JP4076412B2

JP4076412B2 - toothbrush

Info

Publication number: JP4076412B2
Application number: JP2002270552A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 明鈴木; 公江三宮; 優子田宮
Original assignee: Kao Corp
Current assignee: Kao Corp
Priority date: 2002-09-17
Filing date: 2002-09-17
Publication date: 2008-04-16
Anticipated expiration: 2022-09-17
Also published as: JP2004105377A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、複数本のブリッスルを束ねてなる毛束が植毛台に複数植設されている歯ブラシに関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術及び発明が解決しようとする課題】
歯ブラシは、複数本のブリッスルを束ねてなる毛束を、例えば植毛台の植毛面に設けられた複数の植毛孔に平線を打ち込んだり熱で融着させる方法等によって植設固定することにより形成されるものである。また、歯ブラシは、前歯、奥歯等の歯の種類や、歯間部、歯面部、歯頸部等の歯の部位に応じた適切な刷掃を効率良く行って歯垢等を効果的に除去できるように、また刷掃時に良好な感触が得られるように、毛束の配置やブリッスルの毛先の形状等に様々な工夫がなされている。
【０００３】
一方、奥歯や前歯等の複数の歯の種類や、歯間部、歯面部、歯頸部等の複数の歯の部位に対して、一本の歯ブラシで適切な刷掃を行ってゆくことができるように、各歯の種類や部位の刷掃に適した外観形態（統一された特徴）が異なる複数の毛束群を植毛台に植設した歯ブラシが種々開発されている。
【０００４】
しかしながら、外観形態が異なる複数の毛束群を一本の歯ブラシに植設する場合（例えば、特許文献１参照）、これらの複数の毛束群の配置やブリッスルの長さ等が適切でないと、奥歯が磨ける感じと歯間が磨ける感じの両立ができなくなる。
【０００５】
例えば、植毛台の植毛面に、先端部領域と、該先端部領域の後方部分を歯ブラシの軸方向に沿った３つの帯状領域に分けた際の中央帯状領域と、該中央帯状領域の両側の一対の外側帯状領域との４つの領域を有する歯ブラシの場合、先端部領域に植設された先端毛束群を構成する先端ブリッスルの最長の毛丈が、中央帯状領域に植設された中央毛束群を構成する中央ブリッスルの最長の毛丈よりも長くなっているだけで、外側帯状領域に植設された外側毛束群を構成する外側ブリッスルの平均毛丈が、中央毛束群を構成する中央ブリッスルの平均毛丈よりも短くなっていないと、奥歯に対しては先端毛束群の最長毛丈のブリッスルが届いて良く磨けることになるが、歯間に対しては中央ブリッスルが歯間の奥に届きにくくなって良く磨けないことになる。
【０００６】
一方、外側ブリッスルの平均毛丈が中央ブリッスルの平均毛丈よりも短くなっているだけで、先端ブリッスルの最長の毛丈が中央ブリッスルの最長の毛丈よりも長くなっていないと、歯間に対しては中央ブリッスルが歯間の奥に届いて良く磨けるが、奥歯に対しては先端毛束群の最長毛丈のブリッスルが奥歯の奥に届きにくくなったり、届いても力が伝わりにくい状態になって良く磨けないことになる。
【０００７】
本発明は、奥歯が良く磨ける感じと歯間が良く磨ける感じの両方の感触を向上させつつ、外観形態（統一された特徴）が異なる複数の毛束群による各歯の種類や部位に応じた刷掃を効果的に行うことのできる歯ブラシを提供することを目的とする。
【０００８】
【特許文献】
１
特開平９−１４９８１５号公報
【０００９】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は、複数本のブリッスルを束ねてなる毛束が植毛台の植毛面に複数植設されている歯ブラシであって、前記植毛台の植毛面は、先端部領域と、該先端部領域の後方部分を歯ブラシの軸方向に沿った３つの帯状領域に分けた際の中央帯状領域と、該中央帯状領域の両側の一対の外側帯状領域との４つの領域を有しており、前記先端部領域に植設された先端毛束群、前記中央帯状領域に植設された中央毛束群、前記各外側帯状領域に植設された外側毛束群は、各々統一された特徴を備えていると共に、前記先端毛束群と前記中央毛束群と前記各外側毛束群とは、その統一された特徴が相違しており、且つ前記先端毛束群を構成する先端ブリッスルの最長の毛丈が、前記中央毛束群を構成する中央ブリッスルの最長の毛丈よりも長くなっていると共に、前記外側毛束群を構成する外側ブリッスルの平均毛丈が、前記中央毛束群を構成する中央ブリッスルの平均毛丈よりも短くなっている歯ブラシを提供することにより、上記目的を達成したものである。
【００１０】
また、本発明の歯ブラシは、前記先端毛束群を構成する先端ブリッスルの最長の毛丈が、前記中央毛束群を構成する中央ブリッスルの最長の毛丈の１．０２〜１．３０倍の長さであり、且つ前記外側毛束群を構成する外側ブリッスルの平均毛丈が、前記中央毛束群を構成する中央ブリッスルの平均毛丈の０．７０〜０．９７倍の長さであることが好ましい。
【００１１】
ここで、本願において、「統一された特徴」とは、毛束の先端形状（毛束をカットした面やブリッスルを揃えた面の角度や曲率）、毛束の横断面形状、毛束の傾倒方向や傾倒角度、毛束の太さ、毛束の植毛高さ、長軸短軸がある横断面形状を有する毛束の軸方向、ブリッスルの先端形状、ブリッスルのかたさ理論値の平均等を特徴として統一されていることを意味するものであり、毛束群が全体で一つの形（例えば同心円状や山の形等）に形成されている場合も含まれる。
【００１２】
また、各特徴には優先順位があり、最も優先順位が高いのは、毛束群が全体で一つの形に形成されている場合で、次いで毛束の先端形状、毛束の傾倒方向や傾倒角度、毛束の植毛高さ、毛束の太さ、長軸短軸がある横断面形状を有する毛束の軸方向、ブリッスルのかたさ理論値の平均、ブリッスルの先端形状と続くことになる。したがって、一つの毛束に複数の「統一された特徴」が存在する場合は、当該毛束は、より優先順位の高い特徴を有する毛束群の方に含まれることになる。
【００１３】
なお、このような各毛束群の「統一された特徴」の相違は、主として奥歯や前歯等の複数の歯の種類や、歯間部、歯面部、歯頸部等の複数の歯の部位に対して各々適切な刷掃を行ってゆくための、各毛束群が備える特有の機能の相違によるものである。
【００１４】
また、本願において、先端ブリッスルの最長の毛丈は、先端毛束群を構成する全先端ブリッスルのうちの最長の先端ブリッスルの毛丈であって、これらの最長の先端ブリッスルは、全先端ブリッスルのうちの５％以上、特に１０％以上を占めていることが好ましい。中央ブリッスルの最長の毛丈もまた、中央毛束群を構成する全中央ブリッスルのうちの最長の中央ブリッスルの毛丈であって、これらの最長の中央ブリッスルは、全中央ブリッスルのうちの５％以上、特に１０％以上を占めていることが好ましい。
【００１５】
なお、最長の毛丈のブリッスルは、厳密に選択された１本の最長のブリッスルのみを意味するものではなく、最長のブリッスルの毛丈と実質的に同程度の毛丈とみなされる毛丈のブリッスルも最長のブリッスルに含めて考える趣旨である。
【００１６】
さらに、本願において、外側毛束群を構成する外側ブリッスルの平均毛丈は、当該外側毛束群を構成する全外側ブリッスルの毛丈の総和を全外側ブリッスルの本数で除した値であり、中央毛束群を構成する中央ブリッスルの平均毛丈は、当該中央毛束群を構成する全中央ブリッスルの毛丈の総和を全中央ブリッスルの本数で除した値である。
【００１７】
