WO2022137948A1

WO2022137948A1 - Toothbrush

Info

Publication number: WO2022137948A1
Application number: PCT/JP2021/042886
Authority: WO
Inventors: 祐一朗梯; 諒堀越; 彦人西村
Original assignee: ライオン株式会社
Priority date: 2020-12-25
Filing date: 2021-11-24
Publication date: 2022-06-30
Also published as: JP2022102480A; CN216875408U; JP7450529B2

Abstract

This toothbrush comprises a head part having a brush section in a brush planted surface, the toothbrush having: a head constituting part which constitutes a part of the head part and is composed of a first resin; a plurality of soft resin parts which partially constitute the head part and the brush part and are formed of a second resin; and a plurality of brush bundles provided to the head constituting part. The soft resin part has a plurality of elastomer sections constituting the brush part, and an elastomer base which connects proximal end sides of the plurality of elastomer sections. The elastomer base has a movable part in which one pair of end sections on both sides of the head part in the longitudinal direction or in the width direction are connected to the head constituting part, and which are spaced apart from the head constituting part and movable in the thickness direction and width direction of the elastomer base.

Description

toothbrush

The present invention relates to a toothbrush.
This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-217228 filed in Japan on December 25, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Currently, toothbrushes are expected to have a massage effect on the oral cavity in addition to a cleaning effect. Therefore, in order to ensure a sufficient massage effect into the oral cavity, a toothbrush in which the brush portion is composed of a brush portion and an elastomer portion is disclosed.

US Pat. No. 7,614111

However, in the conventional toothbrush with an elastomer, there is a problem that the elastomer part is hard to bend and stretches, which hinders the movement of the brush part. Therefore, it is difficult to achieve both the cleanability of the brush portion and the massage effect of the elastomer portion.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush capable of achieving both cleanability and massage effect.

The toothbrush of one aspect of the present invention is a toothbrush provided with a head portion having a brush portion on the flocked surface, which comprises a part of the head portion and has a head constituent portion made of a first resin and the head portion. A plurality of soft resin portions made of a second resin as well as a part of the brush portion, and a plurality of hair bundles provided in the head constituent portion are provided, and the soft resin portion is the brush portion. It has a plurality of elastomer portions constituting the above and an elastomer base connecting the base end sides of the plurality of elastomer portions, and the elastomer base is a pair of both sides in the length direction or the width direction of the head portion. The end portion is connected to the head constituent portion, and has a movable portion that is separated from the head constituent portion and is movable in the thickness direction and the width direction of the elastomer base.

In one aspect of the toothbrush of the present invention, the head component portion may have at least a soft resin accommodating portion that opens to the flocked surface, and the soft resin portion may be arranged in the soft resin accommodating portion.

In one aspect of the toothbrush of the present invention, the soft resin accommodating portion may be configured to penetrate in the thickness direction of the head constituent portion.

In one aspect of the toothbrush of the present invention, the soft resin portion has a plurality of elastomer portions extending vertically from the front surface of the elastomer base, and the elastomer portion is formed on the movable portion in the length direction of the elastomer base. At least three or more may be arranged side by side.

In one aspect of the toothbrush of the present invention, the thickness of at least the movable portion of the elastomer base is thinner than the thickness of the head component, and there is a space on the back surface side of the movable portion in the soft resin accommodating portion. It may be configured.

In one aspect of the toothbrush of the present invention, the head component has a pair of hard resin side fixing portions in which the pair of ends of the soft resin portion are fixed in the soft resin accommodating portion, and the elastomer base. May have a configuration in which a second locking portion that can be locked to the first locking portion formed in the pair of hard resin side fixing portions is provided.

In one aspect of the toothbrush of the present invention, the thickness of the movable portion may be preferably in the range of 0.5 mm or more and 2.5 mm or less.

In one aspect of the toothbrush of the present invention, the height of the elastomer portion from the surface to the tip of the elastomer base may be shorter than the hair length of the hair bundle from the flocked surface to the tip.

In the present invention, it is possible to provide a toothbrush that can achieve both cleanability and massage effect.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing the overall configuration of the toothbrush 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the overall configuration of the toothbrush 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a rear view showing the overall configuration of the toothbrush 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A is an enlarged front view showing the head portion 23 of the toothbrush 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4B is an enlarged side view showing the head portion 23 of the toothbrush 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VV of FIGS. 4A and 4B. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI of FIGS. 4A and 4B. FIG. 7 is a front view showing the configuration of the toothbrush main body 2. FIG. 8 is a side view showing the configuration of the toothbrush main body 2. FIG. 9 is a rear view showing the configuration of the toothbrush main body 2. FIG. 10 is an enlarged front view showing the head component 23A of the toothbrush main body 2. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI of FIG. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XII-XII of FIG.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the toothbrush according to one aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12. Note that the following embodiments show one aspect of the present invention, do not limit the present invention, and can be arbitrarily changed within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Further, in the following drawings, in order to make each configuration easy to understand, the scale and number of each structure are different from the actual structure.

