JP2017209147A - toothbrush - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a toothbrush which secures high cleaning properties of a cervical part of a tooth while having massage feelings gentle to the gum in a wide range.SOLUTION: A toothbrush is provided with a handle body 2 equipped with a head part 4 at the end, and bristle bundles are implanted in a plurality of implanting holes formed on an implanting surface 5 of the head part. The implanting surface has: an inside implanting area 11 which is provided in an axial line O direction of the handle body and in which a plurality of inside bristle bundles are implanted almost in the center in a width direction orthogonal to the axial line; and outside implanting areas 21 where a plurality of outside bristle bundles are implanted with the inside bristle bundles in between in the width direction. A maximum length L of all implanting areas where the plurality of inside bristle bundles and the plurality of outside bristle bundles in the width direction are implanted is between 12.0 mm and 16.0 mm; a maximum length of the outside implanting areas in the width direction is between 6.5 mm and 9.5 mm. A maximum length in the inside implanting area in the width direction is between 4.0 mm and 5.5 mm. A bristle bundle diameter of the outside bristle bundles is between 1.4 mm and 1.8 mm; and a bristle bundle diameter of the inside bristle bundles is between 1.0 mm and 1.4 mm.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a toothbrush.

  For consumers who place importance on prevention of periodontal disease, a toothbrush that has a gentle contact feeling that does not damage the gums as much as possible and that has a high cleaning ability of the tooth neck is preferable. Furthermore, in recent years, it has become clear that consumers also place importance on the “feeling of massage that is gentle on the gums”. However, conventional periodontal disease prevention toothbrushes are mainly compact heads, and normal brushing does not provide a sufficient massage effect because the amount of hair hitting the gums is small. Therefore, there is a need for a toothbrush that has a wide range of gums that hit the hair bundle and has a high tooth neck cleaning ability.

  Conventionally, as a technique for achieving both a gentle contact feeling and a tooth neck cleaning force, a toothbrush having a large hole diameter on the outer side, a high flocking density, and a very high ratio of flocking density on the outer side and the inner side (Patent Document 1) And a toothbrush (Patent Document 2) in which an outer flocking region is configured with a very thin hair bundle.

JP2012-034845A JP 2011-103952 A

However, the following problems exist in the conventional technology as described above.
In order for the hair bundle to hit a wide range of gums, it is necessary to make the head wide, but since the toothbrush described in Patent Document 1 is composed of a thick hair bundle on the outside of the flocked part, Then, the interference of the hair bundle is large and the hair does not bend. Therefore, only the hair tip touches the gums, and efficient massage becomes difficult. Further, when a hair bundle is implanted in a flock hole having a large hole diameter, the tip of the hair bundle becomes a pencil shape (mountain shape), so that hair touching the gums is reduced, leading to inefficiency of massage.

 On the other hand, the toothbrush described in Patent Document 2 is easy to flex because the outer flocked region is composed of very small hair bundles, and can suppress the bending of the central flocked region contributing to the periodontal pocket cleanability. There is a problem that the rigidity of the hair end cannot be secured. In addition, the toothbrush described in Patent Document 2 has a problem that the ratio of the central flocked region to the outer flocked region is small, and the cleaning power of the tooth neck when brushing teeth and gums at the same time is poor.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush that ensures a high cleanability of the tooth neck while having a gentle massage feeling in a wide range of gums.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the toothbrush includes a handle body provided with a head portion at the tip, and a hair bundle of hairs is implanted in a plurality of flocked holes formed on the flocked surface of the head portion. The flocking surface includes an inner flocking region in which a plurality of inner hair bundles are flocked at a substantially center in the width direction perpendicular to the axis lined in the axial direction of the handle body, and the inner hair bundle in the width direction. An outer flocked region in which a plurality of outer hair bundles are flocked across, and the maximum length of all the flocked regions in which the plurality of inner hair bundles and the plurality of outer hair bundles are flocked in the width direction is: 12.0 mm or more and 16.0 mm or less, and the maximum length of the outer flocked region in the width direction is 6.5 mm or more and 9.5 mm or less, and the maximum length of the inner flocked region in the width direction. Is 4.0 mm or more and 5.5 mm or less. Thus, a toothbrush having a hair bundle diameter of 1.4 mm or more and 1.8 mm or less and a hair bundle diameter of the inner hair bundle of 1.0 mm or more and 1.4 mm or less is provided. .

  In the toothbrush according to the aspect of the present invention, a value obtained by dividing the total number of hairs constituting the plurality of outer hair bundles by the area of the outer hair transplantation area is defined as an outer hair transplantation density, and the plurality of inner hair bundles. The value obtained by dividing the total number of hairs constituting the hair by the area of the inner flocked area is defined as the inner flocked density, and the flocked density ratio represented by the outer flocked density / inner flocked density is 1.4 or more and 2.5 or less. It is characterized by being.

  Moreover, the toothbrush which concerns on the one aspect | mode of the said invention WHEREIN: The said inner hair | bristle bundle is characterized by the length on the said flocked surface being longer than the length on the said flocked surface of the said outer hair | bristle bundle.

  Further, in the toothbrush according to one aspect of the present invention, at least one of the inner bristle bundle and the outer bristle bundle includes bristles that gradually decrease in diameter toward the bristle tip. To do.

