US20110304194A1 - Brush body and toothbrush including brush body - Google Patents

Brush body and toothbrush including brush body Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20110304194A1
US20110304194A1 US13/151,795 US201113151795A US2011304194A1 US 20110304194 A1 US20110304194 A1 US 20110304194A1 US 201113151795 A US201113151795 A US 201113151795A US 2011304194 A1 US2011304194 A1 US 2011304194A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
basal
bristle
brush body
core
bristle bundle
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US13/151,795
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Satoshi Uchida
Masayoshi Nagayama
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Panasonic Corp
Original Assignee
Panasonic Electric Works Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Panasonic Electric Works Co Ltd filed Critical Panasonic Electric Works Co Ltd
Assigned to PANASONIC ELECTRIC WORKS CO., LTD. reassignment PANASONIC ELECTRIC WORKS CO., LTD. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: NAGAYAMA, MASAYOSHI, UCHIDA, SATOSHI
Publication of US20110304194A1 publication Critical patent/US20110304194A1/en
Assigned to PANASONIC CORPORATION reassignment PANASONIC CORPORATION MERGER (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: PANASONIC ELECTRIC WORKS CO.,LTD.,
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B9/00—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
    • A46B9/02—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups
    • A46B9/04—Arranged like in or for toothbrushes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0002—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
    • A46B15/0016—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with enhancing means
    • A46B15/0022—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with enhancing means with an electrical means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46D—MANUFACTURE OF BRUSHES
    • A46D1/00—Bristles; Selection of materials for bristles
    • A46D1/02—Bristles details
    • A46D1/023—Bristles with at least a core and at least a partial sheath
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
    • A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
    • A46B2200/1066—Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a brush body and a toothbrush including the brush body.
  • Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 63-249507 discloses a motor-driven electric toothbrush.
  • the electric toothbrush forms an electric circuit with the teeth and toothbrush bristles to generate a direct current (DC) pulse that improves the oral cleaning effect when brushing the teeth.
  • DC direct current
  • Patent document 2 discloses an electric toothbrush that decomposes plaque and stain, decomposes organic acid such as lactic acid that directly causes decalcification of the teeth, and sterilizes the mouth of bacteria that causes cavities and pyorrhea, which produce plaque, organic acid, toxin, and the like.
  • Patent document 2 describes an arrangement in which an N-type semiconductor is connected to a positive electrode of the DC power supply. The N-type semiconductor comes into contact with moisture, such as saliva, in the mouth at either one of or both head and grip of the toothbrush.
  • the electric toothbrush described in patent document 2 includes bristles, each obtained by vapor-depositing metallic titanium on the surface of a filament and oxidizing the surface of the metallic titanium to form a thin anatase titanium dioxide layer.
  • Japan National Phase Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2000-504605 discloses a device that detects plaque on the surface of a tooth or artificial tooth when brushing the teeth.
  • This device includes an electrode, which includes an insulative outer surface and a conductive distal end placed on the surface of a tooth.
  • the electrode is a filament formed from an elastic insulative material.
  • the filament includes a core formed from a flexible conductive material.
  • Patent document 4 discloses a toothbrush including a head.
  • An electrode is arranged on the head.
  • chloride ions in the mouth are transformed to effective chlorine to sterilize and clean the mouth.
  • Patent document 4 discloses the arrangement of the electrode on the outer surface of the head near the bristles and the embedment of the electrode in the head in contact with the conductive bristles.
  • Patent document 5 suggests the use of a conductive brush.
  • Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2003-9947 describes a method for manufacturing a toothbrush.
  • the method includes bundling filaments, which are formed from an insulative material such as nylon, to form bristle bundles, fusing and solidifying basal ends of the filaments in each bristle bundle to form a fused ball, and embedding the fused balls in the bristle embedment base.
  • Toothpaste and mouthwash containing effective sterilizing medicinal components such as cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) are known to sterilize such gaps from bacteria.
  • Filaments having a so-called core-in-sheath structure may form a conductive bristle bundle.
  • a filament having a core-in-sheath structure includes a conductive core and an insulative sheath, which entirely covers the side of the core.
  • insulative components from the sheath may mix with the fused ball. As a result, the bristle bundle may not be formed with the desired conductivity.
  • Each filament includes a core, which contains a conductive material, and an insulative sheath, which covers a side of the core.