<Toothbrush>
The toothbrush 1 of the present embodiment includes a brush portion 3, a head portion 23 having the brush portion 3 on the flocked surface 23a, a neck portion 22 extending in the length direction from the rear end of the head portion 23, and a neck portion 22. It has a handle portion 21 extending from the rear end to the opposite side in the length direction from the head portion 23, and has a long shape having a length in the axial direction.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the toothbrush 1 of the present embodiment includes a toothbrush main body (first resin) 2 made of a hard resin and a pair of soft resin portions (second resin) 5 made of a soft resin. , A brush portion 4 composed of a plurality of hair bundles 4a.

(Toothbrush body)
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the toothbrush main body 2 is made of a hard resin as the first resin, and the head component 23A constituting a part of the head 23 and the neck component 22A constituting the neck 22. And a handle component 21A that constitutes a part of the handle 21.

Examples of the first resin constituting the toothbrush main body 2 include a hard resin or a soft resin. Examples of the hard resin include polypropylene (PP), polyacetal (POM), polycyclohexylene methylene terephthalate (PCT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin (ABS), and polymethyl methacrylate. (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin (ABS), cellulose propionate (CP), polyarylate, and the like. Further, a biodegradable resin, a plant-derived resin, a paper-blended resin, a plant-blended resin and the like may be used. Among them, PP is preferable in terms of excellent moldability and cost advantage.

Examples of the soft resin include polyolefin-based thermoplastic elastomers, polystyrene-based thermoplastic elastomers, polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomers, polyester-based thermoplastic elastomers, 1,2-polybutadiene-based thermoplastic elastomers, and ethylene-vinyl acetate-based thermoplastic elastomers. Examples thereof include a polyvinyl chloride-based thermoplastic elastomer, a natural rubber-based thermoplastic elastomer, a fluorine-based thermoplastic elastomer, and a trans-polyisoprene-based thermoplastic elastomer.

Of the toothbrush main body 2, the head component 23A constitutes the head portion 23 of the toothbrush 1 together with the elastomer base 52 of the pair of soft resin portions 5 described later. Further, the handle component 21A constitutes the handle 21 together with the grip 21B.

The head component 23A has a hard resin portion 230 located at the center and a pair of soft resin accommodating portions 23B formed on both sides of the hard resin portion 230 in the width direction.
The pair of soft resin accommodating portions 23B are grooves that penetrate the thickness direction of the head component portion 23A at the positions of the side edges of the head portion 23, and are open to each of the flocked surface 23a and the back surface 23d of the head portion 23. , A groove that also opens on the outer peripheral surface 23c. The shape of the pair of soft resin accommodating portions 23B when viewed from the front (flocked surface 23a) side and the shape when viewed from the side are both rectangular. The pair of soft resin accommodating portions 23B are located substantially in the center of the head component portion 23A in the length direction.

As shown in FIGS. 4B, 8 and 9, the head component 23A has a pair of hard resin side fixing portions 23g protruding into the pair of soft resin accommodating portions 23B. The pair of hard resin side fixing portions 23g are convex portions perpendicular to the wall surfaces on both sides in the length direction of each soft resin accommodating portion 23B. The pair of hard resin side fixing portions 23g are located substantially in the center of the head component portion 23A in the thickness direction, and are separated from each of the flocked surface 23a and the back surface 23d. In the present embodiment, it is formed at a position slightly closer to the flocked surface 23a than the back surface 23d.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, each of the hard resin side fixing portions 23g has a substantially square shape when viewed from the front, but the shape is not limited to this and the plan view shape can be appropriately changed.
One side 23g1 of each hard resin side fixing portion 23g when viewed from the flocked surface 23a coincides with the outer peripheral surfaces 23c on both sides in the width direction of the head portion 23, and is separated from the side surface 23b of the head component portion 23A outward in the width direction. There is. That is, a gap S (FIG. 4A) is provided between each hard resin side fixing portion 23g and each side surface 23b of the head component portion 23A.

As shown in FIG. 10, the first locking portion 23h is locked in the center of each rigid resin side fixing portion 23g in the front view. The first locking portion 23h in the present embodiment is composed of a through hole penetrating the thickness direction of the hard resin side fixing portion 23g. The size and plan view shape of the through hole can be changed as appropriate.

A plurality of flocked holes 24 opened in the flocked surface 23a are formed in the head component 23A. In the present embodiment, two rows of hair follicle holes 24N are formed in the width direction of the head component 23A. Each hair follicle row 24N is composed of a plurality of hair follicle holes 24 arranged in the length direction of the head component 23A, and in the present embodiment, each of the hair follicle row 24N has eight hair follicle holes 24.

The number of follicle hole rows 24N formed in the head component 23A, the number of follicle holes 24 constituting each follicle hole row 24N, and the diameter of each follicle hole 24 can be appropriately changed according to the size of the head portion 23. It is possible. The diameter of the hair follicle hole 24 is preferably 1.5 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, and more preferably 2.0 mm or more and 2.5 mm or less.

