JP2024005553A - toothbrush - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a toothbrush whose brush part can be prevented from deforming during manufacturing even in manufacturing employing a 3D printing technology, can be easily manufactured, and is excellent in usability.

SOLUTION: A toothbrush 1 includes a head part 12, and a grip part 14 provided in a rear end side of the head part 12. A plurality of brush parts 20 are provided in a front surface 12a of the head part 12. A connection part 22 is provided between at least one set of adjacent brush parts 20. The connection part 22 has both ends connected to each adjacent brush part 20 and is spaced from the front surface 12a of the head part 12.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

COPYRIGHT: (C)2024,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a toothbrush.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Since oral conditions vary widely from person to person, and requests for the functions and performance of toothbrushes also vary, there is a growing need to provide a wide variety of toothbrushes tailored to individual users.

In recent years, 3D printing technology (three-dimensional additive manufacturing technology), which manufactures three-dimensional three-dimensional objects based on data such as CAD, has been in the spotlight. Patent Document 1 discloses modeling a filament-shaped molded body using 3D printing technology.

JP 2020-1257 Publication

If 3D printing technology is used to manufacture toothbrushes, it may be possible to easily manufacture a variety of toothbrushes tailored to individual users.
However, the inventors have investigated the problem and found that when attempting to form a plurality of elongated objects, such as the bristles of a toothbrush, in a row, the bristles may be deformed during the forming process, adjacent bristles may come close to each other, or It was found that not only was it difficult to shape the toothbrush, but the usability of the toothbrush was also reduced.
If the brush portion is made thicker, it is possible to suppress deformation of the brush portion during the modeling process, but if the brush portion is thick, it becomes hard and difficult to bend, which is a factor that reduces usability.

An object of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush that can suppress deformation of the brush part during manufacture even when 3D printing technology is employed, is easily manufactured, and has excellent usability.

The present invention includes the following configurations.
[1] A toothbrush comprising a head part and a grip part provided on the rear end side of the head part,
A plurality of brush parts are provided in front of the head part,
A connecting portion is provided between at least one set of adjacent brush portions, and both ends thereof are connected to each of the adjacent brush portions,
The toothbrush, wherein the coupling portion is spaced apart from a front surface of the head portion.
[2] In a front view of the head section from the bristle tip side of the brush section, the number of the coupling sections extending in a direction intersecting the short axis direction of the head section is three or more, or The toothbrush according to [1], wherein the number of the coupling portions extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the head portion is three or more.
[3] The ratio of the number N A of the joint parts extending in a direction intersecting the short axis direction of the head part in a front view when the head part is viewed from the tip side of the brush part to the total number _n of the brush parts. is 30% or more and 150% or less, or a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the head when viewed from the front when the head is viewed from the bristles side of the brush, relative to the total number n of the brush parts. The toothbrush according to [1] or [2], wherein the ratio of the number N _B of the connecting portions extending in the direction of the connecting portion is 30% or more and 150% or less.
[4] The toothbrush according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the ratio of the total number of the coupling parts to the total number of the brush parts is 30% or more and 150% or less.
[5] The length of the bristles of the brush part is L (mm), the distance from the tip of the brush part to the upper end of the joint part is _d1 (mm), and the distance from the tip of the brush part to the bottom end of the joint part is d1 (mm). When the distance to is d ₂ (mm),
The toothbrush according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the ratio of distance d1 to hair length L is 10% to 50%, and the ratio of distance d2 to hair length L is 20% to 60%. .

According to the present invention, it is an object of the present invention to provide a toothbrush that can suppress deformation of the brush portion during manufacture even when manufactured using 3D printing technology, can be easily manufactured, and has excellent usability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a side view which showed the schematic structure of the toothbrush of an example of embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view showing the vicinity of the head portion of the toothbrush shown in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view showing how adjacent brush parts are connected by a connecting part. FIG. 7 is a side view showing another example of a mode in which adjacent brush parts are joined at a joining part. FIG. 5(A) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the joints counted in the number N _A , where FIG. 5(A) shows a case where the arrangement pattern of the brush parts is a staggered arrangement, and FIG. 5(B) shows a case where the arrangement pattern of the brush parts is a lattice arrangement. This is the case. FIG. 6(A) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the connecting portions counted in the number N _B , and FIG. 6(A) shows a case where the arrangement pattern of the brush parts is a staggered arrangement, and FIG. 6(B) shows a case where the arrangement pattern of the brush parts is a lattice arrangement. This is the case. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a pattern in which adjacent brush parts are joined at a joining part. It is a front view which expanded and showed the head part vicinity of the toothbrush of another example. It is a front view which expanded and showed the head part vicinity of the toothbrush of another example. It is a front view which expanded and showed the head part vicinity of the toothbrush of another example. It is a front view which expanded and showed the head part vicinity of the toothbrush of another example. It is a front view which expanded and showed the head part vicinity of the toothbrush of another example. It is a front view which expanded and showed the head part vicinity of the toothbrush of another example. It is a front view which expanded and showed the head part vicinity of the toothbrush of another example.

Hereinafter, an example of the toothbrush of the present invention will be shown and explained based on the drawings. Note that the dimensions of the figures illustrated in the following description are merely examples, and the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and can be practiced with appropriate changes within the scope of the gist thereof. .

