JP2020171443A - Dental floss holder, dental floss holder manufacturing apparatus and dental floss holder manufacturing method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a dental floss holder easy to use and having a low harmful property.MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM: A dental floss holder 1 comprises a dental floss 2 for interdental cleaning, stretching parts 3 for stretching both ends of the dental floss, a gripper 4 with which the stretching parts 3 are engaged, and a projecting support part 5 that is engaged with at least one of the stretching part and the gripper. The support part 5 is provided at a tip end of one of the stretching parts 3, and a tip-end adjacent portion of the support part 5 provided at a tip of the stretching part 3 has a minimum radius 1 mm or more substantially in a cross section in all directions passing through the tip end of the tip-end adjacent portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to a dental floss holder that can be operated without directly holding the dental floss for interdental cleaning by hand, a dental floss holder manufacturing apparatus that manufactures the dental floss holder, and a dental floss holder manufacturing method.

Conventionally, a thread-like dental floss for cleaning between teeth as in Patent Document 1 is known. In this method, the dental floss is wrapped around a plurality of fingertips, inserted into the oral cavity together with the plurality of fingertips, and the dental floss is made to bite between the teeth and reciprocated to remove plaque. Filamentous dental floss has a problem that it takes a considerable period of time and training for the user to get rid of the discomfort during use, become accustomed to using it, and become able to use it sufficiently. In addition, filamentous dental floss is difficult to use for molars, especially upper molars, and is difficult for elderly people and children to use. In addition, the filamentous dental floss has problems such as hygiene problems, wastefulness, easy unraveling during use, and pressure on the fingertips to cause congestion due to the usage of wrapping it around the fingers. .. Further, in the dental floss holder, a plurality of thin dental flosss are fixed side by side without being twisted, so that interdental passability and plaque removal property are improved, but it is difficult to apply them.

On the other hand, as in Patent Document 2, various types of dental floss holders that can be used by sequentially feeding out or exchanging dental floss, and as in Patent Document 3, disposable dental floss holders in which dental floss is fixed are also known. Has been done. In these cases, although the above problems are solved or alleviated, unlike the filamentous dental floss as in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that it is not possible or difficult to adjust the force and brake when the dental floss is bitten between the teeth. It was. In other words, because the user exerted too much force when passing between the teeth, the dental floss hit the gingiva in the back with excessive force after passing between the teeth, causing an accident such as bleeding. With conventional products, dental floss may be loosely stretched so that even in such an accident, the dental floss can be loosely stretched, but this is not only a fundamental solution, but the dental floss is a narrow part between the teeth. It had the drawback of being difficult to pass through (contact points).

Further, all of the above have a problem that it is difficult to discharge dental floss from the interdental space, especially when the interdental space is narrow. Therefore, when the user tries to forcibly pull out the floss caught, an accident that the floss breaks or the holder breaks and cannot be discharged is likely to occur. When ejecting from between the teeth, the holder etc. often hits the tooth on the opposite side, contrary to the time of entry, and there is a risk that the broken holder will stick and damage will accumulate on the teeth due to repeated collisions. It was.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-50728 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-8401 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-51157

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems that conventional dental floss and dental floss holders have. In other words, it is a hygienic, easy-to-use dental floss holder that reduces the possibility of damaging the gums and gums and damaging the dental floss due to excessive force, and enhances safety. is there.

One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a dental floss holder for cleaning interdental teeth, in which the dental floss, the tension portion for tensioning the dental floss, and the tension portion are used. It has a grip portion to be engaged and a protruding support portion to be engaged with at least one of the tension portion or the grip portion, and the support is provided for at least one of the tension portion or the grip portion. There is one or less portions, or there are a plurality of the support portions for at least one of the tension portion or the grip portion, and the portion engages with at least one of the tension portion or the grip portion. The distance between the tip portions of the plurality of support portions is 5 mm or more, or there are a plurality of the support portions for at least one of the tension portion or the grip portion, and at least a part of the plurality of support portions. The dental floss holder is characterized in that the end portion of the floss holder has a rounded shape having a radius of about 0.5 mm or more, or at least one of them (see paragraphs 0037 and 0041).

In the dental floss holder described in paragraph 0007, the maximum thickness of a part of at least a part of the support portion including the tip portion in any direction includes the tip portion of at least a part of the support portion. A part of the support portion that is equal to or less than the minimum thickness of the portion away from the tip portion from the portion in the same direction as the arbitrary direction, or faces any of the dental floss, the tension portion, and the grip portion. Is the shortest distance between the portion closest to any of the facing portions and any of the facing portions among the outermost overhanging portions in the above-mentioned overhanging depth from the thinnest portion of the supporting portion of the closest portion? , At least one of them (the thickness of the side near the root of the support part is greater than or equal to the thickness of the side close to the tip part, or the support part and one of the dental floss, the tension part, and the grip part are formed. The width of the recess may be greater than or equal to the depth, or at least one of them; see paragraphs 0044 and 0061), the shortest distance may be 1.5 times or more the depth, and the tip of at least a portion of the support. The maximum thickness of a part including the portion in any direction is the minimum in the same direction as the portion of at least a part of the support portion that is distant from the tip portion from the part including the tip portion. Is it less than or equal to the thickness, or is the angle between the outwardly protruding portion of the part of the support portion that faces the tension portion or the grip portion is 45 ° or less with the length direction of the dental floss? , At least one of the above (see paragraph 0044), the plurality of upholstery portions, at least a part of the support portion may be at one end of the plurality of upholstery portions, and further from the dental floss. In terms of the length to the tip portion, at least a part of the support portion may be larger than the tension portion having at least a part of the support portion among the plurality of tension portions, or even larger than 5 mm or more. Often, the thickness of at least a part of the support portion including the tip portion in the direction is a portion of the support portion that is farther from the tip portion than the portion including the tip portion, or the tension portion or the tension portion. At least one of the grip portions may have a thickness in the direction of at least one part of a portion in contact with the support portion and a portion in the vicinity thereof, and at least a part of the support portion may have a thickness with respect to the tension portion. It may be substantially opposite to the dental floss, the length of the support may be greater than or equal to the thickness in the direction of at least a part of the support, and at least a part of the support is the length of the dental floss. Directional It may engage at least one of the upholstery or the grip on one or both sides of the extension or in the vicinity of the extension, and at least a portion of the support is from the dental floss to the dental floss. It may be engaged at a position that does not overlap with the direction of entry into the teeth or the range extended in the direction opposite to the direction of entry, and at least a part of the support portion is the dental floss from the extension line of the dental floss. The dental floss may be engaged at a position distant from each other in the direction opposite to the direction of entry into the interdental direction, and a plane parallel to the direction of entry of the dental floss into the interdental direction and at least a part of the support portion. The shortest distance of the dental floss may be 20 mm or less, and the support portion may not have a recess having at least one of a width less than a depth and a depth of 2 mm or more. At least a part of the length direction may be substantially perpendicular to the length direction of the grip portion, and the maximum thickness of a part of at least one of the support portions including the tip portion in any direction is at least the thickness of the support portion. The thickness of the portion of one that is distant from the tip portion from the portion including the tip portion is less than or equal to the minimum thickness in the same direction as the arbitrary direction, or the dental floss, the tension portion, or the grip portion. The shortest distance between the part closest to any of the facing portions and the facing portion of the outermost portion of the part of the supporting portion facing the heel is from the thinnest portion of the supporting portion in the closest portion. It may be greater than or equal to the depth of the overhang, or at least one of them.

Another aspect of the present invention is a dental floss holder for interdental cleaning, in which the dental floss, a plurality of tensioning portions for tensioning the dental floss on both sides, and a grip portion with which the tensioning portions engage. The dental floss holder is characterized in that one and the other of the plurality of tensioning portions have different lengths from the tip of the tensioning portion to the dental floss. The shortest distance between the dental floss and the grip portion may be different from each other in one and the other of the plurality of tension portions, and the longer tip portion of the plurality of tension portions has a deeper width. It is not necessary to have a recess that is at least one of less than or equal to or more than 2 mm in depth.

Another aspect of the present invention is a dental floss holder support portion, which becomes the dental floss holder described in paragraphs 0007 to 0009 by being joined or fitted to a ready-made dental floss holder. Another aspect is the processing data that enables the output of the dental floss holder described in paragraphs 0007 to 0009 by an output device such as a 3D printer.

Another aspect of the invention is a dental floss holder that engages with and has a cleaning portion that is movable along the dental floss. Yet another aspect is a cleaning unit characterized in that such a dental floss holder is realized by being combined with an off-the-shelf dental floss holder. The cleaning portion may have a ring shape or a ring shape having a notch in a part thereof.

Another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that a processed portion for processing a material is provided, and at least one of the dental floss holder and the dental floss holder support portion described in paragraphs 0007 to 0011 is manufactured by the processed portion. This is a dental floss holder manufacturing device. The processed portion engages the first material with the second material, and at least a part of the first material is the dental floss described in paragraph 0007 or the like or a material that becomes the dental floss by processing. At least a part of the second material may be a support portion described in paragraph 0007 or the like or a material that becomes the support portion by processing.

Another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that a processing step of processing a material is provided, and at least one of the dental floss holder and the dental floss holder support portion described in paragraphs 0007 to 0011 is manufactured by the processing step. This is a method for manufacturing a dental floss holder.

In the dental floss holder according to the present invention, the user attaches the support portion (or the longer tension portion) to the tongue, palate, gums, molars, fingers, etc., and receives a force like a fulcrum of the lever. It can be used as a support part or as an auxiliary part lightly attached. When the user moves the dental floss holder in this state, it becomes easy to adjust the force and brake, and a sense of stability during use can be obtained. In this dental floss holder, even when the user puts too much force on the interdental cleaning and the dental floss suddenly passes between the teeth, one side of the dental floss holder is supported by the tongue or the like, or the support It stops when the part hits the tongue. Therefore, it is possible to prevent accidents such as dental floss colliding with the gingiva at the back of the interdental region with a strong force and piercing the gingiva, which has the effect of improving safety during interdental cleaning. As a result, the tension of the dental floss may be high, so that the contact point can easily pass through during use. In addition, the present invention can adjust the tension of the dental floss in use. In addition, the user can adjust the movement of the dental floss by the movement of the tongue, fingers, etc. Furthermore, by intuitively grasping the position of the dental floss with the tongue, fingers, etc., the dental floss can be seen in the mirror. It is easier to operate than cleaning the interdental teeth while checking the position. Even during interdental cleaning, the reciprocating motion of dental floss is assisted by the tongue and the like, enabling more efficient cleaning. Even when the dental floss is discharged, the user can easily lift one side of the dental floss holder with a tongue or the like, and the force can be applied in an appropriate direction from the portion close to the dental floss, so that damage or the like can be suppressed.

The figure which shows various dental floss holders 1 which the angle formed by the length direction of a dental floss 2 and the direction of a grip 4 is different from each other. The figure which shows the use example and the detail of the dental floss holder 1. Right side view, front view, etc. showing the support portion 5 of various shapes in the vertical head Front view / bottom view showing a dental floss holder 1 having a support portion 5 whose tip portion is thicker than the root portion and an L-shaped support portion 56. The figure which shows various deformation examples of the dental floss holder 1. Front view / side view showing the dental floss holder 1 having the extension tension portion 36. A diagram showing the configuration of the dental floss holder manufacturing apparatus 100 and a flowchart of a dental floss holder manufacturing method.

