JP6141835B2 - toothbrush - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a toothbrush.
This application claims priority on May 23, 2012 based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-117748 for which it applied to Japan, and uses the content here.

Toothbrushes are required to have an oral cleaning effect and a massage effect as basic functions, and high value-added toothbrushes have been achieved by improving the basic functions. In order to improve this basic performance, it is common to combine the arrangement and shape of the flock holes, the type and shape of the hair, the hair cutting shape of the hair bundle, and the like.

  For example, a toothbrush provided with a bristol bar formed from a rubberized material has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1). This bristol bar is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped bar whose longitudinal direction is the width direction of the brush head, and can remove squeegee from the tooth surface when cleaning the oral cavity.

Further, as a toothbrush intended to enhance the massage effect, a toothbrush provided with a massager made of an elastic body is known.
As a toothbrush provided with a massager, for example, a toothbrush with a toothpaste bar in which rubber-like cylindrical rod-shaped members having elasticity are provided on both sides on the outermost side of the flocking has been proposed (for example, Patent Documents). 2). According to the invention of Patent Document 2, when cleaning the oral cavity with a hair bundle, the gum can be massaged with a rubber-like cylindrical rod-shaped member.

Japanese National Patent Publication No. 11-502439 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 58-17029

However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, the bristol bar slides on the gingiva, but the massage effect on the gingiva is not sufficient. Moreover, in the technique of patent document 2, although the rubber-like cylindrical rod-shaped member presses a gum, the massage effect is not enough. This is because the cylindrical rod-shaped member has no stiffness and cannot press the gingiva with high pressure. Moreover, when the rigidity of a cylindrical bar-like member is simply increased, there is a problem that the cleaning effect in the oral cavity is remarkably impaired and the hitting comfort is lowered.
Thus, it has been difficult for the conventional technique to achieve both a gingival massage effect and an oral cleaning effect.
Then, it aims at the toothbrush which can massage a gingiva effectively, without impairing a cleaning effect.

The toothbrush of the present invention is a toothbrush in which a hair bundle in which a plurality of bristles are bundled is implanted on the flocked surface of the head portion, and the head portion includes a pedestal portion protruding from the flocked surface, and the pedestal An elastic member having a plurality of protrusions formed on the protruding end surface of the portion is provided, and the protruding end surface side of the pedestal is branched.
The elastic member is preferably branched by a cut from the projecting end surface toward the base end. Two or more elastic members are provided, and both the width direction of the head portion and the length direction of the head portion are provided. Alternatively, on the other hand, it is preferable that the hair bundle is provided, and the elastic member preferably has a lower height on the flocked surface than the hair bundle.
That is, the present invention relates to the following.
[1] A toothbrush in which a hair bundle in which a plurality of bristles are bundled is planted on the hair planting surface of the head portion,
The head portion includes an elastic member including a pedestal portion protruding from the flocked surface and a plurality of protrusions formed on the protruding end surface of the pedestal portion,
The protruding end surface side of the pedestal portion is a branched toothbrush.
[2] The toothbrush according to [1], wherein the pedestal portion is branched by a cut from the protruding end surface toward the flocked surface.
[3] The head portion has 2 or more and 12 or less of the elastic members,
The toothbrush according to [1] or [2], wherein the elastic member is provided so as to sandwich a part of the hair bundle in at least one direction of a width direction of the head portion and a length direction of the head portion. .
[4] The toothbrush according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein a height of the elastic member on the flocked surface is lower than a maximum value of a height on the flocked surface of the hair bundle.

In the toothbrush of the present invention, it is preferable that the pedestal portion has a rectangular column shape having a rectangular shape in plan view.
It is preferable that the maximum width of the protruding portion is reduced when the protruding portion is cut along an arbitrary plane parallel to the protruding end surface as it goes toward the protruding end.
The head portion has three or more and twelve or less elastic members, and the elastic member is a part of the hair bundle in at least one direction of a width direction of the head portion and a length direction of the head portion. It is preferable that they are provided with a gap therebetween.
The elastic member is preferably provided on both sides of the head portion in the width direction.

As another aspect of the present invention, the head portion has two or more and twelve or less elastic members, and the elastic members are provided between the hair bundles in the length direction of the head portion. May be.
The elastic member may be surrounded by the hair bundle.
The elastic member may be arranged in a range of 3 or more and 12 or less in the length direction of the head portion, and a hair bundle may be provided between the elastic members arranged in parallel.
The pedestal portion may be branched by a concave line formed on the protruding end surface.

  According to the toothbrush of this invention, a gum can be massaged effectively, without impairing the cleaning effect.

It is a top view of the head part of the toothbrush concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the head part of the toothbrush concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the head part of the toothbrush concerning other embodiments of the present invention. It is a side view of the head part of the toothbrush concerning other embodiments of the present invention. It is a top view of the head part of the toothbrush concerning other embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view of the head part of the toothbrush concerning other embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view of the head part of the toothbrush concerning other embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view of the head part of the toothbrush concerning other embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view of the elastic member concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the head part of the toothbrush concerning other embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view of the head part of the toothbrush concerning other embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view of the head part of the toothbrush used as a comparative example of the present invention. It is a side view of the head part of the toothbrush used as a comparative example of the present invention. It is a top view of the head part of the toothbrush used as a comparative example of the present invention. It is a side view of the head part of the toothbrush used as a comparative example of the present invention. It is a top view of the head part of the toothbrush used as a comparative example of the present invention. It is a side view of the head part of the toothbrush used as a comparative example of the present invention. It is a top view of the head part of the toothbrush used as a comparative example of the present invention. It is a side view of the head part of the toothbrush used as a comparative example of the present invention. It is a top view of the head part of the toothbrush used as a comparative example of the present invention. It is a side view of the head part of the toothbrush used as a comparative example of the present invention. It is a top view of the head part of the toothbrush used as a comparative example of the present invention. It is a side view of the head part of the toothbrush used as a comparative example of the present invention.

The toothbrush of the present invention is a toothbrush in which a hair bundle is implanted on the flocked surface of the head portion, and an elastic member including a pedestal portion and a plurality of protrusions formed on the protruding end surface of the pedestal portion is provided. is there. Embodiments of the toothbrush of the present invention will be described below.

(First embodiment)
The toothbrush concerning 1st embodiment of this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B below.
The toothbrush 1 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B includes a long handle portion 3 and a handle body including a head portion 2 provided at the tip of the handle portion 3, and a hair bundle 32 provided on a flocked surface 20 of the head portion 2. And the elastic member 10.

