JP2012130500A - Brush body, toothbrush, and method for manufacturing brush body - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a brush body that can prevent moisture from intruding into the inside of a brush head via the surroundings of bristle bundles or gaps between a plurality of filaments, and to provide a toothbrush, and a method for manufacturing the brush body.SOLUTION: An electric toothbrush includes a toothbrush body and the brush body 20 which are formed individually. The brush body 20 has bristle bundles 40 that are bundles of the plurality of filaments 50, and the brush head 21 where the bristle bundles 40 are implanted. The bristle bundles 40 are provided with an occluding material 60 for occluding the gaps between the plurality of filaments 50 provided inside the brush head 21 among the bristle bundles 40 in the implant portions 41 and the gaps between the implant portions 41 and the wall surfaces 32 of the guide holes 31. The occluding material 60 is formed of a non-conductive material.

Description

  The present invention relates to a bristle bundle that is a bundle of a plurality of filaments, a brush body including a brush head in which the bristle bundle is planted, a toothbrush including the brush body, and a method of manufacturing the brush body.

As said toothbrush, the thing of patent documents 1-4 is known.
Patent Document 1 describes a toothbrush that aims to make it easier to remove plaque and the like from a tooth surface by passing an electric current through an electric circuit including teeth and brush bristles. In the vicinity of the brush head of the toothbrush, a communication hole for exposing a support shaft as an electrode in the oral cavity is provided. The body of the toothbrush is provided with an electrode that is connected to the support shaft and contacts the user's hand.

  When the brush head is inserted into the oral cavity as a result of the use of the toothbrush, contact between the user's hand and the electrode of the main body of the toothbrush and contact between moisture (saliva or water) in the oral cavity and the electrode near the brush head Thus, an electric circuit is configured. Then, when a current flows through the electric circuit, plaque and the like are easily removed along with the brushing.

  In Patent Document 2, in addition to the decomposition of dental plaque and stain, the decomposition of organic acids such as lactic acid that cause tooth demineralization due to a decrease in pH causes dental caries and alveolar pus leakage. A toothbrush that aims to sterilize bacteria is described. Similarly to the toothbrush of Patent Document 1, when this brush head is inserted into the oral cavity, the contact between the user's hand and the electrode of the toothbrush body, and the moisture in the oral cavity and the electrode in the vicinity of the brush head. An electrical circuit is formed by contact. Also, as one of the examples, there is described one in which metal titanium is vapor-deposited on the surface of the filament constituting the bristle bundle and the surface of the metal titanium is oxidized to form a thin anatase-type titanium dioxide layer. Has been.

  Patent Document 3 describes a toothbrush that aims to efficiently use effective chlorine for sterilization in the oral cavity by electrolyzing chloride ions in the oral cavity to generate chlorine. Two electrodes are exposed on the flocked surface of the toothbrush. In addition, as one of the examples, there is described a brush bristle made of a conductive material and a brush bristle contacting an electrode.

  When a current is supplied to each electrode by a power source in a state where the brush head is inserted into the oral cavity with the use of the toothbrush, chloride ions in the oral cavity are electrolyzed. Since effective chlorine is generated by this, effective chlorine is efficiently used for sterilization in the oral cavity. In Patent Document 4, a toothbrush having a structure similar to that of Patent Document 3 is described.

JP 63-249507 A JP-A-6-90824 JP 2006-102095 A JP 2006-180953 A

  In each toothbrush described above, a gap is formed between a portion (planted portion) inside the brush head of the bristle bundle and the wall surface of the brush head. Further, in the implanted portion of the bristle bundle, a gap is also formed between the plurality of filaments.

  For this reason, when the user is using the toothbrush, moisture permeates into the brush head through the gaps. Due to the structure of the toothbrush, moisture that has entered the inside of the brush head is difficult to be discharged to the outside, so that the inside of the brush head is easily kept wet even after use of the brush. At this time, a large amount of dust may adhere to the brush head due to being wet.

  In addition, a toothbrush that uses a core-sheath filament as a bristle bundle filament has also been proposed. In the core-sheath structure, a conductive material is used as the inner material, and a non-conductive material is used as the outer material.

  According to the toothbrush, by passing an electric current through the filament of the conductive material, sterilization can be performed by changing chloride ions in the oral cavity to effective chlorine. In addition, medicinal ion components contained in dentifrices, mouthwashes, and the like can be supplied into tissues in the oral cavity or biofilms such as plaque by ion introduction.

  However, in this toothbrush, when moisture enters the inside of the brush head through a gap between the bristle bundle and the brush head or a gap between a plurality of filaments, the conductive member inside the brush head and the tissue in the oral cavity are not passed through the filament. Current flows between them. In this case, since the local energization from the filament tip to the tissue in the oral cavity is not performed, the above-described sterilization effect and the like are reduced.

  As described above, in both the toothbrush including the bristle bundle not having the core-sheath structure and the toothbrush including the bristle bundle having the core-sheath structure, there is a problem caused by moisture entering the brush head. is doing. However, examination and countermeasures on this point are not disclosed or suggested in any of the prior art documents.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to suppress moisture from entering the brush head around the bristle bundle or through a gap between a plurality of filaments. It is providing the manufacturing method of a brush body, a toothbrush, and a brush body.

Hereinafter, means for achieving the above object will be described.
The brush body of the present invention is a brush body including a bristle bundle that is a bundle of a plurality of filaments and a brush head in which the bristle bundle is planted, and a portion of the bristle bundle that is inside the brush head is implanted. As the embedding part, a closing member for closing at least one of the gaps between the plurality of filaments in the implanted part and the gaps around the implanted part is provided.

  In this brush body, at least one of the plurality of filaments has a core-sheath structure, and in the core-sheath structure, a conductive material is used as an inner material and a non-conductive material is used as an outer material. It is preferable that the closing member is made of a non-conductive material.

  -In this brush body, the brush head is provided with a bristle guide having a flock hole into which the bristle bundle is inserted, gaps between the plurality of filaments in the implanted part, and the planting The closing member is provided as a member for closing at least one of the gaps between the wall surface of the pores and the implanted portion, and the bristle guide and the closing member are made of different materials. Preferably it is.

In this brush body, it is preferable that an elastic material is used as the nonconductive material of the closing member.
In this brush body, the brush head is provided with a bristle guide having a flocked hole into which the bristles bundle is inserted, and the bristle guide is provided with a recess formed by the flocked hole. It is preferable that the bottom surface of the recess is formed by the surface of the closing member.

  In this brush body, the brush head is provided with a bristle guide having a flock hole into which the bristle bundle is inserted, and the plurality of filaments are bundled by the closing member; and It is preferable that the blocking member is fitted in the flock hole.

  In this brush body, an end portion of the bristle bundle positioned outside the brush head is a distal end portion, and an end portion of the bristle bundle opposite to the distal end portion is a base end portion. It is preferable that the base end portion side of the closing member is integrated.

  The toothbrush of the present invention includes a brush body having a bristle bundle, a main body to which the brush body can be attached and detached, and a circuit unit for supplying current to the bristle bundle, and the brush body includes the above-described brush body. It is preferable that the brush body according to any one of the above is provided.