<< First Embodiment >>
The dental floss holder 1 (hereinafter abbreviated as holder 1) provided by the present invention is a resin such as ABS, CA, EP, FRP, PC, PCL, PE, PET, PLA, PMMA, PP, PS, PVC, etc. It is composed of various materials 10 such as rubber, metal, wood, glass, ceramic, carbon material, fiber, cellulose, protein, paper and calcium carbonate. The holder 1 may have a shape based on a toothbrush-shaped rod, and in that case, the size of the toothbrush may be easy to hold by hand, and specifically, the rod-shaped portion may have a diameter of about 5 mm to about 20 mm. Alternatively, the holder 1 may have a shape based on a plate shape, and its thickness may be about 0.2 mm to about 5 mm. The upper limit of the length of the holder 1 in general use is preferably about 100 mm or 200 mm. The holder 1 may have a small size that can be carried around, and the lower limit of the length for general use is preferably about 30 mm, 40 mm, and 50 mm. For special purposes, lengths other than the above may be used, and the same applies to the description of numerical values such as other sizes in the present specification and the like. The holder 1 has a thread-like dental floss 2 (hereinafter abbreviated as floss 2), a tension portion 3 in which both ends thereof are stretched in a bridge shape or the like to make a tension state, and a substantially rod-shaped elongated shape or the like. It has a grip portion 4 that the user can grip or grasp by hand, and a support portion 5 such as a protrusion. The floss 2 may be made of the above or other materials.

Floss 2 may be selected from a variety of known dental floss. The length of the floss 2 is preferably about 10 mm to about 30 mm. The floss 2 may be fixed to the upholstery portion 3 by adhesion or the like, or may be replaceable. The tension portion 3 and the grip portion 4 may be continuous by integral molding or the like. In many cases, the tension portion 3 is a portion where the tip of the grip portion 4 is branched into two, and each of the two portions is engaged with both ends of the floss 2. In addition, in this specification and the like, the term “engagement” means that a plurality of parts are combined by joining, fitting, or joining by hooking or wrapping around a groove to fix them, and different names from each other. It includes both meanings that the parts and the like are originally manufactured in a state of being connected as one and cannot be separated. The distance between the floss 2 and the bridge portion in the middle of the tension portion 3 is preferably about 8 mm to 20 mm, but in the vertical type described later, it may be up to 40.50 mm. The floss 2 and the tension portion 3 are collectively referred to as the head 23. The floss 2 may be replaceable together with the head 23, may be replaceable together with a support portion 5, a protective cover, or the like, and a replacement replacement part may be stored in the grip portion 4. Due to the portability of the holder 1, each part may be foldable.

In the holders 1 having various shapes shown in FIG. 1, the relationship between the length direction of the floss 2 and the length direction of the grip portion 4 is different. If the floss 2 is substantially parallel to the length direction of the grip portion 4 as shown in FIG. 1a, it is suitable for interdental cleaning of the front teeth (a head 23 having such a shape is referred to as a parallel head 231). If it is substantially parallel to the length direction of the grip portion 4 as shown in FIG. 1b, it is suitable for interdental cleaning of the back teeth (the head 23 having such a shape is referred to as a vertical head 232. ). These may be attached to both ends of the grip portion 4. It is also possible to perform interdental cleaning of the front teeth with the vertical head 232. In that case, if the plurality of support portions 5 are engaged with the plurality of tension portions 3 as described later, the support portion 5 on one side comes out in front of the front teeth outside the oral cavity, so that the operation with a finger can be performed. It's easy. Although the floss 2 may bend, the length direction of the floss 2 in the present specification and the like is based on a state in which the floss 2 linearly connects a plurality of engaging portions with the tension portion 3. The same applies to the illustration of floss 2 in the drawings.

In FIG. 1a, the approach direction 12 of the floss 2 into the interdental area is shown, but in FIG. 1b, the approach direction 12 into the interdental area is not shown, and the approach direction into the interdental area is the front side or the back side of the figure. Corresponds to the side. When cleaning the interdental teeth of the back teeth, for example, when the cleaning position is moved from the left side to the right side, the user turns over the holder 1 in FIG. 1b and changes the approach direction from the back side to the front side so that the support portion 5 always works. It can be directed toward the inside of the mouth. In the vertical head 232 in which the support portion 5 is attached only to the tension portion 3 on one side, the relationship between the heights of the support portion 5 and the floss 2 in the approaching direction between the teeth may be changed by a movable mechanism or the like. That is, when cleaning the lower left back tooth, the user sets the back side of FIG. 1b as the approach direction between the teeth, moves the support portion 5 to the front of the figure, and when cleaning the lower right back tooth, the user has shown in FIG. 1b. The position of the support portion 5 can be switched according to the usage situation, such that the front side is the approach direction between the teeth and the support portion 5 is moved to the back of the drawing. This makes it easier for the user to attach the tongue or the like to the support portion 5.

In the vertical head 232, the support portion 5 may engage with both sides of the floss 2 as shown in FIG. 1c, and the support portions 5 on one side or both sides thereof may be removable. When the plurality of support portions 5 are engaged with the plurality of tension portions 3 at both ends of the floss 2, the other support portion 5 hits the oral cavity when one support portion 5 is used for interdental cleaning of the back teeth. At that time, it is desirable that the tip of the support portion 5 has a hemispherical shape so that the tip of the support portion 5 does not damage the oral cavity.

As shown in FIG. 1d, if the floss 2 is slanted at an angle of 45 ° or the like with the length direction of the grip portion 4, it can be used for both the front teeth and the back teeth (a head having such a shape). 23 is referred to as an inclined head 233). In the inclined head 233, both the front tooth support portion 51 and the back tooth support portion 52 may be attached as shown in FIG. 1e. The approach direction 12 shown in FIG. 1e is the direction during interdental cleaning of the front teeth, and the approach direction during interdental cleaning of the back teeth is the front side or the back side in the drawing. Further, when cleaning the interdental teeth of the back teeth with the inclined head 233, the insertion direction 11 when the holder 1 is inserted into the oral cavity may be different from the drawing.

As shown in FIG. 1f, if the head 23 or the head 23 and the support portion 5 can be rotated by the movable portion 6 in a direction perpendicular to the length direction and the approach direction 12 of the floss 2 or in the z direction. The parallel type head 231, the vertical type head 232, and the inclined type head 233 can be combined with one holder 1. The movable portion 6 may rotate freely and be fixed at an arbitrary angle by friction or a fixing tool such as a screw. For example, it may have a click stop every 15 ° and can be fixed at any of a predetermined angle. Good.

In each drawing of the present invention, the direction parallel to the length direction of each floss 2 is the x direction, the direction perpendicular to the x direction and substantially parallel to the approach direction 12 is the y direction, and the x direction and the y direction. The vertical direction is the z direction. The direction substantially opposite to the approach direction 12 is the positive direction of y, but for convenience of illustration, the y direction may be slightly inclined with respect to the approach direction 12. Further, the length direction of the grip portion 4 is a direction derived from the relationship with the head 23 and the function of the holder 1, and does not restrict the shape of the holder 1. That is, the holder 1 and the grip portion 4 may have a shape that is longer in a direction different from the length direction. The length direction of the grip portion 4 may be parallel to the insertion direction 11 into the oral cavity as shown in FIGS. 1a, b, and c, and may not be parallel to the insertion direction 11 as shown in FIGS. 1d, e, and f. .. Further, the insertion direction 11 and the approach direction 12 are not limited to the directions shown in each drawing and are free depending on the usage of each user, but are usually within a range of about ± 30 ° from each drawing or the like. Often.

When the support portion 5 engages with the tension portion 3, the tension portion 3 receives a force applied to the support portion 5. Therefore, it is preferable that the tension portion 3 is hard to bend, and it is desirable that the tension portion 3 is made of a thick or highly rigid material 10. Further, the support portion 5 is also preferably made of a hard material so as not to be bent by receiving a force from the tongue or the like, particularly in the case of a thin rod shape or the like described later. These are ACM, ANM, AG-2, BR, CO, CR, CSM, ECO, EP, EPDM, EPM, EVA, FKM, FPM, IIR, IR, JSR-BR, JSR-NBR, JSR-SBR, N. Various rubbers such as NBR, NR, PT, Q, PUR, SBR, Si, SR, T, U, and VMQ, and polymers having rubber-like elasticity such as TPE, TPS, or SBC, SEBS (the present specification). In the case of rubbers, etc.), they may be bent and the force may not be received properly. When that is not preferable, it is better that the upholstery portion 3 and the like are made of a material 10 other than rubbers and the like. However, when flexibility is required for the tensioning portion 3 and the like as in a part of the third embodiment described later, the tensioning portion 3 and the like may be made of rubber. The normal tensile elastic modulus of the structural part that transmits the force of the tension portion 3, the grip portion 4, the support portion 5, etc. is preferably 0.3 or more and 5 or less, more preferably 0.5 or more and 4 or less, and 1 or more and 3 or less. There further preferred (both units conform to ^{10 4 kg / cm 2, ASTM} D638.). The bending strength of the structural portion is preferably 50 or more and 1500 or less, more preferably 300 or more and 1000 or less (kg / cm, conforming to ASTM D638), or 20 or more and 200 or less, and more preferably 50 or more and 100 or less. Preferable (MPa, JIS K7171 2016 compliant). The flexural modulus of the structural portion is preferably 50 or more and 5000 or less, more preferably 1000 or more and 4000 or less (MPa, conforming to JIS K7171 2016). Since the contact portion with the tongue and the like and the friction reducing portion described later will be a flexible contact, rubbers and the like having different elasticity from the structural portion and the like or a cushioning material may be used.

The support portion 5 may be at least one of a straight rod shape, a bent rod shape, a substantially flat plate shape, and a curved plate shape, as shown in FIGS. 1 and the like. As shown in FIG. 1b, the length direction of the support portion 5 (when the support portion 5 is plate-shaped as shown in FIG. 1c, the plane including the surface of the support portion 5) and the length direction of the floss 2 are substantially parallel. If so, it is easy for the user to naturally apply a force to the support portion 5 in the direction opposite to the approach direction 12, and an excessive force is not applied to the base portion between the support portion 5 and the tension portion 3 or the grip portion 4. , The support portion 5 is hard to break. When the tension portion 3, the grip portion 4, and the support portion 5 are integrally molded, they are classified according to their respective shapes and functions. For example, in each of FIGS. 1, the branched portion is classified as a tension portion 3, and the non-branched portion is classified as a grip portion 4. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2a, when the tension portion 3 and the grip portion 4 are continuous, the boundary portion between the tension portion 3 and the grip portion 4 on the side engaged with the grip portion 4 is continuous. However, the portion up to the width equivalent to the tension portion 3 of the other portion is regarded as the tension portion 3.

In the curved plate-shaped support portion 5, the contour of at least a part of the cross section is a curve such as a quadratic curve. That is, the curved plate-shaped support portion 5 has a curved cross section in substantially all directions, as in the support portion 5 on the negative side of x having the shape shown in the two views of FIGS. 3 m and n and the cross-sectional view o. Not only in the case of, but also on the negative side of y in the cross section of the support 5 parallel to the xy plane, as in the support 5 on the negative side of x of the shape shown in FIGS. 3a, b, c, d. Is included in the case where the portion of is a curved line and the portion of the cross section of the support portion 5 parallel to the yz plane on the negative side of the same y is a straight line. Further, at least a part of the surface of the curved support portion 5 may be concave. The concave surface has a shape in which the central portion is recessed from at least a part of the peripheral portion. The concave surface of the support portion 5 may be recessed in the positive direction side of y, as in the support portion 5 on the negative direction side of x in FIGS. 3a, b, c, and d. In that case, the convex surface of the tongue or fingertip is concave. Easy to fit when in contact with. A tongue if at least a portion of the cross section of the concave portion of the support 5 is close to a portion of a circle having a diameter of preferably 6-25 mm, more preferably 8-20 mm, even more preferably 10-15 mm. May fit into shapes such as. The flat support 5 provides a close fit. The convex support portion 5 may not have the effect that the shape fits the tongue and fingers exactly. The support portion 5 may be recessed as a whole due to the composite of a plurality of convex surfaces.