  • the core includes a distal end and a basal end projecting out of the sheath in a longitudinal direction.
  • the bristle bundle includes a basal portion, at which the basal ends of the cores in the filaments are fused, solidified, and integrated with one another.
  • the bristle bundle includes a distal portion, which is formed by the distal end of each core of the filaments.
  • a ratio of the conductive material at the basal portion of the bristle bundle is equal to a ratio of the conductive material at the distal portion of the bristle bundle.
  • a further aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a brush body.
  • the method includes preparing a bristle bundle by bundling a plurality of filaments, wherein each filament includes a conductive core, which includes a distal projection and a basal projection, and an insulative sheath, which covers a portion of the core excluding the distal projection and the basal projection.
  • the method also includes fusing and integrating the basal projections of the cores of the filaments without fusing the insulative sheaths to form a fused resin terminal of the bristle bundle.
  • the method includes electrically connecting the fused resin terminal of the bristle bundle to a head of the brush body.
  • FIG. 1( a ) is a cross-sectional view of a toothbrush according to a first embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 1( b ) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a brush body
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the brush body
  • FIGS. 3( a ) to 3 ( c ) are diagrams showing the steps for manufacturing a bristle bundle
  • FIGS. 4( a ) to 4 ( d ) are diagrams showing the steps for assembling the toothbrush
  • FIG. 5( a ) is a cross-sectional view of a toothbrush according to a second embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 5( b ) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a brush body
  • FIGS. 6( a ) and 6 ( b ) are diagrams showing the steps for fixing bristle bundles to a head of the toothbrush of FIG. 5 ;
  • FIG. 7( a ) is a cross-sectional view of a toothbrush according to a third embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 7( b ) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a brush body
  • FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the brush body of the toothbrush of FIG. 7 ;
  • FIGS. 9( a ) to 9 ( c ) are diagrams showing the steps for assembling the toothbrush of FIG. 7 ;
  • FIGS. 10( a ) and 10 ( b ) are diagrams showing the steps for fixing bristle bundles to a head of the toothbrush of FIG. 7 ;
  • FIG. 11( a ) is a cross-sectional view of a toothbrush according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 11( b ) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a brush body
  • FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing a brush body of the toothbrush of FIG. 11 ;
  • FIGS. 13( a ) to 13 ( c ) are diagrams showing steps for manufacturing the bristle bundle according to a comparative example.
  • a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 .
  • an electric toothbrush 1 includes a grip 10 and a brush body 20 attached to a grip 10 .
  • the brush body 20 is vibrated by a vibration actuator 14 arranged in the grip 10 .
  • the brush body 20 is detachable from the grip 10 .
  • the grip 10 may be cylindrical for easy grasping by a user.
  • a grip electrode 11 that comes into contact with the user's hand is arranged on the surface of the grip 10 .
  • a power supply unit 12 which supplies power
  • a circuit unit 13 which controls the supply of power to the vibration actuator 14
  • the circuit unit 13 electrically connects the power supply unit 12 and the vibration actuator 14 when a switch (not shown) arranged on the toothbrush 1 is operated.
  • the vibration actuator 14 includes a conductive output shaft 14 a .
  • the vibration actuator 14 vibrates the output shaft 14 a when power is supplied from the power supply unit 12 .
  • the output shaft 14 a includes a distal end, which projects from the grip 10 towards the brush body 20 , and a basal end, which is electrically connected to the power supply unit 12 .
  • the distal end of the output shaft 14 a is inserted into the brush body 20 when the brush body 20 is attached to the grip 10 .
  • the brush body 20 includes a brush stem 20 a and a head 20 b .
  • the head 20 b includes bristle bundles 30 .
  • the brush stem 20 a and the head 20 b are formed integrally with each other.
  • a lead plate 21 is arranged in the brush stem 20 a .
  • the lead plate 21 is conductive and formed from a conductive metal material.
  • the lead plate 21 is connected to the output shaft 14 a when the brush body 20 is coupled to the grip 10 .
  • the head 20 b includes a bristle embedment base 22 and a pad 23 .
  • the bristle bundles 30 are embedded in the bristle embedment base 22 .
  • the pad 23 applies elastic force to the bristle bundles 30 of the bristle embedment base 22 .
  • the head 20 b is formed from an insulative material. Holes 20 c extend through the head 20 b .
  • the bristle bundles 30 are respectively inserted into the holes 20 c . Each bristle bundle 30 projects out of the brush body 20 .
  • the bristle embedment base 22 which receives the bristle bundles 30 , is formed from a conductive metal material.
  • the bristle embedment base 22 includes holes 22 a (refer to FIG. 1( b )), which respectively receive the bristle bundles 30 .
  • the pad 23 is elastic and may be formed by a sponge or the like. The pad 23 forces the bristle bundles 30 against the bristle embedment base 22 .
  • the brush body 20 includes a cover 24 , which covers the lead plate 21 , the bristle embedment base 22 , and the pad 23 .
