JP7503942B2 - Interdental Cleaning Tools - Google Patents

Interdental Cleaning Tools Download PDF

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JP7503942B2
JP7503942B2 JP2020112940A JP2020112940A JP7503942B2 JP 7503942 B2 JP7503942 B2 JP 7503942B2 JP 2020112940 A JP2020112940 A JP 2020112940A JP 2020112940 A JP2020112940 A JP 2020112940A JP 7503942 B2 JP7503942 B2 JP 7503942B2
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shaft
cleaning
bent
corner
teeth
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JP2022011653A (en
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智和 吉田
啓悟 中村
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Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
    • A61C15/00—Devices for cleaning between the teeth
    • A61C15/02—Toothpicks

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Description

本発明は、歯間を清掃する歯間清掃具に関する。 The present invention relates to an interdental cleaning tool for cleaning between teeth.

従来、奥歯の歯間を清掃することに適した歯間清掃具が知られている（例えば、特許文献１参照）。この歯間清掃具は、基部と、基部の一端部から延出した軸部と、を有する本体と、本体の硬度よりも低い硬度を有する弾性材料からなり、軸部の外面の少なくとも一部を被覆する清掃部と、を備えている。 Interdental cleaners suitable for cleaning between molars are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). These interdental cleaners include a main body having a base and a shaft extending from one end of the base, and a cleaning part made of an elastic material having a hardness lower than that of the main body, covering at least a part of the outer surface of the shaft.

特許文献１に記載の歯間清掃具は、基部（文献ではハンドル基材本体）がハンドル本体と先端側が湾曲形成された先細基材部とを有しており、清掃部（文献では清掃用軟質部）が先細基材部の先端に連続して設けられている。この先細基材部と清掃部との接続部分には、全周に亘ってエラストマーからなる環状の挿入規制部が形成されている。 The interdental cleaning tool described in Patent Document 1 has a base (called the handle base material body in the document) that has a handle body and a tapered base material part that is curved at the tip side, and a cleaning part (called the soft cleaning part in the document) that is continuous with the tip of the tapered base material part. At the connection part between this tapered base material part and the cleaning part, a ring-shaped insertion restriction part made of elastomer is formed around the entire circumference.

特開２０１６－１０４３８２号公報JP 2016-104382 A

ところで、奥歯の歯間を清掃することに適した歯間清掃具において、清掃部（軸部）を歯間に挿入して往復移動させたとき、軸部を被覆する清掃部と歯との摩擦や当接により、往復移動方向や往復移動方向と交差する方向の応力が清掃部の根元部分にかかりやすい。このとき、特許文献１に記載の歯間清掃具では、挿入規制部を設けることで清掃部の歯間への挿入長さを規制することが可能となるものの、往復移動方向と交差する方向の応力に対しては考慮されておらず、清掃部の根元部分に過度に応力が集中して軸部が折れやすい。 In an interdental cleaner suitable for cleaning between molars, when the cleaning part (shaft) is inserted between the teeth and moved back and forth, stress is likely to be applied to the base of the cleaning part in the direction of reciprocating movement or in a direction intersecting the direction of reciprocating movement due to friction and contact between the teeth and the cleaning part that covers the shaft. In this case, in the interdental cleaner described in Patent Document 1, although it is possible to restrict the insertion length of the cleaning part between the teeth by providing an insertion restriction part, no consideration is given to stress in a direction intersecting the direction of reciprocating movement, and excessive stress is concentrated at the base of the cleaning part, making the shaft prone to breaking.

そこで、奥歯の歯間を清掃することに適した歯間清掃具において、清掃部の軸折れを防止できる歯間清掃具が望まれている。 Therefore, there is a demand for an interdental cleaner suitable for cleaning between back teeth that can prevent the shaft of the cleaning part from breaking.

