JP7162409B2 - toothbrush - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to toothbrushes.

For consumers who value the prevention of periodontal disease, it is preferable to use a toothbrush that has a gentle touch that does not damage the gums as much as possible and that has a high cleaning ability for the cervical region. Furthermore, in recent years, it has become clear that consumers also attach importance to the "feeling of a massage that is gentle on the gums." However, conventional toothbrushes for preventing periodontal disease mainly have compact heads, and since the amount of bristles in contact with the gums is small in ordinary brushing, sufficient massage effect cannot be obtained. Therefore, there is a demand for a toothbrush that has a wide range of bristles in contact with the gums and has a high cervical cleaning power.

Conventionally, a toothbrush with a large hole diameter in the outer part, a high flocking density, and a very large flocking density ratio between the outer side and the inner side (Patent Document 1). (see Patent Document 2), and a toothbrush in which a peripheral bristle region is composed of very thin bristle tufts (Patent Document 2) has been proposed.

JP 2012-034845 A JP 2011-103952 A

However, the conventional technology as described above has the following problems.
In order for the tufts to hit a wide range of gums, the head needs to be of a wide size. Then, the interference between the hair bundles is large and the hair does not bend. Therefore, only the tips of the hair come into contact with the gums, making it difficult to perform an efficient massage. In addition, when a hair bundle is implanted in a tuft hole with a large hole diameter, the tip of the hair bundle becomes pencil-shaped (mountain-shaped), so less hair touches the gums, leading to inefficiency in massage.

On the other hand, in the toothbrush described in Patent Document 2, since the outer peripheral flocked region is composed of very small bristle tufts, it is easy to bend, and bending of the bristle tufts in the central flocked region, which contributes to the cleanability of the periodontal pocket, can be suppressed. However, there is a problem that the tip rigidity cannot be ensured. In addition, the toothbrush described in Patent Document 2 has a problem that the ratio of the central flocked area to the outer flocked area is small, and the cleaning power of the cervical part when brushing the teeth and gums at the same time is poor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a toothbrush that ensures high cleanability of the cervical region while having a gentle massage feeling on a wide range of gums.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the toothbrush comprises a handle body having a head portion provided at its tip, and tufts of bristles are planted in a plurality of tufting holes formed in the tufting surface of the head portion. wherein the flocked surface comprises an inner flocked region in which a plurality of inner tufts are flocked in the approximate center of the width direction perpendicular to the axis and arranged side by side in the axial direction of the handle body, and the inner tufts in the width direction. and an outer flocked region in which a plurality of outer hair bundles are flocked with the maximum length of the entire flocked region in the width direction in which the plurality of inner hair bundles and the plurality of outer hair bundles are flocked is 12.0 mm or more and 16.0 mm or less, the maximum length of the outer flocked region in the width direction is 6.5 mm or more and 9.5 mm or less, and the maximum length of the inner flocked region in the width direction. is 4.0 mm or more and 5.5 mm or less, the hair bundle diameter of the outer hair bundle is 1.4 mm or more and 1.8 mm or less, and the hair bundle diameter of the inner hair bundle is 1.0 mm or more. , 1.4 mm or less.

Further, in the toothbrush according to one aspect of the present invention, the outer bristle density is defined as a value obtained by dividing the total number of bristles forming the plurality of outer bristle bundles by the area of the outer bristle region, and the plurality of inner bristle bundles The value obtained by dividing the total number of hairs constituting the inner flocking area by the area of the inner flocking area is defined as the inner flocking density, and the flocking density ratio represented by the outer flocking density/inner flocking density is 1.4 or more and 2.5 or less. It is characterized by

Further, in the toothbrush according to one aspect of the present invention, the length of the inner bristle bundle on the bristle-implanted surface is longer than the length of the outer bristle bundle on the bristle-implanted surface.

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

Further, in the toothbrush according to one aspect of the present invention, the inner bristle bundles and the outer bristle bundles are arranged in a zigzag pattern in which positions of bristle bundles adjacent to each other in the axial direction are shifted in the width direction. , the maximum length of the entire flocked region in the width direction is 12.0 mm or more and 15.0 mm or less, and the maximum length of the outer flocked region in the width direction is 7.0 mm or more and 9.5 mm or less. A value obtained by dividing the total number of bristles forming the plurality of outer tufts by the area of the outer tuft region is defined as the outer bristle density, and the total number of bristles forming the plurality of inner tufts is the above A value obtained by dividing by the area of the inner flocking region is defined as the inner flocking density, and the flocking density ratio represented by the outer flocking density/the inner flocking density is 1.4 or more and 2.0 or less.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION In this invention, the toothbrush which ensured the high cleanability of the cervical part can be provided, while having a gentle massaging feeling for a wide range of gums.