そして、本発明の歯ブラシによれば、植毛台の先端部領域に植設される先端毛束群を構成する先端ブリッスルの最長の毛丈が、植毛台の中央帯状領域に植設される中央毛束群を構成する中央ブリッスルの最長の毛丈よりも長くなっているので、最長の毛丈の先端ブリッスルによって奥歯の奥への到達性が高くなると共に、植毛台の外側領域に植設される外側毛束群を構成する外側ブリッスルの平均毛丈が、植毛台の中央帯状領域に植設される中央毛束群を構成する中央ブリッスルの平均毛丈よりも短くなっているので、中央ブリッスルの歯間の奥への到達性が高くなる。そして、これらの作用によって、奥歯が磨ける感じと歯間が磨ける感じの両方の感触を向上させつつ、外観形態（統一された特徴）が異なる複数の毛束群による各歯の種類や部位に応じた刷掃を効果的に行うことが可能になる。
【００１８】
また、本発明の歯ブラシによれば、先端ブリッスルの最長の毛丈を中央ブリッスルの最長の毛丈の１．０２〜１．３０倍の長さとすることが好ましい。先端ブリッスルの最長の毛丈が中央ブリッスルの最長の毛丈の１．０２倍よりも短いと（例えば中央ブリッスルの最長の毛丈が１１．５ｍｍで、先端ブリッスルの最長の毛丈が１１．６ｍｍの時は１．０１倍）、これらの最長の毛丈が等しい場合（１．００倍）の奥歯が磨ける感じと変化が無くなり、先端ブリッスルの最長の毛丈が中央ブリッスルの最長の毛丈の１．３０倍よりも長いと（例えば中央ブリッスルの最長の毛丈が９．０ｍｍで、先端ブリッスルの最長の毛丈が１２．０ｍｍの時は１．３３倍）、先端ブリッスルのみが歯に当たって、各毛束群による各歯の種類や部位に応じた刷掃の効果が低くなる。
【００１９】
さらに、本発明の歯ブラシによれば、外側ブリッスルの平均毛丈を中央ブリッスルの平均毛丈の０．７０〜０．９７倍の長さとすることが好ましい。外側ブリッスルの平均毛丈が中央ブリッスルの平均毛丈の０．７０倍よりも短いと（例えば外側ブリッスルの平均毛丈が８．０ｍｍで、中央ブリッスルの平均毛丈が１１．５ｍｍの時は０．６９倍）、外側ブリッスルが短くなりすぎて歯に当たりにくくなるため、各毛束群による各歯の種類や部位に応じた刷掃の効果が低くなり、外側ブリッスルの平均毛丈が中央ブリッスルの平均毛丈の０．９７倍よりも長いと（例えば外側ブリッスルの平均毛丈が１１．３ｍｍで、中央ブリッスルの平均毛丈が１１．５ｍｍの時は０．９８倍）、これらの平均毛丈が等しい場合（１．００倍）の歯間が磨ける感じと変化が無くなることになる。
【００２０】
【発明の実施の形態】
図１（ａ），（ｂ）に示す本発明の好ましい第１実施形態に係る歯ブラシ１０は、把持部（図示せず）と植毛台１１とこれらを連結する首部１２とからなる歯ブラシ本体の植毛台１１に形成された複数の植毛孔１３ａ，１３ｂ，１３ｃ，１３ｄに、複数本のブリッスル１４ａ，１４ｂ，１４ｃ，１４ｄを束ねてなる毛束（タフト）１５ａ，１５ｂ，１５ｃ，１４ｄを各々植毛（植設）することによって構成されている。
【００２１】
本第１実施形態の歯ブラシ１０によれば、歯ブラシ本体は、例えばポリプロピレン、ＡＢＳ樹脂等の合成樹脂からなる公知のもので、その植毛台１１の平坦な植毛面は、先端の略１／４の領域を占める先端部領域１６と、この先端部領域１６の後方部分を歯ブラシ１０の軸方向Ｘに沿った３つの帯状領域１７，１８に分けた際の中央帯状領域１７と、中央帯状領域１７の両側の一対の外側帯状領域１８との４つの領域を有している。
【００２２】
そして、先端部領域１６には、長軸が１．５ｍｍ、短軸が０．８ｍｍのトラック円形状の第１植毛孔１３ａが５箇所に、同じく長軸が１．５ｍｍ、短軸が０．８ｍｍのトラック円形状の第２植毛孔１３ｂが７箇所に各々が形成されている（合計１２箇所）。また中央帯状領域１７には、歯ブラシ１０の軸方向Ｘと平行な短軸が０．８ｍｍ、これと垂直な長軸が３．０ｍｍのトラック円形状の第３植毛孔１３ｃが５箇所に形成されている。さらに、各外側帯状領域１８には、歯ブラシ１０の軸方向Ｘと平行な長軸が２．２ｍｍ、これと垂直な短軸が０．８ｍｍのトラック円形状の第４植毛孔１３ｄが各々８箇所、合計１６箇所に形成されている。
【００２３】
また、先端部領域１６における１２箇所の植毛孔１３ａ，１３ｂのうちの５箇所の第１植毛孔１３ａには、図１（ａ）において黒塗りで略示される第１毛束１５ａが、７箇所の第２植毛１３ｂ穴には、白塗りで略示される第２毛束１５ｂが各々植毛されている。また中央帯状領域１７における５箇所の第３植毛孔１３ｃには、陰線を描いて略示される第３毛束１５ｃが、各外側帯状領域１８における８箇所の４植毛孔１３ｄには、歯ブラシ１０の軸方向Ｘに片寄せた丸を描いて略示される第４毛束１５ｄが各々植毛されている。
【００２４】
なお、本実施形態によれば、植毛台１１の植毛面における先端部領域１６、中央帯状領域１７、外側帯状領域１８は、例えば各領域に植設される先端毛束群１９Ａ、中央毛束群１９Ｂ、外側毛束群１９Ｃを構成する毛束１５ａ，１５ｂ，１５ｃ，１５ｄのうちの、他の毛束群と隣接する位置に配置される各一対の毛束１５ｂ，１５ｃ，１５ｄの外周間の植毛面における中点を結んで得られる線分Ｌによって区画されている。
【００２５】
また、各毛束１５ａ，１５ｂ，１５ｃ，１５ｄを構成するブリッスル１４ａ，１４ｂ，１４ｃ，１４ｄは、ナイロン等の合成樹脂からなる例えば６〜９milの太さを有するフィラメント材であって、これを例えば十数本〜数十本束ねることによって各毛束１５ａ，１５ｂ，１５ｃ，１５ｄが形成されることになる。
【００２６】
本第１実施形態によれば、先端部領域１６に植設される第１毛束１５ａは、太さが９mil（０．２２９ｍｍ）の先端第１ブリッスル１４ａを１５本束ねて構成されており、各先端第１ブリッスル１４ａは植毛面から１１．０〜１２．０ｍｍの毛丈（植毛台１１の先端側の第１毛束１５ａを構成する先端第１ブリッスル１４ａから順番に１１．５ｍｍ、１２．０ｍｍ、１１．５ｍｍ、１１．０ｍｍの毛丈）で植毛されている。
【００２７】
また、第２毛束１５ｂは、太さが８mil（０．２０３ｍｍ）の先端第２ブリッスル１４ｂを１９本束ねて構成されており、各先端第２ブリッスル１４ｂは植毛面から１０．５〜１１．５ｍｍの毛丈（植毛台１１の先端側の第２毛束１５ｂを構成する先端第２ブリッスル１４ｂから順番に１１．５ｍｍ、１１．０ｍｍ、１０．５ｍｍの毛丈）で植毛されている。
【００２８】
すなわち、本第１実施形態によれば、５箇所の第１毛束１５ａと７箇所の第２毛束１５ｂとからなる先端部領域１６における毛束群１９Ａの全体の上端ブラシ面は、植毛台１１の先端側から２列目の２つの第１毛束１５ａ（毛丈１２．０ｍｍ）が最も高くなった、歯ブラシ１０の側方から視て山型の形状を形成している（図１（ｂ）参照）。そして先端部領域１６に植設された５箇所の第１毛束１５ａと７箇所の第２毛束１５ｂは、何れも、植毛台１１の植毛面と垂直な方向に対して５度の角度で歯ブラシ１０の軸方向Ｘの先端側に傾倒して植設されている。
【００２９】
また、本第１実施形態によれば、中央帯状領域１７に植設される第３毛束１５ｃは、太さが９mil（０．２２９ｍｍ）の中央ブリッスル１４ｃを３８本束ねて構成されており、各中央ブリッスル１４ｃは植毛面から１１．５ｍｍの毛丈で植毛されている。また各外側帯状領域１８に植設される第４毛束１５ｄは、太さが７mil（０．１７８ｍｍ）の外側ブリッスル１４ｄを４８本束ねて構成されており、各外側ブリッスル１４ｄは植毛面から９．０〜１１．５ｍｍの毛丈で植毛されている。
【００３０】
そして中央帯状領域１７に植設された５箇所の第３毛束１５ｃは、何れも、植毛台１１の植毛面と垂直な方向に対して１０度の角度で歯ブラシ１０の軸方向Ｘの先端側に傾倒して植設されており、また各外側帯状領域１８に植設された各々８箇所の第４毛束１５ｄのうち先端に位置する各１箇所の第４毛束１５ｄは、植毛台１１の植毛面と垂直な方向に対して１０度の角度で歯ブラシ１０の軸方向Ｘの先端側に傾倒して植設されている。
【００３１】
