Interdental brush and manufacturing method for the same

Abstract

Interdental brush and method of manufacturing the same. The interdental brush of the present invention includes: a base comprising: a handle portion for a user to hold; and a core portion extending from the handle portion and decreasing in diameter or thickness as it moves away from the handle portion; and a soft portion made of an elastic material and including: an anti-slip portion covering at least a portion of the handle portion; and an interdental cleaning portion covering the core portion and having a plurality of protrusions for removing foreign matter between teeth. The base portion has a plurality of through holes arranged apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, and the soft portion is disposed in the space formed by at least one of the through holes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an interdental brush and its manufacturing method. Prior Technology

[0002] After eating, food particles may get stuck between teeth in places that are difficult to reach with a regular toothbrush. To remove these particles, use a toothpick or interdental brush. In other words, toothpicks and interdental brushes are used to prevent cavities and periodontal disease.

[0003] Toothpicks are made of wood, plastic, and starch and are used to remove food debris between teeth. When the gaps between teeth are small, the sharp tip of the toothpick cannot easily penetrate between them, thus failing to effectively remove food debris. Furthermore, the hard and sharp tip is easily broken, causing inconvenience to the user.

[0004] To solve this problem, interdental brushes were developed for use. Interdental brushes remove food debris by inserting the brush into the spaces between teeth and rubbing between them. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention was developed to address the problems of the prior art as described above. One objective of this invention is to provide an interdental brush that is easy for users to hold and can effectively remove foreign objects between teeth, as well as a method for manufacturing the same.

[0006] An interdental brush according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a base comprising: a handle portion for a user to hold; and a core portion extending from the handle portion and decreasing in diameter or thickness as it moves away from the handle portion; and a soft portion made of an elastic material and including: an anti-slip portion covering at least a portion of the handle portion; and an interdental cleaning portion covering the core portion and having a plurality of protrusions for removing foreign matter between teeth. The base portion has a plurality of through holes arranged apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, and the soft portion is disposed in the space formed by at least one of the through holes.

[0007] The base has a first through hole and a second through hole that are separated from each other and disposed on the handle portion, with the second through hole disposed between the core portion and the first through hole.

[0008] Specifically, in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the handle portion, the width of the first through hole is 35% to 90% of the width of the handle portion corresponding to the first through hole.

[0009] Specifically, the soft part is disposed in the space formed by the second through hole.

[0010] Specifically, the base includes: a recessed portion disposed between the lower end of the handle portion and the core portion, having a shape extending to the periphery of the first through hole, and a thickness less than the thickness of other areas; a groove portion connected to the upper end of the recessed portion and having a shape extending toward the core portion; and a third through hole disposed in a portion of the groove portion, the anti-slip portion being disposed correspondingly to the recessed portion, and the interdental cleaning portion being disposed correspondingly to the core portion and formed in a shape surrounding the core portion.

[0011] Specifically, the soft part further includes a connecting part, which is provided corresponding to the groove and connects the anti-slip part and the interdental cleaning part, and the connecting part is provided in the third through hole.

[0012] Specifically, the aforementioned anti-slip portion includes: a plurality of protruding protrusions disposed on the surface of the area corresponding to the aforementioned second through hole, and extending in a direction parallel to the extending direction of the aforementioned handle portion.

[0013] Specifically, the interdental cleaning part further includes: a plurality of continuous protrusions, which are separated from each other and disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the core and extend parallel to the extending direction of the core. The continuous protrusions extend parallel to the extending direction of the core or have a spiral shape surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the core. The part also includes: a plurality of protrusions, which are separated from each other and disposed on the continuous protrusions; and a protrusion head disposed on the protrusion. The core has a groove extension that connects to the groove, and a portion of the continuous protrusions is disposed on the groove extension.

[0014] Specifically, the surface of the core exposed between the aforementioned continuous protrusions has a high surface roughness or may also include fine protrusions.

[0015] Specifically, the cross-section of the core has a triangular shape, and a core protrusion is provided at the corner of the triangle. The core protrusion has a shape that protrudes outward from the circle formed by the core and the continuous protrusions. The core protrusion and the continuous protrusions have a spiral shape that surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the core. The core has a shape in which each side of the triangle bends towards the center of the core.

[0016] Specifically, the interdental cleaning part further includes a protrusion connecting part, which is disposed at the end of the interdental cleaning part to connect the continuous protrusions.

[0017] Another embodiment of the present invention describes a method for manufacturing an interdental brush, comprising the following steps: injecting synthetic resin material into a first mold having a first internal space to form a base, the base comprising: a handle portion for a user to hold; and a core portion extending from the handle portion and decreasing in diameter or thickness as it moves away from the handle portion; preparing a second mold having a second internal space in which the base portion is disposed; and injecting an elastic substance into the second mold to form a soft portion, the soft portion comprising: an anti-slip portion covering at least a portion of the handle portion; and an interdental cleaning portion covering the core portion and having a plurality of protrusions for removing foreign matter between teeth; the base portion comprising: a recessed portion disposed between the lower end of the handle portion and the core portion, having a thickness less than other areas; and a groove portion connected to the upper end of the recessed portion and having a shape extending toward the core portion; the second mold having a gate for injecting the elastic substance, the gate portion being correspondingly provided with the groove portion.

