WO2005060788A1 - Toothbrush - Google Patents

Abstract

A high quality toothbrush capable of preventing defective hair implantation such as cracking, whitening, warpage, and flat plate extraction from occurring at a head part in hair implanting though it is of a flat plate implanting type formed by densely implanting hair bundles in the head part , comfortably touching flexibly to teeth and gums, and easily advanced into small clearances. In this toothbrush, the hair bundles (5) formed by binding a plurality of pieces of brush hairs (6) are folded into two parts and implanted in implanting holes (3) in the implanted surface (2) of the head part (1) by using flat plates (4). The thickness (t) of the flat plate (4) is 0.10 to less than 0.22 mm, the width (h) thereof is 0.9 to 2.5 mm, the quantity of implanted hair bundles (5) per unit implant area is 25 to 80 bundles/cm2, and the total sum of the cross sections of the brush hairs (6) implanted for each implant hole (1) in a folded state is 1.0 mm2 or less.

Description

 Specification

 Toothbrush

 Technical field

 The present invention relates to a flat-line flocking type toothbrush in which a bundle of a plurality of brushes is folded into a flocking hole on a head-planting surface by using a flat wire, and the bristle is planted.

 Background art

[0002] In consideration of production efficiency and the bristleness of flocking, the conventional toothbrush has 16-60 flocking holes per hole formed on the flocking surface of the toothbrush head at intervals of 1. Omm or more. A bristled bunch of brushes is fixed with a flat wire so that the total length of the brushes is 32 to 120 and the total cross section of the brushes is 1.0 mm ² or more. Such a toothbrush has the characteristic that the bristle bundle is thick and the rigidity is high, so the plaque removing power is particularly high on the smooth surface and the occlusal surface.o

 [0003] However, the brushes constituting the bristle bundle are supported by each other because the bristle bundle is thick, and the original flexible and powerful movement of the brush itself cannot be exhibited, and the cervical part, the interdental part, and the teeth If the hair tips are difficult to reach the narrow parts considered to be prone to oral diseases, such as the intertriangle, the hair bundles that are loosened by force become thicker and harder and tend to irritate soft tissues such as gums. was there.

 [0004] In the past, discrimination between products was attempted by devising the shape, material, color, etc. of the head portion and the nozzle portion. Have similar specifications, and lacked novelty as a toothbrush with low appearance discrimination.

 [0005] The flat wire in the flat-line flocking type toothbrush has a length slightly longer than the diameter of the flocking hole, and when it is driven into the flocking hole, both ends thereof bite into the head resin around the hole. In this way, the hair bundle is folded in two and fixed in the flocking hole. As a result, the tuft is fixed to the tuft surface of the head without getting out of the tufting hole force. Normally, the flat wire has a length of 1.9 mm-2.3 mm, a vertical width of 1.3-2. Omm in the depth direction, and a thickness of about 0.25 mm. General.

[0006] In the case of a toothbrush using flat-line flocking, the spacing between adjacent bristle bundles becomes narrow like a thin-walled flocking hole, so that the flat lines are dense, or the driving directions of the flat lines are aligned, and the flat lines are aligned. If this occurs, cracks or whitening may occur in the resin of the head portion between adjacent flat wires, or warpage of the head portion due to stress deformation at the time of driving the flat wire may impair the appearance of the toothbrush. Also, if the head portion is cracked or cracked during flocking, the yield of the product is reduced, which is not preferable in terms of production efficiency. In addition, there is a risk that the head may break due to fatigue of the material during long-term use. If the toothbrush breaks during brushing, fingers and the oral cavity may be damaged.

 [0007] In order to prevent these problems, the ratio of the bottom surface force of the flocking hole to the thickness of the head portion and the length of the head portion to the lower surface is defined (see Patent Document 1: JP-A-8-19423). A device in which the implantation angle is devised (see Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-314231), a device in which hair bundles formed by flat-line flocking and those obtained by adhesive flocking are alternately arranged (Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-360343) Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-257922), and those in which a raised portion is formed on the flocked surface of the nearest part of the flat wire (see Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-257922) have been proposed.

 [0008] On the other hand, plaque removal is important for the prevention of the two major dental diseases of periodontal disease and dental caries, and it can be polished to every corner of the oral cavity, and the plaque removing effect of oral disease-prone sites There is a strong demand for a toothbrush that is excellent in brushability and can be brushed comfortably without damaging the teeth.

[0009] In general, if the number of bristle implanted in a flat-line flocking type toothbrush is small, the spacing between the bristle bundles is widened, and plaque cannot be sufficiently removed. It narrows, hindering the flexible movement of the tress and rapidly reducing interdental penetration. In addition, when the hair bundle is thick, the rigidity of the hair bundle becomes too high, and the harmfulness to teeth and gums that are not easily absorbed when entering into the interdental space and small gaps is increased. Conversely, if the hair bundle is made thinner, the bristle strength will be weakened and the feeling of brushing will be reduced, and the plaque removal function at the caries-prone sites will be reduced. Therefore, conventionally, a hair bundle having a diameter of about 1.6-2.0 mm was planted at a hair bundle number of about 20 bundles / cm ² per unit planting area.

[0010] Therefore, as a toothbrush for carefully polishing every corner of the oral cavity, which is comfortable to hit, a toothbrush with a small number of brushes, a fine and a bristle bundle planted therein (Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-500946) And Patent Document 6: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-342334) and a toothbrush in which the diameter of the bristle bundle in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush is shortened and the brushing force by the bristle bundle is adjusted appropriately (Patent Document 7: Registered practical use) Japanese Patent No. 2549935, Patent Document 8: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-327930, and Patent Document 9: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-327931) have been proposed.

[0011] In recent years, as seen in electric toothbrushes, toothbrushes having small flocked holes of about 1. Omm φ are also known. Since the electric toothbrush has a small flocking table, a specification for transplanting as many hairs as possible can be studied by reducing the diameter of the bristle bundle (Patent Document 10: see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-508168). .

 [0012] Further, with the recent rise in awareness of oral hygiene, it is strongly desired to polish all corners of the oral cavity, such as the back teeth, and therefore, the thickness of the head was reduced using polyacetal (Patent Document 11 : See Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-143914). Patent Document 1: JP-A-8-19423 (all pages, all drawings)

 Patent Document 2: JP 2001-314231 A (all pages, all figures)

 Patent Document 3: JP-A-2002-360343 (all pages, all drawings)

 Patent Document 4: JP-A-10-257922 (all pages, all drawings)

 Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-500946 (all pages, all drawings)

 Patent Document 6: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-342334 (all pages, all drawings)

 Patent Document 7: Registered Utility Model No. 2549935 (all pages, all drawings)

 Patent Document 8: JP-A-10-327930 (all pages, all drawings)

 Patent Document 9: JP-A-10-327931 (all pages, all drawings)

 Patent Document 10: Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-508168 (all pages, all figures)

 Patent Document 11: JP-A-7-143914 (all pages, all drawings)

 Disclosure of the invention

 Problems to be solved by the invention

 [0013] Although the conventional toothbrush has a high plaque removing power on the occlusal surface where the bristle bundle is thick, it is not always necessary to reach the bristle tip to an oral disease-prone part such as a cervical part, an interdental part, and an interdental triangle. Not enough. Attempts have been made to solve these problems by implanting fine hair bundles at high density. Little is known about the optimal thickness or spacing of hair bundles.