さらに、本第１実施形態によれば、上記第４毛束１５ｄは、図１（ｂ）のＡ部にその上面図及び側面図を拡大して示すように、最も高い毛丈（１１．５ｍｍ）の外側ブリッスル１４ｄから、最も低い毛丈（９．０ｍｍ）の外側ブリッスル１４ｄに亘って、先端形状が凹状の湾曲形状となるように外側ブリッスル１４ｄの毛丈を順次低くした状態で植毛されている。
【００３２】
そして、本第１実施形態によれば、上述のように各毛束１５ａ，１５ｂ，１５ｃ，１５ｄが植毛台１１に植毛されていることにより、先端部領域１６に植設された５箇所の第１毛束１５ａと７箇所の第２毛束１５ｂは、その横断面形状、傾倒角度等が略同様となっていると共に、全体で一つの山形を形成していることから、統一された特徴を有する毛束１５ａ，１５ｂの集合としてひとまとまりの先端毛束群１９Ａを構成することになる。またこれらの毛束１５ａ，１５ｂを構成する先端第１ブリッスル１４ａ及び先端第２ブリッスル１４ｂは、その太さが９mil又は８milとなっていると共に、各毛束１５ａ，１５ｂは傾倒して植設されているため、先端毛束群１９Ａは、奥歯の刷掃に適する傾倒させたかたい形態を備えていることになる。
【００３３】
また、中央帯状領域１７に植設される５箇所の第３毛束１５ｃは、その横断面形状、毛束の傾倒方向、傾倒角度等が同様となっていることから、統一された特徴を有する毛束１５ｃの集合としてひとまとまりの中央毛束群１９Ｂを構成することになる。さらに、各外側帯状領域１８に植設される各々８箇所の第４毛束１５ｄは、その先端形状（ブリッスルを揃えた面の曲率）、横断面形状等が同様となっていることから、統一された特徴を有する毛束１５ｄの集合としてひとまとまりの外側毛束群１９Ｃを各々構成することになる。
【００３４】
そして、これらの先端毛束群１９Ａ、中央毛束群１９Ｂ、外側毛束群１９Ｃは、各毛束群１９Ａ，１９Ｂ，１９Ｃを構成する毛束１５ａ，１５ｂ，１５ｃ，１５ｄがその横断面形状、傾倒角度等において明らかに異なっていることから、明確に区別できる異なる外観形態を有することになる。
【００３５】
本第１実施形態によれば、上述のように各毛束１５ａ，１５ｂ，１５ｃ，１５ｄが植毛台１１に植毛されていることにより、先端毛束群１９Ａを構成する先端第１ブリッスル１４ａ及び先端第２ブリッスル１４ｂの最長の毛丈は１２．０ｍｍ（植毛台１１の先端側から２列目の２つの第１毛束１５ａを構成する先端第１ブリッスル１４ａの毛丈）となり、中央毛束群１９Ｂを構成する中央ブリッスル１４ｃの最長の毛丈は１１．５ｍｍとなると共に、先端毛束群１９Ａを構成する先端第１ブリッスル１４ａ及び先端第２ブリッスル１４ｂの最長の毛丈（１２．０ｍｍ）は、中央毛束群１９Ｂを構成する中央ブリッスル１４ｃの最長の毛丈（１１．５ｍｍ）の約１．０４倍の長さとなる。
【００３６】
さらに、本第１実施形態によれば、上述のように各毛束１５ａ，１５ｂ，１５ｃ，１５ｄが植毛台１１に植毛されていることにより、各外側毛束群１９Ｃを構成する外側ブリッスル１４ｄの平均毛丈が１０．０ｍｍ、中央毛束群１９Ｂを構成する中央ブリッスル１４ｃの平均毛丈が１１．５ｍｍとなり、外側ブリッスル１４ｄの平均毛丈が中央ブリッスル１４ｃの平均毛丈よりも短くなると共に、各外側毛束群１９Ｃを構成する外側ブリッスル１４ｄの平均毛丈が、中央毛束群１９Ｂを構成する中央ブリッスル１４ｃの平均毛丈の０．８７倍の長さとなる。
【００３７】
そして、本第１実施形態の歯ブラシ１０によれば、奥歯が良く磨ける感じと歯間が良く磨ける感じの両方の感触を向上させつつ、統一された特徴が異なる複数の毛束群による各歯の種類や部位に応じた刷掃を効果的に行うことが可能になる。すなわち、本第１実施形態の歯ブラシ１０によれば、植毛台１１の先端部領域１６に植設される先端毛束群１９Ａを構成する先端ブリッスル１４ａ，１４ｂの最長の毛丈（１２．０ｍｍ）が、植毛台１１の中央帯状領域１７に植設される中央毛束群１９Ｂを構成する中央ブリッスル１４ｃの最長の毛丈（１１．５ｍｍ）よりも長くなっているので、最長の毛丈の先端ブリッスル１４ａによって奥歯の奥への到達性が向上することになる。また植毛台１１の外側領域１８に植設される外側毛束群１９Ｃを構成する外側ブリッスル１４ｄの平均毛丈（１０．０ｍｍ）が、植毛台１１の中央帯状領域１７に植設される中央毛束群１９Ｂを構成する中央ブリッスル１４ｃの平均毛丈（１１．５ｍｍ）よりも短くなっているので、中央ブリッスルによる歯間の奥への到達性が向上することになる。
【００３８】
したがって、これらの作用によって、奥歯が磨ける感じと歯間が磨ける感じの両方の感触を向上させつつ、外観形態（統一された特徴）が異なる複数の毛束群１９Ａ，１９Ｂ，１９Ｃによる各歯の種類や部位に応じた刷掃を効果的に行うことが可能になる。
【００３９】
図２（ａ），（ｂ）は、本発明の第２実施形態に係る歯ブラシ２０を示すものである。本第２実施形態の歯ブラシ２０は、把持部（図示せず）と植毛台２１とこれらを連結する首部２２とからなる歯ブラシ本体の植毛台２１に形成された複数の植毛孔２３に、複数本のブリッスル２４ａ，２４ｂ，２４ｃを束ねてなる毛束（タフト）２５ａ，２５ｂ，２５ｃを各々植毛（植設）することによって構成されている。
【００４０】
また、本第２実施形態の歯ブラシ２０によれば、歯ブラシ本体は、上記第１実施形態の歯ブラシ１０と同様に、例えばポリプロピレン、ＡＢＳ樹脂等の合成樹脂からなる公知のもので、その植毛台２１の平坦な植毛面は、先端の略１／３の領域を占める先端部領域２６と、この先端部領域２６の後方部分を歯ブラシ２０の軸方向Ｘに沿った３つの帯状領域２７，２８に分けた際の中央帯状領域２７と、中央帯状領域２７の両側の一対の外側帯状領域２８との４つの領域を有している。
【００４１】
そして、植毛台２１の植毛面には、直径が１．６ｍｍの円形断面の植毛孔２３が格子状に縦横に整列配置されて２４箇所に設けられていると共に、先端部領域２６には８箇所に、中央帯状領域２７には８箇所に、外側帯状領域２８には各４箇所合計８箇所に、植毛孔２３が各々配設されることになる。
【００４２】
また、先端部領域２６の８箇所の植毛孔２３には、図２（ａ）において黒丸で略示される第１毛束２５ａが、中央帯状領域２７の８箇所の植毛孔２３には、二重丸で略示される第２毛束２５ｂが、外側帯状領域２８の各４箇所合計８箇所の植毛孔２３には、白丸で略示される第３毛束２５ｄが各々植毛されている。
【００４３】
さらに、各毛束２５ａ，２５ｂ，２５ｃを構成するブリッスル２４ａ，２４ｂ，２４ｃは、ナイロン等の合成樹脂からなる例えば６〜９milの太さを有するフィラメント材であって、これを例えば十数本〜数十本束ねることによって各毛束２５ａ，２５ｂ，２５ｃが形成されることになる。
【００４４】
本第２実施形態によれば、先端部領域２６に植設される第１毛束２５ａは、太さが８mil（０．２０３ｍｍ）の先端ブリッスル２４ａを３６本束ねて構成されており、各先端ブリッスル２４ａは植毛面から９．５〜１１．０ｍｍの毛丈（植毛台２１の先端側の第１毛束２５ａを構成する先端ブリッスル２４ａから順番に約１１．０ｍｍ、１０．３ｍｍ、９．５ｍｍの毛丈）で植毛されている。
【００４５】
すなわち、本第２実施形態によれば、８箇所の第１毛束２５ａからなる先端部領域２６における先端毛束群２９Ａの全体の上端ブラシ面は、植毛台２１の先端１列目の２つの第１毛束２５ａ（毛丈１１．０ｍｍ）が最も高くなった、歯ブラシ２０の側方から視て先端から後方に行くに従い毛束の高さが斜めに次第に低くなる形状を形成している（図２（ｂ）参照）。そして先端部領域２６に植設された８箇所の第１毛束２５ａは、何れも、植毛台２１の植毛面に対して垂直な方向に植設されている。これらによって、８箇所の第１毛束２５ａは、統一された特徴を有する毛束２５ａの集合としてひとまとまりの先端毛束群２９Ａを構成することになる。
【００４６】
