WO2013042307A1 - Oral care device - Google Patents

Oral care device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013042307A1
WO2013042307A1 PCT/JP2012/005195 JP2012005195W WO2013042307A1 WO 2013042307 A1 WO2013042307 A1 WO 2013042307A1 JP 2012005195 W JP2012005195 W JP 2012005195W WO 2013042307 A1 WO2013042307 A1 WO 2013042307A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
oral care
care device
electrode
polarity
bristle bundle
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2012/005195
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
理沙 大塚
正仁 永山
Original Assignee
パナソニック 株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by パナソニック 株式会社 filed Critical パナソニック 株式会社
Publication of WO2013042307A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013042307A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0002—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
    • A46B15/0016—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with enhancing means
    • A46B15/0022—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with enhancing means with an electrical means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
    • A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
    • A61C17/16—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices
    • A61C17/22—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an oral care device including a head unit for caring in the oral cavity, a device main body for a user to hold, a first electrode provided in the head unit, and a second electrode provided in the device main body.
  • a head unit for caring in the oral cavity
  • a device main body for a user to hold
  • a first electrode provided in the head unit
  • a second electrode provided in the device main body.
  • a method for sterilizing the oral cavity using a toothbrush As a method for sterilizing the oral cavity using a toothbrush, a method of applying a toothpaste or a mouthwash containing a sterilizing component to a bristle bundle and brushing with a manual or electric toothbrush is generally used. According to this sterilization method, it is possible to remove plaque and bacteria adhering to the teeth by mechanical scrubbing, and to sterilize bacteria adhering or floating near the tooth surface and gums with the sterilizing component.
  • Patent Documents 1 to 4 each disclose an example of a specific sterilization method.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses a dentifrice containing a cationic bactericidal component having a bactericidal effect on bacteria in the oral cavity and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC). Patent Document 1 proposes to stably add a dentifrice so as to maintain the high bactericidal activity of CPC without impairing foaming performance, taste, and feeling of use.
  • CPC cetylpyridinium chloride
  • Patent Document 2 describes the causes of dental caries and alveolar pus leakage that decompose not only plaque and colored stains (stains) but also organic acids such as lactic acid and produce plaque, organic acids, toxins, etc.
  • the electric toothbrush which sterilizes the bacteria used as this is disclosed.
  • Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration of an electric circuit that energizes the oral cavity through a human body with an electrode exposed from the vicinity of the head portion and an electrode provided in the apparatus main body.
  • Such an electric toothbrush can prevent tooth decay and alveolar pyorrhea. Even if a person who is not used to brushing uses an electric toothbrush, the electric toothbrush can effectively improve the hygiene of the teeth.
  • Lactic acid is known to cause direct decalcification of teeth due to a decrease in the hydrogen ion index (pH).
  • Patent Document 3 discloses that effective chlorine can be generated by electrolysis using chloride ions in the oral cavity, and that effective chlorine can be efficiently used for sterilization in the oral cavity.
  • Patent Document 3 discloses a head portion that forms a bristle bundle with conductive bristle.
  • Patent Document 4 discloses the same matters as Patent Document 3.
  • Toothbrush physically removes food and plaque and basically has no sterilizing function. On the other hand, it is useful to add a sterilizing function to the toothbrush because awareness of cleaning in the mouth tends to increase. However, it is difficult to sterilize the oral cavity with a tool such as a toothbrush alone, except when an antibacterial agent is used.
  • brushing is mainly performed using a dentifrice or mouthwash containing a sterilizing component.
  • a dentifrice or mouthwash containing a sterilizing component By sterilizing the bacteria that cause tooth decay and periodontal disease, the increase in bacteria after brushing can be suppressed, and the oral cavity can be kept clean.
  • periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and alveolar pus leakage caused by bacteria in the oral cavity, and caries are prevented or treated by using a dentifrice having a bactericidal effect.
  • the sterilizing component of the dentifrice is classified into a cationic sterilizing component, an anionic sterilizing component, and a nonionic sterilizing component.
  • the cationic bactericidal component includes cetylpyridinium chloride and benzethonium chloride.
  • Anionic sterilizing components include sodium lauroyl sarcosine and the like.
  • the nonionic sterilizing component includes triclosan and the like.
  • the bactericidal component has a high bactericidal effect against bacteria present around a membrane called a biofilm covering the plaque surrounding the surface.
  • the bactericidal component has a low bactericidal effect on the bacteria inside the biofilm.
  • the bactericidal component has a high bactericidal effect against bacteria present on the plaque surface, but has a low bactericidal effect against bacteria present in the plaque, so when using a dentifrice, the tooth surface Bacteria grow more easily in the plaque than
  • the periodontal pocket, the interproximal part, and the meshing surface are difficult to remove and sterilize the plaque, so that the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease are increased.
  • a technique capable of concentrating the bactericidal action while focusing on a specific site is useful.
  • a means for enhancing the bactericidal effect against bacteria existing in the periodontal pocket, interdental portion, meshing surface and the like includes increasing the concentration of the bactericidal component in the dentifrice.
  • this method causes a problem that an unpleasant taste is caused as the concentration of the sterilizing component is increased, and irritation to the oral cavity is increased.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide an oral care device capable of enhancing the bactericidal effect of a bactericidal component.
  • the oral care device of the present invention includes a device main body gripped by a user, a head unit that is detachably attached to the device main body and can be used to care for the user's oral cavity, and the head unit.
  • a first electrode provided on the apparatus main body, a second electrode provided on the apparatus main body, and a switching mechanism electrically connected to the first and second electrodes, the switching mechanism on the head unit According to the sterilizing component, the polarity of the first electrode and the polarity of the second electrode are switched to each other.
  • the head portion includes a bristle bundle, and the bristle bundle includes a plurality of conductive bristle.
  • the bristle includes a conductive core and a non-conductive sheath that covers the outer periphery of the core.
  • the switching mechanism switches the polarity of the first electrode to the anode, and the polarity of the second electrode to the cathode. It is preferable to switch.
  • the switching mechanism switches the polarity of the first electrode to the cathode, and the polarity of the second electrode to the anode. It is preferable to switch.
  • a battery having a cathode and an anode is detachably mounted on the device body, and one of the cathode and anode of the battery is connected to the first electrode via the switching mechanism. It is preferable that the other is electrically connected and the other is electrically connected to the second electrode via the switching mechanism.
  • the said switching mechanism switches the electrical connection between the cathode and anode of the said battery, and the said 1st electrode and 2nd electrode according to the sterilization component on the said head part. It is preferable.
  • the switching mechanism is operated by the user, a switching circuit that switches electrical connection between the cathode and anode of the battery, and the first electrode and the second electrode, It is preferable that a polarity switching switch for controlling switching of the switching circuit is included.
  • the said head part contains the several bristle bundle which has electroconductivity, and the said several bristle bundle is located in the site
  • the head part includes a first bristle bundle having conductivity and a second bristle bundle having non-conductivity, and the first bristle bundle is a height of the second bristle bundle. It is preferable to have a height greater than that.
  • the head part includes an agent holding part that holds a bactericide.
  • an oral care device that can enhance the sterilizing effect of the sterilizing component.
  • Sectional drawing which shows the cross-sectional structure about the electric toothbrush of one Embodiment of this invention.
  • the block diagram which shows the circuit structure about the electric toothbrush of the embodiment.
  • (a) is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of an electric circuit when the gripping electrode is a cathode and the bristle bundle is an anode
  • (b) is an electric circuit when the gripping electrode is an anode and the bristle bundle is a cathode.
  • the circuit diagram which shows the structure of a circuit.
  • the top view which shows the front structure of a brush head about the electric toothbrush of other embodiment of this invention.
  • (a) is a front view which shows the front structure of a brush head
  • (b) is a side view which shows the side structure of a brush head.
  • (a) is a front view showing the front structure of the brush head
  • (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional structure of the brush head along the AA line of (a). .
  • the electric toothbrush 1 has a device main body 10 held by a user, and a brush body 30 attached to the device main body 10 so as to be attached and detached.
  • the electric toothbrush 1 corresponds to an “oral care device”.
  • the brush body 30 includes a brush handle 31 that constitutes a portion to be attached to the apparatus main body 10, a brush head 32 that constitutes a tip portion of the brush body 30, and a conductive member 33 that is fixed to a planar portion of the brush head 32. Including. Further, the brush body 30 includes a plurality of bristle bundles 40 for cleaning teeth and a connection terminal 34 connected to the conductive member 33 inside the brush body 30.
  • the brush head 32 corresponds to a “head portion”.
  • the bristle bundle 40 corresponds to a “first electrode”.
  • Each bristle bundle 40 includes a plurality of bristle 41.
  • Each bristle 41 includes a core portion 42 formed of a conductive resin material and a sheath portion 43 formed of a non-conductive resin material.
  • the core part 42 is located in the hollow part of the sheath part 43.
  • the distal end portion 42 ⁇ / b> A of the core portion 42 protrudes from the distal end portion of the sheath portion 43 toward the outside of the sheath portion 43.
  • the conductive resin material includes a polyamide resin containing carbon.
  • the resin material which has nonelectroconductivity contains the polyamide resin which does not contain carbon.
  • each bristle 41 has the same size. That is, each bristle bundle 40 has the same height.
  • the heights of the bristle bundle 40 and the bristle 41 indicate the distance from the planar portion of the brush head 32 to the tip surface of the bristle 41. Since the bristle 41 has a structure in which the core portion 42 protrudes from the sheath portion 43, the tip surface of the core portion 42 corresponds to the tip surface of the bristle 41.
  • the apparatus main body 10 includes a main body case 11 held by a user, a secondary battery 12 that supplies power, an electric motor 13 that vibrates the brush body 30, and a main body circuit 20 that controls the operation of the electric motor 13. Including.
  • the electric motor 13 includes a linear motor.
  • the body case 11 includes an electrical connection between the polarity switch 16 for switching the combination of the polarity of the bristle bundle 40 and the polarity of the gripping electrode 14 (hereinafter referred to as “polarity combination”), the secondary battery 12 and the body circuit 20. And a power switch 15 for switching off.
  • the main body case 11 includes a gripping electrode 14 that comes into contact with the hand when the user grips the main body case 11 and a display unit 17 that displays a power supply mode for the main body circuit 20.
  • the gripping electrode 14 corresponds to a “second electrode”.
  • the polarity changeover switch 16 corresponds to a “switching mechanism”.
  • the polarity switch 16 includes two switches, that is, a first switch 16A and a second switch 16B.
  • first switch 16A When the first switch 16A is in the ON state, the polarity of the bristle bundle 40 is switched to the anode, and the polarity of the gripping electrode 14 is switched to the cathode.
  • second switch 16B When the second switch 16B is in the ON state, the polarity of the bristle bundle 40 is switched to the cathode, and the polarity of the gripping electrode 14 is switched to the anode.
  • the polarity combination when the first switch 16A is in the ON state is referred to as “combination polarity A”.
  • the polarity combination when the second switch 16B is in the ON state is referred to as “combination polarity B”.
  • the display unit 17 includes a light emitting diode.
  • the power switch 15 When the power switch 15 is in an on state, that is, when power is supplied from the secondary battery 12 to the main circuit 20, the light emitting diode is lit. Further, when the power switch 15 is in an off state, that is, when power is not supplied from the secondary battery 12 to the main circuit 20, the light emitting diode is turned off.
  • the main body circuit 20 includes a switching circuit 22 that switches the polarity combination in accordance with the operation of the polarity switching switch 16, and a control circuit 21 that controls the operation of the electric motor 13 and the switching mode of the switching circuit 22 in FIG.
  • the switching circuit 22 corresponds to a “switching mechanism”.
  • the power switch 15, the polarity changeover switch 16, the display unit 17, and the changeover circuit 22 are connected to the control circuit 21.
  • the gripping electrode 14 is connected to the switching circuit 22.
  • the switching circuit 22 is connected to the output shaft 13 ⁇ / b> A of the electric motor 13.
  • the control circuit 21 supplies power from the secondary battery 12 to the switching circuit 22, the gripping electrode 14, the power switch 15, the polarity switching switch 16, and the display unit 17.
  • the switching circuit 22 supplies the power supplied from the control circuit 21 to the output shaft 13 ⁇ / b> A of the electric motor 13.
  • the output shaft 13 ⁇ / b> A supplies the power supplied from the switching circuit 22 to the connection terminal 34 of the brush body 30.
  • an electrical circuit (hereinafter referred to as an “energization circuit”) is formed by electrically connecting saliva in the oral cavity, tissues such as gums, and the human body.
  • the switching circuit 22 includes three switches for switching the connection state of each conductive line, that is, a first switching switch 22A, a second switching switch 22B, and a third switching switch 22C.
  • the first changeover switch 22 ⁇ / b> A connects or blocks between the gripping electrode 14 and the cathode of the secondary battery 12. That is, the first changeover switch 22A has a switching position for connecting the gripping electrode 14 and the cathode of the secondary battery 12 to each other, and a switching position for blocking the gripping electrode 14 and the cathode of the secondary battery 12 from each other.
  • the second change-over switch 22B connects or blocks between the gripping electrode 14 and the output shaft 13A and the anode of the secondary battery 12. That is, the second changeover switch 22B connects the gripping electrode 14 and the anode of the secondary battery 12 to each other, and switches the output shaft 13A and the anode of the secondary battery 12 to each other. There is a switching position for blocking the anode of the secondary battery 12 from each other and connecting the output shaft 13A and the anode of the secondary battery 12 to each other.
  • the third changeover switch 22C connects or blocks between the output shaft 13A and the cathode of the secondary battery 12. That is, the third changeover switch 22C has a switching position for connecting the output shaft 13A and the cathode of the secondary battery 12 to each other, and a switching position for blocking the output shaft 13A and the cathode of the secondary battery 12 from each other.
  • the polarity switch 16 transmits a command signal for switching the polarity combination to the combined polarity A to the control circuit 21 when the first switch 16A is turned on.
  • a command signal for switching the polarity combination to the combination polarity B is transmitted to the control circuit 21.
  • the control circuit 21 when receiving a command signal from the first switch 16A, the control circuit 21 connects the gripping electrode 14 and the cathode of the secondary battery 12 to each other by the first changeover switch 22A. Further, the control circuit 21 connects the output shaft 13A and the anode of the secondary battery 12 to each other by the second changeover switch 22B. Furthermore, the control circuit 21 blocks the output shaft 13A and the cathode of the secondary battery 12 from each other by the third changeover switch 22C. Thereby, the control circuit 21 switches the polarity combination to the combination polarity A.
  • the control circuit 21 when receiving a command signal from the second switch 16B, the control circuit 21 blocks the grip electrode 14 and the cathode of the secondary battery 12 from each other by the first changeover switch 22A.
  • the control circuit 21 connects the gripping electrode 14 and the anode of the secondary battery 12 to each other by the second changeover switch 22B.
  • the control circuit 21 connects the output shaft 13A and the cathode of the secondary battery 12 to each other by the third changeover switch 22C. As a result, the control circuit 21 switches the polarity combination to the combination polarity B.
  • the bactericidal component of dentifrice is classified into a cationic bactericidal component, an anionic bactericidal component, and a nonionic bactericidal component.
  • Cationic bactericidal components include cetylpyridinium chloride and benzethonium chloride.
  • Anionic bactericidal components include lauroyl sarcosine sodium and the like.
  • Nonionic germicidal components include triclosan and the like.
  • the dentifrice corresponds to a “bactericidal agent”.
  • the user uses the electric toothbrush 1 to clean the teeth, the user applies a dentifrice containing a bactericidal component to the bristle bundle 40 of FIG. Then, the user operates the polarity switch 16 according to the polarity of the sterilizing component of the dentifrice. That is, when the dentifrice contains a cationic sterilizing component, the first switch 16A is turned on. On the other hand, when an anionic sterilizing component is contained in the dentifrice, the second switch 16B is turned on.
  • the cationic sterilizing component is efficiently supplied to the teeth and gums.
  • the electric toothbrush 1 of this embodiment has the following effects.
  • the electric toothbrush 1 includes a switching circuit 22 that switches the polarity of the gripping electrode 14 and the polarity of the bristle bundle 40.
  • the polarity of the gripping electrode 14 and the polarity of the bristle bundle 40 can be switched according to the polarity of the sterilizing component contained in the dentifrice. For this reason, the bactericidal effect by a bactericidal component can be heightened by efficiently infiltrating a bactericidal component into a tooth and a gum.
  • the bristle 41 includes a core part 42 having conductivity and a sheath part 43 having non-conductivity.
  • the distal end portion 42 ⁇ / b> A of the core portion 42 protrudes toward the outside of the sheath portion 43. According to this structure, since the electric power which flows through the bristle 41 concentrates on 42 A of front-end
  • the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the contents of the above embodiment, and can be modified as follows, for example. Further, the following modified examples are not applied only to the above embodiment, and different modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other.
  • the electric toothbrush 1 of the above embodiment includes only the bristle bundle 40 having conductivity, but a bristle bundle having non-conductivity in addition to the bristle bundle 40 can also be implanted in the brush head 32.
  • FIG. 4 shows an example of a configuration having two types of bristle bundles.
  • the brush head 32 includes a plurality of bristle bundles 40 having conductivity and a plurality of bristle bundles 50 having non-conductivity.
  • the plurality of bristle bundles 40 are arranged so as to have a U shape at the outer peripheral portion of the brush head 32. That is, the plurality of bristle bundles 40 form a bristle bundle row 40A having a shape corresponding to the shape of a periodontal pocket that is a target site in the oral cavity.
  • the plurality of bristle bundles 50 are located between the first side and the second side of the bristle bundle 40 along the longitudinal direction X of the brush head 32.
  • the bristle bundle 40 corresponds to a “first bristle bundle”.
  • the bristle bundle 50 corresponds to a “second bristle bundle”.
  • the brush head 32 includes a plurality of bristle bundles 40 having conductivity and a plurality of bristle bundles 50 having non-conductivity.
  • Each bristle bundle 40 is located at an intermediate portion between the longitudinal direction X and the lateral direction Y of the brush head 32. That is, the plurality of bristle bundles 40 form a bristle bundle group 40B having a shape corresponding to the meshing surface of a tooth that is a target site in the oral cavity.
  • the plurality of bristle bundles 50 are located on the entire outer periphery of the bristle bundle group 40B.
  • each bristle bundle 40 can be easily brought into contact with the meshing surface of the tooth, which is the target site in the oral cavity. For this reason, the supply efficiency of the sterilizing component of the dentifrice 70 with respect to the meshing surface of the teeth is further increased.
  • the brush head 32 includes a plurality of bristle bundles 40 having conductivity and a plurality of bristle bundles 50 having non-conductivity.
  • the plurality of bristle bundles 40 form a row extending along the short direction Y at the distal end portion and the proximal end portion in the longitudinal direction X of the brush head 32. That is, the plurality of bristle bundles 40 form a pair of bristle bundle rows 40C having a shape corresponding to an interdental portion that is a target site in the oral cavity.
  • Each bristle bundle 50 is located between a pair of bristle bundle rows 40C.
  • each bristle bundle 40 can be easily brought into contact with an interdental portion which is a target site in the oral cavity. For this reason, the supply efficiency of the bactericidal component of the dentifrice 70 to the interdental portion is further enhanced.
  • the heights of the bristle bundle 40 and the bristle bundle 50 can be changed to different ones. For example, when the bristle bundle 40 is made higher than the bristle bundle 50, the bristle bundle 40 easily comes into contact with teeth and gums.
  • the brush head 32 can be provided with a function of holding the dentifrice 70.
  • the brush head 32 has an agent holding part 60 that holds the dentifrice 70.
  • the agent holding unit 60 has a shape surrounding the outer periphery of the plurality of bristle bundles 40.
  • the height of the agent holding part 60 is set to be larger than the height of the bristle bundle 40.
  • the main component of the material of the agent holding part 60 includes an elastomer.
  • the user When the user cleans the teeth, the user applies a dentifrice 70 to the front end surface of each bristle bundle 40. At this time, the movement of the dentifrice 70 to the radially outer side of each bristle bundle 40 is regulated by the agent holding part 60. For this reason, the supply efficiency of the bactericidal component of the dentifrice 70 to the teeth and gums is further increased.
  • the brush head 32 includes a plurality of bristle bundles 40 and a plurality of bristle bundles 50 that hold the dentifrice 70.
  • each bristle bundle 50 having non-conductivity is the center of the region surrounded by the long side along the longitudinal direction X and the short side along the short direction Y of the brush head 32.
  • Each bristle bundle 40 having conductivity is located on the brush head 32 at a portion surrounding the outer periphery of the plurality of bristle bundles 50.
  • the height H1 of the bristle bundle 40 is larger than the height H2 of the bristle bundle 50.
  • the user When the user cleans the teeth, the user applies a dentifrice 70 to the tip surfaces of the bristles bundle 40 and the bristles bundle 50. At this time, the movement of the brush head 32 in the longitudinal direction X and the lateral direction Y of the dentifrice 70 applied to the tip surface of each bristle bundle 50 is restricted by the bristle bundle 40. For this reason, the supply efficiency of the bactericidal component of the dentifrice 70 to the teeth and gums is further increased.
  • the agent holding portion 60 of Fig. 5 can be formed.
  • the height of the agent holding part 60 may be set to be larger than the height of the non-conductive bristle bundle 50 and smaller than the height of the conductive bristle bundle 40.
  • the height of the agent holding unit 60 may be set to be the same as the height of the conductive bristle bundle 40 or larger than the height of the bristle bundle 40.
  • the conductive bristle bundle 40 may be provided instead of at least one of the plurality of non-conductive bristle bundles 50 in the brush head 32 of FIG. 6.
  • the height of the bristle bundle 40 instead of the bristle bundle 50 is set in the same manner as the height of the bristle bundle 50 in the brush head 32 of FIG.
  • the energization circuit of the electric toothbrush 1 connects the output shaft 13A and the connection terminal 34, but the switching circuit 22 can also be directly connected to the connection terminal 34.
  • the electric toothbrush 1 includes a polarity determination device that determines whether the sterilizing component is either a cationic sterilizing component or an anionic sterilizing component based on the charge on the surface of the sterilizing component of the dentifrice placed on the bristle bundle 40. .
  • the polarity determination device determines that the dentifrice contains an anionic sterilizing component when the charge on the surface of the dentifrice is greater than “0” and less than the reference value. On the other hand, the polarity determination device determines that the dentifrice contains a cationic bactericidal component when the charge on the surface of the dentifrice is greater than or equal to a reference value.
  • the control circuit 21 selects the polarity combination corresponding to the sterilizing component by controlling the switching circuit 22 in a manner according to the above-described embodiment based on the determination result of the sterilizing component of the dentifrice by the polarity determining device.
  • the polarity determination device can be configured as a device separate from the device main body 10 and the brush body 30.
  • the electric toothbrush 1 of the said embodiment has the structure which can attach and detach the brush body 30 with respect to the apparatus main body 10, the apparatus main body 10 and the brush body 30 can also be integrated. it can.
  • the electric toothbrush 1 of the said embodiment has the function to vibrate the brush body 30, this function can also be abbreviate
  • the electric toothbrush 1 includes a conductive member that electrically connects the main body circuit 20 and the connection terminal 34 instead of the output shaft 13A.
  • the present invention is applied to the electric toothbrush 1 that functions as an oral care device, but the present invention can also be applied to other oral care devices. Examples of other oral care devices include stain removal devices. In short, if it is an oral care device using a bactericidal component, the present invention can be applied in a mode according to the above embodiment.
  • SYMBOLS 1 Electric toothbrush (oral care apparatus), 10 ... Apparatus main body, 14 ... Gripping electrode (2nd electrode), 16 ... Polarity switch (switching mechanism), 22 ... Switching circuit (switching mechanism), 32 ... Brush head (head) Part), 40 ... Bristle bundle (first electrode, first bristle bundle), 41 ... Bristle, 42 ... Core part, 43 ... Sheath part, 50 ... Bristle bundle (second bristle bundle), 60 ... Agent holding part, 70 ... dentifrice (bactericide).

