DE102022113751A1 - Oral hygiene products, especially toothbrushes - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is based on an oral hygiene product, in particular a toothbrush, with at least one application unit (12a), which has a base body (14a), and with at least one handle unit (16a; 16c), in particular a manual handle unit, which has a base body (18a; 18c ), It is proposed that the oral hygiene product has at least one coupling unit (20a; 20c) for a detachable coupling of the application unit (12a) with the handle unit (16a; 16c), which has a first coupling element (22a; 22c), which is firmly connected the handle unit (16a; 16c), and has a second coupling element (24a) corresponding to the first coupling element (22a; 22c), which is firmly connected to the application unit (12a), the first coupling element (22a; 22c) at least one orientation groove (28a) which extends at least substantially along a main extension direction (26a) of the handle unit (16a; 16c) and the second coupling element (24a) has at least one internal guide comb (30a), which extends at least substantially along a main extension direction ( 32a) of the application unit (12a) and which is intended to be in a coupled state of the coupling unit (20a; 20c) to intervene in the orientation groove (28a).

Description

State of the art

The invention relates to an oral hygiene product, in particular a toothbrush.

From the WO 2016/177580 A1 , the WO 2007/030958 A1 and the WO 2021/069693 A2 An oral hygiene product, in particular a toothbrush, is already known, with at least one application unit, which has a base body, and with at least one handle unit, in particular a manual handle unit, which has a base body.

The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic oral hygiene product with improved properties in terms of longevity, a manufacturing method, ergonomics, handiness and/or ecology. The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of patent claim 1, while advantageous refinements and developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

Advantages of the invention

The invention is based on an oral hygiene product, in particular a toothbrush, with at least one application unit which has a base body, and with at least one handle unit, in particular a manual handle unit, which has a base body.

It is proposed that the oral hygiene product has at least one coupling unit for a releasable coupling of the application unit to the handle unit, which has a first coupling element which is firmly connected to the handle unit, and a second second coupling element which corresponds to the first coupling element and which is firmly connected to the Application unit is connected, wherein the first coupling element delimits at least one orientation groove which extends at least substantially along a main extension direction of the handle unit and the second coupling element has at least one internal guide comb which extends at least substantially along a main extension direction of the application unit and which is intended to be in to intervene in the orientation groove in a coupled state of the coupling unit. The base body of the application unit consists in particular of the neck area and a head area. Alternatively, the neck area can be at least partially part of the handle unit. In this case, the application unit would be correspondingly shorter and, in extreme cases, would only consist of the brush head. The application unit is formed in particular by a plug-on part. The application unit is formed in particular by a brush attachment. In principle, however, other designs of the application unit that would appear sensible to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable. The handle unit is in particular designed in one piece. However, a multi-part design of the handle unit would also be conceivable. It would be particularly conceivable here for several parts to be produced and then connected, for example in order to produce geometries which can only be produced in several parts, for example due to undercuts or the like.

• (i) Es werden nachhaltige, beispielsweise recyclierte Materialien für die Griffeinheit und/oder Anwendungseinheit und/oder Borsten verwendet.
• (ii) Die verwendeten Ressourcen bzw. die Menge des eingesetzten Materials wird minimiert und damit weniger Energie für die Herstellung benötigt sowie weniger Kunststoffabfälle erzeugt. Dazu wird eine besonders leichte Griffeinheit vorgeschlagen.
• (iii) Die für die Griffeinheit, Anwendungseinheit und Borsten eingesetzten Materialien werden minimiert (Anzahl Materialien und deren Menge). Vorzugsweise werden nur ein, zwei oder drei Materialien verwendet
• (iv) Die Anwendungseinheit wird auswechselbar gestaltet, sodass die Griffeinheit länger als die Anwendungseinheit genutzt werden kann. Vorzugsweise ist die Lebensdauer der Griffeinheit für die Lebensdauer mehrerer Anwendungseinheiten gut.

All sub-elements can consist of at least one hard and/or one or more soft components. Conventional hard and/or soft components or sustainable hard and/or soft components can be used. In particular, it is intended to create an oral hygiene product that makes a contribution to sustainability or ecology. The following criteria are suggested individually or in combination:

• (i) Sustainable, for example recycled materials are used for the handle unit and/or application unit and/or bristles.
• (ii) The resources used or the amount of material used is minimized and therefore less energy is required for production and less plastic waste is generated. For this purpose, a particularly light handle unit is proposed.
• (iii) The materials used for the handle unit, application unit and bristles are minimized (number of materials and their quantity). Preferably only one, two or three materials are used
• (iv) The application unit is designed to be interchangeable so that the handle unit can be used longer than the application unit. Preferably, the service life of the handle unit is good for the service life of several application units.

The inventive design of the oral hygiene product can provide advantageous properties with regard to the sustainability and ergonomics of the oral hygiene product. In particular, an advantageous grip of the handle unit can be achieved over an entire handle area. Furthermore, in particular an advantageously long-lasting handle unit can be provided, with the application unit being designed to be particularly replaceable. Furthermore, an advantageously high level of robustness of the handle unit can be provided. Furthermore, a high Service life of the handle unit can be achieved, in particular only the application unit has to be replaced. In this way, in particular, an ecologically advantageous oral hygiene product can be provided. Furthermore, in particular a material volume of the handle unit can be kept low, in particular without impairing ergonomics and the handling of the oral hygiene product, in particular tangibility. In particular, the use of material for the oral hygiene product can be kept low. In this way, an advantageously ecological or sustainable oral hygiene product can be provided.

Preferably, the application unit and the handle unit differ materially. The application unit and the handle unit can also have different surfaces (e.g. in surface structure, surface roughness, coefficient of friction, etc.). Different manufacturing processes and different materials lead to different surfaces. Of course, the surface texture can also be adapted so that the same surface is created throughout. Abrasion or wear of the application unit when changing or removing and attaching the application unit is also in particular greater than abrasion of the handle unit, so that the handle unit is durable and multiple use, in particular multiple changing of the application unit, can be made possible. The choice of material for the handle and application unit is designed accordingly.

An “oral hygiene product” should in particular be understood to mean a toothbrush and/or an interdental cleaner and/or a flosser and/or a tongue cleaner and/or a toothpick. The oral hygiene product is advantageously designed as a toothbrush, in particular a manual toothbrush, preferably a children's or adult toothbrush, advantageously a purely manual toothbrush. Alternatively, the oral hygiene product can also be equipped with electrical components such as a battery and/or a vibration drive and/or a light source, etc. The oral hygiene product is designed in particular as a replaceable toothbrush. However, it is also conceivable that the application unit has a design different from a brush head, such as an interdental cleaner head, such as in particular for an interdental brush with screwed-in bristles, for an interdental cleaner with sprayed cleaning elements and / or for interdental cleaners with dental floss, such as in particular flosser, and/or as a tongue cleaner head and/or as a toothpick. However, the oral hygiene product could also generally be a brush product. A “brush product” is intended to mean, in particular, an oral hygiene brush and/or a cosmetic brush and/or a hairbrush and/or a household brush. Possible oral hygiene brushes are, for example, manual toothbrushes such as reusable toothbrushes, interchangeable head toothbrushes, disposable toothbrushes or single-tuft brushes, interdental cleaners, in particular with twisted bristles, in injected form, as an electric toothbrush with a vibration drive or as a flosser, tongue cleaner and/or dental floss. Possible cosmetic brushes include, for example, mascara brushes, nail polish brushes, facial brushes, applicators, in particular hair dye applicators, massage devices, make-up brushes, shaving brushes and/or wet razors or other personal care products. For example, washing-up brushes or bottle cleaners are conceivable as household brushes.

The application unit is formed in particular by a brush attachment. The application unit preferably consists in particular of at least one plastic. The application unit can, for example, consist of a transparent plastic in order to make the interface geometry and/or the engagement of the handle unit in the application unit visible. In particular, a visualization of the technicality could be achieved in order to easily convey to the user the insertion or removal process (e.g. turning, pulling, snapping or a combination thereof and/or the preferred orientation of the handle or application unit when connecting ). Furthermore, usability can be shown in a more understandable way. Alternatively, the application unit can at least partially consist of an organic material such as wood, cork or bamboo. In particular, the head can be made of wood, cork or bamboo, with the coupling unit in particular having to be adapted accordingly.

In addition to plastic, the handle unit can also be made from materials such as wood, glass or metal. Particularly when designing a replaceable head, the handle unit can advantageously also be made of hard materials, since these do not come into contact with the teeth.

The oral hygiene product in particular has a longitudinal axis which is advantageously arranged at least substantially parallel to a main extension direction of the oral hygiene product. The longitudinal axis preferably runs at least in sections within the oral hygiene product and in particular through its center of gravity. In particular, the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product is a central axis of the oral hygiene product and/or a central axis of the handle unit. Under A “central axis” of an object is intended to mean, in particular, an imaginary axis that runs within the object parallel to a main direction of extension of the object and intersects the object at a maximum of two points. “At least substantially parallel” is to be understood here in particular as an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, with the direction having a deviation from the reference direction, in particular less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously smaller than 2°. A “main direction of extension” of an object is intended to mean, in particular, a direction which runs parallel to a longest edge of a smallest imaginary cuboid, which just completely encloses the object. In this context, a “main extension” of an object should be understood to mean, in particular, an extension of a longest edge of a smallest imaginary cuboid, which just completely encloses the object.

In particular, the oral hygiene product has a length, in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product, and measured parallel to the support surface, from 130 mm to 210 mm and preferably from 180 mm to 200 mm, although other, in particular smaller or larger, lengths are of course also conceivable . Smaller versions can be used for children's or teenagers' toothbrushes. The proportions specified in this document are essentially adhered to in these cases. In particular, the oral hygiene product has a maximum width, in particular parallel to a width axis of the oral hygiene product, advantageously perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and/or parallel to a main extension plane of the oral hygiene product and/or the handle unit, from 10 mm to 20 mm and preferably from 12 mm to 17 mm on. Preferably, the oral hygiene product has a widest point in the area of a thumb grip and also a wide point towards a lower end. In particular, the oral hygiene product has a minimum width of 4 mm to 10 mm, preferably 4.5 mm to 7 mm, in a neck area of the application unit. Furthermore, the oral hygiene product without bristles in particular has a thickness, in particular measured parallel to the height axis perpendicular to the support surface, of 10 mm to 17 mm and preferably of 12 mm to 15 mm. The highest point is in particular in a thumb grip area or holding area of the handle unit of the oral hygiene product. The term “thickness” here refers in particular to a state of the oral hygiene product in which it is placed, for example on a flat surface such as a table top, a sink, the top of a furniture or the like, in particular in such a way that the longitudinal axis is arranged parallel to the surface and the back of the oral hygiene product rests on the flat surface. A “main extension plane” of an object is to be understood in particular as a plane which is parallel to a largest side surface of the smallest imaginary cuboid, which just completely encloses the object, and runs through the center of the cuboid.

The handle unit, in particular with a first coupling element of the coupling unit, in particular has a length, in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product, and measured parallel to the support surface, of 120 mm to 170 mm and preferably of 140 mm to 160 mm, of course also others , especially smaller or larger, lengths are conceivable. The ratio of this length of the handle unit to a total length of the oral hygiene product is in particular from 50% to 80%, preferably 55% to 75%.

