JP6940366B2 - toothbrush - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a toothbrush.

A toothbrush is used as one of the plaque controls in oral hygiene management. In a well-known toothbrush, the brush is composed of a large number of filament bundles planted on a resin toothbrush body. By rubbing the brush against the teeth during brushing, plaque and the like adhering to the teeth are removed. As such a toothbrush, various toothbrushes have been proposed in consideration of the cleanability of a portion that is difficult to clean, such as between teeth. For example, the toothbrush described in Patent Document 1 includes a brush in which a filament bundle thinner than the filament bundle in the outer row and longer than the filament bundle in the outer row are arranged in the inner row than the filament bundle in the outer row. The toothbrush described in Patent Document 2 has a filament bundle that is flocked perpendicular to the head and a filament that is flocked so as to be inclined with respect to the head and whose tip is arranged so as to form a chevron shape. It has a bunch. In the toothbrushes of Patent Documents 1 and 2, since the filameto bundle can be inserted deep into the space between the teeth, the cleanability between the teeth is improved.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-309819 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-073535

If the cleanability between teeth is emphasized, the cleanability of the tooth surface, which is relatively smooth, may deteriorate. For this reason, it is desired to develop a toothbrush that achieves both inter-tooth and tooth surface cleanability.

(1) The toothbrush according to the present invention is a toothbrush including a brush composed of a plurality of filament bundles planted on the head, and the brush is closer to the tip of the head than the center of the head in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush. A plurality of first filament bundles provided in the above, a plurality of second filament bundles provided on the tip end side of the head with respect to the first filament bundle, and a base side of the head with respect to the first filament bundle. A plurality of third filament bundles are provided, and the first filament bundle is longer than the second filament bundle and the third filament bundle.
According to the toothbrush, the first filament bundle can be easily inserted between the teeth. Further, when the first filament bundle is inserted between the teeth, the second filament bundle and the third filament bundle come into contact with the tooth surface, so that the position of the brush with respect to the tooth is stable. Therefore, the cleanability between the teeth and the tooth surface is improved.

(2) In a preferred example, in the toothbrush according to (1), the shape of the tip of the plurality of first filament bundles is the shape of the tip of the plurality of second filament bundles, and the shape of the tip of the plurality of third filament bundles. It is different from the shape of the tip of.
Therefore, various brushing can be performed.

(3) In a preferred example, in the toothbrush according to (1) or (2), at least one of the shape of the tip of the plurality of second filament bundles and the shape of the tip of the plurality of third filament bundles is It is flat.
Therefore, since the tip ends of the plurality of second filament bundles and the wide range of the tips of the plurality of third filament bundles come into contact with the tooth surface, the cleanability of the tooth surface is further improved.

(4) In a preferred example, in the toothbrush according to any one of (1) to (3), the shape of the tip portion of the plurality of first filament bundles is a shape that becomes thinner toward the tip end.
Therefore, the insertability of the tip of the first filament bundle into the tooth space is enhanced.

(5) In a preferred example, in the toothbrush according to any one of (1) to (4), the brush includes a plurality of the first filament bundles.
Therefore, the cleanability between teeth is further improved.

(6) In a preferred example, in the toothbrush according to (5), the plurality of first filament bundles form a plurality of rows so as to be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush, and the plurality of rows are the first filament bundles. The shapes of the tips are different from each other.
Therefore, various brushing can be performed.

(7) In a preferred example, in the toothbrush according to (6), the tip of the first filament bundle located on the tip side of the head among the plurality of first filament bundles is the tip of the head. The tip of the first filament bundle, which rises from the side toward the base side of the head and is located on the base side of the head among the plurality of first filament bundles, is from the base side of the head to the head. It becomes higher toward the tip side of.
Therefore, the insertability of the tip of the first filament bundle into the tooth space is enhanced.

(8) In a preferred example, in the toothbrush according to any one of (5) to (7), the brush further forms a mountain-shaped portion composed of all the tips of the plurality of first filament bundles. Be prepared.
Therefore, the insertability of the tip of the first filament bundle into the tooth space is enhanced.

(9) In a preferred example, in the toothbrush according to any one of (1) to (8), the number of the plurality of third filament bundles is larger than the number of the plurality of second filament bundles.
Therefore, the cleanability of the tooth surface by the third filament bundle is further improved.

(10) In a preferred example, in the toothbrush according to any one of (1) to (9), the number of the plurality of first filament bundles is larger than the number of the plurality of second filament bundles.
Therefore, the cleanability between the teeth by the first filament bundle is further improved.

(11) In a preferred example, in the toothbrush according to any one of (1) to (10), the length of the second filament bundle and the length of the third filament bundle are equal to each other.
Since the second filament bundle and the third filament bundle can be brought into contact with the tooth surface in parallel, a wide range of the second filament bundle and the third filament bundle comes into contact with the tooth surface. Therefore, the cleanability of the tooth surface is further improved.

(12) In a preferred example, in the toothbrush according to any one of (1) to (11), the type of the plurality of filaments constituting the first filament bundle is the plurality of filaments constituting the second filament bundle. The type and the type of the plurality of filaments constituting the third filament bundle are different.
Therefore, various brushing can be performed.

(13) In a preferred example, in the toothbrush according to (12), the type of filament constituting the first filament bundle is a filament having an edge on a side surface.
Therefore, when the first filament bundle is inserted between the teeth, the plaque adhering between the teeth can be entangled.

(14) In a preferred example, in the toothbrush according to (13), the cross-sectional shape of the filament constituting the first filament bundle is polygonal.
Therefore, when the first filament bundle is inserted between the teeth, the plaque adhering between the teeth can be entangled.

