JPH1133042A - Interdental brush - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an antibacterial interdental brush which prevents the growth of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria and mold. SOLUTION: In an interdental brush 1, in which a brush member 2 comprising a brush part in which bristles 5 are each twisted with a metallic wire over a predetermined length from its end and a wire part is buried in a handle member 3 by a predetermined length from the terminal of the wire part, at least the bristles 5 contain 0.1 to 5.0 wt.% antibacterial zeolite shown as an inorganic antibacterial agent, in a thermoplastic synthetic resin.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an antibacterial interdental brush. More specifically, the present invention relates to an interdental brush used for removing plaque or the like in the interdental space by inserting into the interdental space or massaging gingiva in the interdental region.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Dental plaque is formed by Streptococcus mutans, a resident bacterium that inhabits the oral cavity, makes glucan from nutrients such as sugar in food and adheres to the surface of teeth. When calcified by lime in saliva, it becomes tartar that is difficult to exfoliate and is fixed to the tooth surface. Anaerobic and aerobic bacteria that originate from food waste and the like inhabit plaque and tartar. About 70% of plaque
Is formed by microorganisms and is a mass of filamentous fungi, a large number of gram-positive cocci and bacilli, and a small number of gram-negative bacteria. The remaining 30% is mostly bacterial polysaccharides and extracellular The polysaccharides dextran (dextran), mutan (mutan),
It consists of levan and the like. It is said that acids and toxins produced by bacteria in dental plaque cause tooth decay and periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and alveolar pyorrhea. If plaque or tartar is left untouched, pockets form between the teeth and the gums, accumulating pus, and the accumulated pus dissolves the alveolar bone supporting the teeth and progresses to alveolar pyorrhea. To prevent gingivitis and alveolar pyorrhea, plaque is removed with a toothbrush etc. to clean the surface of the teeth, prevent the development of calculus, and massage the gums to reduce gingival blood circulation. It is necessary to enhance, promote metabolism, eliminate pockets and firmly fix teeth.

[0003] The interdental brush is positioned as an auxiliary tool of the toothbrush, and removes plaque and the like in the interdental space which cannot be removed by a normal toothbrush, and reduces the generation of tooth decay facing the interdental portion. It is used to prevent periodontal disease in the interdental region and to massage gingiva in the interdental region. The interdental brush (20) is, for example, as shown in FIG.
As is clear from FIG. 2, a brush portion (22) in which brush bristles (21) are twisted into a metal wire made of stainless steel or the like is bent into a U-shape or a U-shape.
3) and a handle member (24) embedded in a predetermined length. A thermoplastic synthetic resin such as polyamide and polybutylene terephthalate is used for the brush bristles (21). The handle member (24) is made of a soft polyethylene such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a soft thermoplastic synthetic resin such as polypropylene (PP), or EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer) alone or by polymer blending. in use. The wire part (23)
The protruding portion (25) protrudes from the leading tapered portion (25) of the handle member (24). When it is necessary to bend the interdental brush (20) to brush the interdental space or the like of the back teeth, the tapered portion (25) is used. ) Can be bent without reducing the radius of curvature of the metal wire, so that the wire portion (23) can be prevented from being broken. The interdental brush (20) inserts the brush portion (22) into the interdental space from a direction substantially perpendicular to the tooth, and when used in that direction, is attached to the tooth surface by the brush portion (22). Plaque or food debris accumulated in the interdental space can be removed, the tooth surface of the interdental space can be cleaned, and the brush part (22) massages the gingival part appropriately. It is widely used to stimulate the metabolism of gingiva, train the gums, and make the gums healthy.

[0004] Plaque and the like removed by the interdental brush,
It adheres to the surface of the brush bristles (21) or between the brush bristles (21). The plaque is sticky, and the brush bristles (21) are made of a thinner material than a normal toothbrush.
1) It is very difficult to completely remove plaque and the like adhered to the surface or the like of the brush bristles (21) with tap water or the like since the spaces between them are dense. If the interdental brush (20) having plaque or the like adhered to the brush bristles (21) is left, bacteria and mold will proliferate in the plaque and the like, which is unsanitary.
In other words, the interdental brush on which bacteria and mold have multiplied has a peculiar unpleasant odor, and in some cases, may be colored and may hesitate to use it continuously. When an interdental brush (20) with bacteria or mold attached thereto is inserted into the interdental space and used, bacteria and mold remain in the oral cavity, which may cause bad breath and stomatitis. In addition, if the gingiva between teeth is damaged by the brush bristles (21) of the interdental brush (20), inflammation may be caused by bacteria or mold. In some cases, it may cause harm to the body such as a gastrointestinal disorder.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made as a result of intensive studies in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and provides an interdental brush in which harmful microorganisms such as bacteria and mold do not grow. It is intended to be.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an interdental brush according to the present invention is a brush comprising a brush portion in which brush bristles are twisted into a metal wire over a predetermined length from a tip and a wire portion. An interdental brush having a predetermined length embedded in a handle member from an end of a wire portion of the member, wherein the bristles contain 0.1 to 5.0% by weight of an inorganic antibacterial agent based on a thermoplastic synthetic resin. It is characterized by becoming. According to this, it is possible to sterilize bacteria in plaque and the like attached to the brush bristles by the inorganic antibacterial agent, and bacteria and microorganisms such as mold proliferate even if the interdental brush with plaque and the like is left alone. Aseptic condition can be maintained without performing. The handle member may contain 0.1 to 5.0% by weight of an inorganic antibacterial agent with respect to the thermoplastic synthetic resin. According to this, microorganisms such as bacteria and mold are contained in the brush hairs and the handle member. Aseptic conditions can be maintained without proliferation. Further, the interdental brush of the present invention is such that a predetermined length from the end of the wire portion of the brush member comprising a brush portion and a wire portion in which brush bristles are twisted into a metal wire over a predetermined length from the tip end to the handle member. In the buried interdental brush, the bristles may contain 0.1 to 5.0% by weight of an antibacterial zeolite with respect to a thermoplastic synthetic resin. According to this, it is possible to sterilize bacteria in plaque and the like attached to the brush hair by the antibacterial zeolite, and bacteria and microorganisms such as mold proliferate even if the interdental brush to which plaque and the like are attached is left. Aseptic condition can be maintained without any problem. The handle member may contain 0.1 to 5.0% by weight of an antibacterial zeolite with respect to the thermoplastic synthetic resin. According to this, microorganisms such as bacteria and mold grow on the brush hairs and the handle member. Aseptic condition can be maintained without performing. As the antibacterial zeolite, it is preferable to use an antibacterial zeolite having excellent discoloration resistance as described below. Such antibacterial zeolite having excellent discoloration resistance is mixed not only with the thermoplastic synthetic resin for the brush bristles and handle members of the interdental brush, but also with the thermoplastic synthetic resin for the sleeve of the interdental brush. It is also possible. Mixing an antibacterial zeolite having excellent discoloration resistance is preferable because the discoloration of the thermoplastic synthetic resin is small even when used for a long time and the commercial value can be maintained for a long time. As the metal wire, stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloy, cobalt chrome, nickel chrome,
Iron, copper, aluminum and the like can be used, but stainless steel is preferred in terms of good corrosion resistance, sufficient mechanical strength, low cost, and the like. Further, the metal wire may be made of an antibacterial alloy, and according to this, a sterile state can be maintained without the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and mold on the wire. As the antibacterial alloy, an antibacterial Ni-Cu alloy, an antibacterial stainless steel, or the like can be used. As the antibacterial Ni-Cu alloy, Ni 66.5% by weight, Cu 31.5% by weight, Fe
An alloy containing 1.2% by weight can be exemplified. Examples of the antibacterial stainless steel include an antibacterial stainless steel containing at least 1.5% by weight of Cu and 17% by weight of Cr (trade name: NSS AM1: manufactured by Nissin Steel Co., Ltd.). It is preferable that the thermoplastic synthetic resin constituting the handle member is made of at least a metal-adhesive polyolefin because the wire portion of the brush member can be buried and fixed in a straight line. It is preferable that the carboxylic acid is introduced by a graft reaction. The metal-adhesive polyolefin can be used alone or in a polymer blend with another thermoplastic synthetic resin.
For the polymer blend, a thermoplastic synthetic resin as described later can be used, and the metal adhesive polyolefin is 5.6 parts by weight or more based on 100 parts by weight of the thermoplastic synthetic resin, so that the metal wire does not easily come out of the handle member. It is preferable to obtain a sufficient adhesive strength. If the metal-adhesive polyolefin is less than 5.6 parts by weight in 100 parts by weight of the thermoplastic synthetic resin,
The adhesive strength between the surface of the metal wire and the handle member is poor, which is not preferable. In particular, as a polymer blend,
A combination of a metal-adhesive polyolefin, EVA, and a soft polyethylene is preferable.
~ 55 parts by weight, 55 ~ 25 parts by weight of EVA, and 10 ~ 35 parts by weight of soft polyethylene.