FIG. 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a toothbrush 1 according to an example of an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view showing the vicinity of the head portion of the toothbrush 1.
The toothbrush 1 of this embodiment includes a handle body 10 having a head portion 12, a grip portion 14 provided on the rear end side of the head portion 12, and a neck portion 16 connecting the head portion 12 and the grip portion 14. . A plurality of brush sections 20 are provided on the front surface 12a of the head section 12 of the handle body 10, rising from the front surface 12a.

Hereinafter, the direction from the tip of the head portion 12 of the handle body 10 toward the rear end of the grip portion 14 will be referred to as the “long axis direction”.
Further, a direction parallel to the front surface 12a of the head portion 12 and perpendicular to the long axis direction is defined as a "short axis direction."
Further, the direction perpendicular to the front surface 12a of the head portion 12 is defined as the "thickness direction."

In the example shown in FIG. 2, when the front surface 12a of the head section 12 is viewed from the bristles side of the grip section 14, a square lattice consisting of grid lines parallel to the long axis direction and grid lines parallel to the short axis direction is shown. A plurality of brush portions 20 are provided at respective points. The arrangement pattern of the plurality of brush sections 20 on the front surface 12a of the head section 12 is not limited to a square lattice pattern, but may include, for example, a regular triangular lattice (staggered arrangement), a rhombic lattice, a rectangular lattice, a parallel body lattice, etc. It may be.

The total number n of the brush sections 20 is preferably 10 or more, more preferably 25 or more, even more preferably 50 or more, particularly preferably 75 or more, and most preferably 100 or more. If the total number n of the brush parts 20 is equal to or greater than the lower limit value, sufficient cleaning power is likely to be obtained.
The total number n of the brush sections 20 is preferably 500 or less, more preferably 400 or less, even more preferably 300 or less, and particularly preferably 200 or less.
As long as the total number n of the brush parts 20 is below the upper limit value, even if the size of the head part 12 becomes larger according to the total number n of the brush parts 20, the head part 12 will be larger as in a general manual toothbrush. It is not too bulky and can be easily operated within the oral cavity. The preferable lower and upper limits of the total number n of the brush sections 20 can be arbitrarily combined, and are preferably 75 to 300, for example.

The distance between adjacent brush parts 20 is preferably 0.1 mm or more, more preferably 0.2 mm or more, even more preferably 0.3 mm or more, and preferably 1.0 mm or less, more preferably 0.75 mm or less, and 0. More preferably, it is .5 mm or less. The preferred lower and upper limits of the distance between adjacent brush sections 20 can be arbitrarily combined, and are preferably 0.1 to 1.0 mm, for example.

As the shape of each brush portion 20, any shape used for toothbrush bristles can be adopted without particular limitation. For example, the brush portion may be tapered so that the tip portion becomes thinner toward the tip of the bristles, or the brush portion may be a brush portion where the tip portion of the bristles is branched.
The cross-sectional shape when the brush part 20 is cut in a direction perpendicular to its height direction is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a circle, an ellipse, a square, and a polygon other than a square.

The bristle length L (FIG. 3) of the brush section 20, that is, the length from the front surface 12a of the head section 12 to the tip of the brush section 20, is preferably 6 mm or more, more preferably 8 mm or more, even more preferably 9 mm or more. The length is preferably 20 mm or less, more preferably 15 mm or less, and even more preferably 12 mm or less. The preferred lower and upper limits of the bristle length L of the brush portion 20 can be arbitrarily combined, and are preferably 8 to 15 mm, for example.

The thickness t of the brush portion 20 can be set as appropriate depending on the cross-sectional shape of the brush portion 20.
When the cross-sectional shape of the brush portion 20 is a circle, the thickness t of the brush portion 20 is the diameter of the circle.
When the cross-sectional shape of the brush portion 20 is an ellipse, the thickness t of the brush portion 20 is the major axis and minor axis of the ellipse.
When the cross-sectional shape of the brush section 20 is a quadrilateral with two orthogonal sides (for example, a square or a rectangle), the thickness t of the brush section 20 is the length of the two orthogonal sides.
If the cross-sectional shape of the brush part 20 is a polygon other than the above-mentioned quadrangle (a polygon having two or more non-orthogonal sides (for example, a polygon such as a triangle, parallelogram, or rhombus)), the thickness of the brush part 20 Let t be the diameter of the circumscribed circle circumscribing the polygon.

When the cross-sectional shape of the brush part 20 is circular, the thickness t of the brush part 20 is preferably 0.20 mm or more, more preferably 0.25 mm or more, even more preferably 0.30 mm or more, and preferably 2.0 mm or less. , 1.0 mm or less is more preferable, and 0.50 mm or less is even more preferable. The preferred lower and upper limits of the thickness t of the brush portion 20 can be arbitrarily combined, and are preferably 0.20 to 2.0 mm, for example.

When the cross-sectional shape of the brush part 20 is an ellipse, the minor axis is preferably 0.20 mm or more, more preferably 0.25 mm or more, even more preferably 0.30 mm or more, and preferably 2.0 mm or less, and 1.0 mm or less. is more preferable, and even more preferably 0.50 mm or less. The preferred lower and upper limits of the minor axis can be arbitrarily combined, and are preferably 0.20 to 2.0 mm, for example.
The major axis is preferably 0.30 mm or more, more preferably 0.35 mm or more, even more preferably 0.40 mm or more, and preferably 2.1 mm or less, more preferably 1.1 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.60 mm or less. The preferred lower and upper limits of the major axis can be arbitrarily combined, and are preferably 0.30 to 2.1 mm, for example.