  In the toothbrush according to the aspect of the present invention, the inner hair bundle and the outer hair bundle are arranged in a staggered manner in which the positions of the hair bundles adjacent in the axial direction are shifted in the width direction. The maximum length of the entire flocked region in the width direction is 12.0 mm or more and 15.0 mm or less, and the maximum length of the outer flocked region in the width direction is 7.0 mm or more and 9.5 mm or less. The value obtained by dividing the total number of hairs constituting the plurality of outer hair bundles by the area of the outer hair transplantation area is defined as the outer hair density, and the total number of hairs constituting the plurality of inner hair bundles is defined as The value divided by the area of the inner flocking area is defined as the inner flocking density, and the flocking density ratio expressed by outer flocking density / inner flocking density is 1.4 or more and 2.0 or less.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a toothbrush that ensures a high cleanability of the tooth neck while having a massage feeling that is gentle on a wide range of gums.

It is a top view which shows the head part of the toothbrush concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a left view of the head part of the toothbrush 1 shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the head part of the toothbrush concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the specification and evaluation of an Example and a comparative example.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the toothbrush of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.
The following embodiments show one aspect of the present invention and do not limit the present invention, and can be arbitrarily changed within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Moreover, in the following drawings, in order to make each configuration easy to understand, the actual structure is different from the scale and number of each structure.

  The toothbrush of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a head portion of a toothbrush 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a left side view of the head portion of the toothbrush 1 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the toothbrush 1 includes a handle body 2, and the handle body 2 includes a long grip portion (not shown) and a head portion 4 provided at the tip of the grip portion. It is comprised roughly by. In FIG. 1, symbol O is an axis of the handle body 2, that is, a line passing through the center of the handle body 2 in the length direction of the handle body 2.

  The head portion 4 has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view with the axis O direction as a longitudinal direction, and an arbitrary surface is a flocking surface 5 for flocking hair bundles. A plurality of inner flock holes 10 having a bottomed cylindrical shape in FIG. 1 (27 in FIG. 1 as an example) are formed on the flocked surface 5 along and along the axis O. The plurality of inner flock holes 10 are arranged in a staggered manner in which the positions of the inner flock holes 10 adjacent in the axis O direction are shifted in the width direction of the head portion 4 which is a direction orthogonal to the axis O direction. In the plurality of inner flock holes 10, inner hair bundles 12 in which a plurality of inner hairs 13 are bundled in a substantially cylindrical shape are respectively implanted to form an inner hair bundle group 14. Therefore, the plurality of inner hair bundles 12 are arranged in a staggered manner in which the positions of the inner hair bundles 12 adjacent in the axial direction are shifted in the width direction of the head portion 4.

  Further, the flocked surface 5 has a plurality of outer flocked holes 20 having a bottomed cylindrical shape (30 in FIG. 1 as an example) along the axis O with the inner flocked hole 10 sandwiched in the width direction. An outer hair bundle 22 in which a plurality of outer hairs 23 are bundled in a substantially columnar shape is implanted in the outer flock hole 20. A first outer hair bundle group 24 a is formed on the flocked surface 5 by fifteen outer hair bundles 22 provided along the side edges 6 of the head portion 4. The 15 outer hair bundles 22 provided along the second outer hair bundle group 24b. The plurality of outer flocking holes 20 are arranged in a staggered manner in which the positions of the outer flocking holes 20 adjacent in the axis O direction are shifted in the width direction of the head portion 4. Therefore, the plurality of outer hair bundles 22 are arranged in a staggered manner in which the positions of the outer hair bundles 22 adjacent in the axis O direction are shifted in the width direction of the head portion 4. The hair length t1 that is the length of the inner hair bundle 12 on the flocked surface 5 is formed longer than the hair length t2 that is the length of the outer hair bundle 22 on the flocked surface 5.

  On the flocked surface 5, an inner flocked region 11 indicating a region where the inner hair bundle group 14 is provided is formed. The inner flocking region 11 is a region surrounded by an annular line connecting the outer edges of the inner flocking hole 10 in which the inner flock 12 positioned on the outermost periphery of the inner flock group 14 is planted. In addition, this annular line constitutes a common tangent line between the adjacent inner flock holes 10.

  On the flocked surface 5, a first outer flocked region 21 a indicating a region where the first outer hair bundle group 24 a is provided is formed. The first outer flocked region 21a is a region surrounded by an annular line connecting the outer edges of the outer flocked holes 20 in which the outer hair bundles 22 constituting the first outer hair bundle group 24a are planted. This annular line constitutes a common tangent line between the adjacent outer flock holes 20 in the first outer hair bundle group 24a.

  Moreover, the 2nd outer hair transplant area | region 21b which shows the area | region in which the 2nd outer side hair | bristle bundle group 24b was provided is formed in the flocked surface 5. As shown in FIG. The second outer flocked region 21b is a region surrounded by an annular line connecting the outer edges of the outer flocked holes 20 in which the outer hair bundles 22 constituting the second outer hair bundle group 24b are planted. This annular line constitutes a common tangent line between the adjacent outer flock holes 20 in the second outer hair bundle group 24b. The first outer flocked region 21a and the second outer flocked region 21b constitute an outer flocked region 21 in which a plurality of outer flocks 22 are flocked across the inner flock 12 in the width direction of the head portion 4.