The application unit advantageously has at least one cleaning area which is intended for a tooth cleaning application, in particular in the user's mouth. Preferably, the cleaning area comprises at least one cleaning unit, in particular at least one brush head, advantageously a toothbrush head, preferably with a plurality of bristles and/or bristle bundles and/or sprayed cleaning elements or sprayed bristles and/or soft-elastic cleaning elements. However, the cleaning unit can also be designed, for example, as an interdental brush and/or as a single tuft (e.g. single large bundle of bristles) and/or as a sheet covered with dental floss, in particular as a flosser, or the like. Furthermore, the application unit advantageously has at least the neck element, which is preferably connected to the cleaning area, in particular directly and/or in one piece. “In one piece” should in particular be understood to be at least materially connected, for example by a welding process, an adhesive process, a molding process and/or another process that appears sensible to the person skilled in the art, and/or advantageously formed in one piece, such as for example by manufacturing a casting and/or by production in a single or multi-component injection molding process and advantageously from a single blank. “Provided” is intended to mean in particular specially designed and/or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and/or executes this specific function in at least one application and/or operating state.

The oral hygiene product has in particular a front side and a back side, which are in particular arranged facing away from one another. The cleaning area is preferably arranged on the front of the oral hygiene product. The front side is in particular a side of the oral hygiene product that is visible in a viewing direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product and perpendicular to the width axis of the oral hygiene product. In particular, the side of the brush on which the thumb is placed is referred to as the front of the oral hygiene product. The front is usually also the side towards which the bristle field or the cleaning elements are directed. The back advantageously corresponds to a side of the oral hygiene product that is visible in an opposite viewing direction. The side of the toothbrush opposite the bristle field is called the back of the oral hygiene product. The left side of the oral hygiene product is referred to in particular as a side which lies on the left when one looks vertically at the front of the oral hygiene product and the underside is oriented towards the viewer. The right side of the oral hygiene product is referred to in particular as a side which lies on the right when one looks vertically at the front of the oral hygiene product and the underside is oriented towards the viewer. In particular, an end of the oral hygiene product is referred to as the top, on which the cleaning area is arranged. In particular, an end of the oral hygiene product that is opposite the top and is closest to the grip area is referred to as the underside.

The handle unit preferably has at least one handle element, which is advantageously designed to be held with one hand. The handle element is preferably designed to be waisted at least in some areas. This advantageously allows a secure hold and optimizes ergonomics. Particularly preferably, the handle element is elongated, with a longitudinal axis of the handle element advantageously corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product. The handle element is at least partially, in particular completely, formed from at least one hard component. It would also be conceivable for the handle element to be additionally formed from one or more soft components. Preferably, the material solid body is formed at least to a large extent, in particular completely, from at least one hard component. In particular, the grip element advantageously comprises at least one thumb grip area and/or at least one hand grip area. The thumb grip area is advantageously arranged on the front of the oral hygiene product and in particular on a front of the grip element. It is conceivable that the thumb grip area and/or the hand grip area have at least one element and/or a surface structure made of at least one soft component and/or at least one hard component.

The handle area advantageously has at least one handle element. Preferably, a main extension direction of the handle element is arranged at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product. The handle element advantageously has at least one surface structure element, particularly advantageously a plurality of surface structure elements, which are at least essentially identical or at least geometrically similar to the surface structure elements of the thumb grip area described above. Preferably, the surface structural elements of the handle element are arranged, in particular at least in pairs, in groups one behind the other along the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product.

• • Konventionelle Materialien: Materialien, im Wesentlichen Neumaterialien, die größtenteils ölbasiert sind.
• • Nachhaltige Materialien: wie nachfolgend aufgezählt und später beschrieben vorzugsweise biobasiert, abbaubar und/oder recycliert.
  • ◯ Biobasierte Materialien: Material, welches zu mehr als 40 %, insbesondere zu mehr als 60 %, vorzugsweise zu mehr als 80 % und besonders bevorzugt zu 100 % aus nachwachsenden Rohstoffen hergestellt ist. Eine weitere mögliche zusätzliche Eigenschaft biobasierter Materialien ist insbesondere, dass die biobasierten Materialien biologisch abbaubar sind. Vorzugsweise basieren die Materialien nicht auf Nahrungsmitteln wie insbesondere Mais, Zuckerrohr, etc..
  • ◯ Biologisch abbaubare Materialien: Material, das gemäß den gängigen Normen biologisch abbaubar ist. Hierzu zählen insbesondere die Kompostierbarkeit (industriell oder nicht industriell). Dabei können Materialien aus nachwachsenden Rohstoffen, wie insbesondere petrochemische Rohstoffe, diese Eigenschaft tragen.
  • ◯ Recyclierte Materialien: Materialien, die aus einem Recycling-Prozess stammen, wie beispielsweise Post Consumer Recycled Materialien, Post Industrial Recycled Materialien, Ocean Waste Plastic oder Social Plastic.

The components used for production can be classified in particular as follows:

• • Conventional Materials: Materials, essentially virgin materials, that are largely oil-based.
• • Sustainable materials: as listed below and described later, preferably biobased, degradable and/or recycled.
  • ◯ Bio-based materials: Material that is made from more than 40%, in particular more than 60%, preferably more than 80% and particularly preferably 100% from renewable raw materials. Another possible additional property of bio-based materials is in particular that the bio-based materials are biodegradable. Preferably the materials are not based on foods such as corn, sugar cane, etc.
  • ◯ Biodegradable materials: Material that is biodegradable according to current standards. This particularly includes compostability (industrial or non-industrial). Materials made from renewable raw materials, such as petrochemical raw materials in particular, can have this property.
  • ◯ Recycled materials: Materials that come from a recycling process, such as post consumer recycled materials, post industrial recycled materials, ocean waste plastic or social plastic.

The materials used can be recyclable materials. For recyclable materials, there is an advantageous recycling option after use. Be particularly preferred Materials used that can enter an existing recycling stream such as polyester (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP).

The materials used can be recycled materials. Particular preference is given to using materials that come from a recycling stream such as polyester (rPET), polyethylene (rPE), polypropylene (rPP).

Within the scope of this disclosure, almost any hard components and soft components come into question, which the person skilled in the art will combine and/or select as appropriate. Suitable hard components include styrene polymers such as styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), styrene methyl methacrylate (SMMA), styrene butadiene (SB) or the like. Furthermore, a hard component can include polyolefins such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) or the like, in particular in the form of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE). In addition, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), in particular in the form of acid-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETA), glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), acid-modified polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate (PCT-A), glycol-modified polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate (PCT-G) or the like are possible. Furthermore, the use of cellulose derivatives such as cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetobutyrate (CAB), cellulose propionate (CP), cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP), cellulose butyrate (CB) or the like is conceivable. Furthermore, a hard component can, for example, polyamides (PA) such as PA 6.6, PA 6.10, PA 6.12 or the like, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PUR), polyamide (PA) or the like. In particular, polyethylene (PE) and/or polyurethane (PU) can be used as a hard component and/or as a soft component. In particular, a hard component has a modulus of elasticity of at least 1000 N/mm ² and advantageously of at least 1300 N/mm ² and/or of at most 2400 N/mm ² and advantageously of at most 1800 N/mm ² . Polypropylene (PP) is preferably used as the hard component. At least certain materials mentioned under the hard component can be sustainable materials. Materials with cellulose content in particular are at least partially biobased.

Hard components are advantageously used for stable and/or structural elements, in particular in the handle element and/or in a support element of the application unit and/or the fastening unit or the like. Preferably, the oral hygiene product or at least a base body of the oral hygiene product has a single hard component, which can be formed from one of the materials mentioned or from a mixture thereof. However, combinations of different hard components are also conceivable, and these can be processed, for example, in a two- and/or multi-component injection molding and/or glued and/or welded together, in particular ultrasonically welded. Alternatively or additionally, several hard components can be used that do not form a material bond in a two- and/or multi-component injection molding. In particular, it is conceivable that in this case a positive connection, for example in the form of at least one undercut and/or at least one opening and/or at least at least partial encapsulation or the like, is generated between hard components. It is conceivable here that, for example, a second hard component, which is in particular sprayed onto a first hard component, shrinks and/or shrinks after injection molding and advantageously forms a shrinkage connection. Suitable combinations may include, for example, polypropylene-polyester, polypropylene-sustainable material, polypropylene-styrene-acrylonitrile, or other combinations. In this combination, polypropylene is used to create a cohesive connection with the soft component.

Suitable soft components include, for example, thermoplastic styrene elastomers (TPE-S), such as a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymer (SEBS), a styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer (SBS) or the like. It is also conceivable to use thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPE-U), thermoplastic polyamide elastomers (TPE-A), thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers (TPE-O), thermoplastic polyester elastomers (TPE-E) or the like. Furthermore, a soft component can comprise, for example, at least one silicone. A soft component advantageously has a Shorte A hardness of at most 90, advantageously at most 50 and particularly advantageously at most 30. Preferably, at least one soft component forms at least one material connection with at least one hard component, in particular in at least one two- and/or multi-component injection molding, advantageously by means of at least one overmolding and/or overmolding. The materials mentioned under the soft component can be at least partially sustainable materials. The soft component can be a material mixture of sustainable material and non-sustainable soft component. For example, the soft component can be a mixture of recycled polypropylene (rPP) and a soft component. Recycled polypropylene (rPP) can be a raw material for producing a soft component. The proportion by weight of recycled polypropylene in the soft component is more than 10%, preferably more than 20%, particularly preferably more than 30%.

It is advantageously conceivable that a hard component used and a soft component used have different colors, so that surface structures, labels, motifs and the like can be realized by means of a suitable design of the base body and soft element.

It is further proposed that the at least one application unit has a brush head, in particular a toothbrush head. The application unit advantageously has at least one cleaning unit, in particular a toothbrush head, with bristles. The cleaning unit also advantageously has at least one bristle carrier, for example a brush head base body. At least some or all of the bristles are advantageously conventional, extruded bristles. Bristles can in particular comprise at least one hard component and/or at least one soft component. Preferably, the bristles are at least partially or completely made of polyamide (PA) and/or polyester (PBT, PET), any other materials (hard component or soft component) being conceivable and sustainable materials such as chitosan also being possible. Furthermore, the bristles can be made from a degradable material. Furthermore, it is conceivable that at least some of the bristles have a point and/or a variable cross section. The bristles are preferably made of a single, especially mixed, material. However, bristles consisting of several components or materials are also conceivable, which can be produced and/or produced in particular by means of at least one coextrusion. The bristles can be produced and/or manufactured, for example, by means of extrusion, cutting to length and/or post-processing. In contrast to injected bristles or rubber-elastic massage and cleaning elements, which are manufactured by injection molding, conventional bristles are extruded, cut, processed and inserted or anchored on the toothbrush handle using an adapted process, such as using the anchor punching process, the AFT process, PTt process and/or the IMT process.

In particular, cylindrical or pointed bristles come into question, with any cross-sections such as polygonal, triangular, rectangular, square, elliptical, star-shaped, trapezoidal, parallelogram-shaped, rhombus-shaped or any other cross-sections being conceivable. In particular, different bristles can be used in a bristle bundle, but also different bristle bundles, in particular each with a specific type of bristles. Bristles and/or bristle bundles can be arranged regularly, but also irregularly. In particular, bristles and/or bristle bundles arranged in groups and/or adjacently can differ with respect to at least one feature such as a length, a diameter, a material, a color, a material hardness, a geometry, a sharpening and the like, in particular alternately. The bristles preferably have a diameter, in particular perpendicular to their longitudinal axis, of at least 0.075 mm and/or at most 0.25 mm. The bristles advantageously have a cross-sectional area, in particular perpendicular to their longitudinal axis, of at least 0.002 mm ² and/or at most 0.2 mm ² . In the case of bristles that are used in the cosmetic sector, for example bristles of an additional application element, thinner bristles and/or bristles with a smaller cross section can also be used, in particular bristles with a diameter, in particular perpendicular to their longitudinal axis, of at least 0.025 mm and/ or of at most 0.2 mm and/or with a cross-sectional area, in particular perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, of at least 0.001 mm ² and/or of at most 0.15 mm ² . In the case of tapered bristles, polyester (PBT, PET, or PTT) is particularly suitable as a material, although sustainable materials are also possible, with a tapering being able to be produced mechanically and/or chemically. However, other materials are also conceivable. The bristles are preferably straight in the longitudinal direction, but wavy and/or twisted and/or helical and/or twisted bristles are also conceivable, as well as in particular combinations of different bristles. Furthermore, bristles with a smooth surface are conceivable, as are bristles with a textured surface.