Abstract

Provided is an oral care device that can increase the disinfecting effect of a disinfecting component. An electric toothbrush (1) has: a brush body (30) for performing care in the oral cavity; a device main body (10) to which the brush body (30) is attached; a bristle bundle (40) for cleaning teeth; and a grip electrode (14) that contacts the hand of a user. The device main body (10) has a switch circuit (22) that interchanges the polarity of the bristle bundle (40) and the polarity of the grip electrode (14).

Description

口腔ケア装置Oral care device
　本発明は、口腔内をケアするためのヘッド部と、使用者が把持するための装置本体と、ヘッド部に備えられる第１電極と、装置本体に備えられる第２電極とを含む口腔ケア装置に関する。 The present invention relates to an oral care device including a head unit for caring in the oral cavity, a device main body for a user to hold, a first electrode provided in the head unit, and a second electrode provided in the device main body. About.
　口腔ケア装置としては、歯に付着した歯垢等を除去するための歯ブラシ、および歯の着色汚れ（ステイン）を除去するためのステイン除去装置が主に知られている。 As oral care devices, there are mainly known toothbrushes for removing plaque and the like adhering to teeth and stain removal devices for removing colored stains (stains) on teeth.
　歯ブラシを用いた口腔内の殺菌方法としては、殺菌成分配合の歯磨剤または洗口剤等をブリッスル束に塗布し、手動または電動の歯ブラシによりブラッシングする方法が一般的に用いられている。この殺菌方法によれば、歯に付着した歯垢および細菌を機械的擦掃により除去し、かつ歯面および歯茎近傍に付着または浮遊している細菌を殺菌成分により殺菌することができる。 As a method for sterilizing the oral cavity using a toothbrush, a method of applying a toothpaste or a mouthwash containing a sterilizing component to a bristle bundle and brushing with a manual or electric toothbrush is generally used. According to this sterilization method, it is possible to remove plaque and bacteria adhering to the teeth by mechanical scrubbing, and to sterilize bacteria adhering or floating near the tooth surface and gums with the sterilizing component.
　特許文献１～４は、それぞれ具体的な殺菌方法の一例を開示している。 Patent Documents 1 to 4 each disclose an example of a specific sterilization method.
　（Ａ）特許文献１は、口腔内の細菌に対する殺菌効果を有する陽イオン系殺菌成分、および塩化セチルピリジニウム（ＣＰＣ）を配合した歯磨剤を開示している。また、特許文献１は、発泡性能、味、および使用感を損なうことなくＣＰＣの高い殺菌活性を維持するように歯磨剤を安定的に配合することを提案している。 (A) Patent Document 1 discloses a dentifrice containing a cationic bactericidal component having a bactericidal effect on bacteria in the oral cavity and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC). Patent Document 1 proposes to stably add a dentifrice so as to maintain the high bactericidal activity of CPC without impairing foaming performance, taste, and feeling of use.
　（Ｂ）特許文献２は、歯垢および着色汚れ（ステイン）の分解だけでなく乳酸等の有機酸を分解し、且つ歯垢、有機酸、および毒素等を産出する虫歯および歯槽膿漏の原因となる細菌を殺菌する電動歯ブラシを開示している。また特許文献２は、ヘッド部近傍から露出した電極と、装置本体に設けられた電極とにより、人体を介して口腔内に通電する電気回路の構成を開示している。 (B) Patent Document 2 describes the causes of dental caries and alveolar pus leakage that decompose not only plaque and colored stains (stains) but also organic acids such as lactic acid and produce plaque, organic acids, toxins, etc. The electric toothbrush which sterilizes the bacteria used as this is disclosed. Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration of an electric circuit that energizes the oral cavity through a human body with an electrode exposed from the vicinity of the head portion and an electrode provided in the apparatus main body.
　このような電動歯ブラシは、虫歯および歯槽膿漏を予防することが可能である。またブラッシングに慣れていない人が電動歯ブラシを用いた場合でも、電動歯ブラシは、歯の衛生状態を効果的に向上させることができる。なお乳酸は、水素イオン指数（ｐＨ）の低下による歯の脱灰の直接的な原因となることが知られている。 Such an electric toothbrush can prevent tooth decay and alveolar pyorrhea. Even if a person who is not used to brushing uses an electric toothbrush, the electric toothbrush can effectively improve the hygiene of the teeth. Lactic acid is known to cause direct decalcification of teeth due to a decrease in the hydrogen ion index (pH).
　（Ｃ）特許文献３は、口腔内の塩化物イオンを用いて電気分解により有効塩素を発生させること、および口腔内において効率的に有効塩素を殺菌に用いることができることを開示している。また特許文献３は、導電性を有するブラシ毛によりブリッスル束を構成するヘッド部を開示している。なお、特許文献４は特許文献３と同様の事項を開示している。 (C) Patent Document 3 discloses that effective chlorine can be generated by electrolysis using chloride ions in the oral cavity, and that effective chlorine can be efficiently used for sterilization in the oral cavity. Patent Document 3 discloses a head portion that forms a bristle bundle with conductive bristle. Note that Patent Document 4 discloses the same matters as Patent Document 3.
国際公開第２００９／２００１０号International Publication No. 2009/20010 特開平６－９０８２４号公報JP-A-6-90824 特開２００６－１０２０９５号公報JP 2006-102095 A 特開２００６－１８０９５３号公報JP 2006-180953 A
　歯ブラシは、物理的に食べかすおよび歯垢を除去し、基本的に殺菌機能を有していない。一方、口腔内の清掃に対する意識が高まる傾向にあるため、歯ブラシに殺菌機能を付加することは有用である。しかし、抗菌剤などを用いた場合を除き、歯ブラシ等の器具単独で口腔内を殺菌することは難しい。 Toothbrush physically removes food and plaque and basically has no sterilizing function. On the other hand, it is useful to add a sterilizing function to the toothbrush because awareness of cleaning in the mouth tends to increase. However, it is difficult to sterilize the oral cavity with a tool such as a toothbrush alone, except when an antibacterial agent is used.
　そこで、口腔内を殺菌して衛生状態を維持する方法では、殺菌成分を含む歯磨剤または洗口剤等を用いてブラッシングが主に行われる。虫歯および歯周病の原因となる菌を殺菌することにより、ブラッシング後の菌増加を抑制し、口腔内を清潔に維持することができる。また、殺菌効果を有する歯磨剤等の使用により、口腔内の細菌に起因する歯肉炎および歯槽膿漏などの歯周病、ならびに齲蝕が予防または治療される。 Therefore, in the method of sterilizing the oral cavity and maintaining the hygienic state, brushing is mainly performed using a dentifrice or mouthwash containing a sterilizing component. By sterilizing the bacteria that cause tooth decay and periodontal disease, the increase in bacteria after brushing can be suppressed, and the oral cavity can be kept clean. Moreover, periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and alveolar pus leakage caused by bacteria in the oral cavity, and caries are prevented or treated by using a dentifrice having a bactericidal effect.
　上記歯磨剤の殺菌成分は、陽イオン系殺菌成分、陰イオン系殺菌成分、および非イオン系殺菌成分に分類される。また陽イオン系殺菌成分は、塩化セチルピリジニウムおよび塩化ベンゼトニウムを含む。また陰イオン系殺菌成分は、ラウロイルサルコシンナトリウム等を含む。また非イオン系殺菌成分は、トリクロサン等を含む。 The sterilizing component of the dentifrice is classified into a cationic sterilizing component, an anionic sterilizing component, and a nonionic sterilizing component. The cationic bactericidal component includes cetylpyridinium chloride and benzethonium chloride. Anionic sterilizing components include sodium lauroyl sarcosine and the like. The nonionic sterilizing component includes triclosan and the like.
　このような種々の歯磨剤が開発されているが、歯周ポケット、歯間部、および歯の噛合面のように複雑な形状の箇所には、殺菌成分を配合した歯磨剤または洗口剤等が届きにくい。このため、同複雑な形状の箇所は、殺菌成分を用いても殺菌することが難しい。 Various kinds of dentifrices have been developed, but toothpastes or mouthwashes containing a bactericidal component are used in complex shapes such as periodontal pockets, interdental parts, and tooth meshing surfaces. Is difficult to reach. For this reason, it is difficult to sterilize the complicated shape part even if a sterilizing component is used.
　また殺菌成分は、表面に近い歯垢周囲を覆うバイオフィルムとよばれる膜の周囲に存在する細菌に対して高い殺菌効果を有している。しかしながら、バイオフィルムの透過性および浸透性が低いため、殺菌成分は、バイオフィルム内部の細菌に対する低い殺菌の効果を有する。すなわち、殺菌成分は、歯垢表面に存在する細菌に対して高い殺菌効果を有するが、歯垢内部に存在する細菌に対して低い殺菌効果を有するため、歯磨剤を用いた場合には歯面等に比べて歯垢内部において細菌が増殖しやすい。 Also, the bactericidal component has a high bactericidal effect against bacteria present around a membrane called a biofilm covering the plaque surrounding the surface. However, due to the low permeability and permeability of the biofilm, the bactericidal component has a low bactericidal effect on the bacteria inside the biofilm. In other words, the bactericidal component has a high bactericidal effect against bacteria present on the plaque surface, but has a low bactericidal effect against bacteria present in the plaque, so when using a dentifrice, the tooth surface Bacteria grow more easily in the plaque than
　他方、歯周ポケット、歯間部、および歯の噛合面のように複雑な形状の箇所には、ブラシが届きにくい。このため、ブラッシングにより歯垢および細菌を十分に除去するためには、高いブラッシング技術および長時間のブラッシングが要求される。なお、歯面のように平滑な部分には、ブラシおよび殺菌成分が届きやすいため、ブラッシングの機械的な擦掃により歯垢および細菌を比較的容易に除去することができる。 On the other hand, it is difficult for the brush to reach places with complicated shapes such as periodontal pockets, interdental parts, and tooth meshing surfaces. Therefore, in order to sufficiently remove plaque and bacteria by brushing, a high brushing technique and a long brushing are required. In addition, since a brush and a disinfection component are easy to reach to a smooth part like a tooth surface, dental plaque and bacteria can be removed relatively easily by mechanical brushing.
　このように、歯周ポケット、歯間部、および噛合面は、歯垢の除去および殺菌等が難しいため、虫歯リスクおよび歯周病リスクが高くなる。一方、歯肉炎および歯周病の予防または治療の観点から、こうした複雑な形状の箇所に対する歯垢の除去および殺菌の効果を高めることが求められている。そのためには、特定の部位に焦点を絞って集中的に殺菌作用を与えることが可能な技術が有用である。 As described above, the periodontal pocket, the interproximal part, and the meshing surface are difficult to remove and sterilize the plaque, so that the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease are increased. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of prevention or treatment of gingivitis and periodontal disease, it is required to enhance the effect of plaque removal and sterilization on such a complex-shaped portion. For that purpose, a technique capable of concentrating the bactericidal action while focusing on a specific site is useful.
　そこで、歯周ポケット、歯間部、および噛合面等に存在する細菌に対する殺菌効果を高めるための手段は、歯磨剤中の殺菌成分の濃度を高くすることを含む。しかしこの方法では、殺菌成分の濃度の増加にともない不快な味が引き起こされるとともに、口腔内に対する刺激性が高まるという問題が生じる。 Therefore, a means for enhancing the bactericidal effect against bacteria existing in the periodontal pocket, interdental portion, meshing surface and the like includes increasing the concentration of the bactericidal component in the dentifrice. However, this method causes a problem that an unpleasant taste is caused as the concentration of the sterilizing component is increased, and irritation to the oral cavity is increased.