  The material of the handle body 2 can be determined in consideration of the rigidity and mechanical characteristics required for the toothbrush 1, and for example, by using a high-hardness resin having a flexural modulus (JIS K7203) in the range of 500 to 3000 MPa, the toothbrush 1 The required mechanical properties can be obtained. Examples of such high-hardness resins include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate (PCT), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and cellulose propionate (CP). ), Polyarylate, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile styrene (AS) and the like, and one or more of them can be used.

  The size of the head portion 4 can be determined in consideration of the maximum lengths of the inner hair transplantation region 11 and the outer hair transplantation region 21 in the width direction of the head portion 4, the operability in the oral cavity, and the like, for example, the width (maximum width) W is set to 14 mm or more, for example, 14 to 18 mm, and thickness T is set to 4 to 8 mm.

  The maximum length L in the width direction of the head portion 4 of all the flocked regions including the inner flocked region 11 and the outer flocked region 21 is preferably 12.0 mm or more and 16.0 mm or less. If the maximum length L of the whole flocked region is less than 12.0 mm, a sufficient massage effect may not be obtained. If the maximum length L of the whole flocked region is more than 16.0 mm, resistance when the head portion 4 enters the oral cavity is increased, and operability may be reduced.

  When the inner hair bundle 12 and the outer hair bundle 22 are arranged in a staggered manner as in the toothbrush 1 shown in FIG. 1, the heads of all the flocked regions including the inner flocked region 11 and the outer flocked region 21. The maximum length L in the width direction of the portion 4 is more preferably 12.0 mm or more and 15.0 mm or less. When the inner hair bundle 12 and the outer hair bundle 22 are arranged in a staggered manner, the inner hair bundle 12 and the outer hair bundle 22 can be provided in the head portion 4 with high density. Even if it is 15.0 mm or less, the massage effect to a gum and the favorable cleanability with respect to a tooth neck part are securable.

  The maximum length of the inner flocked region 11 in the width direction of the head portion 4 is preferably 4.0 mm or more and 5.5 mm or less. If the maximum length of the inner flocked region 11 in the width direction is less than 4.0 mm, good cleaning performance for the tooth neck cannot be obtained sufficiently, and the actual feeling when the head portion 4 enters the tooth neck is realized. May be diluted. If the maximum length of the inner flocked region 11 in the width direction is more than 5.5 mm, it is difficult to ensure the length of the outer hair bundle 22 and the massage effect on the gums may not be sufficiently ensured.

  The maximum length of the outer flocked region 21 in the width direction of the head portion 4, that is, the sum of the maximum length of the first outer flocked region 21a in the width direction of the head portion 4 and the maximum length of the second outer flocked region 21b. Is preferably 6.5 mm or more and 9.5 mm or less. If the maximum length of the outer flocked region 21 in the width direction is less than 6.5 mm, there is a possibility that a massage effect on the gums and a good cleaning property on the tooth neck cannot be secured sufficiently. If the maximum length of the outer flocked region 21 in the width direction is more than 9.5 mm, the hit of the outer hair bundle 22 against the gums may become strong and the soft hit may be impaired.

  Moreover, when the inner hair | bristle bundle 12 and the outer side hair | bristle bundle 22 are each arrange | positioned at zigzag form, the maximum length of the outer hair transplantation area | region 21 in the width direction of the head part 4 is 7.0 mm or more and 9.5 mm or less. It is preferable that When the inner hair bundle 12 and the outer hair bundle 22 are respectively arranged in a staggered manner, the inner hair bundle 12 and the outer hair bundle 22 can be provided in the head portion 4 with high density. The maximum length of 7.0 mm or more can be provided, and the massage effect on the gums and the good cleaning performance for the tooth neck can be improved.

  The diameter D1 of the inner flock hole 10 can be determined according to the diameter of the inner hair bundle 12, that is, the diameter of the cross section perpendicular to the length direction of the inner hair bundle 12, and is set to, for example, 1.0 to 1.4 mm. . In this embodiment, the diameter D1 of all the inner flock holes 10 is substantially equal. “Substantially equivalent” means that all the diameters D1 are included in a range of ± 5%.

  Moreover, the diameter D2 of the outer flock hole 20 can be determined according to the diameter of the outer hair bundle 22, and is, for example, 1.4 to 1.8 mm. In this embodiment, the diameter D2 of all the outer flock holes 20 is substantially equal. “Substantially equivalent” means that all the diameters D2 are included in a range of ± 5%.

  The hair length t1 of the inner hair bundle 12 can be determined in consideration of the material, thickness, etc. of the inner hair 13, and is, for example, 6 to 15 mm. The hair bundle diameter d1 of the inner hair bundle 12, that is, the diameter of the cross section perpendicular to the length direction of the inner hair bundle 12, is preferably 1.0 mm or more and 1.4 mm or less. When the hair bundle diameter d1 of the inner hair bundle 12 is less than 1.0 mm, the hair and waist of the inner hair bundle 12 becomes too low, the cleaning performance of the tooth neck portion is lowered, and the head portion 4 is attached to the tooth neck portion. The actual feeling when approaching is reduced. When the hair bundle diameter d1 of the inner hair bundle 12 is more than 1.4 mm, the distal end portion of the inner hair bundle 12 does not easily enter a fine portion such as a periodontal pocket or an interdental portion, and the cleaning property is lowered. The hit when the head portion 4 enters the tooth neck portion is too strong. When the hair bundle diameter d1 of the inner hair bundle 12 is 1.0 mm or more and 1.4 mm or less, it is possible to improve the actual feeling when the head portion 4 enters the tooth neck portion.

