Toothbrush

Abstract

A toothbrush characterized by having a brush head portion having a bristle surface and a handle portion provided at a rear end side of the brush head portion, the bristle surface being composed of an outer peripheral region A located at an outer periphery of the bristle surface, a central region C, and two side region B, the bristle surface including bristle holes S, bristle holes M, and bristle holes L, the bristle holes M having an area of 1.2 to 25 times that of the bristle holes S, the bristle holes L having an area of 1.2 to 25 times that of the bristle holes M, in the side region B, 80% or more of the total number of the bristle holes being the bristle holes M, and an angle formed by a minor axis of the bristle holes M and a length direction of the brush head being less than 45°, in the central region C, 80% or more of the total number of the bristle holes being the bristle holes L, and an angle formed by a minor axis of the bristle holes L and the length direction of the brush head being less than 45°.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a toothbrush, particularly a wide-headed toothbrush. Background Technology

[0002] As people place increasing importance on oral health, the design and function of toothbrushes, as daily cleaning tools, are constantly being improved and optimized. Consumers' demands for toothbrushes have gradually evolved from simple cleaning functions to a comprehensive requirement of gum protection, cleaning power in the neck area of ​​the teeth, and user comfort. Among the various toothbrush designs available on the market, traditional compact toothbrushes, while able to reach the small gaps in the mouth, have lower cleaning efficiency due to the limited number of bristles. Furthermore, their small contact area with the gums makes it difficult to achieve a sufficient massage effect.

[0003] In contrast, wide-headed toothbrushes have a higher bristle count and greater density, effectively improving cleaning efficiency. However, these designs still have certain limitations. For example, while increasing the number of bristle holes increases bristle density, the reduced spacing between these holes may lead to decreased bristle strength after implantation, potentially causing brush head warping or cracking, further affecting the toothbrush's durability during use. Specifically, wide-headed toothbrushes, due to their increased width, experience increased torque in the width direction compared to traditional compact toothbrushes, making them less resistant to stress in this direction and prone to warping on the outer side. Furthermore, the current design of wide-headed bristles is relatively simple, making it difficult to simultaneously address the dual needs of cleaning tooth surfaces and protecting gums.

[0004] Patent Document 1 reports a toothbrush for providing a gentle massage sensation over a large area of ​​the gums while ensuring high-definition cleaning at the cervical region. The toothbrush density is defined as the outer bristle density by dividing the total number of bristles constituting the multiple outer bristle tufts by the area of ​​the outer bristle implantation region, and the inner bristle density is defined as the inner bristle density by dividing the total number of bristles constituting the multiple inner bristle tufts by the area of ​​the inner bristle implantation region. The bristle density ratio expressed as outer bristle density / inner bristle density is 1.4 or higher and 2.0 or lower.

[0005] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0006] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2017 / 204204

[0008] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0009] However, in the bristle design of the aforementioned patent document 1, there is still room for improvement in terms of the strength of the brush head and the density of the bristles after bristle implantation.

[0010] The inventors of this invention have dedicated themselves to researching the aforementioned issues and discovered that by rationally designing the distribution and area of ​​the bristle pores, especially by gradually reducing the area of ​​the bristle pores from the center of the brush head outwards in the width direction, problems such as warping and cracking of the toothbrush head can be alleviated, thereby improving the durability of the product and the stability of the manufacturing process. Furthermore, it can increase the density of the bristles. Moreover, by designing separate bristle areas for contact with the tooth surface and gums, it provides both effective cleaning of the tooth surface and a comfortable feel when contacting the gums, enabling effective cleaning with moderate pressure.

[0011] [Methods used to solve problems]

[0012] The main points of this invention are as follows.

[0013] [1] A toothbrush, characterized in that it comprises a brush head having a bristle-embedded surface and a handle body disposed at the rear end of the brush head, the bristle-embedded surface being composed of the following region:

[0014] The peripheral region A located on the outer periphery of the hair-planting surface,

[0015] The central region C, which is adjacent to the outer peripheral region A along the length of the brush head and located in the middle along the width of the brush head, and

[0016] The two side regions B are located outside the outer peripheral region A and the central region C;

[0017] The hair implantation surface includes hair implantation holes S, hair implantation holes M, and hair implantation holes L. In the plane where the hair implantation surface is located, the area of ​​hair implantation hole M is 1.2 to 25 times the area of ​​hair implantation hole S, and the area of ​​hair implantation hole L is 1.2 to 25 times the area of ​​hair implantation hole M.

[0018] In the regions on both sides of the brush head width direction of the outer peripheral region A, more than 80% of the total number of hair implantation holes are hair implantation holes S;

[0019] In the side region B, more than 80% of the total number of hair implantation holes are hair implantation holes M, and the angle between the minor axis of the hair implantation hole M and the length direction of the brush head is less than 45°.

