Interdental cleaning tools

Abstract

To provide an interdental cleaning tool having an improved cleaning ability due to an increased friction resistance with a foreign matter existing in between teeth by a large surface roughness of a brush bristle surface.SOLUTION: An interdental cleaning tool D includes: a body A having a base part 1 and a shaft part arranged in a side of one end of the base part 1; and a cleaning part body 4 formed of an elastic material having a hardness lower than that of the body A, covering a predetermined length extending from a tip end of the shaft part to the base part 1, and having a contour capable of being inserted to between teeth. The cleaning part body 4 consists of: a cover part 41 that is in tight contact with the entire periphery of the predetermined length of the shaft part; and a brush part 42 having a plurality of brush bristles 421 projecting from the cover part 41 to outward. At least one brush bristle 421 of the plurality of brush bristles 421 has a plurality of projections 422 on a surface thereof. The projections 422 are each formed in a columnar shape and / or conical shape having a tip end of a semi-sphere shape.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an interdental cleaning tool for cleaning between teeth. [Background technology]

[0002] Interdental cleaning tools suitable for cleaning between teeth have been known in the past (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The interdental cleaning tool described in Patent Document 1 includes a gripping portion (referred to as a "handle portion" in Patent Document 1) that can be held with the fingers, and a cleaning portion for cleaning between the teeth that is located at the tip of a shaft portion (referred to as a "core portion" in Patent Document 1) that extends from the gripping portion. By inserting the cleaning portion between the teeth and moving it back and forth, foreign matter (such as food debris) caught between the teeth and foreign matter (such as plaque) attached to the teeth can be scraped out and removed.

[0003] The cleaning part of the interdental cleaning tool described in Patent Document 1 is constructed by integrally molding a cleaning body made of an elastomer material on the tip side of a shaft made of synthetic resin. The part of the shaft covered by the cleaning body is formed in a gently tapered shape that decreases in diameter from the base end to the tip end. The cleaning body has a covering part that covers the shaft and multiple brush bristles (referred to as "protrusions" in Patent Document 1) that protrude outward at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the covering part. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2014 / 065368 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the interdental cleaning tool described in Patent Document 1, the multiple bristles of the cleaning body are formed in a conical shape with hemispherically curved tips. The interdental cleaning tool is used by inserting the cleaning part between the teeth and moving it back and forth to clean between the teeth. During this process, frictional resistance between the surfaces of the bristles and the surface of foreign matter (food debris, plaque, etc.) causes the foreign matter to adhere to the bristles and be scraped out as the bristles move out of the gap between the teeth. However, if the surfaces of the bristles are smooth, the frictional resistance between the bristles and the foreign matter is reduced, and even if the foreign matter adheres to the bristles, it will not move with the movement of the bristles. Therefore, even if the bristles move out of the gap between the teeth, the foreign matter may not be scraped out and may remain between the teeth.

[0006] Therefore, there is a demand for an interdental cleaning tool that has improved cleaning ability by increasing the surface roughness of the bristles to increase the frictional resistance between the bristles and foreign matter between the teeth. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An interdental cleaning tool according to one aspect of the present invention is configured to include a main body having a base and a shaft located on one end of the base, and a cleaning body made of an elastic material having a hardness lower than that of the main body, covering a predetermined length from the tip of the shaft toward the base, and having an outer shape that allows insertion between teeth, wherein the cleaning body comprises a covering portion that is in close contact with the entire circumference of the predetermined length of the shaft, and a brush portion having a plurality of bristles that protrude outward from the covering portion and are formed in a conical shape that tapers as it moves away from the covering portion, and at least one of the plurality of bristles has a plurality of protrusions that protrude perpendicular to the surface of the bristles, and the protrusions are cylindrical with hemispherical tips. Shamata is characterized by being formed in a cone shape with a hemispherical tip.

[0008] In this interdental cleaning tool, at least one bristles has multiple protrusions (hereinafter simply referred to as "protrusions") on its surface, which increases the surface roughness of the bristles. Therefore, compared to conventional interdental cleaning tools, when the cleaning part is inserted between the teeth and moved back and forth, the surface of the bristles between the teeth and the protrusions come into close contact with the surface of foreign matter (food debris, plaque, etc.), increasing the contact area between the bristles, including the protrusions, and the foreign matter, resulting in greater frictional resistance between the bristles and the foreign matter compared to conventional interdental cleaning tools without protrusions. As a result, foreign matter between the teeth is scraped out and removed when the bristles slip out of the gap.