[0018] Specifically, the gate is provided at a location where the volume of the space forming the soft part on both sides of the gate is substantially the same.

[0019] Specifically, the base has a first through hole, a second through hole and a third through hole that are separated from each other and are provided on the handle portion. The second through hole is disposed between the core portion and the first through hole, and the soft portion is disposed in the space formed by the second through hole and the third through hole.

[0020] Specifically, the soft part further includes a connecting part, which is provided corresponding to the groove and connects the anti-slip part and the interdental cleaning part. The anti-slip part is provided corresponding to the recessed part, and the interdental cleaning part is provided corresponding to the core and is formed to surround the core.

[0021] Another embodiment of the interdental brush of the present invention includes: a base including a core, the core decreasing in diameter or thickness as it approaches the other end from one end; and a soft portion made of an elastic material and including an interdental cleaning portion covering the core and having a plurality of protrusions for removing foreign matter between teeth, the interdental cleaning portion including: a plurality of continuous protrusions that are separated from each other and disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the core and extending parallel to the extending direction of the core.

[0022] Specifically, the aforementioned continuous protrusions have a spiral or linear shape that surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the aforementioned core.

[0023] Specifically, the cross-section of the core has a triangular shape, and a core protrusion is provided at the corner of the triangle.

[0024] Specifically, the aforementioned core protrusion protrudes outward from the circle formed by the aforementioned core portion and the aforementioned continuous protrusion portion.

[0025] Specifically, the interdental cleaning part further includes a protrusion connecting part, which is disposed at the end of the interdental cleaning part to connect the continuous protrusions.

[0026] In the interdental brush of the present invention, the handle and the interdental cleaning part are bent at a predetermined angle, so that the user can easily hold it and effectively remove foreign objects between the teeth.

[0027] Furthermore, the flow of the soft material is improved by the through hole located at the base, thereby enhancing the injection molding properties of the interdental brush of the present invention. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0028] [Figure 1] is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the interdental brush of the present invention. [Figure 2] is a top view used to illustrate the interdental brush shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] is a rear view used to illustrate the interdental brush shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] is a side view used to illustrate the interdental brush shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] is a perspective view used to illustrate the base of the interdental brush shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] is a perspective view used to explain the soft part of the interdental brush shown in Figure 1. [Figure 7] is an enlarged view of a portion of the soft part shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8] is a cross-sectional view used to illustrate the protrusion and the head of the protrusion. [Figure 9] is a cross-sectional view used to illustrate the manufacturing method of the base shown in Figures 1 to 8. [Fig. 10] is a cross-sectional view used to illustrate the manufacturing method of the soft part shown in Figs. 1 to 8. [Figure 11] is a partial enlarged view used to illustrate the protruding head forming part. [Figure 12] is a perspective view illustrating the area corresponding to the interdental cleaning section of an interdental brush according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] is a perspective view illustrating the area corresponding to the interdental cleaning section of an interdental brush according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] is a cross-sectional view of the area corresponding to the interdental cleaning section of the interdental brush shown in Figures 12 and 13. [Figure 15] is a perspective view illustrating the area corresponding to the interdental cleaning section of an interdental brush according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] is a perspective view illustrating the area corresponding to the interdental cleaning section of an interdental brush according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] is a cross-sectional view of the area corresponding to the interdental cleaning section of the interdental brush shown in Figures 15 and 16. [Figure 18] is a perspective view illustrating the area corresponding to the interdental cleaning section of an interdental brush according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] is a perspective view for illustrating the area corresponding to the interdental cleaning section of an interdental brush according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] is a cross-sectional view of the area corresponding to the interdental cleaning section of the interdental brush shown in Figures 18 and 19. [Figure 21] is a perspective view for illustrating the area corresponding to the interdental cleaning section of an interdental brush according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] is a perspective view illustrating the area corresponding to the interdental cleaning section of an interdental brush according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] is a cross-sectional view of the area corresponding to the interdental cleaning section of the interdental brush shown in Figures 21 and 22. [Figure 24] is a perspective view for illustrating the area corresponding to the interdental cleaning section of an interdental brush according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] is a perspective view illustrating the area corresponding to the interdental cleaning section of an interdental brush according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] is a cross-sectional view of the area corresponding to the interdental cleaning section of the interdental brush shown in Figures 24 and 25. [Figure 27] is a perspective view illustrating the area corresponding to the interdental cleaning section of an interdental brush according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] is a perspective view illustrating the area corresponding to the interdental cleaning section of an interdental brush according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] is a cross-sectional view of the area corresponding to the interdental cleaning section of the interdental brush shown in Figures 27 and 28. Implementation

[0029] The object, specific advantages, and novel features of the present invention can be more clearly understood by referring to the following detailed description and preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, when adding symbols to the constituent elements of the various figures, the same symbols are used for the same constituent elements even if they are illustrated in different figures. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related prior art are omitted where it is determined that a detailed explanation would obscure the essence of the present invention.