The toothbrush preferably includes an actuator for vibrating the brush head.
In the method for manufacturing a brush body of the present invention, the bristle guide including the step A1 of forming the bristle bundle by bundling the plurality of filaments with the closing member and the flocked hole into which the bristle bundle is inserted is formed. It is preferable to include a step A2 and a step A3 of fitting the blocking member into the flocked hole after the step A1 and the step A2.

  In the method for manufacturing the brush body, the end portion of the bristle bundle that is located outside the brush head is used as a tip portion, and the end portion of the bristle bundle is opposite to the tip portion. In the step A1, the portion of the bristle bundle closer to the base end side than the closing member is integrated in the step A1, and in the step A3, the inside of the brush head It is preferable to fit the integrated part of the bristle bundle into the hole of the conductive member provided in the.

  -In the manufacturing method of the toothbrush of this invention, the process B1 which forms the bristle guide containing the flock hole in which the said bristle bundle is inserted, and the process of inserting the said bristle bundle in the said flock hole after the said process B1 It is preferable to include B2 and the process B3 which supplies the molten material for forming the said obstruction | occlusion member to the said flock hole after the said process B2.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the manufacturing method of a brush body, a toothbrush, and a brush body which can suppress that a water | moisture content permeates into the inside of a brush head through the circumference | surroundings of a bristle bundle or the clearance gap between several filaments is provided. be able to.

The electric toothbrush of 1st Embodiment of this invention WHEREIN: (a) The schematic diagram which shows the whole structure typically, (b) is a top view which shows the planar structure of a brush body, (c) is the planar structure of a bristle bundle. FIG. Sectional drawing which shows the cross-section of the brush body which follows the X2-X2 line | wire of FIG.1 (b) about the electric toothbrush of the embodiment. About the manufacturing process of the electric toothbrush of the embodiment, (a) is a process diagram showing a process of forming a bristle bundle, (b) is a process chart showing a process of applying a liquid thermosetting resin to the outer periphery of the bristle bundle (C) is process drawing which shows the process of bundling the bristle bundle with a metal band, (d) is process drawing which shows the process of forming a closure member. Regarding the manufacturing process of the electric toothbrush of the embodiment, (a) is a process diagram showing a process of forming a bristle guide, (b) is a process chart showing a process of press-fitting a bristle bundle into a guide hole, and (c) is a bristle. Process drawing which shows the process of fuse | melting the core part of a bundle. About the manufacturing process of the electric toothbrush of the embodiment, (a) is a process diagram showing a process of forming a conductive fixing part, (b) is a process chart showing a process of forming both a head main body and a neck main body. About the manufacturing process of the electric toothbrush of 2nd Embodiment of this invention, (a) is process drawing which shows the process of forming a bristle guide, (b) is process drawing which shows the process of inserting a bristle bundle into a guide hole, ( c) Process drawing which shows the process of fuse | melting the core part of a bristle bundle. About the manufacturing process of the electric toothbrush of the embodiment, (a) is a process diagram showing a process of forming a conductive fixing part, (b) is a process chart showing a process of forming both a head main body and a neck main body, (c). FIG. 6 is a process diagram showing a process of forming a closing member. About the manufacturing process of the electric toothbrush of 3rd Embodiment of this invention, (a) is process drawing which shows the process of forming a bristle guide, (b) is process drawing which shows the process of inserting each bristle bundle into a guide hole. About the manufacturing process of the electric toothbrush of the embodiment, (a) is a process diagram showing a process of forming a conductive fixing part, (b) is a process chart showing a process of forming both a head main body and a neck main body. As for the electric toothbrush of the embodiment, (a) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the bristle bundle and the bristle guide in a state where no external force is applied to the bristle bundle, and (b) is an external force applied to the bristle bundle. The schematic diagram which shows the relationship between the bristle bundle | flux and a bristle guide in the state which was in a state. About the virtual toothbrush as a comparative example with respect to the electric toothbrush of the embodiment, (a) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the bristle bundle and the bristle guide in a state where no external force is applied to the bristle bundle, (b) The schematic diagram which shows the relationship between the bristle bundle and a bristle guide in the state in which the external force was applied to the bristle bundle. The perspective view which shows the perspective structure of the bristle bundle bundled by the closure member about the electric toothbrush of 4th Embodiment of this invention. About the manufacturing process of the electric toothbrush of the embodiment, (a) is a process diagram showing a process of forming a conductive fixing part, (b) is a process chart showing a process of forming both a head main body and a neck main body, (c). FIG. 6 is a process diagram showing a process of press-fitting a bristle bundle into the head body. About the electric toothbrush of 5th Embodiment of this invention, (a) is process drawing which shows the process of forming a bristle bundle, (b) is process drawing which shows the process of forming a closure member in the bristle bundle, (c) is Process drawing which shows the process of bend | folding the bristle bundle in a U shape, (d) Process drawing which shows the process of combining the bristle bundle and a flat stopper. About the manufacturing process of the electric toothbrush of the embodiment, (a) is a process diagram showing a process of forming a conductive fixing part, (b) is a process chart showing a process of forming both a head main body and a neck main body, (c). FIG. 6 is a process diagram showing a process of press-fitting a bristle bundle into the head body. Sectional drawing which shows the cross-section of a brush head about the toothbrush of 6th Embodiment of this invention.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1, the electric toothbrush 1 is provided with a toothbrush main body 10 for a user to hold and a brush body 20 that can be attached to and detached from the toothbrush main body 10. Yes.

  The toothbrush main body 10 is provided with a case 11 for the user to hold, a main body electrode 16 that comes into contact with the user's hand, and an operation unit 17 for switching the power supply 12 on and off. The body electrode 16 is fixed to a portion gripped by the user on the outer peripheral surface of the case 11.

  Inside the case 11 are provided an actuator 14 that applies vibration to the brush body 20, a power supply 12 that supplies power to the actuator 14, and a circuit unit 13 that controls the supply of power to the actuator 14 and the like. . A primary battery is used as the power source 12.

  A shaft 15 made of a conductive material is connected to the actuator 14. Vibration is applied to the shaft 15 from the actuator 14 as the actuator 14 is driven.

  The brush body 20 includes a brush head 21 for cleaning teeth, a brush neck 24 for fixing the brush body 20 to the toothbrush body 10, and a plurality of bristle bundles 40 formed as an assembly of a plurality of filaments 50. And are provided.

  The brush head 21 includes a bristle guide 30 that supports a plurality of bristle bundles 40, a conductive fixing part 23 to which the bristle bundle 40 is fixed, and a head that covers the periphery of the conductive fixing part 23 to form a main body of the brush head 21. A main body 22 is provided.

  The bristle guide 30 is formed with a plurality of guide holes 31 for inserting the bristle bundle 40. The bristle bundle 40 is planted so as to protrude from the flocked surface 33 where the opening of the guide hole 31 is formed.

  The conductive fixing portion 23 is made of a resin mixed with a conductive material. As this resin, for example, ABS (acrylbutyl styrene) resin mixed with fibrous carbon can be used.

  The brush neck 24 is provided with a lead plate 26 that electrically connects the shaft 15 and the conductive fixing portion 23, and a neck body 25 that covers the periphery of the lead plate 26 and forms the body of the brush neck 24. The lead plate 26 is made of a conductive metal material. The head main body 22 and the neck main body 25 are integrally formed of a nonconductive resin. As this resin, for example, ABS resin can be used.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the bristle bundle 40 is configured as an aggregate of a plurality of filaments 50 (for example, 40 pieces). Further, the distal end portion 40A of the bristle bundle 40, that is, the distal end portion 50A of each filament 50 is located outside the brush head 21, and the proximal end portion 40B of the bristle bundle 40, that is, the proximal end portion 50B of each filament 50, is the brush head 21. The brush head 21 is planted in a state of being located inside.