In the present embodiment, the hair bundle diameters d1 of all the inner hair bundles 12 are substantially equal. “Substantially equivalent” means that all the diameters d1 are included in a range of ± 5%.
The number of the inner hairs 13 per one inner hair bundle 12 can be determined in consideration of the hair diameter of the inner hairs 13, for example, 10 to 40 hairs.
The hair bundle diameter d1 of the inner hair bundle 12 is the diameter at the boundary with the flocked surface 5, and is substantially equal to the diameter D1 of the inner flock hole 10. Substantially equivalent means a difference within ± 5%.

The flocking density of the inner hair bundle group 14, that is, the value obtained by dividing the total number of inner hairs 13 constituting the inner hair bundle group 14 by the area of the inner flocking region 11 (inner flocking density) is not particularly limited. 4 to 11 pieces / mm ² is preferable, and 6 to 9 pieces / mm ² is more preferable. When the inner flocking density is less than 4 / mm ² , the inner hair bundles 12 are not supported with each other at the time of brushing, and the hair becomes lower and lowers the cleaning performance of the cervical portion. When the inner flocking density is more than 11 / mm ² , the interference between the adjacent inner hair bundles 12 becomes large at the time of brushing, and movements such as bending of the inner hair bundle 12 are excessively suppressed, leading to the tooth neck. The inner hair 13 is prevented from entering.

  The inner hair 13 is ST hair (super tapered hair) with a tapered tip. The hair diameter of the inner hair 13 can be determined in consideration of the material of the inner hair 13 and the like, for example, 6 to 9 mil (1 mil = 1/1000 inch = 0.025 mm). If it is 6 mils or more, the fur waist which can clean a tooth neck part well is ensured, and if it is 9 mils or less, the softness | flexibility which can relieve irritation | stimulation to a gum etc. is ensured. In addition, the bristle diameter in ST hair is a diameter in a base part.

The length of the outer hair bundle 22 on the flocked surface 5, that is, the hair length t <b> 2 can be determined in consideration of the material and thickness of the outer hair 23, and is, for example, 6 to 13 mm.
The hair height difference t3 between the hair length t1 of the inner hair bundle 12 and the hair length t2 of the outer hair bundle 22 is preferably 2.0 mm or less, and more preferably 0.5 to 1.5 mm. If t1> t2, that is, if the hair length t1 of the inner hair bundle 12 is large and the hair length t2 of the outer hair bundle 22 is large, further improvement of the cleaning performance of the tooth neck and the touching feeling on the gums can be achieved. Moreover, when the length on the flocked surface 5 of the inner hair bundle 12 is longer than the length on the flocked surface 5 of the outer hair bundle 22, the actual feeling at the time of making the head part 4 approach a tooth neck part can be improved. it can.

  The hair bundle diameter d2 of the outer hair bundle 22, that is, the diameter of the cross section perpendicular to the length direction of the outer hair bundle 22, is preferably 1.4 mm or more and 1.8 mm or less. When the hair bundle diameter d2 of the outer hair bundle 22 is less than 1.4 mm, there is a possibility that the contact area with the gums is small and a sufficient massage effect cannot be obtained. When the hair bundle diameter d2 of the outer hair bundle 22 is more than 1.8 mm, especially when the head portion 4 is widened, the interference of the outer hair bundle 22 is large and the hair does not bend. Therefore, only the tip of the outer hair bundle 22 touches the gums, making efficient massage difficult. Further, when the hair bundle diameter d2 of the outer hair bundle 22 is more than 1.8 mm, the hair length on the outer peripheral side of the hair bundle becomes lower than the hair length at the center of the hair bundle, resulting in a mountain-shaped hair bundle. Only the tip of the hair near the center of the bundle touches the gums, which may lead to inefficiency in massage.

  Further, if the hair bundle diameter d2 of the outer hair bundle 22 is more than 1.8 mm, the pressure applied to the gums from the tip of the outer hair bundle 22 cannot be dispersed at the time of brushing, and the stimulation to the gums becomes stronger, and the gums become stronger. The hit feeling is reduced. When the hair bundle diameter d2 of the outer hair bundle 22 is more than 1.8 mm, the outer hair 23 is excessively interfered with other outer hairs 23 constituting the same outer hair bundle 22, and the degree of freedom of movement. Is damaged, and the gentle contact feeling is lowered.

In the present embodiment, the hair bundle diameters d2 of all the outer hair bundles 22 are substantially equal. “Substantially equivalent” means that all the diameters d2 are included in a range of ± 5%. The number of the outer hairs 23 per one outer hair bundle 22 can be determined in consideration of the hair diameter of the outer hair 23 and the like, for example, 40 to 100.
The hair bundle diameter d2 of the outer hair bundle 22 is the diameter at the boundary with the flocked surface 5, and is substantially equal to the diameter D2 of the outer flock hole 20.

The flocking density of the first outer hair bundle group 24a, that is, the value obtained by dividing the total number of outer hairs 23 constituting the first outer hair bundle group 24a by the area of the first outer flocking region 21a is 10 pieces. / Mm ² or more is preferable, and 12 / mm ² or more is more preferable. When the flocking density of the first outer hair bundle group 24a is less than 10 / mm ^2, it is difficult to disperse the pressure applied to the gums from the tip of the outer hair bundle 22 at the time of brushing.