Furthermore, the bristles, in particular as bristle bundles, are preferably processed using at least one anchor punching process, an anchor-free tufting process (AFT), an in-mold tufting process (IMT), a PTt process or the like, in particular attached to the bristle holder. The bristle carrier preferably has a plurality of bristle receptacles, in particular drilled and/or injection molded, in particular holes for bristle bundles. In the case of anchor punching, for example, it is conceivable that a base body, in particular from a hard component, preferably the brush head, is first manufactured by means of injection molding, with blind holes for bristle bundles advantageously being formed during the injection molding. Of course, subsequent drilling is also possible Blind holes conceivable. Preferably, bristles or bundles of bristles are then folded and fastened in a blind hole by means of at least one anchor, in particular by means of punching. Loop punching is also conceivable.

Alternatively, as mentioned, anchorless methods are also conceivable, with bristles or bristle bundles advantageously not being folded. In this case, bristles or bristle bundles are approximately half the length of an anchor punch. For example, it is conceivable that the bristle bundles are first separated, fused and/or their bristle ends are then overmoulded in particular to secure them. Bristle bundles can advantageously be brought together here. What is possible here is production using the in-mold tufting process, whereby a base body, for example the brush head and/or the handle unit and/or the fastening unit, is advantageously formed when the bristle ends are overmolded. It is also conceivable that, particularly in the context of integrated anchorless production, bristles are first overmolded with plates or the like and these platelets are then in turn overmolded, for example to form the brush head and/or the handle unit.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the application unit is composed of a base body and a bristle plate which is filled with bristles and/or alternative cleaning elements. For this purpose, bristle plates with through holes are first manufactured using injection molding, through which bristles are then guided. Preferably, the bristles are then connected on a back side, in particular fused, preferably with one another and/or with the corresponding bristle plate. In this way, bristle bristle plates can then be welded and/or glued to a base body, in particular a brush head, preferably by means of ultrasonic welding. For this purpose, the base body, in particular the brush head, in particular has a recess into which the bristle plate can be inserted. A well-known manufacturing process in this context is the anchor-free tufting process, which in particular enables bundles of bristles to be brought together. The underside of the bristle plate refers in particular to a side which is placed in a recess in the base body and points towards the back of the oral hygiene product. Accordingly, the top of the bristle plate points towards the top of the oral hygiene product.

A further method for anchorless bristles is the production, in particular injection molding, of a brush head with through holes for bristles. Bristles can then be guided through the through holes and fused on a back side, in particular with each other and/or with the brush head. Preferably, the fused areas and/or the brush head are then overmolded, in particular with at least one soft component.

It is also conceivable to first produce a brush head with blind holes, for example by means of injection molding and/or by drilling the blind holes. In this case, bristles are in particular put together into bundles and fused and/or otherwise connected at one end. The brush head is then heated, in particular to a glass transition temperature of its material. Bundles of bristles can then advantageously be inserted into the blind holes and anchored to the brush head by pressing. In particular, the heated blind holes or their surroundings are deformed, so that the bristle bundles are anchored in them.

As an alternative or in addition to punched and/or welded and/or glued bristles, molded bristles are also conceivable. These can be manufactured in particular during a multi-component injection molding together with the application unit, the handle unit and/or the fastening unit, or can be subsequently molded onto a base body of the application unit.

Another possible method for bristling the brush head is screwing it in. Here, for example, filament is fed from a roll, with in particular several strands of filament being wound on a roll. Several rollers are pre-tensioned for machine loading, because each filament in the brush corresponds to a strand of filament. The filaments are spread out correctly in width so that they are the width at which they are inserted into the brush. The filaments are pulled forward in such a way that they are then free for the next step, ie that a wire can be passed over them. A wire is then fed from a roll onto the machine, i.e. unwound and introduced into the process. The wire is cut to a length that is greater than the unwound length of the screwed-in brush; the final cutting takes place after screwing in. The wire is bent into a U so that the open side can then be pushed over the filaments to thread the bristles. The wire is held at the bottom of the U. Subsequently The open end of the wire is then clamped so that the filaments hold between the pieces of wire. The filaments are cut to a length that is greater than the final length in the brush so that the brush can then be cut correctly when the filaments are screwed in. The wire is twisted so that the filaments are clamped between the wire and thus fixed. After the filaments are fixed in the wire, they are cut to the correct length and profiled. After the brush part is completed, the excess wire is cut off.

Preferably, materials of injected bristles do not form a material connection with other soft components and/or hard components and/or sustainable materials of the oral hygiene product in an injection molding process, in particular a two- and/or multi-component injection molding. Rather, sprayed bristles are preferably connected to soft components and/or hard components by means of a positive connection, for example by means of at least one undercut and/or at least one opening and/or by means of at least partial encapsulation, with a shrink connection and/or a shrink connection being particularly conceivable. However, a connection using at least one material connection is also conceivable.

For all of the possible injection molding processes mentioned, single-, two- and/or multi-component injection molding is basically conceivable. Materials used, in particular different soft components and/or hard components, can, as mentioned, be connected in a cohesive and/or form-fitting manner. Forming articulated or movable or flexible connections using suitable injection molding steps is also conceivable. In principle, for example, hot runner processes, cold runner processes and/or co-injection processes are possible.

Alternatively or in addition to a brush head covered with bristles, the application unit can also have at least one tongue cleaner and/or at least one alternative cleaning and/or massage element. These can each be formed from a soft component, from a hard component or from a combination of soft and hard components and/or can advantageously be produced and/or manufactured by means of injection molding.

Preferably, sprayed bristles are at least partially and advantageously completely formed from a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPE-U). It is conceivable here to use a modified polyurethane elastomer (TPE-U), which can be modified in particular with regard to improved flow properties and/or rapid solidification, in particular rapid crystallization, advantageously even at higher temperatures. Of course, other materials are also conceivable, for example thermoplastic polyester elastomers (TPE-E), thermoplastic polyamide elastomers (TPE-A), polyethylene (PE), for example in the forms low density polyethylene (LDPE) or linear low density polyethylene ( LLDPE), or the like. Materials for sprayed bristles advantageously have a Shore D hardness of at least 0 and particularly advantageously of at least 30 and/or of at most 100 and advantageously of at most 80. In particular, a Shore hardness of a material of sprayed bristles is advantageously higher than a Shore hardness of other soft components used, for example for handle elements, massage elements, other cleaning elements or the like. The materials used to make sprayed bristles can be sustainable materials.

In principle, the use of water-soluble polymers is also conceivable, for example for hard components, soft components, injected bristles or other elements of the oral hygiene product.

Likewise, bioplastics can be used for the hard component, the soft component and/or the material for injected and/or conventional, extruded bristles, which can in particular be obtained from renewable raw materials. Sustainable plastics and in particular bioplastics can be biodegradable, in particular compostable, and/or consist of a recycled and/or recyclable material. The material is preferably formed in particular from a plastic. Preferably, the biodegradable, in particular compostable, and/or recycled and/or recyclable material is formed from a bioplastic, in particular from a plastic based on renewable raw materials and/or from a biodegradable plastic. The material can also in particular be fossil-based and biodegradable, such as PVOH, PCL, PBAT, PET or PBS, based on renewable raw materials and be biodegradable, such as PLA, PHA, cellophane or starch blends, or based on renewable raw materials and not biodegradable be, such as Ca, Bio-PE, Bio-PP, Bio-PA, Bio-PET. Various bioplastics that appear useful to a person skilled in the art are conceivable, such as starch-based bioplastics, cellulose-based bioplastics, polyhydroxy alkanoates, such as in particular polyhydroxybutyric acid (PHB), polylactic acid (PLA), aliphatic and/or aromatic copolyesters, or other bioplastics such as lignin-based bioplastics. The application unit or the handle unit can preferably consist largely of a biodegradable, in particular compostable, and/or a recycled material. The oral hygiene product preferably consists of only one component. In particular, the oral hygiene product has a hard component. The material solid body of the application unit or handle unit can consist at least to a large extent of the hard component. The hard component and/or the soft component and/or the material for sprayed bristles consists in particular of a bioplastic, which in particular can be at least partially obtained from renewable raw materials. The raw materials that come into question here are corn, hemp, sugar, castor oil, palm oil, potatoes, wheat, sugar cane, rubber, wood, the castor plant/miracle tree and the like. Corresponding possible raw materials could be, for example, cellulose, starch, lactic acid (PLA), glucose, chitin, chitosan or the like, from which corresponding bioplastics in particular can be synthesized.

In this context, a “material solid body” should be understood to mean, in particular, a body forming the handle unit, which in particular consists of a solid material. Preferably, the solid body forms a supporting structure of the handle unit. Preferably, the material solid consists largely of one or more hard components and optionally additionally of one or more soft components.

In this context, a “coupling unit” should be understood to mean, in particular, a unit that forms an interface to a coupling of the application unit with the handle unit that can be released manually, in particular without tools. The coupling unit in particular enables multiple coupling and decoupling of the application unit with the handle unit, carried out by an operator. The coupling unit is used in particular to exchange the application unit on the handle unit. A coupling can take place, for example, by means of a plug-in movement, a rotary movement and/or a combination of a plug-in and rotary movement. Preferably, the coupling unit has at least one first coupling element and at least one second coupling element corresponding to the first coupling element. Preferably, a first coupling element forms an interface extension, while the second coupling element forms an interface receptacle. In this context, an “interface receptacle” should be understood to mean, in particular, a receptacle area that is intended to securely accommodate an interface extension. Preferably, the interface receptacle is intended, in particular, to accommodate the interface extension in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner. The interface receptacle in particular forms a receiving area into which the interface extension can be inserted, in particular inserted, with the interface extension latching and/or jamming in the receiving area in particular from a defined insertion force and/or a defined insertion path. The interface receptacle is preferably arranged on a side of the application unit facing away from the brush head.

The application unit and the handle unit can be connected, for example, by means of a screw connection or screw connection, with a thread being introduced into the application unit and the handle unit. The parts could therefore in particular be screwed together, with the threads having to be adapted in particular to a handle design so that the plug-on part is ultimately in the correct orientation to the handle. The application unit is preferably screwed onto the handle unit with a clockwise rotation. Alternatively, a plug and snap connection for the coupling unit would be conceivable. A first coupling element can, for example, be inserted into the second coupling element along the longitudinal axis and finally snapped to secure it. The snapping can take place, for example, with a pin-recess geometry. Alternatively, a bayonet connection for the coupling unit would be conceivable. A connection could therefore be made in particular by inserting and rotating or by rotating and snapping. Alternatively, a press-fit connection for the coupling unit would be conceivable. In particular, a frictional connection could be provided, with a coupling element forming a recess and a coupling element forming a pin.

The coupling unit is designed in particular so that the fit between the brush attachment and the handle can be easily adjusted. In particular, different materials can be used for the handle. In particular, differences are possible in versions made of plastic compared to a version made of metal, although the interface is preferably still constructed in the same way.

