WO2012063565A1 - Electric toothbrush, brush body thereof, and manufacturing method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

A brush body (20) is provided with: bristle bunches (30) each comprising a plurality of filaments (40); and an implantation base (22) that affixes said bristle bunches (30). In each bristle bunch (30), the filaments are folded over in middle sections with respect to the lengths thereof, and a flat wire (32) is used to clamp the fold sections (31) in place in an insertion hole (23) in the implantation base (22). Each filament (40) is provided with a core (41), which contains an electrically conductive material, and an insulating sheath (42), which covers said core (41). A tip-exposure section (41A) in which the core (41) is exposed from the sheath (42) is formed on each end of each filament (40). Middle exposed sections (41B) in which the core (41) is exposed from the sheath (42) are formed in middle sections of the filaments (40).

Description

Electric toothbrush, brush body thereof, and manufacturing method thereof

The present invention relates to an electric toothbrush, a brush body for an electric toothbrush, and a method for manufacturing the brush body.

Various toothbrushes having a function of sterilizing oral bacteria have been proposed. For example, in the toothbrushes described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, a pair of electrodes is provided on a head portion to which a bristle bundle (brush hair) composed of a plurality of filaments is fixed. When the pair of electrodes described above is energized when using the toothbrush, chlorine is generated from the chloride ions contained in the oral fluid by electrolysis, and oral bacteria are sterilized by the generated chlorine. . In addition, in these patent documents 1 and 2, the example which forms the whole brush hair with an electroconductive material is also described, respectively.

As a method of fixing the bristle bundle as described above to the head portion, in FIG. 7 of the above-mentioned Patent Document 3, the folded portion is folded by a flat wire in a state where the bristle bundle is folded at the middle portion in the longitudinal direction. A flat wire flocking method for press-fitting into an insertion hole is disclosed.

In addition, as an anchorless flocking method that does not use a flat wire (non-flat wire flocking method), Patent Document 4 forms a molten lump that is melted and solidified in units of one bundle at the base end of a bristle bundle. A method for embedding and fixing a molten mass in a flocking table of a brush body is disclosed.

JP 2006-102095 A JP 2006-180953 A JP-A-6-90824 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-9947

By the way, with normal toothbrush brushing, it is difficult to remove complete plaque in the fine gaps between the teeth and gums, or between the teeth, so oral bacteria propagate in these fine gaps. It's easy to do. Therefore, in the toothbrush having the sterilizing function of oral bacteria as described above, it is effective to sterilize around such fine gaps.

In order to sterilize oral bacteria, in addition to the method of sterilizing by producing chlorine as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, toothpaste containing medicinal components effective for sterilization such as CPC (cetylpyridinium chloride) A method using an agent or mouthwash is also conceivable. Such chlorine and medicinal components are preferably supplied intensively to appropriate sites such as the above-mentioned fine gaps that require these active components, inflammatory sites and disease sites.

Therefore, it is desirable that the bristle (filament) that is in direct contact with a desired site in the oral cavity has electrical conductivity and is configured to energize this filament. However, as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, when the entire bristle is formed of a conductive material, an active ingredient is generated from the entire bristle. Therefore, the active ingredient is intensively supplied to the appropriate portion. It is not preferable in terms.

Therefore, a filament having a core-sheath structure (so-called core-sheath filament) having a conductive core and an insulating sheath covering the core to intensively supply active ingredients to appropriate sites. It is conceivable to use a bristle bundle composed of Specifically, the core portion is covered with the sheath portion over the entire length in the longitudinal direction of the core-sheath filament. And a core part is exposed from a sheath part in at least one of the both ends of this filament. As a result, since the exposed core can be brought into contact with a desired site in the oral cavity or in the vicinity thereof during tooth brushing, an electric circuit through the human body and oral fluid is formed and contacted with the oral cavity. An active ingredient can be generated from the core. Moreover, since generation | occurrence | production of the active ingredient from the part coat | covered by the sheath part in the core-sheath filament is suppressed, an active ingredient can be intensively supplied to the site | part in the oral cavity which the core part contacted.

Here, the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the bristle bundle composed of such a core-sheath filament corresponds to the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the core-sheath filament, that is, the portion where the core is covered with the sheath. I don't have it. Therefore, when this bristle bundle is fixed to the head part of the brush body by the flat wire flocking method described in Patent Document 3, an electric circuit through the human body and oral fluid is not formed when the toothbrush is used. Can not be energized.

On the other hand, in the anchorless flocking method described in Patent Document 4, when the base end portion of the bristles bundle composed of the core-sheath filament is dissolved, the dissolved mass becomes a mixture of the core portion and the sheath portion. There is a possibility that desired conductivity cannot be obtained in the bundle.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and the object thereof is to stably obtain an electrical connection with a conductive member, and to concentrate an active ingredient at an appropriate site. An object of the present invention is to provide a brush body including a core-sheath filament that can be supplied, to provide a method for manufacturing the brush body, and to provide an electric toothbrush including the brush body.

The brush body of the present invention fixes a bristle bundle formed by using a plurality of filaments each including a core portion including a conductive material and an insulating sheath portion covering the core portion, and the bristle bundle. The bristles bundle is folded back at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the filament, and is fixed to the insertion hole of the hair transplant table by a fixing member at the folded portion, at least at both ends of the filament. On the other hand, the core part is exposed from the sheath part. In at least some of the filaments of the bristle bundle, an intermediate exposed portion is formed in the intermediate portion to expose the core portion from the sheath portion.

In this brush body, the hardness of the material of the core part is preferably higher than the hardness of the material of the sheath part.

In this brush body, it is preferable that the intermediate exposed portion is formed so that the core portion is exposed from the sheath portion on the entire circumference of the intermediate portion of at least some filaments of the bristle bundle.