  The value obtained by dividing the flocking density of the second outer hair bundle group 24b, that is, the total number of the outer hairs 23 constituting the second outer hair bundle group 24b by the area of the second outer flocked region 21b, It is the same as the flock density of the outer hair bundle group 24a.

    The flocking density of the first outer hair bundle group 24a and the flocking density of the second outer hair bundle group 24b may be the same or different. However, at the time of brushing, from the viewpoint of ensuring a gentle contact feeling with respect to any of the upper, lower, left and right gums in the oral cavity, the flocking density of the first outer hair bundle group 24a and the second outer hair bundle group 24b The flocking density is preferably substantially equivalent. Note that “substantially equivalent” means that the ratio represented by [Flocking density of first outer hair bundle group] / [Flocking density of second outer hair bundle group] is 0.95 to 1.05. means.

  The total number of the outer hairs 23 constituting the second outer hair bundle group 24b is the same as the total number of the outer hairs 23 constituting the first outer hair bundle group 24a. The total number of outer hairs 23 constituting the first outer hair bundle group 24a and the total number of outer hairs 23 constituting the second outer hair bundle group 24b may be the same or different. It may be. However, at the time of brushing, the total number of outer hairs 23 forming the first outer hair bundle group 24a and the It is preferable that the total number of the outer hairs 23 constituting the second outer hair bundle group 24b is substantially equal. Note that “substantially equivalent” means a ratio represented by [total number of outer hairs constituting the first outer hair bundle group] / [total number of outer hairs constituting the second outer hair bundle group]. , 0.95 to 1.05.

The sum of the total number of the outer hairs 23 constituting the first outer hair bundle group 24a and the total number of the outer hairs 23 constituting the second outer hair bundle group 24b is determined in the first outer flocked region 21a. The value obtained by dividing the area by the sum of the area of the second outer flocked region 21b (outer flocking density) is, for example, preferably 10 / mm ² or more, and more preferably 12 / mm ² or more. When the outer flocking density is less than 10 / mm ^2, it is difficult to disperse the pressure applied to the gums from the front end of the outer hair bundle 22 at the time of brushing.

  The flocking density ratio represented by [outside flocking density] / [inner flocking density] is preferably 1.4 or more and 2.5 or less. If the flocking density ratio is less than 1.4, there is a risk that the gentle contact comfort may be reduced due to the pressure dispersion reduction of the outer hair bundle group, or the cleaning performance of the tooth neck may be reduced due to excessive density of the inner hair bundle. . When the flocking density ratio is more than 2.5, the hair of the inner hair bundle group 14 is lowered, and the cleaning performance of the tooth neck is lowered. That is, if it is in the said range, coexistence with the gentle contact feeling to a gum and the good cleaning property of a tooth neck part can be aimed at.

  Further, when the inner hair bundle 12 and the outer hair bundle 22 are arranged in a staggered manner, the hair density ratio represented by [outer hair implantation density] / [inner hair implantation density] is 1.4 or more, 2 0.0 or less is preferable. When the inner hair bundle 12 and the outer hair bundle 22 are respectively arranged in a staggered manner, the inner hair bundle 12 and the outer hair bundle 22 can be provided in the head portion 4 with high density. Even if it is 2.0 or less, it is possible to sufficiently ensure a gentle contact feeling and good cleanability of the tooth neck.

  The outer hairs 23 are ST hairs (super tapered hairs) having a tapered tip like the inner hairs 13. The hair diameter of the outer hair 23 can be determined in consideration of the material of the outer hair 23 and the like, for example, 4 to 7 mil (1 mil = 1/1000 inch = 0.025 mm). If it is 4 mil or more, sufficient independence can be obtained, and if it is 7 mil or less, irritation to the gums can be sufficiently relieved. In addition, the hair diameter of the outer hair 23 is preferably smaller than the hair diameter of the inner hair 13. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to improve the cleaning performance of the cervical portion by the inner hairs 13 while alleviating the stimulation to the gums by the outer hairs 23 that easily come into contact with the gums during the brushing.

  According to the present embodiment, the inner flocked region 11 having a maximum length in the width direction of 4.0 mm or more and 5.5 mm or less is provided at the approximate center of the flocked surface 5 in the width direction of the head portion 4 and the head portion 4. An outer flocked region 21 having a maximum length in the width direction of 6.5 mm or more and 9.5 mm or less is provided on both sides of the inner flocked region 11 in the width direction, and the maximum length of all flocked regions in the width direction is 12.0 mm. As described above, the hair bundle diameter d2 of the outer hair bundle 22 is 1.4 mm or more and 1.8 mm or less, and the hair bundle diameter d1 of the inner hair bundle 12 is 1.0 mm or more and 1.4 mm. Because of the following, the inner hair bundle 12 and the outer hair bundle 22 arranged over a wide area give the gums a soft and comfortable massage feeling, and the head portion 4 enters the tooth neck and feels good cleaning. Can ensure the sex .