[0007]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below, and the present invention will be described in more detail. Of course, the present invention is not limited by the following embodiments. FIG. 1A is a plan view showing an example of the interdental brush of the present invention,
(B) is an enlarged sectional view of a brush bristle, (c) is an enlarged sectional view of a handle member. Here, description will be made assuming that an antibacterial zeolite is used as the inorganic antibacterial agent. As shown in FIG. 1, the interdental brush (1) includes a brush member (2) and a handle member (3). In the brush member (2), brush bristles (5) formed by molding a thermoplastic synthetic resin into which antibacterial zeolite (4) is mixed and kneaded are twisted over a predetermined length from the tip of a stainless wire. It consists of a brush part (6) and a wire part (7). And
A predetermined length from the end of the wire portion (7) is embedded in a handle member (3) of a thermoplastic synthetic resin into which antibacterial zeolite (4) is mixed and kneaded. When a thermoplastic synthetic resin containing a metal-adhesive polyolefin described later is not used for the handle member (3), the wire portion (7) embedded in the handle member (3) usually has a U-shape. Or use a U-shaped bend. From the head part (3a) of the handle member (3), a tapered part (8) wrapping around the wire part (7) protrudes, and a trunk part (3b) and a tail part (3c).
A knob (9) is provided annularly between the two. The outer diameter of the trunk (3b) and the tail (3c) are the same,
If necessary, it can be fitted and connected to a sleeve (not shown). Therefore, the interdental brush (1) can be put in a storage state by being inserted into the sleeve from the brush part (6) direction and fitting the body part (3b),
By fitting the tail (3c) to the sleeve, the interdental brush can be used in a state extended from the sleeve.

As the thermoplastic synthetic resin used for the brush bristles, for example, polyamide, polybutylene terephthalate and the like can be used. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

As the thermoplastic synthetic resin used for the handle member, for example, soft polyethylene such as low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer), polyacetal (PO
M) can be used. These can be used alone or
They may be used as a mixture of more than two kinds. Further, as described later, a metal adhesive polyolefin alone or a polymer blend with another thermoplastic synthetic resin may be used.

[0010] Antibacterial zeolites are obtained by converting some or all of ion-exchangeable ions in natural or synthetic zeolites, such as sodium ion, calcium ion, potassium ion, magnesium ion and iron ion, into antibacterial metal ions, for example. And those obtained by exchanging with one or more metal ions selected from silver, copper, zinc, bismuth and thallium. Preferably, they are substituted with ammonium ions and the above-mentioned antibacterial metal ions. Among silver, copper, zinc, bismuth, and thallium ions as antibacterial metal ions, silver, copper, or zinc ions are preferable from the viewpoint of antibacterial properties, economy, harm to living organisms, and the like. Zeolites is generally an aluminosilicate having a three-dimensional skeleton structure represented by the general _{formula; XM Z / n O · Al} 2 O 3 · YSiO 2 · ZH 2 O
It is represented by Here, M represents an ion-exchangeable ion and is usually a monovalent or divalent metal ion, and n is (metal)
The valence of the ion, X is the coefficient of metal oxide, Y is the coefficient of silica, and Z is the number of molecules of water of crystallization. Specific examples of the zeolite include, for example, A-type zeolite, X-type zeolite, Y-type zeolite, T-type zeolite, high silica zeolite, sodalite, mordenite, analcyme, clinoptilolite, chabazite, Examples include, but are not limited to, erionite. The ion exchange capacities of these exemplified zeolites are A-type zeolite 7 meq / g, X-type zeolite 6.4 meq / g, Y-type zeolite 5 meq / g.
g, T-type zeolite 3.4 meq / g, sodalite 11.5 meq / g, mordenite 2.6 meq
/ G, analsim 5meq / g, clinoptilolite 2.6meq / g, chabazite 5meq / g,
The amount of erionite is 3.8 meq / g, and each has a sufficient capacity for ion exchange with the antibacterial metal ion.

The antibacterial metal ion in the zeolite is:
It is necessary to contain 0.1 to 25% by weight (based on 110 ° C drying basis) from the viewpoint of antibacterial properties. It is more preferable to contain 0.1 to 8% by weight of silver ions and 0.1 to 20% by weight of zinc ions. The ammonium ion in the zeolite is 0.5 to 5% by weight, preferably 0.1 to 5% by weight.
A content of 5 to 2% by weight (based on a drying temperature of 110 ° C.) is necessary to prevent discoloration of the zeolite. Examples of the antibacterial zeolite excellent in discoloration resistance described above include an antibacterial zeolite based on the production method described in JP-A-6-247816 and an antibacterial zeolite based on the production method described in JP-A-7-247113. . The antibacterial zeolite based on the production method described in JP-A-6-247816 is obtained by treating a zeolite carrying an antibacterial metal with hydroxy or alkoxysilane or a low condensate thereof. Also, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open
The antibacterial zeolite based on the production method described in JP-A-247113 is composed of an alkoxysilane monomer containing an ethylenically unsaturated bond in an amount of 0.05 part by weight or more based on 1000 parts by weight of a zeolite supporting an antibacterial metal. .95 parts by weight or more of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and the total amount of the alkoxysilane monomer and the ethylenically unsaturated monomer is 10 to 200 parts by weight, Is obtained by performing a surface treatment. Among them, the antibacterial zeolite described in JP-A-7-247113 is preferable because of its excellent dispersibility and compatibility with low-molecular-weight organic polymers. In addition,
It is also possible to use an antibacterial polyolefin composition which is excellent in discoloration resistance and mixed with an antibacterial zeolite. Such antibacterial polyolefins include Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-21.
No. 091 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-23274 can be exemplified. The antibacterial polyolefin composition described in JP-B-7-21091 is based on 100 parts by weight of a polyolefin resin containing a chlorine compound.
(A) 0.1 to 5.0 parts by weight of an antimicrobial agent obtained by holding one or more metals selected from the group consisting of copper, silver, zinc and tin in a porous zeolite; and (b) phosphorus 0.01 to 0.5 parts by weight of a system-based antioxidant, 0.01 to 0.3 parts by weight of (c) a phenol-based antioxidant, and (d) chlorine containing hydrotalcites and / or magnesium oxide. And 0.01 to 0.5 parts by weight of a neutralizing agent. The antibacterial polyolefin composition described in JP-B-6-23274 is a kind selected from the group consisting of (a) silver, copper, zinc and tin, based on 100 parts by weight of a polyolefin resin containing a chlorine compound. Or 0.1 to 5.0 parts by weight of an antibacterial agent obtained by holding two or more metals in a porous zeolite; (b) 0.01 to 0.5 parts by weight of a hindered amine-based polysiloxane compound; 0.01 to 0.5 parts by weight of one or more neutralizing agents selected from the group consisting of hydrotalcites, aluminum calcium silicate, oxides and hydroxides of metals of Group II of the periodic table And is characterized by containing. An antibacterial antibacterial zeolite excellent in discoloration resistance and an antibacterial polyolefin composition excellent in discoloration resistance mixed with an antibacterial zeolite are appropriately selected and used. And such antibacterial zeolite exhibits permanent antibacterial properties.