When the cross-sectional shape of the brush portion 20 is a quadrilateral, the lengths of the two sides are independently preferably 0.20 mm or more, more preferably 0.25 mm or more, even more preferably 0.30 mm or more, and 2.1 mm or less. is preferable, 1.1 mm or less is more preferable, and even more preferably 0.60 mm or less. The lower limit and upper limit can be arbitrarily combined, and preferably 0.20 to 2.1 mm, for example.

When the cross-sectional shape of the brush part 20 is a polygon other than a quadrangle, the thickness t of the brush part 20 is preferably 0.20 mm or more, more preferably 0.25 mm or more, even more preferably 0.30 mm or more, and 3. It is preferably 0 mm or less, more preferably 2.0 mm or less, and even more preferably 1.0 mm or less. The preferred lower and upper limits of the thickness t of the brush portion 20 can be arbitrarily combined, and are preferably 0.20 to 3.0 mm, for example.
If the dimensions such as the bristle length L and the thickness t of the bristle portion 20 are within the above-described ranges, the bristle portion 20 can easily have appropriate elasticity, and the toothbrush 1 with excellent cleaning power and usability can be easily obtained.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in the toothbrush 1, between all the sets of two brush parts 20 adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction, there is a joint part in which both ends are joined to each of the adjacent brush parts 20. 22 are provided.
Further, connecting portions 22 whose both ends are connected to each of the adjacent brush portions 20 are also provided between all the sets of two brush portions 20 adjacent to each other in the short axis direction.
The coupling portions 22 are both provided apart from the front surface 12a of the head portion 12.
Note that the coupling portion 22 may be provided only between some sets of two brush portions 20 adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction. Similarly, the coupling portion 22 may be provided only between some sets of two brush portions 20 adjacent to each other in the short axis direction. That is, the toothbrush of the present invention may have a brush portion without a connecting portion.

When adjacent brush parts 20 are joined by the joint part 22, the adjacent brush parts 20 are supported by the joint part 22 and the distance from each other is kept constant, and the deformation is less than that of one independent brush part. It becomes difficult to do.
In modeling using 3D printing technology, when a plurality of shaped brush parts 20 are pulled up from a tray containing uncured resin, the uncured resin gets between the brush parts 20 and is exposed due to surface tension. In an attempt to reduce the area, the brush portions 20 tend to be attracted to each other and gather together. However, since the distance between the brush parts 20 is maintained constant by the coupling part 22, it is possible to prevent the brush parts 20 from coming into close contact with each other even when the brush parts 20 are pulled up from a tray containing uncured resin.
Moreover, even when the brush part 20 pulled up from the tray is soaked in a solvent such as alcohol to dissolve unnecessary uncured resin and then the solvent is blown away by blowing air, the brush part 20 becomes difficult to bend due to the air.
Furthermore, even if the brush part 20 is arranged so as to face downward when being cured by applying heat in a constant temperature bath, the brush part 20 becomes difficult to bend.
In this way, since the deformation of the brush part 20 during the modeling process is suppressed, the toothbrush 1 can be easily manufactured using 3D printing technology.
Moreover, when the toothbrush 1 is used, the brush parts 20 connected by the joint part 22 are bent in conjunction with each other, so that the toothbrush 1 has excellent usability.

As shown in FIG. 3, the coupling portion 22 in this example is provided between adjacent brush portions 20 so as to extend in a direction parallel to the front surface 12a of the head portion 12. That is, the coupling portion 22 in this example is provided so as to be coupled perpendicularly to the brush portions 20 on both sides. Such an embodiment has the advantage that it is easy to form with high precision using 3D printing technology.
Note that the coupling portion 22 may be provided so as to be inclined with respect to the front surface 12a of the head portion 12.

As shown in FIG. 3, the length of the bristles of the brush part 20 is L (mm), the distance from the bristles of the brush part 20 to the upper end of the joint part 22 is d ₁ (mm), and the distance from the bristles of the brush part 20 to the joint part 22 is d1 (mm). Let the distance to the lower end of the portion 22 be d ₂ (mm). Also, the ratio (%) of the distance d ₁ to the hair length L is Q ₁ (Q ₁ = d ₁ /L×100), and the ratio (%) of the distance d ₂ to the hair length L is Q ₂ (Q ₂ = d ₂ /L×100).

The ratio _Q1 is preferably 10% or more, more preferably 20% or more, even more preferably 30% or more, and preferably 50% or less, more preferably 45% or less, and even more preferably 40% or less.
If the ratio _Q1 is within the above range, deformation of the brush portion 20 during the modeling process can be easily suppressed. Moreover, the brush parts 20 connected by the joint part 22 are easily bent in conjunction with each other, and the usability of the toothbrush 1 is improved. In particular, stable and accurate modeling is facilitated, it is easy to impart appropriate elasticity to the brush portion 20, and it is easy to achieve both brushing power and good usability. The preferable lower and upper limits of the ratio Q ₁ can be arbitrarily combined, and are preferably 10 to 50%, for example.

For the same reason as the ratio Q ₁ , the ratio Q ₂ is preferably 20% or more, more preferably 30% or more, even more preferably 40% or more, and preferably 60% or less, more preferably 55% or less, 45% The following are more preferred. The preferable lower and upper limits of the ratio Q ₂ can be arbitrarily combined, and are preferably 20 to 60%, for example.