  According to this embodiment, since the flocking density ratio represented by the ratio of the outer flocking density and the inner flocking density is 1.4 or more and 2.5 or less, the outer bunch group that easily contacts the gums at the time of brushing. 24a and 24b have a high flocking density, the pressure applied to the gums from the tips of the outer hair bundles 22 is dispersed, and the stimulation to the gums is alleviated. The tooth neck can be cleaned well by the inner hairs 13 constituting the hair bundle group 14.

  According to this embodiment, since the inner hair bundle 12 has a hair length longer than that of the outer hair bundle 22, it is possible to improve the actual feeling when the head portion 4 enters the tooth neck, The hair 13 can easily enter the periodontal pocket and the interdental region, and the cleaning performance of the tooth neck can be further improved.

  According to the present embodiment, when the inner hair bundle 12 and the outer hair bundle 22 are arranged in a staggered manner, the inner hair bundle 12 and the outer hair bundle 22 are each between adjacent hair bundles in the axis O direction. Compared with the case where the positions are arranged in the same lattice shape in the width direction of the head portion 4, the hair flocking surface 5 can be provided with higher density, so that the inner hair bundle 12 and the outer hair bundle 22 are arranged in a lattice shape, respectively. Even if the maximum length of the entire flocked area is smaller than that of the applied toothbrush, it is possible to obtain a gentle massage feeling that softly touches the gums, a feeling of entering the head and neck of the head portion 4 and good cleaning properties.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. In the above-described embodiment, the inner hair bundle has a substantially cylindrical shape, but may be an elliptical columnar shape in plan view, or a polygonal column shape such as a triangular shape, quadrangle, or pentagon in plan view. When the inner hair bundle has a shape other than a substantially cylindrical shape, the hair bundle diameter is a diameter of a perfect circle circumscribing the shape in plan view.
In addition, the outer hair bundle may be an elliptical columnar shape in plan view as in the case of the inner hair bundle, or may be a polygonal columnar shape such as a triangular shape, a square shape, or a pentagonal shape in plan view.

  In the above-described embodiment, the inner flock hole has a bottomed cylindrical shape, but the shape of the inner follicle hole can be determined according to the shape of the inner follicle, for example, the inner follicle hole has an elliptical shape in plan view. It may be a bottom cylindrical shape, or may be a bottomed polygonal cylindrical shape such as a triangle, a quadrangle, or a pentagon in plan view. Also, the outer flocking hole may be a bottomed cylindrical shape having a plan view elliptical shape, or a bottomed polygonal cylinder shape such as a triangular shape, a quadrangle, or a pentagon in a plan view, like the inner flocking hole.

  In the above-described embodiment, the diameters of all the inner flock holes are substantially equal. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the diameters of all the inner follicle holes may be different from each other. The diameter of the inner flock hole of the part may be different from the diameter of the other inner flock hole. Moreover, in the above-mentioned embodiment, although the diameter of all the outer flock holes is made substantially equivalent, this invention is not limited to this, The diameter of all the outer flock holes may be mutually different. The diameter of some outer flock holes may be different from the diameter of other outer flock holes.

  In the above-described embodiment, the inner hair is an ST hair, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the inner hair may have a uniform diameter over its length direction, The tip may be a hemispherical surface or a surface parallel to the flocked surface. However, from the viewpoint of facilitating entry into the periodontal pocket or interdental region, it is preferable that some inner hairs of the inner hair bundle are ST hairs or tapered hairs, and all inner hairs of the inner hair bundle are ST hairs. More preferably, it is hair or tapered hair. Similarly to the inner hair, the outer hair may have a uniform diameter over its length, or the tip may be a hemispherical surface or a surface parallel to the flocked surface. However, from the viewpoint of facilitating contact with the gums, some of the outer hairs are preferably ST hairs or tapered hairs, and all the outer hairs of the outer hair bundles are ST hairs. Or taper hair is more preferable. In addition, only one of the inner hair and the outer hair may be composed of ST hair or tapered hair.

  In the above-described embodiment, the inner hair and the outer hair are taper hairs having a substantially cylindrical shape, but the inner hair and the outer hair are an elliptical columnar shape in plan view, a triangular shape in plan view, a quadrilateral shape, It may be a polygonal column such as a pentagon. When the inner hair or the outer hair has a shape other than the substantially columnar shape, the hair diameter is a diameter of a perfect circle circumscribing the shape in plan view.

In the above-described embodiment, the hair length of the inner hair bundle is longer than the hair length of the outer hair bundle. For example, the hair length of the inner hair bundle and the hair length of the outer hair bundle are the same. The difference may be 0 mm, or the inner hair bundle may be shorter than the outer hair bundle. Further, the hair length of the inner hair bundle and the outer hair bundle may be set so that the shape of the ends of the main hair bundle is an uneven surface that repeats the peak and the valley in the axial direction of the handle body.
However, it is preferable that the hair length of the inner hair bundle is longer than the hair length of the outer hair bundle from the viewpoint of satisfactorily cleaning the tooth neck.

  In the above embodiment, the inner hair bundle group is composed of 27 inner hair bundles, but the number of inner hair bundles constituting the inner hair bundle group may be 26 or less, or 28 or more. There may be.

In the above-described embodiment, the first or second outer hair bundle group is constituted by 15 outer hair bundles. For example, the outer hair bundle constituting the first or second outer hair bundle group is It may be 14 or less, or 16 or more.
Further, the number of outer hair bundles constituting the first outer hair bundle group and the number of outer hair bundles constituting the second outer hair bundle group may be the same or different.