[0014] Further, by implanting the hair bundles at a high density, the interval between the flat lines is narrowed, and the problem that cracks, whitening, warping, and the like occur in the head portion has been left. On the other hand, prevent cracks and whitening If the length of the flat wire is shortened for the purpose, problems such as a decrease in the strength of the hair bundle and the strength of the single hair coming off occur.

 [0015] As described above, various toothbrushes have been proposed in order to prevent the occurrence of cracks and whitening and the warpage of the head portion. However, there are restrictions on the shape of the head portion, the shape of the flocking hole, the angle of the flat line, and the like. This resulted in a force that was not always applicable to the intended toothbrush.

 [0016] As a method for solving cracks and whitening, there are methods such as increasing the space between the hair bundles and changing the type of resin. However, if the space between the hair bundles is widened, a sufficient function as a toothbrush can be obtained. However, changing the resin could not be a sensible option when considering the chemical resistance and cost of the head.

 [0017] On the other hand, as a basic performance of a toothbrush, it is possible to polish every corner of the oral cavity, and the toothbrush is less harmful due to damage to teeth and gingiva. In order to achieve this, a method of implanting a small number of bristle bundles with brushing power at a high density and a method of reducing the thickness of the head part have been adopted. Problems such as cracks and whitening of the head resin during heading and warping of the head remain.

 The present invention has been made in order to solve the above problems, and provides a high-quality toothbrush which does not generate a flocking defect such as a crack, whitening, warpage, or missing a flat line at the head portion during flocking. It is intended for that purpose.

 [0019] Furthermore, the present invention is a flat-line flocking type toothbrush in which a bristle bundle is densely transplanted, but at the time of flocking, the flocking, whitening, warping, or missing of the flat line may occur at the head portion. It is another object of the present invention to provide a high-quality toothbrush which is flexible and has good flexibility in contacting teeth and soft tissues in the oral cavity and has excellent penetration into small gaps.

 Means for solving the problem

[0020] To achieve the above object, a toothbrush according to claim 1 is a toothbrush that is obtained by folding a bristle bundle of a plurality of brushes into a flocked hole in a flocked surface of a head portion using a flat wire and flocking the bundle. The thickness of the flat wire is 0.10 mm or more and less than 0.22 mm.

[0021] A toothbrush according to a second aspect is the toothbrush according to the first aspect, wherein the width of the flat line is 0.9 mm or more and 2.5 mm or less. [0022] toothbrush according to claim 3, Contact to the invention of claim 1 or 2 wherein, Te, the number per unit flocked area of the flocked the hair bundle 25 bundles / cm ² or more, 80 bundles / cm ² Hereinafter, the sum of the cross-sectional areas in the folded state of the brush implanted in each of the implanted holes is 1.0 mm ² or less.

The number of hair bundles per unit flocking area is a value obtained by dividing the total number of bristle bundles (= the total number of flocking holes) planted on the flocking surface of the head part by the flocking area (cm ² ). The flocked area is based on the specification of J IS S3016, and as shown in Fig. 1 (a), the outside of the flocked holes 3 lined up on the outer circumference of the flocked surface 2 of the head 1 is a straight line. It is the area S (the part surrounded by the dotted line) inside the part connected by.

[0024] In the toothbrush according to claim 4, in the invention according to claim 1 or 2, the head portion is made of resin, and at least a part of the flocked hole is implanted in the flocked hole. with the sum of the cross-sectional area of the brush constituting the tuft and 1. 0 mm ² or less, which is also the distance between the other bristle holes nearest the Sukunakutomoizu Re mosquito one flocked hole was 1. Omm less It is.

 [0025] When a hair bundle is fixed using a flat wire as in the toothbrush of the present invention, the flat wire breaks the resin near the flocked holes when the hair is driven, so that stress is generated in the resin. I do. Conventionally, the flat wire has a thickness of about 0.25 mm or more.If there are many thin-walled flocking holes or a large number of hair bundles per unit flocking area, the flat lines will be dense, and the In some cases, a large stress was generated in the grease, causing cracks or whitening in the grease in the head portion between the adjacent flat wires. In addition, when the flat lines are arranged in a straight line, cracks and whitening may occur.

[0026] When a flat wire having a thickness of about 0.25 mm or more is used, warpage, whitening, and cracks of the head portion are likely to occur. For example, bending strength 600KgZcm ² or more, when using a 750KgZcm ² following hard and relatively Less bending榭脂as head material, a warp in the head portion in the thickness was used flat wire of 0. 25 mm flocked occured. Therefore, when the hair was implanted using a flat wire having a thickness of 0.10 to 0.22 mm employed in the present invention, the warpage of the head portion was reduced, and there was almost no problem in practical use.

On the other hand, a resin having a flexural strength of 150 kgZcm ² or more and 600 kgZcm ² or less, which is relatively easy to bend, such as polyolefin resin such as polypropylene, is used for the head material. If a flat wire with a thickness of 0.25 mm is used, extremely large warpage will occur in the head and the flocked holes will be displaced from the regular position force. Even impossible. Therefore, when the flat wire having a thickness of 0.10 to 0.22 mm used in the present invention was used, the head was hardly warped at the time of flocking, and the flat wire could be smoothly driven. Was. Thus, the bending strength as polyolefin resin 150k gZcm ² or more, in the case of 600KgZcm ² following relatively pliable榭脂is particularly remarkable effect of reducing I spoon of warpage due to a thin wall of Tairasen There was found. Here, the bending strength is a value measured based on JIS K6758.

 [0028] Further, it was found that when the flat wire thickness was less than 0.10 mm, the rigidity of the head portion was insufficient, and the flat wire was deformed at the time of flocking, and it was found that the flocking itself became difficult.

 [0029] Furthermore, to improve the operability in the oral cavity, it is desirable to reduce the thickness of the head portion. However, if the thickness of the head portion is greater than 5. Omm, the operation in the oral cavity may be reduced. Is reduced. When the head is made thinner, operability is improved, but the amount of grease supporting the hair bundle is reduced and the strength of the head is inevitably reduced. And whitening may occur. On the other hand, if the head portion is too thin, the flocking hole becomes shallow, making it difficult to transplant the hair. Therefore, when the thickness of the head part was 2.5 mm or more and 5.Omm or less, a flocking experiment was performed using flat wires of various thicknesses.The thickness was 0.10 mm or more and less than 0.22 mm. When a flat wire having a thickness of preferably 0.13 mm or more and less than 0.22 mm was used, it became apparent that warpage, cracks, whitening, etc., occurred.