  • the cover 24 is preferably non-detachable from the brush stem 20 a and the head 20 b .
  • the cover 24 is preferably waterproof and seals the interior of the brush stem 20 a and the head 20 b.
  • Each bristle bundle 30 is formed by a plurality of filaments 40 and includes a basal portion 31 and a distal portion 32 .
  • the basal portion 31 of the bristle bundle 30 is supported by the bristle embedment base 22 .
  • the bristle embedment base 22 electrically connects the basal portions 31 of the bristle bundles 30 to one another.
  • Each filament 40 is a single thin fiber, namely, a monofilament, and has a core-in-sheath structure.
  • Each bristle bundle 30 is formed by, for example, forty filaments 40 .
  • the filament 40 which has the core-in-sheath structure, includes a core 41 , which contains conductive material, and an insulative sheath 42 , which covers the side of the core 41 .
  • the core 41 includes basal and distal ends, which project out opposite ends of the sheath 42 in a longitudinal direction of the sheath 42 . In other words, the core 41 projects out of the two ends of the sheath 42 in the longitudinal direction of the filament 40 .
  • the basal and distal ends of the core 41 are also referred to as basal and distal projections.
  • the sheath 42 of the filament 40 is formed from an insulative material.
  • the insulative material may be a resin such as polyamide resin or saturated polyester resin (polybutylene terephthalate).
  • the sheath 42 preferably does not contain any conductive material.
  • the core 41 contains conductive material.
  • Conductive material is mixed with the insulative material forming the sheath at a predetermined ratio in the core 41 .
  • the conductive material contained in the core 41 is formed by metal grains such as carbon grains, long and short carbon fibers, and silver grains.
  • the sheath 42 of the filament 40 is formed from nylon 6 , which is a polyamide resin.
  • the sheath 42 has a volume specific resistance value of 1 ⁇ 10 7 to 1 ⁇ 10 13 ( ⁇ cm).
  • the core 41 has carbon grains, which form the conductive material, kneaded to the nylon 6 , which is the main material.
  • the mass ratio of the carbon grains in the core 41 is 30%. Accordingly, the conductive material ratio of the core 41 is 30%, and the insulative material ratio of the core 41 is 70%.
  • the volume specific resistance value of the core 41 is 1 ⁇ 10 2 to 1 ⁇ 10 6 ( ⁇ cm), and the core 41 has higher conductivity than the sheath 42 .
  • the volume specific resistance value indicates the volume specific resistance of an object.
  • the volume specific resistance is not the electrical resistivity at the surface of the object and is the electrical resistivity inside the object.
  • filaments 40 each having a core 41 projecting out over a relatively long length from one end of the sheath 42 , is prepared.
  • each core 41 includes a distal projection and a basal projection respectively projecting out of the distal end and the basal end of the sheath 42 in the longitudinal direction.
  • the basal projection of the core 41 is longer than the distal projection of the core 41 .
  • the distal projection of the core 41 projects out over two millimeters from the distal end of the sheath 42 .
  • the basal projection of the core 41 projects out over five millimeters from the basal end of the sheath 42 .
  • the core 41 may be cylindrical and have a diameter of 0.05 mm.
  • the sheath 42 may be cylindrical and have an outer diameter of 0.18 mm.
  • the filaments 40 are bundled together, and the cores 41 projecting out of the basal ends of the sheaths 42 are forced against a hot plate, which is heated to a predetermined temperature.
  • the hot plate 9 is heated to the fusing temperature of the resin or insulative material forming the filaments 40 .
  • the hot plate 9 is heated to 260° C.
  • the cores 41 in the bundle of filaments 40 are forced against the hot plate 9 , the cores 41 are fused and integrated with one another.
  • the integrated cores 41 are solidified to obtain the basal portion 31 of the bristle bundle 30 .
  • the basal portion 31 of the bristle bundle 30 is obtained by fusing and solidifying the integrated cores 41 .
  • the basal portion 31 may be referred to as a fused resin terminal.
  • the distal end of the core 41 in each filament 40 forms the distal portion 32 of the bristle bundle 30 .
  • the distal portion 32 is the entire distal projection of each core 41 .
  • the bristle bundle 30 has a diameter that is largest at the basal portion 31 , namely, a maximum diameter R 1 .
  • the diameter R 1 at the basal portion 31 of the bristle bundle 30 is larger than the diameter R 2 at a bundle portion 30 A corresponding to the sheaths 42 , that is, at a portion of the bristle bundle 30 excluding the basal portion 31 and the distal portion 32 .
  • the sheaths 42 are not fused when forming the basal portion 31 of the bristle bundle 30 . Accordingly, the conductive material ratio at the basal portion 31 is equal to the conductive material ratio at the distal portions 32 .
  • the number of filaments 40 forming each bristle bundle 30 , the diameter of each core 41 , and the length of the basal projection in each core 41 are adjusted in advance so that the basal portion 31 is formed from only the cores 41 .
  • core-in-sheath filaments 140 each include a conductive core 141 and an insulative sheath 142 .
  • Each core 141 includes a basal end that does not project out of or projects only slightly out of the sheath 142 .
  • the cores 141 and the sheaths 142 are fused as shown in FIG. 13( b ) to form an integrated basal portion 131 (see FIG. 13( c )).