The shape of the head portion 2 in plan view is a rectangle whose longitudinal direction is an extending direction of the axis O <b> 1 passing through the center of the head portion 2 and extending from the base end 22 toward the tip end 21.
Note that the “rectangular shape” in the present specification includes a rectangle in which a part or all of the top part is formed with straight or curved corners, and a rectangle in which part or all of the side is formed with a curve.
In the central portion of the flocked surface 20, along the axis O1, hair bundles 32 in which a plurality of hairs are bundled are arranged in two rows (the number of hair bundles arranged in the width direction of the head portion) × 6 rows (the length of the head portion). The center hair bundle group 30 is formed by planting the number of hair bundles arranged in the direction). Furthermore, on the flocked surface 20, hair bundles 32 are planted in the order of 2 from the front end 21 in the form of 2 columns × 1 rows and 4 columns × 1 rows on the front end 21 side of the central hair bundle group 30. Moreover, the hair | bristle bundle 32 is planted by the base end 22 side rather than the center hair | bristle bundle group 30 by 3 rows x 1 line. Thus, in this embodiment, the hair transplantation part which consists of the 21 hair | bristle bundle 32 is formed.
In addition, as long as it has the effect of this invention, you may change suitably the number of rows and the number of rows which plant the hair | bristle bundle 32, for example, the hair | bristle bundle 32 is 1-3 columns x in order from the front-end | tip 2 of a head part. It may be planted in 1-2 rows, 2-4 columns × 1-2 rows, 2-3 columns × 2-10 rows (central hair bundle group 30), 1-3 columns × 1-2 rows.

Furthermore, two elastic members 10 are provided on the flocked surface 20 on both sides in the width direction of the head portion 2 with the central hair bundle group 30 interposed therebetween. Two elastic members 10 are arranged in the extending direction of the axis O1 on one side of the central hair bundle group 30 and the elastic member 10 is extended in the extending direction of the axis O1 on the other side of the central hair bundle group 30. Two are lined up. The “width direction” of the head portion 2 is a direction orthogonal to the axis O1 in plan view, and the “length direction” of the head portion 2 is the extending direction of the axis O1.

In the toothbrush 1, the head portion 2 and the handle portion 3 are integrally formed as a whole as a whole. For example, the head portion 2 and the handle portion 3 are obtained by injection molding using a resin as a material.
The resin constituting the handle body can be determined in consideration of the rigidity and mechanical characteristics required for the toothbrush 1, and examples thereof include a high-hardness resin having a flexural modulus (JIS K7203) in the range of 500 to 3000 MPa. Examples of such high-hardness resins include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate (PCT), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene resin (ABS), and cellulose propio. Nate (CP), polyarylate, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile / styrene copolymer resin (AS), and the like. These can be used individually by 1 type or in combination of 2 or more types.
Further, the handle portion 3 may be partially or wholly covered with a flexible resin such as an elastomer.

The size of the head part 2 can be determined in consideration of the operability in the oral cavity, for example, the width is 8 to 15 mm, the length is 15 to 40 mm, and the thickness is 2.5 to 8 mm.

The bristles constituting the hair bundle 32 are bristles (taper hairs) whose diameter gradually decreases toward the bristles, and bristles (straight bristles) having substantially the same outer diameter except for the rounded portion of the bristles. , Spiral hairs, crimp hairs, and the like.

The material of the hair is, for example, polyamide such as 6-12 nylon or 6-10 nylon; PET, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polybutylene naphthalate ( Synthetic resin materials such as polyesters such as PBN); polyolefins such as PP, olefin elastomers, and styrene elastomers can be used.
A plurality of these resin materials may be used in combination, and among them, it is preferable to use a mixture of a plurality of polyesters in terms of easily strengthening the stiffness and improving the scraping ability of plaque.
The mixture of a plurality of polyesters includes a combination of polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate, a combination of polyethylene terephthalate and polytrimethylene terephthalate, a combination of polybutylene terephthalate and polytrimethylene terephthalate, or a polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate. And a combination of polytrimethylene terephthalate are preferred.
Examples of the bristle include polyester bristle having a multi-core structure having a core part and at least one or more sheath parts provided outside the core part. When a multi-core structure is used, different polyesters can be used for the core portion and the sheath portion, so that the mechanical properties can be easily adjusted. For this reason, it is possible to easily obtain hair with strong stiffness and higher plaque scraping ability.
In addition, as a combination of different polyesters that can be used for the core and sheath hair, a combination in which the sheath is polyethylene terephthalate and the core is polybutylene terephthalate; the sheath is polybutylene terephthalate and the core is poly A combination of trimethylene terephthalate or a combination of polyethylene terephthalate as the sheath and polytrimethylene terephthalate as the core is preferable.

The cross-sectional shape of the bristle is preferably a circle, but is not necessarily limited to a circle, and can be any shape depending on the intended use of the toothbrush 1, for example, an ellipse, a polygon (for example, a triangle) , Quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon, star, etc.), three-leaf clover shape, four-leaf clover shape, and the like.

The thickness of the hair (that is, the maximum width in the cross section) is appropriately determined in consideration of the material, length, etc. For example, when the cross section is circular, 3-12 mils (1 mil = 1/1000 inch = 0.0). 025 mm) is preferable, and 4 to 10 mil is more preferable.
Moreover, in consideration of a feeling of use, a feeling of cleaning, a cleaning effect, durability, and the like, a plurality of hairs having different thicknesses may be used in any combination.

The thickness of the hair bundle 32 on the flocked surface 20 (that is, the maximum width in the cross section of the hair bundle) can be determined in consideration of the material and thickness of the hair, and is preferably 1 to 3.5 mm, for example. More preferably, it is 5 to 2.5 mm. The thickness of the hair bundles of all the hair bundles 32 may be the same or different from each other.
Moreover, the shortest distance of the hair | bristle bundles in the flocked surface 20 may be the same between all the hair | bristle bundles, and may differ respectively. The shortest distance between the hair bundles on the flocked surface 20 is preferably 0.2 to 1.2 mm, and more preferably 0.3 to 1.0 mm.

The hair length of the hair bundle 32 (that is, the height of the hair bundle 32) H1, that is, the length from the flocked surface 20 to the tip of the hair bundle 32 can be determined in the range of 6 mm to 15 mm, for example. The hair length H1 of all the hair bundles 32 may be the same or different from each other.
Further, for example, the hair height H1 of each hair bundle 32 may be adjusted so that the hair transplant portion becomes higher toward the center in the width direction of the head portion 2 (that is, the axis O1).

