toothbrush

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush in which movement of the bristles is suppressed to less than or equal to the yield point of the bristle material. This toothbrush is provided with a head part having a bristle implant surface, and a handle part connected to the head part. In frontal view seen from the front side facing the bristle implant surface, the head part is provided in multiple bristle implant parts which are disposed in bristle implant region, comprise independent single bristle bundles and are in a planar shape. In the head part, the ratio of the total surface area of the multiple bristle implant parts to the surface area of the bristle implant region surrounded by a contour that connects the outermost part of the multiple bristle implant parts, is 70%-99%. The bristle implant parts have opposing bristle implant parts facing each other via gaps extending in a straight line and no more than 1 mm wide. The ratio of the total surface area of the opposing bristle implant parts to the total surface area of the multiple bristle implantation parts is 70% or greater. Of the regions surrounded by the contour that connects the outermost part of the opposing bristle implant parts, the surface area of the largest region is greater than or equal to 50mm2, and the number of implanted bristles is 20 / mm2 to 80 / mm2.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a toothbrush. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-214445, filed on December 24, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known that prolonged use of a toothbrush causes the bristles to spread apart, reducing the toothbrush's inherent cleaning effectiveness. To address the issue of bristles opening, a toothbrush has been disclosed that uses polyester bristles to ensure durability in opening the bristles, and improves resistance to bristles breaking by using a soft resin around the opening edge of the handle body, where bristles are prone to breaking (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] However, the above-mentioned conventional techniques require the use of bristles made of a specific material, which poses a problem of lack of versatility in the bristles' material. Furthermore, a document has been disclosed in which the durability of the bristle opening is improved by specifying the driving depth of the flat wire (for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-6937 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-183275 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, if there is a space between the bristles that exceeds the yield point of the bristles material, the bristles may move too much and open up.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush that can suppress the movement of bristles to below the yield point of the bristle material. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a hair brush comprises a head portion having a tufting surface and a handle portion connected to the head portion, wherein the head portion, in a front view from a front side opposite the tufting surface, comprises a plurality of tufting portions each formed of a single tuft of bristles and arranged in an independent planar shape in the tufting area, the proportion of the total area of ​​the tufting portions to the area of ​​the tufting area surrounded by an outline connecting the outermost contours of the tufting portions is 70% or more and 99% or less, the plurality of tufting portions have opposing tufting portions that extend linearly and face each other with a gap having a width of 1 mm or less, the proportion of the total area of ​​the opposing tufting portions to the total area of ​​the plurality of tufting portions is 70% or more, and the area of ​​the largest area surrounded by an outline connecting the outermost contours of the opposing tufting portions is 50 mm or less. 2 The number of fibers per unit area of ​​the fiber-implanted surface is 20 fibers / mm 2 Over 80 lines / mm 2 A toothbrush is provided, characterized in that:

[0008] In the toothbrush according to the above aspect of the present invention, the plurality of bristle implants have a minimum width of 3 mm or more and an area of ​​5 mm 2 The above first flocking part and the minimum width less than 3 mm and area 15 mm 2 The second bristle implantation portion is less than 1 / 2 inch in length and has a rectangular shape when viewed from the front.

[0009] In addition, in the toothbrush according to one aspect of the present invention, the first bristle portions are arranged in plurality in the longitudinal direction of the head portion.

[0010] In the toothbrush according to one aspect of the present invention, the second bristle portion has a long side facing the first bristle portion.

[0011] In the toothbrush according to the above aspect of the present invention, the first bristle portions and the second bristle portions are arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction.

[0012] In addition, in the toothbrush according to one aspect of the present invention, the minimum width is less than 3 mm and the area is 5 mm 2 Above, 30mm 2 The third bristle-implanted portion has a side longer than the other sides thereof facing the first bristle-implanted portion.

[0013] Furthermore, in the toothbrush according to one aspect of the present invention described above, the third bristle implantation portion extends in a direction along the longitudinal axis direction, and is positioned opposite at least one of the first bristle implantation portion and the second bristle implantation portion at the outermost side in the width direction parallel to the bristle implantation surface and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction.

[0014] In addition, in the toothbrush according to one aspect of the present invention, at least one of the first bristle portions has at least one side that is curved convexly toward the outer periphery of the head portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] In the present invention, the movement of the hair can be suppressed to below the yield point of the hair material. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a partial front view of a toothbrush 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partial front view of a toothbrush 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] An embodiment of the toothbrush of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. The following embodiment shows one aspect of the present invention, does not limit the present invention, and can be modified as desired within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. In addition, in the following drawings, the scale and number of each structure are different from the actual structure to make each configuration easier to understand.