(Hair bundle)
In the present embodiment, hair follicles 4a composed of a plurality of hairs are planted in each hair follicle hole 24 formed in the head component 23A by using a flat line or the like. Examples of the hair constituting the hair bundle 4a include straight hair, hair whose diameter gradually decreases toward the tip (tapered hair), tip branch hair, spiral hair, and hair for irregular cross section. Examples of the tip shape of the hair bundle 4a include flat cutting, mountain cutting, convex shape, and concave shape. Further, an offset shape may be formed in which a step is provided between the half-hair bundles with the flat line as a boundary. The type of hair to be used and the shape of the tip of the hair bundle 4a are appropriately set in consideration of the cleaning effect required for the brush portion 4 and the feeling of contact with the gums.
In addition, the toothbrush is not limited to the planted hair as described above, and may be an integrally molded toothbrush in which a hair bundle is molded by two-color molding, insert molding, or the like.

(A pair of soft resin parts)
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the pair of soft resin portions 5 are housed in the soft resin accommodating portions 23B formed on both sides of the head component portion 23A in the width direction, and both sides of each soft resin portion 5 in the length direction. Is formed integrally with the toothbrush main body 2 by being connected to the head component 23A.

These pair of soft resin portions 5 are located in each of the soft resin accommodating portions 23B, apart from the side surfaces 23b on both sides of the hard resin portion 230 located in the center in the width direction, and are located on the outer side in the width direction. It faces each side surface 23b of 230 via a gap S, respectively.

The gap S between the soft resin portion 5 and the side surface 23b of the hard resin portion 230 is formed between the hard resin side fixing portion 23g in the head configuration portion 23A described above and each side surface 23b of the head configuration portion 23A. It roughly matches the gap to be made.

Each soft resin portion 5 is made of a soft resin and has a plurality of elastomer portions 51, an elastomer base 52, and a pair of second locking portions 53, as shown in FIGS. 4B and 5.

The hardness of the soft resin portion 5 is preferably in the range of Shore A hardness of 20 or more and 60 or less. In this embodiment, for example, the shore A hardness is 30.

Examples of the soft resin constituting the soft resin portion 5 include a polyolefin-based thermoplastic elastomer, a polystyrene-based thermoplastic elastomer, a polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomer, a polyester-based thermoplastic elastomer, 1,2-polybutadiene-based thermoplastic elastomer, and ethylene-. Examples thereof include vinyl acetate-based thermoplastic elastomers, polyvinyl chloride-based thermoplastic elastomers, natural rubber-based thermoplastic elastomers, fluorine-based thermoplastic elastomers, and trans-polyisoprene-based thermoplastic elastomers.

The plurality of elastomer portions 51 extend vertically from the surface (front surface) 52a of the elastomer base 52. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, five elastomer portions 51 are provided on each side. The number of elastomer portions 51 provided on one side is preferably 3 or more and 7 or less, and more preferably 3 or more and 5 or less. In order to obtain a massage effect on the gums, it is preferable that the number of elastomer portions 51 is at least three.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, each elastomer portion 51 has a cylindrical shape or a tapered shape whose diameter decreases toward the tip. The shape of the elastomer portion 51 is not limited to the above-mentioned shape, and can be appropriately changed. In the present embodiment, all of the plurality of elastomer portions 51 have the same shape, but a plurality of elastomer portions 51 having different shapes may be provided. The tip of the elastomer portion 51 preferably has a shape in consideration of the feeling of contact with the gums, and has a hemispherical shape in the present embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the five elastomer portions 51 are formed at equal intervals in the length direction of the elastomer base 52. The base ends of the elastomer portions 51 are connected to each other by an elastomer base 52, and the tip sides are independent of each other.

It is preferable that the plurality of elastomer portions 51 are formed at positions other than the end portions 52c on both sides of the elastomer base 52 in the length direction. Further, of the five elastomer portions 51 arranged in a row, at least three elastomer portions 51 in the center in the arrangement direction are at the center in the length direction of the elastomer base 52 (soft resin accommodating portion 23B) (movable portion 52f described later). Located in.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of elastomer portions 51 are arranged side by side in a row in the length direction of the head portion 23, but a plurality of rows (two rows) may be provided in the width direction.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, the heights H from the base end (surface of the elastomer base 52) to the tip of the plurality of elastomer portions 51 are equal to each other. It is preferable that the height H of the elastomer portion 51 is shorter than the hair length of the hair bundle 4a, and the hair height difference between the elastomer portion 51 and the hair bundle 4a is about 1 mm.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the elastomer base 52 has a rectangular shape in a plan view, and substantially matches the plan shape of the soft resin accommodating portion 23B described above. Further, one surface 52a in the thickness direction of the elastomer base 52 coincides with the flocked surface 23a in the head component 23A. The ends 52c on both sides of the elastomer base 52 in the length direction are connected to the head component 23A. As shown in FIGS. 4B and 6, the elastomer base 52 has a movable portion 52f having a thin wall at least in the central portion in the length direction.