 According to the present invention, the thickness of the flat wire is 0.10 mm or more and less than 0.22 mm, preferably 0.13 mm or more and less than 0.22 mm based on the above-described various experimental results.

[0031] Regarding the width of the flat wire in the implantation depth direction, the larger the width, the larger the contact area of the flat wire with the head resin, so that the flocking strength can be increased without increasing the allowance of the flat wire. It is possible. For this reason, when the head member is made of a resin such as polypropylene resin (PP) which is relatively soft and has a low flock strength, it is effective to increase the width of the flat line as much as possible in terms of the flock strength. However, according to the experiments by the present inventors, when the width of the flat line is larger than 2.5 mm, the flat line protrudes to the outside of the flocked surface, or the flocked surface is viewed from the head end side. Often shows a flat line when unattended, resulting in undesirable appearance It has been found.

 On the other hand, the head material is made of polyacetal resin (POM) or saturated polyester resin (for example, acid-modified polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate copolymer (PCTA), glycol-modified polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate copolymer (PCTG)) or the like. In the case of a resin that is relatively hard and has high flocking strength, sufficient flocking strength can be obtained even if the width of the flat line is reduced. Therefore, if the width of the flat wire is reduced and the depth of the flocking hole is reduced, the thickness of the head portion can be reduced, and the operability can be improved. However, if the width of the flat line is too small, the flocking strength is reduced, which causes a practical problem. According to the experiment of the present inventors, it was found that the flocking strength was significantly reduced when the width of the flat line was less than 0.9 mm. Therefore, in the present invention, the width of the flat line is set to 0.9 mm or more and 2.5 mm or less.

[0033] Normally, when toothbrush Tairasen flocked type, the number of tuft 20 bundles Zc m ² before and after per unit flocking area, although the sum of the cross-sectional area of the brush 1. is 1-2. 5 mm ² approximately According to the experiments of the present inventors, the number of bristle bundles per unit flocking area is 25 bundles Zcm ² or more, 80 bundles Zcm ² or less, and the state of the brushes that are planted per flocked hole is folded. It was found that if the total cross-sectional area of the brush was 1.0 mm ² or less, it was excellent in interdental penetration and plaque removal function, which would make it easier to touch the teeth and gums.

[0034] brush total cross-sectional area is preferably 1. 0 mm ² hereinafter in one state folded that is planted in the planting hole, but more preferably in the range of 0.10 forces et 0. 70 mm ^2. At this time, for example, if the brush cross section is circular, the force equivalent to about 5 to 14 per hole for 7 mil (0.178 mm) bristles and 10 to 28 per turn is considered by design. As a guide, this number can be set arbitrarily according to the design toothbrush specifications, brush diameter, cross-sectional shape, and the like.

If the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the brushes that are planted per hole in the folded state is greater than 1.0 mm ² , the pliability of the hair bundle is lost, and the hairs into the fine gaps The reach of the bundles is poor and sufficient oral cleaning cannot be achieved. Moreover, even the sum of the brush cross sectional area 1. 0 mm ² or less, more if the number of bristle bundles than 80 bundles ZCM ² per unit flocking area, the gaps between tufts become very narrow, teeth If the penetration is extremely poor, the range of movement of the bristle bundles that can be freely moved by force is limited, and it becomes difficult to clean delicate brushed parts such as the cervical region. In addition, toothpaste may remain between hair bundles, and drying properties after use may be extremely poor. There are also serious problems in nature. Moreover, even the sum of the brush cross sectional area 1. 0 mm ² or less, if the number of tufts per unit of flocking area is less than 25 bundles / cm ^2, the external appearance of the motorcycle becomes a very poorly It is difficult to clean the tooth surface because of the weakness of the bristle that can be removed by force, and the durability as a toothbrush is also reduced.

[0036] When a hair bundle is implanted by a flat wire type flocking machine, a restoring force is generated to return the folded hair bundle to a straight line in the auxiliary device of the flat wire type flocking machine. Gives great repulsion to According to the experiments of the present inventors, in the case of a hair bundle having a diameter of 1.6-2. Omm (cross-sectional area of 2.0-3.1 cm ² ), a flat wire having a thickness of about 0.25 mm is used. Although the hair bundle can be driven in, the thin flat wire with a thickness of 0.10 mm or more and less than 0.22 mm used in the present invention cannot withstand the bristle restoring force. In some cases, the frequency of defective hair transplantation was extremely high, such as the hair bundles coming off or slipping. In this case, it has been clarified that the rigidity of the thin flat wire can be increased by using a hard metal such as stainless steel as the flat wire material, and the occurrence rate of defective flocking can be reduced.

[0037] On the other hand, the present inventors have pursued a condition of the hair bundle thickness that satisfies both the brushing performance and the thin flat wire, and as a result, the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the brush in the folded state is 1. 0 mm ² or less, more preferable properly is 0. 1 mm ² or more, that the tufts of 0. 7 mm ² or less, high as a high-density flocking a toothbrush, the restoring force of the hair bundle when planted while maintaining the brushing performance It is a toothbrush that can withstand even the most.

 [0038] Further, the distance between at least one of the flocked holes and the closest flocked hole (distance between the closest flocked holes) is preferably 1. Omm or less, more preferably 0.25 mm or more, and 0.75 mm. The range is as follows. If the spacing between the bristle bundles is too narrow, brushes will not enter between the teeth and the interdental penetration will be reduced. On the other hand, when the interval is widened, the appearance discrimination property and the feeling of actual cleaning are reduced. Also, if the interval is widened, the repulsive action of the hair bundles due to the brushing motion becomes stronger, and the brush hairs become rugged when brushing, which reduces the feeling of use. Smooth exercise is not exhibited, and the plaque removing effect is also reduced.

[0039] In order to secure the flocking strength specified in the JIS standard, a conventional flat-line flocked toothbrush uses a flocked hole having a circular cross section of about 1.5 to 2.2 mm in diameter. A margin of 0.25 mm is set as the allowance of the flat wire to the pore edge. Planting a few hair bundles Even with a toothbrush having many pores, a certain level of flocking strength can be secured by increasing the thickness of the flat wire and the amount of hanging force, but there is a limit because it causes cracks and whitening.

[0040] The inventors of the present invention have conducted intensive experiments' research, and as a result, in the case of flocking of a few hair bundles, the flocking strength is the packing factor PF = (total sum of the cross-sectional areas of the brushes) / (flocking hole area. Cross-sectional area of the flat wire that is closed) X 100 [%] (= density of hair bundles per flocking hole per hole), length of flat wire, handle 榭 Independent of grease type, flat wire is handle 榭It has been found that there is a close relationship with the volume that breaks down the fat (the fat breakdown volume). As a result of further studies, the range of optimal榭脂fracture volume is in the range of 0. 1-0. 4 mm ^3, that more favorable Mashiku is in the range of 0. 15-0. 3mm ³ found. If it is less than 0.1 mm ³ , the hair transplant strength, which is an essential physical property of a toothbrush, cannot be obtained sufficiently.If it exceeds 0.4 mm ³ , problems such as warpage of the head and whitening of the fat on the head will occur. I understood that.