[0030] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating an interdental brush according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a top view illustrating the interdental brush shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a rear view illustrating the interdental brush shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a side view illustrating the interdental brush shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating the base of the interdental brush shown in Figure 1; Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating the soft part of the interdental brush shown in Figure 1; Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of the soft part shown in Figure 6; and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the protrusion and the protruding head.

[0032] Referring to Figures 1 to 8, an interdental brush 10 of one embodiment of the present invention is used to remove foreign objects stuck between a user's teeth.

[0033] The interdental brush 10 includes a base 100 and a soft part 200.

[0034] The base 100 is made of a synthetic resin material and has higher rigidity compared to the soft part 200. For example, the base 100 is made of thermoplastic synthetic resins such as polypropylene (PP), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene, polyterephthalate, polycyclohexene dimethyl terephthalate, saturated polyester resin, polymethyl methacrylate, cellulose propionate, polyurethane, polyamide, polycarbonate, or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). When the base 100 is made of polypropylene (PP), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or polyamide, elastic recovery is possible when deformation such as folding occurs. In particular, polypropylene has a low molding temperature, shortens cycle time, improves productivity, and places less heat load on the molding equipment, making it a suitable material for the base 100.

[0035] Furthermore, the base 100 is composed of synthetic resin and fibrous materials such as glass fiber, carbon fiber, or aramid fiber dispersed within the synthetic resin. The inclusion of fibrous material within the synthetic resin improves the dimensional stability of the base 100 and enhances its strength and rigidity, preventing deformation. Additionally, the inclusion of fibrous material in the synthetic resin increases the heat distortion temperature of the base 100, effectively preventing softening and deformation of the base 100 due to heat from the elastic material during the molding of the soft portion 200. Furthermore, the increased rigidity of the base 100 due to the fibrous material prevents deformation of the base 100 caused by the injection pressure of the elastic material, effectively preventing poor molding of the soft portion 200.

[0036] The base 100 includes a handle 110 and a core 120.

[0037] The handle 110, which is the part for the user to hold the interdental brush 10, may have a flat rod shape. For example, the handle 110 may have a slim plate shape.

[0038] The handle portion 110 may be formed into a flat rod shape with a slow curve, but is not limited to this. The handle portion 110 may be formed into any shape that allows the user to easily grip it for cleaning between teeth.

[0039] Regarding the size of the handle 110, it can be any size as long as it is easy for the user to grip and clean between the teeth.

[0040] The handle portion 110 is provided with a plurality of through holes 111 and 112. For example, the handle portion 110 has a first through hole 111 and a second through hole 112 that are arranged separately from each other in the length direction of the handle portion 110. Here, the second through hole 112 is arranged closer to the core portion 120 than the first through hole 111. That is, the second through hole 112 is disposed between the first through hole 111 and the core portion 120. Through the first through hole 111 and the second through hole 112, the user can more easily grip the handle portion 110.

[0041] Connecting protrusions 114 and 115 are provided on the side of the handle portion 110. The connecting protrusions 114 and 115 connect adjacent handle portions 110 and are integrally formed with the base portion 100. Therefore, multiple base portions 100 are arranged in parallel by being connected by the connecting protrusions 114 and 115.

[0042] The connecting protrusions 114 and 115 include a first connecting protrusion 114 that connects the lower ends of adjacent handle portions 110 and a second connecting protrusion 115 that connects the upper ends of adjacent handle portions 110, i.e., the regions of adjacent handle portions 110 that are adjacent to the core portion 120.

[0043] The first connecting protrusion 114 and the second connecting protrusion 115 are configured as thin protrusions that can be cut off by the user. The user cuts off the first connecting protrusion 114 and the second connecting protrusion 115 to separate an interdental brush 10 for use.

[0044] The handle portion 110 is provided with a recess 116 and a groove 117. The recess 116 and the groove 117 are connected to each other.

[0045] The recess 116, being thinner than other areas of the handle portion 110, is disposed between the lower end of the handle portion 110 and the core portion 120. For example, the recess 116 has a shape that connects to the groove portion 117 and extends to the periphery of the first through hole 111. A portion of the soft portion 200 is provided in the recess 116, and the height of the surface of the soft portion 200 provided in the recess 116 is substantially the same as the height of the surface of other areas of the base portion 100.

[0046] On the other hand, in the direction perpendicular to the length direction of the handle portion 110, the width W1 of the first through hole 111 is smaller than the width W2 of the handle portion 110 corresponding to the first through hole 111. In particular, the width W1 of the first through hole 111 is 35% to 90% of the width W2 of the handle portion 110.

[0047] Furthermore, the second through hole 112 improves the flowability of the material constituting the soft part 200, thereby improving the formability of the interdental brush 10 in this embodiment. In order to improve the flowability of the material constituting the soft part 200, the second through hole 112 has an area of ​​0.8 mm² or more.

[0048] The groove 117 is connected to a portion of the upper end of the recess 116 and has a shape that extends from the recess 116 toward the core 120. A portion of soft material 200 is provided in the groove 117, and the height of the surface of the soft material 200 provided in the groove 117 is substantially the same as the height of the surface of the soft material 200 provided in the recess 116 of the base 100.