The elastic member 10 is formed on a pedestal portion 12 projecting on the flocked surface 20 and a protruding end surface 13 of the pedestal portion 12 (that is, a surface opposite to the surface in contact with the flocked surface 20 in the pedestal portion 12). It is a member that includes a plurality of protrusions 14 and the protruding end surface 13 side of the pedestal portion 12 branches into four.
In the present embodiment, the pedestal portion 12 has a rectangular columnar shape in a plan view that is long in the direction in which the axis O1 extends, and a pair of sides and four tops that form a short side in the plan view shape are curved. Is formed. Even if the pedestal portion 12 has the same maximum width when it is cut from any boundary parallel to the projecting end surface 13 from the boundary with the flocked surface 20 (that is, the base end of the pedestal unit 12) to the projecting end surface 13. It may be gradually reduced or gradually expanded.
A cut 16 is formed in the pedestal portion 12 from the protruding end surface 13 toward the flocked surface 20. That is, the pedestal portion 12 is branched on the protruding end surface 13 side by the notch 16.
In the specification and claims of the present application, “cut” means a slit (gap) having a maximum width of less than 3 mm that branches off the protruding end surface side of the pedestal.
On the protruding end surface 13 of the pedestal portion 12, two protrusions 14 are formed side by side in the short direction of the pedestal portion 12 and four in the longitudinal direction of the pedestal portion 12. The protrusion 14 has a substantially circular shape in plan view, and has a conical shape with a diameter reduced toward the protrusion. The notch 16 is formed between the protrusions 14 arranged in the longitudinal direction of the pedestal portion 12, and each branched portion of the pedestal portion 12 has two protrusions 14.
Note that the two protrusions 14 are not necessarily formed in the short direction of the pedestal portion 12 and four in the longitudinal direction of the pedestal portion 12, and as long as the effects of the present invention are provided, the short portions of the pedestal portion 12 are formed. 1 to 3 in the direction and 2 to 8 in the longitudinal direction may be formed.
Further, each branched portion of the pedestal portion 12 does not necessarily have two protrusions 14, but may have one to four as long as the effect of the present invention is obtained.

In the present embodiment, the elastic member 10 is a member in which the pedestal portion 12 and the protruding portion 14 are integrally molded, and is obtained by injection molding using a resin as a material, for example.
The resin constituting the elastic member 10 may be any resin that can be appropriately bent at the time of oral cleaning, and examples thereof include a soft resin. As the soft resin, a resin having a hardness (JISK6253 hardness test, test condition JIS A) of 5 to 100 is preferable, and a resin of 20 to 60 is more preferable. If the hardness is 5 or more, it has sufficient elasticity and a sufficient massage effect is obtained, and if the hardness is 100 or less, a sufficient massage effect can be obtained without damaging the gums. .
Specific examples of the soft resin include polyolefin-based thermoplastic elastomer, polystyrene-based thermoplastic elastomer, polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomer, polyester-based thermoplastic elastomer, 1,2-polybutadiene-based thermoplastic elastomer, ethylene-vinyl acetate-based thermoplastic elastomer. And polyvinyl chloride thermoplastic elastomer, natural rubber thermoplastic elastomer, fluorine thermoplastic elastomer, trans-polyisoprene thermoplastic elastomer, and the like.

In the present embodiment, the height h <b> 1 of the elastic member 10, i.e., the length from the flocked surface 20 to the protruding end of the protrusion 14 is determined in consideration of the hair height H <b> 1 of the hair bundle 32, the material of the elastic member 10, and the like. For example, 5.5 to 14.5 mm is preferable, and 7 to 11 mm is more preferable. If it is more than the said lower limit, the projection part 14 will be easy to contact | abut to a gum at the time of intraoral cleaning, and a more favorable massage effect can be acquired. If it is below the said upper limit, the elastic member 10 is equipped with moderate hardness and a softness | flexibility, and can improve a massage effect more.

In addition, the height h1 of the elastic member 10 is preferably lower than the maximum value of the hair height H1 of the hair bundle 32, and the height difference D1 represented by [H1]-[h1] is preferably 0.5. -3 mm, more preferably 1-2.5 mm. Since the elastic member 10 is lower than the hair bundle 32, the cleaning effect of the tooth surface or the interdental portion by the hair bundle 32 and the gingival massage effect by the elastic member 10 can be further improved.

The height h2 of the pedestal portion 12 is determined in consideration of the hardness and flexibility required for the elastic member 10, and is preferably 5 to 11 mm, and more preferably 6 to 8 mm, for example.
The length L1 of the pedestal portion 12, that is, the maximum value of the length in the longitudinal direction of the pedestal portion 12 in plan view is determined in consideration of the hardness and flexibility required of the elastic member 10, and is preferably 3 to 15 mm, for example. 5-10 mm is more preferable.
The width W1 of the pedestal portion 12, that is, the maximum value of the length in the short direction of the pedestal portion 12 in plan view is determined in consideration of the hardness and flexibility required of the elastic member 10, and is preferably 1 to 3 mm, for example. 1.5 to 2.5 mm is more preferable.

The height h3 of the projecting portion 14, that is, the length from the projecting end surface 13 to the projecting end of the projecting portion 14 is determined in consideration of the material of the projecting portion 14, and is preferably 0.5 to 4 mm, for example. 3 mm is more preferable. If it is in the said range, a more favorable massage effect can be acquired.
As the width r1 of the protrusion 14 (that is, the maximum width at the base end of the protrusion 14 ) , the sum of the two widths r1 of the protrusions may be smaller than the width W1 of the pedestal 12, and the material of the protrusion 14 For example, 0.5 to 2 mm is preferable, and 0.8 to 1.2 mm is more preferable. Within the above range, the balance between strength and flexibility is good. The widths r1 of all the protrusions 14 may be the same or different from each other.

The depth d1 of the notch 16 in the pedestal portion 12 is determined in consideration of the material of the pedestal portion 12, the width W1, and the like. For example, 1/3 to 2/3 of the height h2 of the pedestal portion 12 is preferable. / 5 to 3/5 is more preferable. If it is less than the lower limit, the elastic member 10 may give too much irritation to the gingiva, and if it exceeds the upper limit, the irritation given by the elastic member 10 to the gingiva becomes too weak and the massage effect may be insufficient. There is.

The width w2 of the notch 16, that is, the maximum distance between the branched portions in the pedestal portion 12, is determined in consideration of the material of the pedestal portion 12, and is preferably 2 mm or less, more preferably 1 mm or less, and 0.5 mm. The following is more preferable, and the branched portions may be in contact with each other. If the width w2 is equal to or less than the above upper limit value, the elastic member 10 gives an appropriate stimulus to the gums, and the massage effect can be further enhanced.

The shortest distance w1 between any notch 16 and another notch 16 may be any distance that allows a protrusion to be formed on a branched portion of the pedestal portion 12, and the material, length L1, and width of the pedestal portion 12 can be used. For example, 0.8 to 5 mm is preferable, and 1 to 3 mm is more preferable. The shortest distance w1 may be all the same or different from each other.
If the amount is less than the lower limit, the stimulus given to the gum by the elastic member 10 may be too weak, and the massage effect may be insufficient. If the value exceeds the upper limit, the stimulus given to the gum by the elastic member 10 may be too strong. There is.
The shortest distance between the elastic members 10 aligned in the extending direction of the axis O1 is preferably 2 to 10 mm, and more preferably 3 to 8 mm.
The shortest distance between the elastic member 10 and the central hair bundle group 30 is preferably 0.2 to 1.5 mm, and more preferably 0.3 to 1.0 mm.
In addition, it is preferable that the center hair | bristle bundle group 30 is 2-5 mm in width and 2-12 mm in length.