The movable portion 52f is a portion that is separated from the head component portion 23A and is movable in the thickness direction and the width direction of the elastomer base 52. Of the five elastomer portions 51 described above, at least three elastomer portions 51 are present in the movable portion 52f. The length L2 (FIG. 4B) of the movable portion 52f in the length direction of the elastomer base 52 is preferably a length in which at least three elastomer portions 51 can be arranged, preferably 10 mm or more and 28 mm or less, and 15 mm or more and 25 mm. The following are more preferable.

As shown in FIGS. 4B and 6, the thickness T2 of at least the movable portion 52f of the elastomer base 52 is formed to be thinner than the thickness T1 of the head component portion 23A. In the soft resin accommodating portion 23B, a space K exists on the back surface 52d side of the movable portion 52f. Since the space K exists on the back surface side of the elastomer base 52, there is nothing that hinders the movement of the movable portion 52f when the movable portion 52f bends toward the back surface 23d side of the head portion 23 due to the load during brushing. The effect of sinking in the thickness direction of 23 can be obtained.

The pair of second locking portions 53 is for connecting each end portion 52c of the elastomer base 52 to the hard resin side fixing portion 23g of the head component portion 23A, and is provided on both sides of the elastomer base 52 in the length direction. It is formed on the back surface side of each end portion 52c. The pair of second locking portions 53 has a soft resin side fixing portion 53A and a connecting portion 53h.

The pair of second locking portions 53 extend vertically from the back surface 52d of the elastomer base 52 along the end surface 231 of the hard resin side fixing portion 23g, and the elastomer base 52 along the back surface 232 of the hard resin side fixing portion 23g. It has a shape extending in parallel with the above shape, and has a substantially L-shape in the side view shown in FIG. 4B. Of the second locking portions 53, the first portion 53a covers the end surface 231 of the hard resin side fixing portion 23g, and the second portion 53b covers the back surface 232 of the hard resin side fixing portion 23g. In the thickness direction of the head portion 23, the second portion 53b of the second locking portion 53 faces the end portion 52c of the elastomer base 52 via the hard resin side fixing portion 23g.

The connecting portion 53h is formed in the first locking portion 23h (through hole) of the rigid resin side fixing portion 23g, and connects the second portion 53b of the soft resin side fixing portion 53A and the end portion 52c of the elastomer base 52. You are connected. In this way, a part of the second locking portion 53 on the soft resin portion 5 side is locked to the first locking portion 23h (hard resin side fixing portion 23g), whereby the pair of soft resin portions 5 is fixed to the toothbrush main body 2 in a state of being arranged in the soft resin accommodating portion 23B.

The toothbrush 1 is configured in this way.
In the present embodiment, when the pair of soft resin portions 5 are attached to the toothbrush main body 2, as shown in FIG. 4A, the soft resin portions arranged in the soft resin accommodating portions 23B on both sides in the width direction are respectively. , Each side surface 23b of the head component 23A deviates outward in the width direction, and a gap S is formed between them. This gap S enables the soft resin portion 5 (movable portion 52f) to be deformed in the width direction, and the elastomer portion 51 does not hinder the movement of the hair bundle 4a, and a massage effect on the gums can be obtained.

Further, the gap S makes it possible for the movable portion 52f in the soft resin portion 5 to twist and sink when bending in the thickness direction, and the continuous movement (twisting behavior) obtained by the complex movement (twisting behavior) of the elastomer portion 51 enables the movable portion 52f to sink. The elasticity enhances the massage effect on the gums.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, a space K is formed on the back surface 52d side of the elastomer base 52 in the thickness direction of the head portion 23 in the pair of soft resin accommodating portions 23B. This space K enables the movable portion 52f of the soft resin portion 5 to fluctuate in the thickness direction, and the head portion 23 can be deformed to the back surface 23d side by the load during brushing, so that an appropriate (constant) load can be obtained. Allows you to massage your gums.

In the present embodiment, since the hair bundle 4a and the elastomer portion 51 move differently, the functions obtained by each move differently, and the cleaning effect on the tooth surface and the gingival portion obtained by the hair bundle 4a and the elastomer portion 51 are obtained. A toothbrush 1 having both a massage effect on the gums obtained by the above can be obtained.

When a load of 200 g is applied to the elastomer portion 51 during brushing, the head portion 23 is displaced in the thickness direction of 1.0 mm or more, 2.0 mm or less, and the elastomer base 52 together. Due to the behavior of the elastomer portion 51 as described above, a constant load can be applied to the gums during brushing.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following description.

