Interdental cleaning tools

Abstract

To provide an interdental cleaning tool capable of achieving both easy interdental insertability and tooth plaque scraping properties, and securing sufficiently a massage force on the gum.SOLUTION: An interdental cleaning tool 1 includes: a base material part 10 having a base part 11, and a shaft part 12 extending from the base part 11; and a soft part 20 having a coating part 21 for coating the shaft part 12 for at least 16 mm from the tip to the base end of the shaft part 12, and a plurality of projections 22 projecting from the coating part 21. In an area of the coating part 21 in a range of 15-20 mm from the tip to the base end of the shaft part 12, a ratio of a gross area (A2:mm2) of bottom faces of the projections 22 to be a boundary with the coating part 21 to a surface area (A1:mm2) of the coating part 21 is set to 20-70%.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Interdental cleaning tools for cleaning between teeth have been known. For example, the interdental cleaning tool disclosed in Patent Document 1 comprises a base member made of synthetic resin and a soft member made of elastomer. The base member comprises a flat handle portion as a handle and a thin core base member extending from the tip of the handle. The soft member comprises a covering portion that covers at least a portion of the core base member and a plurality of protrusions protruding from the surface of the covering portion. Each protrusion is formed, for example, in a conical shape. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2013 / 176297 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The core substrate is tapered, with the diameter decreasing toward the tip. The protrusions also become smaller toward the tip of the interdental cleaner, allowing for effective cleaning of relatively narrow to relatively wide interdental spaces. The protrusions of interdental cleaners are not only used for their primary purpose of cleaning between teeth (scraping off plaque), but also for the purpose of massaging the gums by touching them during cleaning, which is particularly needed among middle-aged and older adults whose gums begin to recede. One way to enhance the gum massage effect is to increase the strength (rigidity) of the protrusions, i.e., by increasing the base area of ​​the protrusions. However, this creates a problem in that the relatively large diameter region of the core substrate, e.g., 15 mm or more from the tip to the base, reduces the ease of insertion of the soft part between teeth.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an interdental cleaning tool that is easy to insert between teeth, has the ability to scrape off plaque, and also ensures a sufficient massaging force on the gums. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An interdental cleaning tool according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a substrate portion having a base portion and a stem portion extending from the base portion; a soft portion having a covering portion that covers the stem portion over a range of at least 16 mm from the distal end toward the proximal end of the stem portion, and a plurality of protrusions that protrude from the covering portion; In the region of the coating part within a range of 15 mm to 20 mm from the tip of the shaft to the base end, the surface area of ​​the coating part (A1: mm 2 ) the total area of ​​the bottom of the protrusions that form the boundary with the covering part (A2: mm 2 ) is set to 20% to 70%.

[0007] According to this aspect, based on the results of testing conducted by the inventors, it is possible to provide an interdental cleaning tool that is easy to insert between teeth and easy to scrape off plaque, while also providing sufficient massaging force to the gums.

[0008] In the above embodiment, the surface area of ​​the covering portion (A1: mm 2 ) to the total area of ​​the base of the protrusion (A2: mm 2 It is preferable that the ratio of the surface area of ​​the covering portion (A1: mm 2 ) to the total area of ​​the base of the protrusion (A2: mm 2 It is more preferable that the ratio of ) is set to 30% to 50%. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an interdental cleaning tool that is easy to insert between teeth, has the ability to scrape off plaque, and also ensures a sufficient massaging force on the gums. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing a schematic structure of an interdental cleaning tool according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a plan view showing a schematic structure of an interdental cleaning tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a table showing verification results of Examples and Comparative Examples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, an interdental cleaning tool 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a base member 10 and a soft member 20 that covers at least a portion of the base member 10. The interdental cleaning tool 1 is individually separated from a connecting body 40 formed by connecting, for example, ten interdental cleaning tools 1 in parallel in the short-side direction D1 of the interdental cleaning tool 1 by a pair of connecting members 30, 30 formed on the base member 10.

[0012] The substrate 10 includes a base 11 that is held by the user, and a shaft 12 that extends from the tip of the base 11 in a longitudinal direction D2 that is perpendicular to the lateral direction D1 of the interdental cleaning tool 1 and is inserted between the user's teeth. In this specification, the side from the base 11 toward the shaft 12 is referred to as the tip side, and the side from the shaft 12 toward the base 11 is referred to as the base side.

[0013] The base 11 is formed, for example, in the shape of a flat, expanding plate, and in this embodiment, it is formed, for example, in the shape of a flat rectangular parallelepiped, but it may be formed in any other shape as long as it can be held by a user.