1 is a plan view showing a head portion of a toothbrush according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. Fig. 2 is a left side view of the head portion of the toothbrush 1 shown in Fig. 1; 1 is a plan view showing a head portion of a toothbrush according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is a figure which shows the specification and evaluation of an Example and a comparative example.

An embodiment of the toothbrush of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG.
The following embodiments show one aspect of the present invention, do not limit the present invention, and can be arbitrarily changed within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Also, in the drawings below, in order to make each configuration easier to understand, the actual structure and each structure are different in scale, number, and the like.

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

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

The head portion 4 has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view with the longitudinal direction of the axis O, and an arbitrary surface serves as a flocking surface 5 for flocking hair bundles. A plurality of bottomed cylindrical inner tufting holes 10 (27 in FIG. 1 as an example) are formed on and along the axis O in the tufting surface 5 . The plurality of inner tufting holes 10 are arranged in a zigzag manner such that positions of the inner tufting holes 10 adjacent to each other in the direction of the axis O are shifted in the width direction of the head portion 4, which is the direction perpendicular to the direction of the axis O. As shown in FIG. An inner tuft group 14 is formed by tying an inner tuft 12 in which a plurality of inner bristles 13 are bundled in a substantially cylindrical shape, respectively, in the plurality of inner tufting holes 10 . Therefore, the plurality of inner tufts 12 are arranged in a zigzag pattern in which the positions of the inner tufts 12 adjacent to each other in the axial direction are shifted in the width direction of the head portion 4 .

Further, on the flocking surface 5, a plurality of bottomed cylindrical outer tufting holes 20 (30 as an example in FIG. 1) are formed along the axis O, sandwiching the inner tufting holes 10 in the width direction thereof. An outer tuft 22 in which a plurality of outer bristles 23 are bundled in a substantially cylindrical shape is planted in the outer tufting hole 20 . Fifteen outer tufts 22 provided along the side edge 6 of the head portion 4 constitute a first outer tuft group 24 a on the tufted surface 5 . A second outer tuft group 24b is composed of fifteen outer tufts 22 provided along the length of the tuft. The plurality of outer tufting holes 20 are arranged in a zigzag pattern in which the positions of the outer tufting holes 20 adjacent to each other in the direction of the axis O are shifted in the width direction of the head portion 4 . Therefore, the plurality of outer tufts 22 are arranged in a zigzag pattern in which the positions of the outer tufts 22 adjacent to each other in the direction of the axis O are shifted in the width direction of the head portion 4 . A hair length t1, which is the length of the inner hair bundle 12 above the hair-implanted surface 5, is formed longer than a hair length t2, which is the length of the outer hair bundle 22 above the hair-implanted surface 5. - 特許庁

An inner flocked area 11 is formed on the flocked surface 5 to indicate an area where the inner tuft group 14 is provided. The inner tufting region 11 is a region surrounded by an annular line connecting the outer edges of the inner tufting holes 10 in which the inner tufts 12 positioned at the outermost periphery of the inner tuft group 14 are implanted. In addition, this circular line constitutes a common tangent line between adjacent inner tuft holes 10 .

The flocked surface 5 is formed with a first outer flocked region 21a indicating a region in which the first outer tuft group 24a is provided. The first outer tufting region 21a is a region surrounded by an annular line connecting the outer edges of the outer tufting holes 20 in which the outer tufts 22 forming the first outer tuft group 24a are implanted. This circular line constitutes a common tangent line between adjacent outer tuft holes 20 in the first outer tuft group 24a.

Further, the flocked surface 5 is formed with a second outer flocked region 21b indicating a region in which the second outer flock group 24b is provided. The second outer tufting region 21b is a region surrounded by an annular line connecting the outer edges of the outer tufting holes 20 in which the outer tufts 22 forming the second outer tuft group 24b are implanted. This circular line constitutes a common tangent line between adjacent outer tuft holes 20 in the second outer tuft group 24b. The first outer flocked region 21a and the second outer flocked region 21b constitute an outer flocked region 21 in which a plurality of outer tufts 22 are flocked across the inner tuft 12 in the width direction of the head portion 4.

The material of the handle body 2 can be determined in consideration of the rigidity and mechanical properties required for the toothbrush 1. For example, by using a high-hardness resin with a bending elastic modulus (JIS K7203) in the range of 500 to 3000 MPa, the toothbrush 1 can be made of a material. mechanical properties required for Examples of such high-hardness resins include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate (PCT), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), cellulose propionate (CP ), polyarylate, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile styrene (AS), etc., and one or more of these can be used.

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

The maximum length L in the width direction of the head portion 4 of the entire flocked region including the inner flocked region 11 and the outer flocked region 21 is preferably 12.0 mm or more and 16.0 mm or less. If the maximum length L of the entire flocked area is less than 12.0 mm, a sufficient massage effect may not be obtained. If the maximum length L of the entire flocked region is more than 16.0 mm, there is a possibility that resistance increases when the head portion 4 is moved into the oral cavity, resulting in a decrease in operability.