[0018] [First embodiment of toothbrush] FIG. 1 is a partial front view of a toothbrush 1 according to a first embodiment. Toothbrush 1 has a head 3 having a bristle surface 2, and a handle 4 connected to head 3. Head 3 has bristle surface 2 on the front side. Head 3 is located at the tip side of handle 4 in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in FIG. 1).

[0019] In the following explanation, the direction parallel to the flocking surface 2 and perpendicular to the long axis direction (the up-down direction in Fig. 1) will be referred to as the short axis direction. In Fig. 1, the upper side of the short axis direction will be referred to as one widthwise side, and the lower side will be referred to as the other widthwise side. In addition, the side opposite the flocking surface 2 will be referred to as the front side, and the side opposite the front side will be referred to as the back side, as appropriate. In the long axis direction, the side where the head portion 3 is arranged relative to the handle portion 4 will be referred to as the tip side, and the side where the handle portion 4 is arranged will be referred to as the rear side.

[0020] The head unit 3 has an oval shape, for example, extending in the longitudinal direction when viewed from the front side. The shape of the head unit 3 when viewed from the front side is not limited to an oval shape, and any shape such as an ellipse or a rectangle can be selected. The head unit 3 has a plurality of bristle-implanted portions 10 on the bristle-implanted surface 2. The bristle-implanted portions 10 are provided in an independent planar shape with a single bristle bundle. The bristle-implanted portions 10 have a plurality of first bristle-implanted portions A1, A2, A3, a plurality of second bristle-implanted portions B1, B2, B3, and a plurality of third bristle-implanted portions C1, C2.

[0021] The first bristle-implanted sections A1, A2, and A3 are arranged side by side in the long axis direction at the center position in the short axis direction. The first bristle-implanted sections A1, A2, and A3 are primarily intended to clean smooth areas such as tooth surfaces. The first bristle-implanted sections A1, A2, and A3 are provided for the purpose of improving bristle opening durability by suppressing the movement of the bristles below the yield point of the bristle material while maintaining brushing performance. The first bristle-implanted sections A1, A2, and A3 each have a minimum width of 3 mm or more and an area of ​​5 mm 2 As a result, the first hair-implanted portions A1, A2, and A3 have a rectangular shape extending in the minor axis direction when viewed from the front. The areas of the first hair-implanted portions A1, A2, and A3 are each 20 mm 2 More preferably, it is equal to or greater than this.

[0022] The second flocking sections B1, B2, and B3 each have a minimum width of less than 3 mm and an area of ​​15 mm 2 The second bristle parts B1, B2, B3 are rectangular and extend in the minor axis direction when viewed from the front. The second bristle parts B1, B2, B3 are primarily intended for cleaning between teeth. The second bristle parts B1, B2, B3 are designed to be easy to insert between teeth, improve fit to the dentition including between teeth, and suppress the movement of the bristles below the yield point of the bristle material, thereby improving bristle opening durability. The area of ​​the second bristle parts B1, B2, B3 is 10 mm 2 The following is more preferable from the viewpoint of a good fit to the dentition. The second bristle portions B1, B2, and B3 are arranged in the long axis direction at the center positions in the short axis direction. The first bristle portions A1, A2, and A3 and the second bristle portions B1, B2, and B3 are arranged alternately in the long axis direction.

[0023] The third bristle sections C1 and C2 are primarily intended to clean the cervical area. The third bristle sections C1 and C2 have excellent insertability into the cervical area, improving fit to the dentition, while suppressing the movement of the bristles below the yield point of the bristle material, improving bristle opening durability. The third bristle sections C1 and C2 each have a minimum width of less than 3 mm and an area of ​​5 mm. 2 Above, 30mm 2 The area of ​​the third flocking parts C1 and C2 is 10 mm 2 Over 20mm 2It is more preferable that the third bristle implantation portions C1 and C2 each have a shape in which two curves that are convexly curved outward in the minor axis direction of the head portion 3 and extend along the major axis direction are connected in the major axis direction. The third bristle implantation portions C1 and C2 are arranged at the outermost positions in the minor axis direction.