　以上のことから、虫歯リスクおよび歯周病リスクを効果的に低減するためには、細菌が存在する特定部位（歯周ポケット部、歯間部、および噛合面等）に対して殺菌成分を集中的に作用させること、および殺菌成分が浸透しにくい歯垢内部の細菌に対する殺菌効果を高めることの少なくとも一方を実現することが好ましい。なお、ここでは口腔ケア装置としての歯ブラシの課題について検討したが、殺菌成分を用いる口腔ケア装置（例えばステイン除去装置）においても上記と同様の課題が生じる。 From the above, in order to effectively reduce the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease, concentrate bactericidal components on specific sites (such as periodontal pockets, interdental parts, and meshing surfaces) where bacteria are present. It is preferable to realize at least one of making it act effectively and enhancing the bactericidal effect on the bacteria in the plaque where the bactericidal component is difficult to penetrate. In addition, although the subject of the toothbrush as an oral care apparatus was examined here, the same problem as the above arises also in the oral care apparatus (for example, stain removal apparatus) using a sterilizing component.
　本発明は、殺菌成分による殺菌効果を高めることが可能な口腔ケア装置を提供することを目的としている。 An object of the present invention is to provide an oral care device capable of enhancing the bactericidal effect of a bactericidal component.
　・本発明の口腔ケア装置は、使用者によって把持される装置本体と、前記装置本体に着脱可能に取り付けられ、前記使用者の口腔内をケアするために使用可能なヘッド部と、前記ヘッド部に設けられた第１電極と、前記装置本体に設けられた第２電極と、前記第１および第２電極に電気的に接続された切替機構とを備え、前記切替機構は、前記ヘッド部上の殺菌成分に応じて前記第１電極の極性および前記第２電極の極性を相互に切り替えることを特徴としている。 The oral care device of the present invention includes a device main body gripped by a user, a head unit that is detachably attached to the device main body and can be used to care for the user's oral cavity, and the head unit. A first electrode provided on the apparatus main body, a second electrode provided on the apparatus main body, and a switching mechanism electrically connected to the first and second electrodes, the switching mechanism on the head unit According to the sterilizing component, the polarity of the first electrode and the polarity of the second electrode are switched to each other.
　・この口腔ケア装置においては、前記ヘッド部は、ブリッスル束を含み、前記ブリッスル束は、導電性を有する複数のブリッスルを含むことが好ましい。 In this oral care device, it is preferable that the head portion includes a bristle bundle, and the bristle bundle includes a plurality of conductive bristle.
　・この口腔ケア装置においては、前記ブリッスルは、導電性の芯部と、前記芯部の外周を被覆する非導電性の鞘部とを含むことが好ましい。 In this oral care device, it is preferable that the bristle includes a conductive core and a non-conductive sheath that covers the outer periphery of the core.
　・この口腔ケア装置においては、前記ヘッド部上に陽イオン系殺菌成分が供給された場合、前記切替機構は、前記第１電極の極性を陽極に切り替え、かつ前記第２電極の極性を陰極に切り替えることが好ましい。 In this oral care device, when a cationic sterilizing component is supplied onto the head unit, the switching mechanism switches the polarity of the first electrode to the anode, and the polarity of the second electrode to the cathode. It is preferable to switch.
　・この口腔ケア装置においては、前記ヘッド部上に陰イオン系殺菌成分が供給された場合、前記切替機構は、前記第１電極の極性を陰極に切り替え、かつ前記第２電極の極性を陽極に切り替えることが好ましい。 In this oral care device, when an anionic sterilizing component is supplied onto the head unit, the switching mechanism switches the polarity of the first electrode to the cathode, and the polarity of the second electrode to the anode. It is preferable to switch.
　・この口腔ケア装置においては、前記装置本体には、陰極および陽極を有する電池が着脱可能に搭載され、前記電池の陰極および陽極のうちの一方は、前記切替機構を介して前記第１電極に電気的に接続され、他方は、前記切替機構を介して前記第２電極に電気的に接続されることが好ましい。 In this oral care device, a battery having a cathode and an anode is detachably mounted on the device body, and one of the cathode and anode of the battery is connected to the first electrode via the switching mechanism. It is preferable that the other is electrically connected and the other is electrically connected to the second electrode via the switching mechanism.
　・この口腔ケア装置においては、前記切替機構は、前記ヘッド部上の殺菌成分に応じて、前記電池の陰極および陽極と、前記第１電極および第２電極との間の電気的な接続を切り替えることが好ましい。 -In this oral care apparatus, the said switching mechanism switches the electrical connection between the cathode and anode of the said battery, and the said 1st electrode and 2nd electrode according to the sterilization component on the said head part. It is preferable.
　・この口腔ケア装置においては、前記切替機構は、前記電池の陰極および陽極と、前記第１電極および第２電極との間の電気的な接続を切り替える切替回路と、前記使用者によって操作され、前記切替回路の切り替えを制御する極性切替スイッチとを含むことが好ましい。 In this oral care device, the switching mechanism is operated by the user, a switching circuit that switches electrical connection between the cathode and anode of the battery, and the first electrode and the second electrode, It is preferable that a polarity switching switch for controlling switching of the switching circuit is included.
　・この口腔ケア装置においては、前記ヘッド部は、導電性を有する複数のブリッスル束を含み、前記複数のブリッスル束は、前記ヘッド部上において口腔内の対象部位の形状に応じた部位に位置することが好ましい。 -In this oral care apparatus, the said head part contains the several bristle bundle which has electroconductivity, and the said several bristle bundle is located in the site | part according to the shape of the target site | part in an oral cavity on the said head part. It is preferable.
　・この口腔ケア装置においては、前記ヘッド部は、導電性を有する第１ブリッスル束と、非導電性を有する第２ブリッスル束とを含み、前記第１ブリッスル束は、前記第２ブリッスル束の高さよりも大きい高さを有することが好ましい。 -In this oral care apparatus, the head part includes a first bristle bundle having conductivity and a second bristle bundle having non-conductivity, and the first bristle bundle is a height of the second bristle bundle. It is preferable to have a height greater than that.
　・この口腔ケア装置においては、前記ヘッド部は、殺菌剤を保持する剤保持部を含むことが好ましい。 In this oral care device, it is preferable that the head part includes an agent holding part that holds a bactericide.
　本発明によれば、殺菌成分による殺菌効果を高めることが可能な口腔ケア装置を提供することができる。 According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an oral care device that can enhance the sterilizing effect of the sterilizing component.
本発明の一実施形態の電動歯ブラシについて、その断面構造を示す断面図。Sectional drawing which shows the cross-sectional structure about the electric toothbrush of one Embodiment of this invention. 同実施形態の電動歯ブラシについて、その回路構成を示すブロック図。The block diagram which shows the circuit structure about the electric toothbrush of the embodiment. 同実施形態の電動歯ブラシについて、（ａ）は把持電極が陰極かつブリッスル束が陽極のときの電気回路の構成を示す回路図、（ｂ）は把持電極が陽極かつブリッスル束が陰極のときの電気回路の構成を示す回路図。Regarding the electric toothbrush of the embodiment, (a) is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of an electric circuit when the gripping electrode is a cathode and the bristle bundle is an anode, and (b) is an electric circuit when the gripping electrode is an anode and the bristle bundle is a cathode. The circuit diagram which shows the structure of a circuit. 本発明のその他の実施形態の電動歯ブラシについて、ブラシヘッドの正面構造を示す平面図。The top view which shows the front structure of a brush head about the electric toothbrush of other embodiment of this invention. 本発明のその他の実施形態の電動歯ブラシについて、（ａ）はブラシヘッドの正面構造を示す正面図、（ｂ）はブラシヘッドの側面構造を示す側面図。About the electric toothbrush of other embodiment of this invention, (a) is a front view which shows the front structure of a brush head, (b) is a side view which shows the side structure of a brush head. 本発明のその他の実施形態の電動歯ブラシについて、（ａ）はブラシヘッドの正面構造を示す正面図、（ｂ）は同（ａ）のＡ－Ａ線に沿うブラシヘッドの断面構造を示す断面図。Regarding the electric toothbrush of another embodiment of the present invention, (a) is a front view showing the front structure of the brush head, (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional structure of the brush head along the AA line of (a). .
　図１を参照して、電動歯ブラシ１の全体構成について説明する。 The overall configuration of the electric toothbrush 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
　電動歯ブラシ１は、使用者が把持する装置本体１０と、装置本体１０に取り付けおよび取り外し可能に取り付けられたブラシ体３０とを有する。なお、電動歯ブラシ１は「口腔ケア装置」に相当する。 The electric toothbrush 1 has a device main body 10 held by a user, and a brush body 30 attached to the device main body 10 so as to be attached and detached. The electric toothbrush 1 corresponds to an “oral care device”.
　ブラシ体３０は、装置本体１０への取り付け部分を構成するブラシ柄３１と、ブラシ体３０の先端部分を構成するブラシヘッド３２と、ブラシヘッド３２の平面部分に固定された導電性部材３３とを含む。またブラシ体３０は、歯を清掃するための複数のブリッスル束４０と、ブラシ体３０の内部において導電性部材３３に接続される接続ターミナル３４とを含む。なお、ブラシヘッド３２は「ヘッド部」に相当する。また、ブリッスル束４０は「第１電極」に相当する。 The brush body 30 includes a brush handle 31 that constitutes a portion to be attached to the apparatus main body 10, a brush head 32 that constitutes a tip portion of the brush body 30, and a conductive member 33 that is fixed to a planar portion of the brush head 32. Including. Further, the brush body 30 includes a plurality of bristle bundles 40 for cleaning teeth and a connection terminal 34 connected to the conductive member 33 inside the brush body 30. The brush head 32 corresponds to a “head portion”. The bristle bundle 40 corresponds to a “first electrode”.
　各ブリッスル束４０は、複数のブリッスル４１を含む。各ブリッスル４１は、導電性を有する樹脂材料により形成された芯部４２と、非導電性を有する樹脂材料により形成された鞘部４３とを含む。芯部４２は、鞘部４３の中空部分に位置する。芯部４２の先端部分４２Ａは、鞘部４３の先端部分から鞘部４３の外部に向かって突出している。なお、導電性を有する樹脂材料は、カーボンを含むポリアミド樹脂を含む。また、非導電性を有する樹脂材料は、カーボンを含まないポリアミド樹脂を含む。 Each bristle bundle 40 includes a plurality of bristle 41. Each bristle 41 includes a core portion 42 formed of a conductive resin material and a sheath portion 43 formed of a non-conductive resin material. The core part 42 is located in the hollow part of the sheath part 43. The distal end portion 42 </ b> A of the core portion 42 protrudes from the distal end portion of the sheath portion 43 toward the outside of the sheath portion 43. Note that the conductive resin material includes a polyamide resin containing carbon. Moreover, the resin material which has nonelectroconductivity contains the polyamide resin which does not contain carbon.
