JP7195617B2 - toothbrush - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a toothbrush for removing stains such as dental plaque adhering to teeth with a bristle portion having bristles planted on the tip of a handle.

A toothbrush is generally composed of a handle that is elongated so that it can be easily gripped, and a brush portion that is flocked with bristles at the tip of the handle. By moving the handle while holding it, the tip of the brush portion formed at the tip of the handle comes into contact with the teeth and removes stains such as dental plaque adhering to the teeth.

Recently, it has become a problem how to efficiently remove not only stains on the surface of teeth, but also stains between teeth (between teeth), boundaries between teeth and gums, grooves of teeth, etc. ing. Therefore, there is a toothbrush in which the structure of the brush portion is devised so that the brush portion can be efficiently inserted between the teeth. For example, the toothbrush described in Patent Literature 1 is formed so that the brush portion is generally mountain-shaped when viewed from the side. That is, the brush portion is cut so that the height of the brush portion gradually increases toward the vicinity of the center of the brush portion. As a result, compared to the case where the surface of the brush is cut flat, the apex of the mountain shape of the brush enters the gaps between the teeth, the gaps between the teeth and the gums (so-called periodontal pockets), and the grooves of the teeth. easier.

However, as in the toothbrush described in Patent Document 1, even if the tip of the brush part is formed in a mountain shape as a whole, it is effective to remove plaque on the surface of the teeth, the grooves between the teeth, and the grooves between the teeth and the gums. In some cases, it may not be possible to clean thoroughly.

JP 2012-075725 A

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and its object is to effectively remove gaps and grooves between teeth, between teeth and gums, and on the surfaces of teeth and gums by brushing in a short time and with a light force. To provide a toothbrush which can be cleaned.

The present invention for solving the above problems has, as one aspect thereof, a long handle (11), a flocked part (12) having a flocked surface (12a) formed at the tip of the handle (11), and a flocked part (12). a brush portion (20) configured with a plurality of tufts (22, 23a, 23b) composed of a large number of bristles implanted on the surface (12a); In the toothbrush (1) that cleans (P) and a short axis direction (Q), and the brush part (20) has hair bundles (22, 23a, 23b) at the center of the short axis direction (Q) of the ellipse. A plurality of central tufts (22) arranged along the long axis direction (P) and a plurality of side tufts arranged on both sides of the plurality of central tufts (22) in the short axis direction (Q). hair bundles (23a, 23b), and at least the central hair bundle (22) is inclined in a mountain shape so as to gradually rise from both sides of the ellipse in the major axis direction (P) toward the center. characterized by being formed Further, in this case, the flocked portion (12) may be oval in shape with the longitudinal direction of the handle (11) as the major axis direction (P).

Further, as another aspect of the present invention, a long handle (11), a flocked part (12) having a flocked surface (12a) formed at the tip of the handle (11), and a flocked surface (12a) a brush part (20) comprising a plurality of tufts (21, 22, 23a, 23b) composed of a large number of hairs implanted in the brush part (20), and cleaning the teeth with the brush part (20). In the toothbrush (1-2), the flocked part (12) has a shape when the flocked surface (12a) is viewed from the tip (21T, 22T, 23aT, 23bT) side of the bristle bundles (21, 22, 23a, 23b) is formed in an elliptical shape having a major axis direction (P) and a minor axis direction (Q). (P) and the highest top hair bundle (21) among the plurality of hair bundles (21, 22, 23a, 23b) located in the center in the short axis direction (Q) and the top along the long axis direction (P) A plurality of central hair bundles (22) arranged on both sides of the hair bundle (21), and a plurality of side hair bundles (23a) arranged on both sides of the central hair bundle (22) in the minor axis direction (Q). , 23b), and at least a plurality of central tufts (22) are inclined in a mountain shape so as to gradually increase in height from both ends in the longitudinal direction (P) toward the top tuft (21). , and the tip (21T) of the top tuft (21) is closer than the intersection (X) of the ridgeline (R) formed by connecting the tips (22T) of a plurality of central tufts (22). It is characterized by its high position. Also in this case, the flocked portion (12) may have an elliptical shape with the longitudinal direction of the handle (11) as the major axis direction (P).