[0024] The first bristle-implanted portion A1, which is located closest to the tip in the long axis direction, faces the second bristle-implanted portion B1 via a gap 51. The gap 51 is 1 mm or less in width and extends linearly in the short axis direction. Each of the four corners of the first bristle-implanted portion A1 is rounded.

[0025] The first bristle-implanted portion A2 is disposed on the rear end side of the second bristle-implanted portion B1 in the longitudinal direction. The first bristle-implanted portion A2 faces the second bristle-implanted portion B1 in the longitudinal direction across a gap 52. That is, the long side of the second bristle-implanted portion B1 faces the first bristle-implanted portion A2 across the gap 52. The gap 52 has a width of 1 mm or less (for example, 0.4 mm) and extends linearly in the minor axis direction.

[0026] The second bristle-implanted portion B2 is disposed on the rear end side of the first bristle-implanted portion A2 in the longitudinal direction. The first bristle-implanted portion A2 faces the second bristle-implanted portion B2 in the longitudinal direction across a gap 53. That is, the long side of the second bristle-implanted portion B2 faces the first bristle-implanted portion A2 across the gap 53. The gap 53 has a width of 1 mm or less (for example, 0.4 mm) and extends linearly in the minor axis direction.

[0027] At least one side of the first bristle-implanted portion A2 is curved convexly toward the outer periphery of the head portion 3. Both sides of the first bristle-implanted portion A2 in the short axis direction are curved convexly toward the outer periphery of the head portion 3 in the short axis direction. The first bristle-implanted portion A2 faces the third bristle-implanted portion C1 on one side in the short axis direction, with a gap 58 interposed therebetween. The gap 58 has a width of 1 mm or less (for example, 0.4 mm) and extends along the long axis direction in a curved shape that convexly curves toward the outside in the short axis direction of the head portion 3. The first bristle-implanted portion A2 faces the third bristle-implanted portion C2 on the other side in the short axis direction, with a gap 59 interposed therebetween. The gap 59 has a width of 1 mm or less (for example, 0.4 mm) and extends along the long axis direction in a curved shape that convexly curves toward the outside in the short axis direction of the head portion 3.

[0028] Therefore, the first bristle-implanted portion A2 faces the second bristle-implanted portions B1 and B2 in the longitudinal direction through gaps 52 and 53, and faces the third bristle-implanted portions C1 and C2 in the longitudinal direction through gaps 58 and 59.

[0029] The first bristle-implanted portion A3 is disposed on the rear end side of the second bristle-implanted portion B2 in the longitudinal direction. The first bristle-implanted portion A3 faces the second bristle-implanted portion B2 in the longitudinal direction across a gap 54. That is, the long side of the second bristle-implanted portion B2 faces the first bristle-implanted portion A3 across the gap 54. The gap 54 has a width of 1 mm or less (for example, 0.4 mm) and extends linearly in the minor axis direction.

[0030] The second bristle-implanted portion B3 is disposed on the rear end side of the first bristle-implanted portion A3 in the longitudinal direction. The first bristle-implanted portion A3 faces the second bristle-implanted portion B3 in the longitudinal direction across a gap 55. That is, the long side of the second bristle-implanted portion B3 faces the first bristle-implanted portion A3 across the gap 55. The gap 55 has a width of 1 mm or less (for example, 0.4 mm) and extends linearly in the minor axis direction.

[0031] At least one side of the first bristle-implanted portion A3 is curved convexly toward the outer periphery of the head portion 3. Both sides of the first bristle-implanted portion A3 in the short axis direction are curved convexly toward the outer periphery of the head portion 3 in the short axis direction. The first bristle-implanted portion A3 faces the third bristle-implanted portion C1 on one side in the short axis direction, with a gap 62 interposed therebetween. The gap 62 has a width of 1 mm or less (for example, 0.4 mm) and extends along the long axis direction in a curved shape that convexly curves toward the outside in the short axis direction of the head portion 3. The first bristle-implanted portion A3 faces the third bristle-implanted portion C2 on the other side in the short axis direction, with a gap 63 interposed therebetween. The gap 63 has a width of 1 mm or less (for example, 0.4 mm) and extends along the long axis direction in a curved shape that convexly curves toward the outside in the short axis direction of the head portion 3.

[0032] Therefore, the first bristle-implanted portion A3 faces the second bristle-implanted portions B2 and B3 in the longitudinal direction through gaps 54 and 55, and faces the third bristle-implanted portions C1 and C2 in the longitudinal direction through gaps 62 and 63.