The manufacturing method of the toothbrush 1 is, for example, forming a handle body (primary molding), providing the elastic body 10 to the obtained handle body (secondary molding), and then implanting the hair bundle 32 in the head portion 2. And a flocking process.

The primary molding uses a pair of primary molds in which cavities corresponding to the shape of the handle body are formed, and the handle body is molded by injecting a resin constituting the handle body (sometimes referred to as a primary resin) into the cavity. It is an operation to do.

The subsequent secondary molding uses a pair of secondary dies in which cavities corresponding to the shape of the elastic member 10 are formed, and the handle body obtained by the primary molding is loaded into the cavities of the secondary dies. This is an operation of injecting a resin constituting the elastic member 10 (sometimes referred to as a secondary resin) into the mold and providing the elastic member 10 on the flocked surface 20. The cavity of the secondary mold is such that when the handle body is loaded in the cavity, the space formed between the loaded handle body and the cavity has a shape corresponding to the elastic member 10.

The flocking process is a process in which the hair bundle 32 is implanted in the head portion 2 to obtain the toothbrush 1. A known method can be used for planting the hair bundle 32. For example, the hair bundle composed of a plurality of hairs is folded in half, and a retaining member (flat wire) is sandwiched between them, and this flat wire is planted. A flat wire flocking method in which the hair bundle is fixed by driving into the pores. A conventionally well-known thing can be used for this flat wire, For example, the flat wire made from brass and aluminum is mentioned.

Next, the usage method of the toothbrush 1 of this embodiment is demonstrated taking the case where the oral cavity is cleaned by the scrub method or the bath method as an example.
The tip of the hair bundle 32 is brought into contact with the tooth surface and the neck portion, and the toothbrush 1 is reciprocated in the extending direction of the axis O1. At this time, the hair bundle 32 scrapes off the dirt on the tooth surface, the interdental part or the cervical part, and the protrusion 14 slides on the gingiva. When the protrusion 14 slides on the gingiva, the protrusion 14 or the pedestal 12 is bent or elastically restored by the resistance. In addition, since the pedestal portion 12 is branched by the notch 16, each of the branched portions bends in the longitudinal direction and the short direction of the elastic member 10, and moderately stimulates the gums. Further, a part of the hair bundle 32, that is, the hair bundle 32 forming the central hair bundle group 30 is sandwiched between the elastic members 10 provided on both sides in the width direction of the head portion 2. Movement in the direction is restricted. Thus, in the toothbrush 1, the elastic member 10 presses the gingiva with an appropriate pressure to exert a massage effect on the gingiva, and the hair bundle 32 rubs the tooth surface, interdental portion or tooth neck portion well. .

According to this embodiment, since the elastic member 10 is provided, the massage effect to a gum can be exhibited at the time of cleaning in the oral cavity.
Since the elastic member 10 of this embodiment is an elastic member in which the protrusion 14 is formed on the pedestal portion 12, the protrusion 14 mainly comes into contact with the gingiva during cleaning in the oral cavity. Since the maximum width at the proximal end is smaller than the width and length of the pedestal portion 12, the protruding portion 14 flexes flexibly while transmitting the force concentrated on the protruding end to the gingiva. For this reason, a soft hit feeling is given to gingiva.
In addition, since the elastic member 10 has appropriate rigidity due to the pedestal portion 12, the protrusion portion 14 can stimulate the gums with appropriate strength and enhance the massage effect.
Furthermore, since the pedestal portion 12 is branched on the protruding end surface 13 side, when the inside of the oral cavity is cleaned by the scrub method or the bath method, the branched portions of the pedestal portion 12 are individually bent, and the stimulus given to the gingiva is moderately moderated. Can be relaxed.
That is, since the elastic member 10 is easily bent stepwise from the proximal end to the protruding end, the protrusion 14 comes into contact with the gingiva with a soft contact feeling, and as a whole, an appropriate stimulus can be given to the gingiva. .

Generally, a toothbrush is designed so that a bristle bundle can interfere with each other during the cleaning of the oral cavity, so that appropriate bristle strength can be exhibited. When the elastic member 10 is provided on the flocked surface of such a toothbrush, the number of bristle bundles is reduced, the bristle strength is lowered, and the cleaning effect tends to be lowered.
According to this embodiment, since the central hair bundle group 30 which is a part of the hair bundle 32 is sandwiched between the elastic members 10, the hair bundle 32 forming the central hair bundle group 30 is in the width direction of the head portion 2. The degree of bending is limited. For this reason, even if the quantity is small, the hair | bristle bundle 32 is equipped with a strong bristle waist and can improve the cleaning effect more.

(Second embodiment)
The toothbrush concerning 2nd embodiment of this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B below.
The same members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and differences from the first embodiment are mainly described.
The toothbrush 100 of this embodiment is a toothbrush in which a bristle bundle 132 is provided between two elastic members 10 arranged on both sides in the length direction of the head portion 2 (that is, the extending direction of the axis O1). That is, the toothbrush 100 is a toothbrush in which the elastic member 10 is provided so as to sandwich a part of the hair bundle in both the width direction and the length direction of the head portion 2.