In the toothbrush having the above configuration according to the present invention, the bristle-transplanted portion is formed in an elliptical shape having a major axis direction and a minor axis direction when viewed from the tip side of the bristle bundle. The bristles (bristle tufts) of the brush portion are arranged in a curved line along the outer periphery. As a result, compared to the case where the flocked part is formed in a rectangular shape, when brushing teeth with the brush part, the corners of the flocked part (tip of the handle) and the tufts on the outer peripheral side of the brush part It is possible to suppress unnecessary interference with each part in the oral cavity (teeth, gums, inner surface of cheeks, etc.). Therefore, smooth and efficient brushing can be performed only by moving the brush portion with a light force. In addition, by arranging the bristles (bristle tufts) of the brush part in a curved line along the outer circumference of the ellipse, it is possible to brush the upper and side surfaces of the teeth with complex uneven shapes and the gaps between the teeth by strokes of the toothbrush. Since the tips of the bristles (bundles of bristles) can be brought into contact (sliding) effectively, stains in the grooves and gaps of the teeth can be removed more efficiently. Furthermore, it is possible to secure a longer distance (long dimension) of the brush part along the longitudinal direction of the handle, that is, the stroke direction of the toothbrush, compared to the case where the flocked part is formed in a circular shape (perfectly circular shape). Therefore, the contact area (contact area) of the brush portion with respect to the teeth can be increased accordingly. Therefore, stain removal from teeth can be performed more efficiently. In the toothbrush of the present invention, since the bristles are formed in the elliptical shape described above, it is possible to exhibit the above-mentioned multiple effects in combination, realizing a toothbrush that can efficiently remove stains from the grooves and gaps of the teeth. can.

Further, in the toothbrush according to the present invention, at least a part of the tufts of the bristles of the bristles are formed in a mountain shape so that the tufts of the bristles of the bristles become higher as they approach the center in the long axis direction of the ellipse. The tip of the central hair tuft at the highest position can enter deep into gaps and grooves between teeth and gums without being interfered with by surrounding hair tufts, and the central bristle that has entered the deep position. Since the tufts are supported by a plurality of side tufts arranged around the tufts, dirt in deep positions can be reliably scraped off.

In addition, by making the flocked part elliptical and arranging side tufts on both sides of the central tuft (both sides in the short axis direction), the surface of the teeth and gums around the part where the central tuft enters , a plurality of side hair tufts evenly abut against each other. In addition, if the side tufts are also formed in a mountain shape so that they become higher as they approach the center, when the lower side tufts on the outer peripheral side come into contact with the teeth, the higher side tufts on the center side There is no interference between the side tufts because the tufts can abut against the teeth further back. This allows the side tufts to effectively clean the surfaces of the teeth and gums around crevices and grooves.

Further, in the toothbrush (1, 1-2) having the above configuration according to the present invention, the side tufts (23) are arranged on the side closer to the central bristle tuft (22) in the minor axis direction (Q). It may comprise a first side tuft (23a) and a second side tuft (23b) located farther from the central tuft (22). Furthermore, in this case, the height of the first side tuft (23a) is preferably higher than the height of the adjacent second side tuft (23b). By adopting such a configuration, the shape of the brush portion is formed such that the height of the bristles (hair bundles) gradually decreases from the center of the bristle-planted portion toward both sides in the short axis direction of the ellipse. Therefore, the tip of the first side tuft (23a), which is located at a higher position among the side tufts, can reach the gap (MG) between the tooth (T) and the gum (M) without being interfered by the surrounding tufts. Since it can penetrate to deep positions such as the grooves (TU), it is possible to scrape off dirt even in deep positions.

In addition, when the toothbrush according to the present invention is provided with the top tufts (21), the top tufts (21) are arranged more than the surrounding central tufts (22) and side tufts (23). It should be set high. As a result, the central tufts (22) and side tufts (23) inclined in a mountain shape (pyramidal shape) clean the surfaces of the teeth (T) adjacent to interdental spaces and gaps between teeth and gums. In the state, the tip (21T) of the top tuft (21) is in the groove (TU) on the surface of the tooth (T), between the teeth (TG), or in the gap (MG) between the tooth (T) and the gum (M) ) into the depths of As a result, it is possible to more effectively clean the grooves of the teeth, between the teeth, and between the teeth and the gums by brushing in a short period of time and with a light force.