Further, when the inner bristle bundles 12 and the outer bristle bundles 22 are arranged in a staggered manner like the toothbrush 1 shown in FIG. More preferably, the maximum length L in the width direction of the portion 4 is 12.0 mm or more and 15.0 mm or less. When the inner tufts 12 and the outer tufts 22 are arranged in a zigzag pattern, the inner tufts 12 and the outer tufts 22 can be provided on the head portion 4 at a high density. Even if it is 15.0 mm or less, it is possible to secure a massage effect on the gums and a good cleanability on the cervical region.

The maximum length of the inner flocked region 11 in the width direction of the head portion 4 is preferably 4.0 mm or more and 5.5 mm or less. If the maximum length of the inner flocked region 11 in the width direction is less than 4.0 mm, it will not be possible to obtain a sufficient cleanability for the tooth neck, and the feeling when the head part 4 is moved into the tooth neck will not be felt. may become dilute. If the maximum length of the inner flocked region 11 in the width direction exceeds 5.5 mm, it may be difficult to ensure the length of the outer tufts 22, and a sufficient massage effect on the gums may not be ensured.

The maximum length of the outer flocked region 21 in the width direction of the head portion 4, that is, the sum of the maximum length of the first outer flocked region 21a and the maximum length of the second outer flocked region 21b in the width direction of the head portion 4. is preferably 6.5 mm or more and 9.5 mm or less. If the maximum length of the outer flocked region 21 in the width direction is less than 6.5 mm, there is a possibility that the effect of massaging the gums and good cleanability of the tooth neck cannot be sufficiently ensured. If the maximum length of the outer flocked region 21 in the width direction exceeds 9.5 mm, the outer tufts 22 may come into contact with the gums strongly, impairing the gentle contact.

When the inner tufts 12 and the outer tufts 22 are arranged in a zigzag pattern, the maximum length of the outer flocked region 21 in the width direction of the head portion 4 is 7.0 mm or more and 9.5 mm or less. is preferably When the inner tufts 12 and the outer tufts 22 are arranged in a zigzag pattern, the inner tufts 12 and the outer tufts 22 can be provided on the head portion 4 at high density. can be provided with a maximum length of 7.0 mm or more, and it is possible to improve the effect of massaging the gums and the good cleanability of the cervical region.

The diameter D1 of the inner tuft pore 10 can be determined according to the diameter of the inner tuft 12, that is, the diameter of the cross section perpendicular to the length direction of the inner tuft 12, and is, for example, 1.0 to 1.4 mm. . In this embodiment, diameters D1 of all the inner tuft holes 10 are substantially the same. “Substantially equivalent” means that all diameters D1 are within the range of ±5%.

Also, the diameter D2 of the outer tufting hole 20 can be determined according to the diameter of the outer tuft 22, and is, for example, 1.4 to 1.8 mm. In this embodiment, the diameters D2 of all the outer tuft holes 20 are substantially the same. “Substantially equivalent” means that all diameters D2 are within the range of ±5%.

The hair length t1 of the inner tuft 12 can be determined in consideration of the material, thickness, etc. of the inner bristles 13, and is, for example, 6 to 15 mm. The tuft diameter d1 of the inner tuft 12, that is, the diameter of the cross section perpendicular to the length direction of the inner tuft 12 is preferably 1.0 mm or more and 1.4 mm or less. If the tuft diameter d1 of the inner tuft 12 is less than 1.0 mm, the bristle stiffness of the inner tuft 12 will be too low, resulting in low cleanability of the neck of the tooth, and the head portion 4 will be placed on the neck of the tooth. The actual feeling when entering is diluted. If the tuft diameter d1 of the inner tuft 12 is more than 1.4 mm, the tip of the inner bristle tuft 12 is less likely to enter minute areas such as periodontal pockets and interdental areas, resulting in reduced cleanability. When the head portion 4 is moved into the neck portion, the impact is too strong. If the tuft diameter d1 of the inner tuft 12 is 1.0 mm or more and 1.4 mm or less, it is possible to improve the feeling when the head portion 4 is moved into the tooth neck.

In this embodiment, the bundle diameters d1 of all the inner hair bundles 12 are substantially the same. “Substantially equal” means that all diameters d1 are within the range of ±5%.
The number of inner bristles 13 per inner tuft 12 can be determined in consideration of the bristle diameter of the inner bristles 13, and is, for example, 10-40.
The bundle diameter d1 of the inner tuft 12 is the diameter at the boundary with the flocking surface 5 and is substantially the same as the diameter D1 of the inner tufting hole 10 . Substantially equivalent refers to differences within ±5%.