また、本第２実施形態によれば、中央帯状領域２７に植設される第２毛束２５ｂは、太さが８mil（０．２０３ｍｍ）の中央ブリッスル２４ｂを３６本束ねて構成されており、各中央ブリッスル２４ｂは植毛面から１０．０ｍｍの毛丈で植毛されている。また中央帯状領域２７に植設された８箇所の第２毛束２５ｂは、何れも、植毛台２１の植毛面に対して垂直な方向に植設されている。これらによって、８箇所の第２毛束２５ｂは、統一された特徴を有する毛束２５ｂの集合としてひとまとまりの中央毛束群２９Ｂを構成することになる。
【００４７】
さらに、本第２実施形態によれば、各外側帯状領域２８に各々４箇所植設される第３毛束２５ｃは、太さが７mil（０．１７８ｍｍ）の外側ブリッスル２４ｃを４８本束ねて構成されており、各外側ブリッスル２４ｃは植毛面から９．０ｍｍの毛丈で植毛されている。また各４箇所に植設された第３毛束２５ｃは、何れも、植毛台２１の植毛面に対して垂直な方向に植設されている。これらによって、各４箇所の第２毛束２５ｃは、統一された特徴を有する毛束２５ｃの集合として各々ひとまとまりの外側毛束群２９Ｂを構成することになる。
【００４８】
そして、本第２実施形態によれば、上述のように各毛束２５ａ，２５ｂ，２５ｃが植毛台２１に植毛されていることにより、先端毛束群２９Ａを構成する先端第１ブリッスル２４ａの最長の毛丈は１１．０ｍｍ（植毛台２１の先端側から１列目の２つの第１毛束２５ａを構成する先端第１ブリッスル２４ａの毛丈）となり、中央毛束群２９Ｂを構成する中央ブリッスル２４ｂの最長の毛丈は１０．０ｍｍとなる。また先端毛束群２９Ａを構成する先端第１ブリッスル２４ａの最長の毛丈（１１．０ｍｍ）は、中央毛束群２９Ｂを構成する中央ブリッスル２４ｂの最長の毛丈（１０．０ｍｍ）の約１．１０倍の長さとなる。
【００４９】
また、本第２実施形態によれば、上述のように各毛束２５ａ，２５ｂ，２５ｃが植毛台２１に植毛されていることにより、各外側毛束群２９Ｃを構成する外側ブリッスル２４ｃの平均毛丈が９．０ｍｍ、中央毛束群２９Ｂを構成する中央ブリッスル２４ｂの平均毛丈が１０．０ｍｍとなり、外側ブリッスル２４ｃの平均毛丈が中央ブリッスル２４ｂの平均毛丈よりも短くなる。また各外側毛束群２９Ｃを構成する外側ブリッスル２４ｃの平均毛丈が、中央毛束群２９Ｂを構成する中央ブリッスル２４ｂの平均毛丈の０．９０倍の長さとなる。
【００５０】
そして、本第２実施形態の歯ブラシ２０によっても、先端部領域２６に植設される先端毛束群２９Ａを構成する先端ブリッスル２４ａの最長の毛丈（１１．０ｍｍ）が、中央帯状領域２７に植設される中央毛束群２９Ｂを構成する中央ブリッスル２４ｂの最長の毛丈（１０．０ｍｍ）よりも長くなっており、且つ外側領域２８に植設される外側毛束群２９Ｃを構成する外側ブリッスル２４ｃの平均毛丈（９．０ｍｍ）が、中央帯状領域２７に植設される中央毛束群２９Ｂを構成する中央ブリッスル２４ｂの平均毛丈（１０．０ｍｍ）よりも短くなっているので、上記第１実施形態の歯ブラシ１０と同様の作用効果を奏することになる。
【００５１】
なお、本発明は上記各実施形態に限定されることなく種々の変更が可能である。例えば、植毛台における植毛孔の形状や配置、各毛束を構成するブリッスルの太さ、本数等は上記実施形態のものに限定されるものではない。また、歯ブラシの植毛台に先端毛束群と中央毛束群と外側毛束群のみを植設する必要は必ずしもなく、例えば中央帯状領域や外側帯状領域に植設された中央毛束群や外側毛束群の後方に、さらに他の毛束又は毛束群が植設されていても良い。
【００５２】
【実施例】
以下、実施例及び比較例により、本発明の歯ブラシをさらに詳細に説明するが、本発明はこれらに限定されるものではない。
【００５３】
〔実施例１，２〕
上記第１実施形態の歯ブラシ１０と同様の構成を有する歯ブラシを実施例１の歯ブラシとし、上記第２実施形態の歯ブラシ２０と同様の構成を有する歯ブラシを実施例２の歯ブラシとして、後述の方法によって「奥歯が良く磨ける感じ」及び「歯間が良く磨ける感じ」について刷掃時における使用評価を行った。評価の結果を図３及び図４に示す。なお、先端ブリッスルの最長の毛丈の中央ブリッスルの最長の毛丈に対する比は実施例１では１．０４、実施例２では１．１０であり、外側ブリッスルの平均毛丈の中央ブリッスルの平均毛丈に対する比は実施例１では０．８７、実施例２では０．９０である。
【００５４】
〔比較例１〜３〕
先端ブリッスルの最長の毛丈の中央ブリッスルの最長の毛丈に対する比が１．２２であり、外側ブリッスルの平均毛丈の中央ブリッスルの平均毛丈に対する比が１．１７である市販品Ａを比較例１の歯ブラシとし、先端ブリッスルの最長の毛丈の中央ブリッスルの最長の毛丈に対する比が１．００であり、外側ブリッスルの平均毛丈の中央ブリッスルの平均毛丈に対する比が１．０１である市販品Ｂを比較例２の歯ブラシとし、先端ブリッスルの最長の毛丈の中央ブリッスルの最長の毛丈に対する比が０．８８であり、外側ブリッスルの平均毛丈の中央ブリッスルの平均毛丈に対する比が０．７８である市販品Ｃを比較例３の歯ブラシとしとして、後述の方法によって「奥歯が良く磨ける感じ」及び「歯間が良く磨ける感じ」について刷掃時における使用評価を行った。評価の結果を図３及び図４に示す。
【００５５】
〔刷掃時における使用評価〕
２０人のパネラーに実施例１〜２、及び比較例１〜３の各歯ブラシを各々実際に使用してもらい、聞き取り調査によって「奥歯が良く磨ける感じ」、及び「歯間が良く磨ける感じ」を評価した。評価基準は、奥歯が良く磨ける感じについては、「良く磨ける」、「やや良く磨ける」、「どちらともいえない」、「あまり良く磨けない」、「良く磨けない」の５段階評価とし、歯間が良く磨ける感じについては、「良く磨ける」、「やや良く磨ける」、「どちらともいえない」、「あまり良く磨けない」、「良く磨けない」の５段階評価として、パネラーの回答割合（％）によって評価した。評価結果を図４に示す。
【００５６】
図３及び図４に示す評価結果によれば、本発明に係る実施例１〜２の歯ブラシは、刷掃時における感触について、比較例１〜３の歯ブラシと比較して極めて高い評価が得られることが判明する。
【００５７】
【発明の効果】
本発明の歯ブラシによれば、奥歯が良く磨ける感じと歯間が良く磨ける感じの両方の感触を向上させつつ、外観形態（統一された特徴）が異なる複数の毛束群による各歯の種類や部位に応じた刷掃を効果的に行うことができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】（ａ）は本発明の第１実施形態に係る歯ブラシの要部を示す略示平面図、（ｂ）は同側面図及び部分拡大図である。
【図２】（ａ）は本発明の第２実施形態に係る歯ブラシの要部を示す略示平面図、（ｂ）は同側面図である。
【図３】実施例１，２、及び比較例１〜３の各歯ブラシに関する、先端ブリッスルの最長の毛丈の中央ブリッスルの最長の毛丈に対する比、及び外側ブリッスルの平均毛丈の中央ブリッスルの平均毛丈に対する比を示すチャートである。
【図４】刷掃時における使用評価の評価結果を示すチャートである。
【符号の説明】
１０，２０歯ブラシ
１１，２１植毛台
１２，２２首部
１３ａ第１植毛孔
１３ｂ第２植毛孔
１３ｃ第３植毛孔
１３ｄ第４植毛孔
２３植毛孔
１４ａ，２４ａ先端第１ブリッスル，先端ブリッスル
１４ｂ先端第２ブリッスル
１４ｃ，２４ｂ中央ブリッスル
１４ｄ，２４ｃ外側ブリッスル
１５ａ，２５ａ第１毛束
１５ｂ，２５ｂ第２毛束
１５ｃ，２５ｃ第３毛束
１５ｄ第４毛束
１６，２６先端部領域
１７，２７中央帯状領域
１８，２８外側帯状領域
１９Ａ，２９Ａ先端毛束群
１９Ｂ，２９Ｂ中央毛束群
１９Ｃ，２９Ｃ外側毛束群
Ｘ歯ブラシの軸方向[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a toothbrush in which a plurality of bristle bundles formed by bundling a plurality of bristles are implanted on a flocking table.