In addition, in the toothbrush according to the present invention, the central tufts (22) and the side tufts (23) excluding the top tufts (21) are inclined in a mountain shape (pyramid shape). , these central tufts (22) and side tufts (23) effectively clean the surface of the teeth and the gaps and grooves of the teeth compared to a normal (conventional) toothbrush with a flat tip. It can be washed. Also, the tip (21T) of the top tuft (21) is positioned higher than the intersection (X) of the ridge (R) formed by connecting the tip (22T) of a plurality of central tufts (22). Then, the tip (21T) of the top tuft (21) can scrape off even deep dirt such as grooves of teeth, interdental gaps, and gaps between teeth and gums. Therefore, due to these effects, the toothbrush can effectively remove stains in the entire oral cavity, including interdental spaces and spaces between teeth and gums, by brushing in a short period of time and with a light force.
It should be noted that the symbols in parentheses above indicate the symbols of the corresponding constituent elements in the embodiments described later as an example of the present invention.

According to the toothbrush of the present invention, the bristle-implanted portion is formed in an elliptical shape having a major axis direction and a minor-axis direction when the bristle-implanted surface is viewed from the tip side of the bristle bundle. Therefore, the toothbrush can more effectively clean interdental spaces, gaps and grooves between teeth and gums, and the surfaces of teeth and gums by brushing in a short period of time and with a light force.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a general view of the toothbrush concerning 1st embodiment of this invention. It is an enlarged view of the brush part of the toothbrush of 1st embodiment, FIG. 2A is a top view, FIG. 2B is a side view, FIG. 2C is a front view. It is a figure which shows the state which is cleaning the clearance gap between teeth, and is the figure which looked at the tooth from upper direction. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the gap between the tooth and the gum is being cleaned, and is a side view of the tooth and the gum. It is an enlarged view of the brush part of the toothbrush concerning 2nd embodiment, FIG. 5A is a top view, FIG. 5B is a side view, FIG. 5C is a front view.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is an overall view of a toothbrush 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The toothbrush 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a toothbrush main body 10 having a long handle 11 (11A, 11B) and a flocked portion 12 having a flocked surface 12a formed at the tip of the handle 11, and flocked on the flocked surface 12a. The brush part 20 is provided with tufts (a central tuft 22 and side tufts 23a and 23b) which are composed of a large number of bristles, which will be described later.

The handle 11 has a grip portion 11A that is gripped by the user, and a neck portion 11B that is narrower than the grip portion 11A and has elasticity. With this configuration, the user cleans the teeth T (see FIGS. 3 and 4) by gripping the grip portion 11A and moving the brush portion 20 at the tip of the handle 11. As shown in FIG. The handle 11 of the toothbrush 1 is made of a relatively hard synthetic resin material such as polypropylene, and the bristle tufts of the brush portion 20 (central tufts 22, first side tufts 23a, second side tufts, which will be described later) The bristles forming the bristles 23b) are made of a relatively soft synthetic resin material such as nylon.

The bristle-planted portion 12 of the toothbrush 1 has a pattern when the bristle-planted surface 12a (upper surface) is viewed from the tips (upper ends) 22T, 23aT, and 23bT of the bristle bundles 22, 23a, and 23b (the front side of the paper surface of FIG. 1). 11 is formed in an elliptical shape with the longitudinal direction P being the major axis direction P. In addition, the bristle portion 12 and the brush portion 20 of the toothbrush 1 are, for example, about 2 cm long in the long axis direction of the ellipse so that they can easily enter the oral cavity and can turn in a small radius. is preferred.