The flocking density of the inner tuft group 14, that is, the value obtained by dividing the total number of the inner bristles 13 constituting the inner tuft group 14 by the area of the inner flocking region 11 (inner flocking density) is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, , 4 to 11 lines/mm ² , more preferably 6 to 9 lines/mm ² . If the inner bristle density is less than 4/mm ² , the inner tufts 12 will not support each other during brushing, resulting in low bristle stiffness and reduced cleanability of the cervical area. If the inner bristle density is more than 11/mm ² , the interference between the adjacent inner bristle bundles 12 increases during brushing, and movement such as bending of the inner bristle bundles 12 is excessively suppressed, leading to the tooth cervical region. entry of the inner hair 13 is inhibited.

The inner bristles 13 are ST bristles (super tapered bristles) having tapered tips. The bristle diameter of the inner bristles 13 can be determined in consideration of the material of the inner bristles 13, and is, for example, 6 to 9 mil (1 mil=1/1000 inch=0.025 mm). If it is 6 mil or more, the bristle stiffness that can satisfactorily clean the cervical region is ensured, and if it is 9 mil or less, flexibility is ensured to alleviate stimulation to the gums and the like. The bristle diameter of the ST bristle is the diameter at the base.

The length of the outer tuft 22 on the flocked surface 5, that is, the hair length t2 can be determined in consideration of the material, thickness, etc. of the outer bristles 23, and is, for example, 6 to 13 mm.
A hair length difference t3 between the hair length t1 of the inner hair bundle 12 and the hair length t2 of the outer hair bundle 22 is preferably 2.0 mm or less, more preferably 0.5 to 1.5 mm. If t1>t2, that is, if the hair length t1 of the inner tuft 12 and the bristle length t2 of the outer tuft 22 are large, the cleanability of the neck area and the feeling of contact with the gums can be further improved. In addition, since the length of the inner tuft 12 on the tufted surface 5 is longer than the length of the outer tuft 22 on the tufted surface 5, it is possible to improve the feeling when the head part 4 is moved into the tooth neck. can.

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

Further, when the tuft diameter d2 of the outer tuft 22 exceeds 1.8 mm, the pressure applied from the tip of the outer bristle tuft 22 to the gums cannot be distributed during brushing, and the stimulation to the gums becomes stronger. Feels less comfortable to hit. If the bundle diameter d2 of the outer tuft 22 is more than 1.8 mm, the outer bristle 23 interferes too much with the other outer bristles 23 forming the same outer tuft 22, resulting in a lower degree of freedom of movement. is impaired, reducing the gentle touch feeling.

In this embodiment, the bundle diameters d2 of all the outer bundles 22 are substantially the same. “Substantially equal” means that all diameters d2 are within the range of ±5%. The number of outer bristles 23 per one outer tuft 22 can be determined in consideration of the bristle diameter of the outer bristles 23, and is set to 40 to 100, for example.
The diameter d2 of the outer tuft 22 is the diameter at the boundary with the flocking surface 5, and is substantially equal to the diameter D2 of the outer tufting hole 20. As shown in FIG.

The flocking density of the first outer tuft group 24a, that is, the value obtained by dividing the total number of the outer bristles 23 forming the first outer tuft group 24a by the area of the first outer tuft region 21a is 10. /mm ² or more is preferable, and 12 lines/mm ² or more is more preferable. If the bristle density of the first outer tuft group 24a is less than 10/mm ² , it becomes difficult to disperse the pressure applied from the tips of the outer tufts 22 to the gums during brushing.

The flocking density of the second outer tuft group 24b, that is, the value obtained by dividing the total number of the outer bristles 23 constituting the second outer tuft group 24b by the area of the second outer tuft region 21b is the first It is the same as the flocking density of the outer tuft group 24a.

The flocking density of the first outer tuft group 24a and the flocking density of the second outer tuft group 24b may be the same or different. However, from the viewpoint of ensuring a gentle touch to the gums of the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the oral cavity during brushing, the flocking density of the first outer tuft group 24a and the second outer tuft group 24b It is preferable that the flocking densities are substantially the same. Note that substantially equivalent means that the ratio represented by [the flocking density of the first outer hair bundle group]/[the flocking density of the second outer hair bundle group] is 0.95 to 1.05. means.

The total number of the outer bristles 23 forming the second outer tuft group 24b is the same as the total number of the outer bristles 23 forming the first outer tuft group 24a. The total number of the outer bristles 23 forming the first outer tuft group 24a and the total number of the outer bristles 23 forming the second outer tuft group 24b may be the same or different. may be However, from the viewpoint of ensuring a gentle contact feeling against the gums of the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the oral cavity during brushing, the total number of the outer bristles 23 constituting the first outer tuft group 24a and the second It is preferable that the total number of the outer bristles 23 constituting the second outer tuft group 24b is substantially the same. Note that substantially equivalent means that the ratio represented by [total number of outer hairs constituting the first outer hair bundle group]/[total number of outer hairs constituting the second outer hair bundle group] is , 0.95 to 1.05.

