JP2012176084A - Toothbrush - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a toothbrush that satisfactorily cleans an interdental region, a tooth cervix, and an occlusal surface and a tooth surface of a back molar.SOLUTION: The toothbrush 1 has a plurality of bristle tufts each formed of a plurality of bristles implanted in an implantation surface 20 of a head part 2. The toothbrush 1 includes a first bristle tuft cluster 30 formed by implanting at least one first bristle tuft 32, and a second bristle tuft cluster 40 formed of a second bristle tuft 42 implanted around the first bristle tuft cluster 30 opening toward a front end or a base end of the head part 1. The length of the first bristle tuft 32 is shorter than the length of the second bristle tuft 42, and the buckling strength of the first bristle tuft 32 is lower than the buckling strength of the second bristle tuft 42.

Description

  The present invention relates to a toothbrush.

  It is said that the sites where caries are likely to occur (caries favored site) are the back teeth, interdental region, and cervical region. For cleaning the back teeth, it is important to apply a high pressure to the occlusal surface and the tooth surface. Therefore, a hair bundle having high rigidity and high density is suitable. On the other hand, for the cleaning of interdental and cervical parts, it is important that the hair bundle can be inserted into narrow spaces such as the interdental or periodontal pockets, and that the contact comfort is soft. Is suitable. Thus, since the back teeth, interdental part, and tooth neck part have different specifications of toothbrushes suitable for cleaning, in order to properly clean these parts, it is necessary to use toothbrushes equipped with appropriate hair bundles. It was necessary.

To properly clean the back teeth, interdental part, and tooth neck part with a single toothbrush, toothbrushes that combine hairs and hair bundles with different diameters or hair bundles with different hair lengths have been used. .
Such a toothbrush is composed of long and soft bristles for entering the interdental or cervical region, and a short and hard bristles for cleaning the occlusal surface and tooth surface of the back teeth. Generally composed.

For example, in Patent Document 1, a hair bundle made of a brush that is not sharply tapered is planted on the front end side and / or the rear end side of the toothbrush head portion, and a hair bundle made of a sharply tapered brush is placed in the other part. A planted toothbrush has been proposed.
Further, in Patent Document 2, a large-diameter hair bundle arranged in a substantially U shape along the periphery of the flocked surface near the front end of the head portion, and arranged near the rear end of the head portion. The hair transplantation density of the front end side flocking region surrounding the outer periphery of the flocking range of the large diameter hair bundle is greater than the flocking density of the front end side flocking region surrounding the outer periphery of the flocking range of the small diameter hair bundle. A raised toothbrush has been proposed.
Patent Document 3 proposes a toothbrush composed of a long bristle having a certain length or more and a short bristle having a certain length or less, wherein the diameter of at least the tip side of the long bristle is smaller than the diameter of the short bristle. Has been.
Patent Document 4 proposes a toothbrush in which a short brush is provided at the center of the brush implantation surface and a long brush is provided around the short brush so that the entire brush is concave.

JP-A-11-169232 JP 2007-229065 A JP-A-7-143915 JP 2000-308523 A

However, the techniques of Patent Documents 1 to 4 have not yet been satisfactory in cleaning the interocular portion, the tooth neck portion, and the occlusal surfaces and tooth surfaces of the back teeth.
Then, this invention aims at the toothbrush which can clean favorably the interdental part, a tooth neck part, and the occlusal surface and tooth surface of a back tooth.

The toothbrush of the present invention is a toothbrush in which one or more first hair bundles are implanted in a toothbrush in which a plurality of hair bundles obtained by bundling a plurality of bristles on the flocked surface of the head portion are implanted. A second hair bundle group, wherein the second hair bundle is formed by opening a distal end direction or a proximal end direction of the head portion and surrounding the first hair bundle group. The length of one hair bundle is shorter than the length of the second hair bundle, and the buckling strength of the first hair bundle is lower than the buckling strength of the second hair bundle. .
It is preferable that the first hair bundle is provided with bristles whose diameter is gradually reduced toward the hair tips and the tips are sharpened, and the second hair bundle group is provided only near the tip of the head portion. A third hair bundle longer than the length of the second hair bundle may be implanted outside the second hair bundle group, and the third hair bundle may face the hair tip. It is preferable that the diameter of the second hair bundle is gradually reduced and the tip is sharpened, and the second hair bundle is preferably made of hair for which the tip is not sharpened.

According to the toothbrush of the present invention, the first hair bundle group in which one or more first hair bundles are implanted and the second hair bundle open the distal end direction or the proximal end direction of the head portion, and A second hair bundle group that is planted around the first hair bundle group, and the length of the first hair bundle is shorter than the length of the second hair bundle, Since the buckling strength of the second hair bundle is lower than the buckling strength of the second hair bundle, the occlusal surface and tooth surface of the interdental portion, the neck portion, and the back teeth can be cleaned well.
According to the toothbrush of the present invention, the first bristle bundle is provided with bristles whose diameter is gradually reduced toward the tip of the hair and whose tip is sharpened, so that the interdental portion and the tooth neck portion can be improved. Can be cleaned.
According to the toothbrush of this invention, since the said 2nd bristle bundle group is formed only near the front-end | tip of the said head part, the occlusal surface and tooth surface of a back tooth can be cleaned more favorably.
According to the toothbrush of the present invention, a third hair bundle longer than the length of the second hair bundle is implanted outside the second hair bundle group, and the third hair bundle is attached to the tip of the hair. Since the hair is gradually reduced and the diameter is gradually reduced and the tip is sharpened, the interdental portion and the neck portion can be better cleaned.
According to the toothbrush of the present invention, the second bristle bundle is made of bristles whose hair tips are not sharpened, so that the occlusal surface and the tooth surface of the back teeth can be better cleaned.