<Each dimension in the head portion 23>
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the length L1 of the head portion 23 is preferably within the range of 20 mm or more and 35 mm or less. Here, the length L1 of the head portion 23 refers to the length from the tip of the head portion 23 to the boundary between the head portion 23 and the neck portion 22. The boundary between the head portion and the neck portion is the end point of the curve forming the corner cut from the neck portion 22 in the plan view shape of the head portion 23, that is, the position where the bending direction of the curve forming the corner cut changes. That is, the boundary between the head portion 23 and the neck portion 22 is a curve or a straight line whose width is widened from a curve or a straight line forming both edges in which the width of the corner cut portion in the head portion 23 is narrower than that of the neck portion 22 in a plan view. , Or the position where the width changes to the same straight line.

As shown in FIG. 6, the thickness T1 of the head portion 23 is preferably 2.6 mm or more and 7.0 mm or less, and more preferably 2.6 mm or more and 5 mm or less. Here, the thickness of the head portion 23 refers to the length from the flocked surface 23a to the back surface 23d.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 5, the overall width W1 of the head portion 23 is preferably 8.0 mm or more and 15 mm or less, and more preferably 8.0 mm or more and 13 mm or less. Here, the overall width W1 of the head portion is the total width of the hard resin width W2 (distance between the side surfaces 23b of the head constituent portion 23A), the widths W3 of the plurality of soft resin portions 5, and the plurality of gaps S described later. Width Refers to the total length of the total widths of Ws. The hard resin width W2 is preferably 3.0 mm or more and 8.0 mm or less, and more preferably 5.0 mm or more and 7.0 mm or less.

The diameter of the hair follicle hole 24 is preferably 1.5 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, and more preferably 2.0 mm or more and 2.5 mm or less.
The number of hair follicles 24 is preferably 2 or more and 6 or less in the width direction, and more preferably 2 or more and 4 or less. Further, 2 holes or more and 12 holes or less are preferable in the long axis direction, and 2 holes or more and 10 holes or less are more preferable. The total number of hair follicles 24 is preferably 6 or more and 30 or less.

As shown in FIG. 5, the size of the gap S, that is, the width Ws of the gap S is preferably within the range of 0.0 mm or more and 3.7 mm or less, and more preferably 0.0 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less. preferable.

<Each dimension in the soft resin part 5>
(Width direction of the soft resin portion 5)
Here, the width dimension of the movable portion 52f in the elastomer base 52 is defined as the width of the soft resin portion 5. The width W3 of the soft resin portion 5 (movable portion 52f) per unit is preferably in the range of 1.5 mm or more and 3.3 mm or less, and more preferably 2.0 mm or more and 2.5 mm or less. Within the above range, a massage effect on the gums can be obtained.

The total width W3 of the plurality of soft resin portions 5 is preferably in the range of 10% or more and 70% or less, and within the range of 30% or more and 65% or less with respect to the total width W1 of the head portion 23. Is more preferable.
By setting the ratio occupied by the plurality of soft resin portions 5 in the width direction of the head portion 23 within the above range, a massage feeling for the gums can be ensured.

(Thickness direction of the soft resin portion 5)
Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the thickness dimension of the movable portion 52f in the elastomer base 52 is defined as the thickness T2 of the soft resin portion 5.
The ratio of the thickness T2 of the movable portion 52f to the thickness T1 of the head portion 23 (head component portion 23A) is preferably 7% or more and 50% or less, and is preferably 20% or more and 30% or less. Is more preferable.
By setting the ratio of the thickness T2 of the movable portion 52f to the thickness T1 of the head portion 23 within the above range, it is possible to secure a massage feeling of an appropriate load (200 g) due to distortion in the width direction.

The thickness T2 of the movable portion 52f in the soft resin portion 5 is preferably 0.5 mm or more and 5 mm or less, more preferably 0.5 mm or more and 2.5 mm or less, and 0.5 mm or more and 1. 5 mm or less is more preferable. The thickness T2 of the movable portion 52f is 0.5 mm, which is the limit of molding, and when the thickness T2 exceeds 5.0 mm, the amount of bending decreases and it is difficult to obtain an appropriate load on the gums. Therefore, by setting it within the above range, a massage effect with an appropriate load can be obtained with an appropriate amount of deflection.

(Length direction of soft resin portion 5)
As shown in FIG. 2, the length L3 of the soft resin portion 5 (elastomer base 52) is preferably 20% or more, more preferably 50% or more, and 65% or more with respect to the length L1 of the head portion 23. Is more preferable.
When the elastomer base 52 of the soft resin portion 5 is divided in the length direction, it is calculated by the total of the elastomer bases 52.
By setting the length L3 of the soft resin portion 5 (the length of the elastomer base 52) to the length L1 of the head portion 23 within the above range, the minimum massage feeling for the gums can be ensured.

The length L3 of the soft resin portion 5 (the length of the elastomer base 52) is preferably longer than the distance required for arranging three elastomer portions 51. The length L3 of the movable portion 52f in the soft resin portion 5 is preferably 10.0 mm or more and 28.0 mm or less, and more preferably 15 mm or more and 25 mm or less.

