JP7302948B2 - interdental cleaner - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an interdental cleaning tool.

Conventionally, an interdental cleaning tool for cleaning between teeth is known. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses an interdental cleaner that includes a base portion made of synthetic resin and a soft portion made of elastomer. The base member has a round-bar-shaped core base member that can be inserted between teeth and a handle base member that has a shape that can be gripped with fingers. The soft portion has a covering portion that covers a part of the outer peripheral surface of the core base portion, and a plurality of protrusions that protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface of the covering portion. Each of the plurality of protrusions has a conical shape that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning section main body in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft. Each of the plurality of protrusions is elastically deformed while being inserted between the teeth, and restored after passing through the teeth. As a result, dirt adhering to the oral tissues forming the interproximal spaces (ie teeth and gums) is scraped off.

WO2013/176297

When the interdental cleaner described in Patent Literature 1 is used for cleaning between the teeth, dirt substances scraped from between the teeth may remain in the oral cavity. Each of the plurality of protrusions of the conventional interdental cleaning tool is thin, and a space wider than the dirt scraped from between the teeth is formed between these protrusions, so that the conventional interdental cleaning is effective. Devices may not adequately capture soiling material scraped from oral tissue. This is unfavorable from a sanitary point of view. In addition, even if the user looks at the cleaning portion of the interdental cleaning tool pulled out from between the teeth, it is not possible to visually confirm whether the dirt has been scraped off. Accordingly, there is a need for an interdental cleaning device that is capable of adequately capturing soiling material scraped from oral tissue.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an interdental cleaner that can effectively trap dirt material scraped from oral tissues forming interdental spaces.

An interdental cleaning tool according to one aspect of the present invention includes a base portion having an insertion end portion to be inserted between teeth and including a shaft portion extending toward the insertion end portion in a predetermined axial direction; a cleaning part covering at least a part of the part and capable of cleaning between the teeth. The cleaning portion has a cleaning portion main body covering the at least part of the shaft portion, and a scraping surface projecting outward from an outer peripheral surface of the cleaning portion main body so as to scrape dirt between the teeth. a plurality of scraping pieces spaced apart from each other and arranged in the axial direction on the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning unit main body so that gaps are formed between scraping surfaces that are adjacent and face each other in the axial direction; ,including. Some of the plurality of scraping pieces have a first outer peripheral surface forming an outer peripheral shape that tapers in the axial direction from the scraping surface toward the insertion end . The scraping piece other than the part has a second outer peripheral surface that forms an outer peripheral shape that becomes thicker in the axial direction from a position farther from the insertion end than the scraping surface toward the scraping surface. have. The scraping pieces having the first outer peripheral surface and the scraping pieces having the second outer peripheral surface are alternately arranged. The scraping piece having the first outer peripheral surface has a scraping surface facing the side opposite to the insertion end, and the portion forming the first outer peripheral surface is the outer periphery of the cleaning section main body. It is connected to the. The scraping piece having the second outer peripheral surface has a scraping surface facing the insertion end portion side, and is connected to the outer periphery of the cleaning section main body at a portion forming the second outer peripheral surface. It is The plurality of scraping pieces are formed so that the thickness in the axial direction decreases toward the periphery of the scraping surface, and the scraping surface is pressed against the teeth to extend between the teeth. It is curled and deformed when passing through, and restores its original shape after passing between the teeth.

According to the above configuration, the relative forming positions of the first outer peripheral surface and the second outer peripheral surface with respect to the scraping surface and the direction in which the outer peripheral shape formed by the first outer peripheral surface and the second outer peripheral surface are narrowed are different. Therefore, when the interdental cleaning tool inserted between the teeth moves in one direction, one of the scraping piece having the first outer peripheral surface and the scraping piece having the second outer peripheral surface moves in response to contact with oral tissue. It deforms more than the other. The scraping surface of the scraping piece having a small amount of deformation contacts the oral tissue strongly, and dirt scraped from the oral tissue adheres to the scraping surface. At this time, the dirt adhering to the scraping surface is removed by scraping the scraping pieces having the first outer peripheral surface and the scraping pieces having the second outer peripheral surface alternately spaced apart in the axial direction. Located within the gap formed between the scraping surfaces of the scraping strip. As a result of the difference in deformation described above, the gap between the scraping surfaces is narrowed, so that dirt adhering to the scraping surfaces is effectively retained in the gap between the scraping surfaces. That is, the interdental cleaner can effectively trap dirt scraped from between the teeth.
An interdental cleaning tool according to another aspect of the present invention includes a base portion having an insertion end portion to be inserted between teeth and including a shaft portion extending toward the insertion end portion in a predetermined axial direction; a cleaning part that covers at least part of the shaft and is capable of cleaning between the teeth. The cleaning portion has a cleaning portion main body covering the at least part of the shaft portion, and a scraping surface projecting outward from an outer peripheral surface of the cleaning portion main body so as to scrape dirt between the teeth. a plurality of scraping pieces spaced apart from each other and arranged in the axial direction on the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning unit main body so that gaps are formed between scraping surfaces that are adjacent and face each other in the axial direction; , contains Some of the plurality of scraping pieces have a first outer peripheral surface forming an outer peripheral shape that tapers in the axial direction from the scraping surface toward the insertion end . The scraping piece other than the part has a second outer peripheral surface that forms an outer peripheral shape that becomes thicker in the axial direction from a position farther from the insertion end than the scraping surface toward the scraping surface. have. The scraping pieces having the first outer peripheral surface and the scraping pieces having the second outer peripheral surface are alternately arranged. The scraping piece having the first outer peripheral surface has a scraping surface facing the side opposite to the insertion end, and the portion forming the first outer peripheral surface is the outer periphery of the cleaning section main body. It is connected to the. The scraping piece having the second outer peripheral surface has a scraping surface facing the insertion end portion side, and is connected to the outer periphery of the cleaning section main body at a portion forming the second outer peripheral surface. It is
The shape and shape of the plurality of scraping pieces are such that the closer the scraping piece is to the insertion end, the smaller the crossing angle between the generatrix of the first and second outer peripheral surfaces and the central axis of the shaft portion. Placement is defined. The plurality of scraping pieces are curled and deformed when passing between the teeth so that the scraping surfaces are pressed against the teeth, and are restored to the original shape after passing between the teeth.
According to the above configuration, the plurality of scraping pieces are arranged so that the crossing angle between the generatrix of the first outer peripheral surface and the second outer peripheral surface and the central axis of the shaft portion becomes smaller for the scraping pieces closer to the insertion end. Since the shape and placement are fixed, the outer circumference of the scraper is sharper near the insertion end, while the outer circumference of the scraper is duller away from the insertion end. A sharp tapered shape results in ease of compressive deformation. That is, when the cleaning portion is pushed between the teeth, the scraping piece having the first outer peripheral surface forming a sharp outer peripheral shape near the insertion end is easily compressed and deformed. As a result, the interdental cleaner is easily inserted between the teeth. On the other hand, when the interdental cleaner is pulled out from between the teeth, the scraping piece having the second outer peripheral surface forming a sharp outer peripheral shape near the insertion end is easily compressed and deformed. As a result, the tip region around the insertion end is easily pulled out from between the teeth.
Since the scraping strips have a blunt peripheral shape away from the insertion end, the scraping strips located away from the insertion end are more compressively deformed than the scraping strips near the insertion end. Hateful. Therefore, the scraping piece arranged at a position away from the insertion end strongly rubs against the oral cavity tissue forming the space between the teeth, and can effectively scrape off stains on the oral cavity tissue.