The thickness of the support portion 5 in at least a part of the direction may be greater than or equal to the thickness of the portion of the tensioning portion 3 or the grip portion 4 with which the support portion 5 engages and the portion in the vicinity thereof. For example, the support portion 5 may have a rod shape having substantially the same thickness as the tension portion 3 as shown in FIG. 1b and the like. The thickness of the support portion 5 is a thickness generally determined from the shape of the protrusion, but may be any of a plurality of lengths in the direction perpendicular to the length direction of the support portion 5. The length direction of the support portion 5 is the direction of the length generally determined from the shape of the protrusion, but when the support portion 5 has a shape that does not resemble a rod shape, it is shown in FIGS. 3a, b, c, etc. Shown, the geometric center 501 of the base portion 50 which is the boundary between the protruding support portion 5 and the tension portion 3 or the grip portion 4 (whether the tension portion 3 is a rounded rod shape and the base portion 50 is a curved surface For example, the center 501 is a point on the surface of the base portion 50 where the major axis and the minor axis intersect along the curved surface) to the tip portion of the support portion 5 (if the tip portion is a surface, the center of the surface). It may be in the direction of. Further, the thickness of the tensioning portion 3 and the gripping portion 4 is a length not including the supporting portion 5 among a plurality of lengths in an arbitrary direction in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tensioning portion 3 or the gripping portion 4. is there. Further, the neighboring portion refers to a range from the base portion 50 of the tension portion 3 or the grip portion 4 to a position where the thickness of the tension portion 3 or the grip portion 4 of the portion is separated. This is because the base portion 50 is often thicker than the neighboring portion for reinforcement and for convenience of molding, so that portion is subtracted. The thickness of the tension portion 3, the grip portion 4, and the support portion 5 may differ depending on the direction. For example, the thickness of the plate-shaped support portion 5 differs depending on the cross-sectional delivery direction. In the support portion 5 of FIG. 1c, the thickness in the z direction is larger than the thickness in the y direction. In this case, even if the thickness in the y direction (thickness of the support portion 5) is smaller than the thickness of the tension rack portion 3, if the thickness in the z direction is larger than the thickness of the tension rack portion 3, it is described at the beginning of this paragraph. Meet the conditions. That is, the support portion 5 may be thicker in only a part of the direction than the tension portion 3 with which the support portion 5 is engaged. In the case of special mention, a part of the thickness of the support portion 5 is equal to or more than a part of the thickness of the part having the smallest thickness among the parts where the part of the thickness is substantially constant in the tension portion 3 and the grip portion 4. However, at least a part of the length of the cross section of the support portion 5 parallel to the base portion 50 is the thickness of at least a part of the base portion 50 of the tension portion 3 and the grip portion 4 and the portion in the vicinity thereof. The above may be sufficient. Part of the thickness is substantially constant in the length direction of the tensioning portion 3 or the grip portion 4, and a part of the thickness is substantially constant in the range of the thickness of the tensioning portion 3 or the grip portion 4 or more. That is. Therefore, the portion where the thickness suddenly decreases at the tip portion of the tension portion 3 or the grip portion 4 does not correspond. As described above, the strength of the support portion 5 is ensured, and even if a force from the tongue or the like is applied to the support portion 5, the force can be transmitted to the tip of the tension portion 3 or the like without bending or breaking. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1a, 1b, d, etc., the length of the support portion 5 may be larger than the maximum thickness in at least a part of the directions, and the length is larger than the minimum thickness at the base portion 50. It may be large. In the present specification and the like, as a general rule, the "end portion" refers to a peripheral portion such as a plate-shaped portion, the "tip portion" is a part of the end portion, and the support portion 5 has a base portion 50. It refers to a portion farthest from, for example, a pointed portion of a rod-shaped support portion 5. The tip portion of the tension portion 3 or the grip portion 4 refers to the tip portion of the elongated portion or the like.

The support portion 5 extends from the floss 2 in the approach direction 12 and the opposite direction, and a few mm outward from the range, more specifically, up to any one of 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, and 5 mm. It may be engaged at a position that does not overlap the range. This has the following advantages: The holder 1 can be easily moved in the oral cavity. When the user uses the holder 1 while observing the positional relationship between the holder 1 and the teeth with a mirror, the position is easily visible without being hidden by the support portion 5. When the floss 2 is inserted between the teeth, the support portion 5 does not easily interfere with or collide with the teeth.

In the case of the parallel head 231, the support portion 5 may be attached to a position which is a substantially extension line in the length direction of the floss 2 and is the tip of the holder 1, as shown in FIG. That is, a part of the support portion 5 may be substantially at the tip of the floss 2 in the length direction. If the vertical head 232 is used, the distance between the support portion 5 and the extension line of the floss 2 may be substantially 0 as shown in FIG. 1b and the like. When the support portion 5 is closer to the extension line of the floss 2 in this way, the force applied to the support portion 5 is more likely to be transmitted to the floss 2, and the holder 1 is less likely to be damaged. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1a, the support portion 5 is 0 mm in the vicinity of the extension line in the length direction of the floss 2, that is, on the extension line in the length direction of the floss 2 and in the approach direction 12 or the opposite direction (y direction) from the extension line. Positions in the range of 30 mm or more (50 mm in the case of special mention), and further in the direction perpendicular to the approach direction 12 and the length direction of the floss 2, that is, the left-right direction (z direction) of the holder 1 and the length direction (x direction) of the floss 2. They may be mounted at positions in the range of 0 mm or more and 30 mm (50 mm in the case of special mention). When the support portion 5 is separated from the extension line in the length direction of the floss 2, the engagement method in which the floss 2 penetrates the tension portion 3 becomes possible. As a result, the fixing strength of the floss 2 can be improved and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. In the vertical head 232, the support portion 5 may be attached within the same range from the extension line in the length direction of the floss 2. Further, the user may be able to freely change the position of the support portion 5 or the like according to his / her preference. For example, if a highly plastic material or a shape memory polymer that can be deformed by immersing in warm water is used for the support portion 5, the height and distance between the floss 2 and the support portion 5 can be determined by the physical characteristics of the user. It can be adjusted according to your preference.

FIG. 2a shows an example of using the holder 1. When the user carries the holder 1 into the oral cavity in the direction of the insertion direction 11 for interdental cleaning of the lower anterior teeth 91, the support portion 5 naturally rests on the user's tongue 92. The user can place the floss 2 on the interdental area to be cleaned while moving the position of the floss 2 with the tip of the tongue 92. The user's hand is not shown. Next, the user finely moves the entire holder 1 back and forth, and causes the floss 2 to enter between the front teeth 91. When the user slowly moves the grip portion 4 side downward with the tongue 92 as a fulcrum while moving the tongue 92 that receives the support portion 5 back and forth, the floss 2 penetrates between the teeth. The user may also move the tongue 92 in the vertical direction, or may slide the support portion 5 on the tongue 92 without moving it. At this time, since one side of the holder 1 is supported by the tongue 92, the floss 2 does not strongly hit the gingiva at the back of the interdental teeth due to the force of penetration. Further, depending on the hardness of the holder 1, the tongue 92 applies a force in the y-positive direction to the tension portion 3 that engages with the support portion 5, so that the front and rear tension portions 3 are spaced apart from each other, and the floss 2 is formed. It may also have the effect of increasing tension. For that purpose, the shore hardness of the holder 1 (measured by the method specified in JIS K 6253-1997 / ISO 7619 or by a testing machine such as Nakai Seiki Seisakusho Co., Ltd.) is preferably A7 or higher, more preferably A10 or higher. A20 or more is more preferable, A70 or less is preferable, A50 or less is more preferable, and A35 or less is further preferable. After scraping off the plaque of the gingiva on the side surface of the anterior teeth 91 and the back of the interdental teeth, the user discharges the floss 2 in the direction opposite to that at the time of entry with the assistance of the tongue 92, and then cleans the floss 2 in some cases. Move to the next tooth by sandwiching it. Since the user has a sense of security supported by the tongue 92, the anxiety that the back of the teeth is damaged by the floss 2 is eliminated. The above series of operations can be intuitively performed, and can be easily performed by elderly people, children, and the like. Further, it is not necessary for the user to touch the tongue 92 to the support portion 5 from the beginning to the end during use, and the tongue 92 may be separated. That is, it is also possible to use the tongue 92 as a stopper so that the floss 2 does not hit the back of the interdental teeth with excessive force when entering the interdental spaces.

In the interdental cleaning of the upper front teeth 93, the user raises the tongue 92 and attaches the support portion 5 of the holder 1 placed in the oral cavity upside down from FIG. 2a to the lower side of the tongue 92. The same operation as above can be performed. Up to the canines can be handled by this method. Behind the canines, the vertical head 232 is easier to use. The user puts the support portion 5 on the portion of the tongue 92 near the teeth to be cleaned, and shakes the grip portion 4 in the length direction of the floss 2, that is, in the left-right direction to allow the floss 2 to enter between the teeth. After that, it is the same as the parallel type head 231. When cleaning the interdental areas of the upper molars, etc., the user may touch the finger to check whether the floss 2 is being inserted between the targeted teeth. Even in that case, in the holder 1 according to the present invention, the support portion 5 serves as a guide to guide the holder 1 to an appropriate position. Even when the user directly inserts the floss 2 between the teeth, the finger placed on the support portion 5 may be used as a stopper to prevent the holder 1 from moving excessively, and the support portion 5 is supported by the finger instead of the tongue. You may. In the filamentous dental floss as described in Patent Document 1, the user needs to put the fingers of both hands into the oral cavity and open the mouth wide in order to move the dental floss in various directions. However, in the holder 1 of the present invention, the user only needs to add one finger of one hand into the oral cavity (when supporting it with the tongue, it is not necessary to add it), and the orientation of the floss 2 is that of the holder 1. Since it can be adjusted by operation, it can be used without opening the mouth wide, and the burden on the user is small. Moreover, since the user can control the holder 1 with three points, both ends of the floss 2 and an additional finger, it is possible to operate the floss according to the user's intention from the thread-shaped dental floss that can only be controlled at two points. For such usage, a suspension type shape in which the support portion 5 is attached to the opposite side (C side) of the approach direction 12 from the extension line of the floss 2 is preferable as in the shape shown in FIG. 3c or the like. .. The user can also control the movement of the holder 1 at four points including the tongue. For the user, supporting the support portion 5 with the tongue or fingers is easier to apply force than supporting the tension portion 3 or the grip portion 4, and it is easier to adjust the position.

In FIG. 3c and the like, the support portion 5 is located higher than the floss 2 in the y direction. In this way, the heights of the floss 2 and the support portion 5 may differ in the approach direction 12. That is, at least a part of the support portion 5 may be displaced from the extension line of the floss 2 in the approach direction 12 or the opposite side. This facilitates support by the tongue, fingers, etc., and the floss 2 reaches the depths between the teeth, making it easier for the fingers to enter the gap when supporting with the fingers. Further, at least a part of the support portion 5 may be displaced from the extension line of the floss 2 in the insertion direction 11 or the opposite side. In particular, in the case of the vertical head 232, if it is displaced to the opposite side, it is not necessary to insert the finger all the way when cleaning the interdental teeth of the back teeth such as wisdom teeth, so that the burden on the user is reduced. If the support portion 5 is displaced in the insertion direction 11 from FIG. 3b and the center 501 is substantially directly above the extension line of the floss 2, the force is easily transmitted, and the support portion 5 may be in front. In either case, if the floss 2 is too far away, it may be difficult for the force to be transmitted. Therefore, the shortest distance between the support portion 5 and the floss 2 in the z direction is preferably 20 mm or less, more preferably 12 mm or less, still more preferably 6 mm or less. Including the above case, in the arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, many parts of the support portion 5 and the floss 2 are on different sides of the two ranges defined by the plane including the tension portion 3. Since it is located at, the support portion 5 is substantially opposite to the floss 2 with respect to the tension portion 3.