[0049] In addition, a third through hole 113 is provided in a portion of the groove 117. That is, the plurality of through holes 111, 112, and 113 are arranged separately from each other along the length direction of the base 100.

[0050] The core 120 extends from the handle portion 110 and is formed into a substantially linear and thin, elongated shaft shape. The core 120 is formed into a gradually tapering shape that decreases in diameter or thickness as it approaches the front end, i.e., as it moves away from the handle portion 110. However, the angle formed by the tapering shape of the core 120 can be set to the same angle throughout the entire length of the core 120, or it can be set to decrease continuously or in stages as it approaches the front end of the core 120.

[0051] The soft portion 200 is made of an elastic material. For example, the soft portion 200 is made of thermoplastic elastic materials such as styrene, olefins, and polyamides, or thermosetting elastic materials such as silicone rubber, polyurethane rubber, fluororubber, natural rubber, and synthetic rubber. In particular, the soft portion 200 is made of a material that is compatible with the synthetic resin material constituting the base 100. For example, if the base 100 is made of polypropylene, the soft portion 200 is made of a polyolefin elastic material or a styrene elastic material.

[0052] The soft portion 200 is formed in a covering shape that extends from a part of the base 100 and surrounds the core 120. The soft portion 200 includes an anti-slip portion 210, a connecting portion 220, and an interdental cleaning portion 230.

[0053] The anti-slip portion 210 covers at least a portion of the handle portion 110. The anti-slip portion 210 is provided corresponding to the recessed portion 116. When the user holds the interdental brush 10, the anti-slip portion 210 prevents the interdental brush 10 from slipping from the user's hand.

[0054] The anti-slip part 210 has an opening 213 located in the area corresponding to the first through hole 111, and the user can hold the interdental brush 10 with their fingers.

[0055] The anti-slip part 210 is provided in the space formed by the second through hole 112. The anti-slip part 210 is provided in the space formed by the second through hole 112, thereby preventing the separation of the base 100 and the soft part 200.

[0056] The anti-slip portion 210 has a protruding protrusion 214 on the surface of the area corresponding to the second through hole 112, thereby preventing the interdental brush 10 from slipping from the user's hand. Here, the protruding protrusion 214 is configured as a plurality of protrusions, having a shape that extends in a direction parallel to the extending direction of the handle portion 110.

[0057] In addition, a portion of the anti-slip part 210 is provided with an exposure hole 215 for the second connecting protrusion 115 to be exposed.

[0058] The connecting part 220 is provided in the area corresponding to the groove 117. The connecting part 220 connects the anti-slip part 210 and the interdental cleaning part 230.

[0059] The connecting portion 220 is disposed in the space formed by the third through hole 113. That is, the connecting portion 220 is disposed in the space formed by the third through hole 113, thereby preventing the separation of the base portion 100 and the soft portion 200.

[0060] The interdental cleaning part 230 is provided correspondingly to the core part 120 and is formed to surround the core part 120. The interdental cleaning part 230 can clean the user's interdental spaces. The interdental cleaning part 230 is connected to the anti-slip part 210 via the connecting part 220. That is, the anti-slip part 210, the connecting part 220, and the interdental cleaning part 230 can be formed as a single unit.

[0061] The interdental cleaning part 230 includes an insertion prevention part 231, a covering part 232, and a protrusion part 234.

[0062] When a user is cleaning their interdental space, the insertion prevention part 231 prevents a portion of the handle part 110, other than the interdental cleaning part 230, from being inserted into the user's interdental space. For this purpose, the surface of the insertion prevention part 231 is higher than the surfaces of the anti-slip part 210, the connecting part 220, and the covering part 232.

[0063] The covering portion 232 can cover the core portion 120. A portion of the covering portion 232 is provided with through holes 233, and multiple through holes 233 are provided in the covering portion 232. In addition, the through holes 233 expose a portion of the core portion 120.

[0064] The protrusion 234, together with the covering portion 232, is inserted into the user's interdental space to remove foreign objects between the teeth. The protrusion 234 has a shape that protrudes from the surface of the covering portion 232 and is provided in multiple forms.

[0065] The protrusion 234 has a shape in which its diameter or thickness decreases as it moves away from the covering portion 232. For example, the protrusion 234 has a conical shape or a pyramidal shape. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the case where the protrusion 234 has a conical shape or a pyramidal shape has been described as an example, but it is not limited to this. For example, the protrusion 234 may also be formed with an elliptical cross-sectional shape, and the lengths of the major and minor axes of the ellipse decrease as it moves away from the covering portion 232.

[0066] In addition, the protrusion length and diameter of the protrusion 234 disposed adjacent to the handle portion 110 are greater than the protrusion length and diameter of the protrusion 234 disposed separately from the handle portion 110.

[0067] The protrusions 234 can be arranged in various forms. For example, the protrusions 234 can be arranged regularly or irregularly at certain intervals. In particular, the protrusions 234 can extend parallel to the extending direction of the core 120 and be arranged alternately on imaginary lines adjacent to each other.