本発明の一態様に係る歯間清掃具は、第一方向に延出した基部と、前記基部の一端部から延出して前記第一方向から前記第一方向と交差する第二方向に向けて屈曲した屈曲部と、前記屈曲部の前記基部とは反対側の端部から前記第二方向に沿って延出した軸部と、を有する本体と、前記本体の硬度よりも低い硬度を有する弾性材料からなり、前記軸部の外面の少なくとも一部を被覆すると共に歯間への挿入が可能な外形で構成された清掃部を有する軟質部材と、を備え、前記屈曲部と前記軸部との接続部分には、前記屈曲部の屈曲内側である腹側にのみ段差部が形成され、前記屈曲部の屈曲外側である背側には前記段差部は形成されておらず、前記段差部の前記軸部に繋がる角部は、前記腹側に曲率中心を有する円弧の一部を有することを特徴とする。 An interdental cleaning tool according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a main body having a base extending in a first direction, a bent portion extending from one end of the base and bent from the first direction toward a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a shaft portion extending along the second direction from an end of the bent portion opposite the base, and a soft member made of an elastic material having a hardness lower than that of the main body, covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the shaft portion and configured with an outer shape that allows it to be inserted between teeth, wherein a step portion is formed only on the ventral side , which is the inside of the bend of the bent portion, at the connection portion between the bent portion and the shaft portion, and no step portion is formed on the dorsal side, which is the outside of the bent portion, and the corner portion of the step portion connected to the shaft portion has part of an arc having a center of curvature on the ventral side .

本歯間清掃具のように屈曲部を有する歯間清掃具の場合、清掃部（軸部）を歯間に挿入して往復移動させたとき、軸部を被覆する清掃部と歯との摩擦や当接により、往復移動方向や往復移動方向と交差する方向の応力が軸部の根元部分に集中する。 In the case of an interdental cleaner with a bent portion like this interdental cleaner, when the cleaning part (shaft) is inserted between the teeth and moved back and forth, stress in the direction of reciprocating movement and in a direction intersecting the direction of reciprocating movement is concentrated at the base of the shaft due to friction and contact between the teeth and the cleaning part that covers the shaft.

本歯間清掃具では、軸部の根元部分となる屈曲部と軸部との接続部分には、腹側に段差部が形成されており、この段差部の軸部に繋がる角部には、面取りが形成されている。このため、段差部が清掃部の歯間への挿入長さを規制することにより往復移動方向の応力を軽減し、段差部の角部に面取りを形成することで、往復移動方向と交差する方向の応力が角部に集中することを緩和できる。その結果、清掃部（軸部）を歯間に挿入して繰り返し往復移動させたとしても、軸部が折れにくい。 In this interdental cleaning tool, a step is formed on the ventral side of the connection between the bent portion, which forms the base of the shaft, and the shaft, and the corner of this step that connects to the shaft is chamfered. Therefore, the step limits the insertion length of the cleaning part between the teeth, thereby reducing stress in the direction of reciprocating movement, and by forming chamfers at the corners of the step, it is possible to alleviate the concentration of stress at the corners in a direction intersecting the direction of reciprocating movement. As a result, even if the cleaning part (shaft) is inserted between the teeth and repeatedly moved back and forth, the shaft is unlikely to break.

このように、奥歯の歯間を清掃することに適した歯間清掃具において、清掃部の軸折れを防止できる。 In this way, the shaft of the cleaning part can be prevented from breaking in an interdental cleaning tool suitable for cleaning between back teeth.

このように段差部の角部に円弧を形成することで、往復移動方向と交差する方向の応力を分散させることができる。その結果、清掃部の軸折れを効果的に防止することができる。 By forming an arc at the corner of the step in this way, stress in a direction intersecting the direction of reciprocation can be dispersed. As a result, bending of the shaft of the cleaning part can be effectively prevented.

他の構成として、前記軸部は、前記角部に亘る全域が前記弾性材料で被覆されていることが好ましい。 As another configuration, it is preferable that the shaft portion is entirely covered with the elastic material, including the corners.

このように軸部から段差部の角部に亘る全域を弾性材料で被覆すれば、弾性材料が段差部の角部にかかる応力を受け止めて緩衝機能を発揮する。その結果、段差部の角部にかかる応力をより分散させて、清掃部の軸折れを効果的に防止することができる。 By covering the entire area from the shaft to the corners of the step with an elastic material in this way, the elastic material absorbs the stress on the corners of the step and provides a cushioning function. As a result, the stress on the corners of the step can be further dispersed, effectively preventing the shaft of the cleaning part from breaking.

他の構成として、前記段差部の全域は、前記弾性材料で被覆されていることが好ましい。 As another configuration, it is preferable that the entire step portion is covered with the elastic material.

このように段差部の全域が弾性材料で被覆されていれば、段差部の角部にかかる応力を受け止める緩衝機能がより発揮される。また、奥歯の清掃時に段差部が口腔内壁に接触した際にも、口腔内を傷つけることを抑制できる。 If the entire stepped portion is covered with an elastic material in this way, the cushioning function of absorbing stress on the corners of the stepped portion is more pronounced. In addition, even if the stepped portion comes into contact with the inner wall of the mouth when cleaning the back teeth, damage to the oral cavity can be suppressed.