FIG. 3 shows various shapes of the support portion 5. FIG. 3 In each figure, the shapes of the support portions 5 on both sides are different for convenience of illustration, but these may be the same. Fross is a plane in contact with at least a part of the support portion 5, which is substantially flat or concave, such as the shape shown in FIGS. 3a, b, c, and 3i, j, k, and l. The angle on the small side formed by the length direction of 2 is preferably less than 90 °, and is 0 ° or more and 60 °, in order for the support portion 5 to receive a force in the opposite direction of the approach direction 12 (the positive direction of y). The following is more preferable, 0 ° or more and 45 ° or less is further preferable, 0 ° or more and 30 ° or less is further preferable, and 0 ° or more and 15 ° or less is particularly preferable because it is close to parallel to the length direction of the floss 2. The reason why the angle is more preferably 0 ° or more and 45 ° or less is that, as shown in FIG. 3d, the absolute value of the component Fy in the y direction of the force F that the surface receives from the front direction is the component Fx in the x direction. Since the value is equal to or greater than the absolute value, the user can reliably support the holder 1 with his tongue, fingers, or the like, and apply an appropriate force in the y direction. If the surface of the support portion 5 is substantially flat and the angle formed by the length direction of the floss 2 is larger than 60 °, the absolute value of Fy is less than 1/2 of the absolute value of F, which is suitable for the support portion 5. No force is applied, and force is applied only in the x direction, or the tongue etc. slips. For the same reason, even in the above-mentioned range such as the angle between the plane passing through the center 501 and the tip of the support portion 5 and the length direction of the floss 2 on the small side parallel to the z-axis is 0 ° or more and 45 ° or less. Good.

If the support portion 5 is thinner than a part in the middle, particularly the base portion 50 which is the root that engages with the tension portion 3 or the grip portion 4, it is likely to break due to the concentration of stress during use. In some cases. FIG. 3d is a cross section of the holder 1 passing through the center 501 of the root portion 50 shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b. In FIG. 3d, in both of the two support portions 5, the portions corresponding to both ends of the base portion 50 of FIG. 3c are smoothly connected on both the positive and negative sides in the x direction, instead of being concave as in the support portion 5 of FIG. There is. As described above, it is preferable that at least one side of the opposite outer shape portion of the root portion 50 in at least a part of the cross section parallel to the length direction of the floss 2 and passing through the center 501 is not concave, and it is more preferable that both sides are not concave. It is more preferable that at least one side of the root portion 50 is not concave in all the cross sections parallel to the length direction of the floss 2 at the root portion 50, and it is more preferable that both sides are not concave. The concave shape in the cross section means that a portion having a cross section is recessed inward in a valley shape with respect to the adjacent portions whose contours are continuous with the portion. However, discontinuous (dotted) recesses at depths below the tactile limit, specifically less than 0.2 mm, preferably less than 0.1 mm, are ignored. In the base portion 50, when a part of the shape of the tension portion 3 or the grip portion 4 is a shape along the portion before and after the base portion 50 and the shape is included in a part of the concave portion, the root portion 50 It forms part of the recess. Even in the portion of the support portion 5 or the like that is different from the base portion 50, it is desirable in terms of strength and hygiene that there are few or no concave portions. For the same reason, the thickness of at least a part of the support portion 5 in contact with the root portion 50 is the portion of the support portion 5 other than the portion in contact with the base portion 50, the tensioning portion, or the grip portion. The thickness may be greater than or equal to the thickness in the direction of at least one of the portion in contact with the root portion 50 and the portion in the vicinity thereof. Further, the thickness from the tension portion 3 or the grip portion 4 to the support portion 5 may be substantially constant, or may be reduced but may not be increased. Further, in the support portion 5 other than the root portion 50, there may be no thin portion only in the middle. When the thickness of at least a part of the part near the base of the support portion 5 is smaller than the thickness of at least a part of the part farther from the base, it is desirable that the portion is tapered and gently thinned, that is, the step is sharply reduced. Since the shape reduces the comfort when the tongue and the like come into contact with each other, the angle formed by the tapered portion with the length direction of the floss 2 is preferably 45 ° or less, as will be described later. Further, as described later, it is preferable that the corner of the stepped portion is rounded by r0.5 mm or more.

The user can also support the support portion 5 from outside the oral cavity with a rod-shaped object instead of a finger. Instead, as shown in FIGS. 3e, f, g, the support portion 5 may have the rod-shaped portion 53 in advance. That is, the support portion 5 may have a length close to that of the grip portion 4 and may be supported by a finger from outside the oral cavity. Such a support portion 5 may be bent in a joint shape in the middle by the movable portion 6. A part of the rod-shaped portion 53 may be fixed in a bent state without moving.

If the support portion 5 has a plate shape as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3c, the support portion 5 can come into contact with the tongue and the like over a wide area. Further, if the support portion 5 has a rod shape, even if a strong force is applied to the support portion 5, the support portion 5 bends and absorbs the force, so that an excessive load is not applied to the sticking root portion 50. Deformation and breakage of the tension portion 3 are unlikely to occur. As a compromise between the two, as shown in FIG. 3f, a plurality of rod-shaped support portions 5 may engage with the tension portion 3. If the plurality of support portions 5 are flexible, they are elastically deformed by different amounts when a force is applied, so that they can easily adapt to the shapes of the tongue, fingers, and the like. In the case of two of the plurality of support portions 5, the efficiency of receiving the load on the tongue and the like in a distributed manner is high, and in the case of three, one of the support portions 5 may not be able to receive the load, and the efficiency is lowered. The plurality of support portions 5 should be arranged in a row. Lined up in a row means that there is a straight line passing through a plurality of support portions 5 attached to one tension portion 3 or grip portion 4, or when the tension portion 3 or grip portion 4 is curved, one of them. The plurality of support portions 5 are arranged on a smooth curved surface along the curved shape of the tension portion 3 or the grip portion 4. Instead, when a plurality of support portions 5 are arranged in two or more rows or so as to overlap in the y direction, the support portions 5 on the entry source side (positive direction side of z) in the approach direction 12 come into contact with the tongue and the like. Sometimes I don't. Further, when the tip of the support portion 5 is branched into a plurality of branches, if the ratio of the length of the root portion of the support portion 5 is larger than that of the branched portion of the support portion 5, the same one support portion 5 is used. Is considered.

When a plurality of support portions 5 are attached to one tension portion 3 as shown in FIG. 3f, the portion between the plurality of support portions 5 is a tongue zonule under the tongue when cleaning the interdental of the upper front teeth. 95 may be sandwiched. If the holder 1 is twisted without removing the tongue zonule 95, the tongue zonule 95 may be cut. From the viewpoint of preventing such an accident, it is safest for one tensioning portion 3 to have only one supporting portion 5. Further, the grip portion 4 may have one support portion 5. When the tensioning portion 3 or the like has a plurality of supporting portions 5, if the gap portion of the supporting portion 5 is long in the longitudinal direction of the supporting portion 5, the tongue zonule 95 is likely to be pinched and the gap between the gap portions is narrow. Since the tongue zonule 95 sandwiched between the two is difficult to come off, it is preferable that the plurality of support portions 3 are short and their intervals are wide. According to the applicant's test, the length of the plurality of support portions 3 in the longitudinal direction is preferably 10 mm or less. Further, in the case of the rod-shaped support portion 5 having a thickness of 3 mm, the distance between the plurality of support portions 3 is preferably 5 mm or more because the tongue zonule 95 is hardly cut even if it is sandwiched, and the tongue zonule 95 is sandwiched at 8 mm or more. It is more preferable because it comes off immediately, and it is more preferable because the tongue zonule 95 is hardly pinched at 12 mm or more. It is almost the same even if the thickness is 2 mm. The distance between the tip portions may be as described above, including the case where the plurality of support portions 3 are tapered or not parallel to each other. The upper limit of the interval is a value obtained by subtracting the thickness of the support portion 5 from the maximum length in the longitudinal direction of the portion of the tension portion 3 or the grip portion 4 to which the support portion 5 can engage. Even when there is a gap between the support portion 5 and the tension portion 3 or the grip portion 4, the gap is preferably in the above range. Further, if the distance between the plurality of support portions 3 is larger than twice the maximum thickness of each support portion 3 or larger than the length in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of support portions 3, the tongue zonule 95 is sandwiched in the gap. It is rare to cut. Even when the tip of the support portion 5 or the like is branched, it is preferable that the branched portion is short and the distance between the branched portions is wide according to the above.

When a plurality of support portions 5 are integrally molded with one tension portion 3, appropriate elasticity is obtained by making the support portions 5 thinner than the tension portion 3 according to the number of the support portions 5, as shown in FIGS. You may. However, if the support portion 5 is too thin, the strength is insufficient and the tip of the support portion 5 is sharp. Therefore, in particular, the vertical head portion 232 has a plurality of support portions 5 attached to both of the tension portions 3 on both sides. In that case, it may hit the mucous membrane inside the cheek and damage it. Further, considering the elasticity when the material 10 is a general resin such as PP or PE, the thickness of the rod-shaped support portion 5 is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 2 mm or more. The upper limit is about twice or 5 mm of the thickness of the tension portion. Further, there is an upper limit to the number of the plurality of support portions 5 in consideration of the limitation of the length of the installation portion of the support portion 5 and the thickness of the support portion 5. That is, since a plurality of support portions 5 are attached to the limited portion of the tension portion 3, up to 4 per tension portion 3 is preferable and up to 3 so that the strength of each support portion 5 can be maintained. Is more preferable, and up to two are further preferable. If there is only one support portion 3 for each upholstery portion 3, the manufacturing cost of the mold or the like can be reduced. Further, even if the support portion 5 and the tension portion 3 or the grip portion 4 are integrally molded instead of being separate parts, the manufacturing cost is reduced. All of them have a simple shape, so that dirt does not easily accumulate during use, and cleaning after use is easy, which is advantageous in various aspects such as hygiene, safety, and design.

In FIG. 3h, the support portion 5 whose left and right sides are connected in a T or Y shape is engaged with the grip portion 4 before branching of the tension portion 3, which can withstand a strong force and is excellent in flexibility. Such a support portion 5 may engage both the tension portion 3 and the grip portion 4, and such a holder 1 can withstand usage in which a strong force is applied. In this way, the support portion 5 connected to the left and right may slide in the positive and negative directions of x, and only the left side or the right side may protrude each time according to the position in the oral cavity between the teeth to be cleaned. As a result, the support portion 5 does not collide with the opposite cheek portion, and the comfort is improved. The left and right connected portions may have a distance between the floss 2 and the floss 2 in the y direction so that the floss 2 does not come into contact with the teeth even when it reaches the depth between the teeth. On the other hand, when this distance is within the range of contact with the teeth, the floss 2 may serve as a stopper to prevent the floss 2 from colliding with the back of the teeth. The support portion 5 may be located so far from the tension portion 3 on the opposite side of the floss 2 in the approach direction 12. The distance between such a support portion 5 and the tension portion 3 or the floss 2 may be adjustable according to the conditions of use.

When the uneven portion 54 is provided on the support portion 5 as shown in FIGS. 3i, j, k, l, the effect of preventing slippage is brought about. The uneven portion 54 may be on both sides of the support portion 5 for pinching with two fingers. The uneven portion 54 may be any of a dot shape, a straight line shape, a curved shape, a pattern, etc., may be on the entire surface of the support portion 5 which is a substantially flat surface or a concave surface shape, or may be only a peripheral portion, and is made of rubber. You may. If the uneven portion 54 has at least one of the height or depth of the unevenness of 2 mm or less and 1/2 or less of the maximum thickness of the support portion 5 in the same direction as the height direction of the unevenness. Since it is a supplementary shape added to the overall shape, it may be ignored when determining the shape of the support portion 5. The concave portion of the uneven portion 54 may have a hole shape penetrating the support portion 5.