　各ブリッスル４１の外径および高さは、同じ大きさを有する。すなわち各ブリッスル束４０は、同じ高さを有する。ブリッスル束４０およびブリッスル４１の高さは、ブラシヘッド３２の平面部分からブリッスル４１の先端面までの距離を示す。ブリッスル４１は、芯部４２が鞘部４３から突出する構造を有するため、芯部４２の先端面がブリッスル４１の先端面に相当する。 The outer diameter and height of each bristle 41 have the same size. That is, each bristle bundle 40 has the same height. The heights of the bristle bundle 40 and the bristle 41 indicate the distance from the planar portion of the brush head 32 to the tip surface of the bristle 41. Since the bristle 41 has a structure in which the core portion 42 protrudes from the sheath portion 43, the tip surface of the core portion 42 corresponds to the tip surface of the bristle 41.
　装置本体１０は、使用者が把持する本体ケース１１と、電源を供給する２次電池１２と、ブラシ体３０を振動させる電動モータ１３と、電動モータ１３の動作等を制御する本体回路２０とを含む。 The apparatus main body 10 includes a main body case 11 held by a user, a secondary battery 12 that supplies power, an electric motor 13 that vibrates the brush body 30, and a main body circuit 20 that controls the operation of the electric motor 13. Including.
　装置本体１０にブラシ体３０が取り付けられた場合に、電動モータ１３の出力軸１３Ａは、接続ターミナル３４に接続される。電動モータ１３は、リニアモータを含む。 When the brush body 30 is attached to the apparatus body 10, the output shaft 13 </ b> A of the electric motor 13 is connected to the connection terminal 34. The electric motor 13 includes a linear motor.
　本体ケース１１は、ブリッスル束４０の極性と把持電極１４の極性との組合せ（以下、「極性組合せ」）を切り替える極性切替スイッチ１６と、２次電池１２と本体回路２０との電気的な接続および遮断を切り替える電源スイッチ１５とを含む。また本体ケース１１は、使用者が本体ケース１１を把持したときに手に接触する把持電極１４と、本体回路２０に対する電力の供給態様を表示する表示部１７とを含む。なお、把持電極１４は「第２電極」に相当する。また、極性切替スイッチ１６は「切替機構」に相当する。 The body case 11 includes an electrical connection between the polarity switch 16 for switching the combination of the polarity of the bristle bundle 40 and the polarity of the gripping electrode 14 (hereinafter referred to as “polarity combination”), the secondary battery 12 and the body circuit 20. And a power switch 15 for switching off. The main body case 11 includes a gripping electrode 14 that comes into contact with the hand when the user grips the main body case 11 and a display unit 17 that displays a power supply mode for the main body circuit 20. The gripping electrode 14 corresponds to a “second electrode”. The polarity changeover switch 16 corresponds to a “switching mechanism”.
　極性切替スイッチ１６は、２つのスイッチ、すなわち第１スイッチ１６Ａおよび第２スイッチ１６Ｂを含む。第１スイッチ１６Ａは、オン状態のとき、ブリッスル束４０の極性を陽極に切り替え、かつ把持電極１４の極性を陰極に切り替える。第２スイッチ１６Ｂは、オン状態のとき、ブリッスル束４０の極性を陰極に切り替え、かつ把持電極１４の極性を陽極に切り替える。以下では、第１スイッチ１６Ａがオン状態のときの極性組合せは「組合極性Ａ」と呼称される。また、第２スイッチ１６Ｂがオン状態のときの極性組合せは「組合極性Ｂ」と呼称される。 The polarity switch 16 includes two switches, that is, a first switch 16A and a second switch 16B. When the first switch 16A is in the ON state, the polarity of the bristle bundle 40 is switched to the anode, and the polarity of the gripping electrode 14 is switched to the cathode. When the second switch 16B is in the ON state, the polarity of the bristle bundle 40 is switched to the cathode, and the polarity of the gripping electrode 14 is switched to the anode. Hereinafter, the polarity combination when the first switch 16A is in the ON state is referred to as “combination polarity A”. The polarity combination when the second switch 16B is in the ON state is referred to as “combination polarity B”.
　表示部１７は、発光ダイオードを有する。電源スイッチ１５がオン状態のとき、すなわち２次電池１２から本体回路２０に電力が供給されているとき、発光ダイオードは点灯する。また、電源スイッチ１５がオフ状態のとき、すなわち２次電池１２から本体回路２０に電力が供給されていないとき、発光ダイオードは消灯する。 The display unit 17 includes a light emitting diode. When the power switch 15 is in an on state, that is, when power is supplied from the secondary battery 12 to the main circuit 20, the light emitting diode is lit. Further, when the power switch 15 is in an off state, that is, when power is not supplied from the secondary battery 12 to the main circuit 20, the light emitting diode is turned off.
　図２を参照して、電動歯ブラシ１の回路構成について説明する。 The circuit configuration of the electric toothbrush 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
　本体回路２０は、極性切替スイッチ１６の動作に応じて極性組合せを切り替える切替回路２２と、図１の電動モータ１３の動作および切替回路２２の切替態様を制御する制御回路２１とを含む。なお、切替回路２２は「切替機構」に相当する。 The main body circuit 20 includes a switching circuit 22 that switches the polarity combination in accordance with the operation of the polarity switching switch 16, and a control circuit 21 that controls the operation of the electric motor 13 and the switching mode of the switching circuit 22 in FIG. The switching circuit 22 corresponds to a “switching mechanism”.
　電源スイッチ１５、極性切替スイッチ１６、表示部１７、および切替回路２２は、制御回路２１に接続されている。把持電極１４は、切替回路２２に接続されている。切替回路２２は、電動モータ１３の出力軸１３Ａに接続されている。 The power switch 15, the polarity changeover switch 16, the display unit 17, and the changeover circuit 22 are connected to the control circuit 21. The gripping electrode 14 is connected to the switching circuit 22. The switching circuit 22 is connected to the output shaft 13 </ b> A of the electric motor 13.
　制御回路２１は、２次電池１２から切替回路２２、把持電極１４、電源スイッチ１５、極性切替スイッチ１６、および表示部１７に電力を供給する。切替回路２２は、制御回路２１から供給された電力を電動モータ１３の出力軸１３Ａに供給する。出力軸１３Ａは、切替回路２２から供給された電力をブラシ体３０の接続ターミナル３４に供給する。 The control circuit 21 supplies power from the secondary battery 12 to the switching circuit 22, the gripping electrode 14, the power switch 15, the polarity switching switch 16, and the display unit 17. The switching circuit 22 supplies the power supplied from the control circuit 21 to the output shaft 13 </ b> A of the electric motor 13. The output shaft 13 </ b> A supplies the power supplied from the switching circuit 22 to the connection terminal 34 of the brush body 30.
　電動歯ブラシ１は、使用者により使用されているとき、装置本体１０の把持電極１４、本体回路２０、電動モータ１３の出力軸１３Ａ、ブラシ体３０の接続ターミナル３４、導電性部材３３、各ブリッスル束４０、口腔内の唾液、歯茎等の組織、および人体が電気的に接続されることにより電気回路（以下、「通電回路」）を形成する。 When the electric toothbrush 1 is used by a user, the grip electrode 14 of the apparatus main body 10, the main body circuit 20, the output shaft 13A of the electric motor 13, the connection terminal 34 of the brush body 30, the conductive member 33, and each bristle bundle 40. An electrical circuit (hereinafter referred to as an “energization circuit”) is formed by electrically connecting saliva in the oral cavity, tissues such as gums, and the human body.
　図３を参照して、切替回路２２の詳細な構成について説明する。 The detailed configuration of the switching circuit 22 will be described with reference to FIG.
　切替回路２２は、各導電線の接続状態を切り替える３つのスイッチ、すなわち第１切替スイッチ２２Ａ、第２切替スイッチ２２Ｂ、および第３切替スイッチ２２Ｃを有する。 The switching circuit 22 includes three switches for switching the connection state of each conductive line, that is, a first switching switch 22A, a second switching switch 22B, and a third switching switch 22C.
　第１切替スイッチ２２Ａは、把持電極１４と２次電池１２の陰極との間を接続または遮断する。すなわち、第１切替スイッチ２２Ａは、把持電極１４と２次電池１２の陰極とを互いに接続する切替位置と、把持電極１４と２次電池１２の陰極とを互いに遮断する切替位置とを有する。 The first changeover switch 22 </ b> A connects or blocks between the gripping electrode 14 and the cathode of the secondary battery 12. That is, the first changeover switch 22A has a switching position for connecting the gripping electrode 14 and the cathode of the secondary battery 12 to each other, and a switching position for blocking the gripping electrode 14 and the cathode of the secondary battery 12 from each other.
　第２切替スイッチ２２Ｂは、把持電極１４および出力軸１３Ａと２次電池１２の陽極との間を接続または遮断する。すなわち、第２切替スイッチ２２Ｂは、把持電極１４と２次電池１２の陽極とを互いに接続し、かつ出力軸１３Ａと２次電池１２の陽極とを互いに遮断する切替位置と、把持電極１４と２次電池１２の陽極とを互いに遮断し、かつ出力軸１３Ａと２次電池１２の陽極とを互いに接続する切替位置とを有する。 The second change-over switch 22B connects or blocks between the gripping electrode 14 and the output shaft 13A and the anode of the secondary battery 12. That is, the second changeover switch 22B connects the gripping electrode 14 and the anode of the secondary battery 12 to each other, and switches the output shaft 13A and the anode of the secondary battery 12 to each other. There is a switching position for blocking the anode of the secondary battery 12 from each other and connecting the output shaft 13A and the anode of the secondary battery 12 to each other.
　第３切替スイッチ２２Ｃは、出力軸１３Ａと２次電池１２の陰極との間を接続または遮断する。すなわち、第３切替スイッチ２２Ｃは、出力軸１３Ａと２次電池１２の陰極とを互いに接続する切替位置と、出力軸１３Ａと２次電池１２の陰極とを互いに遮断する切替位置とを有する。 The third changeover switch 22C connects or blocks between the output shaft 13A and the cathode of the secondary battery 12. That is, the third changeover switch 22C has a switching position for connecting the output shaft 13A and the cathode of the secondary battery 12 to each other, and a switching position for blocking the output shaft 13A and the cathode of the secondary battery 12 from each other.
　制御回路２１による切替回路２２の制御について説明する。 Control of the switching circuit 22 by the control circuit 21 will be described.
　極性切替スイッチ１６は、第１スイッチ１６Ａがオン操作されたとき、極性組合せを組合極性Ａに切り替えるための指令信号を制御回路２１に送信する。また、第２スイッチ１６Ｂがオン操作されたとき、極性組合せを組合極性Ｂに切り替えるための指令信号を制御回路２１に送信する。 The polarity switch 16 transmits a command signal for switching the polarity combination to the combined polarity A to the control circuit 21 when the first switch 16A is turned on. When the second switch 16B is turned on, a command signal for switching the polarity combination to the combination polarity B is transmitted to the control circuit 21.
　図３（ａ）に示されるように、制御回路２１は、第１スイッチ１６Ａから指令信号を受信したとき、第１切替スイッチ２２Ａにより把持電極１４と２次電池１２の陰極とを互いに接続する。また、制御回路２１は、第２切替スイッチ２２Ｂにより出力軸１３Ａと２次電池１２の陽極とを互いに接続する。さらにまた、制御回路２１は、第３切替スイッチ２２Ｃにより出力軸１３Ａと２次電池１２の陰極とを互いに遮断する。これにより、制御回路２１は、極性組合せを組合極性Ａに切り替える。 As shown in FIG. 3A, when receiving a command signal from the first switch 16A, the control circuit 21 connects the gripping electrode 14 and the cathode of the secondary battery 12 to each other by the first changeover switch 22A. Further, the control circuit 21 connects the output shaft 13A and the anode of the secondary battery 12 to each other by the second changeover switch 22B. Furthermore, the control circuit 21 blocks the output shaft 13A and the cathode of the secondary battery 12 from each other by the third changeover switch 22C. Thereby, the control circuit 21 switches the polarity combination to the combination polarity A.