The length of the joint 22 between the brush parts 20 can be set according to the distance between adjacent brush parts 20. The length of the joint portion 22 is preferably 0.10 mm or more, more preferably 0.15 mm or more, even more preferably 0.20 mm or more, and preferably 1.0 mm or less, more preferably 0.75 mm or less, and 0.50 mm. The following are more preferable. The preferable lower and upper limits of the length of the joint portion 22 can be arbitrarily combined, and are preferably 0.10 to 1.0 mm, for example.

The cross-sectional shape when the coupling portion 22 is cut in a direction perpendicular to its length direction is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a circle, an ellipse, a quadrilateral, or a polygon other than a quadrangle.
The thickness T of the joint portion 22 can be set as appropriate depending on the cross-sectional shape of the joint portion 22.
When the cross-sectional shape of the joint 22 is circular, the thickness T of the joint 22 is the diameter of the circle.
When the cross-sectional shape of the joint part 22 is an ellipse, the thickness T of the joint part 22 is the major axis and the minor axis of the ellipse.
When the cross-sectional shape of the joint portion 22 is a quadrilateral with two orthogonal sides (for example, a square or a rectangle), the thickness T of the joint portion 22 is the length of the two orthogonal sides of the quadrilateral.
If the cross-sectional shape of the joint part 22 is a polygon other than the above-mentioned quadrilateral (a polygon having two or more non-orthogonal sides (for example, a polygon such as a triangle, parallelogram, or rhombus)), the thickness of the joint part 22 T is the diameter of the circumscribed circle circumscribing the polygon.

When the cross-sectional shape of the joint portion 22 is circular, the thickness T of the joint portion 22 is preferably 0.1 mm or more, more preferably 0.2 mm or more, even more preferably 0.3 mm or more, and preferably 2.0 mm or less. , 1.5 mm or less is more preferable, and 1.0 mm or less is even more preferable. The lower and upper limits of the thickness T of the joint portion 22 can be arbitrarily combined, and are preferably 0.1 to 2.0 mm, for example.

When the cross-sectional shape of the joint portion 22 is an ellipse, the minor axis is preferably 0.10 mm or more, more preferably 0.20 mm or more, even more preferably 0.30 mm or more, and preferably 1.5 mm or less, and 1.0 mm or less. is more preferable, and even more preferably 0.50 mm or less. The lower limit and upper limit of the short diameter of the joint portion 22 can be arbitrarily combined, and are preferably 0.10 to 1.5 mm, for example.
The major axis is preferably 0.15 mm or more, more preferably 0.25 mm or more, even more preferably 0.35 mm or more, and preferably 2.0 mm or less, more preferably 1.5 mm or less, and even more preferably 1.0 mm or less. The lower and upper limits of the long axis of the joint portion 22 can be arbitrarily combined, and are preferably 0.15 to 2.0 mm, for example.

When the cross-sectional shape of the joint portion 22 is a quadrilateral, the lengths of the two sides are independently preferably 0.10 mm or more, more preferably 0.20 mm or more, even more preferably 0.30 mm or more, and 2.0 mm or less. is preferable, 1.5 mm or less is more preferable, and even more preferably 1.0 mm or less. The lower limit and upper limit can be arbitrarily combined, and preferably 0.10 to 2.0 mm, for example.

When the cross-sectional shape of the joint portion 22 is a polygon other than a quadrangle, the thickness T of the joint portion 22 is preferably 0.15 mm or more, more preferably 0.2 mm or more, even more preferably 0.3 mm or more, and 2. It is preferably 0 mm or less, more preferably 1.5 mm or less, even more preferably 1.0 mm or less. The lower and upper limits of the thickness T of the joint portion 22 can be arbitrarily combined, and are preferably 0.15 to 2.0 mm, for example.
If the dimensions such as the length and thickness T of the joint part 22 are within the above ranges, even if the joint part 22 and the brush part 20 are made of materials with different elasticities, they can be stably and accurately modeled, and the brush Appropriate elasticity can be imparted to the portion 20.

The ratio (t/T) of the thickness t of the brush portion 20 to the thickness T of the joint portion 22 is preferably 0.5 or more, more preferably 0.7 or more, and even more preferably 1.0 or more.
If t/T is greater than or equal to the lower limit value, the joint portion 22 will easily support the brush portions 20 on both sides, and the brush portions 20 connected at the joint portion 22 will be easily bent in conjunction with each other.
t/T is preferably 2.0 or less, more preferably 1.5 or less, even more preferably 1.2 or less.
If t/T is below the upper limit value, the deflection of the joint portion 22 is likely to be smaller than the deflection of the brush portion 20, and deformation of the brush portion 20 during the modeling process is likely to be suppressed. The preferable lower and upper limits of t/T can be arbitrarily combined, and are preferably from 0.5 to 2.0, for example.
If the cross-sectional shape of at least one of the brush part 20 and the connecting part 22 is an ellipse or a quadrilateral with two perpendicular sides, t/T calculated using the short axis, long axis, or length of the two perpendicular sides. It is preferable that the values are both within the range indicated by the lower and upper limits described above.

The number of connecting parts 22 that connect a set of adjacent brush parts 20 is one in the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4(A), but is not limited to one; FIG. 4(B) and There may be two or more as shown in FIG. 4(C). The number of connecting parts 22 that connect a set of adjacent brush parts 20 is preferably 1 to 5, more preferably 1 to 3, and even more preferably 1 to 2. If the number of the coupling parts 22 is equal to or less than the upper limit value, the brush parts 20 coupled by the coupling parts 22 can be prevented from becoming difficult to bend during brushing, so that the usability of the toothbrush 1 is improved.