The sum of the total number of the outer hairs 23 constituting the first outer hair bundle group 24a and the total number of the outer hairs 23 constituting the second outer hair bundle group 24b is defined as the number of the first outer hair-implanted region 21a. A value (outer flock density) divided by the sum of the area and the area of the second outer flocked region 21b is, for example, preferably 10/mm ² or more, more preferably 12/mm ² or more. When the outer bristle density is less than 10/mm ² , it becomes difficult to disperse the pressure applied from the tips of the outer bristle tufts 22 to the gums during brushing.

The flocking density ratio represented by [outer flocking density]/[inner flocking density] is preferably 1.4 or more and 2.5 or less. If the bristle density ratio is less than 1.4, there is a risk that the pressure dispersion of the outer tuft group will be reduced, resulting in a decrease in gentle contact feeling, and the excessive density of the inner bristle tufts will reduce the cleanability of the cervical area. . If the bristle density ratio exceeds 2.5, the bristle stiffness of the inner bristle bundle group 14 will be low, and the cleanability of the neck area will be reduced. That is, within the above range, it is possible to achieve both a gentle touch to the gums and good cleanability of the tooth neck.

Further, when the inner hair bundles 12 and the outer hair bundles 22 are arranged in a zigzag pattern, the hair-planting density ratio represented by [outer hair-planting density]/[inner hair-planting density] is 1.4 or more, 2 It is preferably 0.0 or less. When the inner tufts 12 and the outer tufts 22 are arranged in a zigzag pattern, the inner tufts 12 and the outer tufts 22 can be provided on the head portion 4 at a high density. Even if it is 2.0 or less, it is possible to sufficiently secure a gentle contact feeling and good cleanability of the tooth neck.

Like the inner bristles 13, the outer bristles 23 are ST bristles (super tapered bristles) having tapered tips. The bristle diameter of the outer bristles 23 can be determined in consideration of the material of the outer bristles 23, and is, for example, 4 to 7 mil (1 mil=1/1000 inch=0.025 mm). If it is 4 mil or more, sufficient independence can be obtained, and if it is 7 mil or less, stimulation to the gums can be sufficiently alleviated. In addition, the bristle diameter of the outer bristles 23 is preferably smaller than the bristle diameter of the inner bristles 13 . With such a configuration, the inner bristles 13 can improve the cleanability of the cervical region while the outer bristles 23, which are likely to come into contact with the gums during brushing, reduce irritation to the gums.

According to the present embodiment, the inner flocked area 11 having a maximum length in the width direction of 4.0 mm or more and 5.5 mm or less is provided substantially in the center of the flocked surface 5 in the width direction of the head portion 4 . On both sides of the inner flocked region 11 in the width direction, an outer flocked region 21 having a maximum length in the width direction of 6.5 mm or more and 9.5 mm or less is provided, and the maximum length of the entire flocked region in the width direction is 12.0 mm. 16.0 mm or less, the hair bundle diameter d2 of the outer hair bundle 22 is 1.4 mm or more and 1.8 mm or less, and the hair bundle diameter d1 of the inner hair bundle 12 is 1.0 mm or more and 1.4 mm. Therefore, the inner tufts 12 and the outer tufts 22 arranged over a wide range give the gums a soft and comfortable massage feeling, and the head part 4 enters the cervical part and cleans it well. can ensure the integrity of the

According to this embodiment, since the flocking density ratio represented by the ratio of the outer flocking density to the inner flocking density is 1.4 or more and 2.5 or less, the outer tuft group is likely to come into contact with the gums during brushing. The bristles 24a and 24b have a high flocking density, the pressure applied from the tip of the outer tuft 22 to the gums is dispersed, and the irritation to the gums is alleviated. The inner bristle 13 constituting the bristle bundle group 14 can satisfactorily clean the cervical area.

According to the present embodiment, the inner tuft 12 has a longer bristle length than the outer tuft 22, so that it is possible to improve the feeling when the head part 4 is moved into the neck of the tooth, The bristles 13 can easily enter periodontal pockets and interdental areas, further improving the cleanability of the cervical area.

According to the present embodiment, when the inner tufts 12 and the outer tufts 22 are arranged in a zigzag pattern, the inner tufts 12 and the outer tufts 22 are positioned between adjacent tufts in the direction of the axis O. Compared to the case where the positions are arranged in the same grid pattern in the width direction of the head part 4, the hair tufts 12 and the outer tuft bundles 22 are arranged in a grid pattern because the tufts can be arranged at a higher density on the flocking surface 5. Even if the maximum length of the entire flocked area is smaller than that of a toothbrush with a fixed bristles, it is possible to obtain a gentle massage feeling with a soft feeling of contact with the gums, a feeling that the head part 4 enters the tooth neck part, and good cleaning performance.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. In the above-described embodiment, the inner tuft has a substantially cylindrical shape, but it may have, for example, an elliptical cylindrical shape in a plan view, or a polygonal column shape such as a triangular, quadrangular, or pentagonal shape in a plan view. When the shape of the inner tuft is other than a substantially cylindrical shape, the diameter of the tuft is the diameter of a perfect circle that circumscribes the shape in plan view.
Further, the outer tuft may have an elliptical cylindrical shape in plan view, or may have a polygonal prism shape such as triangular, quadrangular, or pentagonal in plan view, similarly to the inner tuft.