The soft resin portion 5 may have the same length as the length L1 of the head portion 23 at the maximum. In the above embodiment, one soft resin portion 5 is provided on each side of the head portion 23, but a plurality (two) soft resin portions 5 may be arranged in the length direction of the head portion 23. good.

(Height of elastomer portion 51, height of hair bundle 4a)
The height H of the elastomer portion 51 (height H of the elastomer portion 51 above the surface 52a of the elastomer base 52) is preferably in the range of 8.0 mm or more and 11.0 mm or less, and 10.0 mm or more and 11.0 mm. The following are more preferable. Within this range, an appropriate massage feeling for the gums can be obtained.
The hair length of the hair bundle 4a is preferably in the range of 8.0 mm or more and 12.0 mm or less.
The elastomer portion 51 is preferably shorter than the hair length of the hair bundle 4a.
The height difference (step) between the hair bundle 4a and the elastomer portion 51 is preferably 0.0 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less, and more preferably 0.0 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. Since the height H of the elastomer portion 51 is lower than the hair height of the hair bundle 4a, it is possible to give a massage feeling to the gums without hindering the movement of the hair bundle 4a. Therefore, the difference in height in the above-mentioned range makes it easy to obtain both a feeling of cleaning the cervical region and a feeling of massaging the gums.
The width of one base end side of the elastomer portion 51 is preferably 1.5 mm or more and 3.3 mm or less, more preferably 2.0 mm or more and 2.5 mm or less, and further preferably 2.2 mm or more and 2.4 mm or less. preferable. In this embodiment, it is 2.4 mm.
The length of one of the elastomer portions 51 on the long axis side is preferably 1.5 mm or more and 3.3 mm or less, more preferably 2.0 mm or more and 2.5 mm or less, and 2.2 mm or more and 2 It is more preferably 0.4 mm or less. In this embodiment, it is 2.4 mm.
The shortest distance between the elastomer portions 51, that is, the shortest distance between the adjacent elastomer portions 51 on the proximal end side is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 3 mm or less, more preferably 0.2 mm or more and 2 mm or less, more preferably 0.4 mm or more. 1 mm or less is more preferable. In this embodiment, it is 0.7 mm.

When the load during brushing is 200 g, the displacement of the elastomer portion 51 (deflection in the thickness direction of the elastomer base 52) is 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm, and an appropriate cleaning feeling and massage feeling can be obtained.

(Soft resin width W3 and hard resin width W2 (ratio of two))
The ratio of the total width of the soft resin portion 5 to the total width of the pair of soft resin portions 5 and the total width of the hard resin width W2 (hereinafter referred to as the gapless head width) is 20% or more and 80% or less. It is preferably 30% or more and more preferably 60% or less. Within the above range, it is possible to simultaneously obtain a feeling of cleaning by the hair bundle 4a and a feeling of massage by the elastomer portion 51. When the ratio of the total width of the soft resin portion 5 to the gapless head width exceeds 80%, it is difficult to secure the rigidity of the head portion 23, and when it is less than 20%, a massage feeling by the elastomer portion 51 can be obtained. hard.

(Width direction of gap S)
The length obtained by subtracting the total width of the pair of gaps S from the total width W1 of the head portion 23, that is, the total width of the plurality of soft resin portions 5 (each width W3) and the hard resin width W2 in the head component portion 23A are combined. The length preferably occupies 60% or more, and more preferably 80% or more, with respect to the total width W1 (width including the gap S) of the head portion 23. As a result, it is possible to secure a movable region in the width direction in the movable portion 52f of the soft resin portion 5.

It is also possible to have a configuration without a gap S. The combined length of the hard resin width W2 of the head component 23A and the pair of soft resin widths W3 may match the overall width W1 of the head portion 23.

(Length direction of gap S)
As shown in FIG. 4A, the length Ls of the gap S formed between the head constituent portion 23A (side surface 23b) and the soft resin portion 5 coincides with the length L3 of the soft resin portion 5, and the head portion 23 It is preferable that it exists along 20% or more in the length direction of.

In the above embodiment, the length Ls of the gap S (the length L3 of the soft resin portion 5) with respect to the length direction of the head portion 23 is preferably 20% or more, more preferably 65% or more. It is preferably 80% or less, and more preferably 70% or less. By setting the length Ls of the gap S within the above range, movement such as bending (twisting) in the width direction of the elastomer base 52 of the soft resin portion 5 becomes possible.

(Space K)
A space K exists on the back surface side of the elastomer base 52.
The size of the space K in the thickness direction of the head portion 23 is preferably in the range of 30% or more and 95% or less, and more preferably in the range of 45% or more and 80% or less with respect to the thickness of the head portion 23. ..
The size of the space K in the length direction of the head portion 23 is preferably 10% or more and 70% or less, and more preferably 30% or more and 50% or less with respect to the length L1 of the head portion 23.
The size of the space K in the width direction of the head portion 23 is preferably 20% or more and 80% or less, and more preferably 40% or more and 70% or less with respect to the total width W1 of the head portion 23.
By setting the size of the space K within the above range, the movable region of the elastomer base 52 can be secured.