[0068] A protruding head 235 is provided at the upper end of the protrusion 234. The protruding head 235 has various shapes. For example, the protruding head 235 has a spherical shape, an ellipsoidal shape, or a polyhedral shape. However, the protruding head 235 has a diameter or thickness that is larger than the diameter or thickness of the upper end of the protrusion 234.

[0069] When the interdental brush 10 makes a back-and-forth motion to remove foreign objects between the teeth, the protruding head 235 can effectively remove foreign objects between the teeth.

[0070] As described above, the interdental brush 10 has a first through hole 111, making it easier for the user to hold. A portion of the soft part 200 of the interdental brush 10 is disposed in the space formed by the second through hole 112, thereby preventing the soft part 200 from separating from the base 100. In addition, the interdental brush 10 can more effectively remove foreign objects between teeth through the protruding head 235.

[0071] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the manufacturing method of the base shown in Figures 1 to 8, Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the manufacturing method of the soft part shown in Figures 1 to 8, and Figure 11 is a partially enlarged view illustrating the protruding head forming part. Here, Figures 9 and 10 are vertical cross-sectional views parallel to the extending direction of the interdental brush.

[0072] First, referring to FIG9, a first mold having a first internal space is prepared for manufacturing the base 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 8. The first mold includes a first upper mold M11 and a first lower mold M12, which are combined to form a space, i.e., the first internal space, with a shape corresponding to the base 100. For example, the first upper mold M11 and the first lower mold M12 provide a handle forming part M110 and a core forming part M120 corresponding to the handle part 110 and the core part 120 of the base 100.

[0073] The handle forming part M110 includes a first through hole forming part M111, a second through hole forming part M112, a third through hole M113, a first connecting protrusion 114, and a second connecting protrusion 115 corresponding to the first through hole 111, a second through hole 112, a third through hole 113, a first connecting protrusion 114, and a second connecting protrusion 115 of the base 100.

[0074] The first through-hole forming portion M111, the second through-hole forming portion M112, and the third through-hole forming portion M113 have protrusions that protrude from the first upper mold M11 and the first lower mold M12 and connect to each other in order to form the first through-hole 111, the second through-hole 112, and the third through-hole 113. The first connecting protrusion forming portion M114 and the second connecting protrusion forming portion M115 provide space for forming the first connecting protrusion 114 and the second connecting protrusion 115. In the handle forming portion M110, the area corresponding to the recess 116 and the groove 117 of the base 100 is lower in height than the other areas.

[0075] After preparing the first mold, the material constituting the base 100 is injected, thereby molding the base 100 shown in Figures 1 to 8. Here, the first gate (not shown) into which the material is injected into the first mold is located at the rear end of the handle forming part M110 or the front end of the core forming part M120.

[0076] In addition, the material constituting the base 100 is a thermoplastic synthetic resin material, which may be polypropylene (PP), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene, polyterephthalic acid, polycyclohexene dimethylene terephthalate, saturated polyester resin, polymethyl methacrylate, cellulose propionate, polyurethane, polyamide, polycarbonate or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene).

[0077] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, after the base 100 is formed, a second mold having a second internal space is prepared for manufacturing the soft part 200. The base 100 can be disposed in the second internal space.

[0078] The second mold includes a second upper mold M21 and a second lower mold M22. The second upper mold M21 and the second lower mold M22 are combined to form a space, i.e., a second internal space, that corresponds to the shape of the soft part 200. For example, the second upper mold M21 and the second lower mold M22 provide anti-slip part forming part M210, connecting part forming part M220, and connecting part forming part M230 corresponding to the anti-slip part 210, connecting part 220, and interdental cleaning part 230 of the soft part 200.

[0079] The connecting part forming part M230 provides an insertion prevention part M231, a covering part M232, a protrusion part M234, and a protrusion head M235 that can form an interdental cleaning part 230. Multiple protrusion forming parts M234 and M235 are formed.

[0080] Additionally, the connecting portion forming portion M230 includes a through-hole forming portion M233 corresponding to the through-hole 233 of the covering portion 232. Multiple through-hole forming portions M233 are formed. The through-hole forming portions M233 are formed to connect with a portion of the core portion 120 of the base portion 100 disposed within the second mold.

[0081] In addition, the second mold includes a second gate IJH, which is provided in one of the second upper mold M21 and the second lower mold M22 to inject the material constituting the soft part 200.

[0082] The second gate IJH is located at a position corresponding to the groove 117 of the base 100. Because the second gate IJH is located at a position corresponding to the groove 117 of the base 100, the material constituting the soft portion 200 injected through the second gate IJH is uniformly supplied to the surface of the base 100. Specifically, the second gate IJH is located at a position where the volume of the spaces forming the soft portion 200 on both sides of the second gate IJH is substantially the same. Therefore, not only is the material constituting the soft portion 200 uniformly supplied to both sides of the second gate IJH, but the material constituting the soft portion 200 is also supplied to both sides of the second gate IJH with the same volume.

[0083] On the other hand, this embodiment is described using the case where the second gate IJH is located at a position corresponding to the groove 117 of the base 100 as an example, but it is not limited to this. For example, the second gate IJH can be changed to a position where the material constituting the soft part 200 is supplied evenly to both sides of the second gate IJH.