The brush portion 20 of the toothbrush 1 will be specifically described. 2A and 2B are enlarged views of the brush portion 20. FIG. 2A is a plan view, FIG. 2B is a side view, and FIG. 2C is a front view. As shown in FIG. 2, the tufts forming the brush portion 20 are divided into a central tuft 22 and side tufts 23a and 23b (first side portions) depending on where they are placed on the flocked portion 12 (flocked surface 12a). It is classified into a tuft 23a and a second side tuft 23b). That is, the brush portion 20 includes a plurality of central bristle bundles 22 arranged (arranged) along the major axis direction P in the central region AC in the short axis direction Q of the bristle-implanted portion 12, and the short axis of the central bristle bundle 22. It is composed of a plurality of side tufts 23a and 23b arranged in areas AS1 and AS2 adjacent to both sides in the direction Q. As shown in FIG. Next, the configuration of the central tuft 22 and the side tufts 23a and 23b will be specifically described.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the central hair bundle 22 is composed of a plurality of hair bundles, which are arranged side by side (linearly) along the major axis direction P in the area AC. In the present embodiment, an example in which eight bundles of hair bundles 22 are arranged in the central portion is shown. The plurality of central hair tufts 22 are inclined in a mountain shape (pyramid shape) so as to gradually rise toward the center in the long axis direction P. As shown in FIG. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2B, the four tufts on the handle 11 side of the central tuft 22 linearly rise as they approach the tip, and the four tufts on the tip side rise toward the tip. It is slanted so that it becomes lower linearly as it approaches. Also, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the central tuft 22 is configured to be higher than the adjacent side tufts 23a and 23b.

The plurality of side tufts 23a, 23b are arranged adjacent to the central tuft 22 in regions AS1, AS2 on both outer sides of the central tuft 22, as shown in FIG. 2A. Further, the plurality of side tufts 23a and 23b include a first side tuft 23a arranged in an area AS1 on the side closer to the central tuft 22 (inside the flocking surface 12a) in the minor axis direction Q, and a second side tuft 23b arranged in an area AS2 on the far side (outside of the tufting surface 12a) from the central tuft 22.

In this embodiment, the first side tufts 23a are arranged 7 tufts on each side of the central tuft 22, and the second side tufts 23b are arranged 4 on each outer side of the first side tufts 23a. An example in which bundles are arranged is shown. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2B, the first side tuft 23a has the highest tuft at the center in the longitudinal direction P, and the three tufts on the handle 11 side are at the tip of the handle 11. , and the three bundles on the tip side of the handle 11 are inclined so as to linearly lower as the tip of the handle 11 is approached. In addition, the second side tufts 23b of the second side hair tufts 23b linearly rise as they approach the tip of the handle 11, and the two tufts of the tip of the handle 11 approach the tip of the handle 11. It is formed to be inclined so that it becomes lower linearly as it goes along.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the inclination angle θ1 of the line connecting the tips 22T of the central hair bundles 22 inclined in a mountain shape, and the inclination angle θ2 of the lines connecting the tips 23aT of the first side hair bundles 23a. and the inclination angle θ3 of the line connecting the tip 23bT of the second side tuft 23b are the same. Further, the central tuft 22 is harder than the side tufts 23a and 23b. Also, in relation to this, the amount of hair in the central tuft 22 may be greater than the amount of tufts in the side tufts 23a and 23b. Thereby, the rigidity of the brush part 20 can be kept high. In this embodiment, the central tufts 22 are arranged in one row along the longitudinal direction P, but the arrangement is not necessarily limited to one row, and multiple rows may be arranged. Moreover, the number of bundles of the side hair bundles 23a and 23b (the first side hair bundle 23a and the second side hair bundle 23b) is not limited to that shown in this embodiment.

3 and 4 are diagrams showing the state of use of the toothbrush 1, and are diagrams showing a state in which the gap (between the teeth) TG between the teeth T and the gap MG between the teeth T and the gums M are being cleaned. FIG. 3 is a view of a plurality of teeth T viewed from above, and FIG. 4 is a view of teeth T and gums M viewed from the side. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the toothbrush 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that the brush portion 20 is applied to the surface TS of the tooth T or between the tooth T and the gum M and is moved in small steps so that the tooth T and the tooth T are brushed. To clean the gap MG between the gums M.