The total number N of the coupling parts 22 is preferably 3 or more, more preferably 8 or more, even more preferably 15 or more, particularly preferably 20 or more, and most preferably 30 or more. If the total number N of the joints 22 is greater than or equal to the lower limit, the brush portion 20 will be less likely to deform during the modeling process.
The total number N of the coupling parts 22 is preferably 750 or less, more preferably 600 or less, even more preferably 450 or less, and particularly preferably 300 or less. If the total number N of the joints 22 is less than the upper limit value, the brush part 20 as a whole tends to become hard due to the increase in the number of joints 22, but when the brush part 20 is pressed against the teeth or gums, it will not bend appropriately. This gives you a comfortable feel when using it. The preferable lower limit and upper limit of the total number N of the coupling parts 22 can be arbitrarily combined, and preferably 20 to 600, for example.

The ratio P (P=N/n×100) of the total number N of coupling parts 22 to the total number N of brush parts 20 is preferably 20% or more, more preferably 30% or more, and even more preferably 40% or more. If the ratio P is greater than or equal to the lower limit, deformation of the brush portion 20 during the modeling process can be easily suppressed. The ratio P is preferably 175% or less, more preferably 150% or less, and even more preferably 100% or less. If the ratio P is less than or equal to the upper limit value, the brush portion 20 is easily bent, and the load during brushing is easily reduced. The preferred lower and upper limits of the ratio P can be arbitrarily combined, and are preferably 30 to 150%, for example.

In a front view of the head part 12 from the side of the bristles of the brush part 20, the number _NA of the joint parts 22 extending in the direction intersecting the short axis direction of the head part 12 is 3 or more, or the head part It is preferable that the number N _B of coupling portions 22 extending in a direction intersecting the long axis direction of 12 is 3 or more. Thereby, the deformation of the brush part 20 due to the joint part 22 during the modeling process is suppressed, and the effect that the joined brush parts 20 are bent in conjunction with each other during use can be sufficiently obtained.
For example, in the example shown in FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B), among the four connecting portions 22 that connect adjacent brush portions 20, the connecting portion that extends in a direction intersecting the short axis direction of the head portion 12 The number _NA of 22 is three.
In addition, in the example shown in FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B), among the four connecting portions 22 that connect adjacent brush portions 20, a connecting portion extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the head portion 12 The number N _B of 22 is three.

Note that the coupling portion 22 extending in a direction parallel to the short axis direction of the head portion 12 (for example, the leftmost coupling portion 22 in FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B), the lower left coupling portion in FIG. 6(A) The joint part 22, the second joint part 22 from the left in FIG. 6(B), is counted in the number _NB because it extends in a direction that intersects the major axis direction, but it does not intersect with the minor axis direction. Not counted in number _NA .
A connecting portion 22 extending in a direction parallel to the long axis direction of the head portion 12 (for example, the second connecting portion 22 from the left in FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B), FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B) The upper left connecting portion 22) extends in the direction that intersects the short axis direction, so it is counted in the number _NA , but it is not counted in the number _NB because it does not intersect with the long axis direction.
A connecting portion 22 extending in a direction that intersects with the short axis direction of the head portion 12 and also intersects with the long axis direction (for example, in FIG. 5(A), FIG. 5(B), FIG. 6(A), and FIG. 6(B)) It is assumed that the two connecting parts 22) on the right side are counted in both the number _NA and the number N _B.
Further, in the case where the joint part appears to be one joint part when viewed from the front, but there are two joint parts when viewed from the side, as shown in FIGS. 4(B) and 4(C), it is counted as two joint parts. If there are three or more, they are counted in the same way.

The brush parts 20 connected at the joint part 22 interlock with each other in the "direction perpendicular to the length direction of the joint part" rather than in the "direction parallel to the length direction of the joint part". This makes it easier to bend. That is, it can exhibit anisotropic deflection.
The number N _A of the coupling parts 22 extending in the direction intersecting the minor axis direction is preferably 3 or more, more preferably 10 or more, and even more preferably 20 or more. If the number _NA is greater than or equal to the lower limit value, it is easy to feel the interlocking deflection in the short axis direction of the brush parts 20 connected at the joint part 22 during brushing.
The number _NA is preferably 50 or less, more preferably 40 or less, even more preferably 30 or less. If the number _NA is below the upper limit, excessive deflection in the short axis direction during brushing is likely to be suppressed, and the brushing load in the long axis direction is reduced. The preferable lower limit and upper limit of the number _NA can be arbitrarily combined, and for example, 3 to 50 is preferable.

The number N _B of the coupling parts 22 extending in the direction intersecting the long axis direction is preferably three or more, more preferably five or more, and still more preferably ten or more. If the number N _B is greater than or equal to the lower limit value, it is easy to feel the interlocking deflection in the longitudinal direction of the brush portions 20 connected by the connecting portions 22 during brushing.
The number N _B is preferably 30 or less, more preferably 25 or less, and even more preferably 20 or less. If the number N _B is below the upper limit value, excessive deflection in the major axis direction during brushing is likely to be suppressed, and the brushing load in the minor axis direction is reduced. The preferable lower limit and upper limit of the number N _B can be arbitrarily combined, and for example, 3 to 30 is preferable.
The number N _A and the number N _B may be the same or different.