If the tip of the part of the holder 1 that is inserted into the oral cavity during normal use is sharp, it may hit the tongue or the like and cause pain, and sometimes the skin such as the tongue zonule may pierce the thin part. It is desirable that the edges and corners of the tongue be rounded. In particular, since the support portion 5 is a portion where the tongue or the like is in direct contact with the force, the corners and the tips of the protrusions should be rounded. Further, when there are a plurality of support portions 5, the shape is often a thin rod due to the limitation of the size of the portion that engages with the tension portion 3 or the grip portion 4, but the safety of the tip portion of the rod-shaped support portion 5 Needs special consideration. That is, as shown in FIG. 3l, in the convex portion including the support portion 5 and the like, when the height v of the convex portion is 1/2 or more of the width b of the bottom portion of the convex portion, the radius r of the tip portion of the convex portion Is preferably 0.5 mm or more. If the support portion 5 has a rod shape, it is desirable that the tip portion thereof has a hemispherical shape having a thickness of 1 mm or more. For safety in case of accidental ingestion, r is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 1.5 mm or more. The upper limit of r is usually 1/2 of the maximum thickness of the tip portion of the support portion 5. The tip shape of the convex portion is not limited to a part of the sphere, and may be a rotating paraboloid, a smooth polyhedron, or the like. If the tip shape is close to a part of a spherical surface having a radius r, the tip portion of the support portion 5 is formed. Is a rounded shape having a radius r. If the error between the tip surface of the convex portion and a part of the spherical surface having radius r is 1/5 or less of r (1/10 or less in the case of special mention), it is an approximation. When the tip portion of the protrusion has a plurality of irregularities in further detail, the above applies to each convex portion. Even when the support portion 5 has a plate shape or the like and the end portion is flat, the radius r of the portion where the surfaces contact at 90 ° or less may be in the above range. However, at the end of the plate-shaped support portion 5 having a gently arc-shaped outer shape as shown in FIG. 3b, the force is less likely to be concentrated at one point, so that the harmfulness is lower than that of the tip portion of the rod-shaped body. As described above, depending on the shape of the plate-shaped support portion 5, r may be 0.5 or less than 1 mm, and has an apex where three or more surfaces are in contact with each other at an angle of 90 ° or less, or even two surfaces are 60 ° or less. In the portion where the surfaces are in contact with each other at a small angle, r is preferably 0.5 mm or more, and more preferably 1 mm or more. As a result, the safety and comfort of the support portion 5 and the like are improved. Further, even when the tongue zonule is sandwiched between the plurality of support portions 5, if the end portion or the like is slippery and difficult to be damaged as described above, the accident that the tongue zonule is cut can be suppressed. However, very slight irregularities below the tactile limit may be ignored. That is, the height of the unevenness at the end portion of the support portion 5 or the like may be preferably less than 200 μm, more preferably less than 100 μm, further preferably less than 50 μm, still more preferably less than 25 μm (the lower limit is the measurement limit). If it is within this range, it may be made substantially flat.

FIG. 3 In the holder 1 to which the support portions 5 are attached to both sides as shown in each figure, the upper limit of the thickness and the length of the support portion 5 is the length of the floss 2 or the thickness of the user's finger, specifically. It is about 15 to 30 mm. Although there are differences in the size of the oral cavity depending on age and gender and individual differences, the optimum length of floss 2 may be selected according to the width of the individual's teeth. If the thickness and length of the support portion 5 are the same, it often matches the tongue, fingers, and the like. In the holder 1 in which the support portion 5 is attached to only one side as shown in FIG. 1b, the length of the support portion 5 in the floss 2 direction may be larger than the length of the floss 2. If the length exceeds the width of the user's tongue, specifically 40 to 60 mm, it will hinder the use as it is, but it is about that or longer at the time of shipment so that the user can cut it short according to his preference. May be good. Tools for cutting, chamfering, etc. by the user may be provided. Further, since the user moves the holder 1 in the approach direction 12 while reciprocating in the length direction of the floss 2, the length of the support portion 5 in the floss 2 direction is a length that does not come off from the tongue or the like during the reciprocation. desirable. Therefore, the length should be minimized by 1/2 of the difference between the length of the floss 2 and the maximum width of the user's molars, preferably equal to or larger than the thickness of the tension portion 3 or the grip portion 4, and specifically 2 mm. The above is preferable, 3 mm or more is more preferable, and 5 mm or more is further preferable.

The support portion 5 may have a hemispherical shape, a ring shape, or the like as shown in FIG. 3m ・ n ・ o. In that case, the user can put a finger in it and apply a force in any direction of 360 ° on a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction 11 or the z-axis to move the support portion 5, so that more detailed interdental cleaning can be performed. Is possible. Further, the hemispherical support portion 5 uses a force in the insertion direction 11 or z in the negative direction by pushing with a finger, and the ring-shaped support portion 5 uses a force in both the positive and negative directions of z by hooking it on the knuckle. Can be added. The hemispherical or ring-shaped support portion 5 may have a notch in a part thereof, and depending on the width of the notch, the user can insert and remove a finger or a tongue from the notch.

The tip of the support portion 5 may have various shapes such as a spherical shape, a hemispherical shape, a disk shape, a spheroidal shape, a T shape, and a Y shape. However, if the tip of the support portion 5 is too thick, an excessive stress is applied to the root of the support portion 5, and the possibility that the support portion 5 is plastically deformed or broken increases. In particular, in the shape in which the tip portion projects in the approach direction 12 (minus direction of substantially y) like the extended support portion 55 and the L-shaped support portion 56 shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, the approach direction 12 from the tongue or the like Not only the force in the opposite direction (approximately the positive direction of y) is applied to the base portion 50, but also the force in the x direction may be applied by the tongue or the like being caught on the overhanging portion, so that the support portion 5 is easily broken. If the overhang depth d of the support portion 5 is small or the overhang angle is gentle, the tongue and the like are less likely to be caught, and the force applied to the base portion 50 and the like can be suppressed. Further, since the step of the support portion 5 impairs the comfort feeling when the tongue, fingers, etc. come into contact with each other, it is preferable to limit the protrusion of the tip of the support portion 5, particularly the protrusion toward the approaching direction 12. Specifically, the maximum overhang depth d on one side of a group of portions including the tip portion 57 of the extended support portion 55 and the L-shaped support portion 56 as shown in FIG. 4 is the tip portion 57 of the support portion 5. The minimum thickness t or less of the part other than the united part including the part (the part far from the tip part 57 and the part close to the base part 50) is preferably less than 1/2 of t, and even if there is no overhang. Since it is good, it may be 0 or more. In addition, each of the plurality of support portions 5 and the like may have one "group portion". Further, the absolute value θ5 of the angle formed by the portion of the overhanging portion of the group including the tip portion 57 of the extended support portion 55 or the L-shaped support portion 56 facing the base portion 50 with the length direction of the floss 2 is 45 ° or less is preferable, 30 ° or less is more preferable, 22 ° or less is further preferable, 15 ° or less is further preferable, and 0 ° when there is no overhang is the lower limit, but the portion near the tip is thin beyond that. You may. Further, if the width of the recess in the gap between the tension portion 3 and the L-shaped support portion 56 in FIG. 4 is narrow, it leads to a problem of pinching the front teeth and the tongue zonule. Therefore, in such a recess, the depth w of the width d It is better that the ratio to is above a certain level. That is, any of the facing floss 2, the tensioning portion 3, and the gripping portion 4 among the outermost protruding portions of the support portion 5 and the like facing any of the floss 2, the tensioning portion 3, and the gripping portion 4. The shortest distance w between the portion closest to the floss 2, the tension portion 3, and the grip portion 4 facing each other is preferably the overhang depth d or more of the nearest portion, and 1.5 times or more the depth d. More preferably, it is more preferably twice or more the depth d. The same applies to the parallel type head 231 as shown in FIG. Normally, the line segment connecting the points at both ends forming the shortest distance w is perpendicular to the opposite portion, and the line segment whose length and direction correspond to the depth d of the overhang is the points at both ends forming the shortest distance w. It is perpendicular to the connecting line segment. The depth d may be the height of the overhang. The portion corresponding to the depth direction on one side of the recess may be any of the floss 2, the tensioning portion 3, and the grip portion 4. The portion corresponding to the depth direction on one side of the recess may be inclined or curved with respect to the depth direction. When the numerical values of d and w are not constant due to the movable portion 6 as in the rod-shaped portion 53 of FIG. 3f, it is considered that there is no recess because the teeth and the like often move and come off even if they are pinched in the recess. May be good. Alternatively, if the depth d is preferably 2 mm or less, more preferably 1 mm or less, still more preferably 0.5 mm or less, the tongue is hardly palpable, so that there is no problem of comfort and it is difficult to apply extra force. Any of the above conditions may be met on the approach direction 12 side of the support portion 5 or the like, or on the other side. Under any of the above conditions, it is possible to avoid the risk of the tongue zonule getting caught in the overhanging portion or being pinched in the recess and being damaged. Further, when the support portion 5 is L-shaped, the tip portion 57 may be long in the y direction as in the L-shaped support portion 56 in FIG. 4a, but it is safer if it is long in the z direction. The same applies when the support portion 5 has a T-shape or the like.

Various modifications of the holder 1 are described in the following paragraphs. One head 23 may have three or more tension portions 3. In that case, for example, the floss 2 may have a third or later tensioning portion 3 in the middle, or the direction of the floss 2 may change for each section between the tensioning portions 3, and the floss 2 may have a plurality of flosses 2. The tension, thickness, number, smoothness, shape of the floss 2 such as parallel or twisted may be different from each other in the portion. Each upholstery portion 3 may have one or more support portions 5. One head 23 or the like has only one tensioning portion 3, and the user may stretch one side of the floss 2 with a finger.

The support portion 5 may engage with both the left and right sides and the tip of the head portion 23, and may be an O-shape that surrounds the floss 2 along a substantially xz plane, or a U-shape that excludes the periphery of the grip portion 4. The position of the support portion 5 on the vertical head 232 may be the tip of the head 23 as in the parallel head 231. In this case, the user puts the support portion 5 on the tooth deeper than the interdental space to be inserted. In such a case, the support portion 5 lubricates the contact portion with a part of the oral cavity for friction reduction as shown in FIG. 5a so that the holder 1 can be easily moved back and forth to the left and right. It may have a portion 58. The lubricating portion 58 may be made of a member having low friction such as silicon or silicon rubber to reduce the friction, or a lubricant or the like may be supplied by elution or the like. Alternatively, the support portion 5 may have a rotating portion 59, and the reciprocation of the holder 1 may be facilitated. The rotating portion 59 is wheel-shaped, has an axle in the center, and may be engaged with the support portion 5 by the axle. Further, the rotating portion 59 may be spherical as shown in FIG. 5a and may be rotatable in all directions of 360 °. The lubricating portion 58 and the rotating portion 59 are combined to form a friction reducing portion. The rotating portion 59 may be included in the movable portion 6. In interdental cleaning of the upper molars, it may be difficult to attach the support 5 to the back of the tongue. In this case, the support portion 5 may be attached to the palate 94 in FIG. 2a, but the friction caused by the reciprocation of the support portion 5 may be felt painfully. The friction reduction section relieves this pain.