  A plurality of filaments 50 constituting the bristle bundle 40 are bundled by a nonconductive blocking member 60. The closing member 60 is made of a non-conductive and highly elastic material. For example, silicone resin, RTV rubber, or urethane rubber can be used as the material.

  As the filament 50, a monofilament having a core-sheath structure is used. That is, the filament 50 is formed by a core portion 52 located at the central portion in the radial direction and a sheath portion 51 surrounding the outer periphery of the core portion 52. The core part 52 is formed of a conductive material containing conductive fine particles. The sheath 51 is made of a nonconductive material that does not contain conductive fine particles. The core portion 52 protrudes from the sheath portion 51 at each of the distal end portion 50A and the proximal end portion 50B of the filament 50.

  The filament 50 is formed so as to satisfy the following conditions (a) to (e). The “area ratio” indicates the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the core portion 52 to the cross-sectional area of the sheath portion 51 in the cross section of the filament 50 along the radial direction (the cross-sectional area of the core portion / the cross-sectional area of the sheath portion). The “single fiber specific resistance value” indicates the specific resistance value of one filament 50. “Conductive fine particle content” indicates the content of conductive fine particles in the core 52. The “sheath resistance value” and the “core resistance value” indicate the volume specific resistance value of the sheath part 51 and the volume specific resistance value of the core part 52, respectively. The volume specific resistance value indicates the volume specific resistance of the object, that is, the electric resistivity inside the object, not the electric resistivity of the surface of the object.

(A) The area ratio is in the range of “15/85 to 85/15”.
(B) The conductive fine particle content is in the range of “5 to 50 (mass%)”.
(C) The single fiber specific resistance value is in the range of “10 ¹ to 10 ⁸ (Ω · cm)”.
(D) The sheath resistance value is in the range of “1 × 10 ¹⁰ to 1 × 10 ¹⁸ (Ω · cm)”.
(E) The core resistance value is in the range of “1 × 10 ¹ to 1 × 10 ⁸ (Ω · cm)”.

  As the resin forming the sheath portion 51, an insulating thermoplastic elastomer resin can be used. Examples of the thermoplastic elastomer include nylon elastomer, polyester elastomer, styrene elastomer, urethane elastomer, and olefin elastomer. Further, as the conductive material contained in the sheath portion 51, carbon particles, carbon long fibers, carbon short fibers, reticulated carbon, metal particles (silver particles, etc.) and the like can be used.

  The filament 50 is configured as a core-sheath filament comprising a sheath part 51 having insulation and a core part 52 having conductivity by mixing a conductive material in a predetermined ratio with the thermoplastic elastomer resin.

With reference to FIG. 1, the structure of the electric circuit of the electric toothbrush 1 is demonstrated.
In the electric toothbrush 1, the anode of the power source 12 and the body electrode 16 are electrically connected. Further, the cathode of the power source 12 and the shaft 15 are electrically connected. Further, the power source 12 and the circuit unit 13 are electrically connected. Each of the operation unit 17 and the actuator 14 and the circuit unit 13 are electrically connected. Further, the shaft 15 and the conductive fixing portion 23 are electrically connected via the lead plate 26. Further, the core portion 52 of the filament 50 and the conductive fixing portion 23 are electrically connected.

  A more detailed structure of the brush body 20 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, a cross section is shown for portions other than the bristle bundle 40 and the closing member 60, and an external appearance is shown for the bristle bundle 40 and the closing member 60.

  In the bristle bundle 40, a closing member 60 is provided in an implanted portion 41 that is a portion provided inside the brush head 21. More specifically, a closing member 60 is provided in a portion corresponding to the guide hole 31 of the bristle guide 30 in the implanted portion 41. Since the bristle bundle 40 is bundled by the closing member 60, the gaps between the plurality of filaments 50 in the implanted portion 41 are closed.

  In the bristle guide 30, the closing member 60 is press-fitted into the brush head 21 so that the flocked surface 33 and the end surface 61 of the closing member 60 are provided on the same plane. Further, since the closing member 60 is press-fitted, the gap between the implanted portion 41 and the bristle guide 30, that is, the gap between the implanted portion 41 and the wall surface 32 of the guide hole 31 is closed. When the bristle bundle 40 not provided with the closing member 60 is inserted into the guide hole 31, a gap is formed between the implanted portion 41 and the wall surface 32 of the guide hole 31. In addition, a gap is also formed between the plurality of filaments 50 in the implanted portion 41.

  At the base end portion 40B of the bristle bundle 40, a molten mass 53 is formed as a portion where the core portions 52 of the filaments 50 are welded to each other. Since the molten mass 53 is welded to the conductive fixing portion 23, the base end portion 40 </ b> B of the bristle bundle 40 is electrically connected to the conductive fixing portion 23.

The operation of the electric toothbrush 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
When a current is supplied to the actuator 14 by operating the operation unit 17, the bristle bundle 40 of the brush body 20 vibrates due to the vibration of the shaft 15 as the actuator 14 is driven. Further, when the electric toothbrush 1 is used, “the anode of the power supply 12 -the body electrode 16 -the user's hand-the tissue in the user's mouth (gum etc.)-The bristle bundle 40-the conductive fixing portion 23-the lead plate 26 A closed circuit connected in the order of “shaft 15—cathode of power supply 12” is formed. When this electric circuit is formed, an electric current is supplied to the tissue in the oral cavity via the core portion 52 of the filament 50.

The manufacturing process of the brush body 20 will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, the bristle bundle 40 is formed through the following first to fourth steps.
As shown in FIG. 3A, in the first step, a plurality of filaments 50 for forming one bristle bundle 40 are prepared, and the plurality of filaments 50 are collected to form one aggregate. A bristle bundle 40 is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, in the second step, a liquid thermosetting resin is applied to a portion corresponding to the implanted portion 41 of the bristle bundle 40 formed in the first step. Examples of the application method include a method using a brush or a spray.

  As shown in FIG. 3C, in the third step, a metal band 62 is attached to the portion where the thermosetting resin is applied in the second step, and the plurality of filaments 50 are bundled by the metal band 62. Thereafter, the thermosetting resin compressed by the metal band 62 is heated for a predetermined time.

  As shown in FIG. 3D, in the fourth step (step A1), the metal band 62 is removed after the thermosetting resin is heated for a predetermined time. Thereby, the bristle bundle 40 in which the plurality of filaments 50 are bundled by the closing member 60 as the cured thermosetting resin is formed.

Next, the brush body 20 is formed through the following 11th process-15th process.
As shown in FIG. 4A, in the eleventh step (step A2), the bristle guide 30 is formed by injecting molten resin into a mold corresponding to the bristle guide 30.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, in the twelfth step (step A3), the closing member 60 of the bristle bundle 40 is press-fitted into the guide hole 31 of the bristle guide 30 formed in the eleventh step. Here, the bristle bundle 40 is press-fitted into the guide hole 31 by inserting the base end portion 40B of the bristle bundle 40 into the guide hole 31 from the flocked surface 33 side.