[0020] In the central region C, more than 80% of the total number of hair implantation holes are hair implantation holes L, and the angle between the minor axis of the hair implantation hole L and the length direction of the brush head is less than 45°.

[0021] [2]. The toothbrush according to [1] is characterized in that the bristle implantation hole M and the bristle implantation hole L are generally elliptical, the generally elliptical shape including: elliptical, racetrack-shaped, egg-shaped, olive-shaped, and shapes in which the two radii of the minor axis are not the same, shapes in which the major axis is curved, and shapes in which the two radii of the minor axis are not the same and the major axis is curved.

[0022] [3]. The toothbrush according to [1] or [2] is characterized in that the total number of hair follicles in the central region C is 4 to 30, forming a row extending along the length of the brush head, and the hair follicles L in the central region C have the same shape;

[0023] In the top and bottom of the hair implantation surface of the outer peripheral region A, hair implantation holes L may or may not exist. When hair implantation holes L exist, they have the same shape as the hair implantation holes L in the central region C and exist on the extension line of the hair implantation hole row in the central region C.

[0024] [4]. The toothbrush according to [2] is characterized in that the shape of the bristle hole L is the shape of the long axis being bent, or the two radii of the short axis having different lengths and the long axis being bent, and the angle between the short axis direction of the bristle hole L and the length direction of the brush head is less than 10°.

[0025] [5]. The toothbrush according to [4] is characterized in that, in the central region C, there is a point P on the row of bristle holes extending along the length of the brush head, and point P may or may not be located at the midpoint of the central region C in the length direction of the brush head.

[0026] The convex part of the long axis of the hair implantation hole L located from point P to the top of the hair implantation surface is curved towards the top of the hair implantation surface, and the convex part of the long axis of the hair implantation hole L located from point P to the bottom of the hair implantation surface is curved towards the bottom of the hair implantation surface.

[0027] [6]. According to the toothbrush described in [5], except for the hair implantation hole at the location of point P, all hair implantation holes in the central region C are hair implantation holes L. The shape and size of each hair implantation hole L are the same, and the angle between the short axis direction of the hair implantation hole L and the length direction of the brush head is less than 3°.

[0028] [7]. The toothbrush according to [1] or [2] is characterized in that, in the side region B, each of the hair implantation holes M has the same shape, and the angle between the short axis of the hair implantation hole M and the length direction of the brush head is more than 5°.

[0029] [8]. The toothbrush according to [1] or [2] is characterized in that the total number of hair implantation holes in one of the side regions B is 4 to 30, and all hair implantation holes are hair implantation holes M.

[0030] [9]. The toothbrush according to [8] is characterized in that the bristle holes M have the same shape and size, the short axis of the bristle holes M forms the same angle with the length direction of the brush head, and the two side regions B are symmetrical with respect to the center line of the width direction of the brush head.

[0031]

[10] . The toothbrush according to [1] or [2] is characterized in that the total number of hair implantation holes in the peripheral region A is 10 to 50, the hair implantation holes S in the peripheral region A are approximately circular in shape, the number is more than 8, and the hair implantation holes S are all the same size.

[0032]

[11] . The toothbrush according to [1] or [2] is characterized in that the bristle implantation hole M and the bristle implantation hole L have two or more but no more than six bristle implantation structures formed by a spacer plate, wherein the spacer plate is integrally formed with the bristle implantation surface or formed separately.

[0033] The number of hair-implanting structures in hair-implanting hole M is less than the number of hair-implanting structures in hair-implanting hole L.

[0034]

[12] . The toothbrush according to

[11] is characterized in that the bristle implantation hole M has two bristle implantation structures formed by one spacer plate, and the bristle implantation hole L has three bristle implantation structures formed by two spacer plates or four bristle implantation structures formed by three spacer plates.

[0035]

[13] . The toothbrush according to [1] or [2] is characterized in that, in the length direction of the brush head, the bristle holes in the central region C and the bristle holes in the adjacent side region B are arranged alternately.

[0036]

[14] . The toothbrush according to [1] or [2] is characterized in that, in the length direction of the brush head, the bristle holes in the central region C and the bristle holes in the corresponding peripheral region A are arranged alternately.

[0037]

[15] . The toothbrush according to

[12] is characterized in that the angle between the spacer plate of the hair implantation hole M in the side region B and the width direction of the brush head is smaller than the angle between the spacer plate of the hair implantation hole L in the central region C, which is closest to the hair implantation hole M, and the width direction of the brush head.

[0038]

[16] . The toothbrush according to [5] is characterized in that the bristle implantation hole L has two or more and six or fewer bristle implantation structures formed by spacers, and the intersection of the extension lines of at least two of the spacers in a single bristle implantation hole L is located on the point P side of the bristle implantation hole.