The ratio _PA ( _PA = _NA /n x 100) of the number _NA of the joint parts 22 extending in the direction intersecting the short axis direction to the total number n of the brush parts 20 is preferably 30% or more, and 40% or more. is more preferable, and even more preferably 75% or more.
If the ratio P _A is greater than or equal to the lower limit value, it becomes easier to feel the linked deflection in the short axis direction of the brush parts 20 connected at the joint part 22 during brushing. The ratio _PA is preferably 150% or less, more preferably 125% or less, and even more preferably 100% or less. If the ratio P _A is below the upper limit value, excessive deflection in the short axis direction during brushing is likely to be suppressed, and the brushing load in the long axis direction is reduced. The preferable lower and upper limits of the ratio P _A can be arbitrarily combined, and are preferably 30 to 150%, for example.

The ratio P _B (P _B =N _B /n×100) of the number N _B of the joint parts 22 extending in the direction intersecting the long axis direction to the total number n of the brush parts 20 is preferably 30% or more, and 40% or more. is more preferable, and even more preferably 75% or more.
If the ratio P _B is greater than or equal to the lower limit value, it becomes easier to feel the interlocking deflection in the longitudinal direction of the brush parts 20 connected at the joint part 22 during brushing. The ratio P _B is preferably 150% or less, more preferably 125% or less, and even more preferably 100% or less. If the ratio P _B is below the upper limit, excessive deflection in the major axis direction during brushing is likely to be suppressed, and the brushing load in the minor axis direction is reduced. The preferable lower and upper limits of the ratio P _B can be arbitrarily combined, and are preferably 30 to 150%, for example.

In the present invention, it is more preferable that the ratio P _A is 30 to 150% and the ratio P _B is 30 to 150%. This allows for more stable and accurate modeling, and makes it easier for the brush portion 20 to have appropriate elasticity when used for brushing teeth with the bonding portion 22 left after modeling. As a result, when the brush portion 20 is pressed against the teeth or gums, an appropriate amount of deflection occurs, making it easy to achieve both brushing power and a comfortable feeling of use.

In the toothbrush 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the total number n of brush portions 20 is 127, and the number N _A of joint portions 22 extending in the direction crossing the short axis direction is 118. The number N _B of the extending coupling parts 22 is 112, the ratio P _A is 92.9%, and the ratio P _B is 88.2%.

As a method for manufacturing the toothbrush 1, a method using 3D printing technology can be exemplified.
For example, after the handle body 10 is molded by injection molding, the brush part 20 and the joint part 22 may be formed on the front surface 12a of the head part 12 by 3D printing technology, or the entire toothbrush 1 can be molded by 3D printing technology. It may also be a method of modeling.

In the toothbrush 1 described above, a joint part 22 whose both ends are joined to the brush parts 20 is provided between the adjacent brush parts 20. The toothbrush 1 can be easily manufactured using 3D printing technology because the brush parts 20 connected by the joint part 22 are less likely to deform than one independent brush part 20. In addition, there is no need to make the brush part 20 thicker for the purpose of suppressing deformation, and when the toothbrush 1 is used, the brush parts 20 connected at the joint part 22 are bent in conjunction with each other, so the toothbrush 1 has excellent usability. .

Note that the toothbrush of the present invention is not limited to the toothbrush 1 described above.
For example, the toothbrush of the present invention is not limited to a configuration in which adjacent brush parts 20 are joined by one joining part 22 extending in a direction parallel to the front surface 12a of the head part 12. As shown in FIG. 4(A), adjacent brush parts 20 may be joined by a joining part 22 extending in a direction oblique to the front surface 12a of the head part 12. As shown in FIG. 4(B), a configuration may be adopted in which adjacent brush parts 20 are joined by two joining parts 22 extending in a direction parallel to the front surface 12a of the head part 12. As shown in FIG. 4(C), a configuration may be adopted in which adjacent brush parts 20 are joined by a joining part 22 having an X-shaped cross shape. Note that in FIGS. 4(A) to 4(C), the same parts as in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and explanations thereof will be omitted.

The configuration illustrated in FIG. 4A has the advantage that the elasticity of the brush portion 20 can be easily ensured even if the joint portion 22 has to be made thicker to some extent due to the modeling accuracy of 3D printing.
The configuration illustrated in FIG. 4(B) has the advantage of easily suppressing deformation of the brush portion 20 even if each coupling portion 22 is thin.
The configuration illustrated in FIG. 4(C) has the advantage that the elasticity of the brush portion 20 can be adjusted over a wide range.

In addition, in the toothbrush 1, all sets of brush parts 20 adjacent in the long axis direction and all sets of brush parts 20 adjacent in the short axis direction are connected by the connecting part 22, but this configuration is limited. Not done. Among the brush parts adjacent in the longitudinal direction, some may not be joined by the joining part. Among the brush parts adjacent in the short axis direction, some may not be joined by the joining part. Further, there may be a brush portion that is not connected to any adjacent brush portions by a connecting portion.