In this brush body, it is preferable that the flocking table is formed of a conductive material.

In this brush body, the bristle bundle is press-fitted and fixed to the insertion hole so as to penetrate the flocking table, and the opposite side of the flocking table on the same side as both ends of the bristle bundle It is preferable that at least a part of the intermediate exposed portion is exposed from the surface.

In this brush body, it is preferable that a conductive member in contact with the intermediate exposed portion is further provided, and the intermediate exposed portion, the flocking table, and the conductive member are integrated.

-The electric toothbrush of this invention is equipped with the said brush body.

This electric toothbrush preferably further includes a vibration actuator that vibrates the brush body.

In the method for manufacturing a brush body according to the present invention, in the step of press-fitting the bristle bundle into the insertion hole, the intermediate exposed portion is formed by removing the sheath portion using stress generated in the sheath portion. It is characterized by that.

-The method for manufacturing a brush body according to the present invention is characterized in that the bristle bundle is press-fitted and fixed in the insertion hole so that the bristle bundle penetrates the flocking table, and then the sheath portion of the filament in the folded portion is used for the flocking. The intermediate exposed portion is formed by removing from the surface opposite to the surface disposed on the same side as both ends of the bristle bundle in the table.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the brush body provided with the core-sheath filament which can obtain the electrical connection with an electrically-conductive member stably, and can supply an active ingredient intensively to an appropriate site | part, and its A brush body manufacturing method and an electric toothbrush provided with the brush body can be provided.

Sectional drawing of the electric toothbrush of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram of the electric toothbrush of FIG. (A) is a fragmentary sectional view of a brush body, (b) is a front view of a filament. (A) is a flowchart showing a manufacturing process of a filament, and (b) to (d) are schematic diagrams of the filament in each process. (A)-(d) is a perspective view for demonstrating the manufacturing process of a brush body. (A) is a perspective view of a brush body, (b) is sectional drawing in the AA of FIG. 6 (a). (A) is a perspective view of the brush body of the electric toothbrush of 2nd Embodiment of this invention, (b) is sectional drawing in the BB line of Fig.7 (a). The exploded perspective view of the brush body of FIG. (A)-(c) is sectional drawing for demonstrating the manufacturing process of the brush body of the electric toothbrush of 3rd Embodiment of this invention. (A) is a perspective view of the brush body of the electric toothbrush of 4th Embodiment of this invention, (b) is sectional drawing in CC line of Fig.10 (a). (A)-(c) is sectional drawing for demonstrating the manufacturing process of the brush body of FIG.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 1, the brush body 20 of the toothbrush 1 can be detachably mounted on a grip body 10 that can be gripped by a user.

The grip main body 10 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape considering the user's grip and the like. On the outer surface of the grip body 10, a grip electrode 11 that comes into contact with the user's hand when gripped and a switch 16 that is operated by the user are provided.

Inside the gripping body 10, there are a vibration actuator 14 that supplies vibration to the brush body 20, a power supply unit 12 that supplies power to the vibration actuator 14, and a circuit unit 13 that controls the supply of power to the vibration actuator 14 and the like. And are provided.

As shown in FIG. 2, the circuit unit 13 described above includes a control circuit 13 </ b> A electrically connected to the gripping electrode 11, a charging circuit 13 </ b> B that supplies power to the power supply unit 12, and power supply from the power supply unit 12. Power supply circuit 13C. These control circuit 13A, charging circuit 13B, and power supply circuit 13C are electrically connected to each other.

The vibration actuator 14 shown in FIG. 1 includes an output shaft 15 having conductivity. The output shaft 15 is electrically connected to the power supply unit 12 and is provided so as to protrude from the grip body 10 toward the brush body 20. The output shaft 15 is inserted into the brush body 20 when the grip body 20 is attached to the grip body 10.

The brush body 20 includes a brush handle 20A attached to the grip main body 10 and a head portion 20B formed integrally with the brush handle 20A. Inside the brush handle 20A, a lead plate 21 made of a conductive metal member is provided. The lead plate 21 is electrically connected to the output shaft 15 by mounting the grip body 10 and the brush body 20.

As shown in FIG. 3A, a plurality of bristle bundles 30 are fixed to the head portion 20B in a state of protruding outward through the through holes 20C. A flocking table 22 made of a conductive material is provided inside the head portion 20B. The flocking table 22 is formed of a resin mixed with a conductive material. For example, ABS (acrylbutyl styrene) resin mixed with fibrous carbon is used as the material for the flocking table 22.

The above-described conductive lead plate 21 is inserted and fixed to the flocking table 22. In the flocking table 22, insertion holes 23 into which the bristle bundle 30 is press-fitted and fixed are formed at positions corresponding to the through holes 20 </ b> C of the head portion 20 </ b> B. The diameters of the through holes 20C and the insertion holes 23 are set to be substantially the same in a state where the bristle bundle 30 is not inserted.

One bristle bundle 30 is formed by bundling a plurality of thin filaments 40 (for example, 20 to 30). The bristle bundle 30 is folded at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction to form a folded portion 31, thereby forming a U shape. The bristle bundle 30 is press-fitted and fixed in the insertion hole 23 of the flocking table 22 with the flat wire 32 sandwiched between the folded portions 31. The flat wire 32 functions as a fixing member that press-fits the bristle bundle 30 into the insertion hole 23 of the flocking table 22.