[0002]
[Prior art and problems to be solved by the invention]
A toothbrush is formed by planting and fixing a bunch of bristles that are bundled with a plurality of bristles, for example, by inserting a flat wire into a plurality of flock holes provided on the flocking surface of a flocking table or fusing with heat. It is what is done. In addition, the toothbrush effectively removes plaque, etc. by efficiently performing appropriate brushing according to the type of teeth such as the front teeth and back teeth, and the parts of the teeth such as the interdental, tooth surface, and neck portions. Various arrangements have been made to the arrangement of the hair bundles, the shape of the bristle tips, and the like so that the touch can be obtained and a good feel can be obtained at the time of brushing.
[0003]
On the other hand, it is possible to perform appropriate brushing with a single toothbrush on multiple tooth types such as back teeth and front teeth, and multiple tooth sites such as interdental, tooth surface, and neck parts. In order to be able to do so, various toothbrushes have been developed in which a plurality of hair bundle groups having different appearance forms (unified features) suitable for brushing out the types and parts of each tooth are implanted on a flocking table.
[0004]
However, when a plurality of hair bundle groups having different appearance forms are implanted in one toothbrush (see, for example, Patent Document 1), the arrangement of these plurality of hair bundle groups, the length of the bristle, and the like are not appropriate. The feeling of brushing the back teeth and the feeling of brushing the teeth cannot be achieved.
[0005]
For example, on the flocking surface of the flocking table, a front end region, a central strip region when the rear portion of the front end region is divided into three strip regions along the axial direction of the toothbrush, and both sides of the central strip region In the case of a toothbrush having four regions with a pair of outer belt-like regions, the longest bristle length of the tip bristle constituting the tip hair bundle group planted in the tip region is the center bristle planted in the central belt region The average hair length of the outer bristle that constitutes the outer hair bundle group implanted in the outer belt-like region constitutes the central hair bundle group only by being longer than the longest hair length of the central bristle that constitutes the bundle group. If it is not shorter than the average bristle length of the central bristle, the bristle with the longest bristle length of the tip hair bundle will reach the back teeth and it will be well polished, but the central bristle will have teeth between the teeth. It ’s hard to reach the back of the room and I ca n’t polish it well. It becomes door.
[0006]
On the other hand, if the average bristle length of the outer bristle is shorter than the average bristle length of the central bristle, and the longest bristle length of the tip bristle is not longer than the longest bristle length of the central bristle, On the other hand, the center bristle reaches the back of the teeth and can be polished well, but for the back teeth, the bristle with the longest hair length of the tip bundle is difficult to reach the back of the back teeth, or the force is not transmitted even if it reaches It will not be able to polish well.
[0007]
The present invention improves both the feeling of brushing the back teeth and the feeling of brushing between the teeth, and according to the type and location of each tooth by a plurality of hair bundle groups having different appearance forms (unified features) An object of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush that can be effectively cleaned.
[0008]
[Patent Literature]
1
JP-A-9-149815
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention is a toothbrush in which a plurality of bristles formed by bundling a plurality of bristles are planted on a flocking surface of a flocking table, and the flocking surface of the flocking table has a tip region, a tip region, The distal end portion has four regions, a central belt region when the rear portion is divided into three belt regions along the axial direction of the toothbrush and a pair of outer belt regions on both sides of the central belt region, The tip hair bundle group planted in the region, the central hair bundle group planted in the central strip region, and the outer hair bundle group planted in each outer strip region have unified characteristics. The tip hair bundle group, the central hair bundle group, and the outer hair bundle groups have different unified characteristics, and the longest bristle length of the tip bristle that constitutes the tip hair bundle group However, it is longer than the longest hair length of the central bristle that constitutes the central hair bundle group. In addition, the above object is achieved by providing a toothbrush in which the average bristle length of the outer bristle constituting the outer bristle bundle group is shorter than the average bristle length of the central bristle constituting the central bristle bundle group. Is.
[0010]
In the toothbrush of the present invention, the longest bristle length of the tip bristle constituting the tip bristle bundle group is 1.02 to 1.30 times the longest bristle length of the central bristle constituting the central bristle bundle group. And the average bristle length of the outer bristle constituting the outer bristle bundle group is 0.70 to 0.97 times the average bristle length of the central bristle constituting the central bristle bundle group. It is preferable.
[0011]
Here, in the present application, the “unified feature” means the tip shape of the hair bundle (the angle and curvature of the surface where the hair bundle is cut or the surface where the bristles are aligned), the cross-sectional shape of the hair bundle, the inclination of the hair bundle Features such as direction, tilt angle, hair bundle thickness, hair bundle planting height, axial direction of hair bundle having a cross-sectional shape with a major axis and minor axis, bristle tip shape, average bristle hardness value, etc. And the case where the hair bundle group is formed in a single shape (for example, a concentric circle shape or a mountain shape) is also included.
[0012]
Each feature has a priority, and the highest priority is when the hair bundle group is formed in a single shape as a whole, followed by the tip shape of the hair bundle, the direction of inclination and the inclination of the hair bundle. The angle, the hair height of the hair bundle, the thickness of the hair bundle, the axial direction of the hair bundle having a cross-sectional shape with a major axis and a minor axis, the average of the bristle hardness theoretical value, and the tip shape of the bristle. Therefore, when a plurality of “unified features” exist in one hair bundle, the hair bundle is included in a group of hair bundles having a higher priority feature.
[0013]
In addition, the difference in such “unified features” of each hair bundle group is mainly the types of multiple teeth such as the back teeth and anterior teeth, and the sites of multiple teeth such as interdental portions, tooth surface portions, and neck portions. This is due to the difference in the specific function of each group of hair bundles in order to perform appropriate brushing.
[0014]
In the present application, the longest bristle length of the tip bristle is the bristle length of the longest tip bristle among all the tip bristle constituting the tip bristle bundle group. Of these, it is preferable to occupy 5% or more, particularly 10% or more. The longest bristle length of the central bristle is also the bristle length of the longest central bristle of all the central bristle constituting the central hair bundle group, and these longest central bristle is 5% of the total central bristle As mentioned above, it is preferable to occupy 10% or more.
[0015]
The longest bristle does not mean only one long bristle that is strictly selected, but the length of hair that is considered to be substantially the same as the longest bristle. The purpose is to include the bristle in the longest bristle.
[0016]
Furthermore, in the present application, the average bristle length of the outer bristle constituting the outer bristle bundle group is a value obtained by dividing the sum of the bristle lengths of all outer bristle constituting the outer bristle bundle group by the number of all outer bristle, The average bristle length of the central bristle constituting the hair bundle group is a value obtained by dividing the sum of the bristle lengths of all central bristle constituting the central bristle group by the number of all central bristle.