[0084] After preparing the second mold, the material constituting the soft part 200 is injected through the second gate IJH, thereby forming the soft part 200 shown in Figures 1 to 8.

[0085] The material constituting the soft part 200 is an elastic material. For example, the material constituting the soft part 200 is a thermoplastic elastic material such as styrene, olefins, or polyamides, or a thermosetting elastic material such as silicone rubber, polyurethane rubber, fluororubber, natural rubber, or synthetic rubber.

[0086] Below, various examples of interdental brushes with structures differing from those of the interdental brush 10 and interdental cleaning section 230 shown in Figures 1 to 11 will be described. The description will primarily focus on the differences from the interdental brush 10 shown in Figures 1 to 8; descriptions of identical structures will be omitted.

[0087] Figures 12, 13, 15 and 16 are perspective views illustrating the region corresponding to the interdental cleaning portion of the interdental brush according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the region corresponding to the interdental cleaning portion of the interdental brush shown in Figures 12 and 13. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the region corresponding to the interdental cleaning portion of the interdental brush shown in Figures 15 and 16.

[0088] Referring to Figures 12 to 17, the interdental brush 10 includes a base 100 and a soft part 200.

[0089] The base 100 includes a handle 110 and a core 120.

[0090] The core 120 extends from the handle 110 and is formed into a substantially linear and thin and long shaft shape.

[0091] The soft portion 200 is made of an elastic material. The soft portion 200 extends from a part of the base 100 and includes an interdental cleaning portion 230 disposed corresponding to the core portion 120.

[0092] The interdental cleaning unit 230 cleans the user's interdental spaces. The interdental cleaning unit 230 includes multiple continuous protrusions 234C and protrusion connecting parts 236.

[0093] As shown in Figures 12 and 15, a plurality of continuous protrusions 234C extend parallel to the extending direction of the core 120 and are separated from each other on the outer peripheral surface of the core 120. However, the interdental brush 10 shown in Figure 15 has more continuous protrusions 234C than the interdental brush 10 shown in Figure 12.

[0094] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 13 and 16, the multiple continuous protrusions 234C are arranged separately from each other, which can have a spiral shape that surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the core 120 multiple times. However, the interdental brush 10 shown in Figure 16 has more continuous protrusions 234C than the interdental brush 10 shown in Figure 13.

[0095] The protrusion connecting portion 236 is provided at the end of the interdental cleaning portion 230 to connect multiple continuous protrusions 234C.

[0096] On the other hand, the multiple continuous protrusions 234C are arranged separately from each other, thus exposing a portion of the core 120. The exposed surface of the core 120 has a high surface roughness or is provided with fine protrusions. The high surface roughness or the presence of fine protrusions on the surface of the core 120 increases friction. Therefore, foreign objects between teeth can be effectively removed when cleaning them.

[0097] Figures 18, 19, 21, and 22 are perspective views illustrating the region corresponding to the interdental cleaning portion of the interdental brush according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the region corresponding to the interdental cleaning portion of the interdental brush shown in Figures 18 and 19. Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of the region corresponding to the interdental cleaning portion of the interdental brush shown in Figures 21 and 22.

[0098] Referring to Figures 18 to 23, the interdental brush 10 includes a base 100 and a soft part 200.

[0099] The base 100 includes a handle 110 and a core 120.

[0100] The core 120 extends from the handle 110 and is formed into a substantially linear and thin and long shaft shape.

[0101] The soft portion 200 extends from a portion of the base 100 and includes an interdental cleaning portion 230 disposed corresponding to the core portion 120.

[0102] The interdental cleaning section 230 includes multiple continuous protrusions 234C and protrusion connecting sections 236.

[0103] As shown in Figures 18 and 21, a plurality of continuous protrusions 234C extend parallel to the extending direction of the core 120 and are arranged separately from each other on the outer peripheral surface of the core 120. However, the interdental brush 10 shown in Figure 21 has more continuous protrusions 234C than the interdental brush 10 shown in Figure 18.

[0104] Multiple continuous protrusions 234C have multiple separate projections 234P, and each projection 234P has a protruding head 235C. The projections 234P and the protruding heads 235C can more effectively remove foreign objects between teeth.

[0105] As shown in Figures 19 and 22, the multiple continuous protrusions 234C are arranged separately from each other, and can also have a spiral shape that surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the core 120 multiple times. However, the interdental brush 10 shown in Figure 22 has more continuous protrusions 234C than the interdental brush 10 shown in Figure 19.

[0106] The protrusion connecting portion 236 is provided at the end of the interdental cleaning portion 230 to connect multiple continuous protrusions 234C.

[0107] On the other hand, as shown in FIG23, a portion of the continuous protrusion 234C is provided in the core portion 120 and in the groove extension portion 120H connected to the groove portion 117. When a portion of the continuous protrusion 234C is provided in the groove extension portion 120H, the bonding force between the base portion 100 and the soft portion 200 can be enhanced.