  • the conductive material ratio of the integrated basal portion 131 is lower than the conductive material ratio of a distal portion 132 due to the mixing of the insulative sheath 142 .
  • the volume specific resistance of the integrated basal portion 131 is larger than the volume specific resistance of the cores 141 .
  • the fusion of the sheaths 142 causes uneven distribution of the conductive material in the integrated basal portion 131 .
  • the current that flows to the filaments 140 may vary between the filaments 140 .
  • the bristle embedment base 22 is first arranged on the head 20 b with the holes 20 c of the head 20 b in communication with the holes 22 a of the bristle embedment base 22 .
  • the bristle bundles 30 are then inserted into the holes 22 a and 20 c from the bristle embedment base 22 .
  • the diameter R 1 of the basal portion 31 of each bristle bundle 30 is greater than the diameter of the holes 22 a and 20 c .
  • the lead plate 21 is fixed to the bristle embedment base 22 .
  • projections 22 b (refer to FIG. 4( b )), which project from one end of the bristle embedment base 22 , are inserted apertures 21 a (refer to FIG. 1( b )) extending through the lead plate 21 .
  • distal ends of the projection 22 b are melted and deformed to fix the lead plate 21 to the bristle embedment base 22 .
  • the pad 23 is arranged on the basal portion 31 . Then, referring to FIG. 4( d ), ultrasonic welding or the like is performed to integrate the cover 24 with the head 20 b and the brush stem 20 a . In this manner, the brush body 20 is obtained.
  • the circuit unit 13 When a user operates the switch (not shown) of the toothbrush 1 to brush his or her teeth, the circuit unit 13 electrically connects the grip electrode 11 and the bristle bundle 30 through the power supply unit 12 .
  • an electric circuit, or closed circuit is formed connecting the power supply unit 12 , the grip electrode 11 , the user's hand, the user's gum, the bristle bundles 30 , the bristle embedment base 22 , the lead plate 21 , and the output shaft 14 a.
  • the lead plate 21 and the bristle embedment base 22 are formed from the conductive material (e.g., silver) contained in the core 41 to increase the conduction efficiency between the power supply unit 12 to the bristle bundle 30 in the electric circuit.
  • the volume specific resistance value of the lead plate 21 and the bristle embedment base 22 is smaller than the volume specific resistance value of the basal portion 31 .
  • the present embodiment has the advantages described below.
  • the brush body 20 includes the bristle bundles 30 , each formed by a plurality of filaments 40 .
  • Each filament 40 includes a core 41 and a sheath 42 .
  • the distal and basal ends of the core 41 project out of the sheath 42 in the longitudinal direction.
  • the basal portion 31 of each bristle bundle 30 is where the basal ends of the cores 41 are fused and integrated to one another.
  • the distal end of each core 41 forms a distal portion 32 of the bristle bundle 30 .
  • the conductive material ratio of the basal portion 31 is equal to the conductive material ratio of the distal portion 32 .
  • the conduction efficiency from the basal portion 31 to the distal portion 32 is higher than when the conductive material ratio of the basal portion 31 is lower than the conductive material ratio of the distal portion 32 .
  • the diameter R 1 of the basal portion 31 of each bristle bundle 30 is larger than the diameter R 2 of the bundle portion 30 A corresponding to the sheaths 42 of each bristle bundle 30 .
  • the basal portions 31 of the bristle bundles 30 are connected to one another by the bristle embedment base 22 , which is a conductive member.
  • the volume specific resistance of the bristle embedment base 22 is smaller than the volume specific resistance of the basal portion 31 .
  • the bristle embedment base 22 serves as a base into which the bristle bundles 30 are inserted and also serves as a conductive member that connects the basal portions 31 of the bristle bundles 30 to one another.
  • the insertion of the bristle bundles 30 into the bristle embedment base 22 so that the basal portions 31 contact the bristle embedment base 22 allows for current to flow to the bristle bundles 30 through the bristle embedment base 22 .
  • the toothbrush 1 includes the brush body 20 and thus has the advantages described above. Accordingly, the required capacity is low for the power supply unit 12 that supplies current to the bristle bundle 30 and the power supply unit 12 may be compact.
  • the toothbrush 1 includes the vibration actuator 14 , which vibrates the brush body 20 . Vibration of the head 20 b improves the cleaning capacity and produces a massaging effect on the gum.
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 . Like or same reference numerals are given to those components that are the same as the corresponding components of the first embodiment. Such components will not be described in detail.
  • the bristle bundles 30 are fixed to the bristle embedment base 22 without the pad 23 . More specifically, the fused and solidified basal portions 31 are integrated and fixed with the bristle embedment base 22 .
  • the bristle embedment base 22 includes a wall 22 c extending around each hole 22 a .
  • a fusing portion 22 d (refer to FIG. 6( a )), or projection, is formed between the wall 22 c and the edge of the hole 22 a .
  • the fusing portion 22 d is covered by the fused basal portion 31 of the bristle bundle 30 . Solidification of the basal portions 31 integrates the basal portions 31 with the bristle embedment base 22 .