[0017]
Then, according to the toothbrush of the present invention, the longest bristle length of the tip bristle constituting the group of tip hair bundles planted in the tip region of the flocking table is the central hair planted in the central band-like region of the flocking table. Since it is longer than the longest bristle length of the central bristle that constitutes the bundle group, the longest bristle tip bristle increases the reachability of the back teeth and is implanted in the outer region of the flocking table. Since the average bristle length of the outer bristle constituting the outer bristle bundle group is shorter than the average bristle length of the central bristle group constituting the central bristle group planted in the central band-like region of the flocking table, The reach to the back between the teeth is increased. And by these actions, while improving the feeling of brushing the back teeth and the feeling of brushing between teeth, depending on the type and location of each tooth by a plurality of hair bundle groups with different appearance forms (unified features) It is possible to effectively perform cleaning.
[0018]
Further, according to the toothbrush of the present invention, it is preferable that the longest bristle length of the tip bristle is 1.02 to 1.30 times the longest bristle length of the central bristle. When the longest bristle length of the tip bristle is shorter than 1.02 times the longest bristle length of the central bristle (for example, the longest bristle length of the central bristle is 11.5 mm and the longest bristle length of the tip bristle is 11.6 mm When the length of these longest hairs is equal (1.00 times), the feel and change of the back teeth are lost, and the longest bristle length of the tip bristle is the same as the longest bristle length of the central bristle. When it is longer than 1.30 times (for example, when the longest bristle length of the central bristle is 9.0 mm and the longest bristle length of the front bristle is 12.0 mm), only the front bristle hits the tooth, The effect of the brushing according to the kind and part of each tooth by each hair bundle group becomes low.
[0019]
Furthermore, according to the toothbrush of the present invention, it is preferable that the average bristle length of the outer bristle is 0.70 to 0.97 times the average bristle average bristle length. When the average bristle length is shorter than 0.70 times the average bristle average bristle length (for example, when the outer bristle average bristle length is 8.0 mm and the central bristle average bristle length is 11.5 mm, 0 69 times), the outer bristle becomes too short to hit the teeth, so that the effect of brushing according to the type and location of each tooth by each hair bundle group is reduced, and the average bristle length of the outer bristle is lower than that of the central bristle. If the average bristle length is longer than 0.97 times (for example, when the average bristle length is 11.3 mm and the average bristle length is 11.5 mm, 0.98 times the average bristle length) When the values are equal (1.00 times), the feeling and the change between the teeth can be lost.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A toothbrush 10 according to a preferred first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b) is a toothbrush main body flocking comprising a gripping part (not shown), a flocking table 11, and a neck 12 connecting them. A hair bundle (tuft) 15a, 15b, 15c, 14d formed by bundling a plurality of bristles 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d in a plurality of flocked holes 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d formed in the table 11 is implanted ( It is constructed by planting).
[0021]
According to the toothbrush 10 of the first embodiment, the toothbrush body is a known one made of a synthetic resin such as polypropylene or ABS resin, and the flat flocked surface of the flocking table 11 is approximately 1/4 of the tip. A distal end region 16 occupying the region, a central strip region 17 when the rear portion of the distal end region 16 is divided into three strip regions 17 and 18 along the axial direction X of the toothbrush 10, and the central strip region 17 It has four regions with a pair of outer strip regions 18 on both sides.
[0022]
The tip region 16 has five track-shaped first flocked holes 13a having a major axis of 1.5 mm and a minor axis of 0.8 mm, and a major axis of 1.5 mm and a minor axis of 0.1 mm. The 8 mm track-circular second flocking holes 13b are formed in seven places (12 places in total). Further, in the central belt-like region 17, track circular third flock holes 13c having a minor axis of 0.8 mm parallel to the axial direction X of the toothbrush 10 and a major axis perpendicular to this of 3.0 mm are formed at five locations. ing. Furthermore, in each outer belt-like region 18, there are eight track circular fourth flocking holes 13 d each having a major axis parallel to the axial direction X of the toothbrush 10 of 2.2 mm and a minor axis perpendicular to it of 0.8 mm. , A total of 16 locations.
[0023]
In addition, five first flock holes 13a out of twelve flock holes 13a and 13b in the tip region 16 have seven first follicles 15a schematically shown in black in FIG. The second bristles 13b are respectively planted with second bristles 15b schematically shown in white. Further, the third hair follicles 13c shown schematically in a shaded manner in the five third flock holes 13c in the central band-shaped region 17 have the third flock holes 13c, and the eight flock holes 13d in each outer band-shaped region 18 have the toothbrush 10 Each of the fourth hair bundles 15d, which is schematically shown by drawing a circle that is offset in the axial direction X, is implanted.
[0024]
In addition, according to this embodiment, the front-end | tip part area | region 16, the center strip | belt-shaped area | region 17, and the outer side strip | belt-shaped area | region 18 in the flocking surface of the flocking base 11 are 19A of front end hair | bristle bundles and central hair | bristle bundle groups planted in each area | region, for example. 19B, of the hair bundles 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d constituting the outer hair bundle group 19C, between the outer peripheries of each pair of hair bundles 15b, 15c, 15d arranged at positions adjacent to the other hair bundle groups It is partitioned by a line segment L obtained by connecting the midpoints on the flocked surface.
[0025]
Moreover, the bristle 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d which comprises each hair | bristle bundle 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d is a filament material which has a thickness of 6-9 mil which consists of synthetic resins, such as nylon, for example, By bundling dozens to dozens, each hair bundle 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d is formed.
[0026]
According to the first embodiment, the first hair bundle 15a implanted in the tip end region 16 is configured by bundling 15 tip first bristle 14a having a thickness of 9 mil (0.229 mm), Each tip first bristle 14a has a hair length of 11.0 to 12.0 mm from the flocked surface (11.5 mm in order from the tip first bristle 14a constituting the first hair bundle 15a on the tip side of the flocking table 11; (0 mm, 11.5 mm, 11.0 mm hair length).
[0027]
Further, the second hair bundle 15b is configured by bundling 19 tip second bristle 14b having a thickness of 8 mil (0.203 mm), and each tip second bristle 14b is 10.5 to 11. The hair is planted at a hair length of 5 mm (11.5 mm, 11.0 mm, 10.5 mm hair length in order from the tip second bristle 14b constituting the second hair bundle 15b on the tip side of the hair transplant table 11).
[0028]
That is, according to the first embodiment, the entire upper end brush surface of the hair bundle group 19A in the tip end region 16 composed of the five first hair bundles 15a and the seven second hair bundles 15b is formed by the flocking table. 11, the two first bristle bundles 15a (hair length 12.0 mm) in the second row from the front end side are the highest, and form a mountain shape when viewed from the side of the toothbrush 10 (FIG. 1 ( b)). The five first hair bundles 15a and the seven second hair bundles 15b planted in the tip region 16 are both at an angle of 5 degrees with respect to the direction perpendicular to the flocked surface of the flocking table 11. The toothbrush 10 is implanted so as to tilt toward the tip end side in the axial direction X.
[0029]
In addition, according to the first embodiment, the third hair bundle 15c implanted in the central belt-like region 17 is configured by bundling 38 central bristle 14c having a thickness of 9 mil (0.229 mm), Each central bristle 14c is planted with a hair length of 11.5 mm from the planted surface. Further, the fourth hair bundle 15d implanted in each outer belt-like region 18 is configured by bundling 48 outer bristle 14d having a thickness of 7 mil (0.178 mm), and each outer bristle 14d is 9 from the flocked surface. It is implanted with a hair length of 0 to 11.5 mm.
[0030]
The five third bristle bundles 15c planted in the central band-like region 17 are all at the tip end side in the axial direction X of the toothbrush 10 at an angle of 10 degrees with respect to the direction perpendicular to the flocking surface of the flocking table 11. Each of the four fourth hair bundles 15d located at the tip of the eight fourth hair bundles 15d planted in each outer belt-like region 18 is inclined to the hair transplant table 11. The toothbrush 10 is tilted and planted at the tip end in the axial direction X at an angle of 10 degrees with respect to the direction perpendicular to the flocking surface.
[0031]
Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the fourth hair bundle 15d has the highest bristle length (11.5 mm) as shown in an enlarged top view and a side view in part A of FIG. ) From the outer bristle 14d to the outer bristle 14d having the lowest bristle height (9.0 mm), and the hairs of the outer bristle 14d are sequentially planted in a state of decreasing the bristle height so that the tip shape is a concave curved shape. Yes.