  As shown in FIG. 4 (c), in the thirteenth step, the core portion 52 of the base end portion 40B of the bristle bundle 40 is melted and bonded to the aggregate such as the bristle guide 30 formed in the twelfth step. As a result, the molten mass 53 is formed in the bristle bundle 40.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, in the 14th step, the assembly such as the bristle guide 30 formed in the 13th step and the lead plate 26 are inserted into a mold corresponding to the conductive fixing portion 23, and the molten resin The conductive fixing portion 23 is formed by injecting. By this step, the bristle guide 30, the molten mass 53, and the lead plate 26 are each fixed to the conductive fixing portion 23.

  As shown in FIG. 5 (b), in the fifteenth step, an assembly such as the bristle guide 30 formed in the fourteenth step is inserted into a mold corresponding to the head main body 22 and the neck main body 25, and the molten resin is inserted. By injecting, the head body 22 and the neck body 25 are formed. Through this step, the bristle guide 30, the conductive fixing portion 23, and the lead plate 26 are each fixed to the head body 22. Further, the lead plate 26 is fixed to the neck body 25.

(effect)
According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the electric toothbrush 1, a closing member 60 that closes the gap between the plurality of filaments 50 in the implanted portion 41 of the bristle bundle 40 and the gap between the implanted portion 41 and the wall surface 32 of the guide hole 31 is provided. It has been.

  Here, an effect obtained by the electric toothbrush 1 based on a comparison with this virtual toothbrush will be described with a “virtual toothbrush” having the same structure as that of the electric toothbrush 1 except that the closing member 60 is not provided. To do.

  In the virtual toothbrush, very fine gaps are formed between the plurality of filaments 50 in the implanted portion 41 and between the implanted portion 41 and the wall surface 32 of the guide hole 31. For this reason, moisture (water and saliva) in the oral cavity enters the inside of the brush head 21 through the same minute gap due to capillary action. When moisture enters the inside of the brush head 21, current flows between the conductive fixing portion 23 and the tissue in the oral cavity without passing through the filament 50, so that the local area from the tip of the filament 50 to the tissue in the oral cavity Current supply is not performed. For this reason, the effect which sterilizes by changing the chloride ion in an oral cavity into effective chlorine falls. In addition, the effect of supplying bactericidal active ingredients (for example, cetylpyridinium chloride) contained in dentifrices and mouthwashes into biofilms such as plaque by ion introduction is also reduced.

  Further, in the virtual toothbrush, the moisture that has entered the brush head 21 during use is difficult to be discharged to the outside, so that the inside of the brush head 21 is easily kept wet even after the toothbrush is used. At this time, a large amount of dust may adhere to the brush head 21 due to being wet.

  In contrast to such a virtual toothbrush, the electric toothbrush 1 is provided with the closing member 60, so that moisture can be prevented from entering the brush head 21 through the guide hole 31. For this reason, it is suppressed that the sterilization effect fall mentioned above etc. arise. Moreover, it is suppressed that dust etc. adhere after use of a brush. Further, foreign matter such as plaque is prevented from entering the brush head 21.

  (2) In the electric toothbrush 1, the bristle bundle 40 is constituted by the filament 50 having a core-sheath structure. In the core-sheath structure, a conductive material is used as the material of the inner core portion 52, and a non-conductive material is used as the outer sheath portion 51. Further, the closing member 60 is made of a non-conductive material.

  According to this configuration, when the electric toothbrush 1 is used, current is supplied to the tissue in the oral cavity via the core portion 52 of the filament 50, so that the brushing is performed using a general toothbrush that is not supplied with current. The tooth cleaning effect becomes high.

  (3) When an inelastic material is used as the closing member 60, the stress of the filament 50 generated during the brushing is concentrated on the boundary portion between the filament 50 and the closing member 60. For this reason, there exists a possibility that the filament 50 may be bent or the filament 50 may be disconnected due to the core 52 being broken.

  In the electric toothbrush 1, an elastic material is used as the nonconductive material of the closing member 60. For this reason, since the stress which arises in the filament 50 is disperse | distributed to the closure member 60 as an elastic material, it can suppress that the damage of the filament 50 mentioned above arises.

  (4) In the electric toothbrush 1, a plurality of filaments 50 are bundled by the closing member 60. Further, the bristle bundle 40 is fixed to the bristle guide 30 by press-fitting the closing member 60 into the guide hole 31 of the bristle guide 30.

  According to this configuration, the operation of pressing the closing member 60 into the bristle guide 30, the operation of filling the gap between the implanted portion 41 of the bristle bundle 40 and the wall surface 32, and the bristle bundle 40 are fixed to the bristle guide 30. The work is complete. For this reason, compared with the case where a separate fixing member is used to fix the bristle bundle 40 to the brush head 21, the number of steps required to assemble the brush body 20 can be reduced.

  (5) The electric toothbrush 1 is provided with an actuator 14 for vibrating the brush head 21. According to this configuration, in addition to the improvement of the electrical cleaning effect accompanying the energization of the tissue from the filament 50 to the oral cavity, the improvement of the physical cleaning effect accompanying the minute vibration applied to the brush head 21. Can also expect.

  (6) According to the manufacturing method of inserting the bristle bundle 40 from the conductive fixing portion 23 side of the bristle guide 30, after the bristle bundle 40 is inserted, the member for supporting the bristle bundle 40 from the base end 40B side A work such as attaching to the guide 30 is required. That is, it is necessary to interrupt the process of inserting the bristle bundle 40 during the manufacturing process of the brush head 21.

  In the manufacturing method of the electric toothbrush 1 of this embodiment, the bristle bundle 40 is press-fitted into the bristle guide 30 from the flocked surface 33 side. Thereby, since it is not necessary to interrupt the process of press-fitting the bristle bundle 40 in the middle of the manufacturing process of the brush head 21, work efficiency when manufacturing the brush head 21 is improved.

  (7) In the method for manufacturing the electric toothbrush 1, after the filaments 50 of the bristle bundle 40 are bundled by the closing member 60, the bristle bundle 40 is press-fitted into the guide hole 31 of the bristle guide 30.

  In the brush body 20, as another manufacturing method for closing the gap between the implanted portion 41 of the bristle bundle 40 and the wall surface 32 of the guide hole 31 and the gap between the plurality of filaments 50 in the implanted portion 41, for example, Can be considered. That is, by inserting the bristle bundle 40 not bundled by the closing member 60 into the guide hole 31, and then injecting a non-conductive molten resin into the guide hole 31 to form the closing member in the implanted portion 41, What forms the brush body 20 by which said each clearance gap was obstruct | occluded is mentioned.

  However, according to this manufacturing method, in order to sufficiently supply the molten resin to the gaps between the plurality of filaments 50 in the implanted portion 41, it is required to perform advanced adjustment on the operating conditions of the equipment. Moreover, it is difficult to confirm whether or not the gap between the filaments 50 is properly closed in the manufactured brush body 20.

  On the other hand, in the manufacturing method of the electric toothbrush 1 of this embodiment, since the closure member 60 is formed in the part corresponding to the implantation part 41 in the state of the bristle bundle 40 alone, compared with the manufacturing method assumed above. The operation of forming the closing member 60 is facilitated. In addition, it is possible to easily check whether or not the gaps between the plurality of filaments 50 in the implanted portion 41 are properly closed by the closing member 60.