[0108] Furthermore, the surface of the core 120 exposed between the multiple continuous protrusions 234C has a high surface roughness or is provided with fine protrusions. The high surface roughness or the presence of fine protrusions on the surface of the core 120 increases friction. Therefore, foreign objects between teeth can be effectively removed when cleaning them.

[0109] Figures 24, 25, 27 and 28 are perspective views illustrating the region corresponding to the interdental cleaning portion of the interdental brush according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view of the region corresponding to the interdental cleaning portion of the interdental brush shown in Figures 24 and 25. Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view of the region corresponding to the interdental cleaning portion of the interdental brush shown in Figures 27 and 28.

[0110] Referring to Figures 24 to 29, the interdental brush 10 includes a base 100 and a soft part 200.

[0111] The base 100 includes a handle 110 and a core 120.

[0112] The core 120 extends from the handle 110 and is formed into a substantially linear and thin and long shaft shape.

[0113] The core portion 120 has a triangular cross-section. For example, as shown in Figure 26, the core portion 120 has a triangular cross-section, and a core protrusion 120C is provided at the corner of the triangle. The core protrusion 120C can more effectively remove foreign objects between teeth.

[0114] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 29, the cross-section of the core 120 has a triangular shape in which each side curves towards the center of the core 120, and the corners of the triangle have a shape that protrudes outwards towards the interdental cleaning portion 230. Therefore, in the cross-section of the core 120, the corners of the triangle function as core protrusions 120C. As shown in Figure 29, the core 120, with its cross-sectional shape in which each side of the triangle curves inwards, has higher bending resistance.

[0115] The soft portion 200 is formed in a covering shape that extends from a part of the base 100 and surrounds the core 120. Furthermore, the soft portion 200 includes an interdental cleaning portion 230 disposed corresponding to the core 120. Here, the cross-section of the core 120 and the continuous protrusion 234C is circular.

[0116] The interdental cleaning section 230 exposes a portion of the core 120, such as the core protrusion 120C. That is, the core protrusion 120C has a shape that protrudes outward into a circular shape formed by the core 120 and the continuous protrusion 234C.

[0117] As shown in Figures 24 and 27, the core protrusion 120C extends parallel to the extending direction of the core 120 and is arranged separately from each other. However, the exposed area of ​​the core protrusion 120C shown in Figure 24 is smaller than the exposed area of ​​the core protrusion 120C shown in Figure 27.

[0118] In addition, as shown in Figures 25 and 28, the core protrusions 120C are arranged separately from each other, and can have a spiral shape that surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the core 120 multiple times.

[0119] The core protrusion 120C has a high surface roughness. This high surface roughness increases friction, thus effectively removing foreign matter between teeth during cleaning.

[0120] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be implemented as new embodiments, including embodiments that combine at least two or more of the embodiments described above or combine at least any one of the embodiments described above with known technologies.

[0121] The present invention has been described in detail above through specific embodiments, but these are only for specific illustration of the present invention. The present invention is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art can modify or improve it within the technical concept of the present invention.

[0122] Simple variations and modifications of the present invention are all included in the scope of the present invention, and the specific scope of protection of the present invention can be clearly understood through the appended claims.

[0123] 10: Interdental brush 100: Base 110: Handle 111: First through hole 112: Second through hole 113: Third through hole 114: First connecting protrusion 115: Second connecting protrusion 116: concave part 117: Groove 120: Core 120H: Groove extension 120C: Core protrusion 200: Soft part 210: Anti-slip section 213: Opening 214: Prominent protrusion 215: Exposed hole 220: Connecting part 230: Interdental Cleaning Department 231: Insertion prevention part 232: Covering part 233: Through hole 234: Protrusion 235: Protruding head 234C: Continuous protrusions 234P: Protrusion 235C: Protruding head 236: Protruding connecting part M11: First upper mold M110: Handle forming part M111: First through hole forming part M112: Second through hole forming part M113: Third through hole forming part M114: First connecting protrusion forming part M115: Second connecting protrusion forming part M12: First lower mold M120: Core forming part M21: Second upper mold M210: Anti-slip part molding part M22: Second lower mold M220: Connecting part molding part M230: Connecting part molding part M231: Insertion prevention part molding part M232: Covering part molding section M233: Through-hole forming part M234: Protrusion forming part M235: Protruding head molding part IJH: Second gate

Claims

1. An interdental brush, comprising: A base comprising: a handle portion for a user to grip; a core portion extending from the handle portion and decreasing in diameter or thickness as it moves away from the handle portion; and a soft portion made of an elastic material and comprising: an anti-slip portion covering at least a portion of the handle portion; and an interdental cleaning portion covering the core portion and having a plurality of protrusions for removing foreign objects between teeth, wherein the base portion has a first through hole and a second through hole disposed separately from each other in the longitudinal direction, the soft portion being disposed in a space formed by at least one of the first through hole and the second through hole, the base portion further comprising a recess disposed between the lower end of the handle portion and the core portion, having a shape extending to the periphery of the first through hole, having a thickness less than the thickness of other areas, and the first through hole and the second through hole being opened in a vertical direction, and the recess comprising a surface exposed in a lateral direction different from the vertical and longitudinal directions, without forming a groove.