 [0041] Materials for the toothbrush nozzle including the head portion include polystyrene resin (PS), polypropylene resin (PP), polyethylene terephthalate resin (PET), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin (ABS), and cellulose propionate. Nate resin (CP), polyarylate resin, polycarbonate resin (PC), saturated polyester resin (PCTA, PCTG, etc.), Atari mouth-tolyl styrene resin (AS), polyacetal resin (POM), poly Materials such as butylene terephthalate (PBT) can be used alone or in combination. It is also possible to use a multicolor molding compound in combination with a thermoplastic elastomer or the like. The handle material is not limited to the above resin. Further, the shape, size and design of the toothbrush handle including the head portion are not limited at all.

 [0042] The material of the flat wire is preferably a metal having excellent strength, such as brass or stainless steel. In addition, hard plastics such as biodegradable plastics can also be used. Grooves may be formed in the outer surface of the flat wire so as to be perpendicular to the direction in which the flat wire is driven to improve the flocking strength.

As described above, a normal toothbrush uses a flat wire having a thickness of about 0.25 mm. Conventionally, it is technically very difficult to manufacture a thinner flat metal wire. It was difficult. In other words, flat wires are manufactured by rolling metal wires called round wires with rolls. Normally, a thick round wire is stretched to a thin round wire in a single step while heating in a furnace.The round wire used for a thin flat wire is thinner than usual, so make it uniform in one process I couldn't do that.

 In recent years, while flattening, the production technology of flat wire has been improved, and it is possible to obtain a round wire having a required thinness by gradually stretching the stretching process into multiple steps. became. Furthermore, when rolling a round wire, the force of pinching the round wire with a roll of normal size is too strong, causing a problem that causes the flocking such as a wavy flat wire. By rolling with an appropriate pressing force, it became possible to manufacture thin flat wires. Therefore, a thin flat wire having a thickness of 0.10 mm or more and less than 0.22 mm, a width of 0.9 mm or more and 2.5 mm or less used in the present invention can be manufactured.

[0045] The thickness and length of the flat wire are directly related to the volume of the resin in the head portion destroyed by the flat wire. cash, based on the relation between such depths narrowing out of Tairasen, the榭脂fracture volume 0. 1 mm ³ or more, preferably set to 0. 4 mm ³ or less and made such thickness and length.

 The shape of the flocking hole is preferably a regular polygon such as a normal circle or square, but may be a shape having a major axis (long side) and a minor axis (short side) such as an ellipse, oval, or rectangle. Good. In addition, by combining the hole orientations, it is possible to make specifications according to the desired interdental penetration, bristle contact, and actual brushing feeling. In the case of a flocking hole having a major axis (long side) and a minor axis (short side), if the minor axis (short side) is arranged in parallel with the outer edge of the head, the flocking occurs when the head is viewed from the side. The narrow side (short side) of the narrowed hair bundle becomes visible, making it look thinner than a circular hair bundle with the same brush count, and can also improve the appearance discrimination.

 The hole arrangement of the flocking holes is generally a lattice-like arrangement, but may be arranged in a staggered manner in order to arrange the holes at higher density while avoiding interference between adjacent flat lines. In addition, by changing the direction of driving the flat wire depending on the location, the hair bundle on the outermost side of the head portion can be made to look thin, and the discrimination of appearance can be improved.

[0048] When a flat line is driven in the major axis direction of the flocking hole, the brushes are arranged along the flat line, so that the flocking strength is improved. In this case, the shape of the flocking hole is preferably substantially rectangular in order to reduce the gap between the bristle bundle and the flocking hole. When hitting a flat line in the minor axis direction, the circumcircle of the hair bundle By making the minor diameter direction of the hair transplant hole coincide with the minor diameter direction of the flocking hole, the space between the flocking hole and the hair bundle can be reduced, and a flocking portion with excellent hairiness can be created. At this time, when the cross section of the brush to be used is circular, the shape of the flocking hole is preferably substantially elliptical or substantially oblong.

 [0049] The material of the brush (filament) constituting the hair bundle includes polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), nylon 6-10, nylon 6- Materials that can be melt-spun, such as polyamides such as 12, nylon 12, polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, and polyhalogenated vinyls such as polyvinylidene fluoride are used, but in terms of usability and durability, Nylon and polytrimethylene terephthalate are preferred. It is also possible to combine them according to the purpose, for example, by using these resins to make a brush with a double core-sheath structure and using different materials and surface conditions on the inside and outside.

 [0050] The thickness of the brush is 3 to 10 mil (0.076 to 0.254 mm), preferably 5 to 8 mil (0.125 to 0.23 mm). It is also preferable to use brushes of different thicknesses within these ranges in consideration of the cleaning effect and durability. Particularly in the case of high-density specifications with a large number of flocking holes, the bristle of the brush is strengthened from the outer bristle to the central bristle, and the thickness, material, length, and color of the brush Changing the cross-sectional shape, etc. is also desirable from the standpoint of usability and appearance.

 [0051] The types of brushes include round bristles (brushes with rounded tips), tapered bristles (brushes with tapered ends), diamond bristles (brushes with a rhombic cross section), and feather bristles (bristles). Is divided into feathers), other irregularly shaped bristles (brushes with a non-circular cross-section), gray knee bristles (brushes with abrasives), spiral catch bristles (spiral grooves Ability to use a variety of brushes, such as formed brushes), indicator hairs (brushes that have a colored outer sheath and indicate the time of replacement by wear of the outer layer), etc. It is not done.

[0052] As the hair cutting shape (profile) of the brush tip surface, any shape such as a single plane shape, a mountain cutting shape, a concave-convex shape, or the like can be adopted. Furthermore, different hair cutting shapes may be used on the outer and inner sides, and on the front and rear ends of the head flocked surface. The category of the toothbrush according to the present invention includes not only a manual toothbrush but also an electric toothbrush.

 The invention's effect

 [0054] In the toothbrush according to claim 1, since the thickness of the flat wire is 0.10 mm or more and less than 0.22 mm, cracks and whitening of the head resin around the flocking holes at the time of driving the flat wire. And the head does not warp.

 [0055] In the toothbrush according to claim 2, the width of the flat wire is 0.9 mm or more and 2.5 mm or less. Strength can be secured.