(15) In a preferred example, in the toothbrush described in (14), the type of filament constituting the first filament bundle is a spiral filament.
Therefore, when the first filament bundle is inserted between the teeth, the plaque adhering between the teeth can be entangled.

(16) In a preferred example, in the toothbrush according to any one of (1) to (15), the maximum length of the filaments constituting the first filament bundle and the maximum filaments constituting the second filament bundle The difference from the length and the difference between the maximum length of the filaments constituting the first filament bundle and the maximum length of the filaments constituting the third filament bundle are included in the range of 1 mm to 2 mm.
It was confirmed by the test that the cleanability between the teeth and the tooth surface was improved when the difference regarding the maximum length of the filaments constituting the first filament bundle was included in the above range.

According to the toothbrush according to the present invention, the cleanability between teeth and the tooth surface is improved.

The perspective view of the front side of the toothbrush of an embodiment. An enlarged view of the head and its surroundings excluding the brush from the toothbrush of FIG. An enlarged view of the toothbrush head and brush of FIG. FIG. 1 is a side view of the head and brush of the toothbrush of FIG. The figure which shows the calculation method of the maximum width WA. The front view of the filament which constitutes the 1st filament bundle. Front view of filaments constituting the second and third filament bundles. A table showing test conditions and measurement results related to the first test. A table showing test conditions and measurement results related to the second test. A table showing test conditions and measurement results for the third test. The head of the toothbrush of the first modification and the side view of the brush. The head of the toothbrush of the 2nd modification and the side view of the brush. The head of the toothbrush of the 3rd modification and the side view of the brush. The head of the toothbrush of the 4th modification and the side view of the brush. The head of the toothbrush of the 5th modification and the side view of the brush. The head of the toothbrush of the 6th modification and the side view of the brush. The head of the toothbrush of the 7th modification and the side view of the brush. The head of the toothbrush of the 8th modification and the side view of the brush. The enlarged view of the tip part of the 1st filament bundle of the 9th modification. The enlarged view of the tip part of the 1st filament bundle of the 10th modification. The enlarged view of the tip part of the 1st filament bundle of the eleventh modification. The enlarged view of the tip part of the 1st filament bundle of the 12th modification.

(Embodiment)
The toothbrush 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of a toothbrush configured to improve the cleanability between teeth and the tooth surface. The main elements constituting the toothbrush 1 are the toothbrush body 10 and the brush 50.

The material constituting the toothbrush body 10 can be arbitrarily selected. In a preferred example, the toothbrush body 10 is made of a lightweight material. An example of a lightweight material is a thermoplastic synthetic resin. Examples of thermoplastic synthetic resins are polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyoxymethylene, styrene / acrylonitrile resin, acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene resin, cellulose propionate, polyamide, polymethylmethacrylate, and. Polyalilate. As the material constituting the toothbrush main body 10, a transparent, translucent, or colored material can be used. The overall shape of the toothbrush body 10 is an elongated rod-like shape suitable for gripping by hand. In the following description, the direction parallel to the brush 50 in the cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush 1 in the front view of the toothbrush 1 is referred to as the thickness direction of the toothbrush 1, and the direction on the cross section orthogonal to the thickness direction is short. Called direction.

The toothbrush body 10 is divided into a grip 20, a neck 30, and a head 40. The grip 20 is a part for gripping by hand during brushing. The neck 30 is a thin portion formed between the head 40 and the grip 20. The head 40 is a portion where a plurality of filament bundles 60, 70, 80 for brushing teeth are transplanted.

The head 40 shown in FIG. 2 is provided with a plurality of holes 40X into which the filament bundles 60, 70, 80 (see FIG. 3) constituting the brush 50 are transplanted. The plurality of holes 40X form a plurality of rows 40Z along the lateral direction of the toothbrush 1. The number of the plurality of holes 40X and the number of the plurality of rows 40Z can be arbitrarily selected according to the number of the filament bundles 60, 70, 80 constituting the brush 50. In the illustrated example, the number of the plurality of holes 40X is 22, and the number of rows of the plurality of rows 40Z is 7. The plurality of columns 40Z are composed of the first column 41 to the seventh column 47. The rows 41 to 47 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush 1 from the tip portion 40S of the head 40 toward the base portion 40K. The number of holes 40X contained in each row 41-47 is arbitrary. In the illustrated example, the number of holes 40X included in the first row 41 and the seventh row 47 is two, respectively, and the number of holes 40X included in the second row 42 and the sixth row 46 is three, respectively. There are four holes 40X in each of the third row 43 to the fifth row 45.

As shown in FIG. 3, the brush 50 is composed of a plurality of first filament bundles 60, a plurality of second filament bundles 70, and a plurality of third filament bundles 80. The plurality of first filament bundles 60 are provided on the tip portion 40S side of the head 40 with respect to the center of the head 40 in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush 1. The plurality of second filament bundles 70 are provided on the tip portion 40S side of the head 40 with respect to the first filament bundle 60. The plurality of third filament bundles 80 are provided on the base 40K side of the head 40 with respect to the plurality of first filament bundles 60. Each filament bundle 60, 70, 80 is composed of a plurality of filaments 61, 71, 81. The method of fixing the filament bundles 60, 70, 80 to the head 40 can be arbitrarily selected. In the first example, each filament bundle 60, 70, 80 is fixed to the head 40 by a flat line (not shown) fitted in each hole 40X (see FIG. 2). In the case of the first example, the type of toothbrush 1 is called a flat line type. In the second example, each filament bundle 60, 70, 80 is fixed to the head 40 by a resin material (not shown) poured into each hole 40X. In the case of the second example, the type of toothbrush 1 is referred to as a non-flat line type. Generally, the thickness of the head 40 of the non-flat line type toothbrush 1 is thinner than the thickness of the head 40 of the flat line type toothbrush 1.