　図３（ｂ）に示されるように、制御回路２１は、第２スイッチ１６Ｂから指令信号を受信したとき、第１切替スイッチ２２Ａにより把持電極１４と２次電池１２の陰極とを互いに遮断する。また、制御回路２１は、第２切替スイッチ２２Ｂにより把持電極１４と２次電池１２の陽極とを互いに接続する。さらにまた、制御回路２１は、第３切替スイッチ２２Ｃにより出力軸１３Ａと２次電池１２の陰極とを互いに接続する。これにより、制御回路２１は、極性組合せを組合極性Ｂに切り替える。 As shown in FIG. 3 (b), when receiving a command signal from the second switch 16B, the control circuit 21 blocks the grip electrode 14 and the cathode of the secondary battery 12 from each other by the first changeover switch 22A. The control circuit 21 connects the gripping electrode 14 and the anode of the secondary battery 12 to each other by the second changeover switch 22B. Furthermore, the control circuit 21 connects the output shaft 13A and the cathode of the secondary battery 12 to each other by the third changeover switch 22C. As a result, the control circuit 21 switches the polarity combination to the combination polarity B.
　電動歯ブラシ１の使用方法について説明する。 The method of using the electric toothbrush 1 will be described.
　歯磨剤の殺菌成分は、陽イオン系殺菌成分、陰イオン系殺菌成分、および非イオン系殺菌成分に分類される。陽イオン系殺菌成分は、塩化セチルピリジニウムおよび塩化ベンゼトニウムを含む。陰イオン系殺菌成分は、ラウロイルサルコシンナトリウム等を含む。非イオン系殺菌成分は、トリクロサン等を含む。なお、歯磨剤は「殺菌剤」に相当する。 The bactericidal component of dentifrice is classified into a cationic bactericidal component, an anionic bactericidal component, and a nonionic bactericidal component. Cationic bactericidal components include cetylpyridinium chloride and benzethonium chloride. Anionic bactericidal components include lauroyl sarcosine sodium and the like. Nonionic germicidal components include triclosan and the like. The dentifrice corresponds to a “bactericidal agent”.
　使用者は、電動歯ブラシ１を用いて歯の清掃を行うとき、殺菌成分を含む歯磨剤を図１のブリッスル束４０に塗布する。そして、使用者は、歯磨剤の殺菌成分の極性に応じて極性切替スイッチ１６を操作する。すなわち、歯磨剤に陽イオン系殺菌成分が含まれているとき、第１スイッチ１６Ａがオンされる。一方、歯磨剤に陰イオン系殺菌成分が含まれているとき、第２スイッチ１６Ｂがオンされる。 When the user uses the electric toothbrush 1 to clean the teeth, the user applies a dentifrice containing a bactericidal component to the bristle bundle 40 of FIG. Then, the user operates the polarity switch 16 according to the polarity of the sterilizing component of the dentifrice. That is, when the dentifrice contains a cationic sterilizing component, the first switch 16A is turned on. On the other hand, when an anionic sterilizing component is contained in the dentifrice, the second switch 16B is turned on.
　極性組合せを組合極性Ａに切り替わるとき、陽イオン系殺菌成分とブリッスル束４０の極性とが反発し合い、かつ陽イオン系殺菌成分と口腔内の極性とが引き寄せ合う。このため、陽イオン系殺菌成分が効率的に歯および歯茎に供給される。 When the polarity combination is switched to the combination polarity A, the cation sterilization component and the polarity of the bristle bundle 40 repel each other, and the cation sterilization component and the polarity in the oral cavity attract each other. Therefore, the cationic sterilizing component is efficiently supplied to the teeth and gums.
　極性組合せを組合極性Ｂに切り替わるとき、陰イオン系殺菌成分とブリッスル束４０の極性とが反発し合い、かつ陰イオン系殺菌成分と口腔内の極性とが引き寄せ合う。このため、陰イオン系殺菌成分が効率的に歯および歯茎に供給される。
　（実施形態の効果） When the polarity combination is switched to the combination polarity B, the anionic sterilizing component and the polarity of the bristle bundle 40 repel each other, and the anionic sterilizing component and the polarity in the oral cavity attract each other. For this reason, an anionic sterilization component is efficiently supplied to teeth and gums.
(Effect of embodiment)
　本実施形態の電動歯ブラシ１は以下の効果を奏する。 The electric toothbrush 1 of this embodiment has the following effects.
　（１）電動歯ブラシ１は、把持電極１４の極性およびブリッスル束４０の極性を入れ替える切替回路２２を含む。この構成によれば、歯磨剤に含まれる殺菌成分の極性に応じて把持電極１４の極性およびブリッスル束４０の極性を入れ替えることができる。このため、殺菌成分を歯および歯茎に効率的に浸透させることにより、殺菌成分による殺菌効果を高めることができる。 (1) The electric toothbrush 1 includes a switching circuit 22 that switches the polarity of the gripping electrode 14 and the polarity of the bristle bundle 40. According to this configuration, the polarity of the gripping electrode 14 and the polarity of the bristle bundle 40 can be switched according to the polarity of the sterilizing component contained in the dentifrice. For this reason, the bactericidal effect by a bactericidal component can be heightened by efficiently infiltrating a bactericidal component into a tooth and a gum.
　（２）ブリッスル４１は、導電性を有する芯部４２と、非導電性を有する鞘部４３とを含む。芯部４２の先端部分４２Ａは、鞘部４３の外部に向かって突出している。この構成によれば、ブリッスル４１を流れる電力が芯部４２の先端部分４２Ａに集中するため、歯および歯茎に対する殺菌成分の供給効率をより高めることができる。
　（その他の実施形態） (2) The bristle 41 includes a core part 42 having conductivity and a sheath part 43 having non-conductivity. The distal end portion 42 </ b> A of the core portion 42 protrudes toward the outside of the sheath portion 43. According to this structure, since the electric power which flows through the bristle 41 concentrates on 42 A of front-end | tip parts of the core part 42, the supply efficiency of the bactericidal component with respect to a tooth | gear and a gum can be improved more.
(Other embodiments)
　本発明の実施態様は、上記実施形態の内容に限られるものではなく、例えば以下のように変更することもできる。また、以下の変形例は上記実施形態についてのみ適用されるものではなく、異なる変形例同士を互いに組み合わせて実施することもできる。 The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the contents of the above embodiment, and can be modified as follows, for example. Further, the following modified examples are not applied only to the above embodiment, and different modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other.
　・上記実施形態（図１）の電動歯ブラシ１は、導電性を有するブリッスル束４０のみを含むが、ブリッスル束４０に加えて非導電性を有するブリッスル束をブラシヘッド３２に植毛することもできる。図４に、２種類のブリッスル束を有する構成の一例を示す。 The electric toothbrush 1 of the above embodiment (FIG. 1) includes only the bristle bundle 40 having conductivity, but a bristle bundle having non-conductivity in addition to the bristle bundle 40 can also be implanted in the brush head 32. FIG. 4 shows an example of a configuration having two types of bristle bundles.
　図４（ａ）に示されるように、ブラシヘッド３２は、導電性を有する複数のブリッスル束４０と、非導電性を有する複数のブリッスル束５０とを含む。複数のブリッスル束４０は、ブラシヘッド３２の外周部分においてＵ字形状を有するように配置されている。すなわち複数のブリッスル束４０は、口腔内の対象部位である歯周ポケットの形状に対応した形状のブリッスル束列４０Ａを形成している。複数のブリッスル束５０は、ブラシヘッド３２の長手方向Ｘに沿うブリッスル束４０の第１の辺と第２の辺との間に位置する。なお、ブリッスル束４０は「第１ブリッスル束」に相当する。また、ブリッスル束５０は「第２ブリッスル束」に相当する。 As shown in FIG. 4A, the brush head 32 includes a plurality of bristle bundles 40 having conductivity and a plurality of bristle bundles 50 having non-conductivity. The plurality of bristle bundles 40 are arranged so as to have a U shape at the outer peripheral portion of the brush head 32. That is, the plurality of bristle bundles 40 form a bristle bundle row 40A having a shape corresponding to the shape of a periodontal pocket that is a target site in the oral cavity. The plurality of bristle bundles 50 are located between the first side and the second side of the bristle bundle 40 along the longitudinal direction X of the brush head 32. The bristle bundle 40 corresponds to a “first bristle bundle”. The bristle bundle 50 corresponds to a “second bristle bundle”.
　この構成によれば、ブラシヘッド３２にブリッスル束列４０Ａを形成することにより、口腔内の対象部位である歯周ポケットまたはその近傍に各ブリッスル束４０を容易に接触させることが可能になる。このため、歯周ポケットに対する歯磨剤７０の殺菌成分の供給効率がより高められる。 According to this configuration, by forming the bristle bundle row 40A on the brush head 32, it is possible to easily bring each bristle bundle 40 into contact with the periodontal pocket which is the target site in the oral cavity or in the vicinity thereof. For this reason, the supply efficiency of the bactericidal component of the dentifrice 70 to the periodontal pocket is further increased.
　図４（ｂ）に示されるように、ブラシヘッド３２は、導電性を有する複数のブリッスル束４０と、非導電性を有する複数のブリッスル束５０とを含む。各ブリッスル束４０は、ブラシヘッド３２の長手方向Ｘおよび短手方向Ｙの中間部分に位置する。すなわち複数のブリッスル束４０は、口腔内の対象部位である歯の噛合面に対応した形状のブリッスル束群４０Ｂを形成している。複数のブリッスル束５０は、ブリッスル束群４０Ｂの外周全体に位置する。 4B, the brush head 32 includes a plurality of bristle bundles 40 having conductivity and a plurality of bristle bundles 50 having non-conductivity. Each bristle bundle 40 is located at an intermediate portion between the longitudinal direction X and the lateral direction Y of the brush head 32. That is, the plurality of bristle bundles 40 form a bristle bundle group 40B having a shape corresponding to the meshing surface of a tooth that is a target site in the oral cavity. The plurality of bristle bundles 50 are located on the entire outer periphery of the bristle bundle group 40B.
　この構成によれば、ブラシヘッド３２にブリッスル束群４０Ｂを形成することにより、口腔内の対象部位である歯の噛合面に各ブリッスル束４０を容易に接触させることが可能になる。このため、歯の噛合面に対する歯磨剤７０の殺菌成分の供給効率がより高められる。 According to this configuration, by forming the bristle bundle group 40B on the brush head 32, each bristle bundle 40 can be easily brought into contact with the meshing surface of the tooth, which is the target site in the oral cavity. For this reason, the supply efficiency of the sterilizing component of the dentifrice 70 with respect to the meshing surface of the teeth is further increased.
　図４（ｃ）に示されるように、ブラシヘッド３２は、導電性を有する複数のブリッスル束４０と、非導電性を有する複数のブリッスル束５０とを含む。複数のブリッスル束４０は、ブラシヘッド３２の長手方向Ｘの先端部および基端部において短手方向Ｙに沿って延びる列を形成している。すなわち複数のブリッスル束４０は、口腔内の対象部位である歯間部分に対応した形状の一対のブリッスル束列４０Ｃを形成している。各ブリッスル束５０は、一対のブリッスル束列４０Ｃ間に位置する。 4C, the brush head 32 includes a plurality of bristle bundles 40 having conductivity and a plurality of bristle bundles 50 having non-conductivity. The plurality of bristle bundles 40 form a row extending along the short direction Y at the distal end portion and the proximal end portion in the longitudinal direction X of the brush head 32. That is, the plurality of bristle bundles 40 form a pair of bristle bundle rows 40C having a shape corresponding to an interdental portion that is a target site in the oral cavity. Each bristle bundle 50 is located between a pair of bristle bundle rows 40C.