Hereinafter, the effects of the present invention will be made clearer by the examples. The present invention is not limited to the following examples, and can be appropriately modified and implemented without changing the gist thereof.

(Examples 1 to 22, Comparative Examples 1 and 2)
In this example, the toothbrushes of Examples 1 to 22 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were prepared in accordance with the specifications shown in Table 1 below, and the same samples as the toothbrushes shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 were prepared.
Each part of the toothbrush of each example has the dimensions shown in Tables 1 to 4.

The basic configuration of each sample in Examples 1 to 22 corresponds to the toothbrush of the first embodiment described above, and a pair of soft resin portions 5 are integrally molded with the toothbrush main body 2 made of a hard resin. ..

In the sample of Comparative Example 1, the toothbrush body is made of a soft resin (two-color molding with a soft resin material).
In the sample of Comparative Example 2, a pair of soft resin portions are formed of a hard resin (two-color molding with a hard resin material). In addition, 85R is a hardness notation of Rockwell hardness (R), and the shore A hardness is more than 60.

The common specifications in Examples 1 to 22 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 are as shown below.
Thickness of head portion 23 T1 = (thickness of head component 23A): 5 mm
Length L1 of head portion 23 = (boundary between head portion 23 and neck portion 22 from the tip of head portion 23): 30 mm
Hair length of hair bundle 4a: 11 mm
Diameter of hair follicle hole 24: 2.0 mm (specification in FIG. 4A)
Number of hair follicles 24: 2 holes in the width direction and 8 holes in the long axis direction (specification in FIG. 4A)
Number of hair follicles 24: 16 holes (specification in FIG. 4A)

The specification items in the samples of Examples 1 to 22 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 relate to the dimensions of the head portion 23, the soft resin portion 5, and the hair bundle 4a, and were set for each sample.

(Specification items of the head part)
"Width W1 (mm) of head portion 23": Overall width W1 of head portion 23 (width of hard resin portion 230 + total width of soft resin portion + total width of gap S)
-"Thickness T1 (mm) of the head portion 23": Length from the flocked surface 23a to the back surface 23d- "Length L1 (mm) of the head portion 23": From the tip of the head portion 23 to the boundary of the neck portion 22 Length ・ "Width of hard resin part 230 W2 (mm)"
・ "Total width of gap S (mm)"

(Specification items for soft resin parts)
"Width (mm) of elastomer base 52 (movable part 52f)": Width of elastomer base 52 per one = total width when a plurality of elastomer bases 52 are provided on one side-"Elastomer base 52 in the width direction" Number (one side / total) "
"Thickness (mm) of elastomer base 52 (moving part 52f)"
-"Length of elastomer base 52 in the long axis direction (mm)": Total length when having a plurality of elastomer bases 52 in the length direction- "Number of elastomer bases 52 in the long axis direction": Only on one side -"Number of elastomer parts 51 in the long axis direction": only on one side- "Number of elastomer parts 51 in the width direction": only on one side- "Width of one base end side of the elastomer part 51 (mm)": only on one side "Length in the major axis direction of one base end side of the elastomer portion 51 (mm)": Only on one side-"Minimum distance (mm) between the base ends of adjacent elastomer portions 51"
"Height H (mm) of elastomer portion 51"
"Shore A hardness of soft resin part 5 (elastomer part 51)"

(Hair bundle)
-"Hair length (mm) of hair bundle 4a": Height from the flocked surface 23a to the tip

[Evaluation method]
(Real feeling of cleaning with the brush part of the whole mouth)
[Test method]
The monitors of 10 people evaluated the "feeling of cleaning the entire mouth by the brush portion" when the oral cavity was cleaned with the toothbrushes of Examples 1 to 22 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 according to the following criteria.
<Judgment criteria>
The average score of 10 monitors was "◎" for 4 points or more, "○" for 3 points or less, and "x" for less than 3 points.
5 points: "The feeling of cleaning the entire mouth with the brush" is very good.
4 points: "The feeling of cleaning the entire mouth with the brush" is a little good.
3 points: "The feeling of cleaning the entire mouth with the brush" cannot be said either.
2 points: "The feeling of cleaning the entire mouth with the brush" is a little bad.
1 point: "The feeling of cleaning the entire mouth with the brush" is very bad.

(Appropriate massage feeling by the elastomer part of the whole mouth)
[Test method]
The monitors of 10 people evaluated the "feeling of massage of the entire mouth by the elastomer part" when the oral cavity was cleaned with the toothbrushes of Examples 1 to 22 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 according to the following criteria. <Judgment criteria>
The average score of 10 monitors was "◎" for 4 points or more, "○" for 3 points or less, and "x" for less than 3 points.
5 points: "The feeling of massaging the entire mouth with the elastomer part" is very good.
4 points: "The feeling of massaging the entire mouth with the elastomer part" is a little good.
3 points: "The feeling of massaging the entire mouth with the elastomer part" cannot be said either. 2 points: "The feeling of massaging the entire mouth with the elastomer part" is a little bad.
1 point: "The feeling of massaging the entire mouth with the elastomer part" is very bad.

As shown in Table 1, among the samples of Examples 1 to 22, in the samples of Examples 1 to 4, 6, 11, 14, 15, 17, 19, and 22, cleaning by the brush part (to the cervical part) A high evaluation was obtained for the actual feeling.

In addition, among the samples of Examples 1 to 22, the samples of Examples 1, 8 and 21 were highly evaluated for the actual feeling of massage (to the gums) by the elastomer part.

From the above, among the samples of Examples 1 to 22, the sample of Example 1 was highly evaluated for both the feeling of cleaning the cervical part by the brush part 4 and the feeling of appropriate massage to the gums.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such an example. The various shapes and combinations of the constituent members shown in the above-mentioned example are examples, and can be variously changed based on design requirements and the like within a range not deviating from the gist of the present invention.

For example, the fixing structure (mounting structure) of the soft resin portion 5 to the head constituent portion 23A is not limited to the above-mentioned structure, and other structures may be adopted. In the above-described embodiment, the first locking portion 23h of the pair of hard resin side fixing portions 23g in the head component portion 23A is composed of a through hole, and the soft resin portion 5 is filled in the through hole. A pair of soft resin portions 5 are fixed to the head component portion 23A by locking a part of the above (second locking portion 53), but the first locking portion 23h is a through hole. It may be a groove or a recess.
Further, the shape of the second locking portion 53 of the soft resin portion 5 is not limited to the above-mentioned shape, and may be appropriately changed according to the shape of the head component portion 23A on the first locking portion 23h side.

Further, in the above embodiment, the space K exists on the back surface side of each soft resin portion 5, but if the movable portion 52f of the soft resin portion 5 is flexed well in the width direction and the thickness direction. , There may be no space K.

1 ... toothbrush, 2 ... toothbrush body, 3 ... brush part, 4a ... hair bundle, 5 ... soft resin part, 21 ... handle part, 23 ... head part, 23a ... hair-planted surface, 23d ... back of

head part

23, 23g ... Hard resin side fixing part, 23h ... First locking part, 23A ... Head component part, 23B ... Soft resin housing part, 51 ... Elastomer part, 52 ... Elastomer base, 52a ... Elastomer base surface, 52c ... Elastomer base End, 52f ... Movable part, 53 ... Second locking part, H ... Height, K ... Space, L1 ... Length of head part 23, L2 ... Length of movable part 52f, L3 ... Soft resin part 5 Length, Ls ... Length of gap S, T1 ... Thickness of head portion 23, T2 ... Thickness of movable portion 52f, W1 ... Overall width of head portion 23, W2 ... Width of hard resin portion 230, W3 ... Width of elastomer base, _WS ... Width of gap S

Claims

A toothbrush equipped with a head portion having a brush portion on the flocked surface.
A head component that constitutes a part of the head and is made of the first resin,
A plurality of soft resin portions constituting the head portion and a part of the brush portion and made of a second resin,
A plurality of hair bundles provided in the head component and
Equipped with
The soft resin part is
A plurality of elastomer parts constituting the brush part and
An elastomer base that connects the base end sides of the plurality of elastomer portions, and an elastomer base that connects the base ends to each other.
Have,
In the elastomer base, a pair of ends on both sides in the length direction or the width direction of the head portion are connected to the head component portion, and the elastomer base is separated from the head component portion in the thickness direction and the width of the elastomer base. Has a movable part that can move in the direction,
toothbrush.
The head component has at least a soft resin accommodating portion that opens to the flocked surface.
The soft resin portion is arranged in the soft resin accommodating portion.
The toothbrush according to claim 1.
The soft resin accommodating portion penetrates in the thickness direction of the head component portion.
The toothbrush according to claim 2.
The thickness of at least the movable portion of the elastomer base is thinner than the thickness of the head component, and a space exists on the back surface side of the movable portion in the soft resin accommodating portion.
The toothbrush according to claim 2 or 3.
The head component has a pair of hard resin side fixing portions in which the pair of the end portions of the soft resin portion are fixed in the soft resin accommodating portion.
The elastomer base has a second locking portion that can be locked to a first locking portion formed on the pair of hard resin side fixing portions.
The toothbrush according to any one of claims 2 to 4.
The soft resin portion has a plurality of the elastomer portions extending vertically from the front surface of the elastomer base, and at least three or more of the elastomer portions are lined up in the movable portion in the length direction of the elastomer base.
The toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
The thickness of the movable portion is preferably in the range of 0.5 mm or more and 2.5 mm or less.
The toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
The height of the elastomer portion from the surface to the tip of the elastomer base is shorter than the hair length of the hair bundle from the flocked surface to the tip.
The toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 7.