The coupling unit is preferably intended to form a plug-in and snap-in connection. The first coupling element is preferably designed as an interface extension and is intended to be inserted into the second coupling element to be inserted and to lock in an end position in the second coupling element designed as an interface receptacle. The locking is preferably perceived haptically and/or acoustically by the user. In this context, an “orientation groove” is to be understood in particular as a groove in the first coupling element, which is intended to align the second coupling element relative to the first coupling element when the application unit is plugged onto the handle unit, at least in a limited angular range. Preferably, the guide comb can be inserted into the orientation groove in different rotational positions about a longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product, in particular over an angular range of at least 30°, preferably at least 90° and particularly preferably at least 120°, the second coupling element with increasing engagement or as the engagement progresses Coupling of the first coupling element in the second coupling element is also aligned in a final angular position by means of 'forced' rotation. The orientation groove preferably extends parallel to the main extension direction of the handle unit over the entire first coupling element. Preferably, the orientation groove has, in particular, a substantially constant cross section along the main extension direction of the handle unit. The orientation groove in particular has a trapezoidal, at least approximately rectangular cross section, with a base side of the groove being rounded.

Furthermore, a “guide comb” in this context should be understood to mean in particular an element, preferably a web, which is intended to guide the first coupling element relative to the first coupling element during a coupling process. Preferably, the guide comb is also intended, among other things, to provide anti-rotation protection for the second coupling element relative to the first coupling element in a coupled state. Furthermore, the guide comb serves to reinforce the application unit in the receiving area, which is otherwise thin-walled. Preferably, the guide comb projects, in particular perpendicular to a central axis of the second coupling element, into a receiving region of the second coupling element for the first coupling element. Preferably, the guide comb in particular forms a wall which is connected on one side to a base body of the second coupling element and extends in a plane which extends through the central axis of the second coupling element.

“Provided” is intended to mean, in particular, specifically programmed, designed and/or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and/or executes this specific function in at least one application and/or operating state.

The handle unit can be used multiple times, i.e. it is not a disposable product. In particular, only the application unit is changed. In particular, the application unit with different properties can be combined with the same handle unit. In particular, several different attachments are conceivable on the same handle unit, which can be changed back and forth. The oral hygiene product can be sold in particular as a set, such as with a holder/stand for storing the application unit and the handle unit, with the handle unit and with various application units, such as a brush attachment, an interdental attachment part and/or a tongue cleaner attachment part.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the orientation groove extends over an entire extent of the first coupling element. The orientation groove preferably extends over an entire main extent of the first coupling element. Preferably, the orientation groove extends along the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product over an entire extent of the first coupling element. Preferably, the orientation groove runs in particular in a straight line. Preferably, a bottom of the orientation groove runs at least approximately parallel to a main extension direction of the first coupling element. Preferably, an angle between the bottom of the orientation groove and the longitudinal axis is from 1° to 10°, preferably 1° to 5°. In particular, a depth of the orientation groove increases from a free end towards the handle unit. In this context, a “main extension” of an object should be understood to mean, in particular, an extension of a longest edge of a smallest imaginary cuboid, which just completely encloses the object. The orientation groove is arranged with a central axis, in particular offset from the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product. Furthermore, the orientation groove is essentially U-shaped in cross section with slightly angled sides, particularly open towards the back and towards the top. The length of the orientation groove, measured at the bottom of the groove, is from 10 mm to 30 mm, preferably from 15 mm to 25 mm. The width of the orientation groove is from 1.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably from 2 mm to 3.5 mm, at the free or open end, with demolding or insertion bevels being provided in the longitudinal direction. At one end facing the handle unit the orientation groove at the bottom in particular has a width of 1.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably from 2 mm to 2.5 mm and at the top in particular a width of 2 mm to 6 mm, preferably from 2.5 mm to 3 mm. Furthermore, the orientation groove has, in particular, a depth of 1 mm to 6 mm, preferably 2 mm to 4 mm, at the free end and, in particular, a depth of 2 mm to 8 mm, preferably 3 mm to 5 mm, at the end facing the handle unit . The orientation groove in particular has a rounded, preferably C-shaped cross section. The orientation groove is open towards a free end, in the direction of the application unit. The orientation groove is closed towards the handle unit and merges into the handle unit and can thus form a stop for the guide comb. In particular, an advantageously reliable alignment of the second coupling element relative to the first coupling element can be achieved with the orientation groove. Furthermore, an advantageously long orientation groove can be provided. In this way, guidance and thus pleasant alignment of the second coupling element can be provided, particularly over a long distance.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the first coupling element comprises a base body delimiting the orientation groove, which has a conical basic shape, with a central axis of the base body being angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the handle unit. The cone is preferably constructed straight, with the back and thus the outer cone surface of the base body being interrupted by the orientation groove. The angle of the outer conical surfaces of the base body is in particular from 4° to 15°, preferably from 5.5° to 9°, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base body, the outer conical surfaces being in particular symmetrical. The length of the base body, measured on the surface, is from 8 mm to 30 mm, preferably from 15 mm to 25 mm, measured in particular on the side from the free end to a transition edge to the handle unit. Furthermore, the length of the base body, measured on the surface, in particular on the front, from the free end to a transition edge to the handle unit, is from 15 mm to 35 mm, preferably from 22 mm to 32 mm. The length of the base body, measured on the surface, is from 10 mm to 30 mm, preferably from 17 mm to 27 mm, measured in particular on the back from the free end to a transition edge to the handle unit. The width of the base body, measured from side to side at the highest point of a transition geometry from the handle unit to the base body perpendicular to the attachment direction, is from 5 mm to 15 mm, preferably from 7 mm to 11 mm. Furthermore, the width of the base body from side to side, measured at the free end perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, is from 2 mm to 10 mm, preferably from 4 mm to 6 mm. An end surface of the base body at a free end extends in particular partially substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product. Preferably, one side of the end surface also has a curve, while a second side forms a sloping surface at an angle for demolding. The angle of the second side to a perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is in particular from 8° to 20°, preferably from 10° to 15°. Furthermore, a cone axis of the base body, an extent of the orientation groove and an attachment direction are preferably parallel. The bottom of the orientation groove runs in particular parallel to a longitudinal axis of the base body. The walls of the orientation groove are angled with respect to a main extension direction at an angle of 1° to 10°, preferably 1° to 5°. The longitudinal axis of the base body is angled to a longitudinal axis of the handle unit. In this way, in particular, an advantageously reliable plugging of the second coupling element onto the first coupling element can be achieved.

It is further proposed that the first coupling element can comprise a first locking means, in particular a locking element, which is arranged in the orientation groove. The first locking means is formed in particular by a locking extension. The first locking means is arranged in particular in an end region of the orientation groove facing the handle unit. The first locking means is preferably arranged in particular on a bottom of the orientation groove. In this context, a “locking element” is to be understood in particular as an element for producing a locking connection during assembly. The latching element in particular forms part of a latching unit, the latching unit in particular consisting of at least two latching means, in particular a latching element and a latching recess. A “latching unit” is to be understood in particular as a unit with at least one latching element and a latching recess, with at least one of the latching means being elastically deflected during a fastening process in order to then engage behind or with a corresponding latching means by an internal clamping force. Locking elements are preferably perceived haptically and/or acoustically. The first locking means is formed in particular by a trapezoidal elevation in the orientation groove. The first locking means has a trapezoidal cross section, in particular in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first coupling element.

The first locking means preferably has a height of 0.2 mm to 1.2 mm, preferably 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm. Furthermore, the first extends Locking means, in particular over an entire width of the orientation groove. Furthermore, the first locking means in particular has a length at the top of a plateau of the trapezoidal cross section of 0.2 mm to 1 mm, preferably from 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm. The first locking means also has a length of 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably 2 mm to 3 mm, particularly at the base at the base. An angle of the legs of the trapezoidal cross section is in particular from 10° to 60°, preferably from 20° to 40° (measured between the plateau and the side surfaces). Preferably, a distance between the first latching means and the free end of the first coupling element along the longitudinal axis, measured from a center of the first latching means, is from 7 mm to 40 mm, preferably from 15 mm to 25 mm. This makes it possible, in particular, to provide advantageous releasability of the coupling unit. Furthermore, in particular an advantageous connection can be provided between the first coupling element and the second coupling element.

The first coupling element preferably has a plurality of locking means. The locking means serve in particular to fix the application unit on the handle unit. In particular, locking means are provided on a front and a back. Preferably, a locking means is arranged on a front side, on an outside of the base body of the first coupling element, and a locking means on a rear side, in particular the first locking means, in the orientation groove. The locking means are aligned in particular on the longitudinal axis. The locking means are in particular symmetrical at right angles to the longitudinal axis and at right angles to a pulling direction. This creates a locking unit on the front and the back.

It is further proposed that the second coupling element can have a second locking means, in particular a locking recess, which is designed to correspond to the first locking means on a ridge of the guide comb. In this context, a “ridge of the guide comb” should be understood to mean, in particular, an upper, free-standing edge or an upper, free-standing surface of the guide comb, which faces away from a fastening side of the guide comb, on which the guide comb is connected to a base body of the second coupling element.

Preferably, the second latching means is arranged in an end region of the second coupling element facing the handle unit. Preferably, the guide comb attaches directly to an open end of the second coupling element and extends into a receiving area of the second coupling element to receive the first coupling element. The guide comb is preferably formed in one piece with the rest of the application unit. The guide comb is also arranged in particular symmetrically on the longitudinal central axis. The guide comb preferably has a height of 3 mm to 7 mm, preferably 4 mm to 6 mm, at an end facing the handle unit, and a height of 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably 1, at an end facing the application unit in the receiving area. 5 mm to 3.5 mm. Furthermore, the guide comb on a ridge has a width of in particular from 1 mm to 3.5 mm, preferably from 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm, the ridge being particularly rounded. At the base of a base body of the second coupling element, the guide comb in particular has a width of 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm. A length of the guide comb is in particular, measured at the upper edge of the ridge, from 10 mm to 40 mm, preferably from 15 mm to 30 mm. The guide comb has, in particular, a triangular cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The second locking means is formed in particular by a recess. The depression in particular has a depth of 0.15 mm to 0.55 mm, preferably 0.25 mm to 0.45 mm. Furthermore, the second locking means extends in particular over an entire width of the guide comb. The length of the second locking means designed as a recess is from 0.2 mm to 1.2 mm, preferably from 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm, particularly in the longitudinal direction. The side surfaces of the second locking means designed as a recess have, in particular, an angle of 10° to 60°, preferably 20° to 40°, relative to the ridge of the guide comb. The second locking means is in particular designed to correspond to the first locking means. This makes it possible, in particular, to provide advantageous releasability of the coupling unit. Furthermore, in particular an advantageous connection can be provided between the first coupling element and the second coupling element.

Preferably, the second coupling element is formed in one component. However, it would also be conceivable for a second component to be provided, wherein the second component can be provided in particular for additional functions or to support functions. For example, a second component at the open end of the second coupling element could serve for sealing or in the area of the locking means, for example, to design flexibility and sealing.

It is also proposed that the second coupling element has a guide comb enclosing, annular base body, wherein the guide comb has a recess between the second latching means and a fastening region, in particular an attachment, of the guide comb, in which the guide comb is connected to the base body, which is intended to deflect the second latching means in the direction of the fastening area. The recess in the guide comb provides a certain flexibility for the second locking means, since the recess or its edges can deflect somewhat. The base body of the second coupling element forms in particular an outer shell and serves in particular as a counterpart for bracing with elevations on the first coupling element. The base body has a conical basic shape. The base body in particular has a material thickness, that is to say in particular a thickness of the skin in the area of the second coupling element, of 0.5 mm to 3 mm, preferably of 1 mm to 2 mm. The base body has a material thickness that brings with it a certain flexibility. This makes it possible to achieve better contact with the various interface elements of the first coupling element. In particular, a snug fit can be achieved by slightly deforming the base body. Furthermore, a larger tolerance range can be used in the coupling unit, in particular through different materials for the handle unit.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the first coupling element can have at least one further latching means, in particular a latching recess, which is arranged on a side of a base body of the first coupling element opposite the orientation groove. The further latching means, in particular a third latching means, is arranged in particular on a front side of the first coupling element. The locking recess in particular has a trapezoidal cross section. The side walls of the trapezoidal cross-section have, in particular, an angle of 100° to 175°, preferably 130° to 170°, with respect to the floor. The third locking means is in particular designed symmetrically. The length of the side walls results in particular from the angle and the cut with the conical surface of the base body of the first coupling element. The third locking means, designed as a recess, has in particular a depth of 0.5 mm to 2 mm, preferably 1 mm to 1.7 mm. In terms of width, the third locking means extends in particular over the entire cone from left to right. In particular, there is no lateral limitation provided; it runs out. A length of the third locking means in the longitudinal axis direction, at the top of the opening of the recess, is from 3 mm to 8 mm, preferably from 4.5 mm to 6.5 mm. At the bottom the length is in particular from 0.2 mm to 2 mm, preferably from 0.5 mm to 1.2 mm. This makes it possible, in particular, to provide advantageous releasability of the coupling unit. Furthermore, in particular an advantageous connection can be provided between the first coupling element and the second coupling element. In particular, fixation on both sides can be achieved.