　この構成によれば、ブラシヘッド３２にブリッスル束列４０Ｃが形成されていることにより、口腔内の対象部位である歯間部分に各ブリッスル束４０を容易に接触させることが可能になる。このため、歯間部分に対する歯磨剤７０の殺菌成分の供給効率がより高められる。 According to this configuration, since the bristle bundle row 40C is formed on the brush head 32, each bristle bundle 40 can be easily brought into contact with an interdental portion which is a target site in the oral cavity. For this reason, the supply efficiency of the bactericidal component of the dentifrice 70 to the interdental portion is further enhanced.
　・図４（ａ）～（ｃ）の各ブラシヘッド３２において、ブリッスル束４０およびブリッスル束５０の高さを互いに異なるものに変更することもできる。例えば、ブリッスル束４０をブリッスル束５０よりも高くした場合には、ブリッスル束４０が歯および歯茎に接触しやすくなる。 In the brush heads 32 shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, the heights of the bristle bundle 40 and the bristle bundle 50 can be changed to different ones. For example, when the bristle bundle 40 is made higher than the bristle bundle 50, the bristle bundle 40 easily comes into contact with teeth and gums.
　・図５，６に示すように、上記実施形態（図１）の電動歯ブラシ１において、歯磨剤７０を保持する機能をブラシヘッド３２に設けることもできる。 As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in the electric toothbrush 1 of the above embodiment (FIG. 1), the brush head 32 can be provided with a function of holding the dentifrice 70.
　具体的には、図５に示すように、ブラシヘッド３２は、歯磨剤７０を保持する剤保持部６０を有する。図５（ａ）に示されるように、剤保持部６０は、複数のブリッスル束４０の外周を取り囲む形状を有する。図５（ｂ）に示されるように、剤保持部６０の高さは、ブリッスル束４０の高さよりも大きいように設定されている。剤保持部６０の材料の主成分は、エラストマーを含む。 Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the brush head 32 has an agent holding part 60 that holds the dentifrice 70. As shown in FIG. 5A, the agent holding unit 60 has a shape surrounding the outer periphery of the plurality of bristle bundles 40. As shown in FIG. 5B, the height of the agent holding part 60 is set to be larger than the height of the bristle bundle 40. The main component of the material of the agent holding part 60 includes an elastomer.
　使用者は、歯を清掃するとき、各ブリッスル束４０の先端面に歯磨剤７０を塗布する。このとき、各ブリッスル束４０の径方向外側への歯磨剤７０の移動が剤保持部６０により規制される。このため、歯および歯茎に対する歯磨剤７０の殺菌成分の供給効率がより高められる。 When the user cleans the teeth, the user applies a dentifrice 70 to the front end surface of each bristle bundle 40. At this time, the movement of the dentifrice 70 to the radially outer side of each bristle bundle 40 is regulated by the agent holding part 60. For this reason, the supply efficiency of the bactericidal component of the dentifrice 70 to the teeth and gums is further increased.
　また、図６に示すように、ブラシヘッド３２は、歯磨剤７０を保持する複数のブリッスル束４０および複数のブリッスル束５０を含む。図６（ａ）に示されるように、非導電性を有する各ブリッスル束５０は、ブラシヘッド３２の長手方向Ｘに沿った長辺および短手方向Ｙに沿った短辺によって囲まれる領域の中央部分に位置する。導電性を有する各ブリッスル束４０は、ブラシヘッド３２上において複数のブリッスル束５０の外周を取り囲む部分に位置する。図６（ｂ）に示されるように、ブリッスル束４０の高さＨ１は、ブリッスル束５０の高さＨ２よりも大きい。 Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the brush head 32 includes a plurality of bristle bundles 40 and a plurality of bristle bundles 50 that hold the dentifrice 70. As shown in FIG. 6A, each bristle bundle 50 having non-conductivity is the center of the region surrounded by the long side along the longitudinal direction X and the short side along the short direction Y of the brush head 32. Located in the part. Each bristle bundle 40 having conductivity is located on the brush head 32 at a portion surrounding the outer periphery of the plurality of bristle bundles 50. As shown in FIG. 6B, the height H1 of the bristle bundle 40 is larger than the height H2 of the bristle bundle 50.
　使用者は、歯を清掃するとき、各ブリッスル束４０および各ブリッスル束５０の先端面に歯磨剤７０を塗布する。このとき、各ブリッスル束５０の先端面に塗布された歯磨剤７０は、ブラシヘッド３２の長手方向Ｘおよび短手方向Ｙへの移動がブリッスル束４０により規制される。このため、歯および歯茎に対する歯磨剤７０の殺菌成分の供給効率がより高められる。 When the user cleans the teeth, the user applies a dentifrice 70 to the tip surfaces of the bristles bundle 40 and the bristles bundle 50. At this time, the movement of the brush head 32 in the longitudinal direction X and the lateral direction Y of the dentifrice 70 applied to the tip surface of each bristle bundle 50 is restricted by the bristle bundle 40. For this reason, the supply efficiency of the bactericidal component of the dentifrice 70 to the teeth and gums is further increased.
　・図６のブラシヘッド３２において、図５の剤保持部６０を形成することもできる。剤保持部６０の高さは、非導電性のブリッスル束５０の高さよりも大きくかつ導電性のブリッスル束４０の高さよりも小さいように設定されてよい。また、剤保持部６０の高さは、導電性のブリッスル束４０の高さと同じか、またはブリッスル束４０の高さよりも大きいように設定されてもよい。 · In the brush head 32 of Fig. 6, the agent holding portion 60 of Fig. 5 can be formed. The height of the agent holding part 60 may be set to be larger than the height of the non-conductive bristle bundle 50 and smaller than the height of the conductive bristle bundle 40. In addition, the height of the agent holding unit 60 may be set to be the same as the height of the conductive bristle bundle 40 or larger than the height of the bristle bundle 40.
　・図６のブラシヘッド３２において、非導電性の複数のブリッスル束５０のうちの少なくとも１つに代えて導電性のブリッスル束４０を備えることもできる。この場合、ブリッスル束５０に代わるブリッスル束４０の高さは、図６のブラシヘッド３２におけるブリッスル束５０の高さと同じように設定される。 6, the conductive bristle bundle 40 may be provided instead of at least one of the plurality of non-conductive bristle bundles 50 in the brush head 32 of FIG. 6. In this case, the height of the bristle bundle 40 instead of the bristle bundle 50 is set in the same manner as the height of the bristle bundle 50 in the brush head 32 of FIG.
　・上記実施形態（図２）の電動歯ブラシ１の通電回路は、出力軸１３Ａと接続ターミナル３４とを接続しているが、切替回路２２を接続ターミナル３４に直接的に接続することもできる。 In the above-described embodiment (FIG. 2), the energization circuit of the electric toothbrush 1 connects the output shaft 13A and the connection terminal 34, but the switching circuit 22 can also be directly connected to the connection terminal 34.
　・上記実施形態（図３）の電動歯ブラシ１は、極性切替スイッチ１６の操作に応じて極性組合せを選択しているが、極性組合せを選択するための構成を以下のように変更することもできる。 -Although the electric toothbrush 1 of the said embodiment (FIG. 3) has selected the polarity combination according to operation of the polarity changeover switch 16, the structure for selecting a polarity combination can also be changed as follows. .
　電動歯ブラシ１は、ブリッスル束４０に載せられた歯磨剤の殺菌成分の表面における電荷に基づいて、殺菌成分が陽イオン系殺菌成分および陰イオン系殺菌成分のいずれかを判定する極性判定装置を含む。 The electric toothbrush 1 includes a polarity determination device that determines whether the sterilizing component is either a cationic sterilizing component or an anionic sterilizing component based on the charge on the surface of the sterilizing component of the dentifrice placed on the bristle bundle 40. .
　極性判定装置は、歯磨剤の表面における電荷が「０」よりも大きくかつ基準値未満のとき、歯磨剤に陰イオン系殺菌成分が含まれていると判定する。一方、極性判定装置は、歯磨剤の表面における電荷が基準値以上のとき、歯磨剤に陽イオン系殺菌成分が含まれていると判定する。 The polarity determination device determines that the dentifrice contains an anionic sterilizing component when the charge on the surface of the dentifrice is greater than “0” and less than the reference value. On the other hand, the polarity determination device determines that the dentifrice contains a cationic bactericidal component when the charge on the surface of the dentifrice is greater than or equal to a reference value.
　制御回路２１は、極性判定装置による歯磨剤の殺菌成分の判定結果に基づいて、上記実施形態に準じた態様で切替回路２２を制御することにより、殺菌成分に応じた極性組合せを選択する。 The control circuit 21 selects the polarity combination corresponding to the sterilizing component by controlling the switching circuit 22 in a manner according to the above-described embodiment based on the determination result of the sterilizing component of the dentifrice by the polarity determining device.
　・上記変形例において、極性判定装置を装置本体１０およびブラシ体３０とは別体の装置として構成することもできる。 In the above modification, the polarity determination device can be configured as a device separate from the device main body 10 and the brush body 30.
　・上記実施形態（図１）の電動歯ブラシ１は、装置本体１０に対するブラシ体３０の取り付けおよび取り外しが可能な構成を有しているが、装置本体１０とブラシ体３０とを一体化することもできる。 -Although the electric toothbrush 1 of the said embodiment (FIG. 1) has the structure which can attach and detach the brush body 30 with respect to the apparatus main body 10, the apparatus main body 10 and the brush body 30 can also be integrated. it can.
　・上記実施形態（図１）の電動歯ブラシ１は、ブラシ体３０を振動させる機能を有しているが、この機能を省略することもできる。すなわち、装置本体１０から電動モータ１３を省略することもできる。この電動歯ブラシ１は、出力軸１３Ａに代えて本体回路２０と接続ターミナル３４とを電気的に接続する導電部材を有する。 -Although the electric toothbrush 1 of the said embodiment (FIG. 1) has the function to vibrate the brush body 30, this function can also be abbreviate | omitted. That is, the electric motor 13 can be omitted from the apparatus main body 10. The electric toothbrush 1 includes a conductive member that electrically connects the main body circuit 20 and the connection terminal 34 instead of the output shaft 13A.
　・上記実施形態（図１）では、口腔ケア装置として機能する電動歯ブラシ１に本発明を適用しているが、他の口腔ケア装置に本発明を適用することもできる。他の口腔ケア装置の例としては、ステイン除去装置が挙げられる。要するに、殺菌成分を用いる口腔ケア装置であれば、上記実施形態に準じた態様で本発明を適用することができる。 In the above embodiment (FIG. 1), the present invention is applied to the electric toothbrush 1 that functions as an oral care device, but the present invention can also be applied to other oral care devices. Examples of other oral care devices include stain removal devices. In short, if it is an oral care device using a bactericidal component, the present invention can be applied in a mode according to the above embodiment.
　１…電動歯ブラシ（口腔ケア装置）、１０…装置本体、１４…把持電極（第２電極）、１６…極性切替スイッチ（切替機構）、２２…切替回路（切替機構）、３２…ブラシヘッド（ヘッド部）、４０…ブリッスル束（第１電極、第１ブリッスル束）、４１…ブリッスル、４２…芯部、４３…鞘部、５０…ブリッスル束（第２ブリッスル束）、６０…剤保持部、７０…歯磨剤（殺菌剤）。 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electric toothbrush (oral care apparatus), 10 ... Apparatus main body, 14 ... Gripping electrode (2nd electrode), 16 ... Polarity switch (switching mechanism), 22 ... Switching circuit (switching mechanism), 32 ... Brush head (head) Part), 40 ... Bristle bundle (first electrode, first bristle bundle), 41 ... Bristle, 42 ... Core part, 43 ... Sheath part, 50 ... Bristle bundle (second bristle bundle), 60 ... Agent holding part, 70 ... dentifrice (bactericide).

