Toothbrush

Abstract

The utility model provides a toothbrush which bends in the long-axis direction and the short-axis direction of a head and can clean tooth surfaces and gaps (tooth neck parts and intertooth parts). A head (10) of a toothbrush (100) is provided with: a first region (R1) in which a plurality of first bristle bundles (13A) are disposed, the first bristle bundles (13A) comprising first bristles having a bristle tip diameter that is a first tip diameter; and a second region (R2) in which a plurality of second bristle bundles (13B) are disposed, the second bristle bundles (13B) comprising second bristles having a bristle tip diameter that is a second tip diameter. The first region has a cross shape extending in both the long-axis direction and the short-axis direction of the head, and the second region is divided into four or more regions by the cross-shaped first region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a toothbrush. Background Art

[0002] Generally, toothbrushes are required to achieve both ease of use in the oral cavity and plaque removal. In particular, toothbrushes are required that can achieve both cleaning of tooth surfaces and spaces (teeth necks, interdental areas).

[0003] In this regard, for example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a toothbrush provided with a central bristle bundle region having a high bristle density and outer bristle bundle regions having a low bristle density.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3146543 Utility Model Content

[0007] Technical problems to be solved by utility models

[0008] Common commercially available toothbrushes have a structure with a bristle portion that is long in the direction of the long axis of the head. As a result, the bristles are continuously present in the brushing (long axis) direction and coaxially, so that the deflection of the bristles in the brushing direction becomes dominant. Therefore, it is assumed that the bristles are difficult to bend in the short axis direction (width direction), and it is difficult for the bristles to reach the tooth surfaces and gaps in a single brushing. In addition, the toothbrush disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used with a contour on the bristle portion, so there is a concern that the reduction in flat surfaces will reduce the actual cleaning feel of the tooth surfaces.

[0009] The present invention is completed to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a toothbrush which is flexible in both the long axis direction and the short axis direction of the head and can clean both the tooth surface and the gap (tooth neck and inter-tooth part).

[0010] Technical solutions to solve problems

[0011] The above-mentioned purpose of the present utility model is achieved through the following means. (1)

[0013] A toothbrush comprising:

[0014] a head having a plurality of hair bundles implanted on a hair implantation surface; and

[0015] a grip portion extending further toward the base end side in the longitudinal direction than the head portion,

[0016] The head has:

[0017] A first region is provided with a plurality of first bristle bundles, wherein the first bristle bundles are composed of first bristles having a bristle tip having a first front end diameter; and

[0018] The second area is provided with a plurality of second bristle bundles, wherein the second bristle bundles are composed of second bristles whose bristle tips have a diameter equal to the second front end diameter.

[0019] The first region is in a cross shape extending along both the long axis and the short axis of the head.

[0020] The second area is divided into four or more areas by the cross-shaped first area. (2)

[0022] The toothbrush according to (1), wherein

[0023] The second hair bundles are arranged in a staggered manner in the long axis direction relative to the arrangement axis of the first hair bundles in the short axis direction.

[0024] The number of the second bristle bundles coaxially arranged in the minor axis direction is smaller than the number of the first bristle bundles coaxially arranged in the minor axis direction and staggered in the major axis direction. (3)

[0026] The toothbrush according to (1) or (2), wherein

[0027] When viewed from above, the second hair bundles are arranged in a staggered manner along the long axis direction.

[0028] The first bristle bundle disposed outermost in the short-axis direction in the first region is disposed more inner in the short-axis direction than the second bristle bundle disposed outermost in the short-axis direction in the second region. (4)

[0030] The toothbrush according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein

[0031] The first bristles are round or semi-conical.

[0032] The second bristles are tapered bristles,

[0033] The first bristles and the second bristles have the same length.