  In the above-described embodiment, the inner bristle bundle and the outer bristle bundle are arranged in a staggered manner in the axial direction of the handle body, respectively, but the present invention is not limited to this, for example, the toothbrush 1A shown in FIG. Thus, the structure which arrange | positions the inner hair | bristle bundle 12 and the outer side hair | bristle bundle 22 in a grid | lattice form may be sufficient.

  In the above-described embodiment, the outer hair bundle is planted outside the inner hair transplantation area, but the outer hair bundle only needs to be planted across the inner hair bundle. It may be located within the region.

  In the above-described embodiment, the hair bundle diameters of all the inner hair bundles are substantially equal. For example, the hair bundle diameters of the inner hair bundles may be different from each other. However, from the viewpoint of appropriately controlling the fluff of the inner hair bundle, it is preferable that the hair bundle diameters of all the inner hair bundles are substantially equal. Moreover, in the above-mentioned embodiment, although the hair | bristle bundle diameter of all the outer side hair | bristle bundles is made substantially equivalent, the hair | bristle bundle diameter of an outer side hair | bristle bundle may differ from each other, for example. However, from the viewpoint of making the pressure applied to the gums from the tips of the outer hair bundles uniform in each outer hair bundle and making the contact feel of the entire outer hair bundle group gentle, the hair bundle diameters of all the outer hair bundles are substantially the same. Preferably there is.

(Evaluation method)
About the toothbrush of each case, the "massage feeling" (hit comfort) and the cleaning property of the tooth neck part were evaluated by the following method. In addition, the cleaning property of the tooth neck was evaluated based on the “feeling of entering the tooth neck” and “the cleaning power of the tooth neck”.

<Evaluation of massage feeling>
As for the massage feeling, 10 monitors used the toothbrush of each example, and the massage feeling of the gums was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. The average score of 10 monitors is “◎” if the average score is 2.5 or higher, “◯” if the average score is 2.0 or higher and lower than 2.5, and “△” if the average score is 1.5 or higher and lower than 2.0 The average score of less than 1.5 was designated as “x”.

≪Evaluation criteria≫
3 points: I feel the massage feeling of the gums very much.
2 points: Feeling of gum massage.
1 point: I do not feel the feeling of gum massage.
0 points: I don't feel a gum massage feeling.

<Evaluation of actual feeling of cervical approach>
The feeling of entering the tooth neck was evaluated by 10 monitors using the toothbrushes of each case, and the feeling of entering the tooth neck was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. The average score of 10 monitors is “◎” if the average score is 2.5 or higher, “◯” if the average score is 2.0 or higher and lower than 2.5, and “△” if the average score is 1.5 or higher and lower than 2.0 The average score of less than 1.5 was designated as “x”.

≪Evaluation criteria≫
3 points: The feel of the hair reaching the gap between the teeth and gums is very felt.
2 points: Feels that the hair tips reach the gap between the teeth and gums.
1 point: Feels that the hair tip reaches the gap between the teeth and gums.
0 point: Feels that the hair tip reaches the gap between the teeth and gums.

<Evaluation of cleaning power of the neck and neck>
The tooth neck cleaning power was subjected to the following model cleaning power test using the toothbrushes of the examples and comparative examples. First, red paint (Sakura white plate marker # 19 red, made by Sakura Crepas Co., Ltd.) was applied as a model plaque to the neck of the first buccal first molar on the adult upper jaw model (500AU, made by Nissin Co., Ltd.) Prepared. The tooth formed with model plaque 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 the toothbrush at a load of 200 g at 45 degrees. After cleaning, the plaque removal rate was measured by the following method.

≪Calculation of plaque removal rate≫
Before the cleaning power test, the model plaque occupation area of the neck of the first molar is measured by image analysis. After the cleaning power test, the model plaque occupation area of the same part is measured again and calculated by the following formula (1) did. The calculated plaque removal rate was classified into the following criteria, and the cervical cleaning power was evaluated. 70% or more was evaluated as “、”, 50% or more and less than 70% as “◯”, 30% or more and less than 50% as “Δ”, and less than 30% as “X”.
Plaque removal rate (%) = ((plaque occupancy area before cleaning power test−plaque occupancy area after cleaning power test) / (plaque occupancy area before cleaning power test)) × 100 (1)

(Examples 1-3, Comparative Examples 1-6)
In accordance with the specifications shown in FIG. 4, a toothbrush in which ST hair (manufactured by PBT) was implanted was produced in the same manner as the toothbrush 1 of FIG. This toothbrush 1 includes an inner hair bundle group composed of inner hair bundles planted in a zigzag pattern and a pair of outer hair bundle groups each composed of an outer hair bundle sandwiched between the inner hair bundle groups. Are provided. The first outer hair bundle group and the second outer hair bundle group are each composed of the same number of outer hair bundles.
In the table, “the number of inner hairs per inner hair bundle” is the number of inner hairs constituting one inner hair bundle, and “the number of outer hairs per outer hair bundle” is one. This is the number of outer hairs constituting the outer hair bundle. The specifications regarding the outer hair bundle group are described as a combination of the first outer hair bundle group and the second outer hair bundle group. About the obtained toothbrush of each example, massage feeling, tooth neck approach feeling, and tooth neck cleaning power were evaluated.

(Examples 4 to 6)
In accordance with the specifications shown in FIG. 4, a toothbrush in which ST hair (manufactured by PBT) was implanted was produced in the same manner as the toothbrush 1A of FIG. This toothbrush 1A includes an inner hair bundle group composed of inner hair bundles planted in a grid pattern and a pair of outer hair bundle groups each composed of an outer hair bundle sandwiched between the inner hair bundle groups and arranged in a grid pattern. Are provided. The first outer hair bundle group and the second outer hair bundle group are each composed of the same number of outer hair bundles. About the obtained toothbrush of each example, massage feeling, tooth neck approach feeling, and tooth neck cleaning power were evaluated.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in Examples 1 to 6 to which the present invention is applied, the evaluations of massage feeling, tooth neck approach feeling, and tooth neck cleaning power were “◎” or “◯”.

  On the other hand, Comparative Example 1 in which the hair bundle diameter of the outer hair bundle was 2.0 mm and the maximum length of the outer hair transplantation area was 9.9 mm was “◯” for the feeling of entering the tooth neck, Was “◎”, but the massage feeling was “×”.

  In Comparative Example 2 in which the hair bundle diameter of the outer hair bundle was 1.1 mm and the maximum length of the outer flocked area was 6.3 mm, the actual feeling of entering the cervical part was “◎”, and the cleaning power of the cervical part was “ Although it was “Yes”, the massage feeling was “×”.

  Comparative Example 3 in which the inner hair bundle has a hair bundle diameter of 1.5 mm and the maximum length of the inner flocked region is 5.6 mm, although the massage feeling is “◯”, the tooth neck approach feeling and the tooth The neck cleaning power was “△”.

  In Comparative Example 4 in which the inner hair bundle has a hair bundle diameter of 0.9 mm and the maximum length of the inner flocked region is 3.8 mm, the massage feeling and the tooth neck approach feeling are “◯”. The neck cleaning power was “x”.

  In Comparative Example 5 in which the flocking density ratio was 3.03, although the massage feeling was “◎”, the tooth neck approach feeling and the tooth neck cleaning power were “x”.

  In Comparative Example 5 where the flocking density ratio was 1.25, the massage feeling, the tooth neck approach feeling, and the tooth neck cleaning power were all “Δ”.

  From this result, it was found that by applying the present invention, it is possible to obtain a toothbrush satisfying all of a massage feeling with a gentle contact feeling on the gums, a feeling of entering the cervical part, and a cleanability of the cervical part.

  As described above, the preferred embodiments according to the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the examples. Various shapes, combinations, and the like of the constituent members shown in the above-described examples are examples, and various modifications can be made based on design requirements and the like without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A ... Toothbrush, 2 ... Handle body, 4 ... Head part, 5 ... Flocked surface, 11 ... Inside flocked area, 12 ... Inner flock, 21 ... Outer flocked area, 22 ... Outer flock, O ... Axis

Claims (5)

In a toothbrush comprising a handle body provided with a head part at the tip, and a bristles of hairs implanted in a plurality of flock holes formed on the flocked surface of the head part,
The flocked surface is arranged side by side in the axial direction of the handle body, and an inner flocked region in which a plurality of inner hair bundles are flocked at the approximate center in the width direction orthogonal to the axis.
An outer hair transplantation region in which a plurality of outer hair bundles are planted across the inner hair bundle in the width direction;
The maximum length of the entire flocked region in which the plurality of inner hair bundles and the plurality of outer hair bundles in the width direction are planted is 12.0 mm or more and 16.0 mm or less,
The maximum length of the outer flocked region in the width direction is 6.5 mm or more and 9.5 mm or less,
The maximum length of the inner flocked region in the width direction is 4.0 mm or more and 5.5 mm or less,
The hair bundle diameter of the outer hair bundle is 1.4 mm or more and 1.8 mm or less,
The toothbrush characterized by the hair bundle diameter of the said inner hair bundle being 1.0 mm or more and 1.4 mm or less. A value obtained by dividing the total number of hairs constituting the plurality of outer hair bundles by the area of the outer hair transplantation area is defined as an outer flocking density, and the total number of hairs constituting the plurality of inner hair bundles is defined as the inner hair transplantation area. The value divided by the area is the inner flocking density,
2. The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of flocking density represented by outer flocking density / inner flocking density is 1.4 or more and 2.5 or less.   The toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner hair bundle has a length on the flocked surface that is longer than a length of the outer hair bundle on the flocked surface.   4. The hair according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the inner hair bundle and the outer hair bundle includes hair for which the diameter gradually decreases toward the hair tip. Toothbrush. The inner hair bundle and the outer hair bundle are arranged in a staggered manner in which the positions of the hair bundles adjacent in the axial direction are shifted in the width direction, respectively.
The maximum length of the entire flocked region in the width direction is 12.0 mm or more and 15.0 mm or less,
The maximum length of the outer flocked region in the width direction is 7.0 mm or more and 9.5 mm or less,
A value obtained by dividing the total number of hairs constituting the plurality of outer hair bundles by the area of the outer hair transplantation area is defined as an outer flocking density, and the total number of hairs constituting the plurality of inner hair bundles is defined as the inner hair transplantation area. The value divided by the area is the inner flocking density,
The toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a ratio of density of hair transplantation expressed by outer density of flocking / density of inner flocking is 1.4 or more and 2.0 or less.

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