It is preferable that the antibacterial zeolite is contained in an amount of 0.1 to 5.0% by weight based on the thermoplastic synthetic resin for brush bristles. When the amount of the antibacterial zeolite is less than 0.1% by weight, it is insufficient to uniformly expose the fine particles of the antibacterial zeolite on the surface of the brush hair, and the antibacterial zeolite cannot exhibit sufficient antibacterial properties. If it exceeds, mechanical properties such as strength, elastic modulus and heat resistance of brush hairs will be inferior,
Moreover, the color of the antibacterial zeolite is undesirably affected strongly. The thermoplastic synthetic resin for brush bristles is brought into a molten state, fine-particle antibacterial zeolite is mixed and kneaded, and then brush bristles are obtained by extrusion or the like. When the average particle size of the antibacterial zeolite is 1.5 to 2 μm and the maximum particle size is 10 μm or less, the antibacterial zeolite can be uniformly dispersed in the thermoplastic synthetic resin and does not hinder the molding, and has a good antibacterial property. Is preferred from the viewpoint of expressing

It is preferable that the antibacterial zeolite is contained in an amount of 0.1 to 5.0% by weight based on the thermoplastic synthetic resin of the handle member. When the amount of the antibacterial zeolite is less than 0.1% by weight, it is insufficient to uniformly expose the microparticles of the antibacterial zeolite on the surface of the handle member, and sufficient antibacterial properties cannot be exhibited. On the other hand, if it exceeds 5.0% by weight, mechanical properties such as strength, elastic modulus, heat resistance and the like of the pattern member are inferior,
Moreover, the color of the antibacterial zeolite is undesirably affected strongly. The thermoplastic synthetic resin for the handle member is melted, and fine-particle antibacterial zeolite is mixed and kneaded, and then molded to obtain a handle member. When the average particle size of the antibacterial zeolite is 1.5 to 2 μm and the maximum particle size is 10 μm or less, the uniform dispersion of the antibacterial zeolite in the thermoplastic synthetic resin, good molding, and good antibacterial property can be achieved. Is preferred. For the shaping of the handle member, an insert molding method is employed in which the wire portion of the brush member is inserted and formed in a mold.

When a thermoplastic synthetic resin containing at least a metal-adhesive polyolefin is used as the handle member, as shown in FIG. 2, a predetermined length from the end of the linear wire portion (10) of the brush member (2) is increased. The wire portion (10) is sufficiently adhered to the handle member (3) only by insert molding to be embedded in the handle member (3), so that the wire portion (10) embedded in the handle member (3) can be bent, This is preferable because an operation such as application of an adhesive to the wire portion (10) or application of a primer is not required.

The metal-adhesive polyolefin is a metal-adhesive polyolefin obtained by introducing a carboxylic acid into a very low-density polyethylene by a graft reaction. It is desirable from the viewpoint of flexibility when using the member. The adhesion mechanism between the metal-adhesive polyolefin and the metal is not clear, but causes a chemical bond or a hydrogen bond with the carboxylic acid introduced by the graft reaction and the oxide film on the metal surface or the -OH group in the sorbed moisture. It is thought to be due to this. The metal-adhesive polyolefin may be used alone or a polymer blend containing the metal-adhesive polyolefin. When the metal-adhesive polyolefin is used alone, it is preferable to apply a release agent to the mold in order to improve the releasability after molding. To prevent sinking during molding,
What is necessary is just to make injection speed low. As metal-adhesive polyolefins, JP-B-54-18297,
JP-B-58-12299, JP-B-4-60140
And JP-A-2-6513. Japanese Patent Publication No. 54-18297 discloses a polyolefin obtained by grafting an unsaturated carboxylic acid or an anhydride thereof or a polyolefin A obtained by blending the grafted polyolefin with 0.01 to 2% by weight of phosphoric acid. The composition comprises a composition having good adhesion durability to a metal, characterized by comprising a salt B. JP-B-58-12299 discloses polyethylene 70 to 95 partially or entirely modified with an unsaturated carboxylic acid or an anhydride thereof.
Parts by weight and 5 to 30 parts by weight of polypropylene,
The amount of unsaturated carboxylic acid or anhydride contained by the modification is 1 as carbonyl group per 1 g of the composition.
A polyolefin composition having excellent metal adhesion, characterized by being in the range of × 10 ^-4 to 1 × 10 ^-1 millimolar equivalent. Japanese Patent Publication No. 4-60140 discloses an ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin having an ultimate clay [η] of 10 dl / g or more measured in decalin at 135 ° C., an unsaturated carboxylic acid, an acid anhydride thereof,
A powder of a modified ultra-high molecular weight polyolefin obtained by graft copolymerization of an unsaturated carboxylic acid derivative component unit comprising a salt or an ester thereof, wherein at least 20% by weight or more of the powder passes through a 350 mesh sieve and has an average particle size of 1 to 8
The modified ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin powder in the range of 0 μm is contained. JP-A-2-6513 discloses that a polyolefin copolymer derived from propylene, ethylene and an α-olefin having 4 to 20 carbon atoms is obtained by adding an unsaturated carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof to a polyolefin copolymer at random. The polyolefin copolymer is composed of 40 to 90 mol%, and the ethylene component is composed of 2 to 4% by weight.
0 mol% and the α-olefin component is in the range of 10 to 40 mol%, and the relational molar ratio of the α-olefin component / (ethylene component + the α-olefin component) is 0.1 to 0.1 mol%. It contains a polyolefin-modified polymer characterized by being within the range of nine. It is appropriately selected and used from such metal-adhesive polyolefins.

When a polymer blend is used, the thermoplastic synthetic resin other than the metal-adhesive polyolefin may be high-pressure low-density polyethylene (HPLDP).
E), soft polyethylene such as very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (PVOH), ethylene -Vinyl acetate copolymer (EV
A), polypropylene (PP), ethylene ionomer, etc. can be employed. One or more of these thermoplastic synthetic resins other than the metal-adhesive polyolefin can be polymer-blended with the metal-adhesive polyolefin. The combination of thermoplastic synthetic resins in the polymer blend does not alienate the adhesion of the metal-adhesive polyolefin to the metal wire. Considering the mutual compatibility and miscibility of the resins, the bending strength of the resulting handle member, etc. Is determined in consideration of the mechanical properties, biocompatibility, mold release properties, moldability such as anti-sinking properties, manufacturing costs, and the like. It is necessary to select the mixing ratio in a range in which the adhesiveness to the metal wire can be sufficiently secured. As described above, when a metal-adhesive polyolefin obtained by introducing a carboxylic acid into a very low-density polyethylene by a graft reaction and another thermoplastic synthetic resin are used as a polymer blend, the metal-adhesive polyolefin is converted to a thermoplastic synthetic resin 100. 5.6 parts by weight
It is preferable that the amount is not less than the weight part in order to obtain a sufficient adhesive force so that the metal wire does not easily come out of the handle member. If the metal-adhesive polyolefin is less than 5.6 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the thermoplastic synthetic resin, the adhesive strength between the metal wire surface and the handle member is inferior, which is not preferable.

As a polymer blend, a combination of a metal-adhesive polyolefin, EVA, and a soft polyolefin can provide sufficient adhesion to a metal wire and can be molded without using a release agent. It is preferable because the moldability is good and the handle member has appropriate flexibility. The mixing ratio of the metal adhesive polyolefin is preferably 5 to 55 parts by weight, the EVA is 55 to 25 parts by weight, and the soft polyethylene is 10 to 35 parts by weight. If the amount of the metal-adhesive polyolefin is less than 5 parts by weight, the adhesive force with the metal wire becomes insufficient, which is not preferable. If the amount exceeds 55 parts by weight, the adhesive force with the metal wire is sufficient, but the release agent is used during molding. It becomes necessary to do. In this case, the metal-adhesive polyolefin has an adhesive force to the metal wire and the releasability is particularly good up to 5 parts by weight or more and less than 10 parts by weight. The adhesive strength is particularly good, and the releasability and the formability are particularly good. When the amount is 20 parts by weight or more, the balance between the adhesiveness to the metal wire, the releasability, the formability, and the flexibility of the handle member is further improved. be able to. Among them, the most preferable compounding ratio is 30 parts by weight of metal adhesive polyolefin, 45 parts by weight of EVA, and 2 parts of soft polyethylene.
5 parts by weight.

For the polymer blend, various methods such as a physical blending method by melting and a reactive processing method can be adopted, but a physical blending method by melting is preferable from the viewpoint of uniform dispersion. In the physical blending by melting, it is preferable to use a single screw extruder or the like when the softening temperature and melt viscosity of the thermoplastic synthetic resin to be blended are close to each other, and the difference in softening temperature is large, and the melt viscosity is also high. If they differ greatly, it is preferable to use a twin screw extruder. The material blended with the polymer and extruded from the extruder is pelletized, and in insert molding, the pellet is melted, mixed with antibacterial zeolite fine particles, and subjected to molding. According to such a polymer blend, the amount of expensive metal-adhesive polyolefin used can be reduced, and a cheaper antibacterial interdental brush handle member can be provided.