In the above-described embodiment, the inner tuft hole is cylindrical with a bottom, but the shape of the inner tuft hole can be determined according to the shape of the inner tuft. It may be in the shape of a bottom cylinder, or may be in the shape of a bottomed polygonal cylinder such as a triangle, quadrangle, or pentagon in a plan view. As with the inner tufting holes, the outer tufting holes may have an elliptical tubular shape with a bottom when viewed from the top, or may have a polygonal tubular shape with a bottom such as a triangle, quadrangle, or pentagon when viewed from the top.

In the above-described embodiment, all the inner tuft holes have approximately the same diameter, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the diameters of all the inner tuft holes may be different from each other or may be the same. The diameter of the inner tufts of the part may differ from the diameter of the other inner tufts. In addition, in the above-described embodiment, all the outer tuft holes have approximately the same diameter, but the present invention is not limited to this, and all the outer tuft holes may have different diameters. , the diameter of some outer tufts may be different from the diameter of other outer tufts.

In the above-described embodiment, the inner bristles are ST bristles, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the inner bristles may have a uniform diameter along the length thereof, The tip may be a hemispherical surface or a surface parallel to the flocking surface. However, from the viewpoint of facilitating entry into periodontal pockets or interdental areas, part of the inner bristles of the inner tuft is preferably ST bristles or tapered bristles, and all of the bristles for the inner bristles of the inner bristles are ST. Hair or tapered bristles are more preferable. Further, the outer bristles may have a uniform diameter along the length direction, similarly to the inner bristles, or may have a hemispherical surface or a surface parallel to the flocking surface at the tip. However, from the viewpoint of providing a gentle touch to the gums, it is preferable that part of the outer bristles of the outer tuft be ST bristles or tapered bristles, and all of the outer bristles of the outer bristles be ST bristles. , or tapered bristles. In addition, either one of the inner bristles or the outer bristles may be composed of ST bristles or tapered bristles.

In the above-described embodiment, the inner bristles and the outer bristles are substantially cylindrical tapered bristles. It may be in the shape of a polygonal column such as a pentagon. When the inner bristles or outer bristles have a shape other than a substantially cylindrical shape, the bristle diameter is the diameter of a perfect circle that circumscribes the shape in plan view.

In the above-described embodiment, the hair length of the inner hair bundle is longer than the hair length of the outer hair bundle. The difference may be 0 mm, or the hair length of the inner tuft may be shorter than that of the outer tuft. Further, the hair lengths of the inner and outer tufts may be set so that the shape of the connected ends of the tufts forms an uneven surface that repeats peaks and troughs in the axial direction of the handle body.
However, from the viewpoint of good cleaning of the neck portion, it is preferable that the hair length of the inner tuft is longer than the bristle length of the outer tuft.

In the above-described embodiment, the inner tuft group is composed of 27 inner tufts, but the number of inner tufts constituting the inner tuft group may be 26 or less, or 28 or more. There may be.

In the above-described embodiment, the first or second outer tuft group is composed of 15 outer tufts. For example, the outer tufts constituting the first or second outer tuft group are The number may be 14 or less, or 16 or more.
The number of outer tufts forming the first outer tuft group and the number of outer tufts forming the second outer tuft group may be the same or different.

In the above-described embodiment, the inner bristle tufts and the outer bristle tufts are arranged side by side in a staggered manner in the axial direction of the handle body, but the present invention is not limited to this. As shown, the inner tuft 12 and the outer tuft 22 may be arranged in a grid pattern.

In the above-described embodiment, the outer tufts are implanted outside the inner tuft region, but the outer tufts may be implanted with the inner tufts sandwiched therebetween. may be located within the region.

In the above-described embodiment, all the inner tufts have substantially the same tuft diameter, but for example, the inner tufts may have different tuft diameters. However, from the viewpoint of appropriately controlling the stiffness of the inner tufts, it is preferable that all the inner tufts have approximately the same tuft diameter. Further, in the above-described embodiment, all the outer tufts have substantially the same tuft diameter, but for example, the tuft diameters of the outer tufts may differ from each other. However, from the viewpoint of making the pressure applied from the tip of the outer tufts to the gums uniform for each outer tuft and making the entire outer tuft group feel gentle, the tuft diameters of all the outer tufts should be approximately the same. Preferably.