本実施形態に係る歯間清掃具を示す斜視図である。FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an interdental cleaning tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. 本実施形態に係る清掃部を示す部分拡大断面図である。FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the cleaning unit according to the embodiment. 歯間清掃具の使用例を示す図である。FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of use of the interdental cleaner. その他の実施形態（ａ）に係る清掃部を示す部分拡大断面図である。FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a cleaning unit according to another embodiment (a). その他の実施形態（ｂ）に係る清掃部を示す部分拡大断面図である。FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a cleaning unit according to another embodiment (b).

以下に、本発明に係る歯間清掃具の実施形態について、図面に基づいて説明する。ただし、以下の実施形態に限定されることなく、その要旨を逸脱しない範囲内で種々の変形が可能である。 Below, an embodiment of the interdental cleaning tool according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

図１に示すように、本実施形態における歯間清掃具Ｄは、紙面に垂直な方向から見たときに、載置面に安定的に載置される扁平な逆Ｓ字形状を呈している。以下、紙面に垂直な方向である、歯間清掃具Ｄが載置された載置面を臨む方向視を平面視として説明する。 As shown in FIG. 1, the interdental cleaner D in this embodiment has a flat inverted S-shape when viewed perpendicular to the paper surface, allowing it to be stably placed on a support surface. Below, the view perpendicular to the paper surface, that is, the view facing the support surface on which the interdental cleaner D is placed, will be described as a plan view.

歯間清掃具Ｄは、把持部１１および延出部１２を有する基部１と屈曲部２と軸部３とが一体成形された本体Ａと、本体Ａの硬度よりも低い硬度を有する弾性材料からなり、清掃部４を有する軟質部材Ｂと、を備えている。以下、歯間清掃具Ｄのうち、屈曲部２の屈曲外側（図１の紙面右側）を背側、屈曲部２の屈曲内側（図１の紙面左側）を腹側として説明する。 Interdental cleaner D comprises a main body A in which a base 1 having a gripping portion 11 and an extending portion 12, a bending portion 2 and a shaft portion 3 are integrally molded, and a soft member B made of an elastic material having a hardness lower than that of main body A and having a cleaning portion 4. In the following description of interdental cleaner D, the outer side of the bending portion 2 (the right side of the paper in FIG. 1) is referred to as the dorsal side, and the inner side of the bending portion 2 (the left side of the paper in FIG. 1) is referred to as the ventral side.

本体Ａは、ポリプロピレン、ＡＢＳ、ポリブチレンテレフタレート、ポリカーボネート、ポリエチレンテレフタレート、ポリスチレン、ポリアセタール等の合成樹脂の１種又は２種以上の組み合わせで構成されている。本実施形態における本体Ａは、ポリプロピレンで構成されている。また、本体Ａを構成する合成樹脂には、剛性を高める強化剤が含まれることが好ましい。強化剤としては、ガラス繊維、ナノセルロース繊維、アラミド繊維、炭素繊維等の繊維状の強化剤、マイカ、ガラスフレーム等の板状の強化剤、タルク等の粉末状の強化剤、ワラストナイト等の針状の強化剤が挙げられる。強化剤の含有量としては、５重量％以上５０重量％以下であり、好ましくは１０重量％以上４０重量％以下、更に好ましくは１５重量％以上４０重量％以下である。 The main body A is made of one or a combination of two or more synthetic resins such as polypropylene, ABS, polybutylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, and polyacetal. In this embodiment, the main body A is made of polypropylene. In addition, the synthetic resin constituting the main body A preferably contains a reinforcing agent that increases rigidity. Examples of the reinforcing agent include fibrous reinforcing agents such as glass fiber, nanocellulose fiber, aramid fiber, and carbon fiber, plate-shaped reinforcing agents such as mica and glass frames, powdered reinforcing agents such as talc, and needle-shaped reinforcing agents such as wollastonite. The content of the reinforcing agent is 5% by weight or more and 50% by weight or less, preferably 10% by weight or more and 40% by weight or less, and more preferably 15% by weight or more and 40% by weight or less.

軟質部材Ｂは、本体Ａの硬度よりも低い硬度を有するエラストマー（弾性材料の一例）で構成されている。このエラストマーとして、スチレン系エラストマーが好ましく、シリコン、オレフィン系エラストマー、ポリエステル系エラストマー等を用いても良い。 The soft member B is made of an elastomer (an example of an elastic material) that has a hardness lower than that of the main body A. As this elastomer, a styrene-based elastomer is preferable, but silicone, olefin-based elastomer, polyester-based elastomer, etc. may also be used.