In addition to the antibacterial zeolite, one or two or more antibacterial agents selected from antibacterial zeolite, antibacterial zirconium phosphate, antibacterial calcium phosphate, and antibacterial glass are used together with the antibacterial zeolite. Of course, substances may be used. At this time, the content of the thermoplastic synthetic resin in combination with the antibacterial zeolite and one or two or more selected from antibacterial zirconium phosphate, antibacterial calcium phosphate, and antibacterial glass is 0. The content is preferably set to 1 to 5.0% by weight. As antibacterial zirconium phosphate, silver zirconium phosphate (trade name; Novalon: manufactured by Toagosei Co., Ltd., average particle size 0.3 to 1.5 μm), and as antibacterial calcium phosphate, silver apatite (trade name; apacider) A: Sangi Co., Ltd., average particle size 1 to 10 μm) As the antibacterial glass, silver glass (trade name: Ion Pure: Ishizuka Glass Co., Ltd., average particle size 1 to 20 μm) can be adopted.
These antibacterial zirconium phosphate, antibacterial calcium phosphate, as an antibacterial substance carried on antibacterial glass,
Needless to say, the material is not limited to silver, and may be copper or zinc. Needless to say, inorganic antibacterial agents other than the above-mentioned antibacterial substances can be used. In short, the thermoplastic resin used for the brush bristles of the interdental brush or the thermoplastic resin used for the handle member Any material may be used as long as it can be uniformly mixed and kneaded with the material and exhibits sufficient antibacterial properties. As such a material, titanium oxide can be further exemplified. Of course, the various antibacterial agents described above can be used alone, or two or more can be used in combination.

In the formation of the handle member, an inorganic pigment-based colorant, an auxiliary agent, a stabilizer and the like can be appropriately added. The amount of the inorganic pigment-based colorant to be added is preferably 2% by weight or less based on the thermoplastic synthetic resin constituting the pattern member.

[0021]

EXAMPLES Examples of an interdental brush using an antibacterial zeolite will be described below in more detail. <1> Prior to the examples, an antibacterial performance test of the antibacterial zeolite was performed as follows. [I] Brush bristle sample A-type antibacterial zeolite (trade name; Zeomic:
(Made by Sinanen Zeomic Co., Ltd.) and polyamide (trade name;
TYEX612 NYLON (manufactured by DuPont) was melt-mixed at 1.0% by weight and extruded to produce a nylon filament for brush bristle. The average particle size of the antibacterial zeolite is a 1.5 [mu] m, A- type zeolite _{(Na 2 O · Al 2 O} 3 · 1.9SiO 2 · X
It is obtained by ion exchange of Na ions of H ₂ O) with Ag ions and Zn ions. This A-type antibacterial zeolite has a structural formula: 0.05Ag ₂ O · 0.8
_{5ZnO · 0.1Na 2 O · Al 2} O 3 · 2SiO 2 ·
It can be expressed by 5H ₂ O. The content of Ag ions in this antibacterial zeolite is 2.5% by weight,
Zn ions are 14% by weight. As a nylon filament, M size having a diameter of 0.076 mm and 0.064 mm
Two types of S size of mm were manufactured, and for comparison, nylon filaments of M and S sizes (blank products) not containing the antibacterial zeolite were also manufactured. 1.5 g of each of these nylon filaments was used in the following sample No. Were used as samples. No. 1M for Zeomic 1.0% by weight content No. 2M blank product No. No. 3 S Zeomic 1.0% by weight content No. 4 S Blank product Sample No. 1 to No. The antibacterial test of No. 4 was performed on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. For the antibacterial test against Staphylococcus aureus, place 70 ml of Ringer's solution in an Erlenmeyer flask,
After wet heat sterilization, a suspension of Staphylococcus aureus (5.4 × 10 ⁵ cells / ml) separately prepared with Ringer's solution was added to the Erlenmeyer flask.
5 ml was added to make a test solution, a sample was added thereto, and 25
The mixture was shaken at 150 ° C. and about 150 rpm, and the number of surviving bacteria (cells / ml) in the test solution after 24 hours was measured by a pour plate method (agar plate culture method; 35 ° C., 48 hours) on a standard agar medium. . The antibacterial test against Escherichia coli was performed by placing 70 ml of Ringer's solution in an Erlenmeyer flask, sterilizing with heat and moisture, and then adding 5 ml of an Escherichia coli suspension (1.0 × 10 ⁵ cells / ml) separately prepared with Ringer's solution to the Erlenmeyer flask. The sample was added thereto, and the mixture was shaken at 25 ° C. and about 150 rpm, and the number of surviving bacteria (cells / ml) in the test solution after 24 hours was pour-plated on a standard agar medium (agar plate culture method; (35 ° C., 48 hours). As a control, a test using only the bacterial solution was also performed. This is a test to confirm whether the active state of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli used in the antibacterial test is good, and the same operation as the antibacterial test described above is performed except that a brush hair sample is not used. It is. The results are as shown in Table 1.

[0022]

[Table 1]

[II] Resin sample for handle member The A-type antibacterial zeolite used in the above [I] was added to low-density polyethylene (trade name: MIRASON 401: manufactured by Mitsui Petrochemical Industry Co., Ltd.) in an amount of 0.5. Weight percent, and
1.0% by weight were prepared by melt-mixing, respectively, injected into a molding die, molded at a molding temperature of 170 ° C. and a molding time of 10 seconds, and 0.5% by weight of an antibacterial zeolite having a thickness of 3 mm was formed. 1.0% by weight of resin plate and antibacterial zeolite
And a resin plate containing it. Further, only the low-density polyethylene was injected into a molding die, and a molding temperature of 170 ° C.
A resin plate (blank product) having a thickness of 3 mm was formed by molding for 10 seconds. These resin plates were used as sample Nos. Were used as samples. No. No. 5 Zeomic 0.5% by weight content No. 5 No. 6 containing 1.0% by weight of Zeomic 7 Blank sample No. 5-No. 7 was cut into 50 mm × 50 mm, and its antibacterial test was performed on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The antibacterial test against Staphylococcus aureus was performed using a suspension of Staphylococcus aureus (5.4 × 10 ⁵⁾ prepared with Ringer's solution.
(Ml / ml) 0.5 ml was dropped on a sample in a sterilized petri dish, a polyethylene film of almost the same size as the sample sterilized by ultraviolet light was placed on the sample, and the sample was cultured for 24 hours in an atmosphere at 35 ° C. and a humidity of 93% or more. . After the culture, the surface of the sample was washed out with 10 ml of sterilized Ringer's solution. The number of surviving bacteria (cells / ml) in the washed-out liquid was measured by a pour plate method (agar plate culture method; 35 ° C., 48 hours) using a standard agar medium. The antibacterial test against Escherichia coli was performed by using an Escherichia coli suspension (1.0 × 10 ⁵ cells / ml) prepared with Ringer's solution.
0.5 ml was dropped on the sample in the Petri dish, covered with the same polyethylene film as described above, and cultured for 24 hours in an atmosphere at 35 ° C. and a humidity of 93% or more. After culture
The surface of the sample was washed out with 10 ml of sterilized Ringer's solution. The number of surviving bacteria (cells / ml) in the washed-out solution was determined using a standard agar medium by a pour plate method (agar plate culture method: 35).
C., 48 hours). As a control, a test using only the bacterial solution was also performed. In the control test, 0.5 ml of the bacterial solution was dropped on a sterilized petri dish without using the resin sample for the handle member, and the same operation as the above-described antibacterial test was performed.
The results are as shown in Table 2. The Ringer's solution used in the antibacterial tests [I] and [II] was used in an autoclave at 120 ° C. for 20 minutes prior to the test.

[0024]

[Table 2]

Example 1 Sample No. 1 of [I] was used. The nylon filament of No. 1 was used as brush bristle, and it was folded in the center to form a pine needle-shaped stainless steel wire having a diameter of 0.3 mm.
The brush was radially implanted at twice / cm to prepare a brush member. Next, the wire portion was bent into a dogleg shape for embedding in the handle member, and this was subjected to insert molding. The sample no. The melt-mixed product having the same composition as that of No. 6 was injected into a mold for forming a handle member into which a wire portion of a brush member was inserted, and insert-molded at a molding temperature of 170 ° C. and a molding time of 10 seconds to produce an interdental brush. The antibacterial property of the obtained interdental brush was monitored by a monitor test as follows. That is,
The resulting interdental brush was handed over to a monitor, used as usual after dinner every morning, and washed with running tap water for 10 seconds.
After repeating this for one week, it is inserted into the sleeve for storing the interdental brush, and this is put in a polyethylene bag and sealed.
Stored at 7 ° C for 1 week. One week later, the polyethylene bag was opened, the interdental brush was pulled out of the sleeve, and the smell and appearance of the interdental brush were observed. For comparison, a similar monitor test was performed on a commercially available interdental brush (manufactured by Healthtech Co., Ltd.). The test results are as shown in Table 3.