[0039]

[17] . The toothbrush according to [1] or [2] is characterized in that the bristle implantation hole S, the bristle implantation hole M, and the bristle implantation hole L adopt flat linear bristle implantation.

[0040]

[18] . The toothbrush according to [5] is characterized in that the bristle hole L has two or more and six bristle structures formed by a spacer plate, and each bristle structure is bristled by a flat line bristle, wherein the intersection of the extensions of at least two of the flat lines of each bristle structure of a single bristle hole L is located on the point P side of the bristle hole.

[0041]

[19] . The toothbrush according to

[18] is characterized in that the bristle implantation hole M in the side region B has two or more but no more than six bristle implantation structures formed by spacers.

[0042] The intersection of the extension lines of the flat lines of the hair implantation holes S on both sides of the outer peripheral region A in the width direction of the brush head, and the extension line of the flat line of the hair implantation structure of the hair implantation hole M in the nearest side region B, is located in the region where there are no hair implantation holes between the column of hair implantation holes S in the length direction of the brush head and the column of hair implantation holes M in the length direction of the brush head.

[0043]

[20] . The toothbrush according to [1] or [2] is characterized in that the area of ​​the hair implantation hole M is 1.4 to 2.4 times the area of ​​the hair implantation hole S, and the area of ​​the hair implantation hole L is 2.5 to 4.0 times the area of ​​the hair implantation hole S.

[0044] [The effects of the invention]

[0045] This invention provides a toothbrush whose brush head, especially a wide-head design, can alleviate potential warping and cracking problems, improving product durability and manufacturing process stability. Furthermore, it enhances bristle density and separately designs the bristles for contacting the tooth surface and gums, providing both effective cleaning of the tooth surface and comfortable contact with the gums, delivering effective cleaning with moderate pressure. Attached Figure Description

[0046]

【 Figure 1 [Image showing a schematic diagram of a brush head in one embodiment of the toothbrush of the present invention]

[0047]

【 Figure 2 [Image showing a schematic diagram of the bristle-embedded areas of the brush head in one embodiment of the toothbrush of the present invention.]

[0048]

【 Figure 3 [Image showing a schematic diagram of the shape of the bristle implantation holes of the toothbrush of the present invention on the plane where the bristle implantation surface is located, wherein the dashed lines represent the major and minor axes of each shape.]

[0049]

【 Figure 4 [Image showing a schematic diagram of the bristle-embedded surface of the toothbrush of the present invention.]

[0050]

Figure 5The symbol

[0051] 【 Figure 6 [Image showing a schematic diagram of the bristle-embedded surface of a toothbrush in a specific embodiment of the present invention.]

[0052] Figure label:

[0053] 1…Brush the head

[0054] 2…handle body

[0055] 11…hair transplanted surface

[0056] 12…hair bundles

[0057] 13… Hair implantation pores

[0058] A…Peripheral area A of the grafted surface

[0059] B…Side area B of the grafted surface

[0060] C…Central area C of the grafted surface

[0061] S…pore implantation S

[0062] M…hair implantation pores M

[0063] L…hair pores L

[0064] BU…Folling Unit

[0065] BS… partition plate Detailed Implementation

[0066] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 6 This describes an embodiment of the toothbrush of the present invention.

[0067] Furthermore, the following embodiments illustrate one aspect of the present invention and do not limit the invention; modifications can be made freely within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Additionally, the descriptions in the following figures are merely illustrative of the structures for ease of understanding; the actual structures differ from those in terms of scale, quantity, etc.

[0068] Figure 1 This is a front view showing a portion of the toothbrush according to this embodiment. (See attached image.) Figure 1 As shown, the device includes a brush head 1 and a handle body 2 located at the rear end of the brush head. The brush head 1 can be integrally formed with the handle body or detachably connected. One side of the brush head 1 is a bristle-planting surface 11, which has multiple bristle-planting holes 13 with bristle bundles 12 implanted therein. The thickness direction of the brush head 1, which is perpendicular to the bristle-planting surface 11, is defined as the Z direction; the extension direction of the handle body 2 and the length direction of the brush head 1 are defined as the X direction; and the direction perpendicular to the X and Z directions, the width direction of the brush head 1, is defined as the Y direction.

[0069] refer to Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the bristle-embedded surface of the brush head in one embodiment of the toothbrush of the present invention. In the toothbrush of the present invention, the bristle-embedded surface is composed of the following regions: an outer peripheral region A located at the outer periphery of the bristle-embedded surface; a central region C adjacent to the outer peripheral region A in the length direction of the brush head and located in the middle of the width direction of the brush head; and two side regions B excluding the outer peripheral region A and the central region C. That is, from the center point of the brush head outward along the width direction of the brush head, the regions are, in sequence, the central region C, the side regions B, and the outer peripheral region A. The outer peripheral region A further includes two side regions in the width direction of the brush head, a top bristle-embedded surface region, and a bottom bristle-embedded surface region, wherein the two side regions in the width direction of the brush head are regions located outside the side regions B in the width direction of the brush head, i.e. Figure 2 The part on the right side sandwiched between the two dotted lines.