[0014] The stem 12 extends in the longitudinal direction D2 from a tip, which is one end of the base 11. The stem 12 includes a transition portion 13 that extends continuously from the base 11 in the shape of a flat plate, and a tip portion 14 that extends in the shape of a thin shaft from the tip of the transition portion 13 to the tip of the stem 12. The transition portion 13 is formed in a tapered shape such that the width defined in the short direction D1 decreases toward the tip of the stem 12.

[0015] The substrate 10 is molded from, for example, a synthetic resin material. Examples of the synthetic resin material that can be used include polypropylene, polyethylene, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), polybutylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyacetal, and polyamide. Furthermore, a fibrous material such as glass fiber may be added to the synthetic resin material at a ratio of, for example, about 1 to 30% by weight.

[0016] The soft portion 20 includes a covering portion 21 that covers at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the tip portion 14 of the shaft portion 12, and a plurality of protrusions 22 that protrude from the covering portion 21. The protrusions 22 are formed, for example, in a conical shape, and are arranged, for example, in a spiral shape around the axis of the tip portion 14 of the shaft portion 12 from the base end to the tip of the covering portion 21. The height of the protrusions 22 from the outer circumferential surface of the covering portion 21 decreases from the base end to the tip of the covering portion 21.

[0017] The soft portion 20 is formed from a resin material having a hardness lower than that of the synthetic resin material of the base portion 10. An elastomer can be used as the resin material, and examples of the elastomer that can be used include styrene-based elastomers, silicone, olefin-based elastomers, and polyester-based elastomers. The hardness of the elastomer is preferably 10 to 50, and more preferably 10 to 40, in terms of durometer hardness type A (JIS K6253). In this embodiment, the durometer hardness type A is 35.

[0018] In the interdental cleaning tool 1 of this embodiment, the length L1 of the substrate 10 defined in the longitudinal direction D2 is set to, for example, 45 mm to 55 mm. The width W1 of the base 11 defined in the lateral direction D1 is set to, for example, 3 mm to 10 mm. Furthermore, the thickness T1 of the base 11 defined in the thickness direction D3 perpendicular to the lateral direction D1 and the longitudinal direction D2 is set to, for example, 0.5 mm to 10 mm.

[0019] The cross section of tip portion 14 of shaft portion 12, which is perpendicular to the axis of shaft portion 12, is set to be approximately circular. Tip portion 14 is formed in a tapered shape that decreases in diameter from the base end to the tip, and the diameter is set to be, for example, 0.6 mm to 3.0 mm.

[0020] On the other hand, the length from the base end to the tip end of the covering portion 21 defined in the longitudinal direction D2 is set to, for example, 10 mm to 25 mm, and in this embodiment, it is set to, for example, 20 mm. The covering portion 21 is formed to have a uniform thickness at the same position in the longitudinal direction D2, and this thickness is set to, for example, 0.1 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0021] 3, the length L of each protrusion 22 from the bottom surface of the protrusion 22 (i.e., the circular bottom surface of the cone) that forms the boundary with the covering portion 21 (i.e., the height from the bottom surface of the cone to the apex) is set to, for example, 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm. In this embodiment, as is clear from FIG. 3, the length L of each protrusion 22 decreases from the base end of the covering portion 21 toward the tip end.

[0022] The area M of the bottom surface of each protrusion 22 is, for example, 0.05 mm 2 ~0.5mm 2 The area M of the bottom surface of each protrusion 22 also decreases from the base end to the tip end of the covering portion 21, similar to the length L. The area M of the bottom surface of the protrusion 22 (M: mm 2 The ratio (L / M) of the height (L:mm) to the length (L) is, for example, 2 to 10. This ratio (L / M) decreases from the base end of the covering portion 21 toward the tip end.

[0023] In the interdental cleaning tool 1 of this embodiment, the surface area (A1: mm 2 ) to the total area of ​​the bottom surface of the protrusion 22 (A2: mm 2 ) is set to 20% to 70%. Here, the surface area (A1: mm 2 ) corresponds to the total area of ​​the outer surface of the covering portion 21 in the range of 15 mm to 20 mm from the tip to the base end of the shaft portion 12. This surface area (A1: mm 2 ) also includes the area where the protrusions 22 are formed. In this embodiment, this surface area (A1: mm 2 ) is, for example, 26.69 mm 2 The total area of ​​the bottom surface of the protrusion 22 (A2: mm 2 ) is the area (M: mm 2 ) is equivalent to the sum of the total of the protrusions 22 and the base area M of each protrusion 22. The above-mentioned ratio (20% to 70%) is set by increasing the base area M of each protrusion 22 without changing the number of protrusions 22 in the corresponding region of the covering portion 21. In this embodiment, the number of protrusions 22 formed on the outer surface of the covering portion 21 in the range of 15 mm to 20 mm is set to, for example, 19, and the base area (M: mm 2 ) is 0.28mm 2 ~0.98mm 2 That is, the total area of ​​the bottom (A2: mm 2 ) is 5.34mm 2 ~18.69mm 2 By setting this ratio, as will be explained in the verification results below, it is possible to provide an interdental cleaning tool 1 that is easy to insert between teeth, has good plaque scraping properties, and also ensures a sufficient massaging force on the gums. It is more preferable that the ratio of the total area (A2) of the bottom surfaces of the protrusions 22 to the surface area (A1) of the covering portion 21 is set to 25% to 50%, and even more preferably 30% to 50%.

[0024] The present inventors have verified the effects of the interdental cleaning tool 1 of the above embodiment. For the verification, as shown in FIG. 4, interdental cleaning tools according to Examples 1 to 5 and interdental cleaning tools according to Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were manufactured. Specifically, in a region of the covering part ranging from the tip of the shaft to the base end of 15 mm to 20 mm (shaft diameter 1.04 mm to 1.27 mm, covering thickness 0.22 mm), the surface area (A1: mm 2 ) the total area of ​​the base of multiple protrusions (A2: mm 2 ) ratio (A2(mm 2 ) / A1(mm 2 ) × 100) was changed. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, in Comparative Example 1, Example 1, Example 2, Example 3, Example 4, Example 5, and Comparative Example 2, the verification was carried out using interdental cleaning tools with the ratios set to 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 90%, respectively.

[0025] In changing the ratio, in the region of the covering part ranging from 15 mm to 20 mm from the tip of the shaft to the base end, the number of each protrusion remains the same, and the area of ​​the base of the protrusion (M) is changed to 0.22 to 1.26 mm. 2 The length (L) was set to 1.64 to 1.83 mm, and the size of the protrusion was varied. In addition, the surface area (A1) of the outer surface of the covering part was 26.69 mm within a range of 15 mm to 20 mm from the tip of the shaft to the base end. 2 The ratio was set at 19, and 19 protrusions were formed on the outer surface of the area. The specific method for calculating the ratio is as follows. The ratio was rounded down to the nearest whole number. Percentage (%) = A1 (mm 2 ) / A2(mm 2 ) x 100 Comparative Example 1 15% = (4.18 (= 0.22 × 19 pieces)) / (26.69) × 100 Example 1 20% = (5.34 (= 0.28 × 19 pieces)) / (26.69) × 100 Example 2 25% = (6.68 (= 0.35 × 19 pieces)) / (26.69) × 100 Example 3 30% = (8.01 (= 0.42 × 19 pieces)) / (26.69) × 100 Example 4 50% = (13.35 (= 0.70 × 19 pieces)) / (26.69) × 100 Example 5 70% = (18.69 (= 0.98 × 19 pieces)) / (26.69) × 100 Comparative Example 2 90% = (24.03 (= 1.26 × 19 pieces)) / (26.69) × 100

[0026] The inventors asked evaluators (5 people) to use the interdental cleaning tools according to Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 described above and asked them to evaluate the ease of insertion (insertion ability), plaque scraping ability, and massage ability on the gums. The ease of insertion, scraping ability, and massage ability were evaluated on an 11-point scale ranging from 0 to 10 points. 0 points represented "could not be inserted between the teeth," "could not scrape off plaque," or "no massage sensation was obtained," and 10 points represented "could be inserted between the teeth without resistance," "could scrape off plaque comfortably," or "could provide a satisfactory massage."

[0027] The evaluation of ease of insertion, ease of scraping, and massage power calculated based on the above numerical evaluations was carried out with the following criteria: if the average of the evaluators' numerical values ​​was 7.5 points or more, it was marked "◎", if it was 5 points or more but less than 7.5 points, it was marked "○", if it was 2.5 points or more but less than 5 points, it was marked "△", and if it was less than 2.5 points, it was marked "×". Based on the evaluation of ease of insertion, ease of scraping, and massage power, an overall evaluation was carried out according to the following criteria. [Insertability] ◎ Average score of 7.5 or above ○ Average score is 5.0 or more and less than 7.5 △ Average score is between 2.5 and 5.0 × Average score is less than 2.5 [Scraping ability] ◎ Average score of 7.5 or above ○ Average score is 5.0 or more and less than 7.5 △ Average score is between 2.5 and 5.0 × Average score is less than 2.5 [Massage strength] ◎ Average score of 7.5 or above ○ Average score is 5.0 or more and less than 7.5 △ Average score is between 2.5 and 5.0 × Average score is less than 2.5 [comprehensive evaluation] ◎ There is at least one ◎, but there are no △ or × ○ ○ or more △ While there are ○ or ◎, there is also △ × There is even one ×

[0028] As shown in FIG. 4, in Examples 3 and 4, both the insertion and scraping properties were rated as "○" or better, and the massage force was rated as "◎", showing a very good balance, and the overall rating was "◎". According to this result, the surface area of ​​the covering part (A1: mm 2 ) to the total area of ​​the base of the protrusion (A2: mm 2 It can be seen that it is most preferable to set the ratio of ) to 30% to 50%.

[0029] Furthermore, Example 2 was rated as "good" for ease of insertion, scraping ability, and massage power, and was well-balanced next to Examples 3 and 4. The overall rating was "good." According to these results, the surface area of ​​the covering portion (A1: mm 2 ) to the total area of ​​the base of the protrusion (A2: mm 2 It is found that the next most preferable ratio is set to 25% to 50%.

[0030] For Example 1, the insertability is rated as "◎" and the massage power is rated as "○", while the scraping ability is rated as "△", and the overall rating is △. Similarly, for Example 5, the scraping ability and massage power are both rated as "◎", while the insertability is rated as "△", and the overall rating is △, just like Example 1. However, since both have ratings of "○" or "◎" and no ratings of "×", Examples 1 and 5 are also acceptable. According to these results, the surface area of ​​the covering portion (A1: mm 2 ) to the total area of ​​the base of the protrusion (A2: mm 2 It can be seen that the ratio of ( ) may be set to 20% to 70%.

[0031] On the other hand, for Comparative Example 1, the insertability was rated as "◎", while the scraping ability was rated as "×", the massaging ability was rated as "◯", and the overall evaluation was also "×". For Comparative Example 2, the massaging ability was rated as "◎", while the insertability was rated as "×", the scraping ability was rated as "◯", and the overall evaluation was also "×".

[0032] According to the above results, the surface area of ​​the coating (A1: mm 2 ) to the total area of ​​the base of the protrusion (A2: mm 2 ) increases, the density of the protrusions in that area of ​​the covering increases, and the strength (rigidity) of the entire protrusion increases. This means that while scraping and massaging power improve, insertion performance decreases, resulting in a worsening of the balance. On the other hand, the surface area (A1: mm 2 ) to the total area of ​​the base of the protrusion (A2: mm 2 When the ratio of ) becomes smaller, the strength (rigidity) of the entire protrusion decreases, improving insertion, but scraping and massaging power also decrease, which also means that the balance worsens.

[0033] Next, a method for manufacturing the interdental cleaning tool 1 will be described below. First, a molten synthetic resin material is filled into the filling space of a first mold that resembles the outer shape of the base part 10, to form the base part 10. The base part 10 is then removed from the first mold. The molded base part 10 is then placed in the filling space of a second mold that resembles the outer shape of the soft part 20. A molten elastomer is filled into the filling space to form the soft part 20. In this way, the interdental cleaning tool 1 is formed. The interdental cleaning tool 1 is then removed from the second mold.

[0034] The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The elements of the embodiments, as well as their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, etc., are not limited to those illustrated and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, configurations shown in different embodiments can be partially substituted or combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0035] 1... interdental cleaning tool, 10... base material portion, 11... base portion, 12... shaft portion, 20... soft portion, 21... covering portion, 22... protrusion portion, A1... surface area of ​​covering portion, A2... total area of ​​bottom surface of protrusion portion

Claims

1. a base member having a base portion, a transition portion extending from the base portion, and a shaft portion having a tip portion extending axially from a tip of the transition portion; a soft portion having a covering portion that covers the distal end portion over a range of at least 16 mm from the distal end toward the proximal end of the distal end portion, and a plurality of protrusions that protrude from the covering portion; The tip portion has a cross section of a substantially circular shape with a diameter of 0.6 mm to 3.0 mm, and is formed in a tapered shape that decreases in diameter from the base end to the tip, In a region of the covering portion covering the tip portion within a range from a position 15 mm from the tip of the shaft portion toward the base end to a position 20 mm from the tip of the shaft portion toward the base end, a ratio of a total area (A2) of the bottom surfaces of the plurality of protrusions that form boundaries with the covering portion to a surface area (A1) of the covering portion including an area of ​​the bottom surfaces of the protrusions that form boundaries with the covering portion is set to 25% to 50%; the plurality of protrusions are generally conical in shape; The length of the plurality of protrusions is 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm, and the area of ​​the base of the plurality of protrusions is 0.05 mm 2 ~0.5mm 2 and An interdental cleaning tool, wherein the ratio (L / M) of the height to the area of ​​the base of the plurality of protrusions is 2 to 10.

2. 2. The interdental cleaning tool according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the total area (A2) of the bottom surfaces of the plurality of protrusions to the surface area (A1) of the covering portion is set to 30% to 50%.

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