flocking table 52. Therefore, after the bristle bundle 30 is press-fitted and fixed to the flocking table 52, the electrical connection between the intermediate exposed portion 41B and the conductive member 54 can be easily performed from the back surface 52B side.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
This embodiment is different from the second embodiment in the following points. That is, in the said 2nd Embodiment, after forming the intermediate | middle exposed part 41B of the filament 40, the bristle bundle 30 is comprised with this filament 40, and this bristle bundle 30 is being fixed to the flocking table 52. On the other hand, in this embodiment, after the bristle bundle 60 is fixed to the flocking table 52, the intermediate exposed portion 71B of the filament 70 is formed.

  Moreover, in the said 2nd Embodiment, after leaving the electrically conductive member 54 in which the rib 54A was provided previously to the flocking table 52 and the intermediate | middle exposure part 41B, these flocking table 52, the intermediate | middle exposure part 41B, and the electrically-conductive member 54 are used. The pressing member 55 is in close contact. On the other hand, in this embodiment, it fixes so that the electrically-conductive member 54, the intermediate | middle exposure part 71B, and the flock base 52 may be integrated. Details of the changed part will be described below.

With reference to FIG. 9, the manufacturing process of the brush body 20 of this embodiment is demonstrated.
As shown in FIG. 9A, first, a bristle bundle 60 is formed by the filament 70 in a state where the intermediate exposed portion 71B is not formed, and this bristle bundle 60 is formed into the through hole 20C of the head portion 20B and the flocking table 52. Is press-fitted and fixed to the insertion hole 53 by the flat wire 32 in such a manner as to penetrate. Thereby, the folding | returning part 61 of the bristle bundle 60 protrudes outward from the back surface 52B of the flocking table 52. As shown in FIG. The filament 70 is manufactured by omitting the sheath portion removing step in the filament manufacturing step shown in FIG. At both ends of the filament 70, a tip exposed portion 71A in which the core portion 71 is exposed from the sheath portion 72 is formed.

  Next, the sheath portion 72 in the folded portion 61 is removed from the back surface 52 </ b> B of the flocking table 52 to expose the core portion 71. As a result, an intermediate exposed portion 71B is formed at the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the filament 70 as shown in FIG. The removal of the sheath 72 can be performed by fine grinding such as sandblasting or water jet.

  Next, the conductive member 54 is formed by laminating a conductive paste-like resin on the back surface 52B of the flocking table 52 and then solidifying the resin. Thereby, as shown in FIG.9 (c), the intermediate | middle exposure part 71B, the flocking table 52, and the electrically-conductive member 54 are fixed so that it may integrate. In this step of forming the conductive member 54 with conductive paste-like resin, the lead plate 51 made of a conductive metal member is simultaneously fixed to the conductive member 54 (not shown). Similar to the lead plate 51 in the second embodiment, the lead plate 51 is electrically connected to the output shaft 15 by mounting the grip body 10 and the brush body 20.

  Thereafter, similarly to the second embodiment, by providing the pressing member 55 and the cover 56, the conductive member 54 having the same structure as the brush body 20 shown in FIG. 7 and having no rib 54A formed thereon. Is formed.

According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects shown in (1) to (3), (6) to (8) of the first embodiment and (9) of the second embodiment, the following effects are obtained. Is obtained.
(10) Since the intermediate exposed portion 71 </ b> B is formed after the bristle bundle 60 is press-fitted and fixed to the flocking table 52, the sheath portion 72 can be removed centering on the portion necessary for contact with the conductive member 54. That is, the inner side of the folded portion 61 in the bristle bundle 60 hardly contributes to the contact with the conductive member 54. Therefore, the removal of the sheath portion 72 located on the inside can be omitted, and the sheath portion 72 can be removed with the portion contributing to the contact with the conductive member 54 as the center. Therefore, the working efficiency in forming the intermediate exposed portion 71B Can be improved.

  (11) Since the intermediate exposed portion 71B, the flocking table 52, and the conductive member 54 are fixed so as to be integrated, the electrical connection between the intermediate exposed portion 71B and the conductive member 54 becomes more stable. Moreover, the fixing strength with respect to the flock base 52 of the bristle bundle 60 can also be reinforced by fixing the intermediate | middle exposure part 71B, the flock base 52, and the electrically-conductive member 54. FIG.

(Fourth embodiment)
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.
This embodiment differs from the third embodiment in the following points. That is, in the third embodiment, after the bristle bundle 60 is fixed to the flocking table 52, the intermediate exposed portion 71B is formed. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the intermediate exposed portion 101B is formed in the step of inserting the bristle bundle 90 into the flocking table 82. Details of the changed part will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 10B, the bristle bundle 90 is configured by bundling a plurality of filaments 100 (for example, 20 to 30), and folded at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction to form a folded portion 91. Has been. At both ends of the filament 100, a tip exposed portion 101A in which the core portion 101 is exposed from the sheath portion 102 is formed. Further, an intermediate exposed portion 101 </ b> B in which the core portion 101 is exposed from the sheath portion 102 is formed in the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the filament 100. The bristle bundle 90 is press-fitted and fixed by a flat wire 32 to the insertion hole 83 of the flocking table 82 in such a manner that it penetrates the through hole 20C of the head portion 20B and the flocking table 82. That is, the folded-back portion 91 of the bristle bundle 90 and the intermediate exposed portion 101B protrude outward from the back surface 82B of the flocking table 52.

  The insertion hole 83 of the flocking table 82 is provided through the flocking table 82. The flocking table 82 is made of the same material as the flocking table 52 of the third embodiment, and the thickness thereof is the same as the thickness of the flocking table 52.

  Here, the opening of the insertion hole 83 in the flocking surface 82A of the flocking table 82 is referred to as a flocking surface opening 83A, and the opening of the insertion hole 83 in the back surface 82B is referred to as a back surface opening 83C. In this case, the diameter R1 of the flocking surface opening 83A is set larger than the diameter R2 of the back surface opening 83C (R1> R2). Specifically, the diameter R2 of the rear opening 83C is set smaller than the outer diameter R3 of the bristle bundle 90 (R2 <R3). Further, the diameter R2 of the back surface opening 83C is smaller than the width W of the flat wire 32 (see FIG. 3A) so that the bristle bundle 90 is press-fitted and fixed to the insertion hole 83 by using the flat wire 32 as a wedge. It is set (R2 <W). Further, in the middle of the insertion hole 83, a tapered portion 83B is provided so that the diameter decreases from the flocked surface 82A side toward the back surface 82B side.

With reference to FIG. 10, the manufacturing process of the brush body 20 is demonstrated.
As shown in FIG. 11A, in the present embodiment, the filament 100 in a state where the intermediate exposed portion 101B is not formed is manufactured as in the third embodiment. A plurality of filaments 100 are bundled to form a bristle bundle 90, and the flat wire 32 is sandwiched between the folded portions 91 of the bristle bundle 90.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 11 (b) and 11 (c), the bristle bundle 90 is inserted into the flocking table 82 from the flocked surface 82 </ b> A side with the flat line 32 sandwiched between the folded portions 91. The bundle 90 is press-fitted and fixed to the flocking table 82. As described above, since the diameter R2 of the back surface opening 83C is set smaller than the outer diameter R3 of the bristle bundle 90, when the bristle bundle 90 passes through the inside of the taper part 83B, the sheath part 102 and the taper part Stress is generated in the sheath portion 102 due to friction with 83B. Due to this stress, the sheath portion 102 of the folded portion 91 is broken and removed, so that the core portion 101 is exposed at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the filament 100 to form an intermediate exposed portion 101B. The shape of the diameter R1 of the flocked surface opening 83A, the size of the diameter R2 of the back surface opening 83C, and the inclination and length of the tapered portion 83B are set in consideration of the removal efficiency of the sheath portion 102, respectively. ing.

Thereafter, similarly to the third embodiment, by providing the conductive member 54, the pressing member 55, and the cover 56, the brush body 20 shown in FIG. 10 is obtained.
According to this embodiment, (1), (2), (6) to (8) of the first embodiment, (9) of the second embodiment, and (11) of the third embodiment. In addition to the effects shown, the following effects can be obtained.

  (12) In the step of press-fitting and fixing the bristle bundle 90 to the flocking table 82, the core portion 101 is exposed using the stress applied to the sheath portion 102 to form the intermediate exposed portion 101B. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the sheath 102 is removed by a fine grinding method such as sandblasting or water jet, the intermediate exposed portion 101B can be easily formed, and the manufacturing process of the brush body 20 can be simplified. .

(13) Since the hardness of the material of the core part 41 is higher than the hardness of the material of the sheath part 42, when the sheath part 102 is removed by stress, the removal of the core part 101 can be suppressed.
(Other embodiments)
In addition, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment exemplified in each of the above-described embodiments, and the embodiment can be modified as shown below, for example. In addition, the following modifications are not applied only to the above-described embodiments, and different modifications can be performed in combination with each other.

  -The manufacturing process of the filament 40 shown in the said 1st Embodiment is an example, Comprising: It can change suitably. For example, the winding process may be performed following the heat setting process, and then the sheath removing process may be performed separately.

  -In the said 2nd-4th embodiment, although the flocking table 52 showed the example formed with resin which does not have electroconductivity, these flocking tables 52 may be formed with the electroconductive material. Even in this case, the conductive member 54 may be provided so that the intermediate exposed portions 41B, 71B, and 101B are in contact with the conductive member.

  In the third embodiment, in the folded portion 61 of the bristle bundle 60, the sheath portion 72 is removed to the portion that does not protrude outward from the back surface 52B of the flocking table 52, that is, the portion that is inside the insertion hole 53. An example in which the exposed portion 71B is formed is shown. On the other hand, you may remove only the sheath part 72 corresponding to the outer part, ie, the part which contact | connects the electrically-conductive member 54, in the folding | returning part 61 which protrudes outward from the back surface 52B of the flocking base 52. FIG. In this case, for example, the conditions for removing the sheath portion 72 by fine grinding such as sandblasting or water jet may be changed as appropriate. And each effect mentioned above can be acquired by making the intermediate | middle exposed part 71B and the electrically-conductive member 54 which were formed contact.

In the fourth embodiment, the bristle bundle 90 may be inserted into the insertion hole 83 after scratching the sheath portion 102 in advance in order to make the removal of the sheath portion 102 easier.
In each of the above embodiments, an example in which a nylon resin is used as the material of the core portion 41 and a thermoplastic elastomer resin is used as the material of the sheath portion 42 has been described, but these materials may be appropriately changed. For example, both the core part 41 and the sheath part 42 may be formed of nylon resin or formed of a rubber elastic body. However, as described above, in consideration of improving the working efficiency in the sheath removal step, the difference in hardness between the core 41 and the sheath 42 is large, and the hardness of the core 41 is greater. It is desirable to be higher.

  The materials for forming the head portion 20B, the lead plates 21, 51, the flocking tables 22, 52, 82, the pressing member 55, and the like constituting the brush body 20 are not limited to the examples described in the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate. May be.

  In each of the above embodiments, the example in which the intermediate exposed portions 41B, 71B, and 101B are formed in all the filaments 40, 70, and 100 that form the bristle bundles 30, 60, and 90 has been described. On the other hand, intermediate exposed portions 41B, 71B, and 101B may be formed in some filaments 40, 70, and 100 constituting the bristle bundle 30, 60, and 90.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the example in which the tip exposed portions 41A, 71A, and 101A are formed at both ends of the filaments 40, 70, and 100 has been described. On the other hand, the tip exposed portions 41A, 71A, 101A may be formed only on either one of both ends of the filaments 40, 70, 100. Further, a bristle bundle may be formed by combining a filament in which the tip exposed portions 41A, 71A, and 101A are formed at both ends and a filament in which the tip exposed portions 41A, 71A, and 101A are formed in only one of both ends. .

  In each of the above embodiments, the core portions 41, 71, 101 (tip exposed portions 41A, 71A, 101A) protrude outward from the sheath portions 42, 72, 102 at both ends of the filaments 40, 70, 100. showed that. However, at the ends of the filaments 40, 70, and 100, the core portions 41, 71, and 101 need only be exposed from the sheath portions 42, 72, and 102, and the core portions 41, 71, and 101 protrude outward. I don't need it. In short, any configuration may be used as long as the core portions 41, 71, 101 can contact teeth, dentures, and the like at the ends of the filaments 40, 70, 100.

  In addition, the intermediate exposed portions 41B, 71B, and 101B do not need to protrude from the back surfaces 52B and 82B. In short, the intermediate exposed portions 41B, 71B, and 101B may be configured to be able to contact the conductive member.

  -In the said 1st Embodiment, the example which removes the sheath part 42 in the perimeter of the filament 40, and forms the intermediate | middle exposed part 41B was shown. On the other hand, the intermediate exposed portion 41 </ b> B may be formed in a part around the circumference of the filament 40. In this case, what is necessary is just to form the bristle bundle | flux 30 and the folding | returning part 31 so that the intermediate | middle exposed part 41B and an elastic member (flock base 22) may contact.

  In each of the above embodiments, an example in which the bristle bundle 30, 60, 90 is press-fitted and fixed to the flocking tables 22, 52, 82 by the flat wire 32 that is a small metal piece has been shown. However, as long as the fixing member is capable of press-fitting the bristle bundle 30, 60, 90 to the flocking tables 22, 52, 82, the material and shape thereof are not limited to the above-described examples. For example, you may form a fixing member with resin with high hardness.

  In each of the above embodiments, the example in which the brush body 20 includes the brush handle 20A and the head portion 20B has been described. On the other hand, you may comprise a brush body only by the head part 20B. In this case, by mounting the head part 20B and the gripping body part 10, the flocking table 22 or the conductive member 54 having conductivity can come into contact with a conductive member (for example, the output shaft 15) extending from the gripping body part 10. What is necessary is just to comprise.

  In each of the above embodiments, the brush body 20 is detachable from the grip body 10, but the present invention is applied to a toothbrush in which the brush body 20 and the grip body 10 are integrally provided. You can also

  -Although the toothbrush 1 of each said embodiment had the function which the head part 20B of the brush body 20 vibrates, applying this invention with respect to the toothbrush which the function to vibrate the brush body 20 was abbreviate | omitted. You can also.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electric toothbrush, 14 ... Vibration actuator, 20 ... Brush body, 22, 52, 82 ... Flocking table, 23, 53, 83 ... Insertion hole, 30, 60, 90 ... Bristle bundle, 31, 61, 91 ... Folding part , 32 ... Flat wire (fixing member), 40, 70, 100 ... Filament, 41, 71, 101 ... Core part, 41A, 71A, 101A ... Tip exposed part, 41B, 71B, 101B ... Intermediate exposed part, 42, 72 , 102 ... sheath part, 54 ... conductive member, 83B ... taper part.

Claims (10)

A bristle bundle comprising a plurality of filaments each including a core portion including a conductive material and an insulating sheath portion covering the core portion is provided, and the bristle bundle is folded at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction. In the brush body in which the core portion is exposed from the sheath portion in at least one of both ends of the filament while being press-fitted and fixed to the insertion hole of the flocking base by the fixing member at the folded portion.
In at least a part of the filaments of the bristle bundle, an intermediate exposed portion in which the core portion is exposed from the sheath portion is formed in the intermediate portion. The brush body according to claim 1,
The brush body, wherein the hardness of the material of the core portion is higher than the hardness of the material of the sheath portion. The brush body according to claim 1 or 2,
The intermediate exposed portion is formed by exposing the core portion from the sheath portion at the entire circumference of the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of at least a part of the filaments of the bristle bundle. . The brush body according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The brush body is formed of a conductive material. In the brush body according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The bristle bundle is press-fitted and fixed to the insertion hole in such a manner as to penetrate the flocking table, and the intermediate exposed portion from a surface on the opposite side to the surface where both ends of the bristle bundle are arranged on the flocking table. A brush body characterized in that at least a part of is exposed. The brush body according to claim 5,
A conductive member in contact with the intermediate exposed portion;
The intermediate exposed portion, the flocking table, and the conductive member are integrated. An electric toothbrush comprising the brush body according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The electric toothbrush according to claim 7,
An electric toothbrush further comprising a vibration actuator that vibrates the brush body. It is a manufacturing method of a brush object given in any 1 paragraph of Claims 1-6,
In the step of press-fitting and fixing the bristle bundle into the insertion hole, the intermediate exposed portion is formed by removing the sheath portion using stress generated in the sheath portion. It is a manufacturing method of the brush object according to claim 5 or 6,
After the bristle bundle is press-fitted and fixed in the insertion hole in such a manner that the bristle bundle penetrates the flocking table, both ends of the bristle bundle are arranged on the flocking table with the sheath portion of the filament in the folded portion. The intermediate exposed portion is formed by removing from a surface opposite to the side surface. A method of manufacturing a brush body, wherein:

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