  • the bristle bundles 30 are inserted to the holes 22 a and 20 c from the bristle embedment base 22 in the same manner as the first embodiment.
  • the basal portions 31 are heated and pressurized with a heat plate (not shown) to refuse the basal portion 31 .
  • Each fused basal portion 31 moves within the corresponding wall 22 c and covers the fusing portion 22 d .
  • the basal portion 31 is solidified. This fixes the basal portions 31 to the bristle embedment base 22 .
  • Ultrasonic welding is then performed to integrate the cover 24 with the head 20 b and the brush stem 20 a to obtain the brush body 20 shown in FIG. 5 .
  • the basal portions 31 of the bristle bundles 30 are directly fixed to the bristle embedment base 22 . This eliminates the need for the pad 23 , which forces the bristle bundles 30 against the bristle embedment base 22 .
  • ribs, which contact the bristle bundles 30 may be formed in the cover 24 to assist the fixing of the basal portions 31 .
  • the present embodiment has the following advantage.
  • the basal portions 31 are integrated with the bristle embedment base 22 , which serves as a base.
  • the bristle bundles 30 are fixed to the bristle embedment base 22 when the basal portions 31 and the bristle embedment base 22 are brought into contact and electrically connected to each other. This ensures the electrical connection of the basal portions 31 and the bristle embedment base 22 .
  • FIGS. 7 and 10 A third embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 10 .
  • Like or same reference numerals are given to those components that are the same as the corresponding components of the first embodiment. Such components will not be described in detail.
  • the bristle bundles 30 are fixed without using the pad 23 and the bristle embedment base 22 . More specifically, basal portions 31 are integrated with one another. The lead plate 21 forces the basal portion 31 against the head 20 b.
  • the head 20 b functions as a base, which receives the bristle bundles 30 .
  • the basal portions 31 of the bristle bundles 30 are fused and integrated with one another.
  • the distal portions 32 of the bristle bundles 30 are electrically connected with the single basal portion 31 .
  • the brush body 20 which does not include the bristle embedment base 22 , is prepared.
  • the bristle bundles 30 are respectively inserted into the holes 20 c of the brush body 20 .
  • the lead plate 21 is arranged on the integrated basal portion 31 . Ultrasonic welding is performed to integrate the cover 24 with the head 20 b and the brush stem 20 a and obtain the brush body 20 shown in FIG. 7 .
  • the lead plate 21 is preferably forced against the basal portion 31 by the cover 24 .
  • the present embodiment has the following advantage.
  • the basal portions 31 of the bristle bundles 30 are integrated and connected with one another. This ensures that current flows to the bristle bundles 30 .
  • FIGS. 11 and 12 A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 . Like or same reference numerals are given to those components that are the same as the corresponding components of the first embodiment. Such components will not be described in detail.
  • each basal portion 31 is forced against the head 20 b , which serves as a base, by the pad 23 and the lead plate 21 .
  • the lead plate 21 includes a distal portion that substantially covers the basal portions 31 of the bristle bundles 30 .
  • the lead plate 21 includes bumps 21 b corresponding to the basal portions 31 .
  • the bumps 21 b of the lead plate 21 apply force to the corresponding basal portions 31 . This ensures direct electrically connection of the lead plate 21 and the basal portions 31 of the bristle bundles 30 .
  • the bristle bundles 30 are inserted into the holes 20 c in the same manner as in the third embodiment. Then, the lead plate 21 is arranged on the basal portion 31 . The pad 23 is arranged on the lead plate 21 . Further, ultrasonic welding is performed to integrate the cover 24 with the head 20 b and the brush stem 20 a by ultrasonic welding. This obtains the brush body 20 shown in FIG. 11 .
  • the present embodiment has the following advantage.
  • the basal portions 31 of the bristle bundles 30 are connected to each other by the lead plate 21 , which is a conductive member.
  • the volume specific resistance of the lead plate is smaller than the volume specific resistance of the basal portions 31 .
  • the lead plate 21 may include a pad for elastically holding the basal portion 31 .
  • the pad may be discrete from the lead plate 21 .
  • the bristle bundles 30 do not have to be fixed to the base 22 or head 20 b as described above.
  • the cover 24 may force the basal portions 31 against the bristle embedment base 22 in the first and fourth embodiments.
  • the material forming the filaments 40 and the conductive material contained in the core 41 are not limited to those described in the embodiments.
  • the materials for forming the head 20 b , the lead plate 21 , the bristle embedment base 22 , which are included in the brush body 20 are also not limited to those described in the above embodiments.
  • the lead plate 21 may be formed from a metal material such as stainless alloy, which differs from the conductive material contained in the core 41 .
  • the bristle embedment base 22 may be formed from a conductive resin material containing a conductive material.
  • the brush body 20 is attachable to the grip 10 . Instead, the brush body 20 may be integrated with the grip 10 .
  • the head 20 b of the brush body 20 vibrates in the toothbrush 1 of the above embodiments.
  • the vibration function of the brush body 20 may be eliminated.