For the upper interdental teeth such as wisdom teeth, the user puts the support portion 5 on the palate, and the head 23 and the grip portion 4 are arched around the support portion 5 without substantially shifting the support portion 5. The holder 1 may have a portion having a function of being able to rotate the tooth and move it up, down, left and right. This portion is, for example, a vibration damping portion 7 between the support portion 5 and the head portion 23 or the grip portion 4 to which the support portion 5 is engaged. The vibration damping portion 7 may be made of rubber, silicon rubber, silicon or the like having different elasticity and plasticity from the grip portion 4 and the like, and the elasticity may be adjusted so as to be easily bent or dented by a spring or the like. It may be expandable and contractible, may have a movable portion 6, may have an oil shock absorber or the like, and may also serve as a damper that absorbs the impact when the floss 2 suddenly passes between teeth. The support portion 5 may have a non-slip function by performing vertical and horizontal groove processing on the support portion 5 or by using a suction cup or a non-slip material 10. Further, as shown in FIG. 5b, the support portion 5 may be integrated with the large ball-shaped vibration damping portion 7. In this case, the vibration damping unit 7 encloses, for example, a gel-like content having high viscosity and easily deforming. The user can reciprocate the floss 2 in the length direction while keeping the support portion 5 in close contact with the palate or the like when the upper back teeth enter the interdental space. The vibration damping unit 7 can absorb the vibration at the time of approach while supporting the holder 1 due to the viscosity of the gel-like contents or the like. When the lower back teeth enter the interdental space, the shapes of the support portion 5 and the vibration damping portion 7 may follow the space between the tongue and the gums due to the flow of the gel-like contents and the like. The support portion 5 or the vibration damping portion 7 may be deformed, expanded or contracted, or molded to fit the shape of each part of the oral cavity. Further, as shown in FIG. 5a, the vibration damping portion 7 may be incorporated in a part of the grip portion 4 or between the grip portion 4 and the head 23. The elasticity of the vibration damping portion 7 may be different from that of the grip portion 4 or the like due to the use of rubber or the like, the same material 10 as the grip portion 4 or the like, and thinner. The vibration damping portion 7 absorbs or reduces vibrations and shocks, making it difficult for the vibration damping portion 7 to be transmitted to the support portion 5, the tongue, and the like.

The floss 2 stretched on the stretched portion 3 should have a high tension when entering the interdental space, but it is more convenient if the floss 2 is in a slightly relaxed state after entering because the direction can be switched in a curved shape on the way and cleaned. Is. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, a tension adjusting portion 31 for relaxing or tensioning the floss 2 is built in the head 23 or the grip portion 4, and this is a slide-type switch 32 or the like provided in the grip portion 4 or the like. It may be possible to operate with. As shown in FIG. 2a, the tension adjusting portion 31 is engaged with one of the tension portions 3 and the switch 32, and the tension adjusting portion 31 is stretched only when the switch 32 is pushed and the tension adjusting portion 31 is slid to the left in the drawing. The distance between the racks 3 is narrowed and the floss 2 is relaxed, but usually the tension of the floss 2 is maintained by a spring or the like. Further, when the same holder 1 is used repeatedly, the floss 2 gradually expands and relaxes, so that the tension adjusting unit 31 may also serve as a mechanism for keeping the tension of the floss 2 constant. Further, the support portion 5 and the like may have the function of the tension adjusting portion 31. That is, even if the user applies force to the support portion 5 when the floss 2 enters the interdental area, the floss 2 becomes tense, and after passing between the teeth, the floss 2 relaxes by separating the tongue or the like from the support portion 5. Good. In order to realize this, for example, a part of the tensioning portion 3 and the supporting portion 5 may be pressurized by the tensioning support portion 35 which is one component, based on the principle of leverage. For example, as shown in FIG. 5b, the floss 2 is fixed to the tension support portion 35, and the engaging portion with the tension portion 3 or the grip portion 4 is between the fixed position of the tension support portion 35 and the position where the tongue or the like is in contact. The force applied to the tongue and the like in the y positive direction is transmitted to the floss 2 to increase the tension. The tension support portion 35 may be engaged with the tension portion 3 or the grip portion 4 by the movable portion 6, or may be integrally molded and easily bent due to the thin engaging portion, and may be easily bent by a spring or the like. Tension and elasticity may be applied, and a stopper or the like may be provided so that relaxation or tension does not become excessive.

The tension support portion 35 may be temporarily fixed at the relaxed position or the tension position of the floss 2 by the tension support portion fixing portion 351. When the tension support portions 35 are installed on both sides of the floss 2, the operability of the tension support portion 35 on the other side is improved by fixing the tension support portion 35 on one side. The tension support portion fixing portion 351 may be a switch-shaped component independent of the tension support portion 35, and is integrated with the tension support portion 35. For example, the tension support portion 35 is moved in the length direction of the floss 2. It may be a mechanism for fixing and releasing, or it may have an automatic locking mechanism. The floss 2 may be completely relaxed when no force is applied by the tongue or the like, but it is easier to clean if some tension is applied. Therefore, the holder 1 may unwind the floss 2 as in Patent Document 2, and tension may be applied to the unwinding or winding side of the floss 2. If the tension decreases due to use, it can be adjusted by rewinding. In general, it is said that a conventional filamentous dental floss has a higher efficiency of removing plaque adhering between teeth than a conventional dental floss holder if it is used properly. This is because the user can bend the thread-like dental floss to follow the curved shape of the side surface of the tooth or deliver it to the gap between the tooth and the gum (so-called periodontal pocket), but this modification also Similar usage is possible. Further, in this modified example, unlike the filamentous dental floss, such usage is easy for the gums at the bottom between the molars, so that the plaque removal efficiency is higher. In the present invention, a plurality of different elements constituting the holder 1 may integrally form independent elements such as the tension support portion 35, and 1 such as the tension support portion 3 and the tension support portion 35. One element may be divided into two parts. Further, even without these mechanisms, the tension of the floss 2 can be adjusted to some extent in the holder 1. For example, in the holder 1 as shown in FIG. 2, if the tongue 92 applies a force to the support portion 5 from above (entry direction 12) after the interdental approach, the tension of the floss 2 becomes slightly loose and the interdental cleaning efficiency Is improved. For comfort during this operation, it is desirable that the support portion 5 does not have a deep recess due to the small depth d in FIG. 2b or the like. In FIG. 6b, the grip portion 4 is engaged closer to the tension portion 3 on one side. If a lateral force is applied to the support portion 5 attached to the tension portion 3 on the opposite side of the tongue or the like, the tension portion 3 bends and the same effect can be obtained.

The floss 2 may have a shape in which a plurality of thin threads are flatly bundled or arranged without twisting, and the direction of the flat shape may be switched by a switch 32 or the like. That is, the holder 1 has a mechanism in which the wide direction of the floss 2 is parallel to the approach direction 12 when entering the interdental space, and can be changed in the direction perpendicular to the wide direction of the floss 2 when cleaning the interdental teeth after entering the interdental space. You may have. This improves the efficiency of interdental cleaning.

It is difficult for the user to see the upper back teeth with only one mirror, and it is necessary to use a mirror, a camera, a monitor, etc. to perform the dental floss operation while looking at the mirror. However, if the user holds the second mirror in his hand, he will not be able to turn up his lips, and it will be difficult to grasp the space through the infinity mirror or monitor, that is, to grasp the left and right and the back and front directions. Cleaning the space between the back teeth was difficult without getting used to it. With the holder 1 of the present invention, the user can intuitively check the positions of the floss 2 and the interdental teeth by touching the tip of the tongue or the like without using a mirror or the like, so that the interdental cleaning can be easily performed. However, since it is effective to use a mirror before cleaning other parts or mastering the operation, if the head 23 emits light in the oral cavity with an LED, phosphorescent paint, etc., it is easy to use while looking in the mirror. Become.

The holder 1 may be an unwinding type as in Patent Document 2, for example, and in that case, the support portion 5 may also have a function of fixing or winding the floss 2. However, if the narrow recesses, grooves, or the wound floss 2 lead to a decrease in comfort during use, the support portion 5 may not have a function of fixing the floss 2.

In general, the size of the oral cavity differs depending on age, gender, etc., and the shape of the oral cavity and tongue also varies from person to person. Therefore, since many requirements are expected for the positional relationship, size, thickness, etc. of the head 23 and the support portion 5, even if a plurality of sizes such as three types of L, M, and S are prepared. Good. In addition, the holder 1 may be made to order based on data obtained by measuring the dimensions of each part such as the oral cavity of the user, an X-ray image, or the like. Similarly, a tongue sack made of rubber or the like that closely resembles the shape of the user's tongue may be provided. When the tongue sack is used in combination with the holder 1, the tongue sack protects the tongue from an impact or the like when the support portion 5 hits the tongue. The tongue sack may be a ready-made general-purpose product. Further, the holder 1 may be operated not only by the tooth to be cleaned but also by another person, and can be used for animals such as pets.

<< Second Embodiment >>
The holder 1 may be manual or electric, has known artificial intelligence, etc., and stores data such as position, width, depth, shape, direction, etc. for each individual tooth of the user, and the data is stored. It may operate by automatic control based on. Even in the case of automatic control, the support portion 5 described above for preventing an accident in the oral cavity is useful. In such a holder 1, the support portions 5 are attached so as to sandwich the floss 2 at two places on the direction perpendicular to the length direction of the floss 2, and come into contact with the teeth on both sides between the teeth into which the floss 2 enters. It has become like. The support portion 5 does not have to be engaged with the tension portion 3 or the grip portion 4. In this holder 1, the grip portion 4 may not be held by the user's hand, for example, may be held by the palate, or the grip portion 4 may not be held. The support portion 5 may have a V-shaped groove so as to easily fit the shape of the front teeth and the like. In addition, a support portion 5 for molars that is nearly flat or concave may be prepared separately, and these may be switched according to the tooth portion. The support portion 5 may grip and support the teeth from both the inner and outer sides of the dentition when the floss 2 enters the interdental space, cleans the interdental teeth, and discharges the floss 2.

The automatically controlled holder 1 is provided with the floss 2 so that the floss 2 does not collide with the interdental depth when the floss 2 enters the interdental space, for example, according to the depth of each interdental tooth read from the above data. The distance from the support portion 5 in the approach direction 12 can be adjusted. Alternatively, since most of the narrow parts between the teeth are near the entrance between the teeth, if the user sets the number of millimeters to stop from the entrance between the teeth and the position of the support portion 5 moves accordingly, the teeth It does not need to be adjusted every interval, which contributes to cost reduction and speeding up of operation. Moreover, the distance may be uniform regardless of the person. Even when the floss 2 is discharged, a force in the direction opposite to that at the time of approach may be applied between the support portion 5 and the floss 2, so that an unreasonable force is not applied. In these cases, the stopper for the approach movement of the floss 2 is the tooth, but this stopper may be the tongue, the finger, or the inside of the holder 1, and the floss is caused by the force that fixes the holder with the teeth or the oral cavity. A structure may be used to stop the excessive advancement of 2. Further, the holder 1 moves the floss 2 in the approach direction 12 in a portion where the interdental space is particularly narrow, and the sensor detects that the interdental space is widened or the resistance to the movement of the floss 2 is reduced, and the floss 2 moves in the approach direction 12. By decelerating, the function of the support portion 5 may be provided, or a camera may be mounted instead of the sensor and the captured image may be analyzed for determination. If a physical stopping method of braking by contact between the support portion 5 and the teeth or the like is used in combination with the electronic control of the movement of the floss 2, the safety during interdental cleaning by the automatically controlled holder 1 Is improved. The support portion 5 may be temporarily retracted to the opposite side of the approach direction 12 during the interdental cleaning, and may return to the original position when discharged from the interdental. The drive unit 61 included in the holder 1 of FIG. 5c has an automatic control mechanism including a known arithmetic circuit and a storage circuit, and is driven by a power source such as electricity, air pressure, water pressure, heat engine, or human power, and operates as described above. I do.