本体Ａにおいて、延出部１２は、把持部１１から第一方向Ｘａに延出した扁平棒状に構成されている。また、屈曲部２は、延出部１２の把持部１１とは反対側の端部（基部１の一端部）から延出して、第一方向Ｘａから第一方向Ｘａと交差する（図１の実施形態では屈曲内角が１２０度）第二方向Ｘｂに向けて屈曲した扁平形状で構成されている。なお、第一方向Ｘａと第二方向Ｘｂとの交差角（屈曲部２の屈曲内角）は、３０度以上１５０度以下、好ましくは８０度以上１４０度以下、更に好ましくは１００度以上１３０度以下で構成されているのが良い。 In the main body A, the extension portion 12 is configured as a flat rod extending from the grip portion 11 in the first direction Xa. The bent portion 2 extends from the end of the extension portion 12 opposite the grip portion 11 (one end of the base portion 1) and is configured as a flat shape bent from the first direction Xa toward the second direction Xb that intersects with the first direction Xa (in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the inner bend angle is 120 degrees). The intersecting angle between the first direction Xa and the second direction Xb (the inner bend angle of the bent portion 2) is preferably configured to be 30 degrees or more and 150 degrees or less, preferably 80 degrees or more and 140 degrees or less, and more preferably 100 degrees or more and 130 degrees or less.

本体Ａの延出部１２と屈曲部２のうち背側の約半分には、軟質部材Ｂで覆われた背面部５が形成されている。本体Ａの延出部１２と屈曲部２のうち腹側の約半分は、軟質部材Ｂで覆われておらず合成樹脂が露出している。 A dorsal portion 5 is formed on approximately half of the dorsal side of the extension portion 12 and the bent portion 2 of the main body A and is covered with a soft member B. Approximately half of the ventral side of the extension portion 12 and the bent portion 2 of the main body A is not covered with the soft member B, and the synthetic resin is exposed.

図２に示すように、軸部３は、屈曲部２に対して延出部１２とは反対側の端部から第二方向Ｘｂに沿って次第に先細り形状となる円錐台棒状に形成されている。軸部３の外形は、屈曲部２との接続部位（基端）から先端に向かって直径が小さくなるように線形テーパを有している。 As shown in FIG. 2, the shaft portion 3 is formed in a truncated cone rod shape that gradually tapers in the second direction Xb from the end opposite the extension portion 12 relative to the bent portion 2. The outer shape of the shaft portion 3 has a linear taper such that the diameter decreases from the connection portion (base end) with the bent portion 2 toward the tip.

軸部３と屈曲部２との接続部分には、腹側に屈曲部２から軸部３に向かって段落ちした段差部６が形成されており、背側は軸部３と屈曲部２とが略面一（拡大すると微小な段差が視認できる程度）となっている。この段差部６の軸部３に繋がる角部６１には、腹側に曲率中心を有する円弧の一部（面取りの一例）が形成されており、角部６１がＲ形状となっている。また、段差部６の屈曲部２に繋がる角部６２は、略直角（拡大すると僅かにＲ形状）に屈曲している。段差部６の軸部３に繋がる角部６１の曲率半径は、0.05～1.0ｍｍが好ましく、0.1～1.0ｍｍであればより好ましい。 At the connection between the shaft portion 3 and the bent portion 2, a step 6 is formed on the ventral side, which steps down from the bent portion 2 towards the shaft portion 3, and on the dorsal side, the shaft portion 3 and the bent portion 2 are approximately flush (a very small step can be seen when enlarged). A corner 61 of this step 6 connected to the shaft portion 3 is formed with a part of an arc (an example of chamfering) with a center of curvature on the ventral side, and the corner 61 is rounded. In addition, a corner 62 connected to the bent portion 2 of the step 6 is bent at an approximately right angle (slightly rounded when enlarged). The radius of curvature of the corner 61 connected to the shaft portion 3 of the step 6 is preferably 0.05 to 1.0 mm, and more preferably 0.1 to 1.0 mm.

軟質部材Ｂの一部を構成する清掃部４は、軸部３の外面の少なくとも一部を被覆すると共に歯間への挿入が可能な外形を有している。本実施形態における清掃部４は、図２に示すように、軸部３の全域に密着する被覆部４１と、被覆部４１から外方に突出した複数（多数）の毛を有するブラシ部４２とを有している。被覆部４１は、軸部３の直径よりも小さい肉厚で構成されている。ブラシ部４２は、被覆部４１から離間するに連れて先細り形状となる円錐状に形成されている。本実施形態に係る歯間清掃具Ｄにおいては、清掃部４が歯間に挿入されたとき、ブラシ部４２の毛が柔軟に変形すると共に、被覆部４１やブラシ部４２が歯に当接して、歯間に存在する異物（食べカス等）や歯に付着した異物（歯垢等）を取り除くことができる。 The cleaning part 4, which constitutes a part of the soft member B, covers at least a part of the outer surface of the shaft part 3 and has an outer shape that allows it to be inserted between teeth. As shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning part 4 in this embodiment has a covering part 41 that adheres to the entire shaft part 3, and a brush part 42 that has multiple (many) bristles protruding outward from the covering part 41. The covering part 41 is configured with a thickness smaller than the diameter of the shaft part 3. The brush part 42 is formed in a cone shape that tapers as it moves away from the covering part 41. In the interdental cleaning tool D according to this embodiment, when the cleaning part 4 is inserted between teeth, the bristles of the brush part 42 flexibly deform, and the covering part 41 and the brush part 42 come into contact with the teeth, so that foreign matter (food debris, etc.) present between the teeth and foreign matter (plaque, etc.) attached to the teeth can be removed.

延出部１２及び屈曲部２のうち背側の約半分に形成された背面部５は、清掃部４の背側の軟質部材Ｂと一体的に形成されている。清掃部４の腹側の軟質部材Ｂは、段差部６に亘って延在している。本実施形態では、段差部６の軸部３に繋がる角部６１から段差部６の屈曲部２に繋がる角部６２までエラストマーで被覆されている。つまり、段差部６の全域がエラストマーで被覆されている。なお、ブラシ部４２は、軸部３の長手方向で、軸部３の先端からの一部分の範囲に設けられていても良いし、軸部３の全域に設けられていても良い。 The extension 12 and the rear portion 5 formed on approximately the rear half of the bent portion 2 are integrally formed with the soft member B on the rear side of the cleaning portion 4. The soft member B on the ventral side of the cleaning portion 4 extends across the step portion 6. In this embodiment, the step portion 6 is covered with elastomer from the corner 61 that connects to the shaft portion 3 to the corner 62 that connects to the bent portion 2 of the step portion 6. In other words, the entire step portion 6 is covered with elastomer. The brush portion 42 may be provided in a portion of the shaft portion 3 from the tip in the longitudinal direction of the shaft portion 3, or may be provided over the entire shaft portion 3.

次に、本実施形態に係る歯間清掃具Ｄの製造方法について説明する。歯間清掃具Ｄは、合成樹脂製の本体Ａの軸部３に射出成形等の公知の方法により清掃部４を成形する二色成形法により製造される。具体的には、まず本体Ａを射出成形等の公知の方法により一体的に形成する。次に、形成された本体Ａを二色成形用の金型に載置し、本体Ａの軸部３の先端近傍に設けられたゲートから、溶融エラストマーを金型内に射出して充填する。充填された溶融エラストマーは固化して軟質部材Ｂとなり、清掃部４と背面部５とが形成される。このようにして、歯間清掃具Ｄが製造される。 Next, a method for manufacturing the interdental cleaner D according to this embodiment will be described. The interdental cleaner D is manufactured by a two-color molding method in which the cleaning part 4 is molded on the shaft part 3 of the main body A made of synthetic resin by a known method such as injection molding. Specifically, the main body A is first integrally formed by a known method such as injection molding. Next, the formed main body A is placed in a two-color molding mold, and molten elastomer is injected into the mold from a gate provided near the tip of the shaft part 3 of the main body A to fill it. The filled molten elastomer solidifies and becomes a soft member B, and the cleaning part 4 and the back part 5 are formed. In this manner, the interdental cleaner D is manufactured.

図３には、歯間清掃具Ｄの使用方法が示されている。屈曲部２を有する歯間清掃具Ｄは、概ね以下の３種類の持ち方がある。
（１）把持部１１を親指と人差し指とで摘まむ第一把持方法
（２）把持部１１を親指と中指とで摘まみ、人差し指を延出部１２の背面部５に沿える第二把持方法
（３）把持部１１および延出部１２の全域を握りしめる第三把持方法 3 shows a method of using the interdental cleaner D. The interdental cleaner D having the bent portion 2 can be held in roughly the following three ways.
(1) A first gripping method in which the grip portion 11 is pinched between the thumb and index finger. (2) A second gripping method in which the grip portion 11 is pinched between the thumb and middle finger and the index finger is placed along the back surface portion 5 of the extension portion 12. (3) A third gripping method in which the grip portion 11 and the extension portion 12 are gripped in their entirety.