As the flat wire 32, a small piece of metal is adopted. The length W of the flat wire 32 is set longer than the diameter of the insertion hole 23 in a state where the bristle bundle 30 is not inserted. For example, the length W of the flat wire 32 is set 0.5 to 2 mm longer than the diameter of the insertion hole 23. The length W is set to a suitable size in consideration of the resin hardness of the flocking table 22, the strength of fixing the flat wire 32 to the flocking table 22, the work efficiency, and the like. The flat wire 32 is engaged with the flocking table 22 like a wedge in the insertion hole 23 described above and fixed together with the bristle bundle 30.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the filament 40 is one thin thread-like monofilament cut to a length L (for example, 30 mm), and includes a core portion 41 containing a conductive material and the core portion 41. This is a so-called core-sheath filament having a core-sheath structure including an insulating sheath portion 42 to be covered. In the core-sheath filament, the area ratio in the cross-sectional area in the radial direction is preferably in the range of core / sheath = 5/95 to 90/10, and more preferably 10/90 to 75/25. . In addition, when the ratio of the core part 41 is less than 5%, there exists a possibility that it may become difficult to exhibit sufficient electroconductivity. On the other hand, when the ratio of the core part 41 is more than 90%, the spinning stability and the stretchability are lowered, so that it may be difficult to obtain practically sufficient fiber performance. In the present embodiment, the outer diameter of the core portion 41 of the filament 40 is set to 0.06 mm. On the other hand, the outer diameter of the sheath part 42 is set to 0.17 mm.

The core part 41 is made of a resin containing a conductive material. Examples of the conductive material include carbon particles, carbon long fibers / short fibers, metal particles (silver particles, etc.), and the like. Examples of the resin include nylon resin and polyester resin. More specifically, the durometer type D hardness measured by the JIS-K7215 plastic durometer hardness test method is desirably 20 or more, more desirably 60 or more. The content of the conductive material in the core portion 41 is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 60% by mass, and more preferably 20 to 60% by mass. In addition, when the content rate of the electroconductive material in the core part 41 is less than 0.1 mass%, there exists a possibility that it may become difficult to exhibit sufficient electroconductivity. On the other hand, when the content rate of the conductive material in the core part 41 exceeds 60 mass%, it may be difficult to obtain sufficient dispersibility of the carbon particles in the stock solution of the core part 41. In this embodiment, the carbon particles are kneaded with nylon 6 so that the content of the carbon particles in the core portion 41 is 30% by mass.

On the other hand, the sheath part 42 is made of an insulating thermoplastic elastomer resin. That is, the sheath portion 42 does not include a conductive material such as carbon particles. Specific examples of the thermoplastic elastomer include nylon elastomer, polyester elastomer, styrene elastomer, urethane elastomer, and olefin elastomer. In view of work efficiency, nylon elastomer or polyester elastomer is preferred. Specifically, the durometer type D hardness measured by the JIS-K7215 plastic durometer hardness test method is desirably 20 to 90, more preferably 40 to 80. In addition to such hardness characteristics, each material of the core part 41 and the sheath part 42 is selected so that the hardness of the core part 41 described above is higher than the hardness of the sheath part 42. Thereby, the filament 40 whose hardness of the core part 41 is higher than the hardness of the sheath part 42 is formed.

The core portion 41 has higher conductivity than the sheath portion 42. Specifically, the volume resistivity of the core portion 41 is preferably 1 × 10 ⁻² to 1 × 10 ⁶ (Ω · cm), and preferably 1 × 10 ⁻² to 1 × 10 ³ (Ω · cm). ) Is more preferable. On the other hand, the volume resistivity of the sheath 42 is preferably 1 × 10 ⁷ to 1 × 10 ¹⁸ (Ω · cm), and preferably 1 × 10 ¹⁰ to 1 × 10 ¹⁸ (Ω · cm). More preferred. The volume specific resistance value is a value indicating the volume specific resistance of the object. The volume specific resistance indicates not the electrical resistivity on the surface of the object but the electrical resistivity inside the object.

At both ends of the filament 40, a tip exposed portion 41A in which the core portion 41 is exposed from the sheath portion 42 is formed. The tip exposed portion 41A is in direct contact with the surface of the tooth or denture when the toothbrush 1 is used. Further, an intermediate exposed portion 41 </ b> B that exposes the core portion 41 from the sheath portion 42 is formed on the entire circumference of the filament 40 in the longitudinal direction. The intermediate exposed portion 41B is formed in a portion corresponding to the folded portion 31 of the bristle bundle 30 described above. Thereby, in the bristle bundle 30 press-fitted and fixed to the flocking table 22, the core portion 41 exposed from the sheath 42 contacts the flocking table 22. The length in the longitudinal direction of the intermediate exposed portion 41B is preferably 2 to 10 mm. When the length of the intermediate exposed portion 41B is less than 2 mm, the contact area between the intermediate exposed portion 41B and the flocking table 22 becomes small, so that the conductivity may be lowered. On the other hand, when the length of the intermediate exposed portion 41B exceeds 10 mm, the intermediate exposed portion 41B may reach the outside of the flocking table 22, that is, the outside of the head portion 20B. Thereby, when using the toothbrush 1, in addition to the tip exposed portion 41A, an active ingredient may be generated from the intermediate exposed portion 41B outside the head portion 20B.

The manufacturing process of the brush body 20 will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the manufacturing process of the filament 40 shown in FIG. 4 (a), in the melting and kneading process, first, the spinning stock solution for the core portion 41 and the spinning stock solution for the sheath portion 42 are separately prepared. Next, in the melt extrusion process, these two types of spinning dope are extruded by a core-sheath composite spinning nozzle, and after passing through a cooling and solidifying process, a stretching process, and a heat setting process, a long filament 45 (hereinafter referred to as “long filament”). 43 ") (see FIG. 4B). The long filament 43 has a core-sheath structure in which the core portion 41 is covered with the sheath portion 42.