Landscapes

  • Brushes (AREA)
US13/151,795 2010-06-14 2011-06-02 Brush body and toothbrush including brush body Abandoned US20110304194A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2010-135323 2010-06-14
JP2010135323A JP2012000148A (ja) 2010-06-14 2010-06-14 ブラシ体およびこれを備えた歯ブラシ

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20110304194A1 true US20110304194A1 (en) 2011-12-15

Family

ID=44510024

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/151,795 Abandoned US20110304194A1 (en) 2010-06-14 2011-06-02 Brush body and toothbrush including brush body

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US20110304194A1 (zh)
EP (1) EP2394530B1 (zh)
JP (1) JP2012000148A (zh)
CN (1) CN102273812A (zh)

Cited By (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130139340A1 (en) * 2011-07-11 2013-06-06 Nihon Sanmo Dyeing Co., Ltd. Brush fiber, brush using brush fiber, and method for manufacturing brush fiber
US20170367474A1 (en) * 2016-06-28 2017-12-28 The Procter & Gamble Company Method of making a brush and brush
US20180146774A1 (en) * 2015-05-26 2018-05-31 Sanwa Tooth Brush Industrial Limited Partnership Method of manufacturing a brush, and brush
US20180271387A1 (en) * 2017-03-22 2018-09-27 Renesas Electronics Corporation System and method for heart rate measurement
US20190008271A1 (en) * 2015-12-28 2019-01-10 Colgate-Palmolive Company Brush with Fluid Delivery
US10194739B2 (en) 2014-07-11 2019-02-05 The Procter & Gamble Company Head for an oral care implement
US10702057B2 (en) 2015-07-07 2020-07-07 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement and monofilament bristle for use with the same
US11241084B2 (en) * 2018-06-11 2022-02-08 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care device
KR20220054233A (ko) 2020-10-23 2022-05-02 주식회사 프록시헬스케어 전도성 칫솔모를 구비한 전기 칫솔
USD956426S1 (en) * 2019-11-25 2022-07-05 Colgate-Palmolive Company Refill head for a toothbrush
US11406172B2 (en) 2016-06-27 2022-08-09 The Procter & Gamble Company Toothbrush heads comprising a two-component cleaning element and method for producing the same
USD967633S1 (en) 2020-08-03 2022-10-25 Colgate-Palmolive Company Refill head for a toothbrush
US11617432B2 (en) 2019-06-21 2023-04-04 The Procter & Gamble Company Hole perforation plate for manufacturing of a toothbrush head and part thereof
US11723453B2 (en) 2017-12-12 2023-08-15 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Brush head assembly and methods of manufacture
US11832717B2 (en) 2019-06-21 2023-12-05 The Procter & Gamble Company Method for producing a toothbrush head
US11844419B2 (en) 2019-06-21 2023-12-19 The Procter & Gamble Company Cleaning element carrier and toothbrush head comprising it
US11944189B2 (en) 2019-06-21 2024-04-02 The Procter & Gamble Company Method for producing a toothbrush head or a part thereof