2. The interdental brush as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The second through hole is disposed between the core and the first through hole, wherein the first through hole is larger than the second through hole.

3. The interdental brush as claimed in claim 2, wherein, In a direction perpendicular to the length of the handle portion, the width of the first through hole is 35% to 90% of the width of the handle portion corresponding to the first through hole.

4. The interdental brush as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The soft part is disposed in the space formed by the second through hole.

5. The interdental brush as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The base includes: a groove that is connected to the upper end of the recess and has a shape that extends toward the core; and a third through hole that is disposed in a portion of the groove, wherein the anti-slip portion is disposed correspondingly to the recess, and the interdental cleaning portion is disposed correspondingly to the core and is formed to surround the core.

6. The interdental brush as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The soft part further includes: a connecting part, which is disposed corresponding to the groove and connects the anti-slip part and the interdental cleaning part, and the connecting part is disposed in the third through hole.

7. The interdental brush as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The anti-slip part includes: a plurality of protruding protrusions disposed on the surface of the area corresponding to the second through hole and extending in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the handle.

8. The interdental brush as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The interdental cleaning unit further includes: a plurality of continuous protrusions, which are separated from each other and disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the core and extend parallel to the extending direction of the core. The continuous protrusions extend parallel to the extending direction of the core or have a spiral shape surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the core, and includes: a plurality of projections, which are separated from each other and disposed on the continuous protrusions; and a projection head disposed on the projections. The core has a groove extension that connects to the groove, and a portion of the continuous protrusions is disposed on the groove extension.

9. The interdental brush as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The surface of the core exposed between these continuous protrusions has a high surface roughness or may also include fine protrusions.

10. The interdental brush as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The core has a triangular cross-section, with a core protrusion at one corner of the triangle. The core protrusion protrudes outward from the circle formed by the core and the continuous protrusions. The core protrusion and the continuous protrusions have a spiral shape surrounding the outer circumference of the core. The core has a shape in which each side of the triangle curves toward the center of the core.

11. The interdental brush as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The interdental cleaning part further includes: a protruding connecting part disposed at the end of the interdental cleaning part to connect the continuous protrusions.

12. A method for manufacturing an interdental brush, comprising the following steps: injecting synthetic resin material into a first mold having a first internal space to form a base, the base comprising: The top part is for the user to hold; And a core that extends from the handle portion and decreases in diameter or thickness as it moves away from the handle portion; The step of preparing a second mold, the second mold having a second internal space, and the base being disposed in the second internal space; The process includes the steps of injecting an elastic material into the second mold to form a soft portion, the soft portion comprising: an anti-slip portion covering at least a portion of the handle portion; and an interdental cleaning portion covering the core portion, having a plurality of protrusions for removing foreign matter between teeth, wherein the base portion further includes: a first through hole and a second through hole disposed separately from each other in the longitudinal direction; a recess disposed between the lower end of the handle portion and the core portion, having a shape extending to the periphery of the first through hole and having a thickness less than other areas; and a groove connected to the upper end of the recess and having a shape extending toward the core portion, wherein the soft portion is disposed in a space formed by at least one of the first through hole and the second through hole, wherein the first through hole and the second through hole are opened in a vertical direction, and the recess includes a surface exposed in a lateral direction different from the vertical and longitudinal directions, without forming a groove. The second mold has a gate for injecting the elastic material, and the gate is provided corresponding to the groove.

13. A method for manufacturing an interdental brush as described in claim 12, wherein, The gate is located at a position where the volume of the space forming the soft part is substantially the same on both sides of the gate.

14. A method for manufacturing an interdental brush as described in claim 13, wherein, The base has a third through hole disposed in a portion of the groove, the second through hole is disposed between the core and the first through hole, and the soft portion is disposed in the space formed by the second through hole and the third through hole.

15. A method for manufacturing an interdental brush as described in claim 14, wherein, The soft part further includes: a connecting part, which is disposed corresponding to the groove and connects the anti-slip part and the interdental cleaning part, wherein the anti-slip part is disposed corresponding to the recess, and the interdental cleaning part is disposed corresponding to the core and is formed to surround the core.

16. An interdental brush, comprising: A base including a core that decreases in diameter or thickness as it approaches the other end from one of its two ends; and a soft portion made of an elastic material and including an interdental cleaning portion that covers the core and has a plurality of protrusions for removing foreign matter between teeth, wherein the interdental cleaning portion includes: a plurality of continuous protrusions that are separated from each other and disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the core and extend parallel to the extending direction of the core.

17. The interdental brush as claimed in claim 16, wherein, These continuous protrusions have a spiral or linear shape that surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the core.

18. The interdental brush as claimed in claim 16, wherein, The core has a triangular cross-section, with a core protrusion at one of the corners of the triangle.

19. The interdental brush as claimed in claim 18, wherein, The core protrusion protrudes outward from the circle formed by the core and the continuous protrusions.

20. The interdental brush as claimed in claim 16, wherein, The interdental cleaning part further includes: a protruding connecting part disposed at the end of the interdental cleaning part to connect the continuous protrusions.

Images