[0056] toothbrush according to claim 3, the number of tufts per unit flocked area 25 bundles ZCM ² or more, 8 0 bundles ZCM ² or less, and folded the bristles are planted per planting pores 1 hole the sum of the cross-sectional area in the state 1. since the 0 mm ² or less, an excellent toothbrush supple per comfort good Gushikamo interdental penetration resistance and plaque removal function to tooth and gum. In addition, since the thickness of the flat wire is 0.10 mm or more and less than 0.22 mm, the number of hair bundles per unit flocking area is 25 bundles Zcm ² or more and 80 bundles Zcm ² However, it is possible to provide a high-quality toothbrush without cracking or whitening around the flocked holes or warping of the head portion when the flat wire is driven. Further, since the sum of the cross-sectional area in a state where folded the flocked the brush 1. was 0 mm ² or less per well, the thickness of 0. 10 mm or more, with a very thin flat wire of less than 0. 22 mm Even if the hair bundle is implanted, it can withstand the elastic restoring force of the hair bundle that is folded and driven, and the flat wire does not lose the hair bundle force or cause displacement. In addition, it is possible to reduce the incidence of poor hair transplantation.

[0057] toothbrush according to claim 4, for at least some of the bristle holes, as well as the sum of the cross-sectional area of the brush constituting the tufts implanted in the plant pores and 1. 0 mm ² or less, at least V, the distance between one flocked hole and the nearest flocked hole is set at 1.Omm or less, so that the tooth and the oral soft tissue can be comfortably contacted at the cervical and interdental areas. It is excellent in reach of hair tips to oral disease-prone areas such as interdental triangles, and can secure sufficient hair transplanting strength without causing head warpage, whitening or cracking of the resin. Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 (a) —FIG. 1 (c) shows a first embodiment of a toothbrush according to the present invention. FIG. 1 (a) is a schematic plan view of a head portion, and FIG. FIG. 1 (b) is a schematic perspective view of a flat wire into which the hair bundle is driven, and FIG. 1 (c) is a schematic explanatory view showing a state where the hair bundle is folded into two using a flat wire and driven.

[FIG. 2] FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the toothbrush according to the present invention, and is a schematic plan view of a head portion of an electric toothbrush.

 FIGS. 3 (a) to 3 (f) are plan views each showing another example of a cross-sectional shape of a flocking hole and a brush.

 FIG. 4 (a) —FIG. 4 (c) shows a third embodiment of the toothbrush according to the present invention, and FIG. 4 (a) is a schematic view showing a relationship between a bristle bundle and a flat line. FIG. 4 (b) is a schematic plan view thereof, and FIG. 4 (c) is a partially enlarged plan view of a flocking hole in a head portion.

 [FIG. 5] FIG. 5 (a) —FIG. 5 (c) is a diagram for explaining the resin destruction volume in the present invention, and FIG. 5 (a) is a schematic diagram of a hair bundle implanted in a hair implantation hole and a flat line. FIG. 5 (b) is a longitudinal sectional view, and FIG. 5 (c) is a side sectional view.

 FIG. 6 (a) —FIG. 6 (c) shows the shape of the head portion of the toothbrush used in the evaluation test. FIG. 6 (a) is a schematic plan view of the head portion of an A type toothbrush. FIG. 6 (b) is a schematic plan view of a head portion of a B type toothbrush, and FIG. 6 (c) is a schematic plan view of a head portion of a C type toothbrush.

FIGS. 7 (a) to 7 (c) are schematic illustrations of warpage and thickness of a head portion.

FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of a head section showing one embodiment of the toothbrush according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view of a head part showing another embodiment of the toothbrush according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of a head section showing still another embodiment of the toothbrush according to the present invention.

 FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of a head part showing another embodiment of the toothbrush according to the present invention.

 FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view of a head section showing still another embodiment of the toothbrush according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of a head section showing another embodiment of the toothbrush according to the present invention. The

 FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view of a head part showing still another embodiment of the toothbrush according to the present invention.

 [FIG. 15] FIGS. 15 (a) and 15 (b) show another embodiment of the toothbrush according to the present invention. FIG. 15 (a) is a plan view of the entire toothbrush handle without a flocking hole, FIG. 15B is an enlarged plan view of the head portion.

 [FIG. 16] FIGS. 16 (a) and 16 (b) show still another embodiment of the toothbrush according to the present invention. FIG. 16 (a) is a plan view of the entire toothbrush handle without a flocking hole. FIG. 16B is an enlarged plan view of the head portion.

 FIG. 17 is a schematic plan view of a head section showing another embodiment of the toothbrush according to the present invention.

 BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

 1 (a) to 1 (c) show a first embodiment of a toothbrush according to the present invention. The first embodiment shows an example in which the present invention is applied to a manual toothbrush. FIG. 1 (a) is a plan view of a head portion, and FIG. 1 (b) is an enlarged perspective view of a flat line. FIG. 1 (c) is a schematic explanatory view showing a state in which the hair bundle is driven in two using a flat wire. In FIG. 1 (a), brushes implanted in the implanted holes are not shown in the figure for easy viewing.

In the figure, 1 is a toothbrush head portion, 2 is a flocked surface of the head portion 1, 3 is a flocked hole formed in the flocked surface 2, 4 is a bristle 5 for driving a hair bundle 5 into the flocked hole 3 in two. A flat line, 6 is a brush constituting the hair bundle 5, and the unit of the hair bundle 5 implanted in the hair implantation hole 3 of the hair implantation surface 2 of the head part 5 The number per unit of the hair implantation area 25 bundles Zcm ² or more, 80 bundles with the ZCM ² or less, the total cross-sectional area per hole in a state of being folded with a brush 6, which is planted in the planting pores 3 1. 0 mm ² hereinafter, 0. 10 mm thickness t of Tairasen 4 As described above, the width of the flat wire 4 (less than 0.22 mm) and the width of the flat wire 4 (the width in the depth direction when the flat wire 4 is driven into the flocked surface 2) are set to 0.9 mm or more and 2.5 mm or less. Note that the symbol L in the figure indicates the length of the flat line 4.

[0061] With the above-described flocking specification, even if the bristle bundle 5 is folded into the flocking hole 3 by the flat wire 4 and driven, the flat line 4 is thin and the bombardment of the head portion 1 is caused by the impact. The resin around the hole 3 will not crack or whiten. In addition, the head 1 does not warp. Further, when the sheet is folded and driven, the flat wire 4 does not come off from the hair bundle 5 or displaced due to the elastic restoring force of the hair bundle 5 that is going to be restored to a linear shape.

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the toothbrush according to the present invention. The second embodiment shows an example in which the present invention is applied to an electric toothbrush, and the figure shows a head portion of the electric toothbrush. In the case of this electric toothbrush, as in the case of the manual toothbrush, the number per unit of planted area of tufts 5 which are planted in the planting hole 3 flocked surface 2 of the head portion 1 25 bunch ZCM ² or more , 80 bundles Zcm ² or less, and the sum of the cross-sectional areas per hole in the folded state of the brush 6 implanted in the flocking hole 3 shall be 1.0 mm ² or less, and the thickness t of the flat wire 4 Is 0.10 mm or more and less than 0.22 mm, and the width h is 0.9 mm or more and 2.5 mm or less.