In the flocked surface 20, the hair bundles 32 are arranged in order from the tip 21 of the head portion, 2 columns × 1 row, 4 columns × 1 row, 2 columns × 3 rows, 4 columns × 1 row (of these, the head portion 2 The hair bundles at both ends in the width direction are indicated by reference numeral 132), and are arranged in 2 columns × 3 rows and 3 columns × 1 row.
The shortest distance between the hair bundles on the flocked surface 20 may be the same among all the hair bundles, or may be different from each other. The shortest distance between the hair bundles is preferably 0.2 to 1.2 mm, more preferably 0.3 to 1.0 mm.
Two elastic members 10 are provided on both sides in the width direction of the head portion 2 so that the longitudinal direction thereof is in the extending direction of the axis O1. The two pairs of elastic members 10 facing each other in the width direction of the head portion 2 are provided with the hair bundles 32 of 2 columns × 3 rows interposed therebetween. A first central hair bundle group 130a is formed by the two rows by three rows of hair bundles 32 sandwiched between the pair of elastic members 10 located on the tip 21 side with the hair bundle 132 as the center. In addition, a second central hair bundle group 130b is formed by 2 rows × 3 rows of hair bundles 32 sandwiched between a pair of elastic members 10 positioned on the base end 22 side with the hair bundle 132 as a center.
The center hair bundle group 130a preferably has a width of 2 to 5 mm and a length of 2 to 10 mm.
The center hair bundle group 130b preferably has a width of 2 to 5 mm and a length of 2 to 10 mm.
Moreover, the hair | bristle bundle 132 is planted between the pair of elastic members 10 located in a line in the extending direction of the axis O1.
The shortest distance between each elastic member 10 and the hair bundle 132 may be the same or different. The shortest distance between the elastic member 10 and the hair bundle 132 is preferably 0.3 to 1.2 mm, and more preferably 0.5 to 1.0 mm.
The shortest distance between the elastic member 10 and the central hair bundle group 130a or the central hair bundle group 130b is preferably 0.2 to 1.5 mm, and more preferably 0.3 to 1.0 mm.
In addition, as long as it has the effect of this invention, you may change suitably the number of rows and the number of rows which plant the hair | bristle bundle 32, for example, the hair | bristle bundle 32 is 1-3 columns x sequentially from the front-end | tip 21 of a head part. 1 to 2 rows, 2 to 4 columns x 1 to 2 rows, 1 to 3 columns x 1 to 4 rows (central hair bundle group 130a), 3 to 5 columns x 1 to 2 rows (including the width of the head portion 2) Even if it has been planted in 1 to 2 rows x 1 to 4 rows (central hair bundle group 130b) 1 to 3 rows x 1 to 2 rows Good.

According to the toothbrush 100 of the present embodiment, the elastic member 10 is provided across a part of the hair bundle 32 (that is, the central hair bundle group 130a and the central hair bundle group 130b) in the width direction of the head portion 2. In the length direction of the head portion 2, the hair bundle 132 is interposed therebetween. For this reason, when the inside of the oral cavity is washed with the toothbrush 100, in the hair bundle 32 forming the first central hair bundle group 130a and the hair bundle 32 forming the second central hair bundle group 130b, the width direction of the head portion 2 The degree of bending is limited. For this reason, the hair | bristle bundle 32 which forms the 1st center hair | bristle bundle group 130a and the 2nd center hair | bristle bundle group 130b cleans the intraoral area with a strong bristle.
In addition, since the bristle bundle 132 is sandwiched between the elastic members 10 in the length direction of the head portion 2, when the toothbrush 100 is reciprocated in the extending direction of the axis O1, the length of the head portion 2 is increased. The degree of bending is limited, and the inside of the oral cavity can be cleaned with strong fur.
Thus, the cleaning effect of the toothbrush 100 can be further enhanced by providing the elastic member 10 with a part of the hair bundle sandwiched in both the width direction and the length direction of the head portion 2.

(Third embodiment)
A toothbrush according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.
The same members as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and differences from the first and second embodiments are mainly described.
The toothbrush 200 of the present embodiment is a toothbrush in which three elastic members 10 are arranged in parallel on the axis O1, and each elastic member 10 has a short extension direction of the axis O1.
In order from the tip 21 of the head portion on the flocked surface 20, a hair bundle 32 of 2 columns × 1 row, a hair bundle 32 of 4 rows × 1 row, an elastic member 10, a hair bundle 32 of 4 rows × 1 row, an elastic member 10, 4 rows × 1 row of hair bundles 32, elastic member 10, 4 rows × 1 row of hair bundles 32, 3 rows × 1 row of hair bundles 32 are provided. That is, the toothbrush 200 is a toothbrush in which three elastic members 10 are provided across a part of the hair bundle 32 in the length direction of the head portion 2.
The shortest distance between adjacent hair bundles planted on the flocked surface 20 may be the same among all the hair bundles, or may be different from each other. The shortest distance between the hair bundles is preferably 0.2 to 1.2 mm, more preferably 0.3 to 1.0 mm.
The shortest distance between the elastic members 10 provided on the axis O1 is preferably 2 to 5 mm, and more preferably 3 to 4 mm. The shortest distance between the elastic members 10 may all be the same or different.
The shortest distance between the elastic member 10 and the hair bundle 32 is preferably 0.2 to 1.0 mm, and more preferably 0.3 to 0.8 mm. The shortest distance between the elastic member 10 and the hair bundle 32 may be all the same or different.
In addition, as long as it has the effect of this invention, you may change suitably the number of rows and the number of rows which plant the hair | bristle bundle 32, for example, it is 1-3 columns x 1-2 rows sequentially from the front-end | tip 21 of a head part. Hair bundle 32, 2-4 columns × 1-2 rows of hair bundles 32, elastic member 10, 3-5 columns × 1-3 rows of hair bundles 32, elastic member 10, 3-5 columns × 1-3 rows of The hair bundle 32, the elastic member 10, 3 to 5 columns × 1 to 3 rows of hair bundles 32, and 1 to 3 columns × 1 to 2 rows of hair bundles 32 may be provided.

According to the toothbrush 200 of the present embodiment, the elastic member 10 is provided in the length direction of the head portion 2 with a part of the hair bundle 32 interposed therebetween. For this reason, when the toothbrush 200 is reciprocated in the extending direction of the axis O1, the hair bundle 32 in which the elastic member 10 restricts the degree of bending in the length direction of the head portion 2 increases, and the bristle is stronger. The tooth surface can be cleaned.

(Fourth embodiment)
A toothbrush according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B.
The same members as those in the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and differences from the first to third embodiments are mainly described.
In the toothbrush 300 of the present embodiment, four elastic members 10 are provided in two columns × 2 rows at the approximate center of the flocked surface 20, and a bundle of hairs surrounds an elastic member group composed of the four elastic members 10. The toothbrush 32 is provided. That is, in the toothbrush 300, the elastic member 10 is not provided so as to sandwich the bristle bundle 32. In the present embodiment, the elastic member 10 has the longitudinal direction of the head portion 2 as the longitudinal direction.
The shortest distance between the elastic members 10 arranged in the length direction of the head portion 2 is preferably 0.1 to 1.0 mm, and preferably 0.3 to 0.8 mm. Further, the shortest distance between the elastic members 10 aligned in the length direction of the head portion 2 may be all the same or different.
The shortest distance between the elastic members 10 arranged in the width direction of the head portion 2 is preferably 0.1 to 1.0 mm, and preferably 0.3 to 0.8 mm. Further, the shortest distance between the elastic members 10 arranged in the width direction of the head portion 2 may be all the same or different.
The shortest distance between the elastic member 10 and the hair bundle 32 is preferably 0.2 to 1.0 mm, and more preferably 0.3 to 0.8 mm. The shortest distance between the elastic member 10 and the hair bundle 32 may be all the same or different.
The shortest distance between adjacent hair bundles planted on the flocked surface 20 may be the same among all the hair bundles, or may be different from each other. The shortest distance between the hair bundles is preferably 0.2 to 1.2 mm, more preferably 0.3 to 1.0 mm.