Next, in the sheath portion removing step, the sheath portion 42 of the long filament 43 is removed at a predetermined interval to expose the core portion 41 (see FIG. 4C). In this embodiment, in the long filament 43, the sheath part 42 of the perimeter is removed 5 mm every 30 mm. The core portion 41 thus exposed corresponds to the above-described intermediate exposed portion 41B. The removal of the sheath portion 42 is performed by a fine grinding method such as sand blasting or water jet. Various conditions such as the injection pressure, the injection time, and the injection angle at this time are adjusted to suitable conditions that can efficiently remove the sheath portion 42 and suppress the removal of the core portion 41. Further, by performing fine grinding by sandblasting, water jet or the like while rotating the long filament 43, the removal of the sheath portion 42 on the entire circumference of the long filament 43 can be performed more efficiently.

Next, in the winding process, the long filament 43 is wound into a cylindrical winding to obtain a roll of the long filament 43.

Next, in the filament cutting step, the long filament 43 is cut every 30 mm so that the intermediate exposed portion 41B of the core portion 41 is located in the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction (see FIG. 4D). Further, in the thus formed short filament having a length of 30 mm, the sheath portion 42 at both ends thereof is removed by 2 mm from the end of the filament to form the tip exposed portion 41A of the core portion 41. As a result, the filament 40 shown in FIGS. 3B and 5A is formed. The tip exposed portion 41 </ b> A may be referred to as a protruding portion having a side surface that is not covered by the sheath portion 42.

Next, the bristle bundle 30 shown in FIG. 5B is formed by bundling a plurality of filaments 40 thus obtained (for example, 20 to 30 filaments).

Next, as shown in FIG. 5 (c), the bristle bundle 30 is folded back at the middle portion in the longitudinal direction, and the flat line 32 is sandwiched between the folded portions 31. Thereafter, the sandwiched flat wire 32 is driven together with the bristle bundle 30 into the insertion hole 23 of the flocking table 22 by a flocking machine, so that the flat wire 32 engages with the flocking table 22 like a wedge and the bristle bundle 30 becomes the flocking table. 22 is press-fitted and fixed. Thereby, the brush body 20 shown in FIG.5 (d) and FIG. 6 is formed. The flocking table 22 is fixed in advance in the head portion 20B so that the position of the insertion hole 23 and the position of the through hole 20C coincide. As shown in FIGS. 6B and 3A, the brush body 20 obtained in this way is fixed by inserting the folded portion 31 of the bristles bundle 30 into the flocking table 22.

When the switch 16 is operated by the user during use of the toothbrush 1 in which the manufactured brush body 20 is mounted on the grip body 10, the vibration actuator 14 built in the grip body 10 is supplied from the power source 12. The output shaft 15 is vibrated using the supplied power as a driving force. Thereby, the brush body 20 vibrates and the brushing by the bristle bundle 30 is performed. When brushing the teeth, the power supply unit 12, the gripping electrode 11, the user's hand, the tissues of the user's gums, the bristle bundle 30, the flocking table 22, the lead plate 21, and the output shaft 15 are connected in this order. An electrical circuit is formed. When the electric circuit is formed in this way, current is supplied to the tip exposed portion 41A of the core portion 41 by energizing the filament 40, that is, the bristle bundle 30. Thereby, the active ingredient with respect to sterilization of oral bacteria is generated from the tip exposed portion 41A.

According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) In the brush body 20, the intermediate exposed portion 41 </ b> B is formed by exposing the core portion 41 from the sheath portion 42 at the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the filament 40. That is, since the core part 41 configured to obtain suitable conductivity is exposed, the filament 40 is stably connected to the conductive member (the flocking table 22) through the core part 41 (intermediate exposed part 41B). Can be electrically connected. Thereby, desired electroconductivity can be obtained in the filament 40 (brissle bundle 30). On the other hand, when the bristle bundle 30 is fixed to the flocking table 22 by, for example, the anchor flocking method, it is necessary to dissolve the proximal end portion of the bristle bundle 30 to form a dissolved mass. Since this melted mass becomes a mixture of the core portion 41 and the sheath portion 42, there is a possibility that desired conductivity cannot be obtained in the bristle bundle 30.

(2) Since the core portion 41 is exposed from the sheath portion 42 at both ends of the filament 40 to form the tip exposed portion 41A, the core portion is located at an appropriate portion in the oral cavity and in the vicinity thereof when the toothbrush 1 is used. 41 can be in direct contact. Furthermore, since the core portion 41 excluding the tip exposed portion 41A and the intermediate exposed portion 41B is covered with an insulating sheath portion 42, when the filament 40 is energized when the toothbrush 1 is used, the entire filament 40, that is, the bristle. Generation of active ingredients from the entire bundle 30 is suppressed. Therefore, when the toothbrush 1 is used, the active ingredient can be intensively supplied to an appropriate part in the oral cavity and the vicinity thereof through the tip exposed portion 41A.

(3) Since the hardness of the material of the core part 41 is higher than the hardness of the material of the sheath part 42, the core part 41 is removed in the sheath part removing step of removing the sheath part 42 and exposing the core part 41. Is suppressed. Therefore, various conditions in this sheath part removal process can be set widely. Therefore, the sheath portion 42 can be easily removed by a fine grinding method such as sand blasting or water jet. Moreover, the yield of the filament 40 can be improved.

(4) On the entire circumference of the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the filament 40, an intermediate exposed portion 41B that exposes the core portion 41 from the sheath portion 42 is formed. Therefore, the intermediate exposed portion 41 </ b> B and the conductive member (the flocking table 22) can be in contact with each other around the circumference of the bristle bundle 30 constituted by the filament 40. Therefore, when the bristle bundle 30 is formed by the filament 40, the intermediate exposed portion 41B and the flock base 22 can be brought into contact without considering the position of the intermediate exposed portion 41B around the circumference of the filament 40. On the other hand, in the configuration in which the core portion is exposed at only a part of the circumference in the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the filament to form the intermediate exposed portion, the intermediate exposed portion is formed when the bristle bundle is formed by the filament. It is necessary to consider the position around the circumference of the intermediate exposed portion so that the flocking table 22 and the flocking table 22 are brought into contact. This is because the intermediate exposed portion needs to be disposed outside the bristles bundle in order to bring the intermediate exposed portion and the flocking table 22 into contact with each other. In other words, when the intermediate exposed portion is disposed only inside the folded portion of the bristle bundle, the intermediate exposed portion cannot be brought into contact with the flocking table 22. In this regard, according to the present embodiment, the electrical connection between the intermediate exposed portion 41 </ b> B and the flocking table 22 is simplified as compared with the above-described configuration in which the core portion is exposed only at a part around the circumference of the filament 40. The electrical connection between the core portions 41 of the filaments 40 in the bristle bundle 30 is also simplified.

(5) Since the flocking table 22 is formed of a conductive material, the bristles bundle 30 is press-fitted and fixed into the insertion hole 23 of the flocking table 22 so that the flocking table 22 that is a conductive member and the intermediate exposed portion 41B are brought into contact with each other. Can be made. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced and a simple configuration can be achieved as compared with the configuration in which the intermediate exposed portion 41B and the conductive member are brought into contact with each other after the bristle bundle 30 is press-fitted and fixed to the flocking table 22.

(6) The bristle bundle 30 is press-fitted and fixed to the flocking table 22 by a flat wire 32 (flat wire flocking method). On the other hand, for example, when the bristle bundle 30 is fixed to the flocking table 22 by the anchorless flocking method, a process of forming the dissolved lump by dissolving the proximal end portion of the bristle bundle 30 is necessary. Advanced control and management are required for formation. Therefore, compared with the brush body 20 manufactured by the flat wire flocking method as in the present embodiment, the manufacturing cost of the brush body manufactured by the anchorless flocking method tends to be higher. In this regard, according to the manufacturing method of the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the brush body 20 while suppressing the manufacturing cost.

(7) Since the toothbrush 1 includes the brush body 20, when the toothbrush 1 is used, the filament 40 can be energized through the intermediate exposed portion 41B. Therefore, the bactericidal effect of oral bacteria can be obtained.

(8) The toothbrush 1 includes a vibration actuator 14 that vibrates the brush body 20. Therefore, in addition to the bactericidal effect of bacteria in the oral cavity, it is possible to improve the scavenging property and to massage the gums.

(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

The brush body 20 of the present embodiment is configured as a part of the brush body 20 of the first embodiment changed as follows. That is, as shown in FIG.7 (b), in the brush body 20 of this embodiment, it replaces with the flocking table 22 of 1st Embodiment, and the flocking table 52 and the electrically-conductive member 54 are provided. The bristle bundle 30 is fixed to the flocking table 52 so as to penetrate the flocking table 52.

The details of this changed part are shown below. In addition, since the same structure as 1st Embodiment is employ | adopted about the other point, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about a common structure, and the one part or all part of the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the insertion hole 53 of the flocking table 52 is provided so as to penetrate the flocking table 52. The flocking table 52 is formed of a resin having no electrical conductivity, such as ABS (acrylbutyl styrene) resin. In addition, the thickness of the flocking table 52 is smaller than the thickness of the flocking table 22, and is set to 1/2 the thickness of the flocking table 22 in this embodiment.

The bristle bundle 30 is folded at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction to form a folded portion 31. The bristle bundle 30 is press-fitted and fixed by a flat wire 32 to the insertion hole 53 of the flocking table 52 so as to penetrate the through hole 20C of the head portion 20B and the flocking table 52. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 8, in the flocking table 52, the filament 40 starts from the surface 52 </ b> B opposite to the surface 52 </ b> A on the side where both ends (tip exposed portions 41 </ b> A) of the bristle bundle 30 are arranged. The intermediate exposed portion 41B protrudes outward. The intermediate exposed portion 41B is formed by the same method as in the first embodiment. The bristle bundle 30 is configured by bundling a plurality (for example, 20 to 30) of filaments 40 having the intermediate exposed portion 41B. In the following description, the surface 52A disposed on the same side as the both ends (tip exposed portion 41A) of the bristle bundle 30 in the flocking table 52 is referred to as a flocked surface 52A, and the surface 52B opposite to the flocked surface 52A is referred to as a flocked surface 52A. Sometimes referred to as back surface 52B.

The conductive member 54 is provided in contact with the back surface 52B of the flocking table 52 and the intermediate exposed portion 41B. The conductive member 54 is formed of a metal member having conductivity. The conductive member 54 is provided with a plurality of ribs 54A at positions corresponding to the intermediate exposed portion 41B.

The conductive member 54 is integrally formed with the lead plate 51 made of a conductive metal member (see FIG. 8). Similar to the lead plate 21 in the first embodiment, the lead plate 51 is electrically connected to the output shaft 15 by mounting the grip body 10 and the brush body 20.

The pressing member 55 is an elastic body formed of, for example, a sponge. When the conductive member 54 is pressed against the flock base 52 by the pressing member 55, the rib 54A of the conductive member 54 and the intermediate exposed portion 41B are brought into close contact with each other.

The intermediate exposed portion 41B, the conductive member 54, and the pressing member 55 described above are covered with a cover 56 provided on the brush handle 20A and the head portion 20B. The cover 56 is fixed in a watertight manner so as not to be removed from the brush handle 20A and the head portion 20B.

According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects shown in (1) to (4) and (6) to (8) of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

(9) The intermediate exposed portion 41B of the filament 40 is exposed from the back surface 52B side of the flocking table 52. Therefore, after press-fitting and fixing the bristle bundle 30 to the flocking table 52, the electrical connection between the intermediate exposed portion 41B and the conductive member 54 can be easily performed from the back surface 52B side.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

This embodiment differs from the second embodiment in the following points. That is, in the said 2nd Embodiment, after forming the intermediate | middle exposed part 41B of the filament 40, the bristle bundle 30 is comprised with this filament 40, and this bristle bundle 30 is being fixed to the flocking table 52. On the other hand, in this embodiment, after the bristle bundle 60 is fixed to the flocking table 52, the intermediate exposed portion 71B of the filament 70 is formed.

Moreover, in the said 2nd Embodiment, after leaving the electrically conductive member 54 in which the rib 54A was provided previously to the flocking table 52 and the intermediate | middle exposure part 41B, these flocking table 52, the intermediate | middle exposure part 41B, and the electrically-conductive member 54 are used. The pressing member 55 is in close contact. On the other hand, in this embodiment, it fixes so that the electrically-conductive member 54, the intermediate | middle exposure part 71B, and the flock base 52 may be integrated. Details of the changed part will be described below.

With reference to FIG. 9, the manufacturing process of the brush body 20 of this embodiment is demonstrated.

As shown in FIG. 9A, first, a bristle bundle 60 is formed by the filament 70 in a state where the intermediate exposed portion 71B is not formed, and this bristle bundle 60 is formed into the through hole 20C of the head portion 20B and the flocking table 52. Is press-fitted and fixed to the insertion hole 53 by the flat wire 32 so as to pass through. Thereby, the folding | returning part 61 of the bristle bundle 60 protrudes outward from the back surface 52B of the flocking table 52. As shown in FIG. The filament 70 is manufactured by omitting the sheath removing step in the manufacturing process of the filament shown in FIG. At both ends of the filament 70, a tip exposed portion 71A in which the core portion 71 is exposed from the sheath portion 72 is formed.

Next, the sheath portion 72 in the folded portion 61 is removed from the back surface 52 </ b> B of the flocking table 52 to expose the core portion 71. As a result, an intermediate exposed portion 71B is formed at the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the filament 70 as shown in FIG. The removal of the sheath 72 can be performed by fine grinding such as sandblasting or water jet.

Next, after a conductive paste-like resin is laminated on the back surface 52B of the flocking table 52, the resin is solidified to form the conductive member 54. Thereby, as shown in FIG.9 (c), the intermediate | middle exposure part 71B, the flocking table 52, and the electrically-conductive member 54 are fixed so that it may integrate. In this step of forming the conductive member 54 with conductive paste-like resin, the lead plate 51 made of a conductive metal member is simultaneously fixed to the conductive member 54 (not shown). Similar to the lead plate 51 in the second embodiment, the lead plate 51 is electrically connected to the output shaft 15 by mounting the grip body 10 and the brush body 20.

Thereafter, similarly to the second embodiment, by providing the pressing member 55 and the cover 56, the conductive member 54 having the same structure as the brush body 20 shown in FIG. 7 and having no rib 54A is provided. A brush body 20 is formed.

According to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects shown in (1) to (3), (6) to (8) of the first embodiment and (9) of the second embodiment, the following effects are obtained. Is obtained.

(10) Since the intermediate exposed portion 71B is formed after the bristle bundle 60 is press-fitted and fixed to the flocking table 52, the sheath portion 72 can be removed around the portion necessary for contact with the conductive member 54. That is, the inner side of the folded portion 61 in the bristle bundle 60 hardly contributes to the contact with the conductive member 54. Therefore, the removal of the sheath portion 72 located on the inside can be omitted, and the sheath portion 72 can be removed with the portion contributing to the contact with the conductive member 54 as the center. Therefore, the working efficiency in forming the intermediate exposed portion 71B Can be improved.

(11) Since the intermediate exposed portion 71B, the flocking table 52, and the conductive member 54 are fixed so as to be integrated, the electrical connection between the intermediate exposed portion 71B and the conductive member 54 becomes more stable. Moreover, the fixing strength with respect to the flock base 52 of the bristle bundle 60 can also be reinforced by fixing the intermediate | middle exposure part 71B, the flock base 52, and the electrically-conductive member 54. FIG.

(Fourth embodiment)
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

This embodiment differs from the third embodiment in the following points. That is, in the third embodiment, after the bristle bundle 60 is fixed to the flocking table 52, the intermediate exposed portion 71B is formed. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the intermediate exposed portion 101B is formed in the step of inserting the bristle bundle 90 into the flocking table 82. Details of the changed part will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 10B, the bristle bundle 90 is configured by bundling a plurality of filaments 100 (for example, 20 to 30 filaments), and folded at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction to form a folded portion 91. Has been. At both ends of the filament 100, a tip exposed portion 101A in which the core portion 101 is exposed from the sheath portion 102 is formed. Further, an intermediate exposed portion 101 </ b> B that exposes the core portion 101 from the sheath portion 102 is formed at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the filament 100. The bristle bundle 90 is press-fitted and fixed to the insertion hole 83 of the flocking table 82 by a flat wire 32 so as to penetrate the through hole 20C of the head portion 20B and the flocking table 82. That is, the folded-back portion 91 of the bristle bundle 90 and the intermediate exposed portion 101B protrude outward from the back surface 82B of the flocking table 52.

The insertion hole 83 of the flocking table 82 is provided through the flocking table 82. The flocking table 82 is made of the same material as the flocking table 52 of the third embodiment, and the thickness thereof is the same as the thickness of the flocking table 52.