At this time, by arranging the central tuft 22 and the side tufts 23a and 23b on the elliptical flocking surface 12a, the upper and side surfaces of the tooth T having a complicated uneven shape or the gap TG between the teeth T can be covered with the hair. On the other hand, the tip portions 22T, 23aT, and 23bT of the bristles (bristle bundles 22, 23a, and 23b) of the brush portion 20 can be effectively brought into contact (sliding) by the stroke of the toothbrush 1, so that the grooves TU of the teeth T and the Dirt in the gap TG can be removed more efficiently. In addition, by forming the central tuft 22 and the side tufts 23a and 23b into a mountain-shaped (pyramidal) inclined shape, the tip of the mountain-shaped ridge extends not only to the surface TS of the tooth T but also to the groove of the tooth T. It becomes easy to enter TU, interdental TG, gap MG between tooth T and gum M, etc., and dirt in deep positions such as groove TU of tooth T, interdental TG, gap MG between tooth T and gum M can be scraped off. It becomes possible. In addition, the central hair bundle 22 and the side hair bundles 23a and 23b are formed in a mountain shape after the hair-implanted surface 12a is formed in an elliptical shape. Not only the side tufts 23a and 23b, but also the central tuft 22 and the side tufts 23a and 23b adjacent to the tip are sequentially formed into the groove TU of the tooth T, the interdental TG, and the gap between the tooth T and the gum M. It becomes easier to enter MG etc. Therefore, due to these synergistic effects, it is possible to effectively remove stains in the entire oral cavity, including interdental areas TG and gaps MG between teeth T and gums M, by brushing for a short period of time with light force.

In addition, the bristle-implanted surface 12a of the toothbrush 1 is formed in an elliptical shape, and the central bristle bundle 22 is higher than the side bristle bundles 23a and 23b on both sides. The tip 21T of the hair bundle 22 and the tips 22aT and 22bT of the side hair bundles 23a and 23b enter deep into the groove TU of the tooth T, the interdental TG, and the gap MG between the tooth T and the gum M. As a result, it is possible to scrape off dirt that has entered the grooves TU of the teeth T, the interdental spaces TG, and the gaps MG between the teeth T and the gums M by brushing for a short period of time with a light force.

Further, as described above, since the inclination angle θ1 of the central hair bundle 22 inclined in a mountain shape and the inclination angles θ2 and θ3 of the side hair bundles 23a and 23b are configured to be the same, the central hair bundle 22 When the tip portion 21T enters the gap MG between the tooth T and the gum M or the deep portion of the groove TU, the side tufts 23a and 23b adjacent to the central tuft 22 in the minor axis direction Q move toward the central tuft 22. At an angle similar to , it penetrates and abuts on the teeth T and gums M adjacent to the deep part. Thus, the central tuft 22 and the side tufts 23a and 23b effectively clean the gap MG between the tooth T and the gum M, the groove TU, and the portion of the adjacent tooth T and the gum M. To provide a toothbrush capable of effectively removing stains in the entire oral cavity including spaces between teeth and gaps between teeth and gums by brushing in a short period of time and with a light force.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, in the toothbrush 1 of this embodiment, the length dimension L1 of the bristle portion 12 in the major axis direction P is set to be approximately the same as the width dimension L2 of two teeth T. there is As a result, it is possible to easily brush two teeth T in order, so that the interdental TG and the gap MG between the tooth T and the gum M can be cleaned one by one without omission, and in a shorter time. can be effectively cleaned.

As described above, in the toothbrush 1 of the present embodiment, the long handle 11, the flocked portion 12 having the flocked surface 12a formed at the tip of the handle 11, and a large number of hairs flocked on the flocked surface 12a. and a brush portion 20 configured with a plurality of tufts 22, 23a, and 23b made up of bristles. In the toothbrush 1 that cleans the teeth with the brush portion 20, the bristle-planted portion 12 has a bristle-planted surface 12a whose shape when viewed from the ends 22T, 23aT, and 23bT of the bristle bundles 22, 23a, and 23b is the longitudinal direction of the handle 11. is formed in an elliptical shape with a long axis direction P of . In addition, the brush portion 20 includes a plurality of central portion tufts 22 arranged along the major axis direction P in the central region AC of the ellipse in the minor axis direction Q, and a plurality of central portion tufts 22, 23a, and 23b. and a plurality of side hair bundles 23 a and 23 b arranged in regions AS 1 and AS 2 on both outer sides of the hair bundle 22 . The central tuft 22 and the side tufts 23a and 23b are formed in an inclined mountain shape so as to gradually rise from both sides in the major axis direction P of the ellipse toward the center.