(Evaluation method)
The toothbrushes of each example were evaluated for "feeling of massage" (comfortable touch) and cleanability of the cervical area by the following methods. The cleanability of the cervical area was evaluated by "feeling of entering the cervical area" and "cleaning ability of the cervical area."

<Evaluation of massage experience>
For the feeling of massage, 10 monitors used each toothbrush and evaluated the feeling of massage of the gums according to the following evaluation criteria. If the average score of the 10 monitors is 2.5 points or more, "◎" will be given. , and an average score of less than 1.5 points was given as "x".

≪Evaluation Criteria≫
3 points: The feeling of massage of the gums is felt very much.
2 points: A sense of massage of the gums is sensed.
1 point: The feeling of massaging the gums is hardly felt.
0 points: No feeling of massage of the gums.

<Evaluation of feeling of entering the cervical region>
Ten monitors used the toothbrushes of each case to evaluate the feeling of penetration into the cervical region according to the following evaluation criteria. If the average score of the 10 monitors is 2.5 points or more, "◎" will be given. , and an average score of less than 1.5 points was given as "x".

≪Evaluation Criteria≫
3 points: The feeling that the tip of the hair reaches the gap between the tooth and the gum is very felt.
2 points: Feeling that the tip reaches the gap between the tooth and the gum.
1 point: I hardly feel that the tip of the hair reaches the gap between the tooth and the gum.
0 point: No sensation of the tip of the hair reaching the gap between the tooth and the gum.

<Evaluation of neck cleaning ability>
The tooth neck cleaning power was evaluated by the following model cleaning power test using the toothbrushes of each example and each comparative example. First, red paint (Sakura white plate marker #19 red, Sakura Crepas Co., Ltd.) was applied as a model dental plaque to the cervical region of the right buccal first molar of an adult maxillary model (500 AU, manufactured by Nissin Co., Ltd.). prepared. While pressing the toothbrush against the model dental plaque with a load of 200 g at 45 degrees, the teeth were cleaned by reciprocating 10 times with a stroke of 20 mm in the direction connecting the tip of the head portion and the base end of the head portion. After cleaning, the plaque removal rate was measured by the following method.

≪Calculation of plaque removal rate≫
Before the cleaning power test, the model plaque occupied area of the cervical part of the first molar was measured by image analysis, and after the cleaning power test, the model plaque occupied area of the same part was measured again and calculated by the following formula (1). did. The calculated plaque removal rates were classified according to the following criteria, and the cervical cleanability was evaluated. 70% or more was evaluated as “⊚”, 50% or more and less than 70% as “◯”, 30% or more and less than 50% as “Δ”, and less than 30% as “X”.
Plaque removal rate (%) = ((plaque occupied area before cleaning power test - plaque occupied area after cleaning power test) / (plaque occupied area before cleaning power test)) x 100 (1)

(Examples 1-3, Comparative Examples 1-6)
According to the specifications shown in FIG. 4, a toothbrush with ST bristles (made of PBT) implanted in the same manner as the toothbrush 1 in FIG. 1 was produced. This toothbrush 1 consists of an inner tuft group consisting of inner tufts planted in a zigzag pattern, and a pair of outer tuft groups consisting of outer tufts that are planted in a zigzag pattern, sandwiching the inner tuft group. and The first outer tuft group and the second outer tuft group each consist of the same number of outer tufts.
In the table, "the number of inner hairs per inner hair bundle" is the number of inner hairs constituting one inner hair bundle, and "the number of outer hairs per outer hair bundle" is one. is the number of outer bristles that make up the outer tuft of hair. The specifications for the outer tuft group are described as the first outer tuft group and the second outer tuft group combined. The obtained toothbrushes of each example were evaluated for massage sensation, sensation of penetrating the cervical region, and ability to clean the cervical region.

(Examples 4-6)
According to the specifications shown in FIG. 4, a toothbrush with ST bristles (made of PBT) implanted was produced in the same manner as the toothbrush 1A shown in FIG. This toothbrush 1A comprises an inner tuft group consisting of inner tufts planted in a grid pattern and a pair of outer tuft groups consisting of outer tufts planted in a grid pattern sandwiching the inner tuft group. and The first outer tuft group and the second outer tuft group each consist of the same number of outer tufts. The obtained toothbrushes of each example were evaluated for massage sensation, sensation of penetrating the cervical region, and ability to clean the cervical region.
In addition, Examples 2, 3, 5 and 6 are reference examples.

As shown in FIG. 4, in Examples 1 to 6 to which the present invention was applied, all of the evaluations of the feeling of massage, the feeling of penetrating the cervical region, and the cleaning power of the cervical region were “⊚” or “◯”.

On the other hand, in Comparative Example 1, in which the diameter of the outer tuft was 2.0 mm and the maximum length of the outer tuft region was 9.9 mm, the feeling of penetration into the cervical region was "○", and the cleaning power of the cervical region was was "A", but the feeling of massage was "X".

In Comparative Example 2, in which the diameter of the outer tuft was 1.1 mm and the maximum length of the outer tufted region was 6.3 mm, the sensation of penetrating the cervical region was "⊚" and the cleaning power of the cervical region was ". ○”, but the feeling of massage was “×”.

In Comparative Example 3, in which the diameter of the inner tuft was 1.5 mm and the maximum length of the inner tufted region was 5.6 mm, the actual feeling of massage was "○", but the actual feeling of entering the cervical region and The neck cleaning power was "△".

In Comparative Example 4, in which the diameter of the inner tuft was 0.9 mm and the maximum length of the inner tuft region was 3.8 mm, although the actual feeling of massage and the actual feeling of entering the cervical region was "○", The neck cleaning power was "x".

In Comparative Example 5, in which the flocking density ratio was 3.03, the actual feeling of massage was "A", but the actual feeling of entering the cervical region and the cleaning power of the cervical region were "X".

In Comparative Example 5, in which the flocking density ratio was 1.25, all of the feeling of massage, the feeling of penetrating the cervical region, and the cleaning power of the cervical region were rated as "Δ".

From these results, it was found that by applying the present invention, it is possible to obtain a toothbrush that satisfies all of the feeling of massage accompanied by gentle contact with the gums, the sensation of penetrating the cervical region, and the cleanability of the cervical region.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such examples. The various shapes, combinations, etc., of the constituent members shown in the above examples are merely examples, and various modifications can be made based on design requirements and the like without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Reference Signs List 1, 1A toothbrush 2 handle 4 head 5 flocked surface 11 inner flocked area 12 inner tuft 21 outer tufted area 22 outer tuft O axis axis

Claims (5)

A toothbrush comprising a handle body having a head portion provided at the tip, and having tufts of bristles planted in a plurality of tufting holes formed in the tufting surface of the head portion,
The flocked surface includes an inner flocked area arranged in parallel in the axial direction of the handle body and having a plurality of inner flocked tufts at substantially the center in the width direction perpendicular to the axis;
an outer hair-implanted region in which a plurality of outer hair bundles are implanted with the inner hair bundle sandwiched in the width direction;
The outer flocked area includes a first outer flocked area indicating an area provided with a first outer bundle group and a second outer flocked area indicating an area provided with a second outer bundle group. have
The first outer bundle group and the second outer bundle group each have two or more rows of outer bundles in the width direction,
The maximum length of the entire flocked region in the width direction, in which the plurality of inner tufts and the plurality of outer tufts are flocked, is 12.0 mm or more and 16.0 mm or less,
The sum of the maximum length of the first outer flocked region in the width direction of the head portion and the maximum length of the second outer flocked region in the width direction is 6.5 mm or more and 9.5 mm or less. ,
The maximum length of the inner flocked region in the width direction is 4.0 mm or more and 5.5 mm or less,
The outer hair bundle has a bundle diameter of 1.4 mm or more and less than 1.8 mm,
The hair bundle diameter of the inner hair bundle is 1.0 mm or more and 1.4 mm or less,
An outer flocking density is defined as a value obtained by dividing the total number of bristles forming the plurality of outer tufts by the area of the outer flocking region,
The value obtained by dividing the total number of hairs constituting the plurality of inner hair bundles by the area of the inner hair flocking region is defined as the inner flocking density,
A toothbrush having a flocking density ratio represented by outer flocking density/inner flocking density of 1.4 or more and 1.59 or less. 2. The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the length of the inner bristle tuft on the bristle-implanted surface is longer than the length of the outer bristle tuft on the bristle-implanted surface. 3. The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the inner bristle bundle and the outer bristle bundle includes bristles whose diameter gradually decreases toward the tip of the bristles. The inner tufts and the outer tufts are arranged in a zigzag pattern in which positions of tufts adjacent to each other in the axial direction are shifted in the width direction,
The maximum length of the entire flocked region in the width direction is 12.0 mm or more and 15.0 mm or less,
The sum of the maximum length of the first outer flocked region in the width direction of the head portion and the maximum length of the second outer flocked region in the width direction is 7.0 mm or more and 9.5 mm or less. ,
The value obtained by dividing the total number of hairs constituting the plurality of outer hair bundles by the area of the outer hair-planting region is defined as the outer hair-implantation density, and the total number of hairs constituting the plurality of inner hair-bundles is the inner hair-planting region. The inner flocking density is the value obtained by dividing by the area of
The toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flocking density ratio represented by outer flocking density/inner flocking density is 1.4 or more and 1.59 or less. The first outer tuft group and the second outer tuft group each have a row including a plurality of the outer tufts arranged at intervals in the axial direction,
The toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein there are two or more rows in the width direction that include the outer tufts of which the positions in the axial direction are the same among the rows.

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