(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
The electric toothbrush 1 of this embodiment is configured as a part of the electric toothbrush 1 of the first embodiment modified as follows. That is, in the electric toothbrush 1 of this embodiment, after the bristle bundle 40 is planted in the bristle guide 30, the gap around the implanted part 41 and the gap between the plurality of filaments 50 in the implanted part 41 are blocking members. A structure closed by 60 is employed. Further, a bristle guide 30 having a guide wall 31 provided with a bottom wall 34 is used.

  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. 6A, in the guide hole 31 of the bristle guide 30, a bottom wall 34 is provided at the opening on the conductive fixing portion 23 side. An auxiliary guide hole 35 is provided in the bottom wall 34. The diameter of the auxiliary guide hole 35 is set to a size that allows the bristle bundle 40 to be inserted.

  As shown in FIG. 7C, in the bristle guide 30, the closing member 60 is formed in the guide hole 31 so that the flocked surface 33 and the end surface 61 of the closing member 60 are provided on the same plane. Yes. Further, since the closing member 60 is formed, the gap between the implanted portion 41 and the bristle guide 30, that is, the gap between the implanted portion 41 and the wall surface 32 of the guide hole 31 is closed. In FIG. 7 (c), the elements other than the bristle bundle 40 and the closing member 60 are shown in cross section, and the bristle bundle 40 is shown in appearance. Further, the closing member 60 is shown by dots including a portion existing on the same cross section and other portions that cannot be confirmed on the same cross section.

The manufacturing process of the brush body 20 will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, the bristle bundle 40 is formed through the same process as the first process of the first embodiment. That is, the bristle bundle 40 that is not bundled by the closing member 60 is formed.

Next, the brush body 20 is formed through the following 21st process-26th process.
As shown in FIG. 6A, in the 21st step (step B1), the bristle guide 30 is formed by injecting molten resin into a mold corresponding to the bristle guide 30.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, in the 22nd step (step B2), the bristle bundle 40 is inserted into the guide hole 31 and the auxiliary guide hole 35 of the bristle guide 30 formed in the 21st step. Here, the base end portion 40 </ b> B of the bristle bundle 40 is inserted into the guide hole 31 from the flocked surface 33 side.

  As shown in FIG. 6C, in the 23rd step, the core portion 52 of the base end portion 40B of the bristle bundle 40 is melted and bonded to the aggregate such as the bristle guide 30 formed in the 22nd step. As a result, the molten mass 53 is formed in the bristle bundle 40.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, in the 24th step, the assembly such as the bristle guide 30 formed in the 23rd step and the lead plate 26 are inserted into a mold corresponding to the conductive fixing portion 23, and the molten resin The conductive fixing portion 23 is formed by injecting. By this step, the bristle guide 30, the molten mass 53, and the lead plate 26 are each fixed to the conductive fixing portion 23.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, in the 25th step, the assembly such as the bristle guide 30 formed in the 24th step is inserted into a mold corresponding to the head main body 22 and the neck main body 25, and the molten resin is inserted. By injecting, the head body 22 and the neck body 25 are formed. Through this step, the bristle guide 30, the conductive fixing portion 23, and the lead plate 26 are each fixed to the head body 22. Further, the lead plate 26 is fixed to the neck body 25.

  As shown in FIG. 7C, in the twenty-sixth step (step B3), a liquid resin is injected into the guide hole 31 from the flocked surface 33 side of the brush head 21 formed in the twenty-fifth step. Then, when the injected resin is cured, a closing member that closes the gap between the implanted portion 41 of the bristle bundle 40 and the wall surface 32 of the guide hole 31 and the gap between the plurality of filaments 50 in the implanted portion 41. 60 is formed.

(effect)
According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. That is, in addition to the same effects as the effects (1) to (3), (5), and (6) of the first embodiment, the following effect (8) is obtained.

  (8) In the electric toothbrush 1, the bottom wall 34 is provided on the bristle guide 30. For this reason, when the molten resin of the closing member 60 is poured into the guide hole 31 in the manufacturing process of the brush body 20, the molten resin is suppressed from touching the conductive fixing portion 23.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
The electric toothbrush 1 of this embodiment is configured as a part of the electric toothbrush 1 of the first embodiment modified as follows. That is, in the electric toothbrush 1 of the present embodiment, the small diameter portion 36 and the large diameter portion 37 are provided in the guide hole 31 of the bristle guide 30. Further, the closing member is integrated with the head main body 22.

  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. 8A, the guide hole 31 of the bristle guide 30 has a small-diameter portion 36 provided in a portion on the flocked surface 33 side and a large-diameter portion 37 provided in a portion on the conductive fixing portion 23 side. It is comprised by. The diameter of the small diameter portion 36 is set to a size that allows the bristle bundle 40 to be inserted.

  As shown in FIG. 9 (b), the head body 22 has portions corresponding to the implanted portions 41 of the bristle bundle 40, that is, a part of the small diameter portion 36 of the guide hole 31 and a large diameter portion 37 of the guide hole 31. In a portion corresponding to, a closing portion 22A as a closing member is provided. In FIG. 9B, the cross section is shown for elements other than the bristle bundle 40, and the appearance of the bristle bundle 40 is shown. Further, regarding the blocking portion 22A, a portion existing on the same cross section is illustrated by the same hatching as that of the head body 22, and other portions that cannot be confirmed on the same cross section are illustrated by dots.

  The closing part 22A is formed integrally with the other part by the same non-conductive resin as the other part of the head main body 22. Moreover, it is formed so that the clearance gap between the some filaments 50 in the implantation part 41 may be filled. Moreover, it forms so that a clearance gap may not arise between obstruction | occlusion part 22A itself and the implantation part 41. FIG.

  In the bristle guide 30, the end surface 22 </ b> B of the blocking portion 22 </ b> A is provided at a position different from the flocked surface 33, that is, in the guide hole 31. Thereby, a non-filling portion 38 is formed as a gap between the wall surface 32 from the opening portion to the middle portion of the small diameter portion 36 and the implanted portion 41 of the bristle bundle 40 in the guide hole 31.

  In this manner, the hair transplantation surface 33 of the bristle guide 30 is formed with a recess having the bottom surface of the end surface 22B of the blocking portion 22A. When the closed portion 22 </ b> A is not formed in the head body 22 in a state where the bristle bundle 40 is inserted into the guide hole 31, a gap is formed between the implanted portion 41 and the entire wall surface 32 of the guide hole 31. . In addition, a gap is also formed between the plurality of filaments 50 in the implanted portion 41.

The manufacturing process of the brush body 20 will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, the bristle bundle 40 is formed through the same process as the first process of the first embodiment. That is, the bristle bundle 40 that is not bundled by the closing member 60 is formed.