[0032]
And according to this 1st Embodiment, when each hair | bristle bundle 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d is flocked by the flocking base 11 as mentioned above, five places planted by the front-end | tip part area | region 16 were carried out. The one hair bundle 15a and the seven second hair bundles 15b have substantially the same cross-sectional shape, tilt angle, etc., and form a single chevron as a whole. As a set of hair bundles 15a and 15b, a group of front end hair bundles 19A is formed. Further, the tip first bristle 14a and the tip second bristle 14b constituting the hair bundles 15a and 15b have a thickness of 9 mil or 8 mil, and the hair bundles 15a and 15b are tilted and implanted. Therefore, the tip hair bundle group 19 </ b> A has a shape that is desired to be tilted and is suitable for brushing the back teeth.
[0033]
Further, the five third hair bundles 15c implanted in the central band-like region 17 have the same characteristics because their cross-sectional shape, the inclination direction of the hair bundle, the inclination angle, and the like are the same. A group of central hair bundles 19B is formed as a set of hair bundles 15c. Further, each of the eight fourth hair bundles 15d implanted in each outer belt-like region 18 has the same tip shape (curvature of the surface where the bristles are aligned), cross-sectional shape, etc. A group of outer hair bundles 19C is formed as a set of hair bundles 15d having the characteristics described above.
[0034]
The tip hair bundle group 19A, the central hair bundle group 19B, and the outer hair bundle group 19C have the cross-sectional shape of the hair bundles 15a, 15b, 15c, and 15d constituting the hair bundle groups 19A, 19B, and 19C. Since it is clearly different in the tilt angle and the like, it has different appearance forms that can be clearly distinguished.
[0035]
According to the first embodiment, the first bristles 14a and the front ends of the first bristles 14a and the front ends constituting the front hair bundle group 19A by the hair flocks 15a, 15b, 15c, and 15d being flocked to the flock base 11 as described above. The longest bristle length of the second bristle 14b is 12.0 mm (the bristle length of the first bristle tip 14a constituting the two first bristle bundles 15a in the second row from the distal end side of the flock base 11), and the central bristle bundle group The longest bristle length of the central bristle 14c constituting 19B is 11.5 mm, and the longest bristle length (12.0 mm) of the tip first bristle 14a and the tip second bristle 14b constituting the tip bristle bundle group 19A is 12.0 mm. The length of the longest hair (11.5 mm) of the central bristle 14c constituting the central hair bundle group 19B is about 1.04 times as long.
[0036]
Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, as described above, the hair bundles 15a, 15b, 15c, and 15d are planted on the hair transplant table 11, so that the outer bristle 14d constituting each outer hair bundle group 19C is formed. The average bristle length is 10.0 mm, the average bristle length of the central bristle 14c constituting the central bristle bundle group 19B is 11.5 mm, the average bristle length of the outer bristle 14d is shorter than the average bristle length of the central bristle 14c, The average bristle length of the outer bristle 14d constituting each outer bristle bundle group 19C is 0.87 times the average bristle length of the central bristle 14c constituting the central bristle bundle group 19B.
[0037]
And according to the toothbrush 10 of this 1st Embodiment, while improving the feeling of both the feeling which a back tooth can brush well, and the feeling which can polish between teeth well, each tooth | gear by the several hair bundle group from which the unified characteristic differs It is possible to effectively perform the cleaning according to the type and part. That is, according to the toothbrush 10 of the first embodiment, the longest bristle length (12.0 mm) of the tip bristle 14a, 14b constituting the tip bristle bundle group 19A planted in the tip region 16 of the flocking table 11. Is longer than the longest hair length (11.5 mm) of the central bristle 14c constituting the central hair bundle group 19B planted in the central belt-like region 17 of the flocking table 11, so that the tip of the longest hair length The reachability of the back teeth to the back is improved by the bristle 14a. Further, the average bristle length (10.0 mm) of the outer bristle 14d constituting the outer hair bundle group 19C planted in the outer region 18 of the flocking table 11 is the central hair planted in the central band-shaped region 17 of the flocking table 11. Since the average bristle length (11.5 mm) of the central bristle 14c constituting the bundle group 19B is shorter, the reachability between the teeth by the central bristle is improved.
[0038]
Therefore, by these actions, both the feeling of brushing the back teeth and the feeling of brushing the teeth are improved, and each tooth of the plurality of hair bundle groups 19A, 19B, 19C having different appearance forms (unified features) is improved. It is possible to effectively perform the cleaning according to the type and part.
[0039]
2A and 2B show a toothbrush 20 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The toothbrush 20 of the second embodiment includes a plurality of flock holes 23 formed in the flocking table 21 of the toothbrush main body including a gripping part (not shown), a flocking table 21, and a neck 22 connecting them. The hair bundles (tufts) 25a, 25b, and 25c formed by bundling the bristle 24a, 24b, and 24c are each implanted (planted).
[0040]
Further, according to the toothbrush 20 of the second embodiment, the toothbrush body is a known one made of a synthetic resin such as polypropylene or ABS resin, like the toothbrush 10 of the first embodiment. The flat flocked surface is divided into a tip region 26 that occupies approximately one third of the tip, and a rear portion of the tip region 26 is divided into three belt-like regions 27 and 28 along the axial direction X of the toothbrush 20. And four pairs of outer band-shaped regions 28 on both sides of the central band-shaped region 27.
[0041]
The flocking surface of the flocking table 21 is provided with 24 flock holes 23 having a circular cross section having a diameter of 1.6 mm arranged vertically and horizontally in a lattice shape, and 8 in the tip region 26. In addition, the flock holes 23 are arranged at eight places in the central belt-like region 27 and at four places each in the outer belt-like region 28 in a total of eight places.
[0042]
Further, the eight flock holes 23 in the tip region 26 have first follicles 25a schematically indicated by black circles in FIG. The third hair bundles 25d schematically indicated by white circles are respectively planted in the flock holes 23 in total of the second hair bundles 25b schematically indicated by circles and four places on each of the outer belt-like regions 28.
[0043]
Furthermore, bristle 24a, 24b, 24c which comprises each hair | bristle bundle 25a, 25b, 25c is a filament material which has a thickness of 6-9 mil which consists of synthetic resins, such as nylon, Comprising: By bundling several tens of hairs, each hair bundle 25a, 25b, 25c is formed.
[0044]
According to the second embodiment, the first hair bundle 25a implanted in the tip end region 26 is configured by bundling 36 tip bristle 24a having a thickness of 8 mil (0.203 mm). The bristle 24a has a hair length of 9.5 to 11.0 mm from the flocked surface (about 11.0 mm, 10.3 mm, and 9.5 mm in order from the front bristle 24a constituting the first hair bundle 25a on the front end side of the flocking table 21). Hair length).
[0045]
That is, according to the second embodiment, the entire upper end brush surface of the distal end hair bundle group 29 </ b> A in the distal end region 26 composed of the eight first hair bundles 25 a is two in the first row of the front end of the flocking table 21. The first hair bundle 25a (hair length 11.0 mm) is the highest, and the shape of the hair bundle is formed so that the height of the hair bundle becomes gradually lower as viewed from the side of the toothbrush 20 as it goes backward from the tip. (Refer FIG.2 (b)). The eight first hair bundles 25 a planted in the tip end region 26 are all planted in a direction perpendicular to the flocked surface of the flocking table 21. As a result, the eight first hair bundles 25a constitute a group of end hair bundles 29A as a set of hair bundles 25a having unified characteristics.
[0046]
In addition, according to the second embodiment, the second hair bundle 25b implanted in the central belt-like region 27 is configured by bundling 36 central bristle 24b having a thickness of 8 mil (0.203 mm), Each central bristle 24b is planted with a hair length of 10.0 mm from the planted surface. In addition, all of the eight second hair bundles 25 b planted in the central belt-like region 27 are planted in a direction perpendicular to the flocked surface of the flocking table 21. As a result, the eight second hair bundles 25b constitute a group of central hair bundles 29B as a set of hair bundles 25b having unified characteristics.
[0047]
Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the third hair bundle 25c implanted in four places in each outer belt-like region 28 is configured by bundling 48 outer bristle 24c having a thickness of 7 mil (0.178 mm). Each outer bristle 24c is planted with a hair length of 9.0 mm from the planted surface. In addition, the third hair bundles 25 c planted at the four locations are all planted in a direction perpendicular to the flocked surface of the flocking table 21. Accordingly, each of the four second hair bundles 25c constitutes a group of outer hair bundles 29B as a set of hair bundles 25c having unified characteristics.