[0034] Utility model effect

[0035] According to the toothbrush described above, the first region is cross-shaped, extending along both the long and short axes of the head, and the second region is divided into four or more regions by the cross-shaped first region. This allows the bristles to flex relative to both the long and short axes of the head. Consequently, a toothbrush can be provided that flexes in both the long and short axes of the head while ensuring a balanced cleaning of the tooth surfaces and gaps (teeth necks and interdental spaces). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 It is a top perspective view of the toothbrush according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a bottom perspective view of the toothbrush according to this embodiment.

[0038] Figure 3 It is a front view of the toothbrush of this embodiment.

[0039] Figure 4 It is a rear view of the toothbrush of this embodiment.

[0040] Figure 5 It is a top view of the toothbrush of this embodiment.

[0041] Figure 6 It is a bottom view of the toothbrush of this embodiment.

[0042] Figure 7 It is a left side view of the toothbrush of this embodiment.

[0043] Figure 8 It is a right side view of the toothbrush of this embodiment.

[0044] Figure 9 It is a partial enlarged view showing the head of the toothbrush according to this embodiment.

[0045] Figure 10 These are images showing semi-tapered hair and tapered hair. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Reference Figures 1 to 9 The following describes the embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that in the description of the drawings, the same elements are marked with the same symbols and repeated descriptions are omitted. For ease of description, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated and sometimes differ from the actual ratios.

[0047] The arrows X1-X2, which constitute the X-axis, marked in each figure, represent the length direction of the toothbrush 100 or the long axis direction of the head 10. The arrow X1 side represents the front end side (head 10 side) of the toothbrush 100, and the arrow X2 side represents the rear end side (grip 30 side) of the toothbrush 100. Furthermore, the arrows Y1-Y2, which constitute the Y-axis, marked in each figure, represent the width direction of the toothbrush 100 or the short axis direction of the head 10. Furthermore, the arrows Z1-Z2, which constitute the Z-axis, marked in each figure, represent the thickness direction of the toothbrush 100.

[0048] In this specification, the top view refers to the view of the toothbrush 100 from the side of the hair-planting surface 11 of the head 10, and the bottom view refers to the view of the toothbrush 100 from the side opposite to the hair-planting surface 11 of the head 10 (see FIG. Figure 5 、 Figure 6 ). Front view refers to viewing from a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the head 10 (refer to Figure 3 ). Figure 4 The rear view shown is Figure 3 The front views shown are represented symmetrically.

[0049] In addition, the "surface" of the holding portion 30 refers to the surface of the head 10 facing in the same direction as the hair-implanted surface 11 on which the hair bundles 13 are implanted, the "back" refers to the surface on the opposite side of the "surface", and the "side" refers to the surface other than the "surface", "back" and the surface on the base end side.

[0050] Regarding the toothbrush 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, please refer to Figures 1 to 9 Provide explanation.

[0051] Figures 1 to 9 The shape of the toothbrush 100 according to this embodiment is shown. Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the toothbrush 100 viewed from above (top perspective view). Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the toothbrush 100 when viewed from below (bottom perspective view). Figure 3 This is a front view of the toothbrush 100 (front view). Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the toothbrush 100 from the back (rear view). Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the toothbrush 100 as viewed from above (top view). Figure 6 A bottom view of the toothbrush 100. Figure 7 A diagram showing the toothbrush 100 from the left (left side view). Figure 8 This is a diagram (right side view) of the toothbrush 100 as viewed from the right side. Figure 9 It is a partially enlarged view showing the head 10 of the toothbrush 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0052] like Figures 1 to 8As shown, the toothbrush 100 includes: a head 10, which is arranged at the front end side in the longitudinal direction and has a bristle-implanted surface 11 on which bristle bundles 13 (first bristle bundles 13A and second bristle bundles 13B) are implanted; a neck 20, which is arranged at the rear end side of the head 10; a grip portion 30, which is arranged at the rear end side of the neck 20; and a transition portion 40, which is arranged between the neck 20 and the grip portion 30. The toothbrush 100 includes a brush body 110, which includes the head 10, the neck 20, the grip portion 30, and the transition portion 40.

[0053] The brush body 110 is integrally formed into a long strip shape as a whole and can be formed using a hard resin. Examples of the hard resin constituting the brush body 110 include polypropylene (PP), polyacetal (POM), polyethylene terephthalate (PCT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin (ABS), cellulose propionate (CP), and polyarylate. In addition, the above-mentioned hard resins can also be biodegradable resins, plant-derived resins, paper-mixed resins, and plant-mixed resins. Among these resins, polypropylene resin (PP) is preferred as the resin that more significantly achieves the effects of the present invention. Therefore, the toothbrush 100 more preferably uses polypropylene (PP) as the hard resin constituting the brush body 110.

[0054] In addition, it is preferable that the entire brush body 110 is formed of the same hard resin. If the brush body 110 is formed of a common hard resin, the force applied to the grip 30 can be appropriately transmitted to the head 10.

[0055] like Figure 1 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the head 10 is disposed on the front end side of the toothbrush 100 and has a structure integrally connected to the neck 20 .

[0056] The head 10 has a hair-planting surface 11 on one side in the thickness direction. The hair-planting surface 11 has a plurality of hair-planting holes 12, and bristle bundles 13 are planted in the hair-planting holes 12. The toothbrush 100 can clean the oral cavity with the hair bundles 13 of the head 10.

[0057] like Figure 9 As shown, the head 10 has: a first area R1, which is configured with a plurality of first bristle bundles 13A, and the first bristle bundles 13A are composed of first bristles whose bristle tips have a diameter of a first front end diameter; and a second area R2, which is configured with a plurality of second bristle bundles 13B, and the second bristle bundles 13B are composed of second bristles whose bristle tips have a diameter of a second front end diameter.

[0058] The first bristle bundles 13A arranged in the first region R1 are used particularly for cleaning tooth surfaces, while the second bristle bundles 13B arranged in the second region R2 are used particularly for cleaning gaps between teeth (teeth necks and interdental areas).

[0059] like Figure 9 As shown, the first region R1 forms a cross shape extending along both the major axis (X1-X2) and the minor axis (Y1-Y2) of the head 10. In other words, the first bristle bundles 13A are arranged in two rows in the minor axis direction, except near the proximal end and near the center. The first bristle bundles 13A are arranged in three rows in the minor axis direction near the proximal end. The first bristle bundles 13A are arranged in four rows in the minor axis direction near the center.

[0060] In addition, if Figure 9 As shown, the second region R2 is divided into four regions by the cross-shaped first region R1. In other words, the second bristle bundles 13B that constitute the second region R2 are not arranged outside the outermost bristle bundles in the major axis direction of the first bristle bundles 13A that constitute the first region R1. Furthermore, the second bristle bundles 13B that constitute the second region R2 are not arranged outside the outermost bristle bundles in the minor axis direction of the first bristle bundles 13A that constitute the first region R1. This structure allows the first bristle bundles 13A in the first region R1 to bend evenly in both the major and minor axis directions due to the cross-shaped first region R1. Furthermore, the second region R2 is divided into four regions by the first region R1. Therefore, during brushing, the second bristle bundles 13B and the first bristle bundles 13A interfere with each other less, making it easier for the second bristle bundles 13B to bend in various directions, including the minor axis direction.

[0061] In this way, the first region R1 is in a cross shape extending along the long axis direction (X1-X2) and the short axis direction (Y1-Y2) of the head 10, and the second region R2 is divided into four regions by the cross-shaped first region R1. This structure has excellent appearance.

[0062] like Figure 9 As shown, the second bristle bundles 13B are arranged offset in the major axis direction relative to the arrangement axis L1 of the first bristle bundles 13A in the minor axis direction. For example, if the second bristle bundles 13B are arranged in the same position relative to the arrangement axis L1 of the first bristle bundles 13A in the minor axis direction without being offset in the major axis direction, when the first bristle bundles 13A are bent in the minor axis direction, the second bristle bundles 13B and the first bristle bundles 13A interfere with each other, making it difficult for the first bristle bundles 13A to bend in the minor axis direction. In contrast, in this embodiment, the second bristle bundles 13B are arranged offset in the major axis direction relative to the arrangement axis L1 of the first bristle bundles 13A in the minor axis direction. Therefore, during brushing, the first bristle bundles 13A and the second bristle bundles 13B do not interfere with each other, and the first bristle bundles 13A and the second bristle bundles 13B are easily bent in various directions, including the minor axis direction.

[0063] In addition, if Figure 9 As shown, the number of the second hair bundles 13B in one second region R2 arranged on the same axis in the short axis direction ( Figure 9 One) is greater than the number of hair bundles arranged on the same axis in the short axis direction in the first hair bundles 13A staggered in the long axis direction ( Figure 9 With this structure, since the second bristle bundles 13B can be arranged sparsely in the short-axis direction relative to the first bristle bundles 13A, the second bristle bundles 13B can provide a gentle contact feel against the gums. Furthermore, since the first bristle bundles 13A can be arranged densely in the short-axis direction relative to the second bristle bundles 13B, the tooth surfaces can be effectively scrubbed, enhancing the feeling of cleanliness on the tooth surfaces.

[0064] In addition, Figure 9 In the top view shown, the second bristle bundles 13B in one second region R2 are arranged in a staggered pattern along the longitudinal direction. This configuration does not hinder the bending of the first bristle bundles 13A because the second bristle bundles 13B are arranged differently from the first bristle bundles 13A constituting the first region R1.

[0065] In addition, if Figure 9 As shown, the first bristle bundles 13A, which are arranged outermost in the short-axis direction in the first region R1, are arranged further inward in the short-axis direction than the second bristle bundles 13B, which are arranged outermost in the short-axis direction in the second region R2. This structure prevents the first bristle bundles 13A in the first region R1 from being arranged outermost. This ensures a gentle contact feel between the second bristle bundles 13B and the gums while preventing interference between the second bristle bundles 13B in the second region R2 and the first bristle bundles 13A in the first region R1 during brushing, allowing them to flex easily in various directions, including the short-axis direction.

[0066] The material of the first bristles constituting the first bristle bundles 13A, the number of bristles per first bristle bundle 13A, the number of arranged first bristle bundles 13A, and the like can be arbitrarily selected.

[0067] The material of the second bristles constituting the second bristle bundles 13B, the number of bristles per second bristle bundle 13B, the number of arranged second bristle bundles 13B, and the like can be arbitrarily selected.

[0068] As the first bristles and the second bristles, for example, bristles that gradually taper toward the tip and are sharpened at the front end (hereinafter referred to as "tapered bristles"), bristles that gradually taper toward the tip and have a front end diameter thicker than that of tapered bristles (hereinafter referred to as "semi-tapered bristles"), and bristles with the front end processed into a hemispherical shape (hereinafter referred to as "round bristles") can be used.

[0069] The semi-tapered hairs can be formed, for example, by partially shaving off the tips of the tapered hairs or adjusting the treatment conditions (time) during the chemical treatment.

[0070] The first bristles constituting the first bristle bundle 13A are preferably round bristles or semi-conical bristles (see Figure 10 ), the second bristles constituting the second bristle bundle 13B are preferably tapered bristles (refer to Figure 10 ). According to this structure, it is possible to take into account both the gentle contact feeling on the gums and the cleaning of the tooth surface and the gap (tooth neck, interdental part). From this point of view, the first bristles are more preferably semi-conical hairs.

[0071] The diameter of the tip of the first bristles is different from the diameter of the tip of the second bristles, and the diameter of the tip of the first bristles is preferably larger than the diameter of the tip of the second bristles. If the first bristles are semi-tapered, the diameter at a point 0.1 mm from the tip to the base is preferably 30 μm at the lower limit and 90 μm at the upper limit. Furthermore, if the second bristles are tapered, the diameter at a point 0.1 mm from the tip to the base is preferably 10 μm at the lower limit and 30 μm at the upper limit.

[0072] The bristles of the first bristle bundle 13A are preferably harder than those of the second bristle bundle 13B. This configuration allows the relatively hard first bristle bundle 13A to improve the cleaning feel of the tooth surface, while the relatively soft second bristle bundle 13B provides a gentle touch to the gums.

[0073] One method of hardening the bristles is to increase their thickness. Specifically, assuming a "normal" bristle hardness, the base diameter of the first bristles in the first bristle tuft 13A is 170 to 200 μm, and the base diameter of the second bristles in the second bristle tuft 13B is 160 to 180 μm. Assuming a "soft" bristle hardness, the base diameter of the first bristles in the first bristle tuft 13A is 140 to 170 μm, and the base diameter of the second bristles in the second bristle tuft 13B is preferably 120 to 160 μm.

[0074] In addition, instead of increasing the thickness of the bristles, the bristles may be hardened by shortening the length of the bristles or roughening the shape of the tip.

[0075] In addition, the diameter of the hair implantation holes 12 of the first hair bundles 13A constituting the first region R1 is preferably larger than the diameter of the hair implantation holes 12 of the second hair bundles 13B constituting the second region R2. According to this structure, by setting the first hair bundles 13A to have a large area, the cleaning feel of the tooth surface can be improved, and by setting the second hair bundles 13B to have a small area, a gentle contact feel can be achieved on the gums.

[0076] The length of the first bristles of the first bristle bundle 13A and the length of the second bristles of the second bristle bundle 13B are preferably the same height (flat). This configuration allows for a clean feel on the tooth surface and uniform deflection of the bristles in the minor axis direction.

[0077] The length of the first and second bristles is not particularly limited, but the lower limit is preferably 9 mm or more, more preferably 10 mm or more, and the upper limit is preferably 12 mm or less. Within this range, the bristles are appropriately flexible, achieving both a firm cleaning feel on the tooth surface and a gentle contact feel on the gums.

[0078] The range of the short axis direction of the head 10 is not particularly limited, but the lower limit is preferably 11 mm or more and the upper limit is preferably 13 mm or less. Within this range, intraoral operability can be ensured.

[0079] The materials of the first and second bristles are generally used for toothbrush bristles and are not particularly limited. Specifically, the bristles may be made of polyamides such as 6-12 nylon and 6-10 nylon; polyesters such as PET, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polypropylene terephthalate (PTT), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), and polybutylene naphthalate (PBN); polyolefins such as PP; and resins such as olefin elastomers and styrene elastomers.

[0080] In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the bristles (specifically, Figure 1 The shape of the first bristles when the imaginary planes in the X and Y directions shown cut through them is preferably a circle, for example.

[0081] It should be noted that the cross-sectional shape of the bristles is not limited to a circle, and may be, for example, an ellipse, a polygon (such as a triangle, a quadrilateral, a pentagon, a hexagon, etc.), or an irregular shape (such as a star, a three-leaf clover, a four-leaf clover, etc.).

[0082] like Figure 1 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the front end of the neck portion 20 is adjacent to the base end of the head portion 10, and the base end is adjacent to the front end of the transition portion 40. The neck portion 20 is formed into a straight line having a vertically flattened (vertically flattened) substantially quadrilateral cross-sectional shape.

[0083] like Figure 1 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the front end of the grip portion 30 is arranged adjacent to the base end of the transition portion 40. The grip portion 30 is gripped by the user with fingers or the like when cleaning (brushing) the oral cavity.

[0084] The grip portion 30 has a straight shape with a substantially quadrilateral cross-section. Note that the term "substantially quadrilateral" means a shape having an angle R of 5.0 or less.

[0085] The gripping portion 30 may be provided with an anti-slip portion 50 on at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface. Figure 1As shown in the figures, the anti-slip portion 50 can be formed by arranging a plurality of pleated areas in parallel in the longitudinal direction. The anti-slip portion 50 is preferably formed in the area on the neck side of the surface of the gripping portion 30 (the area on the front end side of the gripping portion 30). Thus, when the user holds the gripping portion 30 in a palm grip manner, the anti-slip portion 50 abuts against the fingertips of the thumb, so that the gripping portion 30 can be firmly held and the force applied to the gripping portion 30 can be reliably transmitted to the teeth. It should be noted that there are no particular restrictions on the shape, configuration position, material, etc. of the anti-slip portion 50 as long as the structure can obtain the anti-slip function through contact with the fingers when the user holds the gripping portion 30.

[0086] <Transition section>

[0087] The front end of the transition portion 40 is adjacent to the base end of the neck 20, and the base end is adjacent to the front end of the grip 30. In the toothbrush 100, the transition portion 40 connects the neck 20 and the grip 30. The transition portion 40 increases in width and thickness along its longitudinal axis from the neck 20 toward the grip 30.

[0088] As described above, the toothbrush 100 of this embodiment has: a head 10 having a plurality of bristle bundles 13 (13A, 13B) implanted on the bristle implantation surface 11; and a gripping portion 30 extending further toward the base end side in the longitudinal direction than the head 10. The head 10 has: a first region R1, which is configured with a plurality of first bristle bundles 13A, each of which is composed of first bristles having a bristle tip diameter of a first front end diameter; and a second region R2, which is configured with a plurality of second bristle bundles 13B, each of which is composed of second bristles 13B having a bristle tip diameter of a second front end diameter. The first region R1 is in the shape of a cross extending in both the long axis and the short axis of the head 10, and the second region R2 is divided into four or more regions by the cross-shaped first region R1.

[0089] With the toothbrush 100 thus constructed, the first region R1 forms a cross-shaped structure extending along both the long and short axes of the head 10. The second region R2 is divided into four or more regions by the cross-shaped first region R1. This allows the bristle bundles 13 to flex relative to both the long and short axes of the head 10. This allows for a toothbrush that flexes in both the long and short axes of the head 10 while ensuring a balanced cleaning of the tooth surfaces and spaces (teeth necks and interdental spaces).

[0090] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

[0091] For example, in the above embodiment, the second region R2 is divided into four by the first region R1, but the second region may be divided into five or more by the first region. In addition, the number of divisions of the second region by the first region is preferably eight or less.

[0092] Label Description

[0093] 10…head, 11…hair-planting surface, 12…hair-planting pores, 13…hair bundles, 13A…first hair bundles, 13B…second hair bundles, 20…neck, 30…grip portion, 40…transition portion, 100…toothbrush, 110…brush body.

Claims

1. A toothbrush, characterized in that: have: a head having a plurality of hair bundles implanted on a hair implantation surface; and a grip portion extending further toward the base end side in the longitudinal direction than the head portion, The head has: A first region is provided with a plurality of first bristle bundles, wherein the first bristle bundles are composed of first bristles having a bristle tip having a first front end diameter; and The second area is provided with a plurality of second bristle bundles, wherein the second bristle bundles are composed of second bristles whose bristle tips have a diameter equal to the second front end diameter. The first region is in a cross shape extending along both the long axis and the short axis of the head. The second area is divided into four or more areas by the cross-shaped first area.

2. The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein The second hair bundles are arranged in a staggered manner in the long axis direction relative to the arrangement axis of the first hair bundles in the short axis direction. The number of the second bristle bundles coaxially arranged in the minor axis direction is smaller than the number of the first bristle bundles coaxially arranged in the minor axis direction and staggered in the major axis direction.

3. The toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that When viewed from above, the second hair bundles are arranged in a staggered manner along the long axis direction. The first bristle bundle disposed outermost in the short-axis direction in the first region is disposed more inner in the short-axis direction than the second bristle bundle disposed outermost in the short-axis direction in the second region.

4. The toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first bristles are round or semi-conical. The second bristles are tapered bristles, The first bristles and the second bristles have the same length.

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