Here, the opening of the insertion hole 83 in the flocking surface 82A of the flocking table 82 is referred to as a flocking surface opening 83A, and the opening of the insertion hole 83 in the back surface 82B is referred to as a back opening 83C. In this case, the diameter R1 of the flocking surface opening 83A is set larger than the diameter R2 of the back surface opening 83C (R1> R2). Specifically, the diameter R2 of the rear opening 83C is set smaller than the outer diameter R3 of the bristle bundle 90 (R2 <R3). Further, the diameter R2 of the back surface opening 83C is set to the length W of the flat wire 32 so that the bristle bundle 90 is press-fitted and fixed to the insertion hole 83 so that the flat wire 32 engages with the flocking table 82 like a wedge. 3 (see (a)) (R2 <W). Further, in the middle of the insertion hole 83, a tapered portion 83B is provided so that the diameter decreases from the flocked surface 82A side toward the back surface 82B side.

The manufacturing process of the brush body 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 11A, in the present embodiment, the filament 100 in a state where the intermediate exposed portion 101B is not formed is manufactured as in the third embodiment. A plurality of filaments 100 are bundled to form a bristle bundle 90, and the flat wire 32 is sandwiched between the folded portions 91 of the bristle bundle 90.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 11 (b) and 11 (c), the bristle bundle 90 is inserted into the flocking table 82 from the flocked surface 82 </ b> A side with the flat line 32 sandwiched between the folded portions 91. The bundle 90 is press-fitted and fixed to the flocking table 82. As described above, since the diameter R2 of the back surface opening 83C is set smaller than the outer diameter R3 of the bristle bundle 90, when the bristle bundle 90 passes through the inside of the taper part 83B, the sheath part 102 and the taper part Stress is generated in the sheath portion 102 due to friction with 83B. Due to this stress, the sheath portion 102 of the folded portion 91 is broken and removed, so that the core portion 101 is exposed at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the filament 100 to form an intermediate exposed portion 101B. The shape of the diameter R1 of the flocked surface opening 83A, the size of the diameter R2 of the back surface opening 83C, and the inclination and length of the tapered portion 83B are set in consideration of the removal efficiency of the sheath portion 102, respectively. ing.

Thereafter, similarly to the third embodiment, the conductive member 54, the pressing member 55, and the cover 56 are provided to obtain the brush body 20 shown in FIG.

According to this embodiment, (1), (2), (6) to (8) of the first embodiment, (9) of the second embodiment, and (11) of the third embodiment. In addition to the effects shown, the following effects can be obtained.

(12) In the step of press-fitting and fixing the bristle bundle 90 to the flocking table 82, the core portion 101 is exposed using the stress applied to the sheath portion 102 to form the intermediate exposed portion 101B. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the sheath 102 is removed by a fine grinding method such as sandblasting or water jet, the intermediate exposed portion 101B can be easily formed, and the manufacturing process of the brush body 20 can be simplified. .

(13) Since the hardness of the material of the core portion 41 is higher than the hardness of the material of the sheath portion 42, it is possible to suppress the removal of the core portion 101 when the sheath portion 102 is removed by stress.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the above embodiment can be modified as shown below. The modifications can be combined with each other.

-The manufacturing process of the filament 40 shown in the said 1st Embodiment is an example, Comprising: It can change suitably. For example, the winding process may be performed following the heat setting process, and then the sheath removing process may be performed separately.

In the second to fourth embodiments, the flocking table 52 is formed of a resin having no conductivity. However, the flocking table 52 may be formed of a conductive material. Even in this case, the conductive member 54 may be provided so that the intermediate exposed portions 41B, 71B, and 101B are in contact with the conductive member.

In the third embodiment, in the folded portion 61 of the bristle bundle 60, the sheath portion 72 is removed to the portion that does not protrude outward from the back surface 52B of the flocking table 52, that is, the portion that is inside the insertion hole 53. An example in which the exposed portion 71B is formed is shown. On the other hand, you may remove only the sheath part 72 corresponding to the outer part, ie, the part which contact | connects the electrically-conductive member 54, in the folding | returning part 61 which protrudes outward from the back surface 52B of the flocking base 52. FIG. In this case, for example, the conditions for removing the sheath portion 72 by fine grinding such as sandblasting or water jet may be changed as appropriate. And each effect mentioned above can be acquired by making the intermediate | middle exposed part 71B and the electrically-conductive member 54 which were formed contact.

In the fourth embodiment, the bristle bundle 90 may be inserted into the insertion hole 83 after scratching the sheath portion 102 in advance in order to make the removal of the sheath portion 102 easier.

In each of the embodiments described above, an example in which a nylon resin is used as the material of the core portion 41 and a thermoplastic elastomer resin is used as the material of the sheath portion 42 has been described, but these materials may be appropriately changed. For example, both the core part 41 and the sheath part 42 may be formed of nylon resin or formed of a rubber elastic body. However, as described above, in consideration of improving the working efficiency in the sheath removal step, the difference in hardness between the core 41 and the sheath 42 is large, and the hardness of the core 41 is greater. It is desirable to be higher.

The materials for forming the head portion 20B, the lead plates 21, 51, the flocking tables 22, 52, 82, the pressing member 55, and the like constituting the brush body 20 are not limited to the examples described in the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate. May be.

In each of the above embodiments, the intermediate exposed portions 41B, 71B, 101B are formed in all the filaments 40, 70, 100 constituting the bristle bundle 30, 60, 90. On the other hand, intermediate exposed portions 41B, 71B, and 101B may be formed in some filaments 40, 70, and 100 constituting the bristle bundle 30, 60, and 90.