使用者は何れか把持方法により歯間清掃具Ｄを持って、奥歯の歯間に清掃部４が挿入されるように、清掃部４の先端から基端に向かって口腔内に入れる。そして、歯間清掃具Ｄを操作して、歯間内で清掃部４を往復移動させる。把持部１１に外力を加えた状態で清掃部４（軸部３）を歯間に挿入して往復移動させたとき、軸部３を被覆する清掃部４と歯との摩擦や当接により、往復移動方向や往復移動方向と交差する方向の応力が軸部３から屈曲部２を介して延出部１２に伝達される。特に、該応力は軸部３の根元部分に集中する。 The user holds the interdental cleaner D by any gripping method and inserts the cleaning part 4 from the tip to the base end into the oral cavity so that the cleaning part 4 is inserted between the molars. The user then operates the interdental cleaner D to move the cleaning part 4 back and forth between the teeth. When the cleaning part 4 (shaft part 3) is inserted between the teeth and moved back and forth while an external force is applied to the grip part 11, stress in the direction of reciprocation and in a direction intersecting the direction of reciprocation is transmitted from the shaft part 3 to the extension part 12 via the bent part 2 due to friction and contact between the cleaning part 4 covering the shaft part 3 and the teeth. In particular, the stress is concentrated at the base part of the shaft part 3.

本実施形態では、清掃部４全域を覆う軟質部材Ｂが背面部５と連続しているため、軸部３と屈曲部２との接続部分に作用する応力負荷を緩和することができる。その結果、清掃部４を歯間に挿入して繰り返し往復移動させたとしても、屈曲部２が背側に柔軟に変形し、軸部３が折れにくい。 In this embodiment, the soft member B that covers the entire cleaning part 4 is continuous with the back part 5, so that the stress load acting on the connection part between the shaft part 3 and the bent part 2 can be alleviated. As a result, even if the cleaning part 4 is inserted between the teeth and repeatedly moved back and forth, the bent part 2 flexibly deforms toward the back side, and the shaft part 3 is not likely to break.

また、本実施形態では、軸部３の根元部分となる屈曲部２と軸部３との接続部分の腹側に段差部６が形成されており、この段差部６の軸部３に繋がる角部６１には、腹側に曲率中心を有する円弧の一部が形成されている。このため、段差部６が清掃部４の歯間への挿入長さを規制することにより往復移動方向の過度の応力を軽減し、段差部６の角部６１に円弧を形成することで、往復移動方向と交差する方向の応力を分散させることができる。その結果、清掃部４（軸部３）を歯間に挿入して繰り返し往復移動させたとしても、軸部３が折れにくい。 In addition, in this embodiment, a step 6 is formed on the ventral side of the connection between the bent portion 2, which is the base of the shaft portion 3, and the shaft portion 3, and a corner 61 of this step 6 connected to the shaft portion 3 is formed with a part of an arc having a center of curvature on the ventral side. Therefore, the step 6 reduces excessive stress in the reciprocating direction by restricting the insertion length of the cleaning part 4 between the teeth, and forming an arc at the corner 61 of the step 6 can disperse stress in a direction intersecting the reciprocating direction. As a result, even if the cleaning part 4 (shaft portion 3) is inserted between the teeth and repeatedly moved back and forth, the shaft portion 3 is unlikely to break.

しかも、軸部３から段差部６の角部６１に亘る全域をエラストマーで被覆しているので、エラストマーが段差部６の角部６１にかかる応力を受け止めて緩衝機能を発揮する。その結果、段差部６の角部６１にかかる応力をより分散させて、清掃部４の軸折れを効果的に防止することができる。また、段差部６の屈曲部２に繋がる角部６２を含め段差部６の全域がエラストマーで被覆されているので、奥歯の清掃時に段差部６が口腔内壁に接触した際にも、口腔内を傷つけることを抑制できる。 Moreover, because the entire area from the shaft 3 to the corner 61 of the step 6 is covered with elastomer, the elastomer absorbs the stress applied to the corner 61 of the step 6 and exerts a cushioning function. As a result, the stress applied to the corner 61 of the step 6 is further dispersed, and the shaft of the cleaning part 4 can be effectively prevented from breaking. In addition, because the entire step 6, including the corner 62 connected to the bent part 2 of the step 6, is covered with elastomer, damage to the oral cavity can be suppressed even when the step 6 comes into contact with the inner wall of the oral cavity when cleaning the back teeth.