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3389443A4 (en) * 2015-12-14 2019-06-26 Colgate-Palmolive Company LIGHT-EMITTING MOUTH CARE DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2845648A (en) * 1954-03-18 1958-08-05 Osborn Mfg Corp Brush and brush material
US6772467B1 (en) * 1999-07-13 2004-08-10 Coronet-Werkc Gmbh Brush bristle, method of making same and brush comprising such brush bristles
US20090047516A1 (en) * 2006-03-10 2009-02-19 Kuraray Co., Ltd. Conductive composite fiber and method for producing same

Family Cites Families (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3114324C2 (de) * 1981-02-07 1986-10-30 Hans G. Dr.med.dent. 4350 Recklinghausen Weber Zahnbürste zur elektrischen Aktivierung von Fluor in Zahnpflegemitteln
JP2560025B2 (ja) 1987-04-03 1996-12-04 博 福場 電動式電子歯ブラシ
CN1017865B (zh) * 1988-09-05 1992-08-19 王龄 治疗口腔疾病的牙刷装置
JPH0690824A (ja) 1992-03-31 1994-04-05 Shiken:Kk 電動歯ブラシ
DE19605845A1 (de) 1996-02-16 1997-08-21 Lingner & Fischer Gmbh Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Nachweis von Zahnbelägen
JP2003009947A (ja) 2001-06-28 2003-01-14 Sunstar Group Engineering Inc 歯ブラシ製造方法およびそれに基づき製造された歯ブラシ
JP2003339440A (ja) * 2002-05-30 2003-12-02 Lion Corp ブラシおよびその製造方法
JP4642422B2 (ja) 2004-10-05 2011-03-02 ライオン株式会社 口腔清掃用具
JP2006180953A (ja) 2004-12-27 2006-07-13 Lion Corp 電動歯刷子
EP1844677B1 (en) * 2005-02-02 2012-04-11 Sunstar Inc. Method for manufacturing a toothbrush
DE102006012004A1 (de) * 2006-03-16 2007-09-20 Braun Gmbh Mehrfilamentige Borsten für Zahnbürsten
JP2008161271A (ja) * 2006-12-27 2008-07-17 Lion Corp 歯ブラシ及びその製造方法
EP2078472B1 (en) * 2008-01-10 2010-02-24 GB Boucherie, naamloze vennootschap Stamps for pressing bundles of fibres
US20120233790A1 (en) * 2009-12-22 2012-09-20 Panasonic Corporation Brush body and toothbrush

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2845648A (en) * 1954-03-18 1958-08-05 Osborn Mfg Corp Brush and brush material
US6772467B1 (en) * 1999-07-13 2004-08-10 Coronet-Werkc Gmbh Brush bristle, method of making same and brush comprising such brush bristles
US20090047516A1 (en) * 2006-03-10 2009-02-19 Kuraray Co., Ltd. Conductive composite fiber and method for producing same