[0070] It should be understood Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relative positional relationship between regions A to C, rather than an actual division of regions A to C.

[0071] The hair implantation surface includes hair implantation holes S, M, and L. In the plane containing the hair implantation surface, the area of ​​hair implantation hole M is 1.2 to 25 times the area of ​​hair implantation hole S, and the area of ​​hair implantation hole L is 1.2 to 25 times the area of ​​hair implantation hole M. More preferably, the area of ​​hair implantation hole M is 1.2 to 10 times the area of ​​hair implantation hole S, and the area of ​​hair implantation hole L is 1.2 to 10 times the area of ​​hair implantation hole M. Even more preferably, the area of ​​hair implantation hole M is 1.2 to 3.0 times the area of ​​hair implantation hole S, and the area of ​​hair implantation hole L is 1.2 to 3.0 times the area of ​​hair implantation hole M. The area of ​​hair implantation hole S is defined as the area of ​​the hair implantation hole with the largest number of hair implantation holes of the same shape and area in the peripheral region A. For example, if there are 10 circular hair implantation holes with an area of ​​n and 16 circular hair implantation holes with an area of ​​m in the peripheral region, the area of ​​hair implantation hole S is determined to be m. When all the hair implantation holes in the outer peripheral region A are different, it is defined as the average area of ​​the hair implantation holes existing in both sides of the brush head width direction.

[0072] In one embodiment, the area of ​​the hair implantation hole M is 1.4 to 2.4 times the area of ​​the hair implantation hole S, and the area of ​​the hair implantation hole L is 2.5 to 4.0 times the area of ​​the hair implantation hole S.

[0073] In the outer peripheral region A, more than 80% of the total number of hair implantation holes are hair implantation holes S in both sides of the brush head width direction; in the side region B, more than 80% of the total number of hair implantation holes are hair implantation holes M; in the central region C, more than 80% of the total number of hair implantation holes are hair implantation holes L.

[0074] Based on the above limitations, in this invention, for the central region C, side region B, and outer peripheral region A, which exist sequentially from the center point of the brush head along the width direction of the brush head, the area of ​​the main hair implantation holes gradually decreases. Those skilled in the art will understand that the areas on either side of the central region C, side region B, and outer peripheral region A along the width direction of the brush head respectively represent areas mainly composed of small-area implantation holes S, medium-area implantation holes M, and large-area implantation holes L. Therefore, it is rare for implantation holes to be located at the boundary of adjacent areas. If such a rare situation exists, the area of ​​the implantation hole is assigned to the region with the larger area according to its area distribution in each region.

[0075] Furthermore, the shapes of the hair implantation holes S, M, and L are not particularly limited and can be conventional shapes used in the field, such as rectangles, rounded rectangles, or approximately ellipses, preferably approximately elliptical. In the central region C and side region B, the angle between the minor axis of these approximately elliptical shapes and the length direction (X direction) of the brush head is less than 45°, more preferably less than 30°. Through the above limitations, in this invention, the approximately elliptical shapes present in the central region C and side region B have a minor axis approximately aligned with the length direction of the brush head and a major axis approximately aligned with the width direction of the brush head. By using approximately elliptical shapes for the hair implantation holes L and M, the strength of the brush head under stress can be improved and cracking reduced.

[0076] This invention, through a structure that distributes specific bristle holes in specific areas of the bristle-implanted surface, reduces the area of ​​the bristle holes from the central region outwards in the width direction. Therefore, the impact of large bristle holes on the strength of the bristle-implanted surface is effectively reduced, and the stress acting in the width direction is effectively dispersed and mitigated. Furthermore, this bristle design effectively increases the overall bristle density of the bristle-implanted surface, particularly in the central region C, which contacts the tooth surface, while providing a soft touch in the peripheral region A, which contacts the gum line. This allows for both effective cleaning of the tooth surface and comfortable contact with the gum line, providing effective cleaning with moderate pressure.

[0077] refer to Figure 3 In embodiments of the present invention, the generally elliptical shape includes: ellipse, racetrack shape, egg shape, olive shape, and shapes in which the two radii of the minor axis are not the same length, shapes in which the major axis is curved, and shapes in which the two radii of the minor axis are not the same length and the major axis is curved. Figure 3 In the various figures described herein, dashed lines formed by line segments schematically represent the major axis, and curves formed by points schematically represent the minor axis. These shapes include those with slight deformations, but which do not affect their recognizability by those skilled in the art.

[0078] Furthermore, the above shapes can be appropriately modified, including shapes with two radii of different lengths on the minor axis, shapes with a curved major axis, and shapes with two radii of different lengths on the minor axis and a curved major axis. Taking an ellipse as an example, if the two radii on the minor axis have different lengths, it will form an approximate ellipse with different curvatures on both sides of the major axis. If the major axis of the ellipse is curved, it will form a shape similar to a kidney, a kidney bean, or a cashew nut.

[0079] The material of the brush head 1 can be obtained by resin injection molding, for example. As the resin, resins commonly used in toothbrush handles can be used, such as those selected from one or more of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycyclohexanediol terephthalate (PCT), polyethylene terephthalate cyclohexanediol terephthalate (PCTG), polyacetal (POM), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin (ABS), cellulose propionate (CP), polyaryl compounds, polycarbonate, or acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer resin (AS).

[0080] In one embodiment, the brush head is a wide-head design, which means, for example, that there are 6 or more rows of bristles in the width direction of the toothbrush, such as 6 to 12 rows or 8 to 12 rows. In the wide-head design, for example, the width of the brush head is 14 mm or more and 20 mm or less, preferably 15 mm or more and 19 mm or less.

[0081] Figure 4 The diagram shows a schematic representation of the hair-planting surface according to a possible embodiment of the present invention, but it should be understood that the arrangement of the hair-planting surface of the present invention is not limited thereto. The following is a detailed description.

[0082] Central Region C

[0083] In one embodiment of the invention, the total number of hair implantation holes in the central region C is 4 to 30, preferably 4 to 20, and more preferably 4 to 10. Each hair implantation hole forms a row extending along the length of the brush head, wherein the hair implantation holes L are the same or different in shape and size from one another.

[0084] Optionally, the bristle holes L in the central region C are all the same shape, and the angle between the short axis and the length direction of the brush head is less than 30°, more preferably less than 10°. With this configuration, both a dense bristle feel and prevention of brush head warping can be achieved.

[0085] Optionally, the bristle implantation hole L has a curved long axis, or a shape where the two radii of the short axis are of different lengths and the long axis is curved, with the angle between the short axis of the bristle implantation hole L and the length direction of the brush head being less than 10°. Preferably, the bristle implantation hole L is an elliptical or racetrack-shaped shape with a curved long axis. This configuration further combines the dense bristles with the prevention of brush head warping, wherein the curved shape avoids the increase in torque caused by the bristle implantation hole being too long in the width direction of the brush head, and can better distribute the force applied in the width direction of the brush head on the bristle implantation surface of the toothbrush.

[0086] In the above-mentioned long axis bending shape, the bending angle formed by the long axis is approximately less than 45°, more preferably less than 30°, and even more preferably more than 10° and less than 20°. By being within the above range, the technical effect of the present invention can be better obtained.

[0087] In one embodiment, in the central region C, the protrusions of the long axis curved shape of the hair implantation holes L all face the top of the hair implantation surface, or all face the bottom of the hair implantation surface.

[0088] In one embodiment, in the central region C, a point P is present on the row of bristle implants extending along the length of the brush head. Point P may or may not be located at the midpoint of the central region C along the length of the brush head. The long axis curved protrusions of the bristle implants L located from point P to the top of the bristle implant surface face towards the top of the bristle implant surface, and the long axis curved protrusions of the bristle implants L located from point P to the bottom of the bristle implant surface face towards the bottom of the bristle implant surface. With this configuration, the force in the length of the brush head can be better distributed on the bristle implant surface of the toothbrush, and the opposing forces caused by the bristle implants L can cancel each other out.

[0089] Optionally, in the central region C, except for the hair implantation hole at the location of point P, all hair implantation holes in the central region C are hair implantation holes L. The hair implantation holes L have the same shape and size, and the angle between the short axis of the hair implantation hole L and the length direction of the brush head is less than 3°.

[0090] Optionally, in the central region C, point P is located at the midpoint of the central region C along the length of the brush head. Except for the hair implantation hole at the location of point P, all hair implantation holes in the central region C are hair implantation holes L. The hair implantation holes L have the same shape and size, and the intersection of their minor axis and major axis is approximately located on the midline of the width direction of the brush head. The angle between the minor axis of the hair implantation hole L and the length direction of the brush head is less than 3°.

[0091] With the above-described structure, the central area C of the toothbrush can significantly increase the density of the bristles, achieving both a dense bristle feel and preventing the brush head from warping. In particular, during use, the bristles in the central area C can thoroughly and efficiently clean the tooth surface.

[0092] <Side Area B>

[0093] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the two side regions B of the bristle-planting surface of the brush head, the total number of bristle-planting holes in each side region B is 4 to 30, preferably 4 to 20, and more preferably 4 to 10.

[0094] Optionally, in side region B, the hair implantation holes M have the same shape, and the angle between the minor axis of the hair implantation hole M and the length direction of the brush head is 5° or more. That is, the major axis of the slightly elliptical hair implantation holes in side region B is arranged slightly inclined relative to the width direction of the brush head, thereby reducing the influence of stress acting on the width direction of the brush head.

[0095] More than 80% of the total number of bristle holes in lateral region B are bristle holes M, preferably more than 90% are bristle holes M, and even more preferably all bristle holes are bristle holes M. By ensuring all bristle holes are Bristle holes M, warping in the width direction of the brush head is reduced. Furthermore, in terms of user experience, because lateral region B has a bristle density between that of central region C and peripheral region A, it acts as two ribs on the bristle surface. During cleaning, the bristles in peripheral region A are properly supported, and the bristles in central region C can also be moderately bent. This ensures a smooth transition in cleaning ability and feel between peripheral region A and central region C, preventing excessive force from being applied directly to the teeth by the densely bristled central region C due to the softness of peripheral region A, thus avoiding damage to the teeth.

[0096] Optionally, the bristle implantation holes M have the same shape and size, the minor axis of the bristle implantation holes M forms the same angle with the length direction of the brush head, and the two side regions B are symmetrical with respect to the center line of the width direction of the brush head. That is, on the bristle implantation surface of the brush head, the slightly elliptical bristle implantation holes in the side regions B form roughly fishbone-shaped ribs, thereby further increasing the strength of the brush head and preventing warping in the width direction of the brush head.

[0097] Optionally, in the lateral region B, the hair follicles M are elliptical or racetrack-shaped.

[0098] The toothbrush side area B, which has the above-described structure, increases bristle density, reduces brush head warping, and improves cleaning ability and gum comfort.

[0099] <Peripheral area A>

[0100] The total number of hair implantation holes in the outer peripheral region A is 10 to 50, preferably 10 to 40. The shape of the hair implantation holes S in the outer peripheral region A is not particularly limited, but optionally the hair implantation holes S are approximately circular, the number is 8 or more, and the hair implantation holes S are all the same size.

[0101] Optionally, the hair implantation holes on both sides of the outer peripheral region A in the width direction of the brush head are all hair implantation holes S, and these hair implantation holes S have the same shape and size.

[0102] With the above configuration, peripheral region A can reduce warping in the width direction of the brush head while providing a gentle touch to the gums.

[0103] Furthermore, in the top and bottom of the hair-planting surface of the outer peripheral region A, hair-planting holes L may or may not be present. When the hair-planting holes L in the central region C have the same shape as each other, the hair-planting holes L that may be present in the top and bottom of the hair-planting surface of the outer peripheral region A have the same shape as the hair-planting holes L in the central region C, and exist on the extension line of the hair-planting hole row in the central region C.

[0104] Optionally, the outer peripheral region A has one hair implantation hole L at both the top and bottom of the hair implantation surface. The hair implantation holes L at the top and bottom of the hair implantation surface have the same shape and size as the hair implantation holes L in the central region C, and the intersection of their minor and major axes is approximately located on the midline of the brush head width direction. The angle between the minor axis of the hair implantation hole L and the length direction of the brush head is less than 3°. That is, in the middle part of the brush head width direction, except for the location of the optional point P, there is a row of hair implantation holes L of the same shape and size from the top to the bottom of the hair implantation surface.

[0105] <The relative positions of the hair follicle holes in regions A to C>

[0106] The following describes the relative positional relationship of the hair implantation holes in regions A to C according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] In one embodiment of the invention, the bristle holes in the central region C and the bristle holes in the adjacent side region B are staggered along the length of the brush head. Here, staggered arrangement means, for example, when viewed from the width direction of the brush head, that the bristle holes in the side region B are located in the side region B corresponding to the position between two adjacent bristle holes in the central region C. In other words, the long axis of the bristle holes in the side region B points towards the position between the adjacent bristle holes in the central region C, rather than towards the bristle holes in the central region C. With this configuration, the bristle holes in the central region C and the bristle holes in the side region B are not approximately on the same line in the width direction of the brush head, thereby further preventing warping of the brush head in the width direction.

[0108] In one embodiment of the invention, along the length of the brush head, the bristle implantation holes in the central region C and the corresponding bristle implantation holes in the outer peripheral region A are arranged alternately. Here, "alternately arranged" means that, when viewed from the width direction of the brush head, the bristle implantation holes in the outer peripheral region A are located at the positions corresponding to two adjacent bristle implantation holes in the central region C. With this configuration, along the width direction of the brush head, the bristle implantation holes in the central region C and the side region A are not approximately on the same line, thereby further preventing warping of the brush head in the width direction.

[0109] <Hair-embedded structure>

[0110] In one embodiment of the present invention, the hair implantation holes M and L have two or more but no more than six hair implantation structures formed by spacers, wherein the spacers are integrally formed with the hair implantation surface or are formed separately.

[0111] The number of hair-implanting structures in hair-implanting hole M is less than the number of hair-implanting structures in hair-implanting hole L.

[0112] In one embodiment, the hair implantation hole M has two hair implantation structures formed by one spacer plate, and the hair implantation hole L has three hair implantation structures formed by two spacers plate or four hair implantation structures formed by three spacers plate.

[0113] The presence of the spacer can improve the strength of the hair implantation holes, and further, it helps to maintain the proper dispersion and firm implantation of hair tufts in the hair implantation structure, and maintain the flatness of the brush surface.

[0114] Figure 5 The figure shows a cross-section of the long axis of a hair implantation hole M with two hair implantation structures formed by a spacer plate in the direction of brush head thickness. The hair implantation hole has two hair implantation structures BU formed by a spacer plate BS, wherein the height of the spacer plate BS may be flush with or slightly below the hair implantation surface, and a schematic diagram showing a hair tuft implanted in a flat line in each hair implantation structure. The structure of the spacer plate separating the hair implantation hole can be referenced, for example, to the spacer plate in prior art WO2023 / 058672A1. However, it should be understood that the structure of the spacer plate can be adaptively adjusted according to the shape of the hair implantation hole of the present invention.

[0115] In one embodiment of the present invention, the angle between the spacer plate of the hair implantation hole M in the side region B and the width direction of the brush head is smaller than the angle between the spacer plate of the hair implantation hole L in the central region C, which is closest to the hair implantation hole M, and the width direction of the brush head. Therefore, the structure of the brush head can be reinforced by the spacer plate, further reducing warping in the width direction of the brush head.

[0116] In one embodiment of the invention, in the central region C, the shape of the hair implantation hole L is either a shape with a curved long axis or a shape with two unequal radii on the short axis and a curved long axis. The angle between the short axis direction of the hair implantation hole L and the length direction of the brush head is less than 10°, and the curvature angle of the long axis is less than 30°. Furthermore, in the central region C, a point P exists on the row of hair implantation holes extending along the length direction of the brush head. Point P may or may not be located at the midpoint of the central region C in the length direction of the brush head. The protrusions of the curved long axis shape of the hair implantation hole L located from point P to the top of the hair implantation surface face the top of the hair implantation surface, and the protrusions of the curved long axis shape of the hair implantation hole L located from point P to the bottom of the hair implantation surface face the bottom of the hair implantation surface. The hair implantation hole L has two or more but no more than six hair implantation structures formed by spacers. The intersection of the extension lines of at least two of the spacers in a single hair implantation hole L is located on the side of point P of that hair implantation hole. This further reduces warping in the width direction of the brush head.

[0117] <Hair transplantation method>

[0118] The bristle planting method in this invention is not particularly limited and can use conventionally known methods, such as: flat wire planting, which involves folding a bristle bundle in two and inserting a flat wire sandwiched between the two into the bristle planting hole; hot melt application, which involves pressing the lower end of the bristle bundle into molten resin to form the bristle planting part and fixing it; or internal molding method, which involves heating the lower end of the bristle bundle to form a molten block and then injecting hot melt resin into a mold to form the bristle planting part, etc.

[0119] In one embodiment of the present invention, the hair implantation holes S, M, and L are implemented using flat linear hair implantation.

[0120] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bristle implantation hole L has two or more but no more than six bristle implantation structures formed by a spacer plate. Each bristle implantation structure employs a flat-line bristle implantation method, and the intersection of the extensions of at least two of the flat lines of each bristle implantation structure in a single bristle implantation hole L is located on the point P side of that bristle implantation hole. This further reduces warping in the width direction of the brush head.

[0121] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bristle implantation holes M in the side region B have two or more but no more than six bristle implantation structures formed by spacers. The intersection of the extension line of the flat line of the bristle implantation holes S in both sides of the outer peripheral region A in the width direction of the brush head with the extension line of the flat line of the bristle implantation structure of the nearest bristle implantation hole M in the side region B is located in the region where there are no bristle implantation holes between the rows of bristle implantation holes S in the length direction of the brush head and the rows of bristle implantation holes M in the length direction of the brush head. This further reduces warping in the width direction of the brush head.

[0122] Figure 6This diagram illustrates the distribution of hair implantation holes with connecting parts in one embodiment. The black fill in the diagram is only for clearer visualization and does not imply a specific structure of the hair implantation holes or hair tufts. In the diagram, the central region C has: a hair implantation hole at its midpoint P along the length direction, six hair implantation holes L curving towards point P, each of the six hair implantation holes having two spacers, and their extended lines intersecting at point P. The side regions B on either side of the central region C in the width direction each have: six inclined hair implantation holes M, each of the six hair implantation holes M having one spacer. The outer peripheral region A has six hair implantation holes S on each side of the brush head in the width direction, with one hair implantation hole L and two hair implantation holes S at the top and bottom of the hair implantation surface. The hair implantation holes S do not have spacers. The hair implantation holes on both sides of the brush head in the width direction of the central region C and side regions B, and the central region C and outer peripheral region A, are arranged alternately.

[0123] This invention provides a toothbrush whose brush head, especially a wide-head design, can alleviate potential problems such as warping and cracking, improving product durability and manufacturing process stability. Furthermore, it can increase bristle density and, moreover, separately design the bristles for contacting the tooth surface and gums, providing both effective cleaning of the tooth surface and a comfortable feel against the gums, delivering effective cleaning with moderate pressure.

[0124] The above description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, describes suitable embodiments of the present invention. However, it is obvious that the present invention is not limited to these examples. The shapes, combinations, etc., of the constituent parts shown in the above examples are merely illustrative, and various modifications can be made based on design requirements, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0125] [Potential for Industrial Applications]

[0126] This invention can be applied to toothbrushes.

Claims

1. A toothbrush, characterized in that, It has a brush head with a bristle-embedded surface and a handle body disposed at the rear end of the brush head, the bristle-embedded surface being composed of the following areas: The peripheral region A located on the outer periphery of the hair-planting surface, The central region C, which is adjacent to the outer peripheral region A along the length of the brush head and located in the middle along the width of the brush head, and The two side regions B are located outside the outer peripheral region A and the central region C; The hair implantation surface includes hair implantation holes S, hair implantation holes M, and hair implantation holes L. In the plane where the hair implantation surface is located, the area of ​​hair implantation hole M is 1.2 to 25 times the area of ​​hair implantation hole S, and the area of ​​hair implantation hole L is 1.2 to 25 times the area of ​​hair implantation hole M. In the regions on both sides of the brush head width direction of the outer peripheral region A, more than 80% of the total number of hair implantation holes are hair implantation holes S; In the side region B, more than 80% of the total number of hair implantation holes are hair implantation holes M, and the angle between the minor axis of the hair implantation hole M and the length direction of the brush head is less than 45°. In the central region C, more than 80% of the total number of hair implantation holes are hair implantation holes L, and the angle between the minor axis of the hair implantation hole L and the length direction of the brush head is less than 45°.

2. The toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hair implantation holes M and L are approximately elliptical in shape. The approximately elliptical shape includes: elliptical, racetrack-shaped, egg-shaped, olive-shaped, and shapes in which the two radii of the minor axis are not the same, shapes in which the major axis is curved, and shapes in which the two radii of the minor axis are not the same and the major axis is curved.

3. The toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The central region C has a total of 4 to 30 hair implantation holes, forming a row extending along the length of the brush head, and the hair implantation holes L in the central region C have the same shape. In the top and bottom of the hair implantation surface of the outer peripheral region A, hair implantation holes L may or may not exist. When hair implantation holes L exist, they have the same shape as the hair implantation holes L in the central region C and exist on the extension line of the hair implantation hole row in the central region C.

4. The toothbrush according to claim 2, characterized in that, The shape of the hair implantation hole L is the shape of the long axis being bent, or the two radii of the short axis having different lengths and the long axis being bent, and the angle between the direction of the short axis of the hair implantation hole L and the length direction of the brush head is less than 10°.

5. The toothbrush according to claim 4, characterized in that, In the central region C, there is a point P on the row of bristle implantation holes extending along the length of the brush head. Point P may or may not be located at the midpoint of the central region C along the length of the brush head. The convex part of the long axis of the hair implantation hole L located from point P to the top of the hair implantation surface is curved towards the top of the hair implantation surface, and the convex part of the long axis of the hair implantation hole L located from point P to the bottom of the hair implantation surface is curved towards the bottom of the hair implantation surface.

6. The toothbrush according to claim 5, except for the hair implantation hole at point P, all hair implantation holes in the central region C are hair implantation holes L, and each hair implantation hole L has the same shape and size, and the angle between the minor axis direction of the hair implantation hole L and the length direction of the brush head is less than 3°.

7. The toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the side region B, each of the hair implantation holes M has the same shape, and the angle between the short axis of the hair implantation hole M and the length direction of the brush head is more than 5°.

8. The toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The total number of hair implantation holes in one of the side regions B is 4 to 30, and all hair implantation holes are hair implantation holes M.

9. The toothbrush according to claim 8, characterized in that, The hair implantation holes M are identical in shape and size, and the minor axis of the hair implantation holes M forms the same angle with the length direction of the brush head. Furthermore, the two side regions B are symmetrical with respect to the center line of the width direction of the brush head.

10. The toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The total number of hair implantation holes in the outer peripheral region A is 10 to 50. The hair implantation holes S in the outer peripheral region A are approximately circular in shape, number more than 8, and are all the same size.

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