The second coupling element preferably has a fourth locking means, which can be formed by a locking extension and which is designed to correspond to the third locking means. The second coupling element preferably has two latching means, in particular the fourth latching means on the front, which is formed by a latching extension, in particular a latching cam, and the second latching means on the back of the second coupling element on the guide comb, which is formed by a recess. The fourth locking means in particular has a trapezoidal cross section. The fourth locking means has a direct transition to the base body, in particular laterally, so that no step is created. The maximum height of the fourth locking means relative to the surrounding geometry is in particular from 0.2 mm to 1.3 mm, preferably from 0.4 mm to 1 mm. The width of the fourth locking means essentially corresponds to a width of the receiving area of the second coupling element. The fourth locking means extends in particular over an entire width of the receiving area of the second coupling element. Furthermore, the length of the fourth locking means in the longitudinal direction at the top of an elevation of the trapezoidal cross section is from 1.5 mm to 6 mm, preferably from 2.5 mm to 4.5 mm. The angle of the legs of the trapezoidal cross section of the fourth locking means, measured from the base body, is from 10° to 60°, preferably from 20° to 40°.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the further latching means, in particular the third latching means, of the first coupling element is arranged in a first end region of the first coupling element facing the handle unit. A distance between the third latching means and a free end of the first coupling element, measured along the longitudinal axis from a center of the third latching means, is from 10 mm to 50 mm, preferably from 15 mm to 30 mm. A distance between the first latching means and the third latching means, measured along the longitudinal axis, in particular from a center of the first latching means to a center of the third latching means, is from 2 mm to 10 mm, preferably from 3 mm to 6 mm. This makes it possible, in particular, to provide an advantageous first coupling element.

It is further proposed that the further latching means of the first coupling element is significantly larger than the first latching means of the first coupling element. Preferably, the fourth locking means of the second coupling element is designed to be significantly larger than a second locking means of the second coupling element. As a result, an advantageously high holding force can be generated, particularly on a front side.

Corresponding first and second locking means as well as third and fourth locking means can be implemented in pairs, individually or in combination. This means that only a first and a second locking means can be implemented; only a third and a fourth latching means can be implemented, or first and second as well as third and fourth latching means can be implemented. Depending on the application, the best locking device structure can be selected. The selection of the locking means depends, among other things, on the choice of material. If the base body of the application unit is designed to be rather soft, several locking devices may be necessary in order to achieve the necessary stability in use. Both combinations of corresponding locking means (first and second as well as third and fourth) can also ensure all the necessary functions alone, depending on the choice of material.

The latching means are constructed in such a way that if several corresponding latching means are used, they are designed to be synchronous in terms of snapping and the associated acoustics. This means that the actual latching occurs, for example, with the first and second latching means as well as the third and fourth latching means at the same time, just as the acoustic click when latching occurs synchronously. This means, for example, that only a click will be audible when snapping into place and the actual snapping in will only occur with a haptic perception.

It is further proposed that the first coupling element comprises a base body delimiting the orientation groove and at least two support extensions arranged on an outside of the base body, which in a coupled state of the coupling unit are intended to rest on an inside of a base body of the second coupling element. The support extensions in particular have a shape that follows the cone of the base body. The support extensions are in particular essentially trapezoidal in shape, with a widest point pointing downwards. The shapes of the supporting extensions are particularly adapted to demoulding. The edges of the supporting extensions are rounded. The support extensions are connected to the base body of the first coupling element via rounded edges. The support extensions in particular have a height of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm. However, different heights of the support extensions are preferably possible, each tailored to the interaction between the application unit and the handle unit. The heights of the supporting extensions are particularly there to compensate for the play, i.e. the tolerances. The support extensions are preferably intended to compensate for tolerances. This is particularly successful in interaction with the slightly laterally resilient base body, which is favored by an orientation groove. Height gradients of the supporting extensions in the individual supporting extensions are also possible lengthwise or transversely. The width of the support extensions transversely to the longitudinal axis is in particular a maximum of 1.5 mm to 4 mm, preferably of 2 mm to 3 mm, and a minimum of 0.5 mm to 3 mm, preferably of 1 mm to 2 mm. A length of the support extensions along the longitudinal axis is in particular from 1 mm to 7 mm, preferably from 1.5 mm to 6 mm. Preferably, the length of the support extensions is at least partially dependent on a position of the respective support extension. The support extensions are arranged at several positions and on different sides, in particular in the longitudinal axis direction and offset around the base body. In particular, rings or bands of support extensions are preferably provided, in which the support extensions are each arranged in a circumferential area around the base body. The support extensions are preferably arranged symmetrically to the longitudinal axis. The support extensions enable the second coupling element to be supported in particular over small areas and not over a large area. This allows the fit to be adjusted advantageously and enables better tolerance compensation.

In addition, it is proposed that the first coupling element has at least four primary support extensions, which are arranged in a band in a first end region of the first coupling element facing the handle unit. The primary support extensions are arranged in the band partially offset from one another along the longitudinal axis, with the primary support extensions being arranged in an overlapping manner in particular along the longitudinal axis. An upper edge of the band is spaced from 6 mm to 21 mm, preferably from 11 mm to 16 mm, along the longitudinal axis measured from the free end of the interface. The orientation groove preferably leads on the back through the band of primary support extensions. The width of the band, measured longitudinally along the longitudinal axis, is from 3 mm to 12 mm, preferably from 5 mm to 8 mm. The minimum distance from the band to the end face is measured along the longitudinal axis, in particular from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably from 1 mm to 3 mm. The minimum distance between the band and the front side is formed on each side. Preferably, the number of primary support extensions in this band is from 4 to 10, preferably 5 to 7. In particular, an odd number of support extensions in the band is also possible, since an element can be arranged on the front on the axis of symmetry or the longitudinal axis . However, a corresponding design is not preferred. In particular, different shapes and/or lengths of the support extensions are arranged in the band. The support extensions within the band are preferably arranged symmetrically to the longitudinal axis. Two primary support extensions are preferably provided on the rear side of the orientation groove. The two primary supporting extensions on the back are formed in particular by long supporting extensions. In these support extensions, one side in particular rests on the groove edge of the orientation groove. The two primary support extensions on the back have a length of 3 mm to 8 mm, preferably 4 mm to 6 mm, and a width of 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm, preferably 1 mm to 2.5 mm . Furthermore, in particular two, long primary support extensions are provided on the front, which are each arranged at a position in the band to the left and right of the center. The long primary support extensions on the front have a length of 1.5 mm to 6 mm, preferably 2.5 mm to 4 mm, and a maximum width of 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 3 mm, on. Furthermore, preferably, in particular two, short primary support extensions are provided, which are arranged laterally. The short primary support extensions preferably have a length of 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 3 mm, and a maximum width of 0.7 mm to 4 mm, preferably 1.2 mm to 2.5 mm, on. In particular, the support extensions can be used to achieve support for the second coupling element over small areas. In particular, the band can achieve an advantageously uniform and advantageously distributed support in the circumferential direction.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the first coupling element has at least three secondary support extensions, which are arranged in a band in a second end region of the first coupling element facing away from the handle unit. The band of secondary support extensions is arranged in particular at the very end of the base body, directly on the edge. One edge of the secondary support extensions forms the final edge or part of the final edge of the base body. The orientation groove preferably leads through the band of secondary support extensions. The width or height of the band of secondary supporting extensions corresponds in particular to the maximum length of the supporting extensions. The lower edges of the support extensions preferably form a continuing geometry and lie on the same plane of the base body. The secondary support extensions in particular have a length of 1 mm to 6 mm, preferably 2 mm to 4 mm. The number of secondary support extensions in this band is in particular from 1 to 6, preferably from 2 to 4. In particular, an odd number of support extensions in the band is also possible, since an element can be arranged on the front on the axis of symmetry or the longitudinal axis can. Preferably, a secondary support extension is arranged on the longitudinal axis and two secondary support extensions are arranged symmetrically laterally directly on the edge of the base body and directly on an edge of the orientation groove. Preferably, an upper end edge of the base body forms two sides of the base surface of the support extensions. In particular, the support extensions can be used to achieve support for the second coupling element over small areas. In particular, the band can achieve an advantageously uniform and advantageously distributed support in the circumferential direction.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the first coupling element is free of support extensions in a central region arranged between the first end region and the second end region. A distance between the bands, in particular the band of primary support extensions and the band of secondary support extensions, is measured in particular along the longitudinal axis, measured between the end edges of the bands on the cone surface, from 5 mm to 15 mm, preferably from 8 mm to 12 mm. Preferably, no further support element is arranged between the bands. Preferably, the first coupling element can be divided into three equally sized regions along the longitudinal axis, namely a first end region, a second end region and a central region, the central region being arranged between the two end regions. The second end region is preferably arranged at a free end of the first coupling element. By arranging the bands, in particular an advantageously uniform and advantageously distributed support in the circumferential direction can be achieved. In particular, support can be provided in heavily stressed areas.

It is further proposed that the support extensions have an at least approximately rectangular or trapezoidal basic shape. The support extensions in particular have a shape that follows the cone of the base body. The support extensions are in particular essentially trapezoidal in shape, with a widest point pointing downwards. The shapes of the supporting extensions are particularly adapted to demoulding fits. This makes it possible, in particular, to provide an advantageous design of the support extensions.

It is further proposed that the handle unit has, on a side facing the first coupling element, an end face with a circumferential wave-shaped geometry, in particular with a wave-shaped final cross section parallel to the longitudinal axis, with the first coupling element following the geometry of the end face on the end face of the handle unit the handle unit is connected. Preferably, the wave-shaped end face of the handle unit forms a transition geometry, with the first coupling element adjoining the end face with a gradation. Preferably, the wave-shaped end face also extends into the orientation groove and forms an end wall of the orientation groove, with a final part of the end wall deviating from the outer wave shape of the end face during a transition into the floor in order to enable demoulding. The wave-shaped end face has a constant width perpendicular to a longitudinal axis. Preferably, the end face has a wavy contour when viewed from one side. A shoulder from the first coupling element to the handle unit is preferably provided on the front side. A width of the shoulder corresponds in particular to the material thickness of the base body of the second coupling element, so that a continuous surface is formed when plugged on. Preferably the heel is the same width all around. The shoulder in particular has a width of 0.5 mm to 4 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 2 mm. The shoulder forms, in particular, an angle of at least approximately 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis. The heel continues on the back, particularly into the orientation groove. The course of the front side is particularly visible on the surface of the product. The course in particular has a rounded shape and/or round transitions. In particular, the front side forms a height profile in a circumferential wave-shaped geometry, which is lowered at the front and back and raised to the left and right at the sides. The deepest point is on the front and back on the longitudinal axis. The height profile of the end face is designed to be symmetrical, in particular from both sides. A height difference from the front and back, measured along the longitudinal axis, is in particular from 2 mm to 7 mm, preferably from 3 mm to 5 mm. A height difference from the front to the side, measured along the longitudinal axis, is in particular from 3 mm to 9 mm, preferably from 5 mm to 7 mm. A height difference from the back to the side, measured along the longitudinal axis, is in particular from 1 mm to 4 mm, preferably from 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm. An angle from the front to the side with respect to the longitudinal axis is from 35° to 75°, preferably from 45° to 65°. An angle from the back to the side with respect to the longitudinal axis is from 10° to 50°, preferably from 20° to 35°. This makes it possible, in particular, to provide an advantageous transition between the first coupling element and the handle unit. Furthermore, in particular an advantageous stop for the second coupling element can be provided, whereby in particular clear positioning can be made possible.