[0009] The protrusions also increase the frictional resistance between the bristles and the teeth, which can cause a frictional noise, such as a "squeaking" sound, when the bristles rub against the teeth as the cleaning unit moves back and forth. This gives the user a feeling of cleanliness, as if foreign matter has been removed from between the teeth and the surfaces of the teeth have been cleaned.

[0010] Furthermore, the convex parts increase the surface area of the bristles, ensuring sufficient contact area for adhesion to foreign matter that could not be removed by the bristles of conventional interdental cleaning tools due to insufficient contact area. As a result, the reciprocating movement of the cleaning part between the teeth can effectively scrape and remove foreign matter from between the teeth.

[0011] Furthermore, when the intervals between the plurality of protrusions are short, the scraped foreign matter can be collected in the gaps between the protrusions.

[0012] In this way, by increasing the surface roughness of the brush bristles and increasing the frictional resistance between the bristles and foreign matter between the teeth, an interdental cleaning tool with improved cleaning ability can be provided.

[0013] As another configuration, it is preferable that the plurality of protrusions are arranged in a straight line from the tip of the brush bristles toward the covering portion.

[0014] With this configuration, the convex portion can be brought into close contact with the foreign matter in a straight line, so that the foreign matter can be effectively scraped out and removed from between the teeth.

[0015] As another configuration, it is preferable that the plurality of protrusions are arranged at the front and rear of the brush bristles along a direction from the tip of the shaft portion toward the base portion.

[0016] With this configuration, when the cleaning part of the interdental cleaning tool is inserted between the teeth and moved back and forth, the direction in which the brush bristles bend and the direction in which the convex parts protrude are parallel, making it easier for the convex parts of the brush bristles to come into close contact with foreign matter, and allowing foreign matter to be scraped out and removed from between the teeth more effectively.

[0017] As another configuration, it is preferable that the plurality of protrusions are arranged on the sides of the brush bristles.

[0018] This configuration increases the contact area between the bristles, including the protrusions, and foreign matter, resulting in greater frictional resistance between the bristles and foreign matter compared to conventional interdental cleaning tools without protrusions, allowing foreign matter between the teeth to be scraped out and removed when the bristles slip out of the gaps.

[0019] As another configuration, it is preferable that the plurality of brush bristles are arranged in a spiral shape from the tip of the shaft portion toward the base portion.

[0020] With this configuration, the cleaning portion of the interdental cleaning tool can be easily inserted between the teeth.

[0022] With this configuration, the cleaning portion of the interdental cleaning tool can be easily inserted between the teeth.

[0023] As another configuration, it is preferable that at least one of the plurality of brush bristles further has a plurality of recesses on the surface.

[0024] With this configuration, the brush bristles have at least one of multiple convex portions and multiple concave portions (hereinafter simply referred to as "concave-convex portions"), which increases the surface roughness of the brush bristles. Therefore, compared to conventional interdental cleaning tools, when the cleaning part is inserted between the teeth and moved back and forth, the surface of the brush bristles between the teeth and the convex-convex portions come into close contact with the surface of foreign matter (food debris, plaque, etc.), increasing the contact area between the brush bristles, including the convex-convex portions, and the foreign matter, resulting in greater frictional resistance between the brush bristles and the foreign matter compared to conventional interdental cleaning tools without convex-convex portions. As a result, the foreign matter between the teeth is scraped out and removed when the brush bristles slip out of the gap. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an interdental cleaning tool according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the cleaning unit main body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the cleaning unit main body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a cleaning unit main body according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a cleaning unit main body according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an interdental cleaning tool according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the interdental cleaning tool according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0027] [First embodiment] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the interdental cleaner D according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a main body A in which a base 1 having a grip portion 11 and an extension portion 12, a bending portion 2, and a shaft portion 3 are integrally molded, and a cleaning body 4 made of a soft elastic material having a lower hardness than that of the main body A and covering the shaft portion 3. Hereinafter, the part of the shaft portion 3 covered by the cleaning body 4 and the cleaning body 4 will be collectively referred to as the cleaning portion B. A user uses the interdental cleaner D by holding the grip portion 11 and inserting the cleaning body B between teeth such as back teeth and moving it back and forth. Hereinafter, the interdental cleaner D will be described with the outer side of the bend from the base portion 1 to the bending portion 2 (the right side of the paper in FIG. 1 ) as the dorsal side, and the inner side of the bend (the left side of the paper in FIG. 1 ) as the ventral side.