Example 2 An interdental brush was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the amount of the antibacterial zeolite was changed to 5.0% by weight for both the brush bristles and the handle members. A monitor test similar to that of Example 1 was conducted on the antibacterial effect of the obtained interdental brush. The test results are as shown in Table 3.

Example 3 A-type antibacterial zeolite used in [I] was replaced with polybutylene terephthalate (trade name;
LUMICON 1101G-30: manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc.).
Filaments for brush bristles of size were produced. Using this, a brush member was produced in the same manner as in Example 1.
Next, the wire portion was bent into a dogleg shape for embedding in the handle member, and this was subjected to insert molding. Polypropylene (brand name; GRAND POLYPRO E101:
A- used in [I] to Grand Polymer Co., Ltd.)
The antibacterial zeolite of the mold was melt-mixed at 0.1% by weight and injected into a mold for forming a handle member into which a wire portion of a brush member was inserted, and insert molding was performed at a molding temperature of 230 ° C. and a molding time of 10 seconds to form a tooth. A brush was manufactured. A monitor test similar to that of Example 1 was conducted on the antibacterial effect of the obtained interdental brush. The test results are as shown in Table 3.

Example 4 An interdental brush was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the amount of the antibacterial zeolite in Example 3 was changed to 3.5% by weight for both the brush bristles and the handle members. A monitor test similar to that of Example 1 was conducted on the antibacterial effect of the obtained interdental brush. The test results are as shown in Table 3.

(Embodiment 5) The same brush member as in Embodiment 3 was used. Polypropylene (brand name: GRAND POLYPRO E101:
A- used in [I] to Grand Polymer Co., Ltd.)
The antibacterial zeolite of the mold was melt-mixed at 1.0% by weight and injected into a mold for forming a handle member into which a wire portion of a brush member was inserted, and the tooth was formed by insert molding at a molding temperature of 230 ° C. and a molding time of 10 seconds. A brush was manufactured. A monitor test similar to that of Example 1 was conducted on the antibacterial effect of the obtained interdental brush. The test results are as shown in Table 3.

(Examples 6 and 7) The A-type antibacterial zeolite used in [I] was melt-mixed with the polyamide used in [I] by 2.5% by weight, and extruded to form M-size brush bristles. Was manufactured. Using this, a brush member was produced in the same manner as in Example 1. As a thermoplastic synthetic resin used for the handle member, a metal adhesive polyolefin (trade name; Admer Grade XE-070: manufactured by Mitsui Petrochemical Industry Co., Ltd.) obtained by introducing a carboxylic acid into a very low-density polyethylene by a graft reaction is 30 wt. , EVA (trade name: EVAFLEX P-1407:
Using 45 parts by weight of Mitsui Dupont Chemical Co., Ltd.) and 25 parts by weight of soft polyethylene (trade name: ULTZEX 20200J: manufactured by Mitsui Petrochemical Industries, Ltd.), the A-type antibacterial zeolite used in [I] was used. Using 0.5% by weight and 1.0% by weight based on the total amount of the thermoplastic synthetic resin,
These were melted and kneaded at 230 ° C. for 2 hours and 30 minutes to obtain a polymer blend containing 0.5% by weight of an antibacterial zeolite and a polymer blend containing 1.0% by weight, respectively.
After degreased the surface of the linear wire portion of the prepared brush member with ethyl alcohol, the wire portion was inserted into a mold, and the obtained polymer blend was injected at a molding temperature of 180 ° C. and a molding time of 10 seconds. Insert molding, bonding the wire part and the pattern member at the same time as forming the pattern member,
Interdental brush I containing 0.5% by weight of antibacterial zeolite
To obtain an interdental brush II containing 1.0% by weight. In addition, the embedding distance of the wire portion in the handle member is 18.5 m.
m. Using the obtained interdental brushes I and II as examples 6 and 7, respectively, a monitor test similar to that of example 1 was performed for the effect of antibacterial activity. The test results are as shown in Table 3.

[0031]

[Table 3]

In addition, an interdental brush having a handle member using a polymer blend containing no antibacterial zeolite was prepared as follows. 30 parts by weight of the metal adhesive polyolefin, 45 parts by weight of EVA, and 25 parts by weight of soft polyethylene were melted and kneaded at 230 ° C. for 2 hours and 30 minutes to obtain a polymer blend. After the surface of the linear wire portion of the produced brush member was degreased with ethyl alcohol, the wire portion was inserted into a mold, and a molding temperature of 18 was obtained.
The polymer blend obtained at 0 ° C. and a molding time of 10 seconds was injected and insert-molded, and simultaneously with the formation of the handle member, the wire portion and the handle member were adhered to obtain an interdental brush III containing no antibacterial zeolite. . The embedding distance of the wire portion into the handle member was set to 18.5 mm and 16.5 mm.

The adhesiveness between the wire portions of the interdental brushes I, II, and III and the handle member was evaluated by resistance to pulling out the wire portion from the handle member. Pullout resistance is autograph
AGS-500D (manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation) was used to measure the tensile test at a crosshead speed of 10 mm / min. The interdental brush used after molding was stored under the storage conditions shown in Table 4. Here, the thing stored at 60 ° C. is that the adhesiveness between the metal-adhesive polyolefin and the metal is
It is said that it will improve with the passage of time. Since the actual use of the interdental brush takes a certain period of time after being molded and used by consumers through the market, This is to promote the effect and make the pull-out resistance test more realistic. The results are as shown in Table 4.

[0034]

[Table 4]

With the pull-out resistance values shown in Table 4, the use of the interdental brush makes it possible to apply an external force such as rotating or pulling out the wire buried in the handle member of the interdental brush. The wire portion does not easily come off from the handle member, can be used for a long period of time, and sufficiently withstands use as an interdental brush. Therefore,
There is no need to perform a fine, troublesome and difficult work such as bending a part of the wire portion embedded in the handle member into a U-shape or a U-shape, and the bending process can be omitted. Furthermore, even in insert molding, since it is only necessary to insert a linear wire portion into a mold, the operation is easy, the operation efficiency can be improved, and an inexpensive interdental brush is provided. become. Further, even when a straight wire portion is used as in the conventional technology, a step of applying an adhesive to the wire portion or a step of applying a primer to the wire portion is not required. Also, degreasing the metal wire to clean the surface,
Since it is only necessary to provide for molding, the operation is safe and easy, and the manufacturing cost of the interdental brush is not increased. In order to enable normal use of the stainless wire without slipping out of the interdental brush, the embedding distance by the insert is preferably 16.5 mm or more in this composition. The mechanism by which the stainless wire is bonded to the handle is not clear,
It is considered that the hydrogen bond between the carboxylic acid introduced by the graft reaction in the metal-adhesive polyolefin and the passive layer on the stainless steel surface plays a large role. Further, as is apparent from Table 4, a large difference was observed in the resistance to pulling out the wire from the handle member when the resin mixed with the antibacterial zeolite was used for the handle member as compared with the case where the antibacterial zeolite was not mixed. Not. Also, in general,
Under the storage conditions after molding, it is said that one day at 60 ° C. corresponds to the one left at room temperature for one month, and this is apparent from the results of A and B of the interdental brush III. .

Example 8 2.5% by weight of the A-type antibacterial zeolite used in [I] was melted and kneaded at 230 ° C. for 2 hours and 30 minutes with respect to the metal adhesive polyolefin. A mixture was obtained. Using the same brush member as in Example 6, the surface of the linear wire portion was degreased with ethyl alcohol, and then the wire portion was inserted into a mold, and was obtained at a molding temperature of 180 ° C. and a molding time of 20 seconds. The mixture was injected and insert-molded, and simultaneously with the formation of the handle member, the wire portion and the handle member were adhered to obtain an interdental brush. Prior to molding, a fluorine-based non-silicon type release agent was applied in the mold. Further, the embedding distance of the wire portion into the handle member was set to 18.5 mm. A monitor test similar to that of Example 1 was conducted on the antibacterial effect of the obtained interdental brush. The test results are as shown in Table 3. Further, the adhesiveness between the wire portion and the handle member of the obtained interdental brush was stored at 60 ° C. for 1 day after molding, and a pull-out test similar to the previous period was performed to evaluate the adhesion. 5 cm.