[0033] The third bristle-implanted portion C1 faces the second bristle-implanted portion B1, the first bristle-implanted portion A2, the second bristle-implanted portion B2, the first bristle-implanted portion A3, and the second bristle-implanted portion B3 in the short axis direction, in that order from the tip side in the long axis direction. More specifically, the third bristle-implanted portion C1 faces the second bristle-implanted portion B1 in the short axis direction at the tip side in the long axis direction, with a gap 56 interposed therebetween. The gap 56 has a width of 1 mm or less (0.4 mm, for example) and extends linearly in the long axis direction.

[0034] The third bristle-implanted portion C1 faces the first bristle-implanted portion A2 in the short axis direction, with a gap 58 between them, at a position further rearward in the long axis direction than the second bristle-implanted portion B1. The third bristle-implanted portion C1 faces the second bristle-implanted portion B2 in the short axis direction, with a gap 60 between them, at a position further rearward in the long axis direction than the first bristle-implanted portion A2. The gap 60 has a width of 1 mm or less (for example, 0.4 mm) and extends linearly in the long axis direction. The third bristle-implanted portion C1 faces the first bristle-implanted portion A3 in the short axis direction, with a gap 62 between them, at a position further rearward in the long axis direction than the second bristle-implanted portion B2. The third bristle-implanted portion C1 faces the second bristle-implanted portion B3 in the short axis direction, with a gap 64 between them, at a position further rearward in the long axis direction than the first bristle-implanted portion A3. The gap 64 has a width of 1 mm or less (for example, 0.4 mm) and extends linearly in the long axis direction.

[0035] The third bristle-implanted portion C2 faces the second bristle-implanted portion B1, the first bristle-implanted portion A2, the second bristle-implanted portion B2, the first bristle-implanted portion A3, and the second bristle-implanted portion B3 in the short axis direction, in that order from the tip side in the long axis direction. More specifically, the third bristle-implanted portion C2 faces the second bristle-implanted portion B1 in the short axis direction at the tip side in the long axis direction, with a gap 57 interposed therebetween. The gap 57 has a width of 1 mm or less (for example, 0.4 mm) and extends linearly in the long axis direction.

[0036] The third bristle-implanted portion C2 faces the first bristle-implanted portion A2 in the short axis direction, with a gap 59 between them, at a position further rearward in the long axis direction than the second bristle-implanted portion B1. The third bristle-implanted portion C2 faces the second bristle-implanted portion B2 in the short axis direction, with a gap 61 between them, at a position further rearward in the long axis direction than the first bristle-implanted portion A2. The gap 61 has a width of 1 mm or less (for example, 0.4 mm) and extends linearly in the long axis direction. The third bristle-implanted portion C2 faces the first bristle-implanted portion A3 in the short axis direction, with a gap 63 between them, at a position further rearward in the long axis direction than the second bristle-implanted portion B2. The third bristle-implanted portion C2 faces the second bristle-implanted portion B3 in the short axis direction, with a gap 65 between them, at a position further rearward in the long axis direction than the first bristle-implanted portion A3. The gap 65 has a width of 1 mm or less (for example, 0.4 mm) and extends linearly in the long axis direction.

[0037] Therefore, the third bristle-implanted portions C1 and C2 have sides (curves) that are longer than the sides facing the second bristle-implanted portions B1, B2 and B3, which face the first bristle-implanted portions A2 and A3, respectively.

[0038] As described above, the first hair-implanted portions A1, A2, A3, the second hair-implanted portions B1, B2, B3, and the third hair-implanted portions C1, C2 constituting the hair-implanted portion 10 all constitute opposing hair-implanted portions that face at least one of the other hair-implanted portions 10 via at least one of the gaps 51 to 65 having a width of 1 mm or less. That is, in this embodiment, the total area of ​​the opposing hair-implanted portions is the total area of ​​the hair-implanted portion 10. Therefore, in this embodiment, the total area of ​​the opposing hair-implanted regions of the hair-implanted surface 2, including the gaps 51 to 65 surrounded by the outlines connecting the outermost contours of the opposing hair-implanted portions, is the area of ​​the largest region surrounded by the outlines connecting the outermost contours of the opposing hair-implanted portions. Furthermore, by providing a gap of 1 mm or less between each of the first bristle-implanted sections A1, A2, A3, the second bristle-implanted sections B1, B2, B3, and the third bristle-implanted sections C1, C2, the bristle bundles of each bristle-implanted section can be made independent to clarify the above-mentioned roles, and (due to the narrow gap width) the brushability of the entire bristle-implanted section can be maintained while the movement of the bristles is suppressed below the yield point of the bristle material, thereby improving the bristle opening durability.