The method of defining the thickness of the head 40 (hereinafter referred to as "head thickness") can be arbitrarily selected. In one example, the head thickness is the maximum distance between the front surface 40A and the back surface 40B of the head 40 in the thickness direction of the toothbrush 1. In a preferred example, the head thickness is determined based on the relationship between the insertability of the head 40 into the oral cavity (hereinafter referred to as "oral insertability") and the durability of the head 40.

Examples of the maximum head thickness in the flat line type are 5.5 mm and 5 mm. When the head thickness is 5.5 mm or less, the oral insertability is improved. When the head thickness is 5 mm or less, the oral insertability is relatively improved. Examples of minimum head thicknesses are 3.0 mm and 2.5 mm. When the head thickness is 2.5 mm or more, the durability of the head 40 is improved. When the head thickness is 3.0 mm or more, the durability of the head 40 is relatively improved. Examples of the range in which the head thickness can be taken are 2.5 mm to 5.5 mm, 3.0 mm to 5.5 mm, 2.5 mm to 5 mm, and 3.0 mm to 5 mm.

Examples of the maximum head thickness in the non-flat wire type are 4 mm and 5 mm. When the head thickness is 5 mm or less, the oral insertability is improved. When the head thickness is 4 mm or less, the oral insertability is relatively improved. Examples of minimum head thicknesses are 2.0 mm and 2.5 mm. When the head thickness is 2.0 mm or more, the durability of the head 40 is improved. When the head thickness is 2.5 mm or more, the durability of the head 40 is relatively improved. Examples of the range in which the head thickness can be taken are 2.0 mm to 5 mm, 2.5 mm to 5 mm, 2.0 mm to 4.0 mm, and 2.5 mm to 4.0 mm.

The brush 50 has a plurality of properties. Examples thereof include the interdental insertability of a plurality of first filament bundles 60 (hereinafter, “interdental insertability”), the plaque removability by the first filament bundle 60 (hereinafter, “plaque removability”), and a plurality. The cleaning property of the tooth surface by the second filament bundle 70 and the plurality of third filament bundles 80 (hereinafter referred to as “tooth surface cleaning property”).

The plurality of first filament bundles 60 play a role of removing plaque adhering between the teeth. The plurality of filament bundles 70 and 80 play a role of removing plaque adhering to the tooth surface. The filaments 61, 71, 81 contained in the filament bundles 60, 70, 80 are made of a material suitable for removing plaque. Examples thereof are polyamide resins such as nylon and aramid, polyester resins such as polybutylene terephthalate, polypropylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate and polyethylene terephthalate, and polyolefin resins such as polypropylene and polyethylene.

The types of the plurality of filaments 61 constituting the first filament bundle 60 are different from the types of the plurality of filaments 71 constituting the second filament bundle 70 and the types of the plurality of filaments 81 constituting the third filament bundle 80. Therefore, various brushing can be performed. The type of filament 61 can be arbitrarily selected. In the first example, the type of filament 61 is a type in which an edge is formed on a side surface. In the second example, the filament 61 is of a type in which no edge is formed on the side surface. FIG. 6 shows an example of a specific example of the type of filament of the first example. The filament 61 is a spiral filament in which a filament having a polygonal cross section is twisted. Therefore, when the first filament bundle 60 is inserted between the teeth, the plaque adhering between the teeth can be entangled. The tip 61A of the filament 61 is round-edged. Therefore, when the filament 61 comes into contact with the oral cavity, it is difficult to give a strong stimulus to the oral cavity. FIG. 7 shows an example of a specific example of the type of filament of the second example. This filament is a cylindrical filament.

The types of the plurality of filaments 71 and 81 constituting the filament bundles 70 and 80 can be arbitrarily selected. In the first example, each type of filaments 71 and 81 is a type in which an edge is formed on the side surface shown in FIG. In the second example, the types of filaments 71 and 81 are types in which edges are not formed on the side surfaces. FIG. 7 shows an example of a specific example of the type of filament of the second example. The filaments 71 and 81 are cylindrical filaments. The tip portions 71A and 81A of the filaments 71 and 81 are subjected to round edge processing. Therefore, when the filaments 71 and 81 come into contact with the oral cavity, it is difficult to give a strong stimulus to the oral cavity.

The plurality of second filament bundles 70 (see FIG. 3) are provided in the first row 41 (see FIG. 2) of the row 40Z. In the illustrated example, the number of the plurality of second filament bundles 70 is two. The plurality of third filament bundles 80 (see FIG. 3) are provided in the fourth row 44 to the seventh row 47 (see FIG. 2) of the row 40Z. In the illustrated example, the number of third filament bundles 80 is 13. The number of third filament bundles 80 provided in the fourth row 44 and the fifth row 45 is four. The number of the third filament bundles 80 provided in the sixth row 46 is three. The number of the third filament bundles 80 provided in the seventh row 47 is two. Since the number of the plurality of third filament bundles 80 is larger than the number of the plurality of second filament bundles 70, the tooth surface cleaning property of the plurality of third filament bundles 80 is further improved. As shown in FIG. 4, the shapes of the tip portions 70A and 80A of the filament bundles 70 and 80 are flat. Since the tips 70A and 80A of the filament bundles 70 and 80 can be brought into contact with the tooth surface in parallel, a wide range of the tips 70A and 80A of the filament bundles 70 and 80 can be brought into contact with the tooth surface. Therefore, the cleaning property of the tooth surface is further improved.

The plurality of first filament bundles 60 shown in FIG. 3 are provided in the second row 42 and the third row 43 (see FIG. 2) of the row 40Z. In the illustrated example, the number of first filament bundles 60 provided in the second row 42 is three. The number of the first filament bundles 60 provided in the third row 43 is four. The plurality of second filament bundles 70 are provided in the first row 41 of the row 40Z. In the illustrated example, the number of second filament bundles 70 provided in the first row 41 is two.