［その他の実施形態］
（ａ）図４に示すように、段差部６の軸部３に繋がる角部６１をエラストマーで被覆し、段差部６の屈曲部２に繋がる角部６２は合成樹脂を露出させても良い。このように構成しても、軸部３から段差部６の角部６１に亘る全域をエラストマーで被覆しているので、エラストマーが段差部６の角部６１にかかる応力を受け止めて緩衝機能を発揮する。 [Other embodiments]
4, a corner 61 of the step portion 6 connected to the shaft portion 3 may be covered with an elastomer, and a corner 62 of the step portion 6 connected to the bent portion 2 may be left with exposed synthetic resin. Even with this configuration, the entire area from the shaft portion 3 to the corner 61 of the step portion 6 is covered with an elastomer, so that the elastomer absorbs the stress applied to the corner 61 of the step portion 6 and exhibits a cushioning function.

（ｂ）図５に示すように、段差部６を複数（本実施形態では２つ）の段差で構成しても良い。本実施形態では、軸部３側より数えて１段目の段差のうち、軸部３に繋がる角部６１には、腹側に曲率中心を有する円弧の一部が形成されており、隣接する２段目の段差に繋がる角部６３には、背側に曲率中心を有する円弧の一部が形成されている。軸部３側より数えて２段目の段差のうち、１段目の段差側の角部６４には、腹側に曲率中心を有する円弧の一部が形成されており、段差部６の屈曲部２に繋がる角部６２は、略直角（拡大すると僅かにＲ形状）に屈曲している。このように構成しても、段差部６が清掃部４の歯間への挿入長さを規制することにより往復移動方向の応力を軽減し、段差部６の軸部３に繋がる角部６１に円弧を形成することで、往復移動方向と交差する方向の応力を分散させることができる。しかも、１段目の段差のうち、軸部３に繋がる角部６１及び隣接する２段目の段差に繋がる角部６３と、２段目の段差のうち、１段目の段差側の角部６４とがＲ形状となっているため、奥歯の清掃時に段差部６が口腔内壁に接触した際にも、口腔内を傷つけることを抑制できる。 (b) As shown in FIG. 5, the step portion 6 may be formed of multiple steps (two in this embodiment). In this embodiment, among the steps of the first step counted from the shaft portion 3 side, a corner portion 61 connected to the shaft portion 3 is formed with a part of an arc having a center of curvature on the ventral side, and a corner portion 63 connected to the adjacent second step is formed with a part of an arc having a center of curvature on the dorsal side. Among the steps of the second step counted from the shaft portion 3 side, a corner portion 64 on the first step side is formed with a part of an arc having a center of curvature on the ventral side, and a corner portion 62 connected to the bent portion 2 of the step portion 6 is bent at an approximately right angle (slightly R-shaped when enlarged). Even with this configuration, the step portion 6 reduces the stress in the reciprocating direction by restricting the insertion length of the cleaning portion 4 between the teeth, and the stress in the direction intersecting the reciprocating direction can be dispersed by forming an arc at the corner portion 61 connected to the shaft portion 3 of the step portion 6. Furthermore, among the first step, the corner 61 that connects to the shaft 3 and the corner 63 that connects to the adjacent second step, as well as the corner 64 of the second step on the side of the first step, are rounded, so that even if the step 6 comes into contact with the inner wall of the mouth when cleaning the back teeth, damage to the inside of the mouth can be suppressed.

（ｃ）背面部５は、軟質部材Ｂが屈曲部２の背側のみを覆うように構成しても良い。つまり、延出部１２全体を軟質部材Ｂで覆わずに露出させても良い。また、延出部１２の背側のうち、屈曲部２側の一部分を軟質部材Ｂで覆っても良い。 (c) The back surface portion 5 may be configured so that the soft member B covers only the back side of the bending portion 2. In other words, the entire extension portion 12 may be exposed without being covered by the soft member B. Also, a portion of the back side of the extension portion 12 on the bending portion 2 side may be covered by the soft member B.

（ｄ）軟質部材Ｂが屈曲部２や延出部１２の腹側を覆うように構成しても良い。 (d) The soft member B may be configured to cover the ventral side of the bent portion 2 and the extended portion 12.