[0039] The largest area of ​​the area enclosed by the outline connecting the outermost edges of the opposing bristles is 50 mm, from the viewpoint of improving the durability of the bristles to open and improving the fit to the teeth. 2 It is preferable that the thickness is 100 mm or more. 2 More preferably, it is 150 mm or more. 2 More preferably, it is equal to or greater than this. The largest area of ​​the area enclosed by the outline of the outermost periphery of the opposing flocking section is 50 mm 2 If the bristle width is less than this, the proportion of bristles that move beyond the yield point of the bristle material increases, which may reduce the bristle opening durability. The area of ​​the largest area enclosed by the outline connecting the outermost edges of the opposing flocking parts is 50mm 2 By doing so, the durability of the bristle opening can be improved.

[0040] The ratio of the total bristle bundle area of ​​the bristle implanted portion 10 to the total area of ​​the implanted region 10A (hair implantation density) is preferably 70% or more and 99% or less, and more preferably 80% or more and 99% or less. If the ratio of the total area of ​​the bristle implanted portion 10 is less than 70%, the area occupied by gaps will be large, increasing the possibility that spaces exceeding the yield point of the bristle material will exist between the bristles, reducing bristle spread durability and possibly reducing fit to the dentition. If the ratio of the total area of ​​the bristle implanted portion 10 exceeds 99%, there will be too little space for the bristles to move, potentially reducing brushability. By setting the ratio of the total area of ​​the bristle implanted portion 10 to the area including the gaps 51-65 surrounded by the outline connecting the outermost edges of the bristle implanted portion 10 to 70% or more and 99% or less, brushability can be maintained while suppressing bristles' movement below the yield point of the bristle material, improving bristle spread durability and improving fit to the dentition.

[0041] From the viewpoint of improving the durability of the bristle opening, the ratio of the total area of ​​the opposing bristle implanted portions to the total area of ​​the bristle implanted portion 10 is preferably 70% or more (100% in this embodiment). If the ratio of the total area of ​​the opposing bristle implantation portion to the total area of ​​the bristle implantation portion 10 is less than 70%, the proportion of bristles that move beyond the yield point of the bristle material will increase, which may reduce the bristle opening durability. By making the ratio of the total area of ​​the opposing bristle implantation parts to the total area of ​​the bristle implantation part 10 70% or more, the proportion of bristles that move beyond the yield point of the bristle material can be suppressed, and the bristle opening durability can be improved.

[0042] When the hair implantation section 10 has non-opposing hair implantation sections that do not correspond to the opposing hair implantation sections, it is preferable that the ratio of the total area of ​​the non-opposing hair implantation sections to the total area of ​​the hair implantation section 10 is 10% or less. When there are multiple non-opposing hair implantation sections, it is preferable to disperse each section and not gather them together, from the viewpoint of reducing the proportion of hairs that move beyond the yield point of the hair material.

[0043] The number of hairs planted per unit area of ​​the planted surface 2, including the head edge, is 20 / mm 2 Over 80 lines / mm 2 It is preferable that the number of fibers is 25 or less per mm. 2 Over 70 lines / mm 2 More preferably, it is 30 lines / mm or less. 2 Over 70 lines / mm 2 It is even more preferable that: The number of fibers planted per unit area of ​​the planted surface 2, including the head edge, is 20 / mm 2 If the bristle density is less than 80 / mm, the proportion of bristles that move beyond the yield point of the bristle material will increase, which may reduce the bristle opening durability. 2 If the thickness exceeds this, there will be less space for the bristle material to move, which may result in a poor fit to the dentition.

[0044] As described above, the width of the gaps 51 to 65 is preferably 1 mm or less, more preferably 0.8 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.5 mm or less. By making the width of the gaps 51 to 65 1 mm or less, the space exceeding the yield point of the bristle material can be reduced, thereby improving the durability of the bristle opening.