[0028] The main body A is made of one or a combination of two or more synthetic resins, such as polypropylene, ABS, polybutylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, and polyacetal. In this embodiment, the main body A is made of polypropylene. Furthermore, the synthetic resin that makes up the main body A preferably contains a reinforcing agent to increase rigidity. Examples of reinforcing agents include fibrous reinforcing agents such as glass fiber, nanocellulose fiber, aramid fiber, and carbon fiber; plate-shaped reinforcing agents such as mica and glass frame; powdered reinforcing agents such as talc; and needle-shaped reinforcing agents such as wollastonite. The content of the reinforcing agent is 5% by weight or more and 50% by weight or less, preferably 10% by weight or more and 40% by weight or less, and more preferably 15% by weight or more and 40% by weight or less.

[0029] The soft member that is the material of the cleaning unit body 4 is made of an elastomer having a hardness lower than that of the main body A. As this elastomer, a styrene-based elastomer is preferable, but silicone, olefin-based elastomer, polyester-based elastomer, etc. may also be used.

[0030] In the main body A, the extending portion 12 is configured as a flat rod extending in a first direction Xa from the grip portion 11. The bending portion 2 extends from the end of the extending portion 12 opposite the grip portion 11 and is configured as a flat shape bent from the first direction Xa toward a second direction Xb that intersects with the first direction Xa (in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the inner bending angle is 120 degrees). The intersecting angle (inner bending angle) between the first direction Xa and the second direction Xb is preferably 30 degrees or more and 150 degrees or less, more preferably 80 degrees or more and 140 degrees or less, and even more preferably 100 degrees or more and 130 degrees or less.

[0031] A back portion 5 covered with a soft material is formed on approximately half of the dorsal side of the extending portion 12 and the bending portion 2 of the main body A. On approximately half of the ventral side of the extending portion 12 and the bending portion 2 of the main body A, the synthetic resin is exposed.

[0032] In the main body A, the shaft portion 3 is formed in the shape of a truncated cone rod that gradually tapers in the second direction Xb from the end opposite the extending portion 12 with respect to the bending portion 2 (see FIG. 3). That is, the overall outer shape of the shaft portion 3 has a tapered surface in which the diameter decreases (constricts) at a constant rate from the connection point with the bending portion 2 toward the tip.

[0033] The cleaning unit body 4, made of a soft material, covers the entire outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 3 and has an outer shape that allows it to be inserted between teeth. Together with the shaft portion 3, it constitutes the cleaning unit B. In this embodiment, the cleaning unit body 4 includes a covering portion 41 that covers and adheres to the entire shaft portion 3 in the longitudinal direction (the direction along the second direction Xb), and a brush portion 42 having multiple (numerous) brush bristles 421 protruding outward from the covering portion 41. The covering portion 41 has a thickness smaller than the diameter of the shaft portion 3. The brush bristles 421 of the brush portion 42 are formed in a conical shape that tapers as they move away from the covering portion 41 (as they move radially outward relative to the axis X of the shaft portion 3). The axis X of the shaft portion 3 refers to the axis (center line) that passes through the center of the shaft portion 3. Each brush bristles 421 has multiple protrusions 422 protruding from its surface. In the interdental cleaning tool D according to this embodiment, when the cleaning part B is inserted between the teeth and moves back and forth, the bristles 421 of the brush part 42 each flexibly deform, and the bristles 421, including the covering part 41 and the multiple protrusions 422, come into close contact with the teeth, scraping out and removing foreign matter (food debris, etc.) caught between the teeth and foreign matter (plaque, etc.) adhering to the teeth. The back part 5, which is formed on approximately the back half of the extension part 12 and the bent part 2, is formed integrally with the cleaning part main body 4. The cleaning part main body 4 may be configured to cover a portion of the shaft part 3 from the tip in the longitudinal direction of the shaft part 3.

[0034] Next, a method for manufacturing the interdental cleaning tool D according to this embodiment will be described. The interdental cleaning tool D is manufactured by two-color molding, in which the cleaning body 4 and other components are molded onto the shaft 3 of the main body A made of synthetic resin by a known method such as injection molding. Specifically, the main body A is first formed by a known method such as injection molding. Next, the formed main body A is placed in a two-color molding mold, and molten elastomer is injected into the mold through a gate provided near the tip of the shaft 3 of the main body A to fill it. The filled molten elastomer solidifies and becomes a soft material, forming the cleaning body 4 and the back surface 5. At this time, the multiple protrusions 422 are also integrally formed. In this manner, the interdental cleaning tool D is manufactured.