According to the toothbrush 300 of the present embodiment, since the elastic member 10 is provided at substantially the center of the head portion 2, the hair bundle 32 is limited in the degree of bending toward the center of the flocked surface 20, and the flocked surface 20 The degree of bending in the outward direction is difficult to be limited.
For this reason, when the hair bundle 32 bends in the center direction of the flocked surface 20, it becomes a strong fur waist, and when bent in the outer direction of the flocked surface 20, it becomes a weak fur waist (soft hit feeling), Clean the oral cavity.
However, in the toothbrush 300, the hair bundle 32 in the vicinity of the axis O1 is reduced, and the cleaning feeling is likely to be impaired. For this reason, the elastic member 10 is preferably provided on both sides of the head portion 2 in the width direction.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.
In the first to fourth embodiments, the head portion is rectangular in plan view, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the shape in plan view is a circle such as a true circle or an ellipse, a triangle in plan view, a pentagon in plan view, or the like. Further, it may be a polygon other than a rectangular shape in plan view. Here, the polygon includes a shape in which a straight line or a curved corner is formed at each apex, or a shape in which a part or all of each side is a curve.

In the first to fourth embodiments, the pedestal portion has a rectangular prism shape with a rectangular shape in plan view, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the pedestal portion may have a true cylindrical shape or an elliptical cylindrical shape. It may be a prismatic shape other than a rectangular shape in plan view, such as a triangular shape in plan view and a pentagon in plan view.
However, from the viewpoint of preventing the user from giving a strong stimulus when the pedestal part comes into contact with the gums or cheeks, a prismatic or columnar shape with the top formed by a curve is preferable, and the massage effect is further enhanced. From the viewpoint, a rectangular column shape having a rectangular shape in plan view is more preferable.

In 1st-4th embodiment, although the projection part is made into the cone shape, this invention is not limited to this, The shape of a projection part is suitably determined in consideration of a material etc. The shape of the protrusion may be, for example, a polygonal pyramid shape such as a triangular pyramid shape, a quadrangular pyramid shape, a pentagonal pyramid shape, a hemispherical shape, a columnar shape such as a columnar shape or a polygonal columnar shape, or Protruding portion having a columnar portion having the same maximum width in the cross section horizontal to the protruding end surface from the base end of the protruding portion toward the protruding end, and a reduced-shape portion that gradually reduces the maximum width in the horizontal section relative to the protruding end surface. It may be. However, from the viewpoint of providing a softer protrusion to the gingiva and giving a more appropriate stimulus to the gingiva, the protrusion is conical, polygonal, hemispherical, or from the base end of the protrusion to the protrusion. Projections such as a projection having a columnar portion having the same maximum width in a cross section horizontal to the opposite projecting end surface, and a reduced-profile portion having a maximum width in the cross section horizontal to the projecting end surface that is gradually reduced after the columnar portion. A shape in which the maximum width in a cross section horizontal to the protruding end surface is reduced as it goes to is more preferably a conical shape or a polygonal pyramid shape, more preferably a conical shape.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, eight protrusions are formed on one pedestal, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of protrusions takes into account the material of the protrusions, etc. It is determined as appropriate, and may be 2 or more and 7 or less, or 9 or more and 16 or less.

In the first to fourth embodiments, the protruding end surface side of the pedestal portion is branched into four (that is, three cuts are formed), but the number of branches of the pedestal portion is the size of the pedestal portion. It is determined in consideration, and the protruding end surface side of the pedestal part may be branched into two or three, or may be branched into five or more. However, from the viewpoint of making the stimulation on the gingiva more appropriate, it is preferably branched into 2 to 12, more preferably 3 to 8.

In 1st-4th embodiment, although the base part and the projection part are integrally molded, this invention is not limited to this, The base part and the projection part may each be shape | molded separately.

In the first to fourth embodiments, the pedestal portion is branched by cutting, but the present invention is not limited to this, and, for example, a protruding end surface 113 of the pedestal portion 112 as in the elastic member 110 shown in FIG. In addition, a concave stripe 116 having a trapezoidal shape in side view may be formed, and the protruding end surface 113 side of the pedestal portion 112 may be branched.
The “concave line” as used herein refers to a gap in a trapezoidal shape that diverges the protruding end surface side of the pedestal, and the minimum value on one base of the trapezoidal shape in the side view is 1.0 mm or more and 5 mm or less. It means a gap whose minimum value on one bottom side is 2 mm or more and 8 mm or less.
However, when cleaning the inside of the oral cavity, the pedestal part is branched by cutting from the viewpoint of giving a moderately strong stimulus to the gingiva by interfering with the branched parts of the pedestal part. It is preferable.

In the first embodiment, four elastic members are provided, two on each side in the width direction of the head portion, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the elastic members are provided on both sides in the width direction of the head portion. A total of two may be provided one by one, or a total of six or more may be provided by three or more on both sides in the width direction of the head portion. However, the number of elastic members is preferably 4 to 14 in total, and more preferably 4 to 10 in total, from the viewpoint of increasing the massage effect by applying moderately strong stimulation to the gums.
In addition, the number of elastic members provided on one side in the width direction of the head portion and the number of elastic members provided on the other side may be the same or different. However, the number of elastic members provided on one side in the width direction of the head portion and the number of elastic members provided on the other side are the same from the viewpoint of better controlling the deflection of the hair bundle sandwiched between the elastic members. It is preferable.

In the second embodiment, four elastic members are provided, two on each side in the width direction of the head portion, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the elastic members are provided on both sides in the width direction of the head portion. A total of two may be provided one by one, or a total of six or more may be provided by three or more. However, the number of elastic members is preferably 4 to 14 in total, and more preferably 4 to 10 in total, from the viewpoint of increasing the massage effect by applying moderately strong stimulation to the gums.
In addition, the number of elastic members provided on one side in the width direction of the head portion and the number of elastic members provided on the other side may be the same or different. However, the number of elastic members provided on one side in the width direction of the head portion and the number of elastic members provided on the other side are the same from the viewpoint of better controlling the deflection of the hair bundle sandwiched between the elastic members. It is preferable.

In the third embodiment, three elastic members are provided, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of elastic members may be one or two, four or more, It may be 8 or less. However, 2-10 pieces are preferable and 3-8 pieces are more preferable from the viewpoint of giving a moderately strong stimulus to the gums to enhance the massage effect.

In the fourth embodiment, the elastic member group is formed of four elastic members. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of elastic members forming the elastic member group is one or more and three. Or 5 or more and 8 or less. However, 3-20 pieces are preferable and 4-10 pieces are more preferable from the viewpoint of giving a moderately strong stimulus to the gums to enhance the massage effect.