In FIG. 4, each filament bundle 60, 70, 80 is modeled and shown. The outer shape of the modeled first filament bundle 60 is a shape in which the large-diameter end of the tapered cylinder is cut diagonally. The outer shape of the modeled second filament bundle 70 and third filament bundle 80 is a tapered cylinder. The actual outer shape of the filament bundles 60, 70, 80 may not match the modeled outer shape. In the following, unless otherwise specified, the structures of the filament bundles 60, 70, 80 and the like are described with reference to the modeled filament bundles 60, 70, 80. The description also applies mutatis mutandis to the actual filament bundles 60, 70, 80, which differ in outer shape from the modeled filament bundles 60, 70, 80. Hereinafter, a virtual surface parallel to the height direction of the toothbrush 1 is referred to as a vertical surface.

The length LA of the first filament bundle 60 is longer than the length LB of the second filament bundle 70 and the length LC of the third filament bundle 80. The method of defining each length LA to LC can be arbitrarily selected. In one example, each length LA to LC is the length of a portion of the filament bundles 60, 70, 80 protruding from the front surface 40A of the head 40 in the thickness direction of the head 40. The length LB of the second filament bundle 70 and the length LC of the third filament bundle 80 are equal. Since the filament bundles 70 and 80 can be brought into contact with the tooth surface in parallel, a wide range of the tips 70A and 80A of the filament bundles 70 and 80 comes into contact with the tooth surface. Therefore, the cleaning property of the tooth surface is further improved.

The first filament bundle 60 is divided into a tapered portion 62 and a tip portion 63. The tapered portion 62 is a portion between the minimum diameter portion (hereinafter, “minimum diameter portion 62A”) and the maximum diameter portion (hereinafter, “maximum diameter portion 62B”) of the first filament bundle 60. The minimum diameter portion 62A is the root of the first filament bundle 60 on the head 40. The tip 63 is a portion between the maximum diameter 62B and the tip 63A of the first filament 60. The end surface of the tip portion 63 (hereinafter referred to as “tip surface 63X”) is the tip surface of the first filament bundle 60. The tip surface 63X projected on the vertical surface is inclined with respect to the height direction of the toothbrush 1. When the actual first filament bundle 60 is projected onto a vertical plane, the tips 61A of one or more filaments 61 may not be located on the tip surface 63X. In the actual first filament bundle 60, the tip surface 63X can be defined as follows, for example. In the first example, a line segment passing through the tip 61A of the longest filament 61 and the tip 61A of the shortest filament 61 among the plurality of filaments 61 projected on the vertical plane defines the tip plane 63X on the vertical plane. .. In the second example, an approximate expression obtained from the coordinates of the tips 61A of the plurality of filaments 61 projected on the vertical plane defines the tip plane 63X on the vertical plane.

The first filament bundle 60 is characterized by a plurality of parameters. Examples of a plurality of parameters are the maximum width WA of the tip portion 63, the tip portion position, the angle θX of the tip portion 63, the height HX of the tip portion 63, the tip portion ratio RB, and the protrusion length LX of the tip portion 63. be. The maximum width WA of the tip portion 63 is the dimension of the maximum diameter portion 62B. The tip position is the position of the root 63B of the tip 63 in the longitudinal direction of the first filament bundle 60. The angle θX of the tip portion 63 is an angle formed by the tip surface 63X and the height direction of the toothbrush 1 on the vertical surface. The height HX of the tip portion 63 is the distance between the maximum diameter portion 62B and the tip 61A on the vertical plane. The tip ratio RB is the ratio of the height HX to the length LA of the first filament bundle 60. The protruding length LX of the tip portion 63 is the difference between the maximum length of the filament 61 in the vertical plane and the maximum length of the filaments 71 and 81, respectively.

The method of defining the maximum width WA of the tip portion 63 can be arbitrarily selected. In one example, as shown in FIG. 5, the maximum width WA projects the tip 61X of the longest filament 61 and the tip 61Y of the shortest filament 61 of the tip 63 onto the same plane, and the tip 61X and the tip 61Y It can be defined based on the angle θA formed by the line segment XA connecting the two and the line segment XB parallel to the head 40. The formula for obtaining the maximum width WA is "WA = COSθA / length of line segment XB". In a preferred example, the maximum width WA of the tip 63 is the resistance to deflection of the tip 63 when inserted between teeth (hereinafter "rigidity") and the number of first filament bundles 60 to be flocked to the head 40 (hereinafter "" It is decided according to the relationship with "the number of hairs that can be transplanted"). An example of the maximum value of the maximum width WA is 2.5 mm and 3.0 mm. When the maximum width WA is 3.0 mm or less, the number of hairs that can be transplanted increases. When the maximum width WA is 3.0 mm or less, the number of flockable hairs can be relatively increased. An example of the minimum value of the maximum width WA is 2.5 mm. When the maximum width WA is 1.5 mm or more, the rigidity of the tip portion 63 is improved. An example of the range that the maximum width WA can take is 1.5 mm to 3.0 mm and 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm.

The tip position can be selected arbitrarily. In the first example, the tip position is set so that the root 63B is at the same height as the tip 70A of the second filament bundle 70 and the tip 80A of the third filament bundle 80 in the longitudinal direction of the first filament bundle 60. Will be done. In the second example, the tip position is such that the root 63B is higher than at least one of the tip 70A of the second filament bundle 70 and the tip 80A of the third filament bundle 80 in the longitudinal direction of the first filament bundle 60. It is set to be in a low position.