Claims (11)

  1. 　口腔ケア装置であって、
    　使用者によって把持される装置本体と、
    　前記装置本体に着脱可能に取り付けられ、前記使用者の口腔内をケアするために使用可能なヘッド部と、
    　前記ヘッド部に設けられた第１電極と、
    　前記装置本体に設けられた第２電極と、
    　前記第１および第２電極に電気的に接続された切替機構とを備え、
    　前記切替機構は、前記ヘッド部上の殺菌成分に応じて前記第１電極の極性および前記第２電極の極性を相互に切り替える、口腔ケア装置。     An oral care device,
    A device body gripped by a user;
    A head part that is detachably attached to the apparatus body and can be used to care for the user's oral cavity;
    A first electrode provided on the head portion;
    A second electrode provided in the apparatus body;
    A switching mechanism electrically connected to the first and second electrodes,
    The switching mechanism is an oral care device that switches between the polarity of the first electrode and the polarity of the second electrode according to a sterilizing component on the head unit.
  2. 　請求項１に記載の口腔ケア装置において、
    　前記ヘッド部は、ブリッスル束を含み、
    　前記ブリッスル束は、導電性を有する複数のブリッスルを含む、口腔ケア装置。     The oral care device according to claim 1,
    The head portion includes a bristle bundle,
    The bristles bundle is an oral care device including a plurality of conductive bristles.
  3. 　請求項２に記載の口腔ケア装置において、
    　前記ブリッスルは、導電性の芯部と、前記芯部の外周を被覆する非導電性の鞘部とを含む、口腔ケア装置。     The oral care device according to claim 2,
    The bristle is an oral care device including a conductive core and a non-conductive sheath covering the outer periphery of the core.
  4. 　請求項１～３のいずれか一項に記載の口腔ケア装置において、
    　前記ヘッド部上に陽イオン系殺菌成分が供給された場合、前記切替機構は、前記第１電極の極性を陽極に切り替え、かつ前記第２電極の極性を陰極に切り替える、口腔ケア装置。     The oral care device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
    When a cationic sterilizing component is supplied onto the head unit, the switching mechanism switches the polarity of the first electrode to the anode and switches the polarity of the second electrode to the cathode.
  5. 　請求項１～４のいずれか一項に記載の口腔ケア装置において、
    　前記ヘッド部上に陰イオン系殺菌成分が供給された場合、前記切替機構は、前記第１電極の極性を陰極に切り替え、かつ前記第２電極の極性を陽極に切り替える、口腔ケア装置。     The oral care device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
    When an anionic sterilizing component is supplied onto the head unit, the switching mechanism switches the polarity of the first electrode to the cathode and switches the polarity of the second electrode to the anode.
  6. 　請求項１～５のいずれか一項に記載の口腔ケア装置において、
    　前記装置本体には、陰極および陽極を有する電池が着脱可能に搭載され、
    　前記電池の陰極および陽極のうちの一方は、前記切替機構を介して前記第１電極に電気的に接続され、他方は、前記切替機構を介して前記第２電極に電気的に接続される、口腔ケア装置。     In the oral care device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
    A battery having a cathode and an anode is detachably mounted on the apparatus body,
    One of the cathode and anode of the battery is electrically connected to the first electrode via the switching mechanism, and the other is electrically connected to the second electrode via the switching mechanism. Oral care device.
  7. 　請求項１～６のいずれか一項に記載の口腔ケア装置において、
    　前記切替機構は、前記ヘッド部上の殺菌成分に応じて、前記電池の陰極および陽極と、前記第１電極および第２電極との間の電気的な接続を切り替える、口腔ケア装置。     The oral care device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
    The switching mechanism is an oral care device that switches electrical connection between the cathode and anode of the battery and the first electrode and the second electrode in accordance with a sterilizing component on the head unit.
  8. 　請求項１～７のいずれか一項に記載の口腔ケア装置において、
    　前記切替機構は、
    　前記電池の陰極および陽極と、前記第１電極および第２電極との間の電気的な接続を切り替える切替回路と、
    　前記使用者によって操作され、前記切替回路の切り替えを制御する極性切替スイッチとを含む、口腔ケア装置。     The oral care device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
    The switching mechanism is
    A switching circuit for switching electrical connection between the cathode and anode of the battery and the first electrode and the second electrode;
    An oral care device including a polarity switch that is operated by the user and controls switching of the switching circuit.
  9. 　請求項１～８のいずれか一項に記載の口腔ケア装置において、
    　前記ヘッド部は、導電性を有する複数のブリッスル束を含み、
    　前記複数のブリッスル束は、前記ヘッド部上において口腔内の対象部位の形状に応じた部位に位置する、口腔ケア装置。     The oral care device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
    The head portion includes a plurality of bristle bundles having conductivity,
    The plurality of bristle bundles are oral care devices that are located on the head portion at sites corresponding to the shape of the target site in the oral cavity.
  10. 　請求項１～９のいずれか一項に記載の口腔ケア装置において、
    　前記ヘッド部は、導電性を有する第１ブリッスル束と、非導電性を有する第２ブリッスル束とを含み、
    　前記第１ブリッスル束は、前記第２ブリッスル束の高さよりも大きい高さを有する、口腔ケア装置。     The oral care device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
    The head portion includes a first bristle bundle having conductivity and a second bristle bundle having non-conductivity,
    The oral care device, wherein the first bristle bundle has a height greater than the height of the second bristle bundle.
  11. 　請求項１～１０のいずれか一項に記載の口腔ケア装置において、
    　前記ヘッド部は、殺菌剤を保持する剤保持部を含む、口腔ケア装置。
          The oral care device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
    The head part is an oral care device including an agent holding part for holding a bactericide.
PCT/JP2012/005195 2011-09-21 2012-08-20 Oral care device WO2013042307A1 (en)