In the toothbrush 1 of this embodiment, the bristle-implanted portion 12 has a shape when the bristle-implanted surface 12a is viewed from the tip portions 22T, 23aT, and 23bT of the bristle bundles 22, 23a, and 23b. The bristles (hair bundles) of the brush portion 20 are arranged in a curved line along the elliptical outer periphery 12b. As a result, compared to the case where the flocked portion 12 is formed in a rectangular shape, when brushing teeth with the brush portion 20, the corners of the flocked portion 12 (tip portion of the handle 11) and the outer periphery of the brush portion 20 are It is possible to suppress unnecessary interference of the side hair bundles with each part in the oral cavity (teeth, gums, inner surface of cheeks, etc.), so that the brush part 20 can be moved smoothly and efficiently by moving it with a light force. You will be able to do a lot of brushing.

In addition, by arranging the bristles (bristle tufts) of the brush part 20 in a curved line along the outer periphery of the ellipse, the stroke of the toothbrush 1 against the upper surface or side surface of the tooth having a complicated uneven shape or the gap between the teeth. Since the tips of the bristles (bundles of bristles) of the brush portion 20 can be brought into effective contact (sliding), dirt in the grooves and gaps of the teeth can be efficiently removed.

Furthermore, the distance (length dimension) of the brush portion 20 along the longitudinal direction of the handle 11, that is, the stroke direction of the toothbrush 1 is reduced compared to the case where the outer circumference 12b of the flocked portion 12 is formed in a circular shape (perfectly circular shape). Since it is possible to ensure a long length, the contact area (contact area) of the brush portion 20 with the teeth can be increased accordingly. Therefore, stain removal from teeth can be performed more efficiently. As described above, the toothbrush 1 of the present embodiment can realize a toothbrush capable of exhibiting the plurality of effects in combination by forming the outer periphery 12b of the bristle portion 12 into the elliptical shape.

Further, by configuring the tip (upper end) of the central hair bundle 22 and the side hair bundles 23a and 23b in a mountain shape (pyramid shape), the plurality of central hair bundles 22 and the plurality of side hair bundles 23a can be arranged. , 23b, the tip of the central hair bundle 22 located at the highest position can enter deep positions such as the gap MG between the tooth T and the gum M and the groove TU without being interfered by surrounding hair bundles. , it is possible to scrape off even deep dirt. In addition, since the plurality of central hair bundles 22 are formed in a mountain shape, the central hair bundle 22 adjacent to the highest central hair bundle 22 and the second highest central hair bundle 22 is also the highest. It becomes easy to enter the gap MG and the groove TU following the central hair bundle 22 at a high position. The same applies to the plurality of side hair tufts 23a and 23b, which are also formed in a mountain shape.

In addition, since the central tuft 22 of the toothbrush 1 is higher than the surrounding side tufts 23a and 23b, the central bristle tuft 22 forms the gap MG between the tooth T and the gum M and the groove TU. When entering the deepest part, following the central hair bundle 22, the side hair bundles 23a and 23b having a height lower than the central hair bundle 22 naturally touch the teeth T and the gums M adjacent to the deepest part. enter.

Further, the inclination angle θ1 of the central tuft 22 inclined in a mountain shape and the inclination angles θ2 and θ3 of the side tufts 23a and 23b are set to be the same. When entering the deep part of the gap MG or the groove TU, the side hair bundles 23a and 23b adjacent to the central hair bundle 22 in the short axis direction Q are pushed into the deep part at the same angle as the central hair bundle 22. It penetrates into adjacent teeth T and gums M and comes into contact with them. Thus, the central tuft 22 and the side tufts 23a and 23b effectively clean the gap MG between the tooth T and the gum M, the groove TU, and the portion of the adjacent tooth T and the gum M. To provide a toothbrush capable of effectively removing stains in the entire oral cavity including spaces between teeth and gaps between teeth and gums by brushing in a short period of time and with a light force.