 [0063] The shapes of the flocking holes 3 and the brushes 6 used in the present invention are not limited to those shown in the figures, but may be various shapes as shown in Figs. 3 (a) and 3 (f). Can be adopted. Fig. 3 (a) is an example of a circular flocking hole and a brush with a circular cross section, Fig. 3 (b) is an example of a circular flocking hole and a brush with a rectangular cross section, and Figs. 3 (c) and 3 (d) are oval. Fig. 3 (e) shows an example of a rectangular bristle hole and a brush with a circular cross section. Fig. 3 (f) shows a rectangular bristle hole with a round cross section and a diamond cross section (a diamond cross section). Are shown below.

 FIG. 4 (a) to FIG. 5 (c) show a third embodiment of the present invention.

In the third embodiment, a toothbrush in which a bristle bundle 5 in which a plurality of brushes 6 are bundled is folded into two in a flocking hole 3 of a flocking surface 2 of a head portion 1 using a flat wire 4 and planted. The sum of the cross-sectional areas of the brushes 6 constituting the bristle bundles 5 implanted in the flocking holes 3 is 1.0 mm ² or less, and the distance from any nearest flocking hole 3 (distance between the nearest flocking holes) D is less than 1.Omm

 mm

In addition, the volume V of the resin of the head portion 1 broken by the flat wire 4 is set to 0.1 mm 3 or more and 0.4 mm ³ or less.

Here, the “sum of the cross-sectional areas of the brushes 6 constituting the bristle bundle 5” means, as shown in FIG. This is the sum of the cross-sectional areas of all brushes 6. Also, “distance to any nearest flocking hole 3 (distance between nearest flocking holes) D” As shown in FIG. 4 (c), the distance indicates the distance between the closest flocking holes among the plurality of flocking holes 3.

[0066] The "volume V of the resin destroyed by the flat wire 4" is, for example, as shown in Figs. 5 (a) to 5 (c), in the case of a flocking hole 3 having a circular cross section, V ( mm ³ ) Flat wire thickness t (mm) X Flat wire driving depth B (mm) X Flat wire hooking allowance C (mm) X 2 This value is given by the formula.

In the case of the circular flocking hole 3 shown in FIGS. 5 (a) to 5 (c), the portion where the flat line 4 is hooked is defined by the arc-shaped hole wall of the flocking hole 3. Therefore, the value of the resin fracture volume V (mm ³ ) is an approximate value in the above equation, but as shown in Fig. 4 (b), a straight line 4 was inserted in the minor axis direction of the oval-shaped flocking hole 3. In this case, the hooking margin of the flat wire 4 is defined by the straight wall portion of the flocking hole 3, so the resin breakdown volume V (mm ³ ) = the thickness of the flat wire t (mm) X It can be obtained accurately as the penetration depth B (mm) of the flat wire X and the allowance C (mm) X 2 for the flat wire. In the case of a flocking hole having another cross-sectional shape, it can be similarly obtained as an approximate value or an accurate value.

According to the above embodiment, the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the brushes 6 constituting the bristle bundles 5 implanted in the flocking holes 3 is 1.0 mm ² or less. The hair bundle will be comfortable. In addition, the distance D between any nearest flocking hole 3 and 1.Omm or less

 mm

As a result, the hair bundle has an appropriate hair bundle density and is excellent in interdental penetration and brushing feeling. Furthermore, since the volume V of the resin in the head portion 1 that is broken by the flat wire 4 is set to be 0.1 mm ³ or more and 0.4 mm ³ or less, it is possible to obtain an appropriate flocking strength. It is possible to prevent head warpage and whitening and cracking of the head resin. As a result, combined with the above effects, the hair tips can be easily reached to the oral cavity, such as the cervix, the interdental region, and the interdental triangle, which makes the tooth and the soft tissue in the oral cavity more comfortable. In addition, a toothbrush having sufficient flocking strength can be provided without causing warpage of the head portion, whitening or cracking of the resin.

[0069] 1. Quality characteristic evaluation test

An evaluation test of quality characteristics was performed using the toothbrush according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention and a toothbrush of a conventional specification. The results are shown in Table 1. The A-C type toothbrushes in Table 1 are toothbrushes with the following shapes and specifications. [0070] (i) A type

 Head shape: Fig. 6 (a)

 Flocked hole shape: rectangle (short side 1.35mm X long side 1.8mm)

Number of hair bundles per unit flocking area: 19 bundles Zcm ²

Total brush cross-sectional area per hole: 1.52mm ²

 Flat wire length L: 2.2 mm

 (ii) B type

 Head shape: Fig. 6 (b)

 Flocked hole shape: circular (diameter 1.3 mm)

Number of hair bundles per unit flocking area: 28 bundles Zcm ²

Total brush cross-sectional area per hole: 0.78mm ²

 Flat wire length L: l. 8mm

 (iii) C type

 Head shape: Fig. 6 (c)

 Flocked hole shape: oval (short axis 0.64mm X long axis 1.52mm)

Number of hair bundles per unit flocking area: 44 bundles, cm ²

Total brush cross-sectional area per hole: 0.39mm ²

 Flat wire length L: l. 8mm

 [0071] As is clear from the test results in Table 1, the toothbrush of the present invention (Examples 1 to 22) had a flocking state, a warp of the head portion, and the like in comparison with the toothbrush of the conventional specification (Comparative Examples 1 to 12). It was confirmed that the cracks were whitened and the flocking strength was poor.

[Table 1] Quality release fiber

[0073] In Table 1, the term "warpage" refers to the intersection between the parting line m and the tip of the head portion 1 before planting, as shown in Fig. 7 (a). As shown in the figure, it indicates the distance n between the extension of the parting line m after the flocking and the intersection P. Further, the head section thickness refers to the thickness T of the thinnest portion of the head section 1 as shown in FIG. 7 (c) (the same applies to the following tests).

[0074] Each evaluation in Table 1 was based on the following criteria. (1) Flocked condition

 ◎: No brush variation

 〇: Good appearance with little brush variation

 △: Brush variation, but within limit

 X: The brush is uneven and the appearance is poor

 (2) Head warpage

 ◎: No warpage (n = Omm)

 〇: Larger than Omm and less than 0.1 mm

 △: 0.1mm or more, less than 0.5mm

 X: 0.5 mm or more

 (3) Cracks and whitening (discoloration of grease in the head around the flat wire)

 ◎: No cracking or whitening

 〇: Almost no cracks or whitening

 △: Some whitening

 X: There are cracks and whitening

 (4) Flocking strength

 The flocking strength was measured based on the method specified in JIS S3016.