Thus, the toothbrush of the present invention is a toothbrush in which the cleaning effect and the massage effect are adjusted by appropriately combining the number of elastic members, the size, the number of protrusions, the number of branches, and the like.

For example, a toothbrush in which three or more elastic members are arranged in the length direction of the head portion will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B.
The same members as those in the first to fourth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and differences from the first to fourth embodiments are mainly described.
The toothbrush 400 in FIG. 6A is a toothbrush in which three prismatic elastic members 410 each having a rectangular shape in plan view are provided on the flocked surface 20 on both sides in the width direction of the head portion 2. It is provided in the extending direction of O1. All of the three pairs of elastic members 410 facing each other in the width direction of the head portion 2 are provided with the hair bundles 32 of 2 columns × 2 rows interposed therebetween.
In addition, as long as it has the effect of this invention, the number of the elastic members 410 juxtaposed in the length direction of the head part may be changed as appropriate, for example, it may be provided with 3 or more and 10 or less. . Further, the elastic members 410 facing each other in the width direction of the head portion 2 may be provided with the hair bundles 32 of 1 to 3 columns × 1 to 3 rows in between.
A bristle bundle 132 is provided between the elastic members 410 aligned in the length direction of the head portion 2. That is, two bristle bundles 132 sandwiched between the elastic members 410 arranged in the length direction of the head portion 2 are provided on both sides in the width direction of the head portion 2.
In addition, as long as it has the effect of this invention, the hair | bristle bundle 132 pinched | interposed between the elastic members 410 lined up in the length direction of the head part 2 is provided by 3 columns x 2 rows-5 columns x 2 rows. Also good.
The elastic member 410 includes a rectangular columnar pedestal portion 412 having a rectangular shape in plan view and four protrusions 14 formed on the protruding end surface 413 of the pedestal portion 412, and a cut 16 directed from the protruding end surface 413 toward the flocked surface 20 is 1. Individually formed.
As long as the effects of the present invention are obtained, the number of protrusions and the number of cuts may be changed as appropriate. For example, the number of protrusions formed on the protruding end surface 413 of the pedestal 412 is 1 or more and 4 or less. There may be 1 and 3 or less incisions 16 toward the flocked surface 20.
The length L1 of the pedestal portion 12 of the elastic member 410 (that is, the maximum length in the longitudinal direction of the pedestal portion 12 in plan view) is preferably 1 to 7 mm, and more preferably 2 to 6 mm.
In addition, the width W1 of the pedestal portion 12 of the elastic member 410 (that is, the maximum length in the short direction of the pedestal portion 12 in plan view) is preferably 1 to 4 mm, and more preferably 2 to 3 mm.
The shortest distance between the elastic member 410 and the hair bundle 32 is preferably 0.2 to 1.0 mm, and more preferably 0.3 to 0.8 mm.
The shortest distance between each elastic member 410 and the hair bundle 132 may be all the same or different. The shortest distance between the elastic member 10 and the hair bundle 132 is preferably 0.2 to 1.2 mm, and more preferably 0.3 to 1.0 mm.
The shortest distance between adjacent hair bundles 32 planted on the flocked surface 20 may be the same among all the hair bundles, or may be different from each other. The shortest distance between the hair bundles is preferably 0.5 to 1.2 mm, more preferably 0.8 to 1.0 mm.

  EXAMPLES Hereinafter, although an Example is shown and this invention is demonstrated in detail, this invention is not limited by the following description.

Example 1
A toothbrush similar to the toothbrush 1 of FIGS. 1A and 1B was produced according to the specifications described in Table 1. In this toothbrush, the handle body is made of PP, the elastic member is made of styrene-based elastomer, and the bristle is made of nylon. About the obtained toothbrush, a cleaning effect, a hit feeling, and a massage effect were evaluated, and the result is shown in Table 1. In Table 1, the shape of the pedestal portion is described as “quadrangular column”, and the arrangement of the elastic members is described as “two on each side”.

(Example 2)
A toothbrush was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a toothbrush similar to the toothbrush 100 of FIGS. 2A and 2B was used. About the obtained toothbrush, a cleaning effect, a hit feeling, and a massage effect were evaluated, and the result is shown in Table 1. In Table 1, the shape of the pedestal portion is described as “quadrangular column”, and the arrangement of the elastic member is described as “two spaced apart on both sides”.

(Example 3)
A toothbrush was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a toothbrush similar to the toothbrush 400 of FIGS. 6A and 6B was used. About the obtained toothbrush, a cleaning effect, a hit feeling, and a massage effect were evaluated, and the results are shown in Table 1. In Table 1, the shape of the pedestal portion is described as “quadrangular column”, and the arrangement of the elastic members is described as “three spaces on both sides”.

(Comparative Example 1)
A toothbrush was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a toothbrush similar to the toothbrush 500 of FIGS. 7A and 7B was used. The toothbrush 500 is a toothbrush in which the bristle bundles 32 are implanted in 2 columns × 8 rows, and one elastic member 510 is provided on each side in the width direction of the head unit 2 with the bristle bundles 32 interposed therebetween. In the elastic member 510, two protrusions 14 are formed on the protruding end surface of a rectangular columnar pedestal part 512 that is rectangular in plan view, and two protrusions 14 are arranged in the short direction of the pedestal part 512 and 14 in the longitudinal direction of the pedestal part. . The pedestal portion 512 is not branched.
About the obtained toothbrush, a cleaning effect, a hit feeling, and a massage effect were evaluated, and the result is shown in Table 1. In Table 1, the shape of the pedestal portion is described as “square prism”, and the arrangement of the elastic members is described as “one on each side”.

(Comparative Example 2)
A toothbrush was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a toothbrush similar to the toothbrush 550 of FIGS. 8A and 8B was used. The toothbrush 550 is a toothbrush in which the bristle bundles 32 are implanted in 2 columns × 8 rows, and two elastic members 560 are provided on both sides in the width direction of the head portion 2 with the bristle bundles 32 interposed therebetween. In the elastic member 560, two protrusions 14 are formed on the protruding end surface of a rectangular columnar pedestal 562 having a rectangular shape in plan view, and two in the lateral direction of the pedestal 562 and six in the longitudinal direction of the pedestal. . The pedestal portion 562 is not branched.
About the obtained toothbrush, a cleaning effect, a hit feeling, and a massage effect were evaluated, and the result is shown in Table 1. In Table 1, the shape of the pedestal portion is described as “quadrangular column”, and the arrangement of the elastic members is described as “two on each side”.