Next, an example in which an antibacterial metal wire is used as a metal wire of an interdental brush using an antibacterial zeolite will be shown and further described. Prior to the examples, an antibacterial performance test of an antibacterial metal wire was performed as follows.

[III] Antibacterial alloy sample As an alloy for an antibacterial metal wire, the composition as shown in Table 5 was 66.5% by weight of Ni, 31.5% by weight of Cu, and Fe
Ni-Cu based alloy containing 1.2% by weight (trade name: M
ONEL alloy 400: manufactured by Daido Steel Co., Ltd.)
It was used. For comparison, Sus304, Sus316, SusX were used as austenitic stainless steels.
Three types of M7 were used. These compositions (% by weight) are as shown in Table 5, and the following sample Nos. Were used as samples. No. No. 8 Ni-Cu alloy No. 8 9 Sus304 No. 9 10 Sus316 No. 11 SusXM7

[0039]

[Table 5]

Each of the samples was 50 mm × 50 mm, and the antibacterial test was performed on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli as follows. 1) Test strain Staphylococcus aureus IFO
12732 (Staphylococcus aureus) Escherichia coli IFO 3972
(Escherichia coli) 2) Test medium NA medium: Ordinary agar medium (Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.) 1 / 50NB medium: Ordinary bouillon (Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.) to which 0.2% of meat extract was added with purified water by 50% Diluted twice,
pH adjusted to 7.0 ± 0.2 SCDLP medium: SCDLP medium (Nihon Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) SA medium: Standard agar medium (Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.) 3) Preparation of bacterial solution 37 ° C. in NA medium , The test strain pre-cultured for 16 to 24 hours was inoculated again into NA medium, and the cells cultured at 37 ° C. for 16 to 20 hours were uniformly dispersed in 1/50 NB medium, and 1 ml
It was prepared such that the number of bacteria per cell was 1.0 × 10 ^{6 to} 5.0 × 10 ⁶ . 4) Preparation of sample Prior to the antibacterial test, the sample was lightly wiped with absorbent cotton impregnated with 99.5% (V / V) ethanol, and then air-dried. 5) Test operation In the antibacterial test for Staphylococcus aureus, the bacterial solution was added to the sample at 0.
1 ml was dropped and 50 x 50m UV sterilized on the sample
It said m ² [II] the same polyethylene film is covered in close contact as used in, 35 ° C., and cultured for 24 hours at a relative humidity of 90% in more than the atmosphere. After the culture, surviving bacteria were washed out of the sample with SCDLP medium, and the number of surviving bacteria in the washed-out liquid was measured by agar plate culture method (35 ° C., 48
Time) and converted per sample. The same test was performed using a plastic petri dish as a control sample. The measurement immediately after the inoculation was performed on a control sample, and the number was 2.9 × 10 ⁵ per plastic petri dish. The antibacterial test against Escherichia coli was carried out by dropping 0.1 ml of the bacterial solution onto the sample and sterilizing the sample with UV by 50 × 5.
The same polyethylene film as used in the above [II] of 0 mm ² was covered and adhered, and cultured for 24 hours in an atmosphere at 35 ° C. and a relative humidity of 90% or more. After culturing, surviving bacteria were washed out of the sample with the SCDLP medium, and the number of surviving bacteria in the washed-out liquid was determined by agar plate culture method (35 ° C.,
48 hours) and converted to one sample.
The same test was performed using a plastic petri dish as a control sample. The measurement immediately after the inoculation was performed on a control sample, and the number was 1.5 × 10 ⁵ per plastic petri dish. The results are as shown in Table 6;
o. The Ni-Cu-based alloy No. 8 exhibits better antibacterial properties than the stainless steels of Samples 9 to 11. Moreover, the sample No. The Ni-Cu-based alloy No. 8 has good corrosion resistance and excellent toughness as compared with stainless steel wire, and hardly causes breakage of the wire.

[0041]

[Table 6]

Example 9 The same brush bristles as those in Example 1 were used, and a 0.3 mm diameter Ni-Cu alloy (trade name: MONE) was folded in the center to form a pine needle shape.
L alloy 400: manufactured by Daido Steel Co., Ltd.) The wire is sequentially inserted from the bent portion, and the number of twists is 22 turns / cm.
And a brush member was prepared. Next, the wire portion was bent into a dogleg shape for embedding in the handle member, and this was subjected to insert molding. [I]
I] sample no. What was melt-mixed to the same composition as 6
The brush part was injected into a mold for forming a handle member into which a wire portion was inserted, and insert molding was performed at a molding temperature of 170 ° C. and a molding time of 10 seconds to produce an interdental brush. A monitor test similar to that of Example 1 was conducted on the antibacterial effect of the obtained interdental brush. The test results are as shown in Table 7.

Example 10 The amount of the antibacterial zeolite in Example 9 was adjusted to 5.0% by weight for both the brush hair and the handle member.
An interdental brush was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 9 except that the above conditions were satisfied. A monitor test similar to that of Example 1 was conducted on the antibacterial effect of the obtained interdental brush. The test results are as shown in Table 7.

(Example 11) The same brush bristles as in Example 3 were used, and the same Ni bristle as used in Example 9 was used.
A brush member was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 9 using a -Cu-based alloy wire. Next, the wire portion was bent into a dogleg shape for embedding in the handle member, and this was subjected to insert molding. Using the same pattern member as in Example 3,
The brush member was injected into a mold for forming a handle member into which a wire portion was inserted, and insert molding was performed at a molding temperature of 230 ° C. and a molding time of 10 seconds to produce an interdental brush. A monitor test similar to that of Example 1 was conducted on the antibacterial effect of the obtained interdental brush. The test results are as shown in Table 7.

(Examples 12 and 13) The same brush bristles as in Example 6 were used, and the Ni-bristles used in Example 9 were used.
A brush member was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 9 using a Cu-based alloy wire. As the thermoplastic synthetic resin used for the handle member, a metal-adhesive polyolefin (trade name; Admer Grade XE-07) obtained by introducing a carboxylic acid into a very low-density polyethylene by a graft reaction as in Example 6
0: 30 parts by weight, manufactured by Mitsui Petrochemical Industries, Ltd.), EVA
(Trade name: EVAFLEX P-1407: manufactured by Mitsui Dupont Chemical Co., Ltd.) 45 parts by weight, flexible polyethylene (trade name: ULTZEX 20200J: manufactured by Mitsui Petrochemical Industry Co., Ltd.) 25 parts by weight, and used in [I]. A-
The antibacterial zeolites of the type are used in an amount of 0.5% by weight and 1.0% by weight based on the total amount of the thermoplastic synthetic resin, and these are melted and kneaded at 230 ° C. for 2 hours and 30 minutes. A polymer blend containing 5% by weight,
A polymer blend containing 1.0% by weight was obtained. After degreased the surface of the linear wire portion of the prepared brush member with ethyl alcohol, the wire portion was inserted into a mold, and the obtained polymer blend was injected at a molding temperature of 180 ° C. and a molding time of 10 seconds. Insert molding, bonding the wire portion and the handle member simultaneously with the formation of the handle member, and an interdental brush IV containing 0.5% by weight of an antibacterial zeolite;
An interdental brush V containing 1.0% by weight was obtained. The embedding distance of the wire portion in the handle member was set to 18.5 mm. The obtained interdental brushes IV and V were used in Example 1 respectively.
As Nos. 2 and 13, the same monitor test as in Example 1 was conducted for the effect of the antibacterial activity. The test results are as shown in Table 7.

[0046]

[Table 7]

In addition, an interdental brush having a handle member using a polymer blend containing no antibacterial zeolite was prepared as follows. 30 parts by weight of the metal adhesive polyolefin, 45 parts by weight of EVA, and 25 parts by weight of soft polyethylene were melted and kneaded at 230 ° C. for 2 hours and 30 minutes to obtain a polymer blend. After the surface of the wire portion of the brush member made of a linear Ni-Cu-based alloy wire was degreased with ethyl alcohol, the wire portion was inserted into a mold, and a molding temperature of 180 ° C and a molding time of 10 minutes.
The polymer blend obtained in seconds is injected and insert-molded, and at the same time as the shaping of the handle member, the wire portion and the handle member are adhered to each other. The interdental brush VI containing no antibacterial zeolite
I got The embedding distance of the wire portion into the handle member is 18.
It was set to 5 mm and 16.5 mm.

The adhesiveness between the wire portions of the interdental brushes IV, V, and VI and the handle member was evaluated in the same manner as in Example 6 by the pull-out resistance of the wire portion from the handle member. The results are as shown in Table 8.