 ◎: 25N or more on average

 〇: On average 15? ^ Or more, less than 25N

 △: Average 8N or more, less than 15N

 X: less than 8N on average

 (5) Comprehensive evaluation

 ◎: Very good 〇: Good △: Neither X: Not good

2.Sensory evaluation test

A sensory evaluation test of the toothbrush of the present invention was performed by 30 specialized panelists in the company of the applicant. The average value of the evaluations by 30 specialized panelists was used as the evaluation result. The results are shown in Table 2. As is evident from Table 2, the toothbrush of the present invention (Examples 23 to 26) has better hitting comfort, interdental penetration, and actual brushing feeling than the conventional toothbrush (Comparative Examples 13 to 16). Without It was confirmed that it was excellent

 [Table 2] Separation Fiber Section

[0077] The sensory evaluation was based on the following criteria.

 (1) Comfortable

 ◎: Very good 〇: Good △: Neither X: Not good

 (2) Interdental penetration

 ◎: Very good 〇: Good △: Neither X: Not good

 (3) Actual feeling of brushing

 ◎: I feel very much 〇: I feel △: I can't say X: I don't feel

 (4) Comprehensive evaluation

 ◎: Very good 〇: Good △: Neither X: Not good

[0078] 3. Head warpage test due to difference in resin used

 A head warpage test was performed for different resins. The results are shown in Table 3. As is clear from Table 3, the toothbrush of the present invention specification (flat wire thickness 0.15mm, 0.20mm) is the same as the conventional specification (flat wire thickness of 0. It was confirmed that the head portion was less likely to warp than a 25 mm) toothbrush.

[0079] [Table 3]

The evaluation of the warpage of the head portion was based on the following criteria.

 ◎: No warpage (n = Omm)

 〇: Larger than Omm and less than 0.1 mm

 △: 0.1mm or more, less than 0.5mm

 X: 0.5 mm or more

[0081] 4. Head Warpage Test Due to Difference in Head Thickness

 A test was conducted on the relationship between the head section thickness and warpage in the case of the present invention specification and the conventional specification. The results are shown in Table 4. As is clear from Table 4, it was confirmed that the toothbrush of the present invention has a smaller warp over a wide range of head thicknesses than the conventional toothbrush.

なお、ヘッド部の反りの評価は次の基準によった, [Table 4] Results of Head Warpage Test (Effect of Head Thickness)

The evaluation of head warpage was based on the following criteria.

 ◎: No warpage (n = Omm)

〇: Larger than Omm and less than 0.1 mm Δ: 0.1mm or more, less than 0.5mm

 X: 0.5 mm or more

 Further, a toothbrush according to the third embodiment of the present invention (Experimental Examples 27 to 38) and a toothbrush of a conventional specification (Comparative Experimental Examples 17 to 24) were manufactured, and a flocking strength, a single-strength removal strength, and a head were prepared. Comparative experiments were conducted on the evaluation of the quality characteristics of warpage and cracking and whitening of the parts, and on the evaluation of the comfort, the interdental penetration, and the feeling of brushing. Table 5 shows the results. As is clear from Table 5, it was confirmed that the toothbrushes of the present invention were superior to the conventional toothbrushes in the overall evaluation.

 [Table 5] Quality characteristics.

なお、表 5中の各評価は次の基準によった。

Each evaluation in Table 5 was based on the following criteria.

 1.Quality characteristic evaluation test

 (1) Flocking strength

 The flocking strength was measured by the method specified in JIS S3016.

◎: 25N or more on average 〇: On average 15? ^ Or more, less than 25N

 △: Average 8N or more, less than 15N

 X: less than 8N on average

 (2) Single-strength strength

 ◎: 5N or more on average

 〇: 3N or more and less than 5N on average

 : Average 1.5N or more, less than 3N

 : Less than 1.5N on average

 (3) Warpage of head

 ◎: No warpage (n = Omm)

 〇: Larger than Omm and less than 0.1 mm

 △: 0.1mm or more, less than 0.5mm

 X: 0.5 mm or more

 (4) Cracks and whitening (discoloration of grease in the head around the flat wire)

 ◎: No cracking or whitening

 〇: Almost no cracks or whitening

 △: Some whitening

 X: There are cracks and whitening

2.Sensory evaluation test

 The average value of the evaluations by 30 internal panelists was used as the evaluation result.

(1) Comfortable

 ◎: Very good 〇: Good △: Neither X: Not good

(2) Interdental penetration

 ◎: Very good 〇: Good △: Neither X: Not good

(3) Actual feeling of brushing

 ◎: I feel very much 〇: I feel △: I can't say X: I don't feel

(4) Comprehensive evaluation

◎: Very good 〇: Good △: Neither X: Not good Next, a specific design example of the toothbrush according to the present invention will be described below.

 FIG. 8 shows Embodiment 39 which is a specific example of the toothbrush according to the present invention. In the working example 39, the specifications of each part are set as follows.

[0089] Head material: Polypropylene (PP) + Santoprene (advanced under the trademark "Santoprene". Elastomer-1. Manufactured and sold by Systems, Inc. Purefyn-type elastomer) Flocked hole: Substantially rectangular hole (short side 0) 64mm X long side 1.32mm X depth 3.8mm), 71 holes Number of hair bundles per unit flocking area: 41 bundles Zcm ²

 Brush: Nylon straight bristles, 8mil (0.203mm) diameter, 6 Zl holes (12 holes Z1 holes after folding)

Total brush cross-sectional area per hole: 0.388mm ²

 Flat wire: brass (thickness 0.17mm X length 1.6mm X width 1.5mm)

FIG. 9 shows Embodiment 40 which is a specific example of the toothbrush according to the present invention. Example 40

The specifications of each part are set as follows.

[0091] Head material: Saturated polyester (PCTA)

Flocked hole: Oval hole (short axis 0.64mm X long axis 1.52mm X depth 3. Omm), 79 holes Number of hair bundles per unit flocking area: 44 bundles, cm ²

 Brush: Nylon straight bristles, diameter 8mil (0.203mm), 6 Zl holes (12 Zl holes after folding)

Total brush cross-sectional area per hole: 0.388mm ²

 Flat wire: brass (thickness 0.15mm X length 1.8mm X width 1.3mm)

FIG. 10 shows Embodiment 41 which is a specific example of the toothbrush according to the present invention. In the embodiment 41, the specifications of each part are set as follows.

[0093] Head material: Polyacetal (POM)

Flocked hole: Substantially rectangular hole (short side 0.64mm x long side 1.32mm x depth 2.5mm), 64 holes Number of hair bundles per unit flocking area: 45 bundles, cm ²

 Brush: Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) tapered bristles, base diameter: 8 mil (0.203 mm), 6 Zl holes (12 Zl holes after folding)

Total brush cross-sectional area per hole: 0.388mm ² Flat wire: grooved stainless steel (thickness 0.2mm X length 1.8mm X width 1.5mm)

FIG. 11 shows Embodiment 42 which is a specific example of the toothbrush according to the present invention. In the embodiment 42, the specifications of each part are set as follows.

