JP2012245314A - Toothbrush - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide means capable of fully cleaning both of tooth faces and interdentium sections allowing smoothly invading interdentium sections of bristle tufts positioned at the width direction center part.SOLUTION: A toothbrush 10 includes: a handle 11 having longitudinal shape; a head 12 provided on a tip end of the handle 11; side-edge bristle tuft groups 14 having bristle tufts 13 respectively provided on the width direction both side-edge sections of the head 12; and center bristle tuft groups 15 having longer bristles 13 than the side-edge bristle tuft groups 14 interposed between the side-edge bristle tuft groups 14. In the toothbrush, a plurality of longer bristle tuft groups 16 having longer bristles 13 than the side-edge bristle tuft groups 14 in which the center bristle tuft groups 15 are disposed apart from the longitudinal direction of the head 12, and shorter bristle tuft groups 17 having shorter bristles 13 than the longer bristle tuft groups 16 provided between mutually adjacent the longer bristle tuft groups 16 are provided.

Description

  The present invention relates to a toothbrush.

  Examples of sites where tooth decay is likely to occur include tooth surfaces, which are the surfaces of teeth, and interproximal parts between adjacent teeth. Therefore, the toothbrush is required to have a performance capable of sufficiently cleaning both the tooth surface and the interdental portion. However, the hair bundle planted in the head part of the toothbrush has a problem that it is difficult to enter the innermost part of the interdental part, and the cleaning of the interproximal part tends to be insufficient. Therefore, a toothbrush that has been proposed for the purpose of sufficiently cleaning up to the innermost part of the interdental part has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). In the toothbrush described in Patent Document 1, the hair bundle located at the center portion in the width direction of the head portion protrudes higher from the head portion than the hair bundle located at the edge portion in the width direction. According to such a configuration, the highly protruding hair bundle located in the central portion in the width direction enters the innermost part of the interdental part and scrapes out plaque etc., thereby both the tooth surface and the interdental part. Sufficient cleaning is possible.

Japanese Patent No. 3583346

  However, according to the conventional toothbrush, there is a problem that a highly protruding bristle bundle located in the center portion in the width direction of the head portion does not easily enter the interdental portion, and the interdental portion tends to be insufficiently cleaned. If it demonstrates in detail, in the toothbrush of patent document 1, the bristle bundle located in the center part of the width direction of a head part will be provided as a group of lump. Therefore, these highly protruding hair bundles have a high overall rigidity and are less likely to bend due to the action of external force. Thereby, since these protruding hair bundles are in a so-called stretched state without causing deflection when they contact the tooth surface, they have a characteristic that they do not easily enter between the teeth.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and the object thereof is a toothbrush in which a hair bundle located at the center in the width direction of the head portion protrudes higher than a hair bundle located at the side edge in the width direction. Providing a means that allows both the tooth surface and the interdental portion to be sufficiently cleaned by allowing smooth entry of the hair bundle located in the central portion in the width direction into the interproximal portion It is in.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention employs the following means. That is, the toothbrush according to the present invention is provided with a long handle portion, a head portion provided at a tip portion of the handle portion, and both side edges in the width direction of the head portion, and a hair bundle is planted. A side edge hair bundle group, and a central hair bundle group that is provided so as to be sandwiched on both sides in the width direction by the side edge hair bundle group, and in which a hair bundle having a hair length longer than the side edge hair bundle group is planted. A plurality of long hair bundle groups, each of which is a toothbrush, wherein the central hair bundle groups are provided apart from each other in the length direction of the head portion, and a hair bundle having a hair length longer than that of the side edge hair bundle group is planted. And a short hair bundle group provided between the adjacent long hair bundle groups and having a hair bundle having a shorter hair length than the long hair bundle group.

  According to such a configuration, since the plurality of long hair bundle groups constituting the central hair bundle group are provided separately, compared to the case where the long hair bundle group is provided as a lump of a group, The rigidity of the long hair bundle group as a whole is low, and it tends to bend with respect to the action of external force. Furthermore, short hair bundle groups having shorter hair lengths are provided between adjacent long hair bundle groups. Therefore, the long hair bundle group is allowed to bend in the horizontal direction without the adjacent short hair bundle group getting in the way. As a result, the long hair bundle group does not become stretched when it comes into contact with the tooth surface, but easily bends and smoothly enters the interdental portion. Moreover, the short hair | bristle bundle which comprises a center hair | bristle bundle group slides on a tooth surface, and removes plaque etc., thereby cleaning the tooth surface. Thus, both the tooth surface and the interdental part are sufficiently cleaned.

  Moreover, the toothbrush which concerns on this invention is characterized by the hair | bristle bundle of the said long hair | bristle bundle group having a hair length of 2.0 mm or more compared with the hair | bristle bundle of the said short hair | bristle bundle.

  According to such a configuration, a difference in hair length is sufficiently ensured between the long hair bundle group and the short hair bundle group, so that the long hair bundle group is more easily bent. Thereby, a long hair | bristle bundle group can approach between teeth more smoothly.

  Further, the toothbrush according to the present invention is characterized in that the bristle constituting the hair bundle of the long hair bundle group is formed in a tapered shape whose diameter gradually decreases from the proximal end side toward the distal end side. To do.

  According to such a configuration, the hair constituting the hair bundle of the long hair bundle group is less likely to be stretched when it comes into contact with the tooth surface, and easily bends. You can enter.

  Further, the toothbrush according to the present invention is characterized in that the bristle constituting the bristle bundle of the side edge bristle bundle group is formed in a tapered shape whose diameter gradually decreases from the proximal end side toward the distal end side. To do.

  According to such a structure, the hair which comprises the hair | bristle bundle of a side edge hair | bristle bundle group is harder to become the state which was stretched when contacting a tooth surface, and a bending | flexion arises easily. Therefore, the hair bundle of the long hair bundle group can enter between the teeth more smoothly while the hair bundle of the side edge hair bundle group cleans the tooth surface.

  According to the toothbrush according to the present invention, in the toothbrush in which the bristle bundle located at the center in the width direction of the head portion protrudes higher than the bristle bundle located at the side edge in the width direction, the teeth of the bristle bundle located at the center in the width direction By enabling a smooth approach to the interspace, both the tooth surface and the interproximal portion can be sufficiently cleaned.

It is a schematic side view which shows the external appearance of the toothbrush which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the head part of the toothbrush which concerns on 1st embodiment, (a) is a schematic plan view, (b) is the sectional view on the AA line in (a). It is explanatory drawing explaining the effect of the toothbrush which concerns on 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the head part of the toothbrush which concerns on 2nd embodiment, (a) is a schematic plan view, (b) is the sectional view on the AA line in (a). It is a figure which shows the structure of the head part of the toothbrush which concerns on 3rd embodiment, (a) is a schematic plan view, (b) is the sectional view on the AA line in (a). It is a figure which shows the structure of the head part of the toothbrush which concerns on 4th embodiment, (a) is a schematic plan view, (b) is the sectional view on the AA line in (a). It is a figure which shows the structure of the head part of the toothbrush which concerns on a 1st comparative example, (a) is a schematic plan view, (b) is the sectional view on the AA line in (a). It is a figure which shows the structure of the head part of the toothbrush which concerns on a 2nd comparative example, (a) is a schematic plan view, (b) is the sectional view on the AA line in (a). It is a figure which shows the structure of the head part of the toothbrush which concerns on a 3rd comparative example, (a) is a schematic plan view, (b) is the sectional view on the AA line in (a).