[0048]
And according to this 2nd Embodiment, when each hair | bristle bundle 25a, 25b, 25c is flocked to the hair-planting base 21 as mentioned above, the longest of the front-end | tip 1st bristle 24a which comprises the front-end | tip hair | bristle bundle group 29A. The bristle length is 11.0 mm (the bristle length of the first first bristle 24a constituting the two first bristle bundles 25a in the first row from the distal end side of the flocking table 21), and the central bristle constituting the central bristle bundle group 29B. The longest hair length of 24b is 10.0 mm. The longest bristle length (11.0 mm) of the first bristle tip 24a constituting the distal bristle bundle group 29A is about 1 of the longest bristle length (10.0 mm) of the central bristle 24b constituting the central bristle bundle group 29B. .10 times longer.
[0049]
In addition, according to the second embodiment, since the hair bundles 25a, 25b, and 25c are implanted in the hair transplant table 21 as described above, the average hair of the outer bristle 24c that constitutes each outer hair bundle group 29C. The length is 9.0 mm, the average bristle 24b constituting the central bristle bundle group 29B is 10.0 mm, and the outer bristle 24c is shorter than the average bristle 24b. In addition, the average bristle length of the outer bristle 24c constituting each outer bristle bundle group 29C is 0.90 times the average bristle length of the central bristle 24b constituting the central bristle bundle group 29B.
[0050]
Further, also by the toothbrush 20 of the second embodiment, the longest bristle length (11.0 mm) of the tip bristle 24a constituting the tip bristle bundle group 29A implanted in the tip region 26 is formed in the central strip region 27. The outer side of the outer bristle group 29C that is longer than the longest hair length (10.0 mm) of the central bristle 24b constituting the central bristle bundle group 29B to be implanted, and that constitutes the outer bristle group 29C to be implanted in the outer region 28. Since the average bristle length (9.0 mm) of the bristle 24 c is shorter than the average bristle length (10.0 mm) of the central bristle 24 b constituting the central hair bundle group 29 </ b> B implanted in the central belt-like region 27, The same effect as the toothbrush 10 of the first embodiment is achieved.
[0051]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made. For example, the shape and arrangement of the flock holes in the flocking table, the thickness and number of bristles constituting each hair bundle are not limited to those in the above embodiment. In addition, it is not always necessary to plant only the tip hair bundle group, the central hair bundle group, and the outer hair bundle group on the toothbrush flocking table, for example, the central hair bundle group or the outer hair group that is implanted in the central belt region or the outer belt region. Further hair bundles or hair bundle groups may be planted behind the hair bundle group.
[0052]
【Example】
Hereinafter, although the toothbrush of this invention is demonstrated in detail by an Example and a comparative example, this invention is not limited to these.
[0053]
Examples 1 and 2
A toothbrush having the same configuration as the toothbrush 10 of the first embodiment is a toothbrush of Example 1, and a toothbrush having the same configuration as the toothbrush 20 of the second embodiment is a toothbrush of Example 2 by a method described later. The use evaluation at the time of brushing was performed for “feeling that the back teeth can be polished well” and “feeling that the teeth can be polished well”. The evaluation results are shown in FIGS. The ratio of the longest bristle length of the tip bristle to the longest bristle length of the central bristle is 1.04 in Example 1 and 1.10 in Example 2, and the average bristle average bristle length of the outer bristle is 1.04. The ratio to the height is 0.87 in Example 1 and 0.90 in Example 2.
[0054]
[Comparative Examples 1-3]
A commercial product A in which the ratio of the longest bristle length of the tip bristle to the longest bristle length of the central bristle is 1.22, and the ratio of the average bristle length of the outer bristle to the average bristle length of the central bristle is 1.17. The toothbrush of Comparative Example 1 A commercial product B in which the ratio of the longest bristle length of the tip bristle to the longest bristle length of the central bristle is 1.00 and the ratio of the average bristle length of the outer bristle to the average bristle length of the central bristle is 1.01 The toothbrush of Comparative Example 2 A commercial product C in which the ratio of the longest bristle length of the tip bristle to the longest bristle length of the central bristle is 0.88, and the ratio of the average bristle length of the outer bristle to the average bristle length of the central bristle is 0.78. As the toothbrush of Comparative Example 3, the use evaluation at the time of brushing was performed for “feeling that the back teeth are well brushed” and “feeling that the teeth are well brushed” by the method described later. The evaluation results are shown in FIGS.
[0055]
[Evaluation of use during cleaning]
20 panelists actually use each of the toothbrushes of Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3, and by a hearing survey, "feeling that the back teeth are well polished" and "feeling that the teeth are well polished" evaluated. The evaluation criteria for the feeling that the back teeth can be brushed well is a five-step evaluation of "I can brush well", "Slightly brush", "I can't say either", "I can't brush very well", "I can't brush well", As for the feeling of being able to polish well, as a five-point evaluation of “I can polish well”, “I can polish slightly better”, “I can't say either”, “I can't polish very well”, “I can't polish well”, the response rate of panelists (%) Evaluated by. The evaluation results are shown in FIG.
[0056]
According to the evaluation results shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the toothbrushes of Examples 1 and 2 according to the present invention have an extremely high evaluation regarding the feel at the time of brushing compared with the toothbrushes of Comparative Examples 1 to 3. It turns out.
[0057]
【The invention's effect】
According to the toothbrush of the present invention, while improving the feeling of both the feeling of brushing the back teeth and the feeling of brushing between the teeth, the type of each tooth by a plurality of hair bundle groups having different appearance forms (unified features) The brushing according to the part can be effectively performed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 (a) is a schematic plan view showing a main part of a toothbrush according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 (b) is a side view and a partially enlarged view thereof.
2A is a schematic plan view showing a main part of a toothbrush according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a side view thereof.
FIG. 3 shows the ratio of the longest bristle length of the tip bristle to the longest bristle length of the central bristle and the central bristle of the average bristle length of the outer bristle for each toothbrush of Examples 1, 2 and Comparative Examples 1-3. It is a chart which shows ratio with respect to average hair length.
FIG. 4 is a chart showing evaluation results of use evaluation at the time of printing.
[Explanation of symbols]
10,20 toothbrush
11, 21 Flocking table
12,22 neck
13a First flock hole
13b Second flock hole
13c 3rd flock hole
13d 4th flock hole
23 Flocking hole
14a, 24a Tip first bristle, tip bristle
14b tip second bristle
14c, 24b Central bristle
14d, 24c outer bristle
15a, 25a first hair bundle
15b, 25b second hair bundle
15c, 25c 3rd hair bundle
15d 4th hair bundle
16, 26 Tip area
17, 27 Central strip area
18, 28 Outer strip region
19A, 29A Tip hair bundle group
19B, 29B Central hair bundle group
19C, 29C Outer hair bundle group
X Toothbrush axial direction

Claims

A toothbrush in which a plurality of bristle bundling bristles are planted on a flocking table,
The flocking surface of the flocking table includes a tip region, a central belt region when a rear portion of the tip region is divided into three belt regions along the axial direction of the toothbrush, and a pair of both sides of the central belt region. Four regions with the outer belt-like region of
The front hair bundle group planted in the tip region, the central hair bundle group planted in the central band region, and the outer hair bundle group planted in each outer belt region have unified characteristics. The bundle of hair bundles has a group of external appearance forms, and the tip hair bundle group, the central hair bundle group, and the outer hair bundle group have different appearance forms that can clearly distinguish the unified features. And
And the longest bristle length of the tip bristle constituting the tip bristle bundle group is longer than the longest bristle length of the central bristle constituting the central bristle bundle group, and the outer side constituting the outer bristle bundle group A toothbrush in which an average bristle length of a bristle is shorter than an average bristle length of a central bristle that constitutes the central bristle bundle group.

The tip bristle having the longest hair length in the tip hair bundle group occupies 5% or more of the total tip bristle, and the center bristle having the longest hair length in the center hair bundle group The toothbrush of Claim 1 which occupies 5% or more .

The longest bristle length of the front bristle constituting the front bristle bundle group is 1.02 to 1.30 times the longest bristle length of the central bristle constituting the central bristle bundle group, and the outer side the average hair length of outer bristles constituting the bristle bundle group, according to claim 1 or 2 wherein a 0.70 to .97 times the length of an average hair length of central bristles constituting the central tuft group toothbrush.