[0049]

[Table 8]

As shown in Table 8, the linear Ni-Cu
Even if it is a system-based alloy wire, the pull-out resistance value is substantially the same as that of the linear stainless wire used in Examples 6 to 8, and the antibacterial property embedded in the handle member of the interdental brush by using the interdental brush Even if an external force such as rotating or pulling out a wire part with a force is applied, the wire part does not come off easily from the handle member, it can be used for a long time, and it can be used sufficiently as an interdental brush It is tolerable. Therefore, there is no need to perform a fine, troublesome and difficult work such as bending a part of the wire portion embedded in the handle member into a U-shape or a U-shape, and the bending process can be omitted. Furthermore, in the insert molding, the work is easy because only the linear wire portion needs to be inserted into the mold, and the work efficiency can be improved. It will provide a simple interdental brush.
Further, even when a straight wire portion is used as in the conventional technology, a step of applying an adhesive to the wire portion or a step of applying a primer to the wire portion is not required. In addition, since it is only necessary to degrease the metal wire to clean the surface and to subject the surface to molding, the operation is safe and easy, and the manufacturing cost of the interdental brush is not increased. In addition, in order to enable normal use without the Ni-Cu alloy wire coming out of the interdental brush, the embedding distance by the insert is preferably 16.5 mm or more in this composition. Ni-C
The mechanism by which the u-based alloy wire is bonded to the handle member is not clear, but the carboxylic acid introduced by the graft reaction in the metal-adhesive polyolefin and Ni-
It is considered that hydrogen bonding with the passive layer on the surface of the Cu-based alloy plays a large role. Further, as is apparent from Table 8, there is a large difference in the resistance to pulling out the wire from the handle member when the resin mixed with the antibacterial zeolite is used for the handle member as compared with the case where the antibacterial zeolite is not mixed. Not. In general, it is said that, under the storage conditions after molding, one day at 60 ° C. is equivalent to one left at room temperature for one month.
It is also evident from the results of E and F.

(Example 14) 2.5% by weight of the A-type antibacterial zeolite used in [I] was melted and kneaded at 230 ° C for 2 hours and 30 minutes with respect to the metal adhesive polyolefin. A mixture was obtained. Using the same brush member as in Example 12, the surface of the wire portion made of a linear Ni-Cu-based alloy wire was degreased with ethyl alcohol, and then the wire portion was inserted into a mold.
The mixture obtained at a molding time of 20 seconds was injected and insert-molded, and simultaneously with the molding of the handle member, the wire portion and the handle member were adhered to obtain an interdental brush. Prior to molding, a fluorine-based non-silicon type release agent was applied in the mold. The burial distance of the wire portion in the handle member is 18.5 m.
m. A monitor test similar to that of Example 1 was conducted on the antibacterial effect of the obtained interdental brush. The test results are as shown in Table 7. After molding, the adhesiveness between the wire portion of the interdental brush and the handle member was measured at 60 ° C. for 1 hour.
It was 7.73 kgf / 18.5 cm when stored for a day and subjected to the same pull-out test as in the previous term to evaluate.

<2> Further, an embodiment of an interdental brush using an antibacterial zeolite having excellent discoloration resistance as an antibacterial zeolite will be described in detail below. Prior to Examples, an antibacterial performance test and a discoloration resistance test of an antibacterial zeolite having excellent discoloration resistance were performed as follows. [IV] Discoloration-resistant resin sample As a thermoplastic synthetic resin, a metal-adhesive polyolefin obtained by introducing a carboxylic acid into a very low-density polyethylene by a graft reaction (trade name: Admer Grade XE-0)
70: Mitsui Petrochemical Industry Co., Ltd.) 30 parts by weight, EVA
45 parts by weight (trade name; EVAFLEX P-1407: manufactured by Mitsui Dupont Chemical Co., Ltd.) and 25 parts by weight of soft polyethylene (trade name: ULTZEX 20200J: manufactured by Mitsui Petrochemical Industries, Ltd.) were used. To this, 1.6% by weight of a white pigment containing titanium oxide, carbon black, titanium yellow and iron oxide is mixed with respect to the total amount of the thermoplastic synthetic resin, and an antibacterial having excellent discoloration resistance is obtained. A, which carries Ag and Zn ions as the reactive zeolite
-Type antibacterial zeolite (trade name; Bakutekira BM-
102 GSK: manufactured by Kanebo Kasei Co., Ltd.) is used in an amount of 0.5% by weight and 1.0% by weight based on the total amount of the thermoplastic synthetic resin. It was injected into a mold and molded at a molding temperature of 180 ° C. and a molding time of 10 seconds to form a resin plate having a thickness of 3 mm and containing 0.5% by weight and 1.0% by weight of an antibacterial zeolite. The average particle size of the antibacterial zeolite excellent in discoloration resistance was 1.7 μm. Further, a mixture of the thermoplastic synthetic resin and the pigment at the same weight% is injected into a molding die, and a molding temperature of 180 ° C. and a molding time of 10 minutes are used.
A resin plate (blank product) having a thickness of 3 mm was formed in seconds. These resin plates were used for the following sample Nos. Were used as samples. No. 12 Bakte Killer BM-102GSK0.5
No.% content 13 Bakte Killer BM-102GSK1.0
No.% content 14 Blank product In addition, polypropylene (trade name; Novatec MA3M: manufactured by Nippon Polytem Co., Ltd.) was used as the thermoplastic synthetic resin. An antibacterial zeolite excellent in discoloration resistance is added to a mixture obtained by mixing a cream pigment containing titanium oxide, calcined pigment yellow, calcined pigment green and ultramarine blue with 2.0% by weight based on the polypropylene. Ag,
A-type antibacterial zeolite carrying Zn ions (trade name: Bactekiller BM-102GSK: manufactured by Kanebo Kasei Co., Ltd.) is melted and kneaded at 1.0% by weight with respect to the polypropylene, and injected into a molding die. And molding temperature 230
A resin plate containing 1.0% by weight of an antibacterial zeolite having a thickness of 3 mm was formed by molding at 10 ° C. for a molding time of 10 seconds. In addition, a mixture obtained by mixing the pigment with the same weight% in the polypropylene is injected into a molding die, and molded at a molding temperature of 230 ° C. and a molding time of 10 seconds to form a resin plate (blank product) having a thickness of 3 mm. did. These resin plates were used for the following sample Nos. Were used as samples. No. 15 Bakte Killer BM-102GSK1.0
No.% content 16 Blank products

(A) Antibacterial test Sample No. 12-No. 16 was cut into 50 mm x 50 mm, and its antibacterial test was performed on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli as follows. 1) Test strain Staphylococcus aureus IFO
12732 (Staphylococcus aureus) Escherichia coli IFO 3972
(Escherichia coli) 2) Test medium NA medium: Ordinary agar medium (Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.) 1 / 500NB medium: Ordinary broth (Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.) to which 0.2% meat extract was added with purified water for 500 times SCDLP medium: SCDLP medium (Nippon Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) SA medium: Standard agar medium (Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.) 3) Preparation of bacterial solution The test strain pre-cultured at 37 ° C. for 16 to 24 hours in NA medium was again inoculated to NA medium, and the cells cultured at 37 ° C. for 16 to 20 hours were uniformly dispersed in 1/500 NB medium, and 1 m
It was prepared such that the number of bacteria per 1 was 2.0 × 10 ^{5 to} 1.0 × 10 ⁶ . 4) Preparation of sample Prior to the antibacterial test, the sample was lightly wiped with absorbent cotton impregnated with 99.5% (V / V) ethanol, and then air-dried. 5) Test operation In the antibacterial test for Staphylococcus aureus, the bacterial solution was added to the sample at 0.
5 ml of the solution was dropped, a polyethylene film sterilized with ultraviolet light was put on the sample, and the sample was adhered to the sample, and cultured for 24 hours in an atmosphere at 35 ° C. and a relative humidity of 90% or more. After culturing, surviving bacteria were washed out of the sample with the SCDLP medium, and the number of surviving bacteria in the washed-out liquid was determined by agar plate culture method (35 ° C.,
48 hours) and converted to one sample.
The same test was performed using a plastic petri dish as a control sample. The measurement immediately after the inoculation was performed on a control sample, and the number was 2.9 × 10 ⁵ per plastic petri dish. In the antibacterial test against Escherichia coli, 0.5 ml of bacterial solution was dropped on a sample, a polyethylene film sterilized by ultraviolet light was put on the sample, and the sample was brought into close contact with the sample.
The cells were cultured in the above atmosphere for 24 hours. After culture, SCDL
Surviving bacteria were washed out of the sample with a P medium, and the number of surviving bacteria in the washed out liquid was determined by the agar plate culture method (35
C., 48 hours) and converted per sample. The same test was performed using a plastic petri dish as a control sample. In addition, the measurement immediately after the inoculation was performed on the control sample, and 4.1 × 10
There were ^five . The results are as shown in Table 9.