The automatically controlled holder 1 has a shape that surrounds the outer and inner circumferences of the dentition in a U shape, and may be fixed and used, for example, by biting a support portion 5 or the like in the oral cavity. In that case, a set of holders 1 as shown in FIG. 5c may be moved on a U-shaped rail by a motor or the like to sequentially clean the interdental spaces, and one set is installed for each of a plurality of interdental teeth. You may. In the latter case, the positions of the floss 2 and the like may be adjustable according to the interdental space and the like, and the support portions 5 corresponding to the plurality of floss 2 may be continuous.

<< Third Embodiment >>
Instead of the support portion 5, an extension tension portion 36 is attached to the holder 1, and this may act as a stopper by hitting the palate, gums, or the like. As shown in FIG. 6a, the extension tension portion 36 has a longer tip than the normal tension portion 3, and when the holder 1 enters the approach direction 12 with the force after the floss 2 passes between the teeth, the palate, gums, tongue, etc. The holder 1 is stopped in contact with the floss 2 to prevent the floss 2 from colliding with the gingiva at the back of the interdental teeth. As shown in FIG. 6b, the user tilts the floss 2 slightly to pass the contact point between the teeth, brings the length direction of the floss 2 closer to horizontal when cleaning the interdental teeth, and the tip of the extension tension portion 36 is from the palate or the like. It may be used so as to be separated, or the extension tension portion 36 may be applied to the palate 94 or the like at the back of the teeth, and the floss 2 may be inserted between the teeth of the back teeth 96 while rotating the holder 1 with the extension tension portion 36 as a fulcrum. .. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6b, the length direction of the extension tension portion 36 does not have to be perpendicular to the length direction of the floss 2, and the absolute value of the angles formed by them may be 80 ° or less, and 70 ° or less. It may be 60 ° or less, 45 ° or less, or 30 ° or more. Alternatively, the mounting angle of the floss 2 at the engaging portion with the floss 2 in the length direction may differ between the extension tension portion 36 and the tension tension portion 3, and the absolute value of the difference between them is 5 ° or more. It may be 10 ° or more, 20 ° or more, 30 ° or more, or less than 90 °. Further, in FIG. 6b, when a force in the x negative direction is applied to the holder 1, the space between the extension tension portion 36 and the tension portion 3 on the opposite side is opened, the tension of the floss 2 is increased, and the contact point is passed. Becomes easier. This effect becomes more remarkable when the engaging portion with the grip portion 4 is far from the extension tension portion 36 and close to the tension tension portion 3 as shown in FIG. 6b. The holder 1 having such an asymmetrical shape may have the same effect as the inclined head 233. When discharging from between the teeth, the user can easily use the extension tension portion 36, which is in contact with the palate 94 or the like, as a fulcrum of the lever, and apply force to the extension tension portion 36 to rotate the holder 1 in the direction opposite to that at the time of entry. Floss 2 can be discharged.

If the extension tension portion 36 is easy to bend, these operations will be smooth. For example, as shown in FIG. 6c, if a part of the extension tension portion 36 is curved, it is easy for the user to reciprocate the holder 1 in the direction of the floss 2. The same effect can be obtained even if the portion of the extension tension portion 36 near the tip of the extension tension portion 36 is tapered in a tapered shape. Further, the elasticity of the extension tension portion 36 or the extension tension portion 36 and the tension portion 3 engaged with the extension tension portion 36 may be different from those of other portions, even if the elastic limit is larger and the elastic modulus is smaller than the other portions. Good. In the case of FIG. 6b, the approach direction 12 between the teeth may not be perpendicular to the length direction of the floss 2, but after passing between the teeth, it is often cleaned substantially perpendicular to the floss 2. The approach direction 12 between the teeth may be regarded as substantially perpendicular to the length direction of the floss 2.

The length of the extension tension portion 36 suitable for the use of the present embodiment may differ depending on the user and the part used by the same user. Therefore, a holder 1 having a plurality of lengths of extension tension portions 36 may be prepared. Further, the automatically controlled holder 1 and the like are equipped with a sensor that detects acceleration, vibration, impact, etc. when passing between teeth, and the sensor detects passing between teeth, and the tip of the extension tension portion 36 is stored and shortened. You may. The user may manually shorten the extension tension portion 36. As a result, the tip of the extension tension portion 36 does not have to hit the palate or the like during interdental cleaning. In FIG. 6a, the distance e from the floss 2 to the tip of the extension tension portion 36 in the direction perpendicular to the floss 2 maximizes the distance from the tip of the user's teeth to the palate and the like, and from the gingiva at the back of the teeth to the palate. Etc. may be set to the minimum. Specifically, the distance e is preferably 4 mm or more, more preferably 6 mm or more, further preferably 8 mm or more, further preferably 10 mm or more, preferably 32 mm or less, more preferably 28 mm or less, further preferably 24 mm or less, and further preferably 20 mm or less. Is more preferable. The distance e may be longer than that in FIG. 6a when the usage as shown in FIG. 6b is assumed, and may be 1.25 times to 1.5 times or 2 times as described above. The difference Δe between the extension tension portion 36 and the tension portion 3 in the direction perpendicular to the length direction of the floss 2 is obtained by subtracting the length from the tip of the tension portion 3 to the floss 2 from the distance e. However, as a general numerical value, 5 mm or more is preferable, 7 mm or more is more preferable, 9 mm or more is further preferable, and 11 mm or more is further preferable.

If the portion near the tip 361 is thicker or curved than the tension portion 3, the discomfort to the palate or the like that comes into contact is reduced. The maximum thickness t36 of the portion near the tip 361 is preferably 1.5 times or more, more preferably 2 times or more, still more preferably 3 times or more, still more preferably 4 times or more, more preferably 1.5 times or more the thickness t3 of the tension portion 3. Further, 3 mm or more is preferable, 4 mm or more is more preferable, 6 mm or more is further preferable, and 8 mm or more is further preferable. In this case, the tension portion 3 may be either the tension portion 3 on the opposite side of the extension tension portion 36 or the tension portion 3 at the base of the extension tension portion 36. However, if the extension tension portion 36 overhangs from the engagement portion with the floss 2 toward the floss 3 on the opposite side, it collides with the teeth when entering the interdental teeth or when cleaning the interdental teeth. The depth d is preferably 1 times or less, more preferably 1/2 times or less, more preferably 2 mm or less, more preferably 1 mm or less, still more preferably 0.5 mm or less, of the thickness of the tension portion 3. The portion 361 near the tip is preferably flat or has a shape similar to a hemisphere or a semi-spheroid, and the larger the radius r or the smaller the curvature, the better. Specifically, the minimum radius r of the portion near the tip 361 is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 1.5 mm or more, further preferably 2 mm or more, and the upper limit is 1 / of the thickness of the practical extension tension portion 36. It is 2. In at least a part of the tip vicinity portion 361, the radius r in at least a part direction is preferably 1.5 mm or more, more preferably 2 mm or more, further preferably 3 mm or more, further preferably 4 mm or more, and as shown in FIG. 6c at the maximum. It may be infinite. Further, the portion 361 near the tip may have a lubricating portion 58 or the like. The definition of the thickness of the extension tension portion 36 conforms to the support portion 5. It is preferable that the tip portion 361 and the tip portion 57 and the like do not have deep grooves or recesses, and even if they have recesses, the depth is preferably width or less, more preferably 1/2 or less of the width, and 3 mm or less. Preferably, 2 mm or less is more preferable, 1 mm or less is further preferable, and 0.5 mm or less is further preferable. In the production by injection molding, consideration is required for mold production and the like so that burrs and the like do not occur in the portion near the tip 361 and the like. The convex portion of the portion near the tip such as 361 is preferably 0.5 mm or less, more preferably 0.2 mm or less, and further preferably 0.1 mm or less. The portion near the tip such as 361 may be covered with a rubber cover, and the cover may be removable. Further, the mouthpiece independent of the holder 1 may be dispersed in the oral cavity by receiving a force from a portion near the tip such as 361. Further, if the palate or the like is covered, the discomfort of the user due to the contact with the tip portion 361 is reduced. This cover may be simply made by the user using the curable resin, rubber, or the like included in the holder 1, or may be made by a specialist such as a dentist. The extension tensioning portion 3 may have a rotating portion 59 in the middle or the like so that the user can move the floss 2 while keeping the portion 361 near the tip in contact with the palate or the like.

The shortest distance s between the extension tension portion 36 and the tension portion 3 sandwiching the floss 2 in the direction parallel to the floss 2 is preferably 12 mm or more, more preferably 14 mm or more, further preferably 16 mm or more, and further preferably 18 mm. The above is more preferable, and the upper limit thereof is the width of the extension tension portion 36 and the tension tension portion 3 combined to enter the mouth, and thus is about 40 mm to 50 mm, although there are individual differences. The upper limit of the above range also conforms to this. It is desirable that the thickness of the portion from the extension tension portion 36 to the tension portion 3 engaged with the extension tension portion 36 changes gently in terms of strength, safety, comfort during use, and the like. Specifically, the inclination angle θ36 with respect to the tensioning portion 3 of the portion that becomes thicker from the tensioning portion 3 to the extension tensioning portion 36 shown in FIG. 6a is preferably 45 ° or less, more preferably 30 ° or less, and 22 °. The following is more preferable, and 15 ° or less is even more preferable. Further, the depth d of the recess formed by the extension tension portion 36 and the other portion is preferably a width w or less. That is, as in paragraph 0044, the portion of the extension tension portion 36 facing any of the floss 2, the tension portion 3, and the grip portion 4 that is closest to the opposite portion among the outermost protruding portions. The shortest distance w between the floss 2, the tensioning portion 3, and the gripping portion 4 is preferably at least the overhang depth d of the nearest portion, more preferably 1.5 times or more of the depth d, and is deep. More than twice as much as d. As a result, the risk that the tongue zonule is caught in the gap between the extension tension portion 36 and other portions and is damaged is reduced.

As shown in FIG. 6b, since the approach direction 12 and the length direction of the floss 2 may be used so as not to be vertical, the length of the floss 2 of the holder 1 having the extension tension portion 36 is a normal dental. It is better to be longer than the floss holder, preferably 15 mm or more, more preferably 17 mm or more, and even more preferably 20 mm or more. The tensioning portions 3 on both sides of the floss 2 may be the extension tensioning portion 36, but it is preferable that only one side is the extension tensioning portion 36 because it interferes with the interdental cleaning. Therefore, in the holder 1 having the vertical head 232, two types of heads are provided, one in which the extension tension portion 36 and the tension portion 3 are arranged as shown in FIG. 6a, and the other in which the left and right sides are opposite to each other. Alternatively, both ends of the grip portion 4 may be engaged with each other. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6c, if the vertical head 232 in which the extension tension portion 36 and the tension tension portion 3 are connected at the upper portion can be inverted in the y positive direction about the movable portion 6 as an axis, one The head can be used for both left and right. Further, the vertical head 232 may be fixed by the head fixing portion 37. In the holder 1 having the parallel head 231, it is often easier to operate when the extension tension portion 36 is on the tip end side in the insertion direction 11, but the opposite may be true. Other features of the extension extension 36 are in common with the features of the support 5. The holder 1 may include both an extension tension portion 36 and a support portion 5. The extension extension 36 is superior to the support 5 in that it is easy to use, has less protrusions on the left and right, and does not easily hit the inside of the cheeks, etc., and the vertical head 232 is difficult to use both left and right, is difficult to use fingers, and teeth. Depending on the part, it may be inferior to the support portion 5 in that it is difficult to use. In this specification and the like, the extension tension portion 36, the tension support portion 35, and the like may be described as a support portion together with the support portion 5. The extension tension portion 36 is convex because it protrudes as compared with the other tension portion 3.