Alternatively, instead of the rounded wave shape, the end face can have a more angular wave shape, for example by lined up straight lines, which then essentially form a circumferential W or V shape.

It is further proposed that the first coupling element is connected in one piece to the handle unit. Preferably, the first coupling element is formed in one piece with the handle unit. Preferably, the second coupling element is also connected in one piece to the application unit. In particular, the second coupling element is formed in one piece with the application unit. This means that the number of components in particular can be kept low. Furthermore, an advantageously stable connection of the coupling unit can be provided.

By means of the coupling unit, an advantageously simple coupling of the application unit with the handle unit can in particular be achieved. Preferably, during a connection, in particular the application unit designed as a brush attachment is retracted, with alignment taking place via the orientation groove. The application unit can in particular only be plugged onto the handle unit in one position. A stop occurs in particular on the shoulder of the front side of the handle unit. The application unit is retracted in particular until the corresponding locking means lock and the base body of the second coupling element hits the shoulder of the front side of the handle unit. The front side of the application unit has the same geometry as the front side of the handle unit. The two end faces follow each other when assembled and, if necessary, rest against each other. In addition, there is in particular a tension between the fourth locking means and the end face of the handle unit. A take-off weight of the coupling unit is in particular from 1 kg to 7 kg. The trigger weight depends in particular on several factors. Preferably, the locking means at least partially define the trigger weight. On the geometric side, the settings can be defined via the dimensions between the locking extensions and the locking recesses. On the On the material side, a trigger weight can be partially adjusted with the material of the first coupling element and the second coupling element. For reasons of longevity, the material of the application unit and the second coupling element is in particular softer than that of the handle unit and the first coupling element. The handle unit and the first coupling element preferably consist of rPET. The application unit and the second coupling element preferably consist of PP or rPP or a mixture thereof. Further variants are a handle unit made of a co-polyester such as BR003 and an application unit made of PP or rPP or a mixture thereof, a handle unit made of ABS and an application unit made of PP or rPP or a mixture thereof, or a handle unit made of harder PP and an application unit made of softer one PP or rPP or a mixture thereof. Due to the softer material of the application unit, it generates less abrasion on the first coupling element. Frictional forces between the base body of the first coupling element and the base body of the second coupling element are only minimal. Rather, frictional forces are realized through the interaction of the support extensions and the base body of the second coupling element. Furthermore, the support extensions and the locking means can advantageously be used to adapt the interaction (e.g. the pull-off forces, tolerances, etc.). The interaction is adjusted in particular on the first coupling element by adjusting the support extensions or also certain elements of the first locking means and the third locking means. The orientation groove and the guide comb also serve as an orientation aid. As a result, the second coupling element can in particular only be retracted into one position. This means that the application unit cannot be oriented incorrectly or differently than intended relative to the handle unit. The design of the orientation groove and the guide comb with additional elements ensures that the two coupling elements find themselves when they are plugged on and do so within a large twisting range. An automatic alignment of the second coupling element relative to the first coupling element occurs when plugged on at least approximately up to 90°, i.e. up to a deviation of 45° in both directions, preferably up to 120°, i.e. up to a deviation of 60° compared to a correct or intended one Position. Incorrect insertion is not possible, even if there are large angle deviations between the two coupling elements.

Furthermore, the coupling elements of the coupling unit can be realized as mounted plastic parts, whereby the plastic parts can be mounted on elements made of other materials. For example, a plastic part can be anchored in a handle base body. Only one side of the coupling unit or both sides of the coupling unit can be implemented as an assembled plastic part. In particular, further combinations of materials with any handles, for example made of glass, wood or metal, are conceivable.

Furthermore, the invention is based on an oral hygiene product, wherein the handle unit has at least one material solid body and at least one essential cavity structure, which is at least essentially delimited by the material solid body and which extends at least over a substantial part of a main extension of the at least one handle unit.

It is proposed that the material solid body has at least three recesses, via which the cavity structure is connected to an environment in at least one direction. Preferably, the recesses extend through the material volume body to the cavity structure, whereby the cavity structure is designed to be partially open.

In this context, a “cavity structure” is intended to mean, in particular, a cavity and/or a plurality of adjacent and/or partially interrupted cavities, which are at least partially, in particular to a large extent, delimited and/or by a support structure, in particular the material volume body, of the handle unit are included. Of the possible 6 sides, cavities are at least partially limited to at least 3, 4 or 5 sides. So 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 interconnected cavities or separate cavities can be used. Preferably at least 30%, preferably at least 50% and particularly preferably at least 70% of an outer surface of the cavity structure is delimited by the support structure, in particular the material volume body, of the handle unit. Preferably, at each point of the cavity structure there is an imaginary straight line intersecting the point, which intersects the material solid body, then the point and then the material solid body again. In this context, a “significant cavity structure” is to be understood in particular as a cavity structure whose volume corresponds to at least 20%, preferably at least 30% and particularly preferably at least 40% of a volume of the handle unit, in particular from the underside up to and including the thumb grip area. A “substantial part” should be understood to mean in particular 30%, preferably at least 50% and particularly preferably at least 70% of a whole. The volume preferably corresponds to the handle unit, in particular from the underside up to and including the dhow manipulation area, a sum of the volumes of the enclosed cavity structure and the material solid.

The volume of the enclosed cavity structure is preferably between 4 cm ³ and 14 cm ³ and preferably between 4 cm ³ and 11 cm ³ . The volume of the material body of the oral hygiene product can advantageously vary within a very wide range, since the design can be very different. The volume of the material volume body is therefore preferably between 3 cm ³ and 14 cm ³ and preferably between 5 cm ³ and 10 cm ³ . The volume of the handle unit, in particular a completely enclosed volume, in particular from the underside up to and including the thumb grip area, is preferably between 7 cm ³ and 22 cm ³ and preferably between 11 cm ³ and 19 cm ³ . With regard to the enclosed cavity structure, the material solid body and also the volume of the handle unit, in particular the volumes from the underside up to and including the thumb grip area are taken into account.

It is generally suggested that the material solid body should advantageously be designed to be as light as possible. Preferably, the weight of the oral hygiene product is preferably less than 18 g. Preferably, the weight of the oral hygiene product is in particular in a range between 4 g and 18 g and preferably in a range between 5 g and 15 g, particularly preferably between 6 g and 10 g. This allows the user an advantageously simple and advantageously more precise guidance, since less mass has to be moved. In addition, this reduces the potential for injury due to incorrect manipulation or incorrect movements.

The material solid body preferably has a small wall thickness in an area delimiting the cavity structure. A wall thickness of the material volume body in an area delimiting the cavity structure is in particular from 0.6 mm to 5.5 mm and preferably from 1.5 mm to 4 mm.

By creating hollow structures, between 30% and 60% volume can be saved compared to a filled volume. This is calculated as the empty volume created versus the continuous volume filled. Due to the design of the handle unit, the center of gravity in particular for a purely plastic product shifts in the direction of the application unit compared to the filled body. The focus is in the area of the thumb grip or thumb rest (preferably essentially in the middle to the back end, depending on the choice of material). However, with conventional oral hygiene products, the center of gravity is below the thumb grip or thumb rest. The center of gravity on the thumb rest has the advantage that the application unit can be guided even more directly and precisely. The cavity structures primarily affect the handle unit. The application unit is already designed to be thin-walled due to the described design of the coupling unit. In this way, the use of material for the oral hygiene product can be kept low. In particular, a voluminous handle unit can also be provided. In this way, an advantageously ecological oral hygiene product can be provided. Furthermore, a certain holding volume and thus holding can be provided perfectly despite a reduced material volume. In particular, a dynamic, visually appealing design can be achieved. The design is particularly suitable for a biodegradable brush due to the low material requirement and the thin-walled design.

The material solid body preferably has defined recesses. Preferably, between 3 and 15 and preferably between 4 and 12 recesses are designed per side. Preferably, the material solid body completely delimits the cavity structure, apart from the recesses. The recesses that penetrate into the material solid body from the front are at least partially bounded by the material solid body on the left and right sides, as well as at the top, bottom and back (back), when viewed from the front. Viewed from the back, the recesses that penetrate into the material solid body from the back are at least partially bounded by the material solid body on the left and right sides, as well as at the top, bottom and front (front side). The conditions mentioned can be implemented individually or in combination. The recesses are preferably designed to be unconnected on each side and each have an area, ie a cross section of a maximum of 3 cm ² , preferably a maximum of 2 cm ² and particularly preferably a maximum of 1 cm ² . The recesses, which are located on different sides of the body, can meet in particular along the longitudinal axis, so that openings are formed between the recesses. The cavity structure is arranged in particular at least in the voluminous parts of the handle unit. It forms a honeycomb-like structure alternately on both sides, at least in some areas; it is formed by the offset recesses. Preferably, the material volume body has a small wall thickness in an area delimiting the cavity structure. The recesses can in particular have different orientations. In particular, they can Recesses can be made longitudinally (ie parallel), transversely or at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis. The angle can be between 0° and 90°. As a result, the recess can advantageously assume any angle between the longitudinal and transverse orientation. Furthermore, various shapes of the recesses that appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are conceivable, such as essentially circular, oval, elliptical, rectangular, diamond-shaped, triangular, n-shaped, rhombus-shaped, parallelogram-shaped or the like. The recesses can in particular be arranged at different positions on the oral hygiene product, such as in particular on the handle unit, for example the thumb grip area and/or on the application unit, for example the neck area or the head area, in particular the brush head. When designing a recess in the thumb grip area, its size or position is chosen so that the thumb is comfortably supported in the edge area of the recess. For a pleasant feel, the material solid body is strongly rounded or chamfered in the edge area of the recess. This increases the contact surface and smooths sharp edges. The thumb preferably covers a significant part or the entire recess from above. In particular, a multi-component design, in particular of the material solid body, is also conceivable in this context. Preferably, parts of the outer structure can be made from a soft component. A corresponding oral hygiene product can be used in particular in a process, in particular an injection molding process, according to WO 2007/030958 A1 getting produced. That in print WO 2007/030958 A1 The method described should therefore be viewed in particular as part of the disclosure of the present invention.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the directions starting from a geometric center of the cavity structure are angled at least 80° relative to one another. Preferably, a recess is opened at least to a rear side, a recess is opened at least to a left side and a recess is opened at least to a right side. In this way, an advantageously light and, despite everything, stable structure can be created. In this way, the use of material for the oral hygiene product can be kept low. In this way, an advantageously ecological oral hygiene product can be provided. The recesses preferably also create an improved feel.