[0054]

[Table 9]

(B) Discoloration resistance test Sample No. 12-No. 16 was exposed to sunlight, and the color tone (L ^* a ^* b ^* ) of the sample was measured using a color computer ($ 80 COLOR MEASURING S).
YSTEM: NIPON DENSHOKU IN. C
O. LTD) and the color difference (ΔE) was determined from the color tone results. The color difference (ΔE) is the initial color tone (L ^*
・ A ^*・ b ^* ) to weekly color tone (L ^*・ a ^*・ b)
^* ) Squared and the square root of the sum. The results are as shown in Table 10. A discoloration-resistant resin material mixed with a red pigment, a yellow pigment, and the like was prepared in the same manner as described above, and a similar discoloration resistance test was performed. As a result, good results were obtained.

[0056]

[Table 10]

(Example 15) Example 1 as a brush member
The same one was used. The pattern member is provided with the sample No. [IV] described above. Those having the same composition as No. 13 were melt-mixed and subjected to insert molding. When manufacturing the interdental brush, the surface of the linear wire portion of the brush member is degreased with ethyl alcohol, and then the wire portion is inserted into the mold for forming the handle member and melted at a molding temperature of 180 ° C. and a molding time of 10 seconds. The mixture was injected and subjected to insert molding, and at the same time as forming the handle member, the wire portion and the handle member were adhered to obtain an interdental brush. The embedding distance of the wire portion into the handle member is 1
It was set to 8.5 mm. After storage at 60 ° C for 7 days,
When the pullout resistance was measured in the same manner as in Example 6,
It was 7.68 (kgf). The antibacterial effect of the obtained interdental brush was monitored in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, no odor, no abnormality in appearance and no discoloration were observed.

[0058]

Since the present invention is configured as described above in detail, it has the following effects. In the interdental brush, a predetermined length from the end of the wire portion is embedded in the handle member of the brush member comprising a brush portion and a wire portion in which the brush bristles are twisted into the metal wire over a predetermined length from the tip. The brush bristles contain 0.1 to 5.0% by weight of an inorganic antibacterial agent with respect to the thermoplastic synthetic resin, thereby sterilizing bacteria in plaque and the like attached to the brush bristles by the inorganic antibacterial agent. Thus, even if the interdental brush to which plaque or the like has adhered is left, microorganisms such as bacteria and mold do not proliferate, and an aseptic state can be maintained. Further, the handle member may contain 0.1 to 5.0% by weight of an inorganic antibacterial agent with respect to the thermoplastic synthetic resin. According to this, the bristles and the mold member may contain bacteria, mold and the like. The aseptic condition can be maintained without microorganisms growing. By providing antibacterial properties with an inorganic antibacterial agent that exhibits permanent antibacterial properties, the interdental brush is sanitary, and bacteria and mold can be removed even if plaque etc. are left attached by use. Does not proliferate. Therefore,
The interdental brush has no peculiar unpleasant odor and does not have a color, so that it can be used comfortably. Also,
Since no bacteria or mold are attached, the use of an interdental brush inserted into the interdental space does not cause bad breath or stomatitis. Even if the gingiva is damaged, there is no danger of inflammation caused by bacteria or mold. In the interdental brush, a predetermined length from the end of the wire portion is buried in the handle member of the brush member composed of the brush portion and the wire portion in which the brush bristles are twisted into the metal wire over a predetermined length from the tip. By containing 0.1 to 5.0% by weight of the antibacterial zeolite with respect to the thermoplastic synthetic resin in the brush bristles, the antibacterial zeolite can kill bacteria on plaque and the like attached to the brush bristles. Thus, even if the interdental brush to which plaque or the like has adhered is left, microorganisms such as bacteria and mold do not proliferate, and an aseptic state can be maintained. The handle member contains 0.1 to 5.0% by weight of an antibacterial zeolite with respect to the thermoplastic synthetic resin. State can be maintained. The antibacterial zeolite, which has permanent antibacterial properties, imparts antibacterial properties, so that the interdental brush is hygienic, and bacteria and fungi can grow even if plaque etc. are left as it is when used. Never do. Accordingly, the interdental brush does not have a peculiar unpleasant odor and does not have a color, so that it can be used comfortably. Also, since there is no bacteria or mold attached, even if the interdental brush is inserted into the interdental space and used, it does not cause bad breath or stomatitis, and the brush may be brushed by improper handling of the interdental brush. Even if the gums between the teeth are damaged, there is no danger of inflammation caused by bacteria or mold. The metal wire is composed of 66.5% by weight of Ni, 31.5% by weight of Cu,
Antibacterial Ni exemplified by alloys containing 1.2% by weight
-Cu-based alloy, at least Cu 1.5% by weight, Cr17
It may be made of an antibacterial alloy such as an antibacterial stainless steel exemplified in stainless steel containing by weight%, and according to this, the microorganisms such as bacteria and mold do not grow on the wire and the aseptic state is maintained. Can be maintained. In the interdental brush having antibacterial properties, when the handle member is made of a thermoplastic synthetic resin made of at least a metal-adhesive polyolefin, a wire portion of a predetermined length embedded in the handle member of the brush member is made of the metal-adhesive polyolefin. Since it is adhered, there is no need to perform fine, troublesome and difficult work such as bending a part of the wire part for embedding and fixing it to the handle member into a U-shape or a U-shape, and the bending process Since it can be omitted, an inexpensive interdental brush can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows an example of an interdental brush of the present invention, in which (a) is a plan view, (b) is an enlarged sectional view of brush bristles, and (c) is an enlarged sectional view of a handle member.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing another example of the interdental brush of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a conventional interdental brush.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 interdental brush 2 brush member 3 handle member

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A brush member comprising a brush portion and a wire portion in which brush bristles are twisted into a metal wire over a predetermined length from a tip, and teeth having a predetermined length embedded in a handle member from an end of the wire portion. An interdental brush, wherein the bristles contain 0.1 to 5.0% by weight of an inorganic antibacterial agent based on a thermoplastic synthetic resin. 2. The interdental brush according to claim 1, wherein the handle member contains 0.1 to 5.0% by weight of an inorganic antibacterial agent based on a thermoplastic synthetic resin. 3. A brush member comprising a brush portion and a wire portion in which brush bristles are twisted into a metal wire over a predetermined length from the tip, and a tooth having a predetermined length embedded in the handle member from the end of the wire portion. An interdental brush, wherein the bristles contain 0.1 to 5.0% by weight of an antibacterial zeolite with respect to a thermoplastic synthetic resin. 4. The interdental brush according to claim 3, wherein the handle member contains 0.1 to 5.0% by weight of an antibacterial zeolite based on a thermoplastic synthetic resin. 5. The interdental brush according to claim 1, wherein the metal wire is made of an antibacterial alloy. 6. The method according to claim 6, wherein the metal wire is made of an antibacterial Ni-C.
6. A material comprising a u-based alloy.
The interdental brush described. 7. The antibacterial Ni—Cu-based alloy comprises Ni
7. The interdental brush according to claim 6, wherein the alloy is an alloy containing 66.5% by weight, 31.5% by weight of Cu, and 1.2% by weight of Fe. 8. The metal wire according to claim 1, wherein at least Cu
6. The interdental brush according to claim 5, wherein the brush is stainless steel containing 1.5% by weight and 17% by weight of Cr. 9. The interdental brush according to claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic synthetic resin constituting the handle member is made of at least a metal-adhesive polyolefin. 10. The interdental brush according to claim 9,
An interdental brush, wherein the metal-adhesive polyolefin is obtained by introducing a carboxylic acid into a very low-density polyethylene by a graft reaction. 11. The interdental brush according to claim 10, wherein the metal-adhesive polyolefin is 5.6 parts by weight or more based on 100 parts by weight of the thermoplastic synthetic resin. 12. The interdental brush according to claim 10, wherein the thermoplastic synthetic resin constituting the handle member is 5 to 55 parts by weight of a metal-adhesive polyolefin, 55 to 25 parts by weight of EVA, and 10 to 35 parts by weight of soft polyethylene. An interdental brush comprising a polymer blend.