The method of defining the angle θX of the tip portion 63 can be arbitrarily selected. In one example, the angle θX is the angle formed by the line segment XC along the tip surface 63X of the tip portion 63 and the line segment XD connecting the tip 61A and the root 61B of the longest filament 61. In a preferred example, the angle θX is determined according to the relationship between interdental insertability and plaque removal. Examples of the maximum value of the angle θX are 60 ° and 70 °. When the angle θX is 70 ° or less, the interdental insertability is improved. When the angle θX is 60 ° or less, the interdental insertability is relatively improved. Examples of the minimum values of the angle θX are 0 ° and 5 °. When the angle θX is 0 ° or more, the plaque removability is improved. When the angle θX is 5 ° or more, the plaque removability is relatively improved. An example of the range that the angle θX can take is 0 ° to 70 °, 5 ° to 70 °, 0 ° to 60 °, and 5 ° to 60 °.

The formula for obtaining the height HX is "HX = WA / tanθX". In a preferred example, the height HX of the tip 63 is preferably determined from the relationship between interdental insertability and plaque removal. Examples of maximum height HX values are 2.0 mm and 1.5 mm. When the height HX is 2.0 mm or less, the interdental insertability is improved. When the height HX is 1.5 mm or less, the interdental insertability is relatively improved. Examples of minimum height HX values are 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm. When the height HX is 0.5 mm or more, the plaque removability is improved. When the height HX is 1.0 mm or more, the plaque removability is relatively improved. Examples of the range that the height HX can take are 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm, 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm, and 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm.

The formula for obtaining the tip ratio RB is “RB = HX / LA × 100 (%)”. In a preferred example, the tip ratio RB is determined according to the relationship between interdental insertability and plaque removal. An example of the maximum value of the tip ratio RB is 15% and 20%. When the tip ratio RB is 20% or less, the interdental insertability is improved. When the tip ratio RB is 15% or less, the interdental insertability is relatively improved. An example of the minimum value of the tip ratio RB is 5% and 10%. When the tip ratio RB is 5% or more, the plaque removability is improved. When the tip ratio RB is 10% or more, the plaque removability is relatively improved. An example of the range that the tip ratio RB can take is 5% to 20%, 5% to 15%, 10% to 20%, and 10% to 15%.

In a preferred example, the protruding length LX of the tip 63 is determined according to the relationship between interdental insertability and plaque removal. An example of the maximum value of the protrusion length LX is 2.5 mm and 2.0 mm. When the protrusion length LX is 2.5 mm or less, the interdental insertability is improved. When the protrusion length LX is 2.0 mm or less, the interdental insertability is relatively improved. Examples of the minimum value of the protrusion length LX are 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm. When the protrusion length LX is 0.5 mm or more, the plaque removability is improved. When the protrusion length LX is 1.0 mm or more, the plaque removability is relatively improved. An example of the range in which the protrusion length LX can be taken is 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm, 1 mm to 2.5 mm, 0.5 mm to 2 mm, and 1 mm to 2 mm.

The tip 63 of the first filament bundle 60 (hereinafter, “first filament bundle 60 in the second row 42”) located on the tip 40S side of the head 40 among the plurality of first filament bundles 60 is the tip of the head 40. The height is increased from the portion 40S side toward the base portion 40K side of the head 40. The tip 63 of the first filament bundle 60 (hereinafter, “first filament bundle 60 in the third row 43”) located on the base 40K side of the head 40 among the plurality of first filament bundles 60 is the base 40K of the head 40. It rises from the side toward the tip 40S side of the head 40.

The positional relationship between the first filament bundle 60 in the second row 42 and the first filament bundle 60 in the third row 43 in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush 1 can be arbitrarily selected. In the first example, as shown in FIG. 4 and the like, the first filament bundle 60 in the second row 42 and the first filament bundle 60 in the third row 43 have a gap HY at the tip 63 in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush 1. Arranged to be formed. In a preferred example, the gap HY is determined according to the relationship between interdental insertability and plaque removal. Examples of the maximum value of the gap HY are 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm. When the gap HY is 1.5 mm or less, the interdental insertability is improved. When the gap HY is 1.0 mm or less, the interdental insertability is relatively improved. Examples of the minimum value of the gap HY are 0 mm and 0.5 mm. When the gap HY is 0 mm or more, the plaque removability is improved. When the gap HY is 0.5 mm or more, the plaque removability is relatively improved. Examples of the range in which the gap HY can be taken are 0 mm to 1.5 mm, 0 mm to 1.0 mm, 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, and 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm. In the second example, the first filament bundle 60 in the second row 42 and the first filament bundle 60 in the third row 43 are arranged so that the tip portions 63 come into contact with each other in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush 1. In the third example, the first filament bundle 60 in the second row 42 and the first filament bundle 60 in the third row 43 have the filament 61 forming one tip 63 in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush 1 and the other tip. It is arranged so as to overlap the filament 61 constituting the 63.

The first filament bundle 60 further includes a chevron portion 90 composed of a tip portion 63. The number of chevron portions 90 included in the first filament bundle 60 is 1 or 2 or more. In the illustrated example, one mountain-shaped portion 90 is formed by all the tip portions 63 of the plurality of first filament bundles 60. The apex of the mountain-shaped portion 90 extends along the lateral direction of the head 40.