The recesses and the cavity structure can in particular save material. In particular, volumes are not fully formed, but are instead provided with cavities. The cavity structure and the recesses can extend in particular from the lower end of the handle into the initial area of the neck of the application unit. The thumb grip is preferably included in the structures. Preferably, a single recess or its boundary or its edge region at least partially forms the thumb grip. Preferably, the edge region of the thumb grip recess is designed differently than the edge region of other recesses. The recesses can be shaped particularly in the neck. The side recesses in particular can extend into the neck. Flexibility can be achieved or adjusted in the neck by means of the recesses, as the structure is weakened to a certain extent. Recesses in the handle unit can be used for complete or one-piece oral hygiene products, as well as for separable oral hygiene products, for example toothbrushes with interchangeable heads. As a whole, the handle unit has, in particular, a tailored shape with three bellies and narrower areas in between, when viewed from the front or rear. Preferably there is a belly in the area of the lower end of the handle, a belly in the area of the upper end of the handle and a belly in the area of the thumb grip. Viewed from the side, the handle unit has an elevation in the area of the thumb grip, which curves in the direction of the brush head. Preferably, a support point for the oral hygiene product is provided in the neck area of the application unit and in an area of the lower end of the handle, directly at the end of the handle or in the last third of the total length. Furthermore, various optical effects can be created, for example when using transparent and/or translucent materials. Different material thicknesses of the walls and projections mean that different amounts of light penetrate through the body and optical effects, for example (facet, crystal, honeycomb-like optical effects) arise.

It is further proposed that the cavity structure is completely enclosed by the material solid body in at least one plane parallel to a main extension plane of the handle unit. Preferably, the cavity structure is completely enclosed by the material solid body in the main extension plane of the handle unit. In this way, the use of material for the oral hygiene product can be kept low. In this way, an advantageously ecological oral hygiene product can be provided.

It is further proposed that the material solid body has at least two at least essentially oval recesses, with a first recess on a front side the handle unit is arranged and a second recess is arranged along the main extension direction of the handle unit offset from the first recess on the back of the handle unit. The recesses can have different sizes. In particular, the recesses allow the use of material for the oral hygiene product to be kept low. In this way, an advantageously ecological oral hygiene product can be provided. As an alternative to an oval shape, other shapes are also conceivable, such as a circular shape or an n-square shape with rounded edges. Preferably, the recesses do not extend completely through the handle unit. Furthermore, the recesses on the front and back are in particular not congruent. The recesses at the front and back are in particular arranged offset. The first recesses on the front extend in particular to a web on the back, while the recesses on the back extend in particular to a web on the front. Preferably, closed recesses are not arranged over the entire solid body. In some cases, the structures are only partially formed, for example in the edge regions. Preferably, the recesses form a pattern (for example a honeycomb-like pattern) on a surface of the handle unit. Preferably, the pattern created by the recesses is symmetrical to the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the material solid body has a plurality of first recesses and a plurality of second recesses, the first and second recesses alternating along the longitudinal axis, so that the recesses alternate on the front and back. A web is preferably arranged between the first recesses. A web is preferably arranged between the second recesses. The first recesses are arranged distributed in particular on a front side of the handle unit along a central axis. The second recesses are arranged offset from the first recesses on the back of the handle unit. The second recesses are arranged along the longitudinal axis, in particular each with a center offset from the first recesses. The second recesses are always arranged along the longitudinal axis, in particular between the first recesses. The recesses are preferably of different sizes, with a largest recess being formed in particular by a lower second recess, which is arranged in particular behind an embossing surface. In particular, an embossing surface is provided on the front of the solid body. The embossing surface is preferably attached in the rear area of the solid body. The embossing surface is preferably formed by a web. The web preferably forms a boundary surface of a recess. In particular, openings form between the recesses, which form the cavity structure. The breakthroughs are the result of intersecting recesses. Preferably, the first recesses and the second recesses are arranged overlapping in an interior of the handle unit. Preferably, all first and second recesses are connected to one another via openings, so that a large cavity is formed, which extends over a large part of the main extent of the handle unit. The recesses are delimited in particular by webs of the material handle body. The webs in particular have a minimum width of 2.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably of 3 mm to 4 mm, and a maximum width, in particular in an area of the embossing surface, of 6 mm to 12 mm, preferably of 7 mm to 10 mm . The embossing surface serves in particular to provide a surface for attaching lettering or logos, for example by embossing. In a variant, it would be conceivable for a lettering to be provided in the injection molding tool as a recessed or raised structure, which forms a lettering at the appropriate location on the web. The embossing surface is preferably integrated into the structure, in particular between two recesses. The embossing surface is formed in particular by a larger, flat surface. Preferably, the material volume body has 2 to 8, preferably from 2 to 6, first recesses and 2 to 8, preferably from 2 to 6, second recesses. In particular, smaller and larger recesses are provided, with smaller recesses in particular having a length of 12 mm to 21 mm, preferably from 14 mm to 18 mm, and larger recesses in particular having a length of 20 mm to 38 mm, preferably from 28 mm to 35 mm. The larger recesses are arranged in particular in an area of the embossing surface. The width of the individual recess is in particular from 4 mm to 13 mm, preferably from 5.5 mm to 11 mm. The distance between the recesses on each side is, particularly in the case of the smaller recesses, from the center of the recess to the center of the recess from 20 mm to 45 mm, preferably from 25 mm to 35 mm. The recesses are laterally delimited in particular by a wall of the material solid body, with a wall thickness on the side of the oval recesses being from 1 mm to 8 mm, preferably from 1.5 mm to 5 mm. The height of the webs at the end of the closed recess is in particular from 0.5 mm to 4 mm, preferably from 1 mm to 2.5 mm. A mold separation of the handle unit is arranged in particular in a central region of the solid body and runs between the partial recesses on the side.

In addition, it is proposed that the material solid body has at least two at least substantially semi-oval recesses which are arranged on a front side of the handle unit, the recesses being arranged along a main extension direction of the handle unit at a height of the second oval recess. The semi-oval recesses on the front are in particular arranged opposite the at least one second oval recess. On the front, the semi-oval recesses are arranged laterally offset from the at least one first oval recess. Preferably, the material solid body has from 2 to 16, preferably from 2 to 12, semi-oval recesses on the front. The semi-oval recesses are arranged in particular on an outer edge of the front. On the front, the lowest semi-oval recesses are formed by larger recesses, with the embossing surface and/or a larger web being arranged between the larger semi-oval recesses. The semi-oval recesses are each arranged as pairs on the front, with the pairs of semi-oval recesses being arranged on both sides of the longitudinal axis at the same height. The semi-oval recesses on the front each form an opening to a second oval recess on the back. The openings are at least partially formed laterally and towards a front. The semi-oval recesses form the last recesses at the bottom of the front. The semi-oval recesses form a bottom end on the front. On the back, a second oval recess forms the last element at the bottom. A second oval recess forms a closure at the bottom on the back. The semi-oval recesses extend to the side edge of the handle unit. The semi-oval recesses are open in particular to one side and in particular extend to an edge of the solid body. The first oval recesses, the second oval recesses and the semi-oval recesses are preferably larger in the longitudinal direction than in the transverse direction. This allows additional recesses to be created, particularly despite the limited surface area of the handle unit. In this way, the use of material for the oral hygiene product can be kept low. In this way, an advantageously ecological oral hygiene product can be provided. This can create a particularly pleasant feel.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the material solid body has at least two further at least substantially semi-oval recesses which are arranged on a rear side of the handle unit, the recesses being arranged along a main extension direction of the handle unit at a height of the first oval recess. On the back, the further semi-oval recesses are arranged laterally offset from the at least one second oval recess. Preferably, the material solid body has from 2 to 16, preferably from 2 to 12, further semi-oval recesses on the back. The further semi-oval recesses are arranged in particular on an outer edge of the back. The further semi-oval recesses are each arranged as pairs on the back, with the pairs of semi-oval recesses being arranged on both sides of the longitudinal axis at the same height. The further semi-oval recesses on the back each form an opening to a first oval recess on the front. The openings are at least partially formed laterally and towards a front. The further semi-oval recesses extend to the side edge of the handle unit. The further semi-oval recesses are open in particular towards one side and in particular extend towards an edge of the solid body. The semi-oval recesses form, in particular, lateral interruptions in the outer shape of the solid body, with a continuous web being provided in the longitudinal direction between the semi-oval recesses on the front and the further semi-oval recesses on the back. In particular, there is a mold separation on the web. The mold separation has a steady course without jumps and continues continuously in the direction of the coupling unit or the neck of the application unit. This allows additional recesses to be created, particularly despite the limited surface area of the handle unit. In this way, the use of material for the oral hygiene product can be kept low. In this way, an advantageously ecological oral hygiene product can be provided.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least essentially semi-oval recesses extend at least essentially perpendicular to a main extension plane of the handle unit, wherein the at least essentially semi-oval recesses do not extend through a center plane which extends parallel to the main extension plane through a geometric center of the handle unit extends. Preferably, the at least essentially semi-oval recesses are introduced into the solid body at least essentially perpendicular to a main extension plane of the handle unit. A “center plane” of a structural unit is intended to mean, in particular, a plane that is parallel to a largest side surface of a smallest imaginary cuboid, which is the structural unit just completely encloses it and runs through the center of the cuboid. The semi-oval recesses form, in particular, lateral interruptions in the outer shape of the solid body, with a continuous web being provided in the longitudinal direction between the semi-oval recesses on the front and the further semi-oval recesses on the back. In this way, in particular, an advantageously stable structure of the material solid body can be provided.

It is further proposed that the at least essentially oval recesses extend at least essentially perpendicular to a main extension plane of the handle unit, wherein the at least essentially oval recesses extend through a center plane which extends parallel to the main extension plane through a geometric center of the handle unit . The at least one first recess extends in particular to the at least one web on the back, which is arranged between two further semi-oval recesses. The at least one second recess extends in particular up to the at least one web on the front, which is arranged between two semi-oval recesses. This makes it possible, in particular, to provide an advantageously light structure of the material solid body. Furthermore, an advantageous cavity structure in particular can be provided.

It is further proposed that an imaginary straight line exists which extends perpendicular to the main extension plane of the handle unit and which extends freely from an intersection with the material solid body through the at least one first oval recess and the at least one second oval recess. The imaginary straight line preferably runs in particular through a breakthrough between the first oval recess and the second oval recess. Preferably there is also an imaginary straight line which extends perpendicular to the main extension plane of the handle unit and which extends freely from an intersection with the material solid body through one of the semi-oval recesses and the at least one second oval recess. Preferably there is also an imaginary straight line which extends perpendicular to the main extension plane of the handle unit and which extends freely from an intersection with the material solid body through one of the further semi-oval recesses and the at least one first oval recess. Preferably there is also an imaginary straight line which extends parallel to the main extension plane of the handle unit and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and which extends freely from an intersection with the material solid body through two of the semi-oval recesses and the at least one second oval recess. There is also preferably an imaginary straight line which extends parallel to the main extension plane of the handle unit and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and which extends freely from an intersection with the material solid body through two of the further semi-oval recesses and the at least one first oval recess. This makes it possible, in particular, to provide an advantageously light structure of the material solid body. Furthermore, an advantageous cavity structure in particular can be provided.

Furthermore, it is proposed that at least two at least essentially semi-oval recesses open into the second oval recess. Preferably, one opening is arranged between the two at least substantially semi-oval recesses and the second oval recess. Preferably, at least two further at least essentially semi-oval recesses open into the first oval recess. Preferably, one opening is arranged between the two further at least substantially semi-oval recesses and the first oval recess. This makes it possible, in particular, to provide an advantageously light structure of the material solid body. Furthermore, an advantageous cavity structure in particular can be provided.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the material solid body slopes towards the first oval recess and forms a thumb grip area. Preferably, a web and a wall of the material solid body, which delimits the first oval recess, is chamfered, broken and/or rounded towards the recess. The thumb grip is formed partly with the chamfer and partly with the recess. The first oval recess is formed in the shape of an ellipse with a longitudinal axis in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the handle unit. This creates a depression that allows the thumb to rest optimally. In particular, a web is arranged on a back applied to the thumb grip area, which is rounded at the back so that the index finger can rest against the longitudinal axis. The web in particular forms an index finger grip area. This makes it possible, in particular, to provide an advantageously ergonomic handle unit.