(A) It is a top view of the toothbrush concerning 1st embodiment of this invention. (B) It is a side view of the toothbrush concerning 1st embodiment of this invention. (A) It is a top view of the toothbrush concerning 2nd embodiment of this invention. (B) It is a side view of the toothbrush concerning 2nd embodiment of this invention. (A) It is a top view of the toothbrush concerning 3rd embodiment of this invention. (B) It is a side view of the toothbrush concerning 3rd embodiment of this invention. (A) It is a top view of the toothbrush concerning 4th embodiment of this invention. (B) It is a side view of the toothbrush concerning 4th embodiment of this invention. (A) It is a top view of the toothbrush concerning 5th embodiment of this invention. (B) It is a side view of the toothbrush concerning 5th embodiment of this invention. (A) It is a top view of the toothbrush concerning 6th embodiment of this invention. (B) It is a side view of the toothbrush concerning the 6th embodiment of the present invention. (A) It is a top view of the toothbrush used for the comparative example. (B) It is a side view of the toothbrush used for the comparative example. (A) It is a top view of the toothbrush used for the comparative example. (B) It is a side view of the toothbrush used for the comparative example. (A) It is a top view of the toothbrush used for the comparative example. (B) It is a side view of the toothbrush used for the comparative example. (A) It is a top view of the toothbrush used for the comparative example. (B) It is a side view of the toothbrush used for the comparative example. (A) It is a top view of the toothbrush used for the comparative example. (B) It is a side view of the toothbrush used for the comparative example.

(First embodiment)
The toothbrush concerning 1st embodiment of this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIG. 1 below.
The toothbrush 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a head portion 2 and a long handle portion 3 extending from the head portion 2, and a first hair bundle group 30 and a second hair bundle 30 are formed on the flocked surface 20 of the head portion 2. The hair bundle group 40 is provided. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 22 indicates one side edge in the width direction of the head part 2, and reference numeral 24 indicates the other side edge in the width direction of the head part 2. The width direction of the head portion 2 is a direction orthogonal to the direction from the head portion distal end 21 toward the boundary (head portion base end) between the head portion 2 and the handle portion 3.

The first hair bundle group 30 is provided substantially at the center of the flocked surface 20, heading from the head portion distal end 21 to the head portion proximal end, and one first hair bundle 32 is provided in the first row (1 × 1). 1 row) and 2 (2 × 5 rows) in the 2nd to 6th rows.
The second hair bundle group 40 includes seven second hair bundles 42 planted from the head portion tip 21 along the side edge 22, and 7 planted from the head portion tip 21 along the side edge 24. Two second hair bundles 42. That is, the second hair bundle group 40 is planted so that the second hair bundle 42 surrounds the first hair bundle group 30 along the peripheral edge of the head part 2 except for the head part base end side. It is a substantially U shape in plan view with the head portion proximal end open. Hereinafter, the opened part in the second hair bundle group may be referred to as an open part.

In the present embodiment, three first hair bundles 32 are implanted between the region where the second hair bundle group 40 is provided and the head portion base end.
The distance L2 from the second hair bundle 42 closest to the head portion distal end 21 to the second hair bundle 42 closest to the head portion proximal end is the most from the second hair bundle 42 closest to the head portion distal end 21. It is set to 7/8 with respect to the distance L1 to the 1st hair | bristle bundle 32 near the head part base end.
The length of the first hair bundle 32, that is, the length T1 from the flocked surface 20 to the tip of the first hair bundle 32 is the length of the second hair bundle 42, that is, the second hair bundle from the flocked surface 20. The length to the tip of 42 is shorter than T2.

In the toothbrush 1, the head portion 2 and the handle portion 3 are integrally formed in a long shape as a whole (hereinafter, the head portion 2 and the handle portion 3 are integrally formed is referred to as a handle body. For example, it is obtained by injection molding using a resin as a material.
The resin constituting the handle body can be determined in consideration of the rigidity and mechanical characteristics required for the toothbrush 1, and examples thereof include a high-hardness resin having a flexural modulus (JIS K7203) in the range of 500 to 3000 MPa. Examples of such high-hardness resins include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate (PCT), polyacetal (POM), polystyrene (PS), and acrylonitrile. -Butadiene / styrene resin (ABS), cellulose propionate (CP), polyarylate, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile / styrene copolymer resin (AS) and the like. These can be used individually by 1 type or in combination of 2 or more types.
The handle portion 3 may be partially or entirely covered with a flexible resin such as an elastomer.

 The size of the head portion 2 can be determined in consideration of the operability in the oral cavity, for example, the width is 10 to 15 mm, and the thickness is 4 to 8 mm.

 The buckling strength of the 1st hair | bristle bundle 32 should just be lower than the buckling strength of the 2nd hair | bristle bundle 42 mentioned later, for example, 0.5-5N are preferable and 1-3N are more preferable. If it is less than the above lower limit, the hair and hips are too soft, and there is a possibility that the interdental portion and the neck portion cannot be sufficiently scraped. If the value exceeds the upper limit, the second hair bundle 32 may not easily enter the interdental region or the cervical region.

 In this article, the buckling strength of the hair bundle is the maximum load obtained by calculating the actual length of the hair bundle in units of the hair bundle using a compression tester according to JIS S3016 (5.3 (2.2)).

 The length T1 of the first hair bundle 32 can be determined in consideration of the buckling strength required for the first hair bundle 32, the material and thickness of the hair constituting the first hair bundle 32, for example, 6 to 13 mm is preferable. The lengths T1 of all the first hair bundles 32 constituting the first hair bundle group 30 may be the same or different from each other. The length T1 of the first hair bundle 32 is the length of the longest hair among the hairs constituting the first hair bundle 32.

  The thickness (hair bundle diameter) R1 of the first hair bundle 32 takes into consideration the buckling strength required for the first hair bundle 32, the material and thickness of the hair constituting the first hair bundle 32, and the like. For example, 1 to 2 mm is preferable. The hair bundle diameters R1 of all the first hair bundles 32 constituting the first hair bundle group 30 may be the same or different from each other. The hair bundle diameter R1 of the first hair bundle 32 is the diameter of the first hair bundle 32 on the flocked surface 20.

As the hair constituting the first hair bundle 32, for example, the hair whose diameter gradually decreases toward the tip of the hair and the tip of the hair is sharpened (tapered hair). The hair (straight hair) etc. which the diameter is substantially the same are mentioned, A taper hair is especially preferable. This is because the tapered hair enters the interproximal portion or the cervical portion, and can easily scrape off the interdental portion or the cervical portion.
Examples of the straight hair include those in which the hair tip is a plane substantially parallel to the flocked surface 20 and those in which the hair tip is rounded into a hemisphere.

Examples of the material of the hair constituting the first hair bundle 32 include polyamide such as 6-12 nylon (6-12NY) and 6-10 nylon (6-10NY), PET, PBT, polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT). ), Polyesters such as polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) and polybutylene naphthalate (PBN), synthetic resins such as polyolefins such as PP, elastomers such as olefin elastomers and styrene elastomers.
A plurality of these resin materials may be used in combination, and among them, a mixture of a plurality of polyesters is preferable in that the hair can be easily hardened and the plaque scraping property becomes higher.
Examples of the bristle include polyester bristle having a multi-core structure having a core and at least one or more sheaths provided outside the core. When a multi-core structure is used, different polyesters can be used for the core portion and the sheath portion, so that the mechanical properties can be easily adjusted. For this reason, it is possible to easily obtain hair having a hard hair and a higher plaque scraping property.

 The cross-sectional shape of the bristle constituting the first bristle bundle 32 is preferably a circular shape, but is not necessarily limited to a circular shape, and may be an arbitrary shape depending on the intended use of the toothbrush 1. For example, the shape may be an ellipse, a polygon (for example, a triangle, a quadrangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, or the like), an irregular shape (for example, a star shape, a three-leaf clover shape, a four-leaf clover shape, or the like).

The thickness of the hair constituting the first hair bundle 32 is not particularly limited. For example, when the cross section is circular, the hair and waist become hard and the effect of scraping the plaque becomes higher. The above is preferable. However, when the hair is hardened by using hair having a multi-core structure or hair made of a polyester mixture as the hair, a high scraping effect can be obtained even if the hair is less than 6 mils.
Further, in consideration of a feeling of use, a feeling of brushing, a cleaning effect, durability, and the like, a plurality of hairs having different thicknesses may be used in any combination.

The buckling strength of the second hair bundle 42 may be higher than the buckling strength of the first hair bundle 32, and is preferably 1 to 6N, and more preferably 1.5 to 3.5N, for example. If it is less than the above lower limit value, the hair and hips may be too soft and the tooth surface or the occlusal surface may be insufficiently cleaned, and if it exceeds the above upper limit value, the second hair bundle 42 is difficult to bend. The first hair bundle 32 is difficult to reach the interproximal part or the tooth neck part.
The buckling strength ratio represented by [(the buckling strength of the first bristle bundle) / (the buckling strength of the second bristle bundle)] can be determined according to the function required for the toothbrush 1, for example, 0. 4-0.9 is preferable and 0.5-0.8 is more preferable. If it is less than the lower limit value, the fur of the first hair bundle 32 is too soft, and there is a possibility that the interdental part or the neck part cannot be sufficiently cleaned. If it exceeds the above upper limit value, the hair of the first hair bundle 32 is too hard, and it may be difficult to enter the interproximal part or the cervical part.

 The length T2 of the second hair bundle 42 only needs to be longer than the length T1 of the first hair bundle 32, and can be determined in consideration of the material and thickness of the hair constituting the second hair bundle 42. For example, 8-12 mm is preferable.

 The hair length difference D1 represented by [T2-T1] between the length T2 of the second hair bundle 42 and the length T1 of the first hair bundle 32 is not particularly limited. 3 mm is preferable and 0.5-2 mm is more preferable. If it is less than the lower limit, it is difficult to obtain the effect of shortening the first hair bundle 32 than the second hair bundle 42, and if it exceeds the upper limit, the first hair bundle 32 is interdental or toothed. It becomes difficult to reach the neck.

 The hair bundle diameter R2 of the second hair bundle 42 is the same as the hair bundle diameter R1 of the first hair bundle 32.

 Examples of the bristles constituting the second hair bundle 42 include tapered hairs and straight hairs, among which straight hairs are preferred, and straight hairs with rounded ends are preferred. Since the second hair bundle 42 is composed of straight hair, the occlusal surface and the tooth surface of the back teeth can be cleaned more satisfactorily.

The material of the hair constituting the second hair bundle 42 is the same as the material of the hair constituting the first hair bundle 32.
The cross-sectional shape of the hair constituting the second hair bundle 42 is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the hair constituting the first hair bundle 32.

Next, the usage method of the toothbrush 1 of this embodiment is demonstrated.
Within the oral cavity, the toothbrush 1 is reciprocated in a direction connecting the head portion distal end 21 and the head portion proximal end. For example, when cleaning the occlusal surface of the back teeth, the second hair bundle group 40 slides on the teeth while wrapping the back teeth, and the second hair bundle 42 having a high buckling strength is formed between the occlusal surface and the tooth surface. Scrape off the attached dirt. In addition, the first hair bundle group 30 abuts on the occlusal surface, and the first hair bundle 32 having a low buckling strength scrapes off dirt while entering a fine recess or interdental portion of the occlusal surface. Further, when cleaning the tooth surface on the cheek side (outside) or the lingual side (inside), if the head portion 2 is operated so as to be pulled out from the oral cavity, the head portion base of the second hair bundle group 40 is used. Since the end side is open, the 1st hair | bristle bundle 32 contacts a tooth preferentially. And since the 1st hair | bristle bundle 32 has low buckling intensity | strength, it bends easily, it approachs into an interdental part or a tooth neck part, and scrapes off dirt. Further, when the head unit 2 is operated so as to be inserted into the back of the oral cavity, the second hair bundle 42 preferentially contacts the teeth. And the 2nd hair | bristle bundle 42 with high buckling strength applies a strong pressure to a tooth surface, and scrapes off dirt favorably.

According to the present embodiment, the first hair bundle group 30 in which the first hair bundle 32 is implanted and the second hair bundle 42 open the head portion distal end 21 direction or the head portion proximal end direction. A second hair bundle group 40 that is planted around the first hair bundle group 30, and the length of the first hair bundle 32 is shorter than the length of the second hair bundle 42, Since the buckling strength of one hair bundle 32 is lower than the buckling strength of the second hair bundle 42, the occlusal surface and tooth surface of the interdental portion, the neck portion, and the back teeth can be cleaned well.
In addition, when the bristles constituting the first hair bundle 32 are tapered hairs, the interdental portion, the cervical portion, or the concave portion of the occlusal surface can be better cleaned.
Further, when the hairs constituting the second hair bundle 42 are straight hairs, the second hair bundle 42 applies a stronger pressure to the occlusal surface and the tooth surface, and can more effectively scrape off the dirt.

(Second embodiment)
The toothbrush concerning 2nd embodiment of this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIG. 2 below. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same structure as 1st embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted, and a different point from 1st embodiment is mainly demonstrated.
The toothbrush 100 shown in FIG. 2 includes a first hair bundle group 130 and a second hair bundle group 140 on the flocked surface 20.

In the toothbrush 100, the distance L3 from the second bristle bundle 42 closest to the head end 21 to the second bristle bundle 42 closest to the base end is the second bristle bundle 42 closest to the head end 21. To a distance L1 from the first hair bundle 32 closest to the head portion base end to 1/2 or less. In addition, between the region where the second hair bundle group 140 is provided and the head portion proximal end, the first hair bundle 32 is arranged in order of 4 × 3 rows, 3 × from the head portion distal end 21. It is planted in one row.
In other words, in the present embodiment, the second hair bundle group 140 is formed only in a region of 50% or less of the length of the flocked region from the head portion distal end 21 toward the head portion proximal end. Only the first hair bundle 32 is implanted in an area of 50% or more of the length of the flocked area toward the distal end 21.

  Since the toothbrush 100 of this embodiment is provided with the 2nd bristle bundle group 140 only near the head part front-end | tip 21, it can clean the occlusal surface and tooth surface of a back tooth with high pressure. In addition, since only the first bristle bundle 32 having soft fluff is implanted in an area of 50% or more of the flocked area from the head part base end toward the head part tip 21, the interdental part or the tooth neck part Suitable for cleaning.

(Third embodiment)
The toothbrush concerning 3rd embodiment of this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIG. 3 below. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same structure as 1st embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted, and a different point from 1st embodiment is mainly demonstrated.
The toothbrush 200 shown in FIG. 3 has a first bristle bundle group 230 and a second bristle bundle group 240 surrounding it, a first bristle bundle group 232 and a second bristle bundle group surrounding this. 242.

 The 1st hair | bristle bundle group 230 is provided in the area | region of 50% or less of the flocked area | region which goes to the head part base end from the head part front-end | tip 21, and the 1st hair | bristle bundle 32 is 1x1 in order from the head part front-end | tip 21. It is planted in 2 rows x 2 rows. The second hair bundle group 240 is provided so as to open the head portion proximal end side and surround the first hair bundle group 230, and the second hair bundle 42 is located on the side edge from the head portion distal end 21. 4 along the side 22 and four along the side edge 24 from the head portion tip 21.

 The 1st hair | bristle bundle group 232 is provided in the area | region of 50% or less of the flocked area | region which goes to the head part front end 21 from a head part base end, and the 1st hair | bristle bundle 32 is 2x2 rows from a head part base end. It was planted in. The second hair bundle group 242 is provided so as to open the head portion distal end 21 side and surround the first hair bundle group 232, and the second hair bundle 42 is located close to the head portion proximal end. Two along the side edge 22 and two along the side edge 24.

In the present embodiment, the open portion of the second hair bundle group 240 and the open portion of the second hair bundle group 242 are opposed to each other.
In addition, the first hair bundles 32 are planted in 4 × 1 rows between the region where the second hair bundle group 240 is provided and the region where the second hair bundle group 242 is provided. ing.

 According to the present embodiment, the second hair bundle group 240 provided near the head portion distal end 21 and the second hair bundle group 242 provided near the head portion proximal end have their open portions facing each other. It is provided as follows. For this reason, both when the head part 2 is operated so as to be pulled out from the oral cavity and when it is operated so as to be inserted into the interior of the oral cavity, the teeth are in the second hair bundle group 240 or the second hair bundle group 240. The hair bundle group 242 is wrapped. As a result, the interdental part or the tooth neck part by the first hair bundle 32 and the occlusal surface or the tooth surface by the second hair bundle 42 can be better cleaned.

(Fourth embodiment)
A toothbrush according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same structure as 1st embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted, and a different point from 1st embodiment is mainly demonstrated.
The toothbrush 300 shown in FIG. 4 includes a first hair bundle group 330 and a second hair bundle group 340 surrounding the first hair bundle group 330, a first hair bundle group 332 and a second hair bundle group surrounding the first hair bundle group 330. 342.

 The 1st hair | bristle bundle group 330 is provided in the area | region of 50% or less of the hair transplant area | region which goes to the head part base end from the head part front-end | tip 21, and the 1st hair | bristle bundle 32 is 1x1 in order from the head part front-end | tip 21. It is planted in 2 rows x 1 row. The second hair bundle group 340 is provided so as to open the proximal end side of the head part and surround the first hair bundle group 330, and the second hair bundle 42 is located on the side edge from the head part distal end 21. 3 along the side 22, and three along the side edge 24 from the head portion tip 21.

 The 1st hair | bristle bundle group 332 is provided in the area | region of 50% or less of the flocked area | region which goes to the head part front end 21 from a head part base end, and the 1st hair | bristle bundle 32 is 1x1 row from a head part base end. It was planted in 2 x 1 row. The second hair bundle group 342 is provided so as to open the base end side of the head part and surround the first hair bundle group 332, and the second hair bundle 42 is located close to the head part tip 21. One × 1 row, two on each side of the first hair bundle group 332.

In the present embodiment, the open portion of the second hair bundle group 340 and the open portion of the second hair bundle group 342 are both formed on the head portion base end side.
In addition, between the region where the second hair bundle group 340 is provided and the region where the second hair bundle group 342 is provided, the first hair bundles 32 are implanted in 4 × 2 rows. Yes.

 According to this embodiment, the second hair bundle group 340 provided near the head portion distal end 21 and the second hair bundle group 342 provided near the head portion proximal end are both open at the head portion. It faces the base end. For this reason, when the head part 2 is operated so as to be pulled out from the oral cavity, the interdental or cervical part is cleaned by the first hair bundle 32 and the occlusal surface or tooth surface by the second hair bundle 42. Can be better cleaned.

(Fifth embodiment)
A toothbrush according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same structure as 1st or 4th embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted, and a different point from 1st and 4th embodiment is mainly demonstrated.
The toothbrush 400 shown in FIG. 5 has a first bristle bundle group 330 and a second bristle bundle group 440 surrounding the first bristle bundle group 330, and a second bristle bundle 442 on the outer side of the second bristle bundle group 440. And a third hair bundle 452 that is longer than the third hair bundle 452.

The second hair bundle group 440 of the present embodiment is provided so as to open the head portion base end side and surround the first hair bundle group 330, and the second hair bundle group 442 is provided at the tip of the head portion. The three are planted along the side edge 22 from the head 21 and the three along the side edge 24 from the head portion tip 21.
As shown in FIG.5 (b), the upper end surface of the 2nd hair | bristle bundle group 440 is made into the inclined surface which approaches a flocking surface gradually toward the head part base end from the head part front end 21. As shown in FIG.
Between the region where the second hair bundle group 440 is provided and the head portion base end, in order from the head portion distal end 21, there are four first hair bundles 32 × 1 row, and a third hair bundle 452. 4 × 1 row, first hair bundle 32 is 4 × 1 row, third hair bundle 452 is 4 × 1 row, and first hair bundle 32 is 3 × 1 row. .

The height on the flocked surface 20 of the second hair bundle group 440 closest to the head portion tip 21, that is, the length T3 of the second hair bundle 442 closest to the head portion tip 21 is the height of the second hair bundle 42. It is the same as the length T2.
The height on the flocked surface 20 of the second hair bundle group 440 closest to the proximal end of the head portion, that is, the length of the hair closest to the proximal end of the head portion among the hairs constituting the second hair bundle 442 The length T4 is shorter than the length T3. The length T4 is preferably equal to or greater than the length T1, and more preferably longer than the length T1.

Examples of the second hair bundle 442 include tapered hair and straight hair, among which straight hair is preferable, and straight hair with rounded ends is more preferable.
The hair bundle diameter of the second hair bundle 442 is the same as the hair bundle diameter R2 of the second hair bundle 42.
The material of the hair constituting the second hair bundle 442 is the same as the material of the hair constituting the second hair bundle 42, and the cross-sectional shape of the hair constituting the second hair bundle 442 is This is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the hair that constitutes the second hair bundle 42. The thickness of the hair constituting the second hair bundle 442 is the same as the hair constituting the second hair bundle 42.

 The third hair bundle 452 is not particularly limited, but preferably has a buckling strength lower than that of the second hair bundle 442. This is because the third hair bundle 452 has a buckling strength lower than that of the second hair bundle 442 so that the third hair bundle 452 can easily enter the interproximal portion or the tooth neck portion.

The length T5 of the third hair bundle 452 is longer than the length T3 of the second hair bundle 442. When the length T5 is longer than the length T3, the third hair bundle 452 can easily enter the interdental portion or the tooth neck portion.
The hair length difference D2 represented by [T5-T3] is preferably, for example, 0.2 to 1.5 mm. If it is less than the lower limit, the effect of implanting the third hair bundle 452 is difficult to obtain, and if it exceeds the upper limit, the operability in the oral cavity may be impaired.

  The thickness (hair bundle diameter) R3 of the third hair bundle 452 takes into consideration the buckling strength required for the third hair bundle 452, the material and thickness of the hair constituting the third hair bundle 452, and the like. For example, 1 to 2 mm is preferable. The hair bundle diameter R3 of the third hair bundle 452 is the diameter of the third hair bundle 452 on the flocked surface 20.

 The bristles constituting the third hair bundle 452 are tapered hairs. By making the 3rd hair | bristle bundle 452 into a taper hair, an interdental part or a tooth neck part can be cleaned more favorably.

  The material of the hair constituting the third hair bundle 452 is the same as the material of the hair constituting the first hair bundle 32, and the cross-sectional shape of the hair constituting the third hair bundle 452 is It is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the hair used for the first hair bundle 32. The thickness of the hair constituting the third hair bundle 452 is the same as the hair constituting the first hair bundle 32.

 According to the present embodiment, since the third hair bundle 452 that is longer than the second hair bundle 442 and is configured by taper hair is implanted outside the second hair bundle group 440, the teeth The interspace or tooth neck can be cleaned better.

(Sixth embodiment)
A toothbrush according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same structure as 1st, 4th or 5th embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted, and a different point from 1st, 4th, and 5th embodiment is mainly demonstrated.
A toothbrush 500 shown in FIG. 6 includes a first bristle bundle group 330 and a second bristle bundle group 440 surrounding the first bristle bundle group 330, and a second bristle bundle 442 on the outer side of the second bristle bundle group 440. And a third hair bundle 452 that is longer than the third hair bundle 452.

 Between the region where the second hair bundle group 440 is provided and the head portion proximal end, in order from the head portion distal end 21, two third hair bundles 452 as the first row and one each on both sides thereof. The first hair bundle 32 is implanted, the four first hair bundles 32 are implanted as the second row, the two third hair bundles 452 as the third row, and one first on each side. One hair bundle 32 is implanted, four first hair bundles 32 are implanted as the fourth row, one third hair bundle 452 as the fifth row, and one first on each side. The hair bundle 32 is planted.

 According to the present embodiment, since the third hair bundle 452 that is longer than the second hair bundle 442 and is configured by taper hair is implanted outside the second hair bundle group 440, the teeth The interspace or tooth neck can be cleaned better.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above.
In the first to fourth embodiments, only the first hair bundle is implanted outside the second hair bundle group, but the hair bundle implanted outside the second hair bundle group is It is not limited to the first hair bundle. However, the hair bundle adjacent to the open portion of the second hair bundle group (for example, in the first embodiment, the hair bundle is implanted between the region where the second hair bundle group is provided and the head portion base end). The four first hair bundles) preferably have a buckling strength equal to or less than that of the second hair bundle constituting the second hair bundle group, and more preferably have a length equal to or less than that. When the hair bundle adjacent to the open part of the second hair bundle group has higher buckling strength than the second hair bundle constituting the second hair bundle group, the first hair bundle group constituting the first hair bundle group It is difficult for the hair bundle to hit the teeth, and there is a risk that the interdental or cervical parts will not be sufficiently cleaned.

 In 2nd, 5th-6th embodiment, although the 2nd hair | bristle bundle group is provided only near head part front-end | tip, this invention is not limited to this, 2nd only near head part base end. A hair bundle group may be provided. However, from the viewpoint of improving the cleanability, it is preferable that the second hair bundle group is provided only near the head portion tip. This is because, when cleaning the inside of the oral cavity, when the occlusal surface or tooth surface of the back teeth is cleaned, the toothbrush is operated so as to scrape off dirt with the hair bundle planted near the head end.

 In the first to sixth embodiments, the hair bundles are arranged in a line in the width direction of the head portion, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the hair bundles adjacent in the width direction of the head portion are heads. They may be displaced from each other in the direction from the head of the head toward the base of the head.

  EXAMPLES Hereinafter, although an Example is shown and this invention is demonstrated in detail, this invention is not limited by the following description.

Example 1
According to the specifications described in Table 1, a toothbrush similar to the toothbrush 1 of FIG. 1 was produced. This toothbrush has a handle body made of PET. About the obtained toothbrush, a back tooth cleaning power, an interdental cleaning power, and a tooth comprehensive feeling are evaluated, and the result is shown in the table. In the table, “taper” in the column of “hair type” indicates tapered hair, and “straight” indicates straight hair with rounded ends (the same applies hereinafter).

(Example 2)
A toothbrush was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a toothbrush similar to the toothbrush 100 of FIG. 2 was used. About the obtained toothbrush, a back tooth cleaning power, an interdental cleaning power, and a tooth comprehensive feeling are evaluated, and the result is shown in the table.

(Example 3)
A toothbrush was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a toothbrush similar to the toothbrush 200 of FIG. 3 was used. About the obtained toothbrush, a back tooth cleaning power, an interdental cleaning power, and a tooth comprehensive feeling are evaluated, and the result is shown in the table.

Example 4
A toothbrush was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a toothbrush similar to the toothbrush 300 in FIG. 4 was used. About the obtained toothbrush, a back tooth cleaning power, an interdental cleaning power, and a tooth comprehensive feeling are evaluated, and the result is shown in the table.

(Example 5)
A toothbrush was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a toothbrush similar to the toothbrush 400 of FIG. 5 was used. About the obtained toothbrush, a back tooth cleaning power, an interdental cleaning power, and a tooth comprehensive feeling are evaluated, and the result is shown in the table. In the table, the length “10.5-9” of the second hair bundle indicates that the length T3 in FIG. 5 is 10.5 mm and the length T4 is 9 mm. Further, the buckling strength (N) of the second hair bundle “2.4-2.7” means that the buckling strengths of the three second hair bundles having different lengths are 2.4 to 2.7 N. (Same in the following).

(Example 6)
A toothbrush was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a toothbrush similar to the toothbrush 500 of FIG. 6 was used. About the obtained toothbrush, a back tooth cleaning power, an interdental cleaning power, and a tooth comprehensive feeling are evaluated, and the result is shown in the table.

(Comparative Example 1)
A toothbrush was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a toothbrush similar to the toothbrush 900 shown in FIG. 7 was used. The toothbrush 900 includes four first brushes implanted between a region provided with the second bristle bundle group 240 and a region provided with the second bristle bundle group 242 in the toothbrush 200 (FIG. 3). The hair bundle 32 is replaced with a second hair bundle 42. That is, the toothbrush 900 is one in which the head portion distal end 21 direction and the head portion proximal end direction are surrounded by the second bristle bundle 42. About the obtained toothbrush, a back tooth cleaning power, an interdental cleaning power, and a tooth comprehensive feeling are evaluated, and the result is shown in the table.

(Comparative Example 2)
A toothbrush was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a toothbrush similar to the toothbrush 901 shown in FIG. 8 was used. The toothbrush 901 replaces two second hair bundles 42 planted closest to the tip 21 of the second hair bundle group 40 in the toothbrush 1 (FIG. 1) with the first hair bundle 32. It is a thing. That is, the toothbrush 901 opens the head portion distal end 21 direction and the head portion proximal end direction and surrounds the first hair bundle 32. About the obtained toothbrush, a back tooth cleaning power, an interdental cleaning power, and a tooth comprehensive feeling are evaluated, and the result is shown in the table.

(Comparative Example 3)
A toothbrush was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a toothbrush similar to the toothbrush 902 shown in FIG. 9 was used. The toothbrush 902 is obtained by replacing all the second hair bundles 42 with the first hair bundles 32 in the toothbrush 1 (FIG. 1). About the obtained toothbrush, a back tooth cleaning power, an interdental cleaning power, and a tooth comprehensive feeling are evaluated, and the result is shown in the table.

(Comparative Example 4)
A toothbrush was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a toothbrush similar to the toothbrush 903 shown in FIG. 10 was used. The toothbrush 903 is obtained by replacing all the first hair bundles 32 with the second hair bundles 42 in the toothbrush 1 (FIG. 1). About the obtained toothbrush, a back tooth cleaning power, an interdental cleaning power, and a tooth comprehensive feeling are evaluated, and the result is shown in the table.

(Comparative Example 5)
A toothbrush was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a toothbrush similar to the toothbrush 904 shown in FIG. 11 was used. In the toothbrush 904, all the first hair bundles 32 in the toothbrush 1 (FIG. 1) are set as the first hair bundles 932, and all the second hair bundles 42 are the second shorter than the first hair bundle 932. A hair bundle 942 is obtained. About the obtained toothbrush, a back tooth cleaning power, an interdental cleaning power, and a tooth comprehensive feeling are evaluated, and the result is shown in the table.

(Evaluation method)
<Back teeth cleaning power>
Using the toothbrushes of each example, the following model cleaning power test was performed. First, a model in which a red paint (Sakura White Plate Marker # 19 Red, made by Sakura Crepas Co., Ltd.) is applied as a model plaque to the tooth surface of the first buccal first molar on the right upper cheek of an adult upper jaw model (500AU, made by Nissin Co., Ltd.) Prepared. The tooth on which the model plaque was formed was cleaned by reciprocating 10 times with a stroke of 20 mm in the direction connecting the tip of the head and the base of the head while pressing a toothbrush vertically with a load of 200 g. After cleaning, the plaque removal rate was measured by the following method.

≪Measurement of plaque removal rate≫
Before the cleaning power test, the model plaque occupation area of the tooth surface of the first molar was measured by image analysis, and after the cleaning power test, the model plaque occupation area of the same part was measured again and calculated by the following formula (1) . The calculated plaque removal rate was classified into the following criteria, and the back tooth cleaning power was evaluated.

 Plaque removal rate (%) = ((plaque occupation area before cleaning ability test−plaque occupation area after cleaning ability test) / (plaque occupation area before cleaning ability test)) × 100 (1 )

≪Judgment criteria≫
◎: 70% or more ○: 50% or more and less than 70% △: 30% or more and less than 50% ×: less than 30%

<Interdental cleaning power>
The interdental cleaning force was evaluated in the same manner as the back tooth cleaning force, except that red paint was applied to the interdental portion between the right buccal side first molar and the second molar.

<Dental feeling of teeth>
Ten monitors cleaned the oral cavity using the toothbrush of each example, and evaluated the touch in the oral cavity according to the following evaluation criteria. The average score of 10 monitors is 4.0 or more, “◯”, the average score is 3.0 or more and less than 4.0 points, and the average score is 2.0 or more and less than 3.0 points, “△”. The average score of less than 2.0 was designated as “x”.

≪Evaluation criteria≫
5 points: Feels the feeling that teeth are wrapped one by one.
4 points: A strong feel of the teeth being wrapped one by one.
3 points: Feeling that teeth are wrapped one by one.
2 points: There is not much feeling that teeth are wrapped one by one.
1 point: There is no feeling that teeth are wrapped one by one.

As shown in Table 1, in each of Examples 1 to 6 to which the present invention was applied, the back tooth cleaning power, the interdental cleaning power, and the tooth comprehensive feeling were “◯” or “◎”. In addition, in Examples 5 to 6 in which the third hair bundle was implanted outside the second hair bundle group, the back tooth cleaning force and the interdental cleaning force were improved.
On the other hand, in Comparative Example 1 in which both the head portion distal end direction and the head portion proximal end direction were surrounded by the second hair bundle, the back tooth cleaning force, the interdental cleaning force, and the tooth comprehensive feeling were “Δ”. Further, in Comparative Example 2 in which both the head portion distal end direction and the head portion proximal end direction are open, the back tooth cleaning force was “x”.
In Comparative Example 5 in which the first hair bundle was longer than the second hair bundle, the tooth comprehensive feeling was “x”.
From these results, it was found that the toothbrush to which the present invention was applied was able to clean well the interdental portion, the neck portion, and the occlusal surface and tooth surface of the back teeth.

1, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 Toothbrush 2 Head part 3 Handle part 20 Flocked surface 21 Head part tip 30, 130, 230, 232, 330, 332 First hair bundle group 32 First hair bundle 40, 140, 240, 242, 340, 342, 440 Second hair bundle group 42, 442 Second hair bundle 452 Third hair bundle

Claims (5)

In a toothbrush in which a plurality of hair bundles formed by bundling a plurality of bristles on the flocked surface of the head portion are implanted,
The first hair bundle group in which one or more first hair bundles are implanted, and the second hair bundle open the distal end direction or the proximal end direction of the head portion, and And a second group of hair bundles that are enclosed and planted,
The length of the first hair bundle is shorter than the length of the second hair bundle,
The toothbrush characterized in that the buckling strength of the first hair bundle is lower than the buckling strength of the second hair bundle.   2. The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the first bristle bundle includes bristles having a diameter that gradually decreases toward a bristle tip and a sharpened tip.   The toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second bristle bundle group is formed only near the tip of the head portion.   A third hair bundle longer than the length of the second hair bundle is implanted outside the second hair bundle group, and the diameter of the third hair bundle gradually decreases toward the hair tip, The toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising bristles with a sharpened tip.   The toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second bristle bundle is made of bristles whose hair tips are not sharpened.