[0035] Next, the structure of the cleaning body 4 of the interdental cleaning tool D according to this embodiment will be described in detail. As described above, the cleaning body 4 of the interdental cleaning tool D has a covering part 41 that covers the entire circumference and a predetermined length of the shaft part 3 and adheres tightly to it, and a brush part 42 that has a plurality (a large number) of brush bristles 421 that protrude outward from the covering part 41. In this embodiment, the "predetermined length" of the covering part 41 is 10 mm to 30 mm, preferably 15 mm to 25 mm, and more preferably 15 mm to 20 mm.

[0036] As described above, each brush bristle 421 of the brush head 42 has a plurality of protrusions 422 that protrude perpendicularly from the surface. The protrusions 422 are formed in a cylindrical or conical shape with a hemispherical tip, but the shape is not limited thereto. The protrusion height of the protrusions 422 is 0.01 to 1.0 mm, preferably 0.02 to 0.9 mm, and more preferably 0.03 to 0.8 mm.

[0037] The multiple protrusions 422 are arranged in a straight line from the tips 423 of the bristles 421 toward the covering 41. "Straight line" means that when a straight line is drawn along the surface (side) of the brush bristles 421 from the tips 423 toward the covering 41, the multiple protrusions 422 are arranged on the shortest line. In this embodiment, the multiple protrusions 422 are arranged in a straight line at the front, rear, and both side portions of the brush bristles 421 when viewed along the direction from the tip of the shaft 3 toward the base 1. "Arranged at the front and rear" means that, as shown in FIG. 2, the multiple protrusions 422 are arranged so as to protrude in a direction parallel to the shaft center X on two intersecting lines L2, L2 where an imaginary plane P passing through the shaft center X of the shaft 3 and the tips 423 of the brush bristles 421 intersects with the surface (side) of each brush bristles 421 (see also FIG. 3). That is, in a plan view (viewing the axis X from the tip 423 of any brush bristle 421), the multiple protrusions 422 are arranged so as to overlap the axis X. Also, being arranged on "both sides" means that the multiple protrusions 422 are arranged to protrude in a direction perpendicular to the protruding direction of the multiple protrusions 422 arranged at the front and rear, i.e., on two intersecting lines L3, L3 where an imaginary plane (not shown) passing through the tip 423 and perpendicular to the axis X intersects with the surface of each brush bristle 421, and in a direction perpendicular to the axis X. As shown in FIG. 2, all of the multiple brush bristles 421 are arranged in a row on a straight line L1 where the imaginary plane P intersects with the covering portion 41, but this is not a limitation. All of the multiple brush bristles 421 do not have to be arranged in a row on the straight line L1. Also, the multiple protrusions 422 are not limited to being arranged on the front, rear, and side of the brush bristles 421, but may be arranged to protrude in any direction of the brush bristles 421.

[0038] As described above, in the interdental cleaning tool D according to this embodiment, the bristles 421 have a plurality of protrusions 422 on their surfaces, which increases the surface roughness of the bristles 421. Therefore, compared to conventional interdental cleaning tools, when the cleaning part B is inserted between the teeth and moved back and forth, the surfaces of the bristles 421 between the teeth and the protrusions 422 come into close contact with the surface of foreign matter (food debris, plaque, etc.), increasing the contact area between the bristles 421 including the protrusions 422 and the foreign matter, resulting in greater frictional resistance between the bristles 421 and the foreign matter compared to interdental cleaning tools with a conventional structure that do not have the protrusions 422. As a result, the foreign matter between the teeth is scraped out together with the bristles 421 as they move out from between the teeth and is removed from between the teeth.

[0039] Furthermore, the multiple protrusions 422 increase the frictional resistance between the brush bristles 421 and the teeth, which can produce a friction noise, such as a "squeaking" sound, when the brush bristles 421 rub against the teeth during the reciprocating movement of the cleaning unit main body 4. This gives the user a feeling of cleanliness, as if foreign matter has been removed from between the teeth and the surfaces of the teeth have been cleaned.

[0040] Furthermore, because the protrusions 422 increase the surface area of the brush bristles 421, a sufficient contact area can be secured to allow close contact with foreign matter that could not be removed by the bristles of conventional interdental cleaning tools due to insufficient contact area, and therefore the reciprocating movement of the cleaning part B between the teeth can effectively scrape and remove the foreign matter from between the teeth. Also, when the spacing between the multiple protrusions 422 is short, the scraped foreign matter can be captured in the gaps between the protrusions 422.

[0041] Second Embodiment Next, an interdental cleaning tool D according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Unlike the first embodiment, the interdental cleaning tool D according to this embodiment has brush bristles 421 formed with multiple recesses 424 rather than protrusions 422. In the description of this embodiment, parts having the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and a description of the same configuration will be omitted.

[0042] Each brush bristles 421 of the brush head 42 has a plurality of recesses 424 recessed in a direction perpendicular to the surface. The recesses 424 are formed as holes with a bottom. The recess depth of the recesses 424 is 0.01 to 1.0 mm, preferably 0.02 to 0.9 mm, and more preferably 0.03 to 0.8 mm. The shape of the recesses 424 is not particularly limited.

[0043] Similar to the multiple protrusions 422 in the first embodiment, the multiple recesses 424 are linearly arranged from the tip 423 of the brush bristles 421 toward the covering portion 41. The multiple recesses 424 are linearly arranged at the front, rear, and side portions of the brush bristles 421 in the direction from the tip of the shaft 3 toward the base 1. The definitions of "linear," "front," "rear," and "both side portions" are the same as those in the first embodiment. The multiple recesses 424 are not limited to being arranged at the front, rear, and side portions of the brush bristles 421, but may be arranged recessed in any direction of the brush bristles 421.

[0044] The outer diameter of the bristles 421 of the brush portion 42 of the interdental cleaner D according to this embodiment may be the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the bristles 421 of the brush portion 42 of the interdental cleaner D of the first embodiment. If the outer diameter of the bristles 421 of the brush portion 42 of the interdental cleaner D of the first embodiment is made the same, the outer diameter of the entire bristles 421 will be the same as the outer diameter of the bristles of conventional interdental cleaners, so that the cleaning portion B will not have difficulty inserting between teeth and the same operability as before can be maintained.

[0045] As described above, in the interdental cleaning tool D according to this embodiment, the brush bristles 421 have multiple recesses 424 on their surfaces, resulting in a greater surface roughness of the brush bristles 421. Therefore, compared to conventional interdental cleaning tools, when the cleaning part B is inserted between the teeth and moved back and forth, the surfaces of the brush bristles 421 between the teeth and the recesses 424 come into close contact with the surface of foreign matter (food debris, plaque, etc.). This increases the contact area between the brush bristles 421, including the recesses 424, and the foreign matter, resulting in greater frictional resistance between the brush bristles 421 and the foreign matter compared to conventional interdental cleaning tools that do not have the recesses 424. As a result, the foreign matter between the teeth is scraped out together with the brush bristles 421 as they move out of the spaces between the teeth and removed from between the teeth. Furthermore, the scraped foreign matter can be collected in the multiple recesses 424, allowing for the foreign matter to be removed.

[0046] Furthermore, the multiple recesses 424 increase the frictional resistance between the brush bristles 421 and the teeth, which can produce a friction noise, such as a "squeaking" sound, when the brush bristles 421 rub against the teeth during the reciprocating movement of the cleaning unit body 4. This gives the user a feeling of cleanliness, as if foreign matter has been removed from between the teeth and the surfaces of the teeth have been cleaned.

[0047] Furthermore, the recesses 424 increase the surface area of the brush bristles 421, ensuring sufficient contact area for tight contact with foreign matter that could not be removed by the brush bristles of conventional interdental cleaning tools due to insufficient contact area, and therefore the reciprocating movement of the cleaning part B between the teeth can effectively scrape and remove the foreign matter from between the teeth.

[0048] Other Embodiments (a) In the first embodiment, the convex portions 422 have a cylindrical shape, but the shape is not limited to this. The convex portions 422 may have a prismatic shape. The convex portions 422 may also have a conical or pyramidal shape. The convex portions 422 may have any shape as long as the surface area of the brush bristles 421 is increased.

[0049] (b) In the second embodiment, the recess 424 has a circular cross section, but this shape is not limited to this. The recess 424 may have a rectangular cross section. The recess 424 may also be a tapered hole whose cross-sectional area decreases from the surface to the bottom. The recess 424 may have any shape as long as the surface area of the brush bristles 421 increases.

[0050] (c) In the first and second embodiments, the plurality of convex portions 422 and the plurality of concave portions 424 are arranged linearly from the tip 423 of the brush bristles 421 toward the covering portion 41, but this arrangement is not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of convex portions 422 and the plurality of concave portions 424 may be arranged spirally on the surface (side surface) of the brush bristles 421 from the tip 423 of the brush bristles 421 toward the covering portion 41. The arrangement of the plurality of convex portions 422 and the plurality of concave portions 424 is arbitrary and can be arranged freely.

[0051] (d) In the first and second embodiments, each of the bristles 421 of the brush unit 42 has either a convex portion 422 or a concave portion 424. However, this is not limiting. For example, the bristles 421 of the brush unit 42 may be composed of only bristles 421 each having both a plurality of convex portions 422 and a plurality of concave portions 424. In particular, by arranging a plurality of concave portions 424 in areas of the bristles 421 of the first embodiment where no convex portions 422 are arranged (i.e., areas of the bristles 421 with smooth surfaces), the concave portions 424 can be arranged without reducing the number of convex portions 422. This increases the surface roughness and surface area of the bristles 421 compared to the bristles 421 of the first embodiment, thereby ensuring a larger contact area with foreign matter between the teeth and allowing for closer contact. As a result, the reciprocating movement of the cleaning unit B between the teeth can more effectively scrape and remove foreign matter from between the teeth. Moreover, both the convex portion 422 and the concave portion 424 may be freely arranged.

[0052] (e) The multiple brush bristles 421 of the brush part 42 may be arranged in a combination of any two or more types of brush bristles 421 selected from the group consisting of brush bristles 421 having only multiple convex portions 422, brush bristles 421 having only multiple concave portions 424, brush bristles 421 having both multiple convex portions 422 and multiple concave portions 424, and brush bristles 421 having a smooth surface with neither convex portions 422 nor concave portions 424. The arrangement of the convex portions 422 and concave portions 424 of the brush bristles 421 in the brush part 42 and the combination of these brush bristles 421 are arbitrary.

[0053] (f) As shown in FIG. 6, the interdental cleaning tool D does not have the bent portion 2 of the first embodiment, and may instead be configured with a linear main body A in which a base portion 1 having a grip portion 11 and an extension portion 12 and a shaft portion 3 are integrally molded. In the interdental cleaning tool D according to this embodiment, the cleaning body 4 is formed only on a portion (an example of a predetermined length) from the tip of the shaft portion 3. In this case, the shapes of the shaft portion 3 and the cleaning body 4 can be any of the shapes of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and other embodiments (a) to (e) described above. Thus, as long as the shapes of the shaft portion 3 and the cleaning body 4 are as described above, the shape of the main body A is arbitrary. [Industrial Applicability]

[0054] The present invention can be used in an interdental cleaning tool for cleaning between teeth. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1: Base 3: Shaft 4: Cleaning unit body 41: Covering part 42: Brush section 421:Brush hair 422: Convex part 423: Tip 424: Recess A: Main body D: Interdental cleaning tool

Claims

1. a main body having a base and a shaft disposed on one end of the base; a cleaning part body made of an elastic material having a hardness lower than that of the main body, covering a predetermined length from the tip of the shaft part toward the base part, and having an outer shape that can be inserted between teeth, the cleaning unit body comprises a covering portion in close contact with the entire circumference of the shaft portion over the predetermined length, and a brush portion having a plurality of brush bristles projecting outward from the covering portion and formed in a conical shape that tapers as it moves away from the covering portion; At least one of the plurality of brush bristles has a plurality of protrusions protruding perpendicularly to a surface of the brush bristles, The protrusions are formed in the shape of a cylinder with a hemispherical tip or a cone with a hemispherical tip.

2. The interdental cleaning tool according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of protrusions are arranged in a straight line from the tip of the brush bristles toward the covering portion.

3. The interdental cleaning tool according to claim 2 , wherein the plurality of protrusions are arranged at the front and rear of the brush bristles along a direction from the tip of the shaft toward the base.

4. The interdental cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of protrusions are arranged on the sides of the brush bristles.

5. The interdental cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of brush bristles are arranged in a spiral shape from the tip of the shaft portion toward the base portion.

6. The interdental cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the plurality of bristles further has a plurality of recesses on a surface thereof.

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