[0045] The bristles constituting the bristle bundles of the first bristle-implanted sections A1, A2, A3, the second bristle-implanted sections B1, B2, B3, and the third bristle-implanted sections C1, C2 include straight bristles, bristles whose diameter gradually decreases toward the tip (tapered bristles), bristles with branched tips, spiral bristles, and bristles with irregular cross sections. In terms of cleaning effectiveness around the orthodontic appliance and the cervical region of the teeth, the bristles constituting the bristle bundles are preferably tapered bristles. By using tapered bristles, the bristles can reach fine areas while maintaining scraping power, improving cleaning effectiveness. Examples of the tip shape of the bristle bundle include flat cut, mountain cut, convex, and concave shapes. By making the tip shape of the bristle bundle mountain cut or hill-shaped, the bristles can reach fine areas, improving cleaning effectiveness.

[0046] Although there are no particular limitations on the material of the bristle bundles, examples of suitable materials include synthetic resin materials such as polyamide (e.g., 6-12 nylon, 6-10 nylon), polyester (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate), polyolefin (e.g., polypropylene), elastomer (e.g., olefin-based, styrene-based), etc. A combination of these resin materials may also be used, and different resin materials may be used for the core and sheath, such as in a core-sheath structure.

[0047] The bristle diameter of the bristles constituting the bristle bundle is, for example, 4 to 7 mils (1 mil = 1 / 1000 inch = 0.025 mm). If it is 4 mils or more, the bristles have enough stiffness to clean the cervical area well, and if it is 7 mils or less, the bristles have enough flexibility to reduce irritation to the gums, etc. Note that the bristle diameter of tapered bristles is the diameter at the base.

[0048] The material of the handle portion 4 is not particularly limited, and it is preferable to use, for example, polypropylene (PP) resin, polyacetal (POM) resin, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, or the like.

[0049] Methods for fixing the bristle bundles of the first bristle-implanted sections A1, A2, A3, the second bristle-implanted sections B1, B2, B3 and the third bristle-implanted sections C1, C2 to the bristle-implanted surface 2 include a thermal fusion method (pressure-temperature-time (PTt) method) in which the molten section at the bottom of the bristle bundle is pressed into molten resin that will become the head section 3 to fix it, and an in-mold method in which the bottom of the bristle bundle is heated to form a molten mass, and then the molten resin is injected into a mold to form the head section.

[0050] As described above, the toothbrush 1 of this embodiment can suppress the movement of the bristles to below the yield point of the bristle material, improving the durability of the bristles to open, and also improving the fit to the dentition.

[0051] [Second embodiment of toothbrush] Next, a second embodiment of the toothbrush 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In this figure, the same elements as those in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0052] FIG. 2 is a partial front view of the toothbrush 1 according to the second embodiment. The bristle-implanted portion 10 of this embodiment has first bristle-implanted portions A2 and A3, second bristle-implanted portions B1 and B3, third bristle-implanted portions C11, C12, C21 and C22, and a plurality of fourth bristle-implanted portions D. That is, the hair-implanted section 10 of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it does not have a first hair-implanted section A1 or a second hair-implanted section B2, but has third hair-implanted sections C11, C12, C21, C22 separated in the longitudinal direction, and multiple fourth hair-implanted sections D.

[0053] In the bristle-implanted portion 10 of this embodiment, the first bristle-implanted portion A2 is divided into two in the minor axis direction by a gap 66, and the first bristle-implanted portion A3 is divided into two in the minor axis direction by a gap 67. The gap 66 has a width of 1 mm or less, is located in the center in the minor axis direction, and extends linearly in the major axis direction to divide the first bristle-implanted portion A2 into two. The gap 67 has a width of 1 mm or less, is located in the center in the minor axis direction, and extends linearly in the major axis direction to divide the first bristle-implanted portion A3 into two.

[0054] In this embodiment, the hair-implanted section 10 has a third hair-implanted section C11 facing one side of the first hair-implanted section A2 in the short axis direction through a gap 58, a third hair-implanted section C21 facing the other side of the first hair-implanted section A2 in the short axis direction through a gap 59, a third hair-implanted section C12 facing one side of the first hair-implanted section A3 in the short axis direction through a gap 62, and a third hair-implanted section C2 facing the other side of the first hair-implanted section A3 in the short axis direction through a gap 63.