In each of the above embodiments, the example in which the tip exposed portions 41A, 71A, and 101A are formed at both ends of the filaments 40, 70, and 100 has been described. On the other hand, the tip exposed portions 41A, 71A, 101A may be formed only on either one of both ends of the filaments 40, 70, 100. Further, a bristle bundle may be formed by combining a filament in which the tip exposed portions 41A, 71A, 101A are formed at both ends and a filament in which the tip exposed portions 41A, 71A, 101A are formed in only one of both ends.

In each of the above embodiments, the core portions 41, 71, 101 (tip exposed portions 41A, 71A, 101A) protrude outward from the sheath portions 42, 72, 102 at both ends of the filaments 40, 70, 100. showed that. However, at the ends of the filaments 40, 70, and 100, the core portions 41, 71, and 101 need only be exposed from the sheath portions 42, 72, and 102, and the core portions 41, 71, and 101 protrude outward. I don't need it. In short, any configuration may be used as long as the core portions 41, 71, 101 can contact teeth, dentures, and the like at the ends of the filaments 40, 70, 100.

Further, it is not necessary that the intermediate exposed portions 41B, 71B, and 101B protrude from the rear surfaces 52B and 82B. In short, the intermediate exposed portions 41B, 71B, and 101B may be configured to be able to contact the conductive member.

In the first embodiment, the example in which the sheath portion 42 is removed around the entire circumference of the filament 40 to form the intermediate exposed portion 41B has been described. On the other hand, the intermediate exposed portion 41 </ b> B may be formed in a part around the circumference of the filament 40. In this case, what is necessary is just to form the bristle bundle | flux 30 and the folding | returning part 31 so that the intermediate | middle exposed part 41B and an elastic member (flock base 22) may contact.

In each of the above embodiments, an example in which the bristle bundle 30, 60, 90 is press-fitted and fixed to the flocking tables 22, 52, 82 by the flat wire 32 that is a small metal piece has been shown. However, as long as the fixing member is capable of press-fitting the bristle bundle 30, 60, 90 to the flocking tables 22, 52, 82, the material and shape thereof are not limited to the above-described examples. For example, you may form a fixing member with resin with high hardness.

In the above embodiments, the example in which the brush body 20 includes the brush handle 20A and the head portion 20B has been described. On the other hand, you may comprise a brush body only by the head part 20B. In this case, by mounting the head part 20B and the gripping body part 10, the flocking table 22 or the conductive member 54 having conductivity can come into contact with a conductive member (for example, the output shaft 15) extending from the gripping body part 10. What is necessary is just to comprise.

In each of the above embodiments, the brush body 20 is detachable from the grip body 10, but the present invention is applied to a toothbrush in which the brush body 20 and the grip body 10 are integrally provided. You can also.

-Although the toothbrush 1 of each said embodiment had the function which the head part 20B of the brush body 20 vibrates, applying this invention with respect to the toothbrush which the function to vibrate the brush body 20 was abbreviate | omitted. You can also.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electric toothbrush, 14 ... Vibration actuator, 20 ... Brush body, 22, 52, 82 ... Flocking table, 23, 53, 83 ... Insertion hole, 30, 60, 90 ... Bristle bundle, 31, 61, 91 ... Folding part , 32 ... Flat wire (fixing member), 40, 70, 100 ... Filament, 41, 71, 101 ... Core part, 41A, 71A, 101A ... Tip exposed part, 41B, 71B, 101B ... Intermediate exposed part, 42, 72 , 102 ... sheath part, 54 ... conductive member, 83B ... taper part.

Claims (10)

1. A bristle bundle formed by using a plurality of filaments each including a core portion including a conductive material and an insulating sheath portion covering the core portion; and a flocking table for fixing the bristle bundle. The bundle is folded back at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the filament, and is press-fitted and fixed to the insertion hole of the flocking table by a fixing member at the folded portion, and the core from the sheath portion at at least one of both ends of the filament. In the brush body where the part is exposed,
   In at least some of the filaments of the bristle bundle, an intermediate exposed portion that exposes the core portion from the sheath portion is formed at the intermediate portion.
2. The brush body according to claim 1,
   The brush body, wherein the hardness of the material of the core portion is higher than the hardness of the material of the sheath portion.
3. The brush body according to claim 1 or 2,
   The intermediate exposed portion is formed so that the core portion is exposed from the sheath portion along the entire circumference of the intermediate portion of at least a part of the filaments of the bristle bundle.
4. The brush body according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
   The brush body is formed of a conductive material.
5. The brush body according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
   The bristle bundle is press-fitted and fixed in the insertion hole so as to penetrate the flocking table,
   The brush body, wherein at least a part of the intermediate exposed portion is exposed from a surface opposite to a surface disposed on the same side as both ends of the bristle bundle in the flocking table.
6. The brush body according to claim 5,
   A conductive member in contact with the intermediate exposed portion;
   The intermediate exposed portion, the flocking table, and the conductive member are integrated.
7. An electric toothbrush comprising the brush body according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
8. The electric toothbrush according to claim 7,
   An electric toothbrush further comprising a vibration actuator that vibrates the brush body.
9. A method of manufacturing a brush body according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
   In the step of press-fitting and fixing the bristle bundle into the insertion hole, the intermediate exposed portion is formed by removing the sheath portion using stress generated in the sheath portion.
10. It is a manufacturing method of the brush object according to claim 5 or 6,
    After the bristle bundle is press-fitted and fixed in the insertion hole so that the bristle bundle penetrates the flocking table, the sheath part of the filament in the folded portion is on the same side as both ends of the bristle bundle in the flocking table. The intermediate exposed portion is formed by removing the surface from the surface opposite to the disposed surface. A method of manufacturing a brush body, comprising:

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