<< Fourth Embodiment >>
With conventional dental floss holders, the user has had to frequently wash off the plaque adhering to the floss. If the user neglects to do this, the plaque collected in the floss in the previous interdental cleaning will be carried between the next teeth, and the plaque removal will be wasted. However, it was troublesome to wash the dental floss holder with water every time the interdental cleaning was performed at one place. Since the interdental cleaning on the wash basin is required for washing with water, it is inconvenient for the user who wants to take time to thoroughly clean the interdental teeth while sitting and relaxing in a living room or the like. On the other hand, in a retractable dental floss holder such as Patent Document 2, the dental floss used can be changed to a new part each time. However, since the operation is time-consuming, the labor of the user is not much different from that of frequent cleaning. In view of the above circumstances, the present embodiment has an object that the dental floss can be easily washed at hand. A means for solving this problem is a cleaning unit 8 that is engaged with the floss 2 and can move on the floss 2. It is, for example, a ring-shaped part like the cleaning portion 8 of FIG. 6a, and a floss 2 is passed through a hole in the center so that it can be freely moved between the support portions 3 on both sides. The user can move the plaque adhering to the floss 2 to one side by moving the cleaning portion 8 from one side to the other after finishing the interdental cleaning at one place and before moving to the next interdental space. Then move it in the opposite direction. At this time, there is a problem that a part of the plaque once brought to one side of the floss 2 is brought back to the central portion of the floss 2 by the cleaning unit 8. There are the following countermeasures to reduce the amount of carry-back. The first is to bring the hole of the cleaning portion 8 closer to the thickness of the floss 2 to reduce the plaque entering the hole. Secondly, if the floss 2 is made longer than usual, the amount brought back is almost cut off in the middle and does not reach the central part. Thirdly, a spiral groove or the like is cut in the hole of the cleaning portion 8, and this groove leads to the hole opened to the outside so that the plaque inside can be discharged to the outside by the groove. It has become. Although the cleaning unit 8 cannot completely remove the plaque adhering to the floss 2, it is useful within a limited range because it can be operated easily and instantly. A fastener may be provided on the support portion 3 so that the cleaning portion 8 does not move carelessly. A scraper may be attached to the tensioning portion 3 so that plaque is scraped off by rotating the cleaning portion 8 on the side of the tensioning portion 3 about the floss 2.

<< Fifth Embodiment >>
The tension support part 35, the extension tension part 36, the support part 5, the lubrication part 58, the rotation part 59, the vibration damping part 7, the ring-shaped or U-shaped cleaning part 8, etc. are provided as independent products, and the user. However, this may be attached to an off-the-shelf dental floss holder for use. The holder 1 according to the present invention may not have the floss 2, and the user may be able to fit and use a ready-made dental floss holder.

"Production method"
The dental floss holder manufacturing apparatus 100 provided by the present invention includes a material acquisition unit 101 and a processing unit 102, for example, as shown in FIG. 7a. The dental floss holder manufacturing method provided by the present invention includes, for example, a material acquisition step S101 and a processing step S102, as shown in FIG. 7b. The material acquisition unit 101 acquires the material 10 such as floss 2 and resin pellets and passes it to the processing unit 102 (S101). For example, the processing unit 102 includes (1) a preparation mechanism 1021 for stretching the floss 2 to a predetermined position on the mold, (2) an injection molding mechanism 1022 for filling the mold with a material 10 such as resin, and (3) after curing. The material 10 is taken out, and the holder 1 is manufactured by a finishing mechanism 1023 that removes unnecessary parts, burrs, mold release agents, etc. of unnecessary parts and molded parts protruding from the cured material 10 of the floss 2 (S102). The material acquisition unit 101 may acquire the ready-made dental floss holder, the support portion 5 (or pellet) of the molded part, or the like as the material 10. The processed portion 102 may manufacture the holder 1 by joining and fitting the ready-made dental floss holder, the support portion 5, and the like by adhesion, crimping, heat crimping, or the like. The user may acquire the material, install and take out the material 10, and the processed portion 102 may only crimp. The processing unit 102 can also be made to order based on the measurement data of the user's body. The processing unit 102 may also serve as the material acquisition unit 101, and vice versa.

Each of the above embodiments is common to many of the parts not otherwise specified, and may be implemented in combination. Further, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in each of the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or improvements can be made to each of the above embodiments. It is clear from the description of the claims that such modified or modified forms may also be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

1 Dental floss holder 10 Material 11 Direction of entry of dental floss between teeth 12 Direction of insertion of dental floss holder into the oral cavity 2 Dental floss 3 Tension part 36 Extension part 361 Near the tip 4 Grip part 5 Support part 57 Tip Part 8 Cleaning part

Claims (22)

Dental floss holder for interdental cleaning
With dental floss,
The upholstery part on which the dental floss is stretched and
The grip portion with which the tension portion engages,
It has a protruding support portion that engages with at least one of the tension portion or the grip portion.
The support portion is one or less for at least one of the tension portion or the grip portion, or the support portion is a plurality of the support portions for at least one of the tension portion or the grip portion. The distance between the tip portions of the plurality of support portions that engage with at least one of the tension portion or the grip portion is 5 mm or more, or for at least one of the tension portion or the grip portion. The dental floss is characterized in that there are a plurality of the support portions, and at least a part of the end portions of the plurality of support portions has a rounded shape having a radius of about 0.5 mm or more, or at least one of them. holder. The maximum thickness of a part of at least a part of the support portion including the tip portion in an arbitrary direction is a portion of at least a part of the support portion that is separated from the tip portion from the part including the tip portion. The outermost protruding portion of a part of the support portion facing any of the dental floss, the tension portion, and the grip portion, which is equal to or less than the minimum thickness in the same direction as the arbitrary direction. According to claim 1, the shortest distance between the portion closest to any of the opposing portions and the one facing the opposite portion is at least one of the depths of protrusions from the narrowest portion of the support portion of the closest portion. The described dental floss holder. The maximum thickness of a part of at least a part of the support portion including the tip portion in an arbitrary direction is a portion of at least a part of the support portion that is separated from the tip portion from the part including the tip portion. The portion that is equal to or less than the minimum thickness in the same direction as the arbitrary direction, or that faces the tension portion or the grip portion of the portion of the support portion that projects outward is the length direction of the dental floss. The dental floss holder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the angle between the floss and the floss is 45 ° or less, or at least one of them. It has a cleaning section that engages with the dental floss and is movable along the dental floss.
The dental floss holder according to any one of claims 1 to 3. There are a plurality of the tension portions, and at least a part of the support portion is one end of the plurality of tension portions.
The dental floss holder according to any one of claims 1 to 4. There are a plurality of the support portions, at least a part of the support portion is at one end of the plurality of tension portions, and at least a part of the support portion is in the length from the dental floss to the tip portion. It is larger than the tension portion having at least a part of the support portion among the plurality of tension portions.
The dental floss holder according to any one of claims 1 to 5. There are a plurality of the support portions, at least a part of the support portion is at one end of the plurality of tension portions, and at least a part of the support portion is in the length from the dental floss to the tip portion. It is 5 mm or more larger than the tension portion that does not have at least a part of the support portion among the plurality of tension portions.
The dental floss holder according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The thickness of at least a part of the support portion including the tip portion in the direction is a portion of the support portion that is separated from the tip portion from the portion including the tip portion, or the tension portion or the grip. The dental floss holder according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which is at least one of the thicknesses of at least one of the portions in contact with the support portion and the portion in the vicinity thereof in the direction of at least one portion. At least a portion of the support is approximately opposite the dental floss to the tension.
The dental floss holder according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The length of the support portion is equal to or greater than the thickness of the support portion in at least a part of the direction.
The dental floss holder according to any one of claims 1 to 9. At least a portion of the support engages at least one of the upholstery or grip on one or both sides of the extension of the dental floss in the longitudinal direction or in the vicinity of the extension.
The dental floss holder according to any one of claims 1 to 10. At least a part of the support is engaged at a position that does not overlap with the range extending from the dental floss in the direction of entry of the dental floss into the teeth or in the direction opposite to the direction of entry.
The dental floss holder according to any one of claims 1 to 11. At least a part of the support portion engages at a position distant from the extension line of the dental floss in the direction opposite to the direction of entry of the dental floss into the interdental teeth.
The dental floss holder according to any one of claims 1 to 12. The shortest distance between the plane including the dental floss and the direction of entry of the dental floss into the teeth and at least a part of the support portion is 20 mm or less.
The dental floss holder according to any one of claims 1 to 13. The support does not have a recess that is at least one in width less than depth or depth more than 2 mm.
The dental floss holder according to any one of claims 1 to 14. The length direction of at least a part of the dental floss is substantially perpendicular to the length direction of the grip portion.
The dental floss holder according to any one of claims 1 to 15. The maximum thickness of a part of at least a part of the support portion including the tip portion in an arbitrary direction is a portion of at least a part of the support portion that is separated from the tip portion from the part including the tip portion. The most outwardly protruding portion of a part of the support portion facing any of the dental floss, the tension portion, and the grip portion, which is equal to or less than the minimum thickness in the same direction as the arbitrary direction. At least one of the shortest distances between the portion closest to any of the opposing portions and the one facing the opposite portion is at least 1.5 times the depth of protrusion of the closest portion from the narrowest portion of the support portion. The dental floss holder according to any one of claims 1 to 16. The optional portion of at least one of the support portions whose maximum thickness in any direction including the tip portion is separated from the tip portion of at least one of the support portions including the tip portion. The outermost protruding portion of the part of the support portion facing any of the dental floss, the tension portion, and the grip portion, which is equal to or less than the minimum thickness in the same direction as the above-mentioned direction. Claims 1 to 17, wherein the shortest distance between the portion closest to one and the one facing the one is equal to or greater than or equal to the depth of protrusion of the closest portion from the narrowest portion of the support portion. The dental floss holder described in either. The dental floss holder support portion according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the dental floss holder is joined or fitted to a ready-made dental floss holder. A processing portion for processing the material is provided, and the processing portion engages the dental floss, which is a dental floss holder for cleaning the interdental teeth, and the tension portion on which the dental floss is stretched. It has a grip portion and a protruding support portion that engages with at least one of the tension portion or the grip portion, and the support portion is 1 for at least one of the tension portion or the grip portion. One or less, or the plurality of the support portions for at least one of the tension portion or the grip portion and engaging with at least one of the tension portion or the grip portion. The distance between the tip portions of the support portions is 5 mm or more, or there are a plurality of the support portions for at least one of the tension portion or the grip portion, and at least a part of the end portions of the plurality of support portions. A dental floss holder manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that a dental floss holder having a rounded shape having a radius of about 0.5 mm or more, or at least one of them, is manufactured. The processed portion engages the first material and the second material,
At least a part of the first material is the dental floss or a material that becomes the dental floss by processing.
At least a part of the second material is the support portion or a material that becomes the support portion by processing.
The dental floss holder manufacturing apparatus according to claim 20. It includes a processing process for processing the material, and the dental floss holder for cleaning the interdental teeth, and the dental floss, the tensioning portion on which the dental floss is stretched, and the stretching portion engage with each other. It has a grip portion and a protruding support portion that engages with at least one of the tension portion or the grip portion, and the support portion is 1 for at least one of the tension portion or the grip portion. One or less, or the plurality of the support portions for at least one of the tension portion or the grip portion and engaging with at least one of the tension portion or the grip portion. The distance between the tip portions of the support portions is 5 mm or more, or there are a plurality of the support portions for at least one of the tension portion or the grip portion, and at least a part of the end portions of the plurality of support portions. A method for manufacturing a dental floss holder, which comprises manufacturing a dental floss holder having a rounded shape having a radius of about 0.5 mm or more, or at least one of the following.

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