The pattern in which the plurality of brush parts provided on the head part are joined by the joining part is not particularly limited. For example, the following patterns (i) to (iv) and combination patterns combining two or more of them can be exemplified.
(i) As shown in FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B), one brush portion 20 is connected to only one brush portion 20 at the connecting portion 22 when viewed from the bristle tip side of the brush portion 20. pattern. Note that FIG. 7(A) corresponds to a "lattice arrangement" in the brush arrangement of a general toothbrush, and FIG. 7(B) corresponds to a "staggered arrangement".
(ii) As shown in FIG. 7(C) and FIG. 7(D), two or more brush portions 20 are connected continuously in a straight or curved line when viewed from the bristle tip side of the brush portion 20. Patterns to be combined in section 22.
(iii) As shown in FIGS. 7(E) to 7(H), an area is formed in which three or more brush parts 20 are surrounded by the joint parts 22 when viewed from the bristle tip side of the brush parts 20. The patterns are successively joined at the joining part 22 as shown in FIG.
(iv) As shown in FIGS. 7(I) and 7(J), the brush portion 20 includes three or more brush portions 20 and a connecting portion 22 when viewed from the bristle tip side of the brush portion 20. pattern.

For example, if the arrangement pattern of the brush parts connected by the joint part is classified according to the ratio A (A=N/n ₁ × 100) of the total number N of joint parts to the total number n ₁ of brush parts having joint parts, the following will be obtained. It can be classified into sequence patterns (1) to (3).
(1) An arrangement pattern in which the proportion A is less than 100% and there is no region surrounded by a joint.
(2) Arrangement pattern in which the ratio A is 100% and there is an area surrounded by the joint part (however, one brush part 20 is joined to two or less brush parts 20 by the joint part 22). ).
(3) An array pattern in which the proportion A is more than 100% and has an area surrounded by a joint part (however, this includes three or more brush parts 20 and brush parts 20 joined by a joint part 22).

As the ratio A increases, the stiffness of the brush portion 20 tends to become higher and the bending becomes smaller. Moreover, even if the brush part 20 connected at the joint part 22 is flat, it can be easily inserted between narrow teeth while maintaining high bristles. Moreover, the plurality of brush parts 20 easily form one large bristle bundle due to the joint part 22, making it easy to clean tooth surfaces with high bristle stiffness.

The ratio A is preferably 20% or more, more preferably 30% or more, even more preferably 40% or more, preferably 175% or less, more preferably 150% or less, and even more preferably 100% or less. The preferable lower and upper limits of the ratio A can be arbitrarily combined, and are preferably 30 to 150%, for example.

It is preferable that the arrangement pattern (1) is arranged in the head part so that the parts where the coupling parts 22 are not provided are approximately equally spaced when the head part is viewed from the front. This makes it possible to suppress deformation caused by the difference between sparsely spaced portions and densely spaced portions of the brush portions 20.
In the arrangement pattern (2), when the head section is viewed from the front, it is preferable that the arrangement of the regions surrounded by the coupling parts is line symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis (not shown). This allows you to brush each part of your oral cavity without being conscious of the direction of the toothbrush, even if you hold it with either your left or right hand. The entire head may be formed with one array pattern (2), or a plurality of array patterns (2) may exist.
In the arrangement pattern (3), it is preferable that the outer periphery of the shape formed by the coupling portion be located close to the outer periphery of the head portion (outer edge of the head portion) when the head portion is viewed from the front. As a result, even if the head is small, the brush portions close to the outer periphery of the head can be bent in conjunction with each other, so that sufficient sweeping force can be exerted.

For example, in addition to an arrangement pattern in which the overall shape formed by the joint when viewed from the front of the head part is a structure filled with squares like the toothbrush 1, an arrangement pattern in which the structure is a honeycomb structure, or a structure filled with triangles. Examples include an arrangement pattern that becomes a structure, a pattern that combines these patterns, and the like.

More specifically, for example, a toothbrush 2 shown in FIG. 8 can be exemplified.
In the toothbrush 2, when the head part 12 is viewed from the front, a plurality of brush parts 20 are arranged in a square lattice pattern, with brush parts 20 lined up in the short axis direction and brush parts lined up in the long axis direction at both ends of the short axis direction. 20 are all joined together at the joining part 22, and the other brush parts 20 arranged in the longitudinal direction are joined together at the joining part 22 one by one.
In toothbrush 2,
The total number n of brush parts 20 is 127,
The number _NA of the coupling parts 22 extending in the direction intersecting the short axis direction is 71,
The number N _B of coupling parts 22 extending in the direction intersecting the long axis direction is 120,
The ratio P _A is 55.9%,
The ratio P _B is 94.5%.

Further, a toothbrush 3 shown in FIG. 9 can be exemplified.
In the toothbrush 3, when the head section 12 is viewed from the front, a plurality of brush sections 20 are arranged in a square lattice pattern, and the brush sections 20 arranged in the short axis direction are all connected by the joint section 22, and the brush sections 20 arranged in the long axis direction are arranged in a square grid pattern. The portions 20 are not joined at the joining portion 22.
In toothbrush 3,
The total number n of brush parts 20 is 127,
The number _NA of the coupling parts 22 extending in the direction intersecting the short axis direction is 0,
The number N _B of coupling parts 22 extending in the direction intersecting the long axis direction is 120,
Ratio P _A is 0%,
The ratio P _B is 94.5%.

Further, a toothbrush 4 shown in FIG. 10 can be exemplified.
In the toothbrush 4, when the head section 12 is viewed from the front, a plurality of brush sections 20 are arranged in a square lattice pattern, all of the brush sections 20 arranged in the long axis direction are connected by a connecting section 22, and the brush sections 20 arranged in the short axis direction are arranged in a square grid pattern. The portions 20 are not joined at the joining portion 22.
In toothbrush 4,
The total number n of brush parts 20 is 127,
The number _NA of the coupling parts 22 extending in the direction intersecting the short axis direction is 71,
The number N _B of coupling parts 22 extending in the direction intersecting the long axis direction is 0,
The ratio P _A is 55.9%,
The ratio P _B is 0%.