Next, the brush body 20 is formed through the following 31st process-34th process.
As shown in FIG. 8A, in the thirty-first step, the bristle guide 30 is formed by injecting molten resin into a mold corresponding to the bristle guide 30.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, in the thirty-second step, the bristle bundle 40 is inserted into the guide hole 31 of the bristle guide 30 formed in the thirty-first step. Here, the base end portion 40 </ b> B of the bristle bundle 40 is inserted into the guide hole 31 from the flocked surface 33 side.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, in the thirty-third step, the assembly such as the bristle guide 30 formed in the thirty-second step and the lead plate 26 prepared in a separate step correspond to the conductive fixing portion 23. The conductive fixing portion 23 is formed by inserting into a mold and injecting molten resin. By this step, the bristle guide 30 and the lead plate 26 are each fixed to the conductive fixing portion 23.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, in the 34th step, the assembly such as the bristle guide 30 formed in the 33rd step is inserted into a mold corresponding to the head main body 22 and the neck main body 25, and the molten resin is inserted. By injecting, the head body 22 and the neck body 25 are formed. In this step, the filling amount of the resin is adjusted so that the end face 22B of the closing portion 22A is formed in the guide hole 31.

  Through the thirty-fifth step, the bristle guide 30, the conductive fixing portion 23, and the lead plate 26 are fixed to the head main body 22, respectively. Further, the lead plate 26 is fixed to the neck body 25. In addition, a closed portion 22 </ b> A is formed that closes a gap between the implanted portion 41 of the bristle bundle 40, a part of the small diameter portion 36 and the large diameter portion 37, and a gap between the plurality of filaments 50 in the implanted portion 41. .

(effect)
According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. That is, in addition to the same effects as the effects (1) to (3), (5), and (6) of the first embodiment, the following effect (9) is obtained.

  (9) As shown in FIG. 11 (a), the configuration in which the non-filling portion 38 is not formed in the guide hole 31 of the bristle guide 30 causes the following problem. That is, as shown in FIG. 11B, the stress generated in the filament 50 at the time of brushing is concentrated on the boundary portion between the filament 50 and the closing portion 22A. For this reason, the filament 50 may be bent or the core portion 52 may be broken due to the stress generated in the filament 50 during brushing.

  On the other hand, in the electric toothbrush 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10A, there is an unfilled portion 38 as a gap between the implanted portion 41 of the bristle bundle 40 and the wall surface 32 of the guide hole 31. A small diameter portion 36 of the guide hole 31 is formed. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 10B, stress is generated mainly in the filament 50 at the boundary between the filament 50 and the blocking portion 22 </ b> A and the opening of the guide hole 31 during brushing. That is, the stress generated in the filament 50 during brushing is dispersed. Thereby, it can suppress that the filament 50 bends or the core part 52 is torn.

(Fourth embodiment)
The fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
The electric toothbrush 1 of this embodiment is configured as a part of the electric toothbrush 1 of the first embodiment modified as follows. That is, in the electric toothbrush 1 of the present embodiment, the plurality of core portions 52 are integrated at the base end portion 40 </ b> B of the bristle bundle 40. Further, instead of the brush body 20, a brush body 70 corresponding to a brush body in which the head main body 22 and the bristle guide 30 are integrally formed of the same material is provided.

  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. 12, the bristle bundle 40 is bundled by a closing member 60. Further, in the bristle bundle 40, a coupling portion 40 </ b> C in which a plurality of core portions 52 are welded to each other is formed on the proximal end portion 40 </ b> B side of the closing member 60.

  As shown in FIG. 13 (c), the brush body 70 includes a brush head 71 for cleaning teeth, a brush neck 74 for fixing the brush body 70 to the toothbrush body 10, and a plurality of bristle bundles 40. And are provided.

The brush head 71 is provided with a conductive fixing portion 73 to which the bristle bundle 40 is fixed, and a head main body 72 that covers the periphery of the conductive fixing portion 73 and forms the main body of the brush head 71.
A plurality of fixing holes 72 </ b> A for fixing the closing member 60 of the bristle bundle 40 are formed in the head main body 72. That is, the head main body 72 is formed as a member including a bristle guide.

  The conductive fixing portion 73 is formed with a fixing hole 73A for fixing the connecting portion 40C of the bristle bundle 40 and the closing member 60. The fixing hole 73A is configured by a portion having a large diameter corresponding to the blocking member 60 and a portion having a small diameter corresponding to the coupling portion 40C. The bristle bundle 40 is electrically connected to the conductive fixing portion 73 by press-fitting the coupling portion 40C into the fixing hole 73A.

  In the brush head 71, the closing member 60 is press-fitted into the head body 72 so that the end surface 61 of the closing member 60 is provided in the fixing hole 72A. As a result, a recess having the end surface 61 as a bottom surface is formed in the brush head 71 by the fixing hole 72A. Further, since the closing member 60 is press-fitted, a gap between the periphery of the implanted portion 41 and the head main body 72, that is, a gap between the implanted portion 41 and the wall surface of the fixed hole 72A and the fixed hole 73A is blocked. Further, since the bristle bundle 40 is bundled by the closing member 60, the gaps between the plurality of filaments 50 in the implanted portion 41 are closed.

With reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the manufacturing process of the brush body 20 is demonstrated.
First, the bristle bundle 40 is formed through the same steps as the first to fourth steps (step A1) of the first embodiment. In the bristle bundle 40 formed in the fourth step, the entire portion on the base end portion 40B side with respect to the closing member 60 is configured only by the core portion 52. Moreover, in the core part 52 of the same part, the length required in order to form the connection part 40C is ensured. In order to form such a bristle bundle 40, in the first step of this embodiment, the core portion 52 is exposed on the base end portion 50B side as compared with the filament 50 used in the first step of the first embodiment. A long part is used.

  After the bristle bundle 40 is formed in the fourth step, the core 52 on the base end 40B side is melted. Thereby, 40 C of coupling | bond parts are formed as a part which the core parts 52 of the part of the base end part 40B side rather than the closure member 60 mutually welded.

Next, the brush body 20 is formed through the following 41st process-43rd process.
As shown in FIG. 13 (a), in the forty-first step, a lead plate 76 prepared in a separate step is inserted into a mold corresponding to the conductive fixing portion 73, and a molten resin is poured into the conductive fixing portion. 73 is formed. Through this step, the lead plate 76 is fixed to the conductive fixing portion 73.

  As shown in FIG. 13B, in the forty-second step (step A2), the assembly such as the conductive fixing portion 73 formed in the forty-first step is inserted into a mold corresponding to the head main body 72 and the neck main body 75. Then, the head main body 72 and the neck main body 75 are formed by injecting molten resin. Through this step, the conductive fixing portion 73 and the lead plate 76 are fixed to the head main body 72, respectively. In addition, the lead plate 76 is fixed to the neck body 75.

  As shown in FIG. 13C, in the forty-third step (step A3), the bristle bundle 40 is blocked with respect to the fixing hole 72A of the head main body 72 and the fixing hole 73A of the conductive fixing portion 73 formed in the forty-second step. The member 60 is press-fitted. Further, the joint portion 40 </ b> C of the bristle bundle 40 is press-fitted into the fixing hole 73 </ b> A of the conductive fixing portion 73.

(effect)
According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. That is, in addition to the same effects as the effects (1) to (3), (5) and (6) of the first embodiment and the effect (9) of the third embodiment, An effect is obtained.

  (10) In the electric toothbrush 1, the base end portion 40 </ b> B side of the bristle bundle 40 is integrated with the closing member 60. That is, a joint portion 40C in which a plurality of core portions 52 are welded to each other is formed in the same portion.

  According to this configuration, since the electrical connection between the plurality of filaments 50 is more reliably obtained in the bristle bundle 40, it is possible to suppress an excessively large variation in the magnitude of the current flowing between the plurality of filaments 50. Is done. Moreover, the operation | work which fixes the base end part 40B of the bristle bundle 40 to the electrically conductive fixing part 73 can be performed easily.

(Fifth embodiment)
A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.
The electric toothbrush 1 of this embodiment is configured as a part of the electric toothbrush 1 of the first embodiment modified as follows. That is, in the electric toothbrush 1 of the present embodiment, a portion where the core portion 52 is exposed is formed in the middle portion of the filament 50. Further, instead of the brush body 20, a brush body 80 corresponding to a brush body in which the head main body 22 and the bristle guide 30 are integrally formed of the same material is provided.

  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. 14B, an intermediate exposed portion 54 in which the core portion 52 is exposed from the sheath portion 51 is formed in the intermediate portion of the filament 50. In addition, a closing member 60 is provided on each side of the vicinity of the intermediate exposed portion 54 in the bristle bundle 40.

  As shown in FIG. 15 (c), the brush body 80 includes a brush head 81 for cleaning teeth, a brush neck 84 for fixing the brush body 80 to the toothbrush body 10, and a plurality of bristle bundles 40. And are provided.

The brush head 81 is provided with a conductive fixing portion 83 to which the bristle bundle 40 is fixed, and a head main body 82 that covers the periphery of the conductive fixing portion 83 and forms the main body of the brush head 81.
The head body 82 is formed with a plurality of fixing holes 82A for fixing the closing member 60 of the bristle bundle 40. That is, the head body 82 is formed as a member including a bristle guide.

  In the conductive fixing portion 83, a conductive hole 83A for arranging the intermediate exposed portion 54 of the bristle bundle 40 is formed. By arranging the intermediate exposed portion 54 in the conductive hole 83A, the bristle bundle 40 is electrically connected to the conductive fixing portion 83.

  In the brush head 81, the closing member 60 is press-fitted into the head body 82 so that the end surface 61 of the closing member 60 is provided in the fixing hole 82A. As a result, a recess having the end surface 61 as a bottom surface is formed in the brush head 81 by the fixing hole 82A. Further, since the closing member 60 is press-fitted, a gap between the periphery of the implanted portion 41 and the head main body 82, that is, a gap between the implanted portion 41 and the wall surface of the fixing hole 82A is blocked. Further, since the bristle bundle 40 is bundled by the closing member 60, the gaps between the plurality of filaments 50 in the implanted portion 41 are closed.

With reference to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the manufacturing process of the brush body 20 is demonstrated.
First, the bristle bundle 40 is formed through the following 51st process-54th process.
As shown in FIG. 14 (a), in the 51st step, a plurality of filaments 50 (for example, 20 to 30 pieces) having intermediate exposed portions 54 are prepared, and the plurality of filaments 50 are collected to form one set. By forming a body, the bristle bundle 40 is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 14 (b), in the 52nd step (step A1), the bristle bundle 40 formed in the 51st step is blocked by two steps by the same steps as the second step to the fourth step of the first embodiment. The member 60 is formed.

As shown in FIG. 14C, in the 53rd step, the bristle bundle 40 formed in the 52nd step is bent into a U shape.
As shown in FIG. 14D, in the 54th step, in the bristle bundle 40 formed in the 53rd step, a flat plug 42 is disposed between one closing member 60 and the other closing member 60 and press-fitted. Get ready for.

Next, the brush body 20 is formed through the following 55th process-57th process.
As shown in FIG. 15 (a), in the 55th step, the lead plate 26 prepared in a separate step is inserted into a mold corresponding to the conductive fixing portion 83, and the molten resin is injected to inject the conductive fixing portion. 83 is formed. Through this step, the lead plate 26 is fixed to the conductive fixing portion 83.

  As shown in FIG. 15B, in the 56th step (step A2), the assembly such as the conductive fixing portion 83 formed in the 55th step is inserted into a mold corresponding to the head main body 82 and the neck main body 85. Then, the head main body 82 and the neck main body 85 are formed by injecting molten resin. Through this step, the conductive fixing portion 83 and the lead plate 26 are fixed to the head main body 82, respectively. The lead plate 26 is fixed to the neck body 85.

  As shown in FIG. 15C, in the 57th step (step A3), the flat plug 42 and the closing member 60 of the bristle bundle 40 are press-fitted into the fixing hole 82A of the head body 82 formed in the 56th step. . Further, the intermediate exposed portion 54 of the bristle bundle 40 is inserted into the conductive hole 83 </ b> A of the conductive fixing portion 83.

(effect)
According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. That is, in addition to the effects (1) to (7) of the first embodiment, the effects (9) of the third embodiment, and the effects (10) of the fourth embodiment, the following (11) The effect is obtained.

  (11) In the electric toothbrush 1, an intermediate exposed portion 54 is formed in the bristle bundle 40. The bristle bundle 40 is fixed to the brush head 81 by a flat plug 42. That is, by forming the intermediate exposed portion 54 in the bristle bundle 40, it is possible to fix the bristle bundle 40 using the flat plug 42. Thereby, since it becomes possible to manufacture the brush body 20 using the conventional method for fixing a bristle bundle to a brush head, the work efficiency can be improved.

(Sixth embodiment)
A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The electric toothbrush 1 of this embodiment is configured as a part of the electric toothbrush 1 of the first embodiment modified as follows. That is, in the electric toothbrush 1 of the present embodiment, an O-ring 90 is provided instead of the closing member 60.

  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. 16, an O-ring 90 is provided at the opening of the guide hole 31 in the bristle guide 30. Further, a gap between the implanted portion 41 of the bristle bundle 40 and the wall surface 32 of the guide hole 31 is closed by an O-ring 90. Further, the implanted portion 41 corresponding to the O-ring 90 is compressed by the O-ring 90, so that the gaps between the plurality of filaments 50 in the implanted portion 41 are closed.

(effect)
According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. That is, the same effects as the effects (1) to (3), (5) and (6) of the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Other embodiments)
Note that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified as shown below, for example. The following modifications are not applied only to the above-described embodiment, and different modifications can be combined with each other.

  In the first embodiment, the structure in which the gap between the bristle bundle 40 and the wall surface 32 of the guide hole 31 is closed by press-fitting the closing member 60 into the guide hole 31 is used to close the gap. The structure of can also be changed as follows. That is, the gap between the bristle bundle 40 and the wall surface 32 can be blocked by inserting the closing member 60 into the guide hole 31 and fixing the entire outer periphery of the closing member 60 and the wall surface 32 with an adhesive. it can.

In the first embodiment, the core part 52 of the bristle bundle 40 is fixed to the conductive fixing part 23, but the structure for fixing the core part 52 of the bristle bundle 40 is changed as follows. You can also.
(A) The lead plate 26 is extended to a portion corresponding to the bristle bundle 40. The core portion 52 of the bristle bundle 40 is fixed to the lead plate 26.
(B) A conductive member formed separately from the lead plate 26 is attached to the lead plate 26. The core part 52 of the bristle bundle 40 is fixed to this conductive member.

  In the first embodiment, the flocked surface 33 of the bristle guide 30 and the end surface 61 of the closing member 60 are provided on the same plane, but the end surface 61 of the closing member 60 can also be provided in the guide hole 31. . In this case, since the recess is formed by the guide hole 31 in the brush head 21, the same effect as the effect (9) of the third embodiment can be obtained.

In the second embodiment, the bristle guide 30 is provided with the bottom wall 34, but the bottom wall 34 may be omitted to form the bristle guide 30.
-In the said 4th Embodiment, after forming the bristle bundle 40 by which the part of the base end part 40B side rather than the closure member 60 is comprised only with the core part 52 in a 4th process, the core part 52 of the part is melted. The coupling portion 40C is formed, but the configuration of the coupling portion 40C can be changed as follows. That is, similarly to the first embodiment, the bristle bundle 40 having the sheath portion 51 and the core portion 52 in the portion closer to the base end portion 40B than the closing member 60 is formed in the fourth step, and the joint portion is melted by the same portion. 40C can also be formed.

In the above embodiments, the gap between the plurality of filaments 50 in the implanted portion 41 of the bristle bundle 40 and the gap between the implanted portion 41 and the wall surface of the guide hole 31 or the fixed hole 72A or the fixed hole 82A Although a structure in which the gap is closed by the closing member 60 is adopted, this structure can be changed as follows.
(A) Change to a structure in which only the former of the gaps is closed by the closing member 60. In this case, compared with a toothbrush in which the closing member 60 is not provided, water intrusion into the brush head 21 from the gaps between the plurality of filaments 50 is suppressed.
(B) The structure is changed so that only the latter of the gaps is closed by the closing member 60. In this case, compared with a toothbrush in which the closing member 60 is not provided, the intrusion of water into the brush head 21 from the gap between the implanted portion 41 and the wall surface of the hole is suppressed.

  In each of the above embodiments, the filament 50 has a core-sheath structure in which the core portion 52 protrudes from the sheath portion 51 at the distal end portion 50A, but when the electric toothbrush 1 is used, the tissue in the oral cavity, the core portion 52, If the electrical circuit is formed by the contact, the core portion 52 does not need to protrude from the sheath portion 51 at the distal end portion 50A.

In each of the above embodiments, a primary battery is used as the power source 12, but a secondary battery can also be used as the power source 12.
In each of the above embodiments, the core-sheath structure is used for all of the plurality of filaments 50 constituting the bristle bundle 40, including the filament having the core-sheath structure and the filament not having the core-sheath structure. The bristle bundle 40 can also be configured. In this case, a configuration that includes the two types of filaments in all the bristle bundles 40 and a configuration that includes the two types of filaments in some of the bristle bundles 40 can be employed.

  In each of the above embodiments, specific examples in the case where the present invention is applied to a toothbrush provided with a function of supplying current into the oral cavity by the bristle bundle 40 have been shown, but a toothbrush that is not provided with the same function The present invention can also be applied to. In this case, each bristle bundle is constituted by a filament formed of a non-conductive material instead of the filament 50 having the core-sheath structure. Further, the components provided as components for realizing the above functions in each embodiment, that is, the conductive fixing portions 23, 73, 83, the lead plate 26, and the body electrode 16 are omitted from the electric toothbrush 1. Can do.

  In each of the above embodiments, specific examples in the case where the present invention is applied to a toothbrush provided with a function of vibrating the brush head 21 have been shown. However, the present invention is applied to a toothbrush not provided with the same function. Can also be applied. In this case, what is provided as a component for realizing the above function in each embodiment, that is, the actuator 14 and the shaft 15 can be omitted from the electric toothbrush 1.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electric toothbrush (toothbrush), 10 ... Toothbrush main body (main body), 13 ... Circuit part, 14 ... Actuator, 20 ... Brush body, 21 ... Brush head, 22A ... Closure part (closure member), 22B ... End surface (recessed part) Bottom surface), 30 ... Bristle guide, 31 ... Guide hole (planting hole), 32 ... Wall surface, 40 ... Bristle bundle, 40A ... Tip part, 40B ... Base end part, 41 ... Implanted part, 50 ... Filament, 60 ... Blocking member, 73A: fixing hole (hole of conductive member).

Claims (12)

In a brush body including a bristle bundle which is a bundle of a plurality of filaments and a brush head in which the bristle bundle is planted,
A block that closes at least one of a gap between the plurality of filaments in the implanted portion and a gap around the implanted portion, with a portion of the bristle bundle inside the brush head as an implanted portion. A brush body characterized in that a member is provided. The brush body according to claim 1,
At least one of the plurality of filaments has a core-sheath structure;
In the core-sheath structure, a conductive material is used as an inner material, and a non-conductive material is used as an outer material,
A brush body, wherein the closing member is made of a non-conductive material. The brush body according to claim 1 or 2,
The brush head is provided with a bristle guide having a flock hole into which the bristle bundle is inserted,
The closing member is provided as a member that closes at least one of the gap between the plurality of filaments in the implanted portion and the gap between the wall surface of the flocking hole and the implanted portion;
The brush body is characterized in that the bristle guide and the closing member are made of different materials. In the brush body as described in any one of Claims 1-3,
An elastic material is used as the non-conductive material of the closing member. In the brush body as described in any one of Claims 1-4,
The brush head is provided with a bristle guide having a flock hole into which the bristle bundle is inserted,
The bristle guide is provided with a recess formed by the flock hole,
The brush body is characterized in that the bottom surface of the recess is formed by the surface of the closing member. In the brush body as described in any one of Claims 1-5,
The brush head is provided with a bristle guide having a flock hole into which the bristle bundle is inserted, the plurality of filaments being bundled by the closing member;
And the said obstruction | occlusion member is engage | inserted in the said flock hole, The brush body characterized by the above-mentioned. The brush body according to claim 6,
The bristle bundle has an end located outside the brush head as a distal end, and the bristle bundle has an end opposite to the distal end as a base end, more than the closing member of the bristle bundle. The brush body, wherein the base end portion is integrated. In a toothbrush including a brush body having a bristle bundle, a main body to which the brush body can be attached and detached, and a circuit unit for supplying current to the bristle bundle,
A toothbrush comprising the brush body according to any one of claims 1 to 7 as the brush body. The toothbrush according to claim 8,
A toothbrush comprising an actuator for vibrating the brush head. In the manufacturing method of the brush body as described in any one of Claims 1-9,
A step of forming the bristle bundle by bundling the plurality of filaments with the closing member;
Forming a bristle guide including a flock hole into which the bristle bundle is inserted; and
After the process A1 and the process A2, the process A3 for fitting the blocking member into the flock hole is included. In the manufacturing method of the brush body according to claim 10,
Of the ends of the bristle bundle, the end located on the outside of the brush head is the tip, and the end of the bristle bundle opposite to the tip is the base end.
In the step A1, integrating the base end portion of the bristle bundle with respect to the closing member,
And in the said process A3, the integrated part of the said bristle bundle is inserted in the hole of the electrically-conductive member provided in the inside of the said brush head. The manufacturing method of the brush body characterized by the above-mentioned. In the manufacturing method of the brush body as described in any one of Claims 1-9,
Forming a bristle guide including a flock hole into which the bristle bundle is inserted; and
After the step B1, a step B2 of inserting the bristle bundle into the flock hole;
After the step B2, the method includes a step B3 of supplying a molten material for forming the blocking member to the flock hole.

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