[0095] Head material: Polyacetal (POM)

Flocked holes: Substantially rectangular holes (short side 0.64mm X long side 1.52mmX depth 2. Omm), 74 holes Number of hair bundles per unit flocking area: 41 bundles Zcm ²

 Brush: Polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) tapered bristles, base diameter 8 mil (0.203 mm), 6 Zl holes (12 Zl holes after folding)

Total brush cross-sectional area per hole: 0.388mm ²

 Flat wire: Outside = Brass with unevenness (thickness 0.2mm X length 1.8mm X width 2.Omm) Inside = Brass with unevenness (thickness 0.2mmX length 0.8mm X width 2.Omm)

FIG. 12 shows Example 43 which is a specific example of the toothbrush according to the present invention. In the embodiment 43, the specifications of each part are set as follows.

[0097] Head material: Saturated polyester (PCTA) + Primalloy (a polyester elastomer manufactured and sold by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation under the trademark "Primalloy")

 Flocked holes: 72 holes

 (1) Circular hole (diameter 0.8mm X depth 3.5mm), 2 holes

 (2) Circular hole (diameter 1. Omm X depth 3.5 mm), 24 holes

(3) Substantially rectangular holes (short side 0.64mm X long side 1.30mm x depth 3.80mm), 46 holes Number of bristle bundles per unit flocking area: 42 bundles, cm ²

 Brush: (1) Nylon straight bristles, 8mil (0.203mm) in diameter, 4 Zl holes (8 Zl holes in number after folding)

 (2) Nylon straight hair, diameter 8mil (0.203mm), 7 Zl holes (14 Zl holes in number after folding)

 (3) Straight hair of polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), diameter 6 mil (0.152 mm), 19 Zl holes (38 Zl holes after folding)

Total brush cross-sectional area per hole: (1) 0.259mm ²

(2) 0.454mm ² (3) 0.693 mm ²

 Flat wire: (1) Slotted stainless steel (0.13mm thick x 1.2mm long x 1.3mm wide)

 (2) Slotted stainless steel (0.13mm thick x 1.4mm long x 1.5mm wide)

(3) Stainless steel with groove (0.13mm thick x 0.8mm long x 1.5mm wide)

FIG. 13 shows Embodiment 44 which is a specific example of the toothbrush according to the present invention. In this embodiment 44, the specifications of each part are set as follows.

[0099] Head material: Polypropylene (PP) + Mirastomer (an olefinic elastomer manufactured and sold by Mitsui Iridaku Co., Ltd. under the trademark "Millastomer")

Flocked holes: Substantially rectangular holes (short side 0.65mm X long side 1.30mm X depth 3.2mm), 69 holes Number of hair bundles per unit flocking area: 40 bundles, cm ²

 Brush: nylon spiral catch bristles

 (1) Head tip = 9 mil (0.229 mm) diameter, 5 Zl holes (10 holes Z1 holes after folding)

 (2) Other parts = 7 mil (0.178mm) diameter, 7 holes Zl (14 holes Z1 hole after folding)

Total brush cross-sectional area per hole: (1) 0.412 mm ²

(2) 0.348mm ²

 Flat wire: stainless steel (thickness 0.2mm X length 1.5mm X width 2.3mm)

FIG. 14 shows Embodiment 45 which is a specific example of the toothbrush according to the present invention. In the forty-fifth embodiment, the specifications of each part are set as follows.

[0101] Head material: Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) + plating

 Flocked hole: (1) Circular hole (diameter 1. Omm X depth 3. Omm), 2 holes

(2) Substantially rectangular holes (short side 0.65mm X long side 1.30mm X depth 3.2mm), 39 holes Number of hair bundles per unit flocking area: 26 bundles Zcm ²

 Brush: Nylon straight hair

 (1) 6 mil (0.152mm) diameter, 13 Zl holes (26 Zl holes in number after folding)

(2) Diameter 6mil (0.152mm), 25 Zl holes (50 Zl holes after folding) Total of cross-sectional area of brush per hole: (1) 0.472mm ² (2) 0.901 mm ²

 Flat wire: (1) Stainless steel (0.14mm thick x 1.3mm long x 2.3mm wide)

 (2) Stainless steel (0.14mm thick x 1.3mm long x 2.3mm wide)

FIGS. 15 (a) and 15 (b) show Embodiment 46 which is a specific example of the toothbrush according to the present invention, and illustrates specific dimensions of each part.

FIG. 16 (a) and FIG. 16 (b) show Embodiment 47 which is a specific example of the toothbrush according to the present invention, and illustrates specific dimensions of each part.

[0104] Table 6 shows still another specific example of the toothbrush according to the present invention.

In the table, Examples 48-54 are examples of a manual toothbrush, and Example 55 is an example of an electric toothbrush. Each of these toothbrushes has the above-described conditions of the present invention, that is, the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the brushes constituting the bristle bundles implanted in the flocking holes is 1.0 mm ² or less, and at least one of the flocking holes The distance between the nearest flocking hole and the distance between the nearest flocking holes (distance between the closest flocking holes)

 min

壊体product) V is 0. lmm ³ or more, so that 0. 4 mm ³ or less, is obtained by setting the specifications of each unit.

[0105] [Table 6]

Brush

Note) * 1 Short axis Long axis _X depth or diameter depth.

 * 2 Advanced Elastomer Systems, Inc.

L.P.).

 * 3 A polyester elastomer manufactured and sold by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation under the trademark Primalloy. * 4 This is a olefin-based elastomer manufactured and sold by San #jDangaku Co., Ltd. under the trademark "Milastomer". Explanation of symbols

1 Head 2 Flocked surface

3 Flocked hole

4 Flat wire

5 Hair bundles

6 brush

 B Depth of flat wire

C Flat line cost

 D Distance to nearest flocking hole (distance between nearest flocking holes) min

h Flat line width

 L Flat wire length

m Notting line

n Head warpage

 P intersection

 S flocking area

t Flat wire thickness

τ Head thickness

 V Volume of resin in the head that is destroyed by the flat wire (resin breakdown volume)

Claims

The scope of the claims  [1] Using a toothbrush planted by bundling a plurality of brushes into a flocked hole on the head flocked surface using a flat wire,  A toothbrush wherein the thickness of the flat wire is 0.10 mm or more and less than 0.22 mm. [2] The toothbrush according to claim 1,  A toothbrush wherein the width of the flat line is not less than 0.9 mm and not more than 2.5 mm. [3] In the toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2, The number of the hair transplanted hair bundles per unit flocking area is 25 bundles Zcm ² or more, 80 bundles Zcm ² or less, and the total cross-sectional area of the brushes planted per flocking hole in the folded state is 1. A toothbrush characterized by being 0 mm ² or less. [4] In the toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2, The head portion is made of a resin, and the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the brushes constituting the bristle bundle planted in the flocking hole is set to 1.0 mm ² or less for at least a part of the flocking hole, A toothbrush characterized in that the distance between one flocking hole and the nearest flocking hole is less than 1. Omm.