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JP2011206029A JP2013066547A (en) 2011-09-21 2011-09-21 Oral care device
JP2011-206029 2011-09-21

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9597496B1 (en) 2015-10-16 2017-03-21 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement with conductive protrusions

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2021007656A (en) * 2019-07-01 2021-01-28 義人 上田 Periodontal pocket chemical injector

Citations (2)

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JP2004283330A (en) * 2003-03-20 2004-10-14 Nobuyoshi Karashima Ionophoresis type therapeutic device
JP2010124904A (en) * 2008-11-25 2010-06-10 Panasonic Electric Works Co Ltd Oral cavity care instrument

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2004283330A (en) * 2003-03-20 2004-10-14 Nobuyoshi Karashima Ionophoresis type therapeutic device
JP2010124904A (en) * 2008-11-25 2010-06-10 Panasonic Electric Works Co Ltd Oral cavity care instrument

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9597496B1 (en) 2015-10-16 2017-03-21 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement with conductive protrusions
WO2017066560A1 (en) * 2015-10-16 2017-04-20 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement with conductive protrusions
CN108135352A (en) * 2015-10-16 2018-06-08 高露洁-棕榄公司 Oral care implement with conductive prominence
US10675455B2 (en) 2015-10-16 2020-06-09 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement with conductive protrusions

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