(First embodiment)
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of the toothbrush according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing an appearance of the toothbrush 10 according to the first embodiment. The toothbrush 10 includes a long handle portion 11, a head portion 12 provided at the tip of the handle portion 11, and a plurality of hair bundles 13 planted in the head portion 12.

  The handle part 11 serves as a grip part for the user to operate the toothbrush 10. The handle portion 11 is obtained by injection molding using, for example, a resin as a material. Here, the resin used as the material can be determined in consideration of the rigidity and mechanical characteristics required for the toothbrush 10, and examples thereof include a high-hardness resin having a flexural modulus (JIS K7203) in the range of 500 to 3000 MPa. Examples of the high hardness resin include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate (PCT), polyacetal (POM). ), Polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene resin (ABS), cellulose propionate (CP), polyarylate, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile / styrene copolymer resin (AS), and the like. In addition, these materials can be used individually by 1 type or in combination of 2 or more types as appropriate. The handle portion 11 may be partially or entirely covered with a flexible resin such as an elastomer.

  The head portion 12 is inserted into the oral cavity while holding the hair bundle 13. The head portion 12 is formed integrally with the handle portion 11 and is formed of the same material as that of the handle portion 11 by, for example, injection molding. Here, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the head unit 12, in which (a) is a schematic plan view, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in (a). The head portion 12 is formed to be slightly wider than the handle portion 11 in plan view, and the thickness thereof is substantially equal to the handle portion 11. The specific size of the head portion 12 can be determined in consideration of the operability in the oral cavity. For example, the width in a plan view is 7.5 to 15 mm, and the thickness is 4 to 8 mm. Is preferable.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2A, a plurality of flocked holes 122 are formed on the flocked surface 121 of the head portion 12. More specifically, the flocked surface 121 is formed with eight rows of flocked holes provided at predetermined intervals along the length direction of the head and extending in the width direction. Of these, the first flocked hole row located on the most distal side in the length direction is composed of two flocked holes 122 provided at predetermined intervals in the width direction. The second flocked hole row positioned next to the distal end in the length direction is composed of three flocked holes 122 provided at predetermined intervals in the width direction. And the third flocked hole row, the fourth flocked hole row, the fifth flocked hole row, the sixth flocked hole row, and the seventh flocked hole row, which are located on the proximal side from the second flocked hole row in the length direction, Each of the flock holes 122 is provided at predetermined intervals in the width direction. Finally, the eighth flocked hole row located on the most proximal side in the length direction is composed of three flocked holes 122 provided at predetermined intervals in the width direction. Accordingly, a total of 28 flocking holes 122 are formed in the head portion 12.

  In the present invention, the “length direction” of the head portion 12 means a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the handle portion 11, and the “width direction” of the head portion 12 means the longitudinal direction of the handle portion 11. It means a direction that is substantially orthogonal.

  The hair bundle 13 plays a role of cleaning a tooth surface, an interdental portion, and the like. The hair bundle 13 includes a short hair bundle 131 indicated by a gray circle in FIG. 2A and a long hair bundle 132 indicated by a white circle.

  The short hair bundle 131 is a bundle of short hairs 131a having a relatively short overall length. The thickness of the short hair bundle 131 (hair bundle diameter D1) is determined in consideration of the required buckling strength, the material and thickness of the short hair 131a, and is preferably 1 to 2 mm, for example. The hair bundle diameter D1 of the short hair bundle 131 may be the same hair bundle diameter D1 for all the short hair bundles 131 planted in the head portion 12, or may be different from each other. In addition, the hair | bristle bundle diameter D1 of the short hair bundle 131 means the diameter in the flocked surface 121 of the short hair bundle 131, as shown in FIG.2 (b).

  Here, the short hair 131a constituting the short hair bundle 131 is a so-called tapered hair, and its cross-sectional shape is a circle having a diameter of approximately 8.5 mil (1 mil = 1/1000 inch), and its total length is approximately 25 mm. is there. Here, the taper hair is a hair whose tip is sharpened by gradually decreasing its diameter toward the tip, and it is easy to enter the interdental portion or the cervical portion. It can be easily scraped off. In addition, the diameter and the full length of the short hair 131a are not limited to this embodiment, A design change is possible suitably. Further, the short hair 131a is not limited to a taper hair, and so-called straight hair having a constant diameter over the entire length may be used, and the tip of the hair may be formed into a flat surface or a hemisphere.

  The material of the short hair 131a constituting the short hair bundle 131 is, for example, polyamide such as 6-12 nylon (6-12NY) or 6-10 nylon (6-10NY), PET, PBT, polytrimethylene terephthalate. Synthetic resin materials such as polyesters such as (PTT), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), and polybutylene naphthalate (PBN), polyolefins such as PP, olefin elastomers, and styrene elastomers can be used. In addition, these resin materials may be used in combination, and among them, a combination of a plurality of polyesters may be used because it can easily strengthen the hair and improve the plaque scraping property. preferable. Moreover, as the short hair 131a, the polyester hair which has a multiple core structure which has a core part and the sheath part of at least 1 layer or more provided in the outer side of this core part is mentioned. 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 strong hair and higher plaque scraping properties.

  The cross-sectional shape of the short bristle 131a is not limited to the circular shape of the present embodiment, and can be any shape depending on the intended use of the toothbrush 10. For example, the cross-sectional shape may be an ellipse, a polygon (for example, a triangle, a quadrangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, etc.), an irregular shape (for example, a star shape, a three-leaf clover shape, a four-leaf clover shape, etc.). It can be.

  Further, the thickness of the short hair 131a is not limited to the diameter of about 8.5 mil in the present embodiment, and the design can be changed as appropriate. However, when the cross-sectional shape of the short hair 131a is circular, the diameter is preferably about 6 mil or more in order to strengthen the hair and enhance the plaque scraping effect. In addition, when the hair is strengthened by using hair having a multi-core structure or hair made of a polyester mixture as the short hair 131a, a sufficient scraping effect can be obtained, so that the diameter is less than 6 mils. Also good.

  As shown in FIG. 2 (b), the short hair bundle 131 configured as described above is formed by bending the bundled short hair 131a into two at the middle portion in the longitudinal direction, and the bent portion is a flat wire 131b. It fixes to the predetermined flock hole 122 via. At this time, the hair length H1 of the short hair bundle 131, that is, the protruding height from the flocked surface 121 is necessary for flocking on the flat wire 131b from 12.5 mm, which is substantially half of the short hair 131a having a total length of about 25 mm. It is about 9.0 mm, which is obtained by subtracting an appropriate flocking depth (for example, 3.5 mm). In this embodiment, the short hair bundle 131 is formed by bending the short hair 131a into two. Instead, the root portion of the short hair (not shown) having a total length of 12.5 mm is planted. You may comprise the short hair | bristle bundle 131 by fixing to the pore 122. FIG.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 2A, the short hair bundle 131 includes a first flocked hole row and a second flocked hole row among the eight rows of flocked hole rows formed in the length direction of the head portion 12. The third flocked hole row, the fifth flocked hole row, and the seventh flocked hole row are all planted in all the flocked holes 122. Moreover, the short hair | bristle bundle 131 is respectively planted by the two flocking holes 122 located in the width direction both ends among four flocking hole rows which comprise a 4th flocking hole row | line | column. Similarly, the short hair bundle 131 is also planted in each of the two flocked holes 122 located at both ends in the width direction among the four flocked holes 122 constituting the sixth flocked hole row. Further, the short hair bundle 131 is also planted in each of the two flocked holes 122 located at both ends in the width direction among the three flocked holes 122 constituting the eighth flocked hole row. Thereby, short hair bundles 131 are planted in a total of 23 flock holes 122 among a total of 28 flock holes 122 formed in the head portion 12.