Regarding the above configuration, the scraping piece closest to the insertion end portion among the plurality of scraping pieces may have the first outer peripheral surface.

According to the above configuration, the scraping piece closest to the insertion end portion among the plurality of scraping pieces has the first outer peripheral surface forming an outer peripheral shape that tapers from the scraping surface toward the insertion end portion. Therefore, the scraper closest to the insertion end is easily deformed when the user inserts the insertion end between teeth. Therefore, the circumference of the insertion end (that is, the tip portion of the cleaning part) can be easily inserted between the teeth.

With respect to the above configuration, the interdental cleaning tool is provided as one of the plurality of scraping pieces and includes a first scraping piece having the first outer peripheral surface and another scraping piece among the plurality of scraping pieces. One is between a second scraping piece which is arranged at a position closer to the insertion end portion than the first scraping piece so as to be adjacent to the first scraping piece and has the second outer peripheral surface. may further include a reinforcing layer surrounding the cleaning unit main body in the circumferential direction and connected to the first scraping piece and the second scraping piece to reinforce the first scraping piece and the second scraping piece. .

According to the above configuration, since the reinforcing layer surrounds the cleaning portion main body in the circumferential direction between the first scraping piece and the second scraping piece, the first scraping piece and the second scraping piece scrape together. A layer of material (layer of material of the cleaning section body and reinforcement layer) is formed that is thicker than the material layer of the cleaning section body in the void area adjacent to the chamfer. Since the reinforcing layer is connected to the first scraping piece and the second scraping piece, the first scraping piece is deformed in the direction in which it can be turned up toward the insertion end and rolled up in the direction opposite to the insertion end. The thick material layer formed as a reinforcing layer hinders the deformation of the second scraping piece in the direction of pulling. As a result, the second scraping piece is less likely to deform when the interdental cleaning tool inserted between the teeth is pushed into the oral cavity, while the first scraping piece is less likely to deform when the interdental cleaning tool is pulled out of the oral cavity. Pieces become less deformable. No matter which direction the interdental cleaning tool is moved, one of the first scraping piece and the second scraping piece is less likely to deform and can strongly contact the oral cavity tissue. Therefore, the first scraping piece and the second scraping piece can effectively scrape off dirt adhering to the oral tissue.

With respect to the above configuration, the plurality of scraping pieces are arranged at a position closer to the insertion end portion than the second scraping piece so as to be adjacent to the second scraping piece, and extend over the first outer peripheral surface. A third scraper having a The distance between the scraping surfaces of the second scraping piece and the third scraping piece is greater than the distance between the scraping surfaces of the first scraping piece and the second scraping piece. It may be narrow in any direction.

According to the above configuration, the distance between the scraping surfaces of the second scraping piece and the third scraping piece is greater in the axial direction than the distance between the scraping surfaces of the first scraping piece and the second scraping piece. , the interdental cleaner can effectively trap dirt that has entered the gap between the scraping surfaces of the second and third scraping strips. Since the spacing between the scraping surfaces of the first and second scraping strips is large compared to the radius of these scraping strips, the interdental cleaner is formed so that the scraping strips are not too densely packed. The plurality of scraping strips are arranged axially with an appropriate density so that they do not create excessive resistance to movement of the interdental cleaner.

With respect to the above configuration, the ratio of the amount of protrusion of the scraping surface from the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning unit main body to the connecting length of the cleaning unit main unit and the plurality of scraping pieces in the axial direction is 10% or more and 200%. % or less is preferable.

According to the above configuration, the ratio of the amount of protrusion of the scraping surface from the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning unit main body to the connection length in the axial direction of the cleaning unit main body and the plurality of scraping pieces is 10% or more and 200% or less. Therefore, each of the plurality of scraping pieces has a sufficient thickness at the connecting portion with the cleaning portion main body relative to the amount of protrusion, and can strongly contact the oral cavity tissue without being deformed by an excessively low force. Therefore, each of the plurality of scraping pieces can effectively scrape dirt between teeth.

With respect to the above configuration, the shape and arrangement of the plurality of scraping pieces may be determined such that the closer the scraping piece is to the insertion end, the smaller the protrusion amount is.

According to the above configuration, since the shape and arrangement of the plurality of scraping pieces are determined so that the closer the scraping piece is to the insertion end, the smaller the protrusion amount, the interdental cleaning tool can be easily inserted between the teeth. be done. On the other hand, since the scraping piece protrudes greatly at a position away from the insertion end, the scraping piece arranged at a position away from the insertion end strongly contacts the oral tissue and can effectively scrape dirt. .

Regarding the above configuration, the intersection angle between the generatrix of the scraping surface and the central axis of the shaft portion may be 80° or more and 100° or less.

According to the above configuration, since the crossing angle between the generatrix of the scraping surface and the central axis of the shaft portion is 80° or more and 100° or less, the scraping surface is formed on the back surface and the front surface of the tooth forming the interdental space. almost parallel. Therefore, a large area of the scraping surface contacts the teeth and the dirt is scraped over a large area.

With respect to the above configurations, the cleaning portion may be made of a composite material including an elastomer and a reinforcing material.

According to the above configuration, since the cleaning portion is made of a composite material containing the elastomer and the reinforcing material, the scraping piece has higher rigidity than the conventional cleaning portion made of only the elastomer, and the side surfaces of the teeth are effectively cleaned. be done.

The interdental cleaners described above are capable of effectively capturing fouling material that has been detached from the oral tissue forming the interdental spaces.

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of the interdental cleaning tool of the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a schematic enlarged front view of one of the five scraping bodies of the interdental cleaner; FIG. 3 is a schematic enlarged front view of two axially adjacent scraping bodies. It is a schematic partial sectional view of the interdental cleaner of 2nd Embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of the interdental cleaning tool 1 of the first embodiment. An interdental cleaning tool 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 is labeled "proximal" and "distal". The term "proximal side" means the side closer to the user's fingers when the interdental cleaner 1 is gripped by the user. The term "distal" means the side opposite to the proximal side. The structure of the interdental cleaning tool 1 will be explained based on these words. These terms shown in FIG. 1 are for clarity of explanation only and should not be construed as limiting.

The interdental cleaning tool 1 includes a base portion 10 which is formed so as to be gripped by the user's fingers on the proximal end side and is formed so that the user can insert it between the teeth on the distal end side, and the base portion 10 . and a cleaning part 40 covering the tip portion. The base portion 10 is a portion that gives the interdental cleaning tool 1 an appropriate degree of hardness so that the interdental cleaning tool 1 is not bent unnecessarily when it is inserted between the teeth. The cleaning part 40 covering the tip portion of the base 10 is made of a material having a hardness lower than that of the base 10, and the hard base 10 directly contacts the oral tissues (i.e., the teeth and gums forming the interdental space). It is a part that prevents The cleaning part 40 is formed so as to come into direct contact with the oral tissue and scrape off dirt adhering to the oral tissue. Since the tip portion of the base portion 10 covered with the cleaning portion 40 has appropriate hardness as described above, unnecessary bending of the cleaning portion 40 is prevented when the interdental cleaning tool 1 is inserted between the teeth. It functions as a core material for

The base 10 is made of synthetic resin such as polypropylene, polyethylene, ABS, polybutylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene or polyacetal. For this embodiment, the base 10 is made of polypropylene.

To explain the shape of the base 10, FIG. 1 shows a central axis CL extending from the proximal side to the distal side (or vice versa) and an orthogonal axis IA orthogonal to the central axis CL. The extending direction of the central axis CL is referred to as "axial direction" in the following description.

The base 10 includes a gripping portion 30 arranged on the proximal side, and a rod-shaped shaft portion 20 extending from the gripping portion 30 along the central axis CL toward the distal side. The gripping portion 30 has a large dimension in the extending direction of the orthogonal axis IA and a small dimension in the extending direction of a virtual axis (not shown) perpendicular to both the orthogonal axis IA and the central axis CL. It is a thin plate-like portion and is gripped by the user's fingers. The shaft portion 20 extending from the grasping portion 30 toward the distal end along the central axis CL is a rod-shaped portion having a thickness that allows it to be inserted between teeth. The shaft portion 20 is longer than the grip portion 30 in the axial direction. The end portion of the shaft portion 20 connected to the grip portion 30 is referred to as the "base end portion 28a" in the following description. The end of shaft 20 opposite base end 28a is referred to as "insertion end 22a" in the following description. The shaft portion 20 tapers gradually from the base end portion 28a toward the insertion end portion 22a.

The shaft portion 20 is entirely covered by the cleaning portion 40 except for the proximal end portion 28a. The cleaning part 40 may be molded from an elastomer material such as a styrene elastomer, silicone, an olefin elastomer, or a polyester elastomer, or may be molded from a composite material in which a small amount of reinforcing material such as glass fiber or talc is added to an elastomer material. may The content of the reinforcing material in the composite material is preferably 3 wt % or more and 50 wt % or less, more preferably 5 wt % or more and 35 wt % or less.

The cleaning portion 40 covers the insertion end portion 22a of the shaft portion 20 and the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 20 (the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 20 excluding the base end portion 28a of the shaft portion 20), and the hard shaft portion 20 is applied to the oral tissue. It includes a cleaning portion body 42 that prevents direct contact and a plurality of scraping pieces each having a scraping surface 480 projecting outward from the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning portion body 42 . Regarding this embodiment, the scraping surface 480 is formed so as to be included in a virtual axis-perpendicular plane orthogonal to the central axis CL. A plurality of scraping pieces, each having a scraping surface 480, are arranged at intervals in the axial direction on the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning portion main body 42, and when the interdental cleaner 1 is inserted between the teeth, the scraping pieces adhere to the oral tissue. It is formed so as to scrape off adhering dirt.

The plurality of scraping pieces consist of six scraping pieces 48 a each having a first outer peripheral surface 481 forming an outer peripheral shape that tapers gradually from the scraping surface 480 toward the insertion end 22 a , and six scraping pieces 48 a inserted beyond the scraping surface 480 . Six scraping pieces 48b each having a second outer peripheral surface 482 forming an outer peripheral shape that gradually widens toward the scraping surface 480 from a position away from the end 22a. Both of the scraping pieces 48a and 48b generally have a truncated cone or polygonal truncated pyramid shape. The scraping surface 480 of the scraping piece 48a faces proximally, while the scraping surface 480 of the scraping piece 48b faces distally. These scraping pieces 48a, 48b are axially spaced apart and alternately arranged so that a gap 483 is formed between adjacent scraping surfaces 480 (ie, mutually facing scraping surfaces 480).

The six scraping pieces 48a are positioned at odd numbers counting from the insertion end 22a. One of these scrapers 48a is located closest to the insertion end 22a among the twelve scrapers 48a, 48b. The six scraping pieces 48b are positioned at even numbers counting from the insertion end 22a. One of these scraping strips 48b is located closest to the base end 28a among the twelve scraping strips 48a, 48b.

Adjacent scrapers 48a, 48b are drum-shaped scrapers, except for scraper 48b located closest to base end 28a and scraper 48a located closest to insertion end 22a. 484 is formed. For this embodiment, five scraping bodies 484 are aligned between the scraping strip 48a located closest to the insertion end 22a and the scraping strip 48b located closest to the proximal end 28a. there is The shape of scraping body 484 is described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a schematic enlarged front view of one of the five scrapers 484. FIG. The scraper 484 is described below with reference to FIGS.

Scraping body 484 includes scraping piece 48a and a scraping piece 48a disposed adjacent to scraping piece 48a distal to scraping piece 48a (i.e., near insertion end 22a (see FIG. 1)). It includes a piece 48b and a reinforcing layer 485 that circumferentially surrounds the cleaning section body 42 so as to reinforce these scraping pieces 48a and 48b. The reinforcing layer 485 is formed so as to extend axially from the first outer peripheral surface 481 and the second outer peripheral surface 482 of the scraping pieces 48a and 48b. The reinforcing layer 485 enhances the rigidity of the scraping pieces 48a and 48b forming the scraping body 484, and prevents scraping caused when the interdental cleaner 1 inserted between the teeth is axially reciprocated. It is a portion that reinforces the restoring action of restoring the original shape of the scraping pieces 48a and 48b after the deformation of the scraping pieces 48a and 48b (that is, the deformation such that the outer edge of the scraping surface 480 is rolled up in the axial direction).

The reinforcing layer 485 is thinnest at an intermediate position in the axial direction of the scraping body 484, and gradually becomes thicker from the intermediate position toward the proximal end side and continues to the first outer peripheral surface 481 of the scraping piece 48a. The direction of taper of the reinforcing layer 485 at the portion from the intermediate position to the proximal end matches the direction of the taper of the outer peripheral shape formed by the first outer peripheral surface 481 of the scraping piece 48a. However, the reinforcing layer 485 forms a truncated cone or truncated polygonal pyramid having a sharper taper angle than the truncated cone or truncated polygonal pyramid formed by the scraping piece 48a.

The reinforcing layer 485 gradually becomes thicker from the intermediate position toward the tip side, and continues to the second outer peripheral surface 482 of the scraping piece 48b. The direction of taper of the reinforcement layer 485 at the portion on the tip side from the intermediate position matches the direction of the taper of the outer peripheral shape formed by the second outer peripheral surface 482 of the scraping piece 48b. However, the reinforcing layer 485 forms a truncated cone or truncated polygonal pyramid having a sharper taper angle than the truncated cone or truncated polygonal pyramid formed by the scraping piece 48b.

2 shows the generatrix G1 of the first outer peripheral surface 481, the generatrix G2 of the second outer peripheral surface 482, the generatrix G1 and the cleaning unit main body 42. , an intersection point IP1 of the virtual outer peripheral surface of , and an intersection point IP2 of the virtual outer peripheral surface of the cleaning unit main body 42 and the generatrix G2. Since the cleaning portion main body 42 and the scraping pieces 48a and 48b are integrally molded, the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning portion main body 42 does not actually exist at these connecting portions. A dotted line in FIG. 2 representing the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning portion main body 42 connects the connecting portions of the cleaning portion main body 42 connected to the scraping surfaces 480 of the scraping pieces 48a and 48b.

The length in the axial direction from the intersection point IP1 drawn on the dotted line in FIG. The length in the axial direction from another intersection point IP2 to the scraping surface 480 of the scraping piece 48b means the connecting length of the scraping piece 48b to the cleaning section main body 42. As shown in FIG. The ratio of the amount of protrusion of the scraping surfaces 480 of the scraping pieces 48a and 48b from the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning unit main body 42 to these connection lengths (hereinafter referred to as "protrusion ratio") is It may be considered as an index representing the ease of deformation of . If the protrusion ratio is large, the scraping pieces 48a and 48b are likely to deform. The amount of protrusion of the scraping surfaces 480 of the scraping pieces 48a and 48b is defined as the distance from the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning unit main body 42 to the outer edge of the scraping surface 480 at the position where the scraping surfaces 480 are connected to the cleaning unit main body 42. may be If the distance is not constant in the circumferential direction of the scraping surface 480 (ie, if the scraping surface 480 is not circular), the amount of protrusion of the scraping surface 480 may be the average value of the varying distances in the circumferential direction. The scraping pieces 48a and 48b are preferably designed such that the protrusion ratio (=projection amount/connection length×100%) is 10% or more and 200% or less, and a more preferable range of the protrusion ratio is 25%. 185% or less. A particularly preferable range of the protrusion ratio is 40% or more and 160% or less.

With respect to setting the amount of protrusion, from the viewpoint of easy insertion of the interdental cleaning tool 1 between the teeth, the scraping pieces 48a and 48b arranged closer to the insertion end 22a should have a smaller amount of protrusion. is preferred (see Figure 1). Also in this case, the protrusion ratio is preferably within the above range.

The intersection angles between the generatrices G1 and G2 and the central axis CL used for explaining the protrusion ratio are indicated by the symbols "θ1" and "θ2" in FIG. 2, respectively. These crossing angles θ1, θ2 may also be varied in the axial direction from the point of view of easy insertion of the interdental cleaner 1 between the teeth. In this embodiment, the closer the scraping piece 48a is to the insertion end 22a, the smaller the crossing angle θ1. Similarly, the closer the scraping piece 48b is to the insertion end 22a, the smaller the intersection angle θ2.

The spacing of the scraping strips 48a, 48b will be explained below with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic enlarged front view of two axially adjacent scrapers 484 .

FIG. 3 represents the distance between the two scraping surfaces 480 of the proximally disposed scraping body 484 (ie, the length of the scraping body 484 in the axial direction) by the symbol "L1". FIG. 3 represents the distance between the two scrapers 484 in the axial direction (ie, the width of the gap 483) by the symbol “L2”. The arrangement distance between the scraping piece 48b and the scraping piece 48a arranged adjacent to the scraping piece 48b on the distal side and the scraping piece 48b and the scraping piece 48b on the proximal side are arranged such that the distance L2 is smaller than the distance L1. An arrangement interval between the scraping piece 48b and the scraping piece 48a arranged next to the scraping piece 48b is determined.

A gap 483 is formed between the scraping surface 480 of the scraping piece 48b and the scraping surface 480 of the scraping piece 48a arranged on the tip side of the scraping piece 48b so as to be adjacent to the scraping piece 48b. ing. The deformation of these scrapers 48a, 48b forming the air gap 483 is shown schematically in FIG. 3 by four arrows. The size of the arrows aligned in the axial direction on the sides of the scraping pieces 48a and 48b indicates the easiness of deformation of the scraping pieces 48a and 48b. means).

Both the scraping pieces 48a and 48b are based on the outer edge of the scraping surface 480 when the interdental cleaning tool 1 is inserted between the teeth or when the interdental cleaning tool 1 inserted between the teeth is pushed into the oral cavity. It is deformed to be displaced to the ends (see the pair of two arrows on the right side of FIG. 3). A gap 483 is formed on the base end side of the scraping piece 48a, so that deformation of the scraping piece 48a is hardly hindered. , the deformation of the scraping piece 48b toward the base end side is hindered by the reinforcing layer 485. As shown in FIG. That is, the scraping piece 48b is less deformable than the scraping piece 48a when the interdental cleaning tool 1 is inserted between the teeth or when the interdental cleaning tool 1 inserted between the teeth is pushed into the oral cavity. Therefore, the scraping surface 480 of the scraping piece 48b is the same as the scraping surface 480 of the scraping piece 48a when the interdental cleaner 1 is inserted between the teeth or when the interdental cleaner 1 inserted between the teeth is pushed into the oral cavity. It contacts the oral tissue more strongly than the scraping surface 480, and can effectively scrape off dirt adhering to the oral tissue.

When the interdental cleaner 1 inserted between the teeth is pulled out from between the teeth, the reinforcing layer 485 hinders the deformation of the scraping piece 48a toward the tip side. On the other hand, since the space 483 is formed on the tip side of the scraping piece 48b, the deformation of the scraping piece 48b toward the tip side is not hindered. Therefore, when the interdental cleaning tool 1 is pulled out from between the teeth, the scraping piece 48a becomes less deformable than the scraping piece 48b (see the pair of two arrows on the left side of FIG. 3), and the scraping piece 48a The scraping surface 480 of the is in strong contact with the oral tissue. As a result, the scraping surface 480 of the scraping piece 48a can effectively scrape off dirt adhering to the oral tissue when the interdental cleaner 1 is pulled out from between the teeth.

The scraped dirt adheres to the scraping surfaces 480 of the scraping pieces 48a and 48b. When the interdental cleaning tool 1 is inserted between the teeth or when the interdental cleaning tool 1 is inserted between the teeth, the scraping piece 48a is arranged so that the scraping surface 480 of the scraping piece 48a approaches the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning unit main body 42. Since the tool 1 is deformed when pushed into the oral cavity, the dirt adhering to the scraping surface 480 of the scraping piece 48a is pushed deep into the gap 483 (that is, the area near the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning part main body 42). . At this time, the outer edge of the scraping surface 480 of the scraping piece 48a is also close to the scraping surface 480 of the scraping piece 48b. there is Therefore, it is difficult for dirt pushed deep into the gap 483 to come out of the gap 483 .

Not only the scraping piece 48a but also the scraping piece 48b has the function of pushing dirt into the depth of the gap 483 . Since the scraping piece 48b is deformed when the interproximal cleaning tool 1 is pulled out from between the teeth, the scraping surface 480 of the scraping piece 48b approaches the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning unit main body 42. Dirt adhering to the scraping surface 480 is pushed deep into the gap 483 (that is, the area near the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning unit main body 42). At this time, the outer edge of the scraping surface 480 of the scraping piece 48b is also close to the scraping surface 480 of the scraping piece 48a, so the exit of the gap 483 is narrow. Therefore, the dirt pushed deep into the gap 483 by the scraping piece 48b is difficult to come out of the gap 483 .

The interdental cleaner 1 is excellent not only in its ability to retain dirt in the spaces 483 but also in that it can be easily inserted between teeth. Among the plurality of scraping pieces 48a and 48b of the interdental cleaning tool 1, the scraping pieces 48a and 48b arranged closest to the insertion end portion 22a have the smallest protrusion amount among them and extend from the scraping surface 480 to the insertion end portion. The scraping piece 48a has a first outer peripheral surface 481 forming an outer peripheral shape that narrows toward 22a. The intersection angle θ1 between the generatrix G1 of the first outer peripheral surface 481 of the scraping piece 48a and the central axis CL is also the smallest among the plurality of scraping pieces 48a and 48b of the interdental cleaner 1 . The scraping piece 48a is pushed between the teeth immediately after the insertion end 22a is inserted between the teeth. Since the protrusion amount and crossing angle θ1 of the scraping piece 48a are small, a large resistance is not generated against the movement of the interdental cleaning tool 1 in the direction of being pushed between the teeth. In addition, since the scraping piece 48a has a first outer peripheral surface 481 forming an outer peripheral shape that narrows toward the insertion end 22a, when the interdental cleaner 1 moves in the direction of being pushed between the teeth, the scraping piece 48a is small. It can be transformed by force. This also contributes to the low drag that occurs when the tipmost scraper 48a is pushed between the teeth. Therefore, the tip portion of the interdental cleaning tool 1 can be easily inserted between the teeth.

When the user pushes the interdental cleaning tool 1 further into the oral cavity after the tip portion of the interdental cleaning tool 1 has been inserted between the teeth, the scraping pieces 48a and 48b arranged with an interval in the axial direction move between the teeth. alternating contact with the oral tissues that form the During this time, as described above, the scraping piece 48a deforms with a small force, while the scraping piece 48b comes into strong contact with the oral tissue and effectively scrapes dirt attached to the oral tissue. Since the amount of protrusion of the scraping piece 48b in contact with the oral cavity tissue increases as the user pushes the interdental cleaning tool 1 deeper into the oral cavity, the cleaning effect on the oral cavity tissue is increased when the user pushes the interdental cleaning tool 1 further into the oral cavity. It gets bigger as you push it in. Therefore, the interdental cleaner 1 that moves in the direction of being pushed deep into the oral cavity can exert a high cleaning effect on oral tissue.

The interdental cleaning tool 1 pushed into the oral cavity is then pulled out of the oral cavity. At this time, as described above, while the scraping piece 48b is deformed with a small force, the scraping piece 48a strongly contacts the oral cavity tissue and effectively scrapes off dirt adhering to the oral cavity tissue. As a result of the deformation of the scraping piece 48b, dirt attached to the scraping surface 480 of the scraping piece 48b is pushed deep into the gap 483. As shown in FIG. Since the scraping piece 48a is less likely to deform than the scraping piece 48b while the interdental cleaning tool 1 is being moved in the direction of being drawn out of the oral cavity, the scraping piece 48a effectively scrapes dirt adhering to the oral cavity tissue. The removed and scraped dirt adheres to the scraping surface 480 of the scraping piece 48a. Dirt adhering to the scraping surface 480 of the scraping piece 48a is pushed deep into the gap 483 when the interdental cleaning tool 1 is moved in the direction of being pushed into the oral cavity again. Therefore, the interdental cleaning tool 1 can effectively clean the interdental space and effectively trap the dirt adhering to the oral tissue.

Since the scraping surfaces 480 of the scraping pieces 48a and 48b of the interdental cleaner 1 are in surface contact with the oral tissue, they contact the oral tissue over a wider area than the brushes of the conventional interdental cleaner 1 that are in line contact with the oral tissue. touch. Therefore, the interdental cleaner 1 can exhibit an excellent cleaning effect in terms of evenly cleaning the oral tissue.

Regarding the spacing between the scraping surfaces 480 of the scraping pieces 48a and 48b of the interdental cleaner 1, the spacing "L2" (see FIG. 3) between the two scraping surfaces 480 forming the gap 483 is set to a small value. . Therefore, dirt that has entered the gap 483 is less likely to come out of the gap. On the other hand, since the interval "L1" between the two scraping surfaces 480 forming the two end surfaces of the scraping body 484 is set to a large value, the arrangement density of the scraping pieces 48a and 48b arranged in the axial direction is not be excessively high. Therefore, the scraping pieces 48a and 48b do not generate an excessively large resistance against the reciprocating movement of the interdental cleaning tool 1 inserted between the teeth.

The scraping pieces 48a and 48b form a scraping body 484 except for the scraping piece 48a arranged on the most distal side and the scraping piece 48b arranged on the most proximal side. A reinforcing layer 485 is formed between the scraping pieces 48 a and 48 b of the scraping body 484 . The reinforcing layer 485 formed so as to be continuous with the scraping pieces 48a and 48b enhances the rigidity of the scraping pieces 48a and 48b, so that the scraping pieces 48a and 48b come into strong contact with the oral tissue and remove dirt adhering to the oral tissue. can be scraped off effectively. The reinforcing layer 485 also enhances the restoring force of the scraping pieces 48a and 48b deformed in contact with the oral tissue. The scraping piece 48a tries to be deformed so as to be turned over when the interdental cleaning tool 1 inserted between the teeth is moved to be pulled out of the oral cavity, and the scraping piece 48b is the interdental cleaning tool. 1 is pushed into the oral cavity, the scraping pieces 48a and 48b return to their original shape due to the restoring force enhanced by the reinforcing layer 485, although the scraping pieces 48a and 48b try to deform so as to be rolled up toward the proximal end side. be able to. The change in the shape of the scraping pieces 48a, 48b from curled deformation to return to the original shape is suitable for scraping off stains adhering to oral tissues.

If the scraping pieces 48a and 48b are hard to roll up and deform, they can strongly contact the oral tissue and effectively scrape off the stain adhering to the oral tissue. The fact that the deformed scraping pieces 48a and 48b easily return to their original shapes also contributes to effective scraping of stains adhering to the oral tissue. The resistance to curl deformation and the ease of restoration are appropriately adjusted by the protrusion ratio of the scraping pieces 48a and 48b. The protrusion ratio of the scraping pieces 48a and 48b is set in the range of 10% or more and 200% or less. Properly adjusted for pick up.

If the scraper strips 48a, 48b are molded from a composite of elastomer and reinforcement, they can have greater stiffness than conventional brushes molded from elastomer alone. In this case, the scraping pieces 48a and 48b can come into strong contact with the oral tissue, and can effectively scrape off the dirt adhering to the oral tissue.

With respect to the above-described embodiments, the stiffness of the scrapers 48a, 48b can be adjusted by the protrusion ratio of the scrapers 48a, 48b. Therefore, if the scraping pieces 48a, 48b have a sufficiently high rigidity when the projection ratio of the scraping pieces 48a, 48b is set to a predetermined value, the scraping pieces 48a, 48b are formed. The reinforcing material may not be mixed into the molding material, and the reinforcing layer 485 may not be formed.

With respect to the above-described embodiment, the generatrices G1, G2 of the first outer peripheral surface 481 and the second outer peripheral surface 482 of the scraping strips 48a, 48b are straight (see FIG. 2). However, the peripheral shape of the scraping piece may have a shape defined by a curved line that revolves around the central axis CL. If the curve defines an outwardly bulging outer peripheral shape, the area of the scraping piece with a large thickness in the axial direction increases, and the scraping piece has high rigidity. On the other hand, if the above-mentioned curve defines an inwardly recessed outer peripheral shape, the area where the thickness of the scraper in the axial direction is small increases, and the scraper has low stiffness. Therefore, the rigidity of the scraping piece may be set to an appropriate value depending on the outer peripheral shape of the scraping piece.

Regarding the above-described embodiment, the shape and arrangement of the plurality of scraping pieces 48a and 48b are determined by the amount of protrusion, the generatrix G1 and G2 of the first outer peripheral surface 481 and the second outer peripheral surface 482, and the central axis GL of the shaft portion 20. are set to decrease as the crossing angles θ1 and θ2 between are closer to the insertion end portion 22a. One purpose of these shape features is that the tip portion of the interdental cleaner 1 can be easily inserted between the teeth. However, in order to easily insert the tip portion of the interdental cleaning tool between the teeth, the rigidity of the plurality of scraping pieces may be set to decrease toward the tip side. As described above, the rigidity of the scraping pieces can also be adjusted by the shape of the scraping pieces. The crossing angle with CL may be constant.

With respect to the above-described embodiments, the scraping surfaces 480 of the plurality of scraping strips 48a, 48b are circular or polygonal. When the scraping surface 480 has a polygonal shape, the plurality of scraping pieces 48a and 48b may be formed such that the directions of polygonal corners of adjacent scraping surfaces 480 are different. Alternatively, the plurality of scraping pieces 48a and 48b may be formed so that the polygonal corners of adjacent scraping surfaces 480 are oriented in the same direction.

While the scraping surfaces 480 of some of the plurality of scraping pieces 48a, 48b are circular, the scraping surfaces 480 of the remaining scraping pieces 48a, 48b may be polygonal. When multiple scraping surfaces 480 are polygonal, the polygonal shapes of these scraping surfaces 480 may have different shapes. For example, some of the plurality of scraping surfaces 480 may be regular dodecagons, while the remaining scraping surfaces 480 may be regular hexagons.

Regarding the above-described embodiment, each of the plurality of scraping pieces 48a, 48b surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning section main body 42 in the circumferential direction. However, a notch groove extending in the axial direction may be formed in a part of the scraping piece, and the scraping piece may be formed so as to partially surround the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning unit main body in the circumferential direction. In this case, the rigidity of the scraping piece is slightly weakened around the notched groove, and a portion having a high rigidity and a portion having a low rigidity are formed in the scraping piece. As a result, there is a difference in cleaning action (curling deformation and restoration) between these parts, and this difference may produce a high cleaning effect.

As for the above-described embodiment, six scraping strips 48a and six scraping strips 48b are provided on the interdental cleaner 1. As shown in FIG. However, each of the scraping strips 48a, 48b may be less than six or more than six.

As for the embodiments described above, the shaft 20 is partially covered by the cleaning body 42 . However, the shank may be wholly covered by the cleaning section body.

With respect to the embodiments described above, the scraping pieces 48a, 48b protrude outwardly from the cleaner body 42. As shown in FIG. However, the interdental cleaner need not have a cleaning part body. In this case, the plurality of scraping pieces protrude from the shaft. That is, the shaft portion may be exposed between adjacent scraping pieces.

Regarding the above-described embodiment, the cleaning section main body 42 covers the outer surface of the shaft section 20 except for the proximal end portion 28a of the shaft section 20 . However, the covering position of the cleaning part main body may be determined in consideration of the rigidity of the scraping piece and other performance required for the interdental cleaner.

<Second embodiment>
FIG. 4 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the interdental cleaning tool 1A of the second embodiment. The interdental cleaning tool 1A will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4. FIG.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross section of a scraping body 484A of the interdental cleaner 1A. The scraping body 484A of the interdental cleaning tool 1A is a part corresponding to the scraping body 484 of the interdental cleaning tool 1 of the first embodiment. The interdental cleaning tool 1A differs from the interdental cleaning tool 1 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1) only in the shape of the scraping body 484A. Therefore, the description of the first embodiment is used for parts other than the scraping body 484A.

Similar to the interdental cleaning tool 1 of the first embodiment, the interdental cleaning tool 1A is arranged between the scraping piece 48a arranged on the most distal side and the scraping piece 48b arranged on the most proximal side. It has five scrapers 484A (not shown). The arrangement positions of the five scraping bodies 484A correspond to the scraping bodies 484 shown in FIG. Therefore, the description regarding the arrangement position of the scraping body 484 in the first embodiment is used for the arrangement position of these scraping bodies 484A. One of the five scrapers 484A is shown in FIG.

The scraping body 484A is different from the scraping body 484 having the scraping surface 480 subsumed in a virtual axis-perpendicular plane orthogonal to the central axis CL at an angle other than 90° with respect to the central axis CL. It has a scraping surface 480A formed by intersecting generatrices G3. The intersection angle between the generatrix G3 and the central axis CL is indicated in FIG. 4 by the symbol "θ3". When the intersecting angle θ3 between the generatrix G3 and the central axis CL is 90°, the scraping body 484A conforms in shape to the scraping body 484 of the first embodiment.

The intersection angle θ3 may be an acute angle as shown in FIG. In this case, the intersection angle θ3 is preferably set to 80° or more. When the crossing angle θ3 is acute, the distal scraping surface 480A forms a proximally recessed end surface, while the proximal scraping surface 480A forms a distally recessed end surface. . Alternatively, the intersection angle θ3 may be an obtuse angle. In this case, the intersection angle θ3 is preferably set to 100° or less. When the intersection angle θ3 is an obtuse angle, the distal scraping surface 480A forms a distally bulging end face, while the proximal scraping surface 480A forms a proximally bulging end face. . When the crossing angle θ3 is in the range of 80° or more and 100° or less, the scraping surface 480A can come into surface contact with the oral tissue over a wide range, and can scrape dirt attached to the oral tissue over a wide range.

When the crossing angle θ3 of the scraping surface 480A is acute, the thickness between the first outer peripheral surface 481 or the second outer peripheral surface 482 and the scraping surface 480A is small. In this case, the rigidity of the scraping body 484A is low, and the scraping body 484A is easily deformed according to contact with oral tissue. On the other hand, when the crossing angle θ3 of the scraping surface 480A is an obtuse angle, the thickness between the first outer peripheral surface 481 or the second outer peripheral surface 482 and the scraping surface 480A increases. In this case, the rigidity of the scraping body 484 is increased, and the scraping body 484 is less likely to deform in response to contact with oral tissue. Therefore, the rigidity of the scraping body 484A is adjusted even when the crossing angle θ3 is changed.

The inclined shape of the scraping surface 480A is not only the end surface of the scraping body 484A, but also the scraping piece 48a (see FIG. 1) arranged on the most distal side of the interdental cleaning tool 1A. It may be incorporated into the scraping surface 480 of the scraping strip 48b (see FIG. 1).

With respect to the above-described embodiment, the tilt angles (ie, crossing angle θ3) of the distal and proximal scraping surfaces 480A of the scraping body 484A are the same. However, the crossing angle θ3 may take different values between the distal and proximal scraping surfaces 480A.

With respect to the above-described embodiments, the scraping surfaces 480, 480A are flat surfaces perpendicular to the central axis CL (ie, the crossing angle θ3 is 90°) and a surface defined by the generatrix G3 orbiting around the central axis CL. However, the shape of the scraping surface may also be defined by a curve circling around the central axis CL.

The principles of the above-described embodiments are preferably used in the oral hygiene field.

1, 1A ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ interdental cleaning tool 10 ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ base 20 .・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・Cleaning unit 42・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・Cleaning unit main bodies 48a, 48b・・・・・・・・・・・・Scraping pieces 480, 480A ・・・・・・・・・・・・Scraping surface 481 ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・First outer peripheral surface 482 ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ Second outer peripheral surface 485 ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・Reinforcement layer CL・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・Center axes G1, G2, G3 ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・Bus lines θ1, θ2, θ3 ・・・・・・・・・・・・Crossing angle

Claims (9)

a base having an insertion end inserted between teeth and including a shaft extending in a predetermined axial direction toward the insertion end;
a cleaning part covering at least part of the shaft part and capable of cleaning between the teeth;
The cleaning portion has a cleaning portion main body covering the at least part of the shaft portion, and a scraping surface projecting outward from an outer peripheral surface of the cleaning portion main body so as to scrape dirt between the teeth. a plurality of scraping pieces spaced apart from each other and arranged in the axial direction on the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning unit main body so that gaps are formed between scraping surfaces that are adjacent and face each other in the axial direction; , including
Some of the plurality of scraping pieces have a first outer peripheral surface forming an outer peripheral shape that tapers in the axial direction from the scraping surface toward the insertion end . The scraping piece other than the part has a second outer peripheral surface that forms an outer peripheral shape that becomes thicker in the axial direction from a position farther from the insertion end than the scraping surface toward the scraping surface. have
The scraping pieces having the first outer peripheral surface and the scraping pieces having the second outer peripheral surface are arranged alternately,
The scraping piece having the first outer peripheral surface has a scraping surface facing the side opposite to the insertion end, and the portion forming the first outer peripheral surface is the outer periphery of the cleaning section main body. is connected to
The scraping piece having the second outer peripheral surface has a scraping surface facing the insertion end portion side, and is connected to the outer periphery of the cleaning section main body at a portion forming the second outer peripheral surface. has been
The plurality of scraping pieces are formed so that the thickness in the axial direction decreases toward the periphery of the scraping surface, and the scraping surface is pressed against the teeth to extend between the teeth. An interproximal cleaning tool which curls and deforms when passing through and restores its original shape after passing between the teeth. a base having an insertion end inserted between teeth and including a shaft extending in a predetermined axial direction toward the insertion end;
a cleaning part covering at least part of the shaft part and capable of cleaning between the teeth;
The cleaning portion has a cleaning portion main body covering the at least part of the shaft portion, and a scraping surface projecting outward from an outer peripheral surface of the cleaning portion main body so as to scrape dirt between the teeth. a plurality of scraping pieces spaced apart from each other and arranged in the axial direction on the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning unit main body so that gaps are formed between scraping surfaces that are adjacent and face each other in the axial direction; , including
Some of the plurality of scraping pieces have a first outer peripheral surface forming an outer peripheral shape that tapers in the axial direction from the scraping surface toward the insertion end. The scraping pieces other than the part of the scraping pieces form an outer peripheral shape that becomes thicker in the axial direction from a position farther from the insertion end than the scraping surface toward the scraping surface. having a second outer peripheral surface that is
The scraping pieces having the first outer peripheral surface and the scraping pieces having the second outer peripheral surface are arranged alternately,
The scraping piece having the first outer peripheral surface has a scraping surface facing the side opposite to the insertion end, and the portion forming the first outer peripheral surface is the outer periphery of the cleaning section main body. is connected to
The scraping piece having the second outer peripheral surface has a scraping surface facing the insertion end portion side, and is connected to the outer periphery of the cleaning section main body at a portion forming the second outer peripheral surface. has been
The shape and shape of the plurality of scraping pieces are such that the closer the scraping piece is to the insertion end, the smaller the crossing angle between the generatrix of the first and second outer peripheral surfaces and the central axis of the shaft portion. Placement is defined
The plurality of scraping pieces are curled and deformed when passing between the teeth so that the scraping surfaces are pressed against the teeth, and are restored to their original shape after passing between the teeth. . The interdental cleaning tool according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the scraping piece closest to the insertion end portion among the plurality of scraping pieces has the first outer peripheral surface. a first scraping piece provided as one of the plurality of scraping pieces and having the first outer peripheral surface; and the first scraping piece as another scraping piece of the plurality of scraping pieces. The cleaning unit main body is circumferentially surrounded by a second scraping piece which is arranged at a position closer to the insertion end than the first scraping piece and has the second outer peripheral surface so as to be adjacent to each other. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a reinforcing layer connected to the first scraping piece and the second scraping piece and reinforcing the first scraping piece and the second scraping piece. Interdental cleaner. The plurality of scraping pieces are arranged at a position closer to the insertion end portion than the second scraping pieces so as to be adjacent to the second scraping pieces, and a third scraping piece having the first outer peripheral surface. including a piece
The distance between the scraping surfaces of the second scraping piece and the third scraping piece is greater than the distance between the scraping surfaces of the first scraping piece and the second scraping piece. 5. The interdental cleaner of claim 4, narrow in direction. A ratio of the amount of protrusion of the scraping surface from the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning unit main body to the connecting length of the cleaning unit main unit and the plurality of scraping pieces in the axial direction is 10% or more and 200% or less. Item 6. The interdental cleaning tool according to any one of Items 1 to 5. 7. The interdental cleaning tool according to claim 6, wherein the shape and arrangement of the plurality of scraping pieces are determined such that the closer the scraping piece is to the insertion end, the smaller the amount of protrusion of the scraping piece. The interdental cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein an intersection angle between the generatrix of the scraping surface and the central axis of the shaft portion is 80° or more and 100° or less. 9. An interdental cleaning tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning portion is made of a composite material comprising an elastomer and a reinforcing material.

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