Moreover, the toothbrush 5 shown in FIG. 11 can be illustrated.
In the toothbrush 5, when the head part 12 is viewed from the front, a plurality of brush parts 20 are arranged in a regular triangular lattice (staggered arrangement) pattern, with brush parts 20 arranged in the long axis direction, brush parts 20 arranged in the short axis direction, All of the brush parts 20 arranged obliquely with respect to both the major axis direction and the minor axis direction are connected by a connecting part 22.
In toothbrush 5,
The total number n of brush parts 20 is 123,
The number _NA of the coupling parts 22 extending in the direction intersecting the short axis direction is 113,
The number N _B of coupling parts 22 extending in the direction intersecting the long axis direction is 208,
The ratio P _A is 91.9%,
The ratio P _B is 169%.

Further, a toothbrush 6 shown in FIG. 12 can be exemplified.
In the toothbrush 6, when the head section 12 is viewed from the front, the plurality of brush sections 20 are arranged in an equilateral triangular lattice (staggered arrangement) pattern, and the shape of the area surrounded by the joint sections 22 is a combination of hexagons and triangles. A plurality of brush parts 20 are partially joined at joint parts 22 so as to form a shape.
In the toothbrush 6,
The total number n of brush parts 20 is 123,
The number _NA of the coupling parts 22 extending in the direction intersecting the short axis direction is 58,
The number N _B of coupling parts 22 extending in the direction intersecting the long axis direction is 112,
The ratio P _A is 47.2%,
The ratio P _B is 91.1%.

Further, a toothbrush 7 shown in FIG. 13 can be exemplified.
In the toothbrush 7, when the head part 12 is viewed from the front, the plurality of brush parts 20 are arranged in a regular triangular lattice (staggered arrangement) pattern, the area surrounded by the joint parts 22 is hexagonal, and the hexagon is elongated. A plurality of brush parts 20 are partially joined by joint parts 22 so as to be continuously arranged in the axial direction.
In toothbrush 7,
The total number n of brush parts 20 is 123,
The number _NA of the coupling parts 22 extending in the direction intersecting the short axis direction is 42,
The number N _B of coupling parts 22 extending in the direction intersecting the long axis direction is 76,
The ratio P _A is 34.1%,
The ratio P _B is 61.8%.

Further, the brush portions 20 may be arranged in a pattern other than a lattice pattern such as a square lattice or a regular triangular lattice (staggered arrangement).
However, if the brush parts are not arranged in a grid pattern when the head part is viewed from the front, the cross section of the base of the brush part will be 50% in the long axis direction when the head part is viewed from the tip side. The brush parts that overlap each other are considered to be brush parts that are lined up in the same row in the longitudinal direction.
Similarly, when the head section is viewed from the tip side, brush sections whose base sections overlap by 50% or more in the short axis direction are considered to be brush sections lined up in the same row in the short axis direction. shall be. If the overlap between the brush parts is less than 50%, it is assumed that there is a gap between the brush parts.

A specific example of a toothbrush in which the brush parts are not arranged in a grid pattern is, for example, a toothbrush 8 shown in FIG. 14.
For example, as shown in FIG. 14, when the head section 12 is viewed from the front, each brush section 20 is arranged on the circumference of a plurality of concentric circles, and each adjacent brush section 20 arranged on each circumference is The toothbrush 8 may be connected by a connecting portion 22 between the toothbrushes 8.

In addition, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, the components in the embodiments described above may be replaced with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described modifications may be combined as appropriate.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1-8...Toothbrush, 10...Handle body, 12...Head part, 12a...Front part, 14...Grip part, 16...Neck part, 20...Brush part 20...Joining part.

Claims (5)

A toothbrush comprising a head part and a grip part provided on the rear end side of the head part,
A plurality of brush parts are provided in front of the head part,
A connecting portion is provided between at least one set of adjacent brush portions, and both ends thereof are connected to each of the adjacent brush portions,
The toothbrush, wherein the coupling portion is spaced apart from a front surface of the head portion. In a front view of the head section from the side of the bristles of the brush section, the number _NA of the coupling sections extending in a direction intersecting the short axis direction of the head section is 3 or more, or The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the number N _B of the joints extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the parts is three or more. The ratio of the number NA of the coupling parts extending in a direction intersecting the short axis direction of the head part when viewed from the front when the head part is viewed from the tip side of the brush part to the total number _n of the brush parts is 30. % or more and 150% or less, or, with respect to the total number n of the brush portions, the brush portion extends in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the head portion when viewed from the front when the head portion is viewed from the bristles side of the brush portion. The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the number of joints N _B is 30% or more and 150% or less. The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of the total number of the coupling parts to the total number of the brush parts is 30% or more and 150% or less. The length of the bristles of the brush part is L (mm), the distance from the tip of the brush part to the upper end of the joint part is d ₁ (mm), and the distance from the tip of the brush part to the bottom end of the joint part When is d ₂ (mm),
The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of distance d1 to bristle length L is 10% or more and 50% or less, and the ratio of distance d2 to bristle length L is 20% or more and 60% or less.

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