  The long hair bundle 132 is a bundle of long hairs 132a having a relatively long overall length. The length of the long hair bundle 132 (hair bundle diameter D2) is also preferably about 1 to 2 mm, like the short hair bundle 131, and all the short hair bundles 131 may have the same hair bundle diameter D2. Different hair bundle diameters D2 may be used.

  Here, the long bristle 132a constituting the long bristle bundle 132 is also a so-called tapered bristle, and its cross-sectional shape is a circle having a diameter of approximately 7.5 mil, and its total length is approximately 29 mm. In addition, the diameter and the full length of the long hair 132a are not limited to this embodiment, and a design change is possible suitably. Further, the long hair 132a is not limited to a tapered hair, and so-called straight hair having a constant diameter over the entire length may be used, and further, the tip of the hair may be formed into a flat surface or a hemisphere. In addition, the point which can change the design of the material of the long hair 132a, a cross-sectional shape, thickness, etc. suitably is the same as that of the short hair 131a.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the long hair bundle 132 configured in this way is also folded into two at the middle in the longitudinal direction, and the bent portion is stopped. It is fixed to a predetermined flock hole 122 via a tool 132b. At this time, the hair length H2 of the long hair bundle 132, that is, the protruding height from the flocked surface 121 is 14.5 mm, which is substantially half of the long hair 132a having a total length of about 29 mm, and the flocked on the flat wire 131b. It is about 11.0 mm obtained by subtracting the necessary hair depth (for example, 3.5 mm). Accordingly, the tip of the long hair bundle 132 protrudes upward by about H1−H2 = 11.0 mm−9.0 mm = 2.0 mm, compared to the tip of the short hair bundle 131.

  As shown in FIG. 2 (a), the long hair bundle 132 includes a fourth flocked hole row and a sixth flocked hole row among the eight rows of flocked hole rows formed in the length direction of the head portion 12. , And the eighth planting hole row, respectively. Specifically, the long hair bundle 132 is planted in each of the two flocked holes 122 located in the center in the width direction among the four flocked holes 122 constituting the fourth flocked hole row. . Similarly, the long hair bundle 132 is respectively planted with respect to the two flocked holes 122 located in the center portion in the width direction among the four flocked holes 122 constituting the sixth flocked hole row. Furthermore, the long hair | bristle bundle 132 is planted with respect to one flocking hole 122 located in the center part of the width direction among the three flocking holes 122 which comprise an 8th flocking hole row | line | column. Thereby, the long hair | bristle bundle 132 is respectively planted with respect to the total five flock holes 122 among the total 28 flock holes 122 formed in the head part 12. FIG.

  The 23 short hair bundles 131 and the 5 long hair bundles 132 arranged in this way are surrounded by the side edge hair bundle group 14 surrounded by the one-dot chain line in FIG. 2A and the two-dot chain line. And a central hair bundle group 15 shown.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the side edge hair bundle group 14 is a region located on the outermost side on both sides in the width direction of the head portion 12. In this embodiment, this side edge hair bundle group 14 includes short hair bundles 131 planted in two flocked holes 122 constituting the first flocked hole row, and second flocked hole rows to eighth flocked hole rows. Each is constituted by two short hair bundles 131 planted in two flocking holes 122 located at both ends in the width direction. In addition, the number of the hair | bristle bundle 13 which comprises the side edge hair | bristle bundle group 14 is not restricted to this embodiment, It can change to arbitrary numbers. Further, the arrangement of the hair bundles 13 is not limited to the arrangement arranged in one line as in the present embodiment, but may be an arrangement arranged in two lines or an arrangement arranged in three lines.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the central hair bundle group 15 is a region that is located at the center of the head portion 12 and is sandwiched between the side edge hair bundle groups 14 on both sides in the width direction. In the present embodiment, the central hair bundle group 15 includes the short hair bundle 131 planted in one flock hole 122 located in the center in the width direction of the second flock hole array, the third flock hole array, and the fifth flock hole array. About each of the flocked hole row and the seventh flocked hole row, the short hair bundle 131 planted in the two flocked holes 122 located in the center in the width direction, and the width of each of the fourth flocked hole row and the sixth flocked hole row Long hair bundle 132 planted in two flock holes 122 located in the center in the direction and long hair bundle planted in one flock hole 122 located in the center in the width direction of the eighth flock hole row 132. In addition, the number of the hair | bristle bundle 13 which comprises the center hair | bristle bundle group 15 is not restricted to this embodiment, It can change to arbitrary numbers. The arrangement of the hair bundles 13 is not limited to the arrangement of the present embodiment, and may be, for example, a staggered arrangement or a random arrangement.

  Further, the central hair bundle group 15 includes three long hair bundle groups 16 surrounded and shown by broken lines in FIG. 2A, and three short hair bundle groups 17 shown and surrounded by broken lines, It is divided into. The number of short hair bundle groups 17 is not limited to three in the present embodiment, and can be changed to any number. Moreover, the number of the long hair bundle group 16 is sufficient if it is plural, and can be changed to two or four or more instead of the three in the present embodiment.

  The long hair bundle group 16 is a group of aggregates composed of only the long hair bundles 132. As shown in FIG. 2 (a), the long hair bundle group 16 is provided in a first space spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval from the distal end side to the proximal end side along the length direction of the head portion 12. The long hair bundle group 16A, the second long hair bundle group 16B, and the third long hair bundle group 16C are configured.

  16A of 1st long hair | bristle bundles are comprised by the long hair | bristle bundle 132 planted by the two flocking holes 122 located in the width direction center part of the 4th flocking hole row | line | column. In addition, the second long hair bundle group 16B is configured by long hair bundles 132 planted in two flock holes 122 located in the center in the width direction of the sixth flock hole array. Further, the third long hair bundle group 16 </ b> C is constituted by a long hair bundle 132 planted in one flock hole 122 located at the center in the width direction of the eighth flock hole array. In addition, the number and arrangement of the hair bundles 13 constituting the first long hair bundle group 16A, the second long hair bundle group 16B, and the third long hair bundle group 16C are not limited to this embodiment, and are appropriately determined. Design changes are possible.

  The short hair bundle group 17 is a group of aggregates composed of only the short hair bundles 131. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, a first short hair bundle group that is provided at a predetermined interval from the distal end side toward the proximal end side along the length direction of the head portion 12. 17A, the second short hair bundle group 17B, and the third short hair bundle group 17C.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the first short hair bundle group 17 </ b> A is provided at a position closer to the tip side than the first long hair bundle group 16 </ b> A in the length direction of the head portion 12. The first short hair bundle group 17A includes a short hair bundle 131 planted in one flock hole 122 located in the center in the width direction of the second flocked hole row, and the center in the width direction of the third flocked hole row. It is comprised by the two flock holes 122 located in a part.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the second short hair bundle group 17B is positioned at a position between the first long hair bundle group 16A and the second long hair bundle group 16B in the length direction of the head portion 12. Is provided. And this 2nd short hair bundle group 17B is comprised by the short hair bundle 131 planted by the two flocking holes 122 located in the center part of the width direction of a 5th flocking hole row | line | column.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the third short hair bundle group 17C is located at a position between the second long hair bundle group 16B and the third long hair bundle group 16C in the length direction of the head portion 12. Is provided. And this 2nd short hair bundle group 17B is comprised by the short hair bundle 131 planted by the two flock holes 122 located in the width direction center part of the 7th flock hole row.

  In addition, the number and arrangement of the hair bundles 13 constituting the first short hair bundle group 17A, the second short hair bundle group 17B, and the third short hair bundle group 17C are not limited to this embodiment, and the design can be changed as appropriate. Is possible. Further, it is sufficient that the short hair bundle group 17 is provided at a position between the adjacent long hair bundle groups 16. That is, in this embodiment, although the 2nd short hair bundle group 17B and the 3rd short hair bundle group 17C are essential structures, the 1st short hair bundle group 17A is arbitrary structures.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, although the short hair bundle 131 same as the short hair bundle 131 which comprises the side edge hair bundle group 14 was used as the short hair bundle 131 which comprises the center hair bundle group 15, the center hair bundle group The short hair bundles 131 constituting the hair bundle 15 need not necessarily be the same short hair bundle 131 as the side edge hair bundle group 14 as long as it satisfies the condition that the hair length is shorter than at least the long hair bundle 132. Absent. For example, as the short hair bundle 131 constituting the central hair bundle group 15, the hair length is shorter than the long hair bundle 132 constituting the central hair bundle group 15 and the short hair bundle 131 constituting the side edge hair bundle group 14. A hair having a longer hair length may be used. However, with respect to the long hair bundle 132 and the short hair bundle 131 constituting the central hair bundle group 15, it is more probable that the difference between both hair lengths is 2.0 mm or more in the interdental portion and the tooth neck portion. There is an advantage that the hair bundle 132 can easily enter, and a high plaque scraping effect can be obtained. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, it is preferable that the short hair bundle 131 constituting the central hair bundle group 15 has the same or lower hair length as the short hair bundle 131 constituting the side edge hair bundle group 14. Is preferred. Of course, the above-mentioned difference in hair length of 2.0 mm or more may be secured by increasing the length of the long hair bundle 132 constituting the central hair bundle group 15.

  Next, the effect of the toothbrush 10 which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. In the toothbrush 10 according to this embodiment, a plurality of hair bundles 13 to be planted on the hair planting surface 121 of the head portion 12 are divided into a side edge hair bundle group 14 and a central hair bundle group 15. And the long hair bundle 132 which comprises the center hair bundle group 15 is divided | segmented into the several long hair bundle group 16 mutually spaced apart along the length direction of the head part 12, and each long hair bundle group 16 is divided | segmented. Short hair bundle groups 17 are respectively provided at the positions therebetween. According to such a configuration, the user grasps the handle portion 11 of the toothbrush 10 and inserts the head portion 12 into the oral cavity, and the hair bundle 13 implanted in the head is placed on the buccal side or lingual side of the tooth. Slide horizontally with respect to the tooth surface. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the short hair bundle 131 constituting the central hair bundle group 15 slides on the tooth surface S1 to remove plaque and the like, thereby cleaning the tooth surface S1.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the long hair bundle 132 constituting the central hair bundle group 15 scrapes out foreign substances (not shown) accumulated by entering the interdental portion S <b> 2, thereby Clean part S2. Here, the long hair bundles 132 constituting the central hair bundle group 15 are provided apart from each other as the three long hair bundle groups 16 as described above. Therefore, the long hair bundle 132 has low rigidity as compared with the case where all of the long hair bundles 132 are provided as a group of lump, and is likely to bend with respect to the action of external force. Furthermore, short hair bundle groups 17 having shorter hair lengths are provided between adjacent long hair bundle groups 16. Therefore, the long hair bundle group 16 is allowed to bend in the horizontal direction without the adjacent short hair bundle group 17 getting in the way. Thereby, the long hair bundle 132 can be easily bent and smoothly enter the interdental portion S2 without being stretched when contacting the tooth surface S1.

  Further, at this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the short hair bundle 131 on one side in the width direction constituting the side edge hair bundle group 14 slides on the tooth surface S1 and removes plaque and the like, The tooth surface S1 is cleaned. Further, the short hair bundle 131 on the other side in the width direction constituting the side edge hair bundle group 14 scrapes off foreign matters (not shown) accumulated by entering the tooth neck S3 which is a boundary portion between the teeth and the gums. The tooth neck part S3 is cleaned.

  As described above, according to the toothbrush 10 according to the first embodiment, the interdental portion S2 is cleaned by the long bristle bundle group 16 constituting the central bristle bundle group 15, and the central bristle bundle group 15 and the side. The tooth surface S <b> 1 is cleaned by the short hair bundle group 17 constituting the edge hair bundle group 14. Thereby, according to the toothbrush 10 of 1st embodiment, it is possible to fully clean both the tooth surface S1 and the interdental part S2.

(Second embodiment)
Next, the structure of the toothbrush which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing the configuration of the head portion 12 of the toothbrush 20 according to the second embodiment, wherein FIG. 4A is a schematic plan view, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.

  Compared with the toothbrush 10 of the first embodiment, the toothbrush 20 of the second embodiment differs in the arrangement of the short hair bundle 131 and the long hair bundle 132 on the flocked surface 121. Since the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 are given in FIG. 4 and the description thereof is omitted here.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, the short hair bundle 131 includes a first flocked hole row, a second flocked hole row, a third flocked hole row, a fourth flocked hole row, and a sixth flocked hole row. , And all the flocking holes 122 constituting the eighth flocking hole row, respectively. The short hair bundle 131 is also planted in each of the two flocked holes 122 located at both ends in the width direction among the four flocked holes 122 constituting the fifth flocked hole row. Further, the short hair bundle 131 is also planted in two flocking holes 122 located at both ends in the width direction among the four flocking holes 122 constituting the seventh flocking hole row. Thereby, short hair bundles 131 are respectively planted in a total of 24 flock holes 122 out of a total of 28 flock holes 122 formed in the head portion 12.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4A, the long hair bundle 132 is planted in each of the fifth and seventh flocked hole rows. Specifically, the long hair bundle 132 is planted in each of the two flocked holes 122 located at the center in the width direction among the four flocked holes 122 constituting the fifth flocked hole row. . Similarly, the long hair bundle 132 is respectively planted with respect to the two flocked holes 122 located in the center portion in the width direction among the four flocked holes 122 constituting the seventh flocked hole row. Thereby, short hair bundles 131 are respectively planted in a total of four flock holes 122 among a total of twenty flock holes 122 formed in the head portion 12.

  Then, the 24 short hair bundles 131 and the 4 long hair bundles 132 arranged in this way are the side edge hair bundle group 21 surrounded by the one-dot chain line in FIG. It is divided into a central hair bundle group 22 shown surrounded by. Further, the central hair bundle group 22 is divided into two long hair bundle groups 23 indicated by broken lines in FIG. 4A and three short hair bundle groups 24 indicated by broken lines. Is done.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the long hair bundle group 23 is a first length provided at a predetermined interval from the distal end side to the proximal end side along the length direction of the head portion 12. The lash hair bundle group 23A and the second long hair bundle group 23B are configured. Among these, the first long hair bundle group 23 </ b> A is composed of long hair bundles 132 planted in two flocking holes 122 located at the center in the width direction of the fifth flocking hole row. The second long hair bundle group 23 </ b> B is composed of long hair bundles 132 planted in two flocking holes 122 located at the center in the width direction of the seventh flocking hole row.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the short hair bundle group 24 includes first short hairs that are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval from the distal end side to the proximal end side along the length direction of the head portion 12. The bundle group 24A, the second short hair bundle group 24B, and the third short hair bundle group 24C are configured.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the first short hair bundle group 24 </ b> A is provided at a position closer to the tip side than the first long hair bundle group 23 </ b> A in the length direction of the head portion 12. And this 1st short length hair | bristle bundle group 24A has one flock hole 122 located in the width direction center part of the 2nd flock hole array, and two flock holes located in the width direction center part of the 3rd flock hole line. 122 and the short hair bundle 131 planted in each of the two flocked holes 122 located in the center in the width direction of the fourth flocked hole row.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the second short hair bundle group 24B is located at a position between the first long hair bundle group 23A and the second long hair bundle group 23B in the length direction of the head portion 12. Is provided. And this 2nd short hair bundle group 24B is comprised by the short hair bundle 131 planted by the two flock holes 122 located in the width direction center part of the 6th flock hole row.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the third short hair bundle group 24C is provided at a position closer to the base end side than the second long hair bundle group 23B in the length direction of the head portion 12. And this 3rd short hair bundle group 24C is comprised by the short hair bundle 131 planted by one flock hole 122 located in the width direction center part of the 8th flock hole row.

  According to the toothbrush 20 of the second embodiment configured as described above, the long bristle bundle 132 constituting the central bristle bundle group 22 cleans the interdental portion S2, and the long bristle bundle 132 has two long lengths. The shackle bundle group 23 is provided so as to be separated from each other. Thereby, like the toothbrush 20 of the first embodiment, the long bristle bundle 132 does not become stretched when it comes into contact with the tooth surface S1, and is easily bent and smoothly enters the interdental portion S2. It is possible. Similarly to the toothbrush 20 of the first embodiment, the tooth surface S <b> 1 is cleaned by the short hair bundle group 24 constituting the central hair bundle group 22 and the side edge hair bundle group 21. Thereby, both the tooth surface S1 and the interdental part S2 can be sufficiently cleaned also by the toothbrush 20 of the second embodiment.

(Third embodiment)
Next, the structure of the toothbrush which concerns on 3rd embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing the configuration of the head portion 12 of the toothbrush 30 according to the third embodiment, wherein FIG. 5A is a schematic plan view, and FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.

  The toothbrush 30 of the third embodiment is also different from the toothbrush 10 of the first embodiment in the arrangement of the short hair bundle 131 and the long hair bundle 132 on the flocked surface 121. Since other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 are given in FIG. 5 and the description thereof is omitted here.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5A, the short hair bundle 131 includes all the first flocked hole row, the second flocked hole row, the third flocked hole row, and the sixth flocked hole row. Each is planted in the flock hole 122. Further, the short hair bundle 131 includes two flocked holes positioned at both ends in the width direction among the four flocked holes 122 constituting the fourth flocked hole row, the fifth flocked hole row, and the seventh flocked hole row. 122 is also planted. Further, the short hair bundle 131 is also planted in each of the two flocked holes 122 located at both ends in the width direction among the three flocked holes 122 constituting the eighth flocked hole row. Thereby, the short hair bundle 131 is planted with respect to a total of 21 flock holes 122 among a total of 28 flock holes 122 formed in the head portion 12.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5A, the long hair bundle 132 is planted in the fourth flocked hole row, the fifth flocked hole row, the seventh flocked hole row, and the eighth flocked hole row, respectively. Specifically, the long hair bundle 132 is respectively planted with respect to the two flocked holes 122 located in the center in the width direction of the fourth flocked hole row, the fifth flocked hole row, and the seventh flocked hole row. ing. Moreover, the long hair | bristle bundle 132 is planted with respect to one flocking hole 122 located in the width direction center part of the 8th flocking hole row | line | column. Thereby, short hair bundles 131 are planted in a total of seven flock holes 122 among a total of twenty eight flock holes 122 formed in the head portion 12.

  And the 21 short hair bundles 131 and the 7 long hair bundles 132 configured in this way are the side edge hair bundle group 31 shown surrounded by the one-dot chain line in FIG. It is divided into a central hair bundle group 32 shown surrounded by. Further, the central hair bundle group 32 is divided into two long hair bundle groups 33 indicated by broken lines in FIG. 5A and two short hair bundle groups 34 indicated by broken lines. Is done.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the long hair bundle group 33 is a first length provided at a predetermined interval from the distal end side to the proximal end side along the length direction of the head portion 12. The lash hair bundle group 33A and the second long hair bundle group 33B are configured.

  33 A of 1st long hair | bristle bundle groups are the 2 flocked holes 122 located in the width direction center part of the 4th flocked hole row | line | column, and the 2 flocked hole 122 located in the width direction center part of the 5th flocked hole row | line | column. It is comprised by the long hair | bristle bundle 132 planted in each. In addition, the second short hair bundle group 34B includes two flocked holes 122 located at the center in the width direction of the seventh flocked hole row, and one flocked hole located at the center in the width direction of the eighth flocked hole row. It is comprised by the long hair | bristle bundle 132 planted by 122, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the short hair bundle group 34 includes first short hairs that are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval from the distal end side toward the proximal end side along the length direction of the head portion 12. It is constituted by a bundle group 34A and a second short hair bundle group 34B.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the first short hair bundle group 34 </ b> A is provided at a position closer to the tip side than the first long hair bundle group 33 </ b> A in the length direction of the head portion 12. And this 1st short length hair | bristle bundle group 34A consists of one flocking hole 122 located in the width direction center part of the 2nd flocked hole row | line | column, and two planting positions located in the width direction center part of the 3rd flocked hole row | line | column. It is constituted by short hair bundles 131 planted in the pores 122, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the second short hair bundle group 34B is located at a position between the first long hair bundle group 33A and the second long hair bundle group 33B in the length direction of the head portion 12. Is provided. And this 2nd short hair bundle group 34B is comprised by the short hair bundle 131 planted by the two flocking holes 122 located in the width direction center part of the 6th flocking hole row | line | column.

  According to the toothbrush 30 of 3rd embodiment comprised in this way, the long hair | bristle bundle 132 which cleans the interdental part S2 is provided as two long hair | bristle bundle groups 33 mutually spaced apart. Thereby, also by the toothbrush 30 of 3rd embodiment, it is possible to fully clean both tooth surface S1 and interdental part S2 similarly to the toothbrush 30 of 1st embodiment.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, the structure of the toothbrush which concerns on 4th embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. 6A and 6B are diagrams showing the configuration of the head portion 12 of the toothbrush 40 according to the fourth embodiment, wherein FIG. 6A is a schematic plan view, and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.

  Compared with the toothbrush 10 of the first embodiment, the toothbrush 40 of the fourth embodiment has a so-called staggered arrangement of the flock holes 122 on the flocked surface 121 and an arrangement of the short hair bundle 131 and the long hair bundle 132. Is different. Since other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 are given in FIG. 6 and the description thereof is omitted here.

  The flocked surface 121 of the toothbrush 40 according to the present embodiment is formed with eight rows of flocked hole rows provided at predetermined intervals along the length direction of the head and extending in the width direction. Of these, the first flocked hole row located on the most distal side in the length direction is composed of two flocked holes 122 provided at predetermined intervals in the width direction. The second flocked hole row positioned next to the distal end in the length direction is composed of three flocked holes 122 provided at predetermined intervals in the width direction. Thereafter, the third flocked hole row, the fifth flocked hole row, and the seventh flocked hole row are composed of two flocked holes 122 similarly to the first flocked hole row, and the fourth flocked hole row, The six flocked hole rows and the eighth flocked hole row are composed of three flocked holes 122 as in the second flocked hole row. Accordingly, a total of 20 flocking holes 122 are formed in the head portion 12.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 6A, the short hair bundle 131 includes all the flocked holes 122 constituting the first flocked hole row, the third flocked hole row, the fifth flocked hole row, and the seventh flocked hole row. It is planted in each. In addition, the short hair bundle 131 is formed at both ends in the width direction of the three flocked holes 122 that respectively constitute the second flocked hole row, the fourth flocked hole row, the sixth flocked hole row, and the eighth flocked hole row. Each of the two flock holes 122 is also planted. Thereby, the short hair bundle 131 is planted with respect to a total of 16 flock holes 122 among the total 20 flock holes 122 formed in the head part 12.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6A, the long hair bundle 132 is positioned at the center in the width direction of the second flocked hole row, the fourth flocked hole row, the sixth flocked hole row, and the eighth flocked hole row. Each planted hole 122 is planted. Thereby, short hair bundles 131 are respectively planted in a total of four flock holes 122 out of a total of twenty flock holes 122 formed in the head portion 12.

  And the 16 short hair bundles 131 and the 4 long hair bundles 132 configured in this way are the side edge hair bundle group 41 shown surrounded by the one-dot chain line in FIG. It is divided into a central hair bundle group 42 shown surrounded by. Further, the central hair bundle group 42 is divided into four long hair bundle groups 43 indicated by broken lines in FIG. 6A and three short hair bundle groups 44 indicated by broken lines. Is done.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the long hair bundle group 43 is provided with a first length that is separated from each other at a predetermined interval from the distal end side toward the proximal end side along the length direction of the head portion 12. The lash hair bundle group 43A, the second long hair bundle group 43B, the third long hair bundle group 43C, and the fourth long hair bundle group 43D are configured.

  43 A of 1st long hair | bristle bundle groups are comprised by the long hair | bristle bundle 132 planted in one flocking hole 122 located in the width direction center part of the 2nd flocking hole row | line | column. Similarly, the second long hair bundle group 43B, the third long hair bundle group 43C, and the fourth long hair bundle group 43D are respectively a fourth flocked hole row, a sixth flocked hole row, and an eighth flocked hole. It is comprised by the long hair | bristle bundle 132 planted in one flock hole 122 located in the center part of the width direction of a row | line | column.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the short hair bundle group 44 includes first short hairs that are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval from the distal end side toward the proximal end side along the length direction of the head portion 12. It is configured by a bundle group 44A, a second short hair bundle group 44B, and a third short hair bundle group 44C.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the first short hair bundle group 44A is located at a position between the first long hair bundle group 43A and the second long hair bundle group 43B in the length direction of the head portion 12. Is provided. And this 1st short hair bundle group 44A is comprised by the short hair bundle 131 planted by the two flocking holes 122 of a 3rd flocking hole row | line | column.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the second short hair bundle group 44B is located at a position between the second long hair bundle group 43B and the third long hair bundle group 43C in the length direction of the head portion 12. Is provided. And this 2nd short hair bundle group 44B is comprised by the short hair bundle 131 planted by the two flocking holes 122 of a 5th flocking hole row | line | column.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the third short hair bundle group 44C is located at a position between the third long hair bundle group 43C and the fourth long hair bundle group 43D in the length direction of the head portion 12. Is provided. And this 3rd short hair bundle group 44C is comprised by the short hair bundle 131 planted by the two flocking holes 122 of a 7th flocking hole row | line | column.

  According to the toothbrush 40 of 4th Embodiment comprised in this way, the long hair | bristle bundle 132 which cleans the interproximal part S2 is mutually spaced apart as the four long hair | bristle bundle groups 43, and is provided. Thereby, also by the toothbrush 40 of 3rd embodiment, it is possible to fully clean both the tooth surface S1 and the interdental part S2 similarly to the toothbrush 40 of 1st embodiment.

  Next, examples of the present invention will be described. The present applicant created toothbrushes 10, 20, and 30 according to the first to third embodiments as first to third examples, respectively. And the evaluation test was done about the toothbrush of the 1st Example to the 3rd Example. Specifically, by using the methods described below, the usability and cleaning power for each of the tooth surfaces and interdental portions were evaluated for the toothbrushes of the first to third examples, and each toothbrush was comprehensively based on the evaluation. Evaluated.

[Usability evaluation test]
Seven testers used the toothbrushes of the first to third examples for 7 days, and evaluated the usability of the tooth surface and interdental brushing comfort when brushed by sensory evaluation. Evaluation was made into 7 steps of 1 to 7 points, and the higher the score, the better the usability. And the score about each toothbrush was each calculated by averaging the score of seven testers, and the following references | standards evaluated.
◎: 5.0 points or more ○: 4.0 points or more and less than 5.0 points △: 3.0 points or more and less than 4.0 points ×: Less than 3.0 points

[Cleaning power evaluation test]
Using the toothbrushes of the first to third examples, an evaluation test for the cleaning power of the tooth surface and an evaluation test for the cleaning power of the interdental part were performed.

  And the plaque removal rate was computed by the following method after cleaning. That is, the model plaque occupation area of the tooth surface of the first molar was measured by image analysis before the evaluation test, and the model plaque occupation area of the same site was measured again after the evaluation test. And based on the measurement result, the plaque removal rate was calculated by the following formula (1).

Dental plaque removal rate (%) = ((Plaque occupation area before cleaning ability evaluation test-Plaque occupation area after cleaning ability evaluation test) / (Plate occupation area before cleaning ability evaluation test)) x 100 ... Formula (1)

Based on the calculated plaque removal rate, the tooth surface cleaning power of the toothbrushes of the first to third examples was evaluated according to the following criteria.
◎: 70% or more ○: 50% or more and less than 70% △: 30% or more and less than 50% ×: less than 30%

  On the other hand, the evaluation test for the cleaning power of the interdental part is the same as the evaluation test for the cleaning power of the tooth surface by applying red paint to the interproximal part of the first molar and the second molar on the right cheek side. The plaque removal rate was calculated according to the procedure. And based on the calculated plaque removal rate, the cleaning power of the interdental part was evaluated on the basis of the same standard as the cleaning power of the tooth surface for the toothbrushes of the first to third examples.

[Comprehensive evaluation]
Based on the usability evaluation test and the cleaning power evaluation test, the toothbrushes of the first to third examples were comprehensively evaluated according to the following criteria.
◎: All evaluations are ◎
○: One or more evaluations are ○, and other evaluations are ◎
△: One or more evaluations are △ and other evaluations are ◎ or ○

  Table 1 below shows the results of the usability evaluation test, the cleaning power evaluation test, and the overall evaluation for the toothbrushes of the first to third examples.

  According to Table 1, in the toothbrush 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, all the results of the usability evaluation test and the cleaning power evaluation test were ◎, and the overall evaluation was the most excellent ◎. It was. As described above, the long hair bundle 132 constituting the central hair bundle group 15 is divided into a plurality of long hair bundle groups 16, and the number of divisions is the largest among the three embodiments. It is thought that it is an individual.

  In addition, the toothbrush 20 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4 has a usability for the interdental portion S2 and an evaluation of the cleaning power for the interdental portion S2, and the overall evaluation is slightly inferior to the first embodiment. Met. This is considered to be due to the fact that although the long hair bundle 132 is divided into a plurality of long hair bundle groups 23, the number of divisions is two less than in the first embodiment.

  In addition, the toothbrush 30 of the third example shown in FIG. 5 has a cleaning performance evaluation of the tooth surface S1 of ◯, and the overall evaluation is slightly inferior to that of the first example. This is because the long hair bundle 132 is divided into a plurality of long hair bundle groups 33, but the number of divisions is two less than in the first embodiment, and one long hair bundle group 33 is The number of the long hair bundles 132 to be configured is considered to be influenced by the large number of long hair bundles 132 compared to the first embodiment and the high rigidity.

  Next, the present applicant created toothbrushes 50, 60, and 70 of the third comparative example from the first comparative example described below. And the evaluation test was done also about the toothbrushes 50, 60, and 70 of the first comparative example to the third comparative example, respectively. Specifically, usability and cleaning power for each of the tooth surface S1 and the interdental portion S2 are evaluated by the same method as the toothbrushes of the first to third embodiments, and the toothbrush 50, 60 and 70 were comprehensively evaluated.

(First comparative example)
The structure of the toothbrush of a 1st comparative example is demonstrated. 7A and 7B are diagrams showing the configuration of the head portion 12 of the toothbrush 50 according to the first comparative example, in which FIG. 7A is a schematic plan view, and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.

  The toothbrush 50 of the first comparative example is different from the toothbrush 10 of the first embodiment in the arrangement of the short hair bundle 131 and the long hair bundle 132 on the flocked surface 121. Since other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 are given in FIG. 7, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the short hair bundle 131 includes all of the first flocked hole row, the second flocked hole row, the third flocked hole row, the fourth flocked hole row, and the eighth flocked hole row. Are planted in the flock holes 122. Further, the short hair bundle 131 includes two flocked holes located at both ends in the width direction among the four flocked holes 122 constituting the fifth flocked hole row, the sixth flocked hole row, and the seventh flocked hole row. 122 is also planted. Thereby, short hair bundle 131 is planted with respect to a total of 22 flock holes 122 among a total of 28 flock holes 122 formed in head part 12, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the long hair bundle 132 is formed by two flocked holes 122 located in the center in the width direction of the fifth flocked hole row, the sixth flocked hole row, and the seventh flocked hole row. Each is planted. Thereby, the long hair | bristle bundle 132 is respectively planted with respect to a total of six flock holes 122 among the total 28 flock holes 122 formed in the head part 12. FIG.

  Then, the 22 short hair bundles 131 and the 6 long hair bundles 132 configured in this way are shown by the side edge hair bundle group 51 surrounded by a one-dot chain line in FIG. It is divided into a central hair bundle group 52 shown surrounded by. Further, the central hair bundle group 52 is divided into one long hair bundle group 53 surrounded by a broken line in FIG. 7A and two short hair bundle groups 54 also shown surrounded by a broken line. Is done.

  As shown in FIG. 7 (a), the long hair bundle group 53 is located at the center in the width direction of the two flock holes 122 and the sixth in the width direction of the sixth flock hole array. The long follicle bundles 132 planted in the two flocked holes 122 and the two flocked holes 122 located at the center in the width direction of the seventh flocked hole row.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the short hair bundle group 54 includes first short hairs that are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval from the distal end side toward the proximal end side along the length direction of the head portion 12. It is constituted by a bundle group 54A and a second short hair bundle group 54B.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the first short hair bundle group 54 </ b> A is provided at a position closer to the distal end than the long hair bundle group 53 in the length direction of the head portion 12. And this 1st short length hair | bristle bundle group 54A has one flock hole 122 located in the width direction center part of the 2nd flock hole array, and two flock holes located in the width direction center part of the 3rd flock hole line. 122 and the short hair bundle 131 planted in each of the two flocked holes 122 located in the center in the width direction of the fourth flocked hole row.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the second short hair bundle group 54 </ b> B is provided at a position closer to the base end side than the long hair bundle group 53 in the length direction of the head portion 12. And this 2nd short hair bundle group 54B is comprised by the short hair bundle 131 planted by one flock hole 122 located in the width direction center part of the 8th flock hole row.

(Second comparative example)
The structure of the toothbrush of a 2nd comparative example is demonstrated. FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating the configuration of the head portion 12 of the toothbrush 60 according to the second comparative example, in which FIG. 8A is a schematic plan view, and FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.

  The toothbrush 60 of the second comparative example is different from the toothbrush 60 of the first embodiment in the arrangement of the short hair bundle 131 and the long hair bundle 132 on the flocked surface 121. Since other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 are given in FIG. 8, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the short hair bundle 131 is planted in each of the flocked holes 122 constituting the first flocked hole row, the second flocked hole row, and the third flocked hole row. The short hair bundle 131 is positioned at both ends in the width direction among the four flocked holes 122 constituting the fourth flocked hole row, the fifth flocked hole row, the sixth flocked hole row, and the seventh flocked hole row. Each of the two flock holes 122 is also planted. Further, the short hair bundle 131 is also planted in each of the two flocked holes 122 located at both ends in the width direction among the three flocked holes 122 constituting the eighth flocked hole row. Thereby, short hair bundles 131 are planted in a total of 19 flock holes 122 among a total of 28 flock holes 122 formed in the head portion 12.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the long hair bundle 132 is located at the center in the width direction of the fourth flocked hole row, the fifth flocked hole row, the sixth flocked hole row, and the seventh flocked hole row. Each of the flock holes 122 is planted. Moreover, the long hair | bristle bundle 132 is planted also with respect to the single flock hole 122 located in the width direction center part of the 8th flock hole array. Thereby, the long hair | bristle bundle 132 is respectively planted with respect to the total nine flock holes 122 among the total 28 flock holes 122 formed in the head part 12. FIG.

  Then, the 19 short hair bundles 131 and the 9 long hair bundles 132 configured in this way are shown by the side edge hair bundle group 61 surrounded by the one-dot chain line in FIG. It is divided into a central hair bundle group 62 shown surrounded by. Further, the central hair bundle group 62 is divided into one long hair bundle group 63 indicated by a broken line in FIG. 8A and one short hair bundle group 64 indicated by a broken line. Is done.

  As shown in FIG. 8 (a), the long hair bundle group 63 is located at the center in the width direction of the fifth flocked hole row, two flock holes 122 positioned at the center in the width direction of the fourth flocked hole row. Two flocked holes 122, two flocked holes 122 located in the center in the width direction of the sixth flocked hole row, two flocked holes 122 located in the center in the width direction of the seventh flocked hole row, and It is comprised by the long hair | bristle bundle 132 each planted in one flock hole 122 located in the width direction center part of an eight flock hole row.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the short hair bundle group 64 is provided at a position closer to the distal end than the long hair bundle group 63 in the length direction of the head portion 12. And this short length hair | bristle bundle group 64 has one flock hole 122 located in the width direction center part of the 2nd flock hole array, and two flock holes 122 located in the width direction center part of the 3rd flock hole line. It is comprised by the short hair | bristle bundle 131 planted in each.

(Third comparative example)
The configuration of the toothbrush of the third comparative example will be described. FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams showing the configuration of the head portion 12 of the toothbrush 70 according to the third comparative example, wherein FIG. 9A is a schematic plan view, and FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.

  The toothbrush 70 of the third comparative example is different from the toothbrush 10 of the first embodiment in the arrangement of the short hair bundle 131 and the long hair bundle 132 on the flocked surface 121. Since the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 are given in FIG. 9, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the short hair bundle 131 includes a first flocked hole row, a second flocked hole row, a third flocked hole row, a fourth flocked hole row, a sixth flocked hole row, and an eighth plantation. Each of the flock holes 122 constituting the pore row is planted. Thereby, short hair bundles 131 are respectively planted in a total of 20 flock holes 122 out of a total of 28 flock holes 122 formed in the head portion 12.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the long hair bundles 132 are respectively planted in all the flocked hole rows constituting the fifth flocked hole row and the seventh flocked hole row. Thereby, the long hair | bristle bundle 132 is planted with respect to a total of eight flock holes 122 among the total 28 flock holes 122 formed in the head part 12, respectively.

  Then, the 20 short hair bundles 131 and the 8 long hair bundles 132 configured in this way are the side edge hair bundle group 71 shown surrounded by the one-dot chain line in FIG. It is divided into a central hair bundle group 72 shown surrounded by. Further, the central hair bundle group 72 is divided into two long hair bundle groups 73 indicated by broken lines in FIG. 9A and three short hair bundle groups 74 indicated by broken lines. Is done.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the long hair bundle group 73 is provided with a first length spaced from the distal end side toward the proximal end side at a predetermined interval along the length direction of the head portion 12. The lash hair bundle group 73A and the second long hair bundle group 73B are configured.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the first long hair bundle group 73 </ b> A is configured by long hair bundles 132 planted in two flock holes 122 located in the center in the width direction of the fifth flock hole array. Has been.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the second long hair bundle group 73B is constituted by long hair bundles 132 planted in two flock holes 122 located in the center in the width direction of the seventh flock hole array. Has been.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the short hair bundle group 74 includes first short hairs that are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval from the distal end side to the proximal end side along the length direction of the head portion 12. The bundle group 74A, the second short hair bundle group 74B, and the third short hair bundle group 74C are configured.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the first short hair bundle group 74 </ b> A is provided at a position closer to the tip side than the first long hair bundle group 73 </ b> A in the length direction of the head portion 12. And this 1st short length hair | bristle bundle group 74A consists of one flock hole 122 located in the width direction center part of the 2nd flock hole array, and two flock holes located in the width direction center part of the 3rd flock hole line. 122 and the short hair bundle 131 planted in each of the two flocked holes 122 located in the center in the width direction of the fourth flocked hole row.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the second short hair bundle group 74B is located at a position between the first long hair bundle group 73A and the second long hair bundle group 73B in the length direction of the head portion 12. Is provided. And this 2nd short hair bundle group 74B is comprised by the short hair bundle 131 planted by the two flock holes 122 located in the width direction center part of the 6th flock hole row.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the third short hair bundle group 74 </ b> C is provided at a position closer to the proximal end than the second long hair bundle group 73 </ b> B in the length direction of the head portion 12. And this 3rd short hair bundle group 74C is comprised by the short hair bundle 131 planted by one flocking hole 122 located in the width direction center part of the 8th flocking hole row | line | column.

  Here, Table 2 below shows the results of the usability evaluation test, the cleaning power evaluation test, and the comprehensive evaluation for the toothbrushes 50, 60, and 70 of the first comparative example to the third comparative example, respectively. Is.

  According to Table 2, the overall evaluation of the toothbrush 50 of the first comparative example shown in FIG. 7 was considerably inferior to that of the first example. This is considered to be due to the fact that the six long hair bundles 132 constituting the central hair bundle group 52 are provided as a group of lump, and the rigidity thereof is high.

  Further, the overall evaluation of the toothbrush 60 of the second comparative example shown in FIG. 8 was Δ which is considerably inferior to that of the first embodiment. This is considered to be due to the fact that nine long hair bundles 132 constituting the central hair bundle group 62 are provided as a lump of a group, and the rigidity thereof is higher than that of the first comparative example.

  Further, the overall evaluation of the toothbrush 70 of the third comparative example shown in FIG. 9 was Δ which is considerably inferior to that of the second embodiment. This is because the configuration of the central hair bundle group 72 is the same as that of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4, but the configuration of the side edge hair bundle group 71 is considered to be different from the second embodiment. . That is, in the second embodiment, the side edge hair bundle group 21 is composed of only the short hair bundles 131, but in the third comparative example, the side edge hair bundle group 71 is provided with the long hair bundles 132. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9 (a), the long hair bundles 132 are respectively provided to the two flocked holes 122 located at both ends in the width direction of the fifth flocked hole row and the seventh flocked hole row. It is planted. According to such a configuration, the long hair bundle 132 constituting the central hair bundle group 72 is not easily bent due to the long hair bundle 132 constituting the side edge hair bundle group 71, and the interdental portion S2 or It has a demerit that it is difficult to enter the tooth neck S3.

  The various shapes, combinations, operation procedures, and the like of the constituent members shown in the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and various changes can be made based on design requirements and the like without departing from the gist of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Toothbrush 11 Handle part 12 Head part 121 Flocking surface 122 Flocking hole 13 Hair bundle 131 Short hair bundle 131a Short hair 131b Stopper 132 Long hair bundle 132a Long hair 132b Stopper 14 Side edge hair bundle group 15 Central hair Bundle group 16 Long hair bundle group 16A First long hair bundle group 16B Second long hair bundle group 16C Third long hair bundle group 17 Short hair bundle group 17A First short hair bundle group 17B Second long hair Bundle group 17C Third long hair bundle group 20 Toothbrush 21 Side edge hair bundle group 22 Central hair bundle group 23 Long hair bundle group 23A First long hair bundle group 23B Second long hair bundle group 24 Short hair bundle group 24A First short hair bundle group 24B Second short hair bundle group 24C Third short hair bundle group 30 Toothbrush 31 Side edge hair bundle group 32 Central hair bundle group 33 Long hair bundle group 33A First long hair bundle group 33B Two long hair bundle groups 34 Short hair bundle group 34A First short hair bundle group 34B Short hair bundle group 40 Toothbrush 41 Side edge hair bundle group 42 Central hair bundle group 43 Long hair bundle group 43A First long hair bundle group 43B Second long hair bundle group 43C Third long hair bundle group 43D Fourth Long hair bundle group 44 Short hair bundle group 44A First short hair bundle group 44B Second short hair bundle group 44C Third short hair bundle group 50 Toothbrush 51 Side edge hair bundle group 52 Central hair bundle group 53 Long hair bundle group 54 Short Hair Bundle Group 54A First Short Hair Bundle Group 54B Second Short Hair Bundle Group 60 Toothbrush 61 Side Edge Hair Bundle Group 62 Central Hair Bundle Group 63 Long Hair Bundle Group 64 Short Hair Bundle Group 70 Toothbrush 71 Side Edge Hair Bundle Group 72 Central hair bundle group 73 Long hair bundle group 73A First long hair bundle group 73B Second long hair bundle group 74 Short hair bundle group 74A First short hair bundle group 74B Second short hair bundle group 74C Third Short hair bundle group D1 Hair bundle diameter D2 Hair bundle diameter H1 Hair length H2 Hair length S1 Tooth surface S2 Interdental part S3 Tooth neck

Claims (4)

A longitudinal handle portion; a head portion provided at a tip portion of the handle portion; a side edge hair bundle group provided on each side edge in the width direction of the head portion; A toothbrush having a central hair bundle group provided so as to be sandwiched on both sides in the width direction by the edge hair bundle group, and a hair bundle having a hair length longer than that of the side edge hair bundle group,
The central hair bundle group is
A plurality of long hair bundle groups that are provided apart from each other in the length direction of the head portion, and in which a hair bundle having a hair length longer than the side edge hair bundle group is planted,
A short hair bundle group provided between adjacent long hair bundle groups adjacent to each other, and a hair bundle having a shorter hair length than the long hair bundle group,
A toothbrush characterized by having.   The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the hair bundle of the long hair bundle group has a hair length of 2.0 mm or more longer than the hair bundle of the short hair bundle group.   The hair for constituting the hair bundle of the long hair bundle group is formed in a tapered shape whose diameter gradually decreases from the proximal end side toward the distal end side. toothbrush.   4. The hair constituting the hair bundle of the side edge hair bundle group is formed in a tapered shape whose diameter gradually decreases from the proximal end side toward the distal end side. The toothbrush according to item 1.

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