Cited By (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130139340A1 (en) * 2011-07-11 2013-06-06 Nihon Sanmo Dyeing Co., Ltd. Brush fiber, brush using brush fiber, and method for manufacturing brush fiber
US10194739B2 (en) 2014-07-11 2019-02-05 The Procter & Gamble Company Head for an oral care implement
US20180146774A1 (en) * 2015-05-26 2018-05-31 Sanwa Tooth Brush Industrial Limited Partnership Method of manufacturing a brush, and brush
US10743651B2 (en) * 2015-05-26 2020-08-18 Sanwa Tooth Brush Industrial Limited Partnership Method of manufacturing a brush, and brush
US10702057B2 (en) 2015-07-07 2020-07-07 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement and monofilament bristle for use with the same
US11229283B2 (en) 2015-12-28 2022-01-25 Colgate-Palmolive Company Brush with fluid delivery
US11930915B2 (en) 2015-12-28 2024-03-19 Colgate-Palmolive Company Brush with fluid delivery
US20190008271A1 (en) * 2015-12-28 2019-01-10 Colgate-Palmolive Company Brush with Fluid Delivery
US10681976B2 (en) * 2015-12-28 2020-06-16 Colgate-Palmolive Company Brush with fluid delivery
US11406172B2 (en) 2016-06-27 2022-08-09 The Procter & Gamble Company Toothbrush heads comprising a two-component cleaning element and method for producing the same
US11197540B2 (en) * 2016-06-28 2021-12-14 The Procter & Gamble Company Method of making a brush and brush
US20170367474A1 (en) * 2016-06-28 2017-12-28 The Procter & Gamble Company Method of making a brush and brush
US20180271387A1 (en) * 2017-03-22 2018-09-27 Renesas Electronics Corporation System and method for heart rate measurement
US11723453B2 (en) 2017-12-12 2023-08-15 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Brush head assembly and methods of manufacture
US11712108B2 (en) 2018-06-11 2023-08-01 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care process
US11241084B2 (en) * 2018-06-11 2022-02-08 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care device
US11617432B2 (en) 2019-06-21 2023-04-04 The Procter & Gamble Company Hole perforation plate for manufacturing of a toothbrush head and part thereof
US11832717B2 (en) 2019-06-21 2023-12-05 The Procter & Gamble Company Method for producing a toothbrush head
US11844419B2 (en) 2019-06-21 2023-12-19 The Procter & Gamble Company Cleaning element carrier and toothbrush head comprising it
US11944189B2 (en) 2019-06-21 2024-04-02 The Procter & Gamble Company Method for producing a toothbrush head or a part thereof
USD956426S1 (en) * 2019-11-25 2022-07-05 Colgate-Palmolive Company Refill head for a toothbrush
USD967633S1 (en) 2020-08-03 2022-10-25 Colgate-Palmolive Company Refill head for a toothbrush
KR102522337B1 (ko) * 2020-10-23 2023-04-17 주식회사 프록시헬스케어 전도성 칫솔모를 구비한 전기 칫솔
KR20220054233A (ko) 2020-10-23 2022-05-02 주식회사 프록시헬스케어 전도성 칫솔모를 구비한 전기 칫솔

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2394530A2 (en) 2011-12-14
CN102273812A (zh) 2011-12-14
EP2394530A3 (en) 2012-09-26
JP2012000148A (ja) 2012-01-05
EP2394530B1 (en) 2013-07-24

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2394530B1 (en) Brush body, method of its manufacture and toothbrush including this brush body
JP5292346B2 (ja) ブラシ体および歯ブラシ
US20120233790A1 (en) Brush body and toothbrush
US20120233791A1 (en) Brush body and toothbrush
US6802097B2 (en) Toothbrush having a vibrating head part
EP2545883B1 (en) Apparatus for brushing teeth
KR20130102643A (ko) 구강관리기구
US8413285B2 (en) Electronic toothbrush
JP2010124904A (ja) 口腔ケア装置
JP2009045202A (ja) 電動歯ブラシ及び取替用ブラシ
WO2013084863A1 (ja) 口腔内用イオンブラシ
JP3148337U (ja) 電動歯ブラシ
WO2011013533A1 (ja) 歯茎マッサージ用ブラシおよび歯茎マッサージ装置
JP2009106355A (ja) 電動歯ブラシ
WO2012063565A1 (ja) 電動歯ブラシおよびそのブラシ体、並びにその製造方法
JP2014050640A (ja) 歯ブラシ
JP2012000149A (ja) 通電歯茎マッサージ用ブラシ
WO2012086322A1 (ja) ブラシ体、歯ブラシ、およびブラシ体の製造方法
CN213156660U (zh) 方便使用的牙套洗牙器
WO2006104463A1 (en) Toothbrush
JPH0636426U (ja) 電動式歯間清掃ブラシ用連結体
AU2004202070B2 (en) Toothbrush with vibrating head part
WO2009006760A1 (fr) Brosse à dents à ultrasons
JP2006042991A (ja) 超音波歯ブラシ
JP2023176395A (ja) 動物用歯磨きセット

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: PANASONIC ELECTRIC WORKS CO., LTD., JAPAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:UCHIDA, SATOSHI;NAGAYAMA, MASAYOSHI;SIGNING DATES FROM 20110518 TO 20110519;REEL/FRAME:026394/0292

AS Assignment

Owner name: PANASONIC CORPORATION, JAPAN

Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:PANASONIC ELECTRIC WORKS CO.,LTD.,;REEL/FRAME:027697/0525

Effective date: 20120101

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION