JPH0315883B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Field of Application] The present invention relates to a toothbrush that emits far-infrared rays.

[Background of the Invention] Conventionally, it has been widely known that ceramics made of alumina, zirconia, magnesia, etc., or a composite thereof, emit far infrared rays. Furthermore, far infrared rays are known to have a warming effect on the human body, and it is also known that irradiating the human body with far infrared rays causes hyperemia, promotes blood circulation, and has medical and health-promoting effects. , far-infrared radiation devices that emit far-infrared rays at temperatures of several hundred degrees are used.

On the other hand, the toothbrushes commonly used today are
Brush bristles made mainly of nylon are grafted onto the tip of a synthetic resin handle. By brushing your teeth with this toothbrush, you can remove food residue and plaque that have adhered to the tooth surface, and also provide moderate stimulation to the gums, improve blood circulation, and sharpen the epithelium. It is intended to promote oxidation and strengthen the resistance of the gums.

However, although the toothbrushes currently in use are sufficient to remove food residue and plaque from the tooth surfaces, they do not irritate the gums, but the bristles themselves are equipped with special stimulating means. Therefore, it is merely expected as a side effect of the act of brushing teeth.

The present inventor has proposed in Japanese Patent Application No. 61-234390 that
A far-infrared emitting layer made of a polymer containing particles having an average far-infrared emissivity of 65% or more in the wavelength range of 4.5 to 30 μm is disposed in the core. We proposed a far-infrared emitting core-sheath type composite fiber. By employing the composite fiber obtained by this invention in the bristles of a toothbrush, the present inventor is able to heat the inside of the oral cavity, especially the gums, and
It was discovered that it can promote blood circulation and is useful for maintaining the health of the gums. Furthermore, the inventors discovered that by mixing far-infrared radiation particles in the handle part and equipping the handle with an energized heat generating part to raise the temperature to a temperature higher than body temperature, the effectiveness of maintaining the health of the gums can be greatly enhanced, resulting in the present invention. .

That is, an object of the present invention is to propose a novel toothbrush that can heat the inside of the oral cavity, especially the gums, and promote blood circulation by emitting far infrared rays.

[Structure and operation of the invention] The far-infrared emitting toothbrush of the present invention has brush bristles made of a core-sheath type composite fiber in which a far-infrared emitting layer made of a polymer containing particles having far-infrared radiation properties is disposed in the core. Further, the handle on which the brush bristles are flocked is made of thermoplastic or thermosetting resin mixed with particles having far-infrared radiation properties, at least near the surface layer of the tip portion of the handle where the brush bristles are flocked, Further, the handle is characterized in that an energizing heat generating part is provided inside the handle part.

First, particles having far-infrared radiation properties that can be used in the brush bristles and handle of the present invention will be described.

Examples of particles having far-infrared radiation characteristics that can be used in the present invention include oxide ceramics, non-oxide ceramics, nonmetals, metals, alloys, and crystals. For example, oxide ceramics include alumina (Al ₂ O ₃ ) and magnesia (MgO).
In addition to zirconia (ZrO ₂ ) series, titanium oxide (TiO ₂ ), silicon dioxide (SiO ₂ ), chromium oxide (Cr ₂ O ₃ ), ferrite (FeO ₂ , Fe ₃ O ₄ ), spinel (MgO・Al ₂ O ₃ ), cerium (CaO ₂ ), barium (BaO), etc. Carbide ceramics include boron carbide (B ₄ C), silicon carbide (SiC),
Titanium carbide (TiC), molybdenum carbide (MoC),
There are tungsten carbide (WC), etc., nitrogen-based ceramics include boron nitride (BC), aluminum nitride (AlN), silicon nitride (Si ₃ N ₄ ), zircon nitride (ZrN), etc., and non-metals include carbon (C),
There is graphite, and the metals include tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), vanadium (V), platinum (Pt), tantalum (Ta), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and copper oxide (Cu ₂ O). , iron oxide (Fe ₂ O ₃ )
The alloys include nichrome, kanthal, stainless steel, and alumel, and the crystals include mica, fluorite, calcite, alum, and quartz.

Among them, ceramics having useful far-infrared radiation characteristics include alumina-based, magnesia-based, and zirconia-based ceramics. To further classify them, alumina-based materials include alumina and mullite, magnesia-based materials include magnesia and cordierite, and zirconia-based materials include zircosand (ZrO ₂ ·SiO ₂ ) and zircon (ZiO ₂ ). It is also effective to use a mixture of one or more selected from the above group, and one or more selected from the above group and other ceramics (for example, carbide ceramics). ) is also effective.

Figures 1 and 2 are distribution charts of far-infrared emissivity at 30°C. Curve A is an alumina-based radiation spectrum, curve B is an anesia-based radiation spectrum, curve C is a zirconia-based radiation spectrum, and curve D is a composite ceramic mixture of zirconia (ZrO ₂ ) and chromium oxide (Cr ₂ O ₃ ) in a 1/1 ratio. Curve E shows the emissivity of a composite ceramic made of a 1/1 mixture of alumina (Al ₂ O ₃ ) and magnesia (MgO), both of which are useful in the present invention. Since the toothbrush of the present invention is often used at a relatively low temperature of around 45℃, the higher the far infrared emissivity, the greater the effect.
An average of 65% or more, more preferably 75% or more is desired in the region of m. In this respect, Figures 1 and 2
In order to obtain far-infrared radiation characteristics such as curves A to E in the figure, it is often preferable that the purity of the ceramic be as high as possible, and a high emissivity can often be obtained with a purity of 95% or more. For example, Figure 3 shows the purity of alumina at 95%.
(curve F) and 85% (curve G), and Figure 4 shows the emissivity when the purity of mullite is 95%, respectively.
(Curve H) and 85% (Curve I), both of which show that the higher the purity, the higher the emissivity.

Secondly, the brush bristles of the present invention will be described.

One of the characteristics of the toothbrush of the present invention is that core-sheath type composite fibers are used as the brush bristles. Generally, far-infrared emitting particles are hard, and if a far-infrared emitting layer containing a large amount of these particles is exposed, it can seriously damage the parts that the fibers come into contact with during the fiber manufacturing process, such as metals and guides in spinning machines, drawing machines, etc. It is prone to wear and tear and is virtually impossible to produce commercially. In the core-sheath type composite fiber according to the present invention, the core of the far-infrared emitting layer is covered with the polymer of the sheath.
The above-mentioned manufacturing problems are resolved and it can be produced in the same manner as ordinary synthetic brush bristles.

The particle size of the particles having far-infrared radiation properties to be mixed into the brush bristles needs to be sufficiently small so as not to interfere with the production of composite fibers. In the case of composite fibers that form relatively thick bristles, the particle size is 5 to 20μ.
Although it is possible to use something with a diameter of around 0.1 m, it is usually 0.1
A thickness of approximately 5 μm, particularly a thickness of approximately 0.2 to 1.5 μm is suitable. On the other hand, if the particle size is 0.1 μm or less, particle aggregation tends to occur, which is often inconvenient.

The mixing ratio (weight) of particles with far-infrared radiation properties to the polymer in the far-infrared radiation layer is 10 to 80%.
% range is preferred, 20-70% is particularly preferred,
30-60% is most preferred. In terms of far-infrared radiation performance, a higher mixing ratio of particles having far-infrared radiation characteristics is more preferable, but on the other hand, in terms of fiber production, a lower mixing ratio is often preferable.

Third, let's talk about the handle.

As mentioned above, the handle portion of the toothbrush of the present invention is characterized by being made of thermoplastic or thermosetting resin mixed with particles having far-infrared radiation properties, at least near the surface layer of the tip portion on the side where brush bristles are flocked. The handle is configured with an energized heat generating part inside the handle part. The energization heating section is electrically conductive and generates heat when energized. Generally used alloys such as nichrome alloy are useful for the heat generating part and the material, but conductive polymers made by mixing conductive particles such as carbon or conductive wires such as metal wires and carbon fibers with the polymer can also be used. Molded versions are also useful. The current-carrying part is heated by a dry battery built into the handle or an external power source, but it is better for safety to be able to control the heating temperature to a constant temperature (for example, 45°C). The handle portion on the outer periphery of the current-carrying part is made of a polymer containing far-infrared emitting particles similar to those used for the brush bristles, and efficiently radiates far-infrared rays when heated. The particle size of the far-infrared emitting particles does not have to be as small as that for brush bristles, and particles of about 100 μm can also be used, and the mixing ratio of the particles can be freely selected between 10 and 80%. A higher mixing ratio, for example 50% or more, is often preferable in terms of the amount of far-infrared radiation.

As the polymer with which the particles are mixed, commonly used polymers can be used as they are. For example, thermoplastic polymers such as polyolefin, polyvinyl, polyacrylic, polyamide, and polyester, and thermosetting resins such as epoxy resin and unsaturated polyester are useful.

[Example] The toothbrush of the present invention will be specifically described below.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 5 and 6 are explanatory diagrams showing specific examples of cross sections of core-sheath type composite fibers that are the material of the bristles of the toothbrush of the present invention. . In the figure, 1 indicates the core part of the far-infrared emitting layer, and 2 indicates the sheath part. Since the sheath part 2 absorbs far infrared rays emitted from the core part 1, it is preferable that the thickness of the sheath part 2 be made thin, and preferably 10 μm or less. FIG. 5 shows an example of a circular cross-section, and FIG. 6 shows an example of an elliptical cross-section, and the far-infrared emitting layer has a multicore core 1, which is often useful as relatively soft brush bristles. Others, triangular cross section, 6
The angular cross section can be freely changed depending on the purpose.

Polymers that form core-sheath composite fibers include:
Polymers such as polyolefins, nylons, polyesters, etc. are suitable. Among these, nylon is often preferred because it has good recovery properties against bending. Among nylons, nylon 12, nylon 11, nylon 610, nylon 612, etc. and copolymers thereof, which have low water absorption, are optimal.

Now, the brush bristles are required to remove food residue and dental plaque adhering to tooth surfaces, which is the purpose of the present invention, as well as to provide appropriate stimulation to the gums. To fulfill these functions, the shape of the tip of the brush bristles is important. FIGS. 7 to 10 are longitudinal cross-sectional views showing the shape of the tips of the brush bristles. 7th
The figure shows an example of a very ordinary cut. FIG. 8 shows an example in which the core portion 1 is concave. This is useful when the far-infrared emitting particles of the core 1 have too strong abrasiveness. Such bristles can be made, for example, by using a polymer whose core portion 1 has a higher heat shrinkage rate than the sheath portion 2. FIG. 9 shows an example in which the tip is covered with the polymer of the sheath 2, which is useful for the same purpose. FIG. 10 shows an example of a tapered tip, which is created by melting the polymer of the sheath 2. For example, it can be made by using polyester as the polymer for the sheath 2, immersing the tip in an alkaline solution, and gradually pulling it out of the solution while hydrolyzing the polyester.

FIG. 11 is a schematic sectional view showing an example of the toothbrush of the present invention. The energizing heat generating part 3 and the internal power source 4 are integrated, and the tip portion 5a of the handle 5 on which brush bristles are flocked is configured to be detachable and replaceable.
The tip portion 5a of the handle 5 and the brush bristles containing far-infrared radiation particles are heated by the energized heat generating part 3,
Far-infrared rays are emitted efficiently. Although FIG. 11 shows an example with a built-in power supply, the power supply may be an external power supply. A power supply intake part may be provided near the rear end of the handle 5 of the toothbrush and the toothbrush may be energized, and the toothbrush may be heated and stored in heat without a power source during use, or may be energized through a cord even during use.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, the toothbrush according to the present invention can be manufactured by almost the same method as a normal toothbrush, and the product has the same functions. Furthermore, the toothbrush of the present invention has far-infrared radiation particles mixed in the core of the bristles, at least the tip of the handle, and is heated by the energized heat-generating part, so far-infrared rays are radiated efficiently and It heats the inside of the body, improves blood circulation, and maintains the health of the gums. It is also useful for prevention and treatment of alveolar leakage, etc.
These effects can be obtained by using the toothbrush in exactly the same way as a regular toothbrush without doing anything special, so it has the advantage of being able to be used without any resistance from the user.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figure 1 is a distribution diagram showing the far-infrared emissivity, Figure 2 is a distribution diagram showing the emissivity of composite ceramics, and Figure 3 is a distribution diagram showing the emissivity of composite ceramics.
The figure is a distribution diagram showing the emissivity of alumina, Figure 4 is a distribution diagram showing the emissivity of mullite, and Figures 5 and 6 are cross sections showing specific examples of core-sheath type composite fibers that are the material of brush bristles. Figures 7 to 10 are longitudinal sectional views showing the shape of the tips of the bristles of the toothbrush of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing an example of the toothbrush of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is a core part, 2 is a sheath part, 3 is an energized heat generating part,
5 is a handle, and 5a is a tip.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. The brush bristles are composed of a core-sheath type composite fiber in which a far-infrared emitting layer made of a polymer containing particles having far-infrared radiation properties is disposed in the core, and the bristles are further implanted. The handle is made of thermoplastic or thermosetting resin mixed with particles having far-infrared radiation properties at least near the surface of the tip of the handle where the brush bristles are flocked, and the inside of the handle is made of A toothbrush that emits far infrared rays and is equipped with an energized heat generating part. 2. The toothbrush having far-infrared radiation properties according to claim 1, wherein the particles having far-infrared radiation characteristics have an average far-infrared emissivity of 65% or more at 30°C in the wavelength range of 4.5 to 30 μm. 3 Particles with far-infrared radiation properties are 95% pure
The toothbrush having far-infrared radiation according to claim 1, which is one or more inorganic compounds selected from the group of alumina, zirconia, and magnesia. 4. The toothbrush having far-infrared radiation according to claim 1, wherein the core and sheath polymers of the core-sheath composite fiber are nylon.