[0055] The fourth bristle-implanted portion D is circular in front view. The fourth bristle-implanted portion D is arranged at an interval between the first bristle-implanted portion A2 and the first bristle-implanted portion A3 in the long axis direction. A plurality of fourth bristle-implanted portions D (seven in FIG. 2) are arranged at intervals in the short axis direction. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0056] In this embodiment, there is no linear gap with a width of 1 mm or less between the first hair-implanted portions A2, A3 and the fourth hair-implanted portion D, and between the third hair-implanted portions C11, C12, C21, C22 and the fourth hair-implanted portion D. Therefore, the plurality of fourth hair-implanted portions D do not constitute opposing hair-implanted portions. Therefore, in this embodiment, the larger of the area of ​​the opposing hair-implanted region 10B surrounded by the outline connecting the outermost contours of the first hair-implanted portion A2, the second hair-implanted portion B1 and the third hair-implanted portions C11, C21 that constitute the opposing hair-implanted portion, and the area of ​​the opposing hair-implanted region 10C surrounded by the outline connecting the outermost contours of the first hair-implanted portion A3, the second hair-implanted portion B3 and the third hair-implanted portions C12, C22 that constitute the opposing hair-implanted portion, is 50 mm 2 That's all.

[0057] In the toothbrush 1 of this embodiment, the larger of the areas of the opposing bristle-implanted areas 10B and 10C is used as the area of ​​the opposing bristle-implanted areas, and by satisfying the relationship described in the first embodiment, the space exceeding the yield point of the bristle material can be reduced, improving the bristle-opening durability and primarily improving the fit to the dentition.

[0058] [Example] The effects of the present invention will be made clearer by the following examples. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following examples and can be practiced with appropriate modifications within the scope of the present invention.

[0059] (Examples 1 to 8, Comparative Example 1) In the present example, toothbrush samples of Examples 1 to 8 and Comparative Example 1 were produced according to the specifications shown in [Table 1], [Table 2] and [Table 3] below. The dimensions of each part of the toothbrush in each example are shown in Tables 1 and 2. The bristles were adjusted to a diameter of 6 mil and a PF of 80%, and the resin used for the handle was PP resin.

[0060] The sample of Example 1 was a toothbrush sample having the bristle implantation portion described in the first embodiment above. The samples of Examples 2 to 4 were toothbrush samples having bristle implantation portions with gap widths changed compared to the sample of Example 1. The sample of Example 5 was a toothbrush sample having a bristle implantation portion in which a gap extending in the long axis direction was added to the center of the short axis direction of the first bristle implantation portions A2 and A3, and each of the first bristle implantation portions A2 and A3 was divided into two in the short axis direction compared to the sample of Example 3. The sample of Example 6 was a toothbrush sample having a bristle implantation portion without the first bristle implantation portion A1 compared to the sample of Example 5. The sample of Example 7 was a toothbrush sample having a bristle implantation portion described in the second embodiment above. The sample of Example 8 was a toothbrush sample having a bristle implantation portion in which the first bristle implantation portion A3, second bristle implantation portions B2 and B3, and third bristle implantation portions C12 and C22 described in the second embodiment were provided compared to the sample of Example 3. The sample of Comparative Example 1 was a toothbrush sample having bristle implantation parts with a different gap width compared to the sample of Example 1.

[0061] [Evaluation method] (1) Toothbrush bristles opening durability [Test method] After a panel of 10 experts used the toothbrush for a long period of time (3 months), the width of the bristles at the ends in the short axis direction of the bristles before use (L1) and the width of the bristles at the ends in the short axis direction of the bristles after use (L2) were measured, and the bristles opening rate was calculated using the following formula. Hair opening rate (%) = (L2-L1) x 100 / L1

[0062] <Evaluation criteria> ◎ (double circle mark): The average hair opening rate is less than 5% 〇 (circle mark): The average hair opening rate is 6-10% × (cross mark): The average hair opening rate is over 10%

[0063] (2) Fit to the teeth [Test method] The evaluation was carried out by a sensory test using a panel of 10 experts. 1 g of commercially available dentifrice was placed on the toothbrush shown in each Example and Comparative Example, and brushing was carried out for 3 minutes. The toothbrush's fit to the dentition was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. A rating of "◎" was given to an average score of over 4.0 points from the panel of 10 experts, "〇" was given to an average score of 3.0 points or more but less than 4.0 points, and "×" was given to an average score of less than 3.0 points. Toothbrushes that were rated as having a ◎ or ○ fit to the dentition were judged to be toothbrushes that provide a good fit to the dentition when brushing.

[0064] <Evaluation criteria> 5 points: The fit to the teeth is very noticeable. 4 points: The fit to the teeth is quite noticeable. 3 points: Feels like it fits snugly to the teeth. 2 points: "Fits the teeth well" 1 point: There is no sense of "fitting to the teeth" at all.

[0065] [Table 1]

[0066] [Table 2]

[0067] [Table 3]

[0068] As shown in [Table 1], [Table 2] and [Table 3], the ratio of the total area of ​​the multiple flocked sections is 70% or more and 99% or less, the width of the linear gap is 1mm or less, the ratio of the total area of ​​the opposing flocked sections to the total area of ​​the multiple flocked sections is 70% or more, and the area enclosed by the outline connecting the outermost edges of the opposing flocked sections is 50mm 2 or more, and the number of fibers per unit area of ​​the fiber-planted surface is 20 fibers / mm 2 Over 80 lines / mm 2 The samples of Examples 1 to 8 below were given good ratings for both "durability of toothbrush bristles to open" and "fit to the dentition."

[0069] On the other hand, the sample of Comparative Example 1, which did not meet the conditions that the total area ratio of the multiple bristle implants was 70% or more and 99% or less, and the width of the linear gap was 1 mm or less, did not receive good ratings for both ``durability of toothbrush bristles to open'' and ``fit to the dentition.''

[0070] Additionally, the sample of Example 1, which had a narrower gap, received an improved evaluation of "fit to the dentition" compared to the sample of Example 2. Furthermore, the samples of Examples 1 and 2, which had a narrower gap, received an improved evaluation of "toothbrush bristles opening durability" compared to the samples of Examples 3 and 4.

[0071] Compared to the sample of Example 7, which had a fourth hair-implanted part D that was circular in front view and was a non-opposing hair-implanted part instead of the second hair-implanted part B2, the sample of Example 6, which had the second hair-implanted part B2, had an improved evaluation of ``fit to the dentition.''

[0072] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these examples. The shapes and combinations of the components shown in the above examples are merely examples, and various modifications can be made based on design requirements, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0073] The present invention is applicable to toothbrushes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1...toothbrush, 2...bristle surface, 3...head portion, 4...handle portion, 10...bristle portion, 10A...bristle region, 10B, 10C...opposing bristle regions, 51-67...gaps, A1, A2, A3...first bristle region, B1, B2, B3...second bristle region, C1, C2...third bristle region

Claims

1. a head portion having a bristle-implanted surface and a handle portion connected to the head portion; The head portion is When viewed from the front side opposite to the implanted surface, the implanted surface has a plurality of implanted portions each having a single tuft of hair and arranged in an independent planar shape, a ratio of a total area of ​​the plurality of hair-implanted portions to an area of ​​a hair-implanted surface surrounded by a contour connecting the outermost contours of the plurality of hair-implanted portions is 70% or more and 99% or less; The plurality of hair-implanted portions include opposed hair-implanted portions that extend linearly and are opposed to each other via a gap having a width of 1 mm or less, The ratio of the total area of ​​the opposing bristle implantation portions to the total area of ​​the plurality of bristle implantation portions is 70% or more, The largest area of ​​the area surrounded by the outline connecting the outermost peripheries of the opposing flocking parts is 50 mm ２ That's all, The number of fibers planted per unit area of ​​the planted surface is 20 fibers / mm ２ Over 80 pieces / mm ２ is as follows: The plurality of hair implantation portions are a first flocked portion having a minimum width of 3 mm or more and an area of ​​5 mm 2 or more; the second bristle implantation portion having a minimum width of less than 3 mm and an area of ​​less than 15 mm 2 and having a rectangular shape when viewed from the front; and The first bristle implantation portion is arranged in a plurality of positions in the longitudinal direction of the head portion, The second bristle portion has a long side facing the first bristle portion, The first and second bristle implantation portions are alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction, A toothbrush characterized in that the width of the gap between the first bristle portion and the second bristle portion in the long axis direction is constant along the short axis direction parallel to the bristle surface and perpendicular to the long axis direction.

2. Minimum width less than 3mm and area 5mm ２ Above, 30mm ２ The third hair implantation portion has the following structure: The third bristle-implanted portion has a side longer than the other sides thereof facing the first bristle-implanted portion. The toothbrush of claim 1.

3. The third bristle implantation portion extends in the direction along the long axis direction, and is disposed at the outermost position in the short axis direction parallel to the implantation surface and perpendicular to the long axis direction, facing at least one of the first bristle implantation portion and the second bristle implantation portion. The toothbrush of claim 2.

4. At least one of the first bristle portions has at least one side curved convexly toward the outer periphery of the head portion.

4. The toothbrush according to claim 1.

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