Further, in the toothbrush 1 configured as described above, the central bristle tuft 22 may be configured to be harder than the side bristle tufts 23a and 23b. In this way, if the hardness of the tufts 21 and 22 that become longer and taller in steps toward the center of the flocked portion 12 is gradually increased toward the center of the flocked portion 12, the rigidity of the brush portion 20 will increase. can be kept high. Therefore, it is possible to maintain high cleaning performance of the central tuft 22 when it enters the interdental TG, the gap MG between the tooth T and the gum M, and the deep groove TU.

Further, in the toothbrush 1 configured as described above, the amount of bristles of the central tuft 22 may be larger than that of the side tufts 23a and 23b. By increasing the amount of bristles in the central tuft 22, the rigidity of the central tuft 22, which is longer than the side tufts 23a and 23b, can be improved. Therefore, it is possible to maintain high cleaning performance of the central tuft 22 when it enters the interdental TG, the gap MG between the tooth T and the gum M, and the deep groove TU.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the invention will be described. In addition, in the description of the second embodiment and the corresponding drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding components as in the first embodiment, and the detailed description of these parts will be omitted below. 5A and 5B are enlarged views of the brush portion 20 of the toothbrush 1-2 of the second embodiment, wherein FIG. 5A is a plan view, FIG. 5B is a front view, and FIG. 5C is a side view.

The shape of the flocked portion 12 (flocked surface 12a) of the toothbrush 1-2 of the present embodiment is an elliptical shape similar to that of the flocked portion 12 of the toothbrush 1 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the tufts forming the brush portion 20 of the toothbrush 1-2 are divided into top tufts 21, central tufts 22, and tufts 22, depending on where they are placed on the flocked portion 12 (flocked surface 12a). They are classified into side tufts 23a and 23b (first side tuft 23a and second side tuft 23b). That is, the brush portion 20 includes a top tuft 21 located in the center of the hair-implanted portion 12, a plurality of central tufts 22 arranged in parallel with the top tuft 21 in the major axis direction P, and It is composed of a plurality of side tufts 23 a and 23 b arranged adjacent to the central tuft 22 . Each of these hair bundles 21, 22, and 23 will be specifically described below.

First, the configuration of the top tuft 21 will be described. The top tuft 21 is positioned in the center of the flocked portion 12 (flocked surface 12a). Here, the center of the flocked portion 12 means the center of the elliptical shape of the flocked portion 12 in the plan view shown in FIG. It is the center in the axial direction Q. The top hair bundle 21 is formed such that the tip portion 21T of the hair bundles 21, 22, and 23 is the highest. As for the specific height, the tip 21T of the top tuft 21 is higher than the intersection X of the ridge line R formed by connecting the tip 22T of the central tuft 22 (see FIG. 5B). Therefore, the tip 21T of the top tuft 21 protrudes from the central tuft 22 and the side tufts 23a and 23b.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, the tip 21T of the top tuft 21 is sharpened in a cone shape (conical shape). Further, it is preferable that the top tuft 21 is harder than the central tuft 22 and the side tufts 23a and 23b because the rigidity is increased. Specifically, the material of the top tuft 21 is made harder than the central tuft 22 and the side tufts 23a and 23b, or the thickness of the brush bristles constituting the top tuft 21 is set to It is preferable to make it thicker than the thickness of the side tufts 23a and 23b. Also, if the amount of hair (thickness of the hair bundle) of the top hair bundle 21 is larger than the amount of hair of the central hair bundle 22 or the side hair bundles 23a and 23b (the thickness of the hair bundle is thickened), the hair bundle It is preferable because the rigidity as a is increased.

Next, the central tuft 22 and the side tufts 23a and 23b will be described. As shown in FIG. 5A, the central tuft 22 is composed of a plurality of tufts and is positioned in the central area AC of the flocked portion 12 in the minor axis direction Q. As shown in FIG. The side tufts 23a and 23b are composed of a plurality of tufts and are located in the side regions AS1 and AS2 adjacent to both sides of the central region AC of the flocked portion 12 in the minor axis direction Q. As shown in FIG. Further, the side tufts 23a and 23b are arranged in the short axis direction Q in the first side tuft 23a arranged in the region AS1 on the side (inner side) closer to the central tuft 22, and the central tuft 22 and a second side tuft 23b arranged in the region AS2 on the far side (outer side) from the .