The method of defining the angle θY of the apex of the mountain-shaped portion 90 can be arbitrarily selected. In one example, the angle θY is a line segment XC along the slope of the tip 63 of the first filament bundle 60 in the second row 42 and a line segment XC along the slope of the tip 63 of the first filament bundle 60 in the third row 43. It is the angle of the eggplant. In a preferred example, the angle θY of the apex of the chevron 90 is determined according to the relationship between interdental insertability and plaque removal. Examples of the maximum value of the angle θY are 130 ° and 120 °. When the angle θY is 130 ° or less, the interdental insertability is improved. When the angle θY is 120 ° or less, the interdental insertability is relatively improved. Examples of the minimum values of the angle θY are 100 ° and 110 °. When the angle θY is 100 ° or more, the plaque removability is improved. When the angle θY is 110 ° or more, the plaque removability is relatively improved. Examples of the range that the angle θY can take are 100 ° to 130 °, 110 ° to 130 °, 100 ° to 120 °, and 110 ° to 120 °.

According to the toothbrush 1, the following actions and effects can be obtained.
The first filament bundle 60 can be easily inserted between the teeth. Further, when the first filament bundle 60 is inserted between the teeth, the second filament bundle 70 and the third filament bundle 80 come into contact with the tooth surface, so that the position of the brush 50 with respect to the tooth is stable. Therefore, plaque removal property and tooth surface cleaning property are enhanced.

(Example)
The first to third tests carried out to evaluate the performance of the toothbrush 1 will be described. In each test, a sample of Example and a sample of Comparative Example were used. The sample of the example is a sample relating to the toothbrush 1 of the embodiment. Although a part of the configuration of the sample of the comparative example is different from that of the toothbrush 1 of the embodiment, the same name and reference numeral are used for the sample of the example and the sample of the comparative example below for convenience of explanation.

The first test will be described. In the first test, the relationship between the angle θY of the apex of the chevron 90 and the cleanability between the teeth and the tooth surface was confirmed using the samples of Examples 1 to 5 and the sample of Comparative Example 1. The type of filament 61 constituting the first filament bundle 60 of the samples of Examples 1 to 5 is a cylindrical filament. The sample of Example 5 includes an additional chevron 90 in addition to the chevron 90 of the embodiment. The added chevron 90 is composed of all the tips of the fourth filament bundle arranged in place of the third filament bundle 80 arranged in the sixth row 46 and the seventh row 47 in the embodiment. NS. The type of filament constituting the fourth filament bundle is a cylindrical filament. In the sample of Comparative Example 1, the length LA of the first filament bundle 60 is equal to the length LB of the second filament bundle 70 and the length LC of the third filament bundle 80. Therefore, the sample of Comparative Example 1 does not have the chevron portion 90.

In the first test, in order to evaluate the relationship between the angle θY of the apex of the chevron 90 and the cleanability between the teeth and the tooth surface, the jaw model was prepared using the samples of Examples 1 to 5 and the sample of Comparative Example 1. The pseudo-plaque applied between the teeth and the tooth surface was brushed, and the cleanability was measured. Cleanability is the ratio of the area of the removed pseudo-plaque to the area of the applied pseudo-plaque and is measured individually for each of the interdental and tooth surfaces. The procedure of the first test is as follows. First, apply pseudo-plaque to the teeth of the jaw model. The teeth to which the pseudo-plaque is applied are the first premolar, the second premolar, and the first molar. Next, the jaw model coated with the pseudo-plaque and one of the samples of Examples 1 to 5 and the sample of Comparative Example 1 are set in the brushing simulator. Next, the brushing simulator is driven to remove the pseudo-plaque. Brushing conditions of the brushing simulator include pressing load, brushing speed, brushing time, stroke, and moving speed. Brushing conditions are defined based on standard brushing conditions when adults brush. The pressing load is a force that presses the brush 50 against the teeth of the jaw model, and is 200 g. The brushing speed is the number of times each tooth is brushed per minute, which is 150 times / minute. The brushing time is 10 seconds. The stroke is the moving distance of the brush 50 of each sample, which is 15 mm. The moving speed is the moving distance of the brush 50 for 1 second, which is 2.4 mm / sec. After the brushing by the brushing simulator is completed, the cleanability between the teeth and the tooth surface of the jaw model is measured using Photoshop (registered trademark). The evaluation items "cleanability of tooth surface" and "cleanability between teeth" shown in FIG. 8 are based on the cleanability of the tooth surface and the cleanability between teeth when the sample of Example 3 is used. Is a relative value of.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the angle θY of the apex of the chevron portion 90 is included in the preferable range shown in the embodiment, it is confirmed that both the cleanability of the tooth surface and the cleanability between the teeth are good. rice field. It was confirmed that when the number of the mountain-shaped portions 90 is one, the cleanability between the teeth is ensured and the cleanability of the tooth surface is better when the number of the mountain-shaped portions 90 is one.

The second test will be described. In the second test, the relationship between the type of filament 61 constituting the first filament bundle 60 and the cleanability between teeth and the tooth surface was confirmed using the samples of Examples 6 to 10 and the sample of Comparative Example 2. The type of filament 61 constituting the first filament bundle 60 of Examples 6 to 9 and Comparative Example 2 is a cylindrical filament. The type of filament 61 constituting the first filament bundle 60 of Example 10 is a spiral filament. In the second test, the simulated plaque applied to the interdental and tooth surface of the jaw model was brushed and cleaned using the samples of Examples 6 to 10 and the sample of Comparative Example 2 in the same procedure as in the case of the first test. Sex was measured. The evaluation items "cleanability of tooth surface" and "cleanability between teeth" shown in FIG. 9 are based on the cleanability of the tooth surface and the cleanability between teeth when the sample of Example 8 is used. Is a relative value of. As shown in FIG. 9, when the type of the filament 61 constituting the first filament bundle 60 is a spiral filament, it was confirmed that both the cleanability of the tooth surface and the cleanability between the teeth are good.

The third test will be described. In the third test, the relationship between the position where the first filament bundle 60 constituting the chevron portion 90 is provided in the head 40 and the cleanability between the teeth and the tooth surface was examined in the sample of Example 11 and Comparative Examples 3 and 4. Confirmed using a sample. The type of filament 61 constituting the first filament bundle 60 of Examples 11 and Comparative Examples 3 and 4 is a spiral filament. In the third test, the simulated plaque applied to the interdental and tooth surface of the jaw model was brushed and cleaned using the sample of Example 11 and the samples of Comparative Examples 3 and 4 in the same procedure as in the case of the first test. Sex was measured. The evaluation items "cleanability of tooth surface" and "cleanability between teeth" shown in FIG. 10 are based on the cleanability of the tooth surface and the cleanability between teeth when the sample of Example 11 is used. Is a relative value of. As shown in FIG. 10, when the first filament bundle 60 was provided at the position shown in the embodiment, it was confirmed that both the cleanability of the tooth surface and the cleanability between the teeth were good.

(Modification example)
The above-described embodiment is an example of a possible form of a toothbrush according to the present invention, and is not intended to limit the form. The toothbrush according to the present invention may take a form different from the form exemplified in the embodiment. One example thereof is a form in which a part of the configuration of the embodiment is replaced, changed, or omitted, or a new configuration is added to the embodiment. An example of a modification of the embodiment is shown below.

As shown in FIG. 11, the toothbrush 1 of the first modification has an angle θXA of the tip 63 of the first filament bundle 60 in the second row 42 and the tip 63 of the first filament bundle 60 in the third row 43. The angle θXB is different. In the illustrated example, the angle θXB of the tip 63 of the first filament bundle 60 in the third row 43 is smaller than the angle θXA of the tip 63 of the first filament bundle 60 in the second row 42.

As shown in FIG. 12, in the toothbrush 1 of the second modification, the length LAX of the first filament bundle 60 in the second row 42 and the length LAY of the first filament bundle 60 in the third row 43 are different. In the illustrated example, the length LAY of the first filament bundle 60 in the third row 43 is longer than the length LAX of the first filament bundle 60 in the second row 42.

As shown in FIG. 13, in the toothbrush 1 of the third modification, the root 63B of the tip 63 is the tip 70A of the second filament bundle 70 and the third filament bundle 80 in the longitudinal direction of the first filament bundle 60. It is provided at a position higher or lower than at least one of the tip portions 80A of the above. In the illustrated example, the root 63B of the tip 63 is provided at a position higher than the tip 70A of the second filament bundle 70 and the tip 80A of the third filament bundle 80 in the longitudinal direction of the first filament bundle 60. ..

As shown in FIG. 14, in the toothbrush 1 of the fourth modification, the first filament bundle 60 is provided in the second row 42 to the fifth row 45. One mountain-shaped portion 90 is formed by all the tip portions 63 of the first filament bundles 60 in each row 42 to 45. The lengths LA2 to LA5 of the first filament bundle 60 in each row 42 to 45 can be arbitrarily selected. In the illustrated example, the length LA3 and the length LA4 are equal, and the length LA2 and the length LA5 are equal. The lengths LA3 and LA4 are longer than the lengths LA2 and LA5.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the toothbrush 1 of the fifth modification, the length LA5 of the first filament bundle 60 in the fifth row 45 is different from the length LA2 of the first filament bundle 60 in the second row 42. In the illustrated example, the length LA5 is shorter than the length LA2.

As shown in FIG. 16, in the toothbrush 1 of the sixth modification, the angle θX of the tip 63 of the first filament bundle 60 in the fifth row 45 is the first filament bundle in the second row 42 to the fourth row 44. It is different from the angle θX of the tip 63 of 60. In the illustrated example, the angle θX of the tip 63 of the first filament bundle 60 in the fifth row 45 is smaller than the angle θX of the tip 63 of the first filament bundle 60 in the second row 42 to 44.

As shown in FIG. 17, in the toothbrush 1 of the seventh modification, the angle θX of the tip 63 of the first filament bundle 60 in the fourth row 44 and the fifth row 45 is the second row 42 and the third row 43. It is different from the angle θX of the tip 63 of the first filament bundle 60. In the illustrated example, the angle θX of the tip 63 of the first filament bundle 60 in the fourth row 44 and the fifth row 45 is the tip 63 of the first filament bundle 60 in the second row 42 and the third row 43. It is smaller than the angle θX.

As shown in FIG. 18, the toothbrush 1 of the eighth modification has an odd number of rows of the first filament bundle 60. In the illustrated example, the first filament bundle 60 is provided in the third row 43 to the fifth row 45. One mountain-shaped portion 90 is formed by all the tip portions 63 of the first filament bundles 60 in each row 43 to 45. The lengths LA3 to LA5 of the first filament bundle 60 in each row 43 to 45 can be arbitrarily selected. In the illustrated example, the length LA3 and the length LA4 are equal. The length LA5 is shorter than the lengths LA3 and LA4.

The shape of the tip 63 of the first filament bundle 60 can be arbitrarily changed. 19 to 22 show an example of a modification of the tip portion 63. In the ninth modification shown in FIG. 19, the shape of the tip portion 63 is a shape that becomes thinner while being curved so as to be separated from the head 40 (see FIG. 4) from the tapered portion 62 toward the tip 63A. In the tenth modification shown in FIG. 20, the shape of the tip portion 63 is a shape that is recessed and narrowed from the tapered portion 62 toward the tip 63A so as to approach the head 40. In the eleventh modification shown in FIG. 21, the shape of the tip portion 63 is a shape that becomes thin so as to bend on the way from the tapered portion 62 to the tip 63A. In the fourth modification shown in FIG. 22, the tip 63A of the tip 63 is formed with a tip surface 63C extending parallel to the front surface 40A of the head 40 (see FIG. 4).

1: Toothbrush 40: Head 40S: Tip 40K: Base 40Z: Row 50: Brush 60: First filament bundle 61: Filament 62: Foundation 63: Tip 63A: Tip 70: Second filament bundle 71: Filament 80: Third filament bundle 81: Filament 90: Crest

Claims (15)

With the head
A brush including a plurality of rows composed of a plurality of filament bundles arranged in the lateral direction of the head is provided.
The plurality of columns include at least the first column, the second column, the third column, and the fourth column.
The first row comprises a plurality of second filament bundles and is located near the tip of the head with respect to the other rows included in the plurality of rows in the longitudinal direction of the head.
The second row contains a plurality of first filament bundles and is located next to the first row with respect to the longitudinal direction of the head.
The third row contains a plurality of first filament bundles and is located next to the second row with respect to the longitudinal direction of the head.
The fourth row contains a plurality of third filament bundles and is located next to the third row with respect to the longitudinal direction of the head.
The plurality of first filament bundles contained in the second row and the third row are the plurality of second filament bundles included in the first row, and the plurality of third filaments included in the fourth row. Longer than a bunch
The shapes of the tips of the plurality of first filament bundles included in the second row and the third row are included in the shapes of the plurality of second filament bundles included in the first row and the fourth row. A toothbrush that differs from the shape of the plurality of third filament bundles. With the head
A brush including a plurality of rows composed of a plurality of filament bundles arranged in the lateral direction of the head is provided.
The plurality of columns include at least the first column, the second column, the third column, and the fourth column.
The first row comprises a plurality of second filament bundles and is located near the tip of the head with respect to the other rows included in the plurality of rows in the longitudinal direction of the head.
The second row contains a plurality of first filament bundles and is located next to the first row with respect to the longitudinal direction of the head.
The third row contains a plurality of first filament bundles and is located next to the second row with respect to the longitudinal direction of the head.
The fourth row contains a plurality of third filament bundles and is located next to the third row with respect to the longitudinal direction of the head.
The plurality of first filament bundles contained in the second row and the third row are the plurality of second filament bundles included in the first row, and the plurality of third filaments included in the fourth row. Longer than a bunch
A toothbrush in which at least one tip of the plurality of second filament bundles included in the first row and the plurality of third filament bundles included in the fourth row is flat. With the head
A brush including a plurality of rows composed of a plurality of filament bundles arranged in the lateral direction of the head is provided.
The plurality of columns include at least the first column, the second column, the third column, and the fourth column.
The first row comprises a plurality of second filament bundles and is located near the tip of the head with respect to the other rows included in the plurality of rows in the longitudinal direction of the head.
The second row contains a plurality of first filament bundles and is located next to the first row with respect to the longitudinal direction of the head.
The third row contains a plurality of first filament bundles and is located next to the second row with respect to the longitudinal direction of the head.
The fourth row contains a plurality of third filament bundles and is located next to the third row with respect to the longitudinal direction of the head.
The plurality of first filament bundles contained in the second row and the third row are the plurality of second filament bundles included in the first row, and the plurality of third filaments included in the fourth row. Longer than a bunch
The type of the plurality of filaments constituting the first filament bundle is different from the types of the plurality of filaments constituting the second filament bundle and the types of the plurality of filaments constituting the third filament bundle . The type of filament constituting the first filament bundle is a filament having an edge on the side surface.
The toothbrush according to claim 3. The cross-sectional shape of the filaments constituting the first filament bundle is polygonal.
The toothbrush according to claim 4. The type of filament constituting the first filament bundle is a spiral filament.
The toothbrush according to claim 5. With the head
A brush including a plurality of rows composed of a plurality of filament bundles arranged in the lateral direction of the head is provided.
The plurality of columns include at least the first column, the second column, the third column, and the fourth column.
The first row comprises a plurality of second filament bundles and is located near the tip of the head with respect to the other rows included in the plurality of rows in the longitudinal direction of the head.
The second row contains a plurality of first filament bundles and is located next to the first row with respect to the longitudinal direction of the head.
The third row contains a plurality of first filament bundles and is located next to the second row with respect to the longitudinal direction of the head.
The fourth row contains a plurality of third filament bundles and is located next to the third row with respect to the longitudinal direction of the head.
The plurality of first filament bundles contained in the second row and the third row are the plurality of second filament bundles included in the first row, and the plurality of third filaments included in the fourth row. Longer than a bunch
The difference between the maximum length of the filaments constituting the first filament bundle and the maximum length of the filaments constituting the second filament bundle, and the maximum length of the filaments constituting the first filament bundle and the third filament bundle. A toothbrush whose difference from the maximum length of the filaments constituting the filament bundle is in the range of 1 mm to 2 mm. The tips of the plurality of first filament bundles included in the second row and the third row become thinner toward the tips.
The toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The shape of the tip of the plurality of first filament bundles included in the second row is different from the shape of the tip of the plurality of first filament bundles included in the third row.
The toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The tips of the plurality of first filament bundles included in the second row are raised from the first row toward the third row.
The tips of the plurality of first filament bundles included in the third row are raised from the fourth row toward the second row.
The toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The brush includes a chevron portion composed of the tips of a plurality of filament bundles.
The chevron portion includes the tip portions of the plurality of first filament bundles included in the second row and the tip portions of the plurality of first filament bundles included in the third row.
The toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The angle of the apex of the mountain-shaped portion is included in the range of 110 ° to 130 °.
The toothbrush according to claim 11. The number of the third filament bundles contained in the fourth row is larger than the number of the second filament bundles contained in the first row.
The toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 12. The number of the first filament bundles contained in the second row and the number of the first filament bundles contained in the third row are larger than the number of the second filament bundles contained in the first row.
The toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 13. The length of the second filament bundle is equal to the length of the third filament bundle
The toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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