（ｅ）段差部６の軸部３に繋がる角部６１を、腹側に曲率中心を有する円弧の一部となるＲ面取りで構成したが、Ｃ面取りで構成しても良い。つまり、段差部６の軸部３に繋がる角部６１に面取りが形成されていれば良い。Ｃ面取りであっても、角部６１に応力が集中することを緩和することができる。なお、Ｃ面取りである場合、上述した曲率半径を有するＲ形状の角部６１における両端の変曲点間を結んだ直線であることが好ましい。 (e) The corner 61 connected to the shaft 3 of the step 6 is configured with an R-chamfer that is part of an arc with a center of curvature on the ventral side, but it may be configured with a C-chamfer. In other words, it is sufficient that the corner 61 connected to the shaft 3 of the step 6 is chamfered. Even with a C-chamfer, it is possible to reduce the concentration of stress at the corner 61. Note that, in the case of a C-chamfer, it is preferable that the chamfer be a straight line connecting the inflection points at both ends of the R-shaped corner 61 having the above-mentioned radius of curvature.

本発明は、奥歯の歯間を清掃することに適した歯間清掃具に利用可能である。 The present invention can be used in an interdental cleaning tool suitable for cleaning between back teeth.

１ ：基部
２ ：屈曲部
３ ：軸部
４ ：清掃部
６ ：段差部
６１ ：角部
Ａ ：本体
Ｂ ：軟質部材
Ｄ ：歯間清掃具
Ｘａ ：第一方向
Ｘｂ ：第二方向 1: Base portion 2: Bending portion 3: Shaft portion 4: Cleaning portion 6: Step portion 61: Corner portion A: Main body B: Soft member D: Interdental cleaning tool Xa: First direction Xb: Second direction

Claims (3)

第一方向に延出した基部と、前記基部の一端部から延出して前記第一方向から前記第一方向と交差する第二方向に向けて屈曲した屈曲部と、前記屈曲部の前記基部とは反対側の端部から前記第二方向に沿って延出した軸部と、を有する本体と、
前記本体の硬度よりも低い硬度を有する弾性材料からなり、前記軸部の外面の少なくとも一部を被覆すると共に歯間への挿入が可能な外形で構成された清掃部を有する軟質部材と、を備え、
前記屈曲部と前記軸部との接続部分には、前記屈曲部の屈曲内側である腹側にのみ段差部が形成され、前記屈曲部の屈曲外側である背側には前記段差部は形成されておらず、
前記段差部の前記軸部に繋がる角部は、前記腹側に曲率中心を有する円弧の一部を有する歯間清掃具。 a main body having a base portion extending in a first direction, a bent portion extending from one end of the base portion and bent from the first direction toward a second direction intersecting the first direction, and an axis portion extending along the second direction from an end of the bent portion opposite the base portion;
a soft member made of an elastic material having a hardness lower than that of the main body, covering at least a part of the outer surface of the shaft portion and having a cleaning portion configured with an outer shape that can be inserted between teeth;
At a connection portion between the bent portion and the shaft portion, a step portion is formed only on a ventral side, which is an inner side of the bent portion , and the step portion is not formed on a dorsal side, which is an outer side of the bent portion,
An interdental cleaning tool , wherein a corner portion of the stepped portion connected to the shaft portion has a part of an arc having a center of curvature on the ventral side . 前記軸部は、前記角部に亘る全域が前記弾性材料で被覆されている請求項１に記載の歯間清掃具。 The interdental cleaning tool according to claim 1 , wherein the shaft portion is covered with the elastic material over the entire area including the corners. 前記段差部の全域は、前記弾性材料で被覆されている請求項２に記載の歯間清掃具。 The interdental cleaning tool according to claim 2 , wherein the entire area of the step portion is covered with the elastic material.
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WO2016167191A1 (en) 2015-04-16 2016-10-20 ライオン株式会社 Interdental brush
JP2017086774A (en) 2015-11-17 2017-05-25 小林製薬株式会社 Interdental cleaner

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5775346A (en) * 1996-02-14 1998-07-07 Advanced Implant Technologies Inc. Interproximal dental appliances

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080149134A1 (en) 2006-12-22 2008-06-26 Ranir, Llc Dental floss holder
WO2016076373A1 (en) 2014-11-11 2016-05-19 サンスター スイス エスエー Production method for interdental cleaning tool
WO2016167191A1 (en) 2015-04-16 2016-10-20 ライオン株式会社 Interdental brush
JP2017086774A (en) 2015-11-17 2017-05-25 小林製薬株式会社 Interdental cleaner

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