The center tufts 22 are arranged side by side on both sides in the longitudinal direction P so as to sandwich the top tufts 21 . The first side tufts 23a are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction P in the first side region AS1 outside the central region AC, and the second side tufts 23b are arranged in the first side region AS1. They are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction P in the second side region AS2 outside AS1. In this embodiment, the central hair bundle 22, the first side hair bundles 23a, and the second side hair bundles 23b are all arranged in one row along the longitudinal direction P, but these are not necessarily The number of columns is not limited to one, and may be two or more.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the center tuft 22, the first side tuft 23a, and the second side tuft 23b are each positioned at the center of the flocked portion 12 (longitudinal direction) when viewed from the side of the brush portion 20. The center of P) is formed to be inclined in a mountain shape (pyramid shape) so that the height gradually increases. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5C, the height of the central tuft 22 is formed higher than the first side tufts 23a adjacent to the short axis direction Q of the flocked portion 12, and the height of the first side tufts The height of the bundle 23a is formed higher than the second side hair bundle 23b adjacent in the short axis direction Q as well.

In the toothbrush 1-2 of this embodiment, the top bristle bundle 21 is higher than the central bristle bundle 22 and the side bristle bundles 23a and 23b in the surroundings, so that the tip portion has a mountain shape (pyramid shape). In a state in which the inclined central tuft 22 and side tufts 23a, 23b are cleaning the interdental TG and the surface TS of the tooth T adjacent to the gap MG between the tooth T and the gum M, the tip of the top tuft 21 The portion 21T enters deeply into the groove TU of the tooth T, the interdental TG, and the gap MG between the tooth T and the gum M. As a result, it is possible to scrape off dirt that has entered the grooves TU of the teeth T, the interdental spaces TG, and the gaps MG between the teeth T and the gums M by brushing for a short period of time with a light force.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, the specification and the drawings. Deformation is possible. For example, in the toothbrush 1 (1-2) of the above embodiment, the flocked portion 12 has an elliptical shape in which the longitudinal direction of the handle 11 is the major axis direction P. The elliptical shape of the flocked portion of the toothbrush of the present invention is The long axis direction is not limited to the longitudinal direction of the handle, and the long axis direction and the longitudinal direction of the handle may be different directions.

Claims (2)

long pattern and
a flocked portion having a flocked surface formed at the tip of the handle;
a brush portion configured with a plurality of bristle bundles each composed of a large number of bristles implanted on the bristle surface, the toothbrush cleaning teeth with the brush portion,
The flocked portion is formed in an elliptical shape having a long axis direction and a short axis direction when the flocked surface is viewed from the tip side of the hair bundle,
The brush part, as the hair bundle,
a plurality of central hair bundles arranged along the long axis direction at the center of the short axis direction of the ellipse;
a plurality of side tufts arranged on both outer sides of the plurality of central tufts in the minor axis direction,
At least the central hair tuft is inclined in a mountain shape so as to gradually increase in height from both sides of the ellipse in the long axis direction toward the center,
The plurality of side tufts includes a plurality of first side tufts aligned along the major axis direction in a first region closer to the central tuft in the minor axis direction; a plurality of second side tufts aligned along the longitudinal direction in a second region on the side farther from the central tuft in the axial direction;
Each of the second side tufts has a center in a gap between the two nearest first side tufts in a side view in the short axis direction, and the second side tuft At least a portion of the two side hair bundles overlaps with the two most recent first side hair bundles,
In each of the first side tufts, in a side view in the short axis direction, the center of the first side tuft is in the gap between the two nearest central tufts, and the first side tuft At least part of the hair bundle overlaps with the two nearest central hair bundles,
The height of the first side hair bundle is higher than the height of the adjacent second side hair bundle,
The height of the central hair bundle is higher than the height of the adjacent side hair bundles,
an inclination angle of a central ridge line of the mountain shape formed by connecting the hair ends of the plurality of central hair bundles; and a first mountain shape formed by connecting the hair ends of the plurality of first side hair bundles. A toothbrush, wherein the inclination angle of the side ridge line and the inclination angle of the second side ridge line formed by connecting the tips of the plurality of second side bristle tufts are the same. The toothbrush according to claim 1 , wherein the bristle portion has an elliptical shape with the longitudinal direction of the handle being the major axis direction .

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