(Comparative Example 3)
A toothbrush was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a toothbrush similar to the toothbrush 600 of FIGS. 9A and 9B was used. The toothbrush 600 is a toothbrush in which the hair bundles 32 are implanted in 2 columns × 8 rows, and five elastic members 610 are provided on both sides in the width direction of the head portion 2 with the hair bundles 32 interposed therebetween. The elastic member 610 is a member in which three projecting portions 14 are formed on the projecting end surface of a truly cylindrical pedestal portion 612. The pedestal portion 612 is not branched.
About the obtained toothbrush, a cleaning effect, a hit feeling, and a massage effect were evaluated, and the result is shown in Table 1. In Table 1, the shape of the pedestal is described as “true cylinder”, and the arrangement of the elastic members is described as “5 on each side”.

(Comparative Example 4)
A toothbrush was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a toothbrush similar to the toothbrush 650 shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B was used. The toothbrush 650 is a toothbrush obtained by replacing the elastic member 560 of the toothbrush 550 (FIGS. 8A and 8B) with an elastic member 660 having no protrusions.
About the obtained toothbrush, a cleaning effect, a hit feeling, and a massage effect were evaluated, and the results are shown in Table 1. In Table 1, the shape of the pedestal portion is described as “quadrangular column”, and the arrangement of the elastic members is described as “two on each side”.

(Comparative Example 5)
A toothbrush was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a toothbrush similar to the toothbrush 700 shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B was used. The toothbrush 700 is a toothbrush in which only the substantially cylindrical elastic member 710 that is reduced in diameter toward the protruding end is provided on the flocked surface 20. That is, the toothbrush 700 is a toothbrush in which no hair bundle is provided on the flocked surface 20.
About the obtained toothbrush, a cleaning effect, a hit feeling, and a massage effect were evaluated, and the result is shown in Table 1. In Table 1, the shape of the pedestal portion is described as “true cylinder”, and the arrangement of the elastic members is described as “entire surface”.

(Comparative Example 6)
A toothbrush was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a toothbrush similar to the toothbrush 750 shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B was used. The toothbrush 750 is a toothbrush obtained by replacing the elastic member 610 of the toothbrush 600 (FIGS. 9A and 9B) with the elastic member 710.
About the obtained toothbrush, a cleaning effect, a hit feeling, and a massage effect were evaluated, and the result is shown in Table 1. In Table 1, the shape of the pedestal is described as “true cylinder”, and the arrangement of the elastic members is described as “5 on each side”.

(Evaluation method)
<Cleaning effect>
Ten monitors cleaned the oral cavity with the toothbrushes of each case, and evaluated the cleaning effect of the tooth neck and the tooth surface according to the following evaluation criteria. An average score of 10 or more monitors is 4.0 or higher, “A”, an average score of 3.0 or higher and lower than 4.0 points is “B”, and an average score of 2.0 or higher and lower than 3.0 points is “C”. The average score of less than 2.0 was defined as “D”.

≪Evaluation criteria≫
5 points: A feeling that the dirt on the tooth neck and the tooth surface was removed is very felt.
4 points: A strong feeling of the stains on the tooth neck and the tooth surface removed.
3 points: Feels that the tooth neck and tooth surface are dirty.
2 points: The feeling that the tooth neck part and the tooth surface are dirty is not felt so much.
1 point: There is no feeling that the stain on the tooth neck and the tooth surface is removed.

<Hit comfort>
Ten monitors cleaned the oral cavity with the toothbrushes of each case, and evaluated the feeling of hitting the gums according to the following evaluation criteria. An average score of 10 or more monitors is 4.0 or higher, “A”, an average score of 3.0 or higher and lower than 4.0 points is “B”, and an average score of 2.0 or higher and lower than 3.0 points is “C”. The average score of less than 2.0 was defined as “D”.

≪Evaluation criteria≫
5 points: There is no gingival pain and the contact feeling is very good.
4 points: There is no gingival pain and the contact feeling is very good.
3 points: There is no gingival pain and it is comfortable to touch.
2 points: I feel weak pain in the gums.
1 point: I feel strong pain in the gums.

<Massage effect>
Ten monitors cleaned the oral cavity with the toothbrushes of each case, and evaluated the feeling of massage on the gums according to the following evaluation criteria. An average score of 10 or more monitors is 4.0 or higher, “A”, an average score of 3.0 or higher and lower than 4.0 points is “B”, and an average score of 2.0 or higher and lower than 3.0 points is “C”. The average score of less than 2.0 was defined as “D”.

≪Evaluation criteria≫
5 points: Feels very massaged.
4 points: A strong massage is felt.
3 points: Feel the massage.
2 points: I do not feel much massage.
1 point: I do not feel a massage.

<Comprehensive evaluation>
The results of cleaning effect, hit feeling and massage effect were classified into the following evaluation criteria.

≪Evaluation criteria≫
A: All evaluation results are “A” or “B”, and “A” is 2 or more.
B: All evaluation results are “A” or “B”, and “A” is 1 or less.
C: All the evaluation results are “A” to “C”, and “C” is one or more.
D: Any of the evaluation results is “D”.

As shown in Table 1, in Examples 1 to 3 to which the present invention was applied, the overall evaluation was “B” or “A”.
Among them, in Example 2 having the same specifications as the toothbrush 100 (FIGS. 2A and 2B), both the cleaning effect and the massage effect were “A”.
On the other hand, in Comparative Examples 1 to 3 in which the pedestal portion is not branched, the overall evaluation was “C” or “D” although the protrusions were formed. In Comparative Examples 4 to 6 using an elastic member on which no protrusion was formed, the overall evaluation was “C” or “D”.
From these results, it was found that applying the present invention can effectively massage the gums without impairing the cleaning effect.

  According to the toothbrush of the present invention, the gingiva can be effectively massaged without impairing the cleaning effect, which is extremely useful industrially.

1, 100, 200, 300, 400 Toothbrush 2 Head part 3 Handle part 10, 110, 410 Elastic member 12, 112, 412 Base part 13, 113, 413 Projection end face 14 Projection part 16 Notch 20 Flocking face 32, 132 Hair bundle 116 concave

Claims (3)

A toothbrush in which a hair bundle in which a plurality of bristles are bundled is planted on the hair surface of the head part,
The head portion includes an elastic member including a pedestal portion protruding from the flocked surface and a plurality of protrusions formed on the protruding end surface of the pedestal portion,
The head portion has 2 to 12 elastic members,
The elastic member is provided across the hair bundle in at least one direction of the width direction of the head portion and the length direction of the head portion,
The pedestal portion is 5 to 11 mm in height,
The protrusion has a height of 0.5 to 4 mm and a width of 0.5 to 2 mm, and the width is smaller than the width and length of the pedestal,
The protruding end surface side of the pedestal portion is a branched toothbrush.   The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the pedestal portion is branched by a cut from the protruding end surface toward the flocked surface. The toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein a height of the elastic member on the flocked surface is lower than a maximum value of a height on the flocked surface of the hair bundle.

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