It is further proposed that the cavity structure is at least approximately completely covered by the material solid body from the front. Preferably, a front side of the material solid is not complete closed, but recesses are aligned at least essentially perpendicular to the front. In this way, in particular, an advantageously homogeneous appearance of the handle unit can be achieved. Furthermore, in particular an advantageously ergonomic handle unit can be provided.

It is further proposed that the material solid body has a plurality of strand elements in at least one area (for example 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 or 9, preferably 5), which are spaced apart from one another in a first area of the handle unit and in at least a second Area of the handle unit are arranged in contact. Several spaced or touching areas can also be formed. The strand elements preferably run in the form of waves that are partially offset from one another. In areas in which the strand elements are arranged offset from one another and move away from one another, recesses in particular can be formed in the transverse direction. The recesses are particularly visible from the side (i.e. when viewed from the side, recesses can form which allow a view through the handle unit) and are produced by cores or cavity walls that touch each other during production. Recesses can preferably be formed which, viewed from the side, allow a view through the handle unit or at least into the cavity structure. In an area of the recesses, in particular cores for production which form the back and which form the front come into contact. However, it would also be conceivable that no recesses are provided between the strand elements and that the strand elements run so close to one another that a closed side surface is created. The recesses between the strand elements extend essentially in the transverse direction through the solid body, whereby the recesses can also extend partially perpendicular to a main extension plane through the solid body. Viewed from the front to the back, the recesses are in particular slot-shaped. The recesses can run at least partially parallel. The recesses can at least partially run one above the other when viewed from the side. A depression is formed on the back, which is delimited by the strand elements and which forms the cavity structure. In particular, the strand elements are not straight. The strand elements move in width, laterally from the left to the right side, and in height, i.e. from the front to the back. The strand elements thus form several at least partially offset waves. In particular, the individual strand elements each form at least one complete wave. In particular, the strand elements form a complete wave, at least when viewed in the transverse direction. There are preferably at least four strand elements provided, each of which runs in a wave shape when viewed both in the transverse direction and perpendicular to a main extension plane. The strand elements run at least partially in opposite directions, so that one strand element can be in the area of a wave trough, while another strand element is designed more as a wave hill. Preferably, outer strand elements run in the opposite direction to an inner strand element when viewed in the transverse direction. The outer strand elements preferably run in opposite directions to one another when viewed perpendicular to a main extension plane. Preferably, the middle strand elements run in opposite directions to one another when viewed perpendicular to a main extension plane. Furthermore, nodes are formed between adjacent strand elements. The node points each form contact points of the strand elements in which the strand elements are connected. A node is arranged in particular at the bottom at the end of the handle unit. In particular, further nodes are provided, with different strand elements being able to have different nodes. The strand elements extend in particular over the entire handle unit from bottom to top, with the recesses becoming fewer in the transverse direction from bottom to top. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the strand elements to end at a junction in the area of the thumb grip area and/or the neck area of the application unit, so that a smooth body is created in the neck area. The recesses in the solid body extend in particular in such a way that they form a depression at the bottom on the back of the handle unit. In particular, a thumb grip area is formed in an upper area of the handle unit. The thumb grip area is formed in particular by the strand elements, with the inner strand element forming the main contact surface for the thumb grip area. The thumb grip is designed with at least one strand element that forms a wave that rises towards the application unit when viewed from the side. In particular, structures can be formed on the main support surface that improve grip and reduce slipping of the thumb. To create something resembling a trough, the middle and outer strand elements in this area are shaped somewhat in opposite directions. The outer strand elements in particular form lateral boundaries, preferably lateral elevations. The outer shape of the handle unit is formed on the side by the outer strand elements, while the strand elements alternate on the front and back. This makes it possible, in particular, to provide an advantageously ergonomic handle unit.

The solid body is constructed symmetrically, in particular in the transverse direction, with the outer strand elements being mirrored and the middle strand elements being mirrored. The inner strand element is symmetrically constructed and wider than the others. The inner strand element forms an embossed surface at the bottom and forms the largest part of the thumb grip area at the top. The embossing surface serves in particular to provide a surface for attaching lettering or logos, for example by embossing. In a variant, it would be conceivable for a lettering to be provided in the injection molding tool as a recessed or raised structure, which forms a lettering at the corresponding location on the strand. The middle strand elements continue the wave shape of the inner strand element perpendicular to a main extension plane and are partially arranged offset from the inner strand element. The outer strand elements continue the wave shape of the middle strand elements perpendicular to a main extension plane and are partially arranged offset from the middle strand elements. A number of strand elements is in particular from 3 to 9, preferably from 3 to 6. The outer and middle strand elements in particular have a constant width, with the inner strand element in particular forming a course in width. The inner strand element has a minimum width of 1 mm to 4 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 3 mm, and a maximum width of 6 mm to 12 mm, preferably 7 mm to 10 mm. The outer and middle strand elements have a width of 0.8 mm to 4 mm, preferably 1 mm to 3 mm. The height of the individual strand elements is in particular from 2 mm to 7 mm, preferably from 2.5 mm to 6 mm. It is particularly conceivable that a course develops and the individual strand elements are not always the same height. A cross-sectional area perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the individual strand elements is in particular from 4 mm ² to 30 mm ² , preferably from 4.5 mm ² to 26 mm ² . The inner strand element has, in particular, a largest cross section in the area of the embossing surface or the thumb grip area. A cross section of the outer and middle strand elements is in particular essentially constant. The middle strand elements in particular have a smallest cross section. The strand elements in particular have a rectangular and/or square cross-sectional shape. However, an n-square, round or oval cross-sectional shape would also be conceivable. The strand elements in particular have a closed shape. The cross section of the strand elements can be formed as a gradient so that shapes can merge into one another. In principle, the cross section of the strand elements is also determined by the production process; since the body is manufactured using an injection molding process, it must also be able to be removed from the mold. The cross-sectional shape of the handle unit is derived from the arrangement of the strands. The material solid consists in particular of the strand elements. The handle unit can have a triangular and/or V-shaped cross-sectional shape, with the inner strand element and the outer strand elements each forming the highest and lowest points. The outer strand elements in particular form the widest point of the handle unit and the inner strand element in particular form the highest points. Alternatively, a rounded cross-sectional shape of the handle unit can be realized, with the inner strand element forming the highest points, the middle strand elements forming the deepest point and the outer strand elements forming the widest point.

• - Hinten und vorne
• - Links und rechts
• - Nur vorne
• - Nur hinten
• - Hinten, links und rechts

The individual strand elements can be equipped with different surfaces. The surfaces can be provided with structures, textures or even rough areas (e.g. in the form of eroded structures). The different surfaces provide different feels and, for example, better ergonomics when holding. The strand elements can be equipped with different surfaces on one or more sides. Examples of orientation of non-smooth surfaces:

• - At the back and the front
• - Left and right
• - Only in the front
• - Only in the back
• - Rear, left and right

Not every strand element has to have the same surface properties. For example, only certain strand elements have non-smooth surfaces on the front. Like the strand elements, the surface properties of the strand elements are also preferably constructed symmetrically. For example, only the middle strand element is provided with a non-rough surface.

Furthermore, one side of a strand element does not have to be completely provided with the same surface finish. For example, only part of the surface can be provided with a certain roughness, for example only in the lower third or only a strip in the longitudinal direction, etc.

The non-smooth surfaces are created in the injection molding tool. The surface roughness in the injection molding tool is preferably between Rz = 6.3 and Rz = 25. For this purpose, in particular, rough, eroded surfaces are provided in the injection molding tool.

In a corresponding embodiment, a mold separation is arranged in particular on the outer strand elements. In particular, the mold separation forms a continuous course on the outermost strand elements, free of jumps. The mold separation continues particularly towards the application unit. The mold separation is arranged in particular on a central area in relation to the height.

The production using an injection molding process means that the handle unit is molded in the area of the index finger area, i.e. on the back on the longitudinal axis (position of the injection point). The brush attachment is also molded on the back in the area against the handle body on the longitudinal axis (position of the injection point). The positioning is based on the theory that injection should be carried out in an area of greater material thickness and thin areas should be at the end of the flow path of the injection compound.

Furthermore, the invention is based on an application unit of an oral hygiene product.

The oral hygiene product according to the invention should not be limited to the applications and embodiments described above. In particular, in order to fulfill the functionality described herein, the oral hygiene product according to the invention can have a number of individual elements, components and units that deviate from the number mentioned herein and/or any sensible combination thereof. In addition, in the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values lying within the stated limits should also be considered disclosed and can be used in any way.

Of course, the design variants shown in this document are examples. Within the scope of the invention, the individual characteristics and elements of these design variants can be combined with other design variants without departing from the scope of this invention.

drawings

Further advantages result from the following drawing description. Three exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. The drawings, description and claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into further sensible combinations.

• 1 ein erfindungsgemäßes Mundhygienemittel mit einer Anwendungseinheit, einer Griffeinheit und einer Kopplungseinheit in einer perspektivischen Darstellung von vorne,
• 2 das erfindungsgemäße Mundhygienemittel mit der Anwendungseinheit, der Griffeinheit und der Kopplungseinheit in einer perspektivischen Darstellung von hinten,
• 3 eine Vorderseite des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit der Anwendungseinheit, der Griffeinheit und der Kopplungseinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung,
• 4 eine Seite des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit der Anwendungseinheit, der Griffeinheit und Kopplungseinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung,
• 5 eine Rückseite des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit der Anwendungseinheit, der Griffeinheit und der Kopplungseinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung,
• 6 das erfindungsgemäße Mundhygienemittel mit der Anwendungseinheit, der Griffeinheit und der Kopplungseinheit in einer Schnittdarstellung entlang der Schnittlinie A-A in 3,
• 7 die Griffeinheit des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer perspektivischen Darstellung von vorne,
• 8 die Griffeinheit des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer perspektivischen Darstellung von hinten,
• 9 eine Vorderseite der Griffeinheit des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,
• 10 eine Seite der Griffeinheit des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,
• 11 eine Rückseite der Griffeinheit des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,
• 12 die Griffeinheit des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Draufsicht in Längsachsenrichtung,
• 13 die Griffeinheit des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer Schnittdarstellung entlang der Schnittlinie B-B in 10,
• 14 die Griffeinheit des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer Schnittdarstellung entlang der Schnittlinie A-A in 9,
• 15 einen Teilausschnitt einer Seite der Griffeinheit des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,
• 16 ein erstes Kopplungselement der Kopplungseinheit des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer Schnittdarstellung entlang der Schnittlinie C-C in 15,
• 17 das erste Kopplungselement der Kopplungseinheit des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer Schnittdarstellung entlang der Schnittlinie D-D in 15,
• 18 das erste Kopplungselement der Kopplungseinheit des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer Schnittdarstellung entlang der Schnittlinie E-E in 15,
• 19 das erste Kopplungselement der Kopplungseinheit des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer Schnittdarstellung entlang der Schnittlinie F-F in 15,
• 20 die Anwendungseinheit des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer perspektivischen Darstellung von vorne,
• 21 die Anwendungseinheit des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer perspektivischen Darstellung von hinten,
• 22 eine Vorderseite der Anwendungseinheit des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,
• 23 eine Seite der Anwendungseinheit des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,
• 24 eine Rückseite der Anwendungseinheit des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,
• 25 die Anwendungseinheit des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Draufsicht in Längsachsenrichtung von unten,
• 26 die Anwendungseinheit des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer Schnittdarstellung entlang der Schnittlinie A-A in 22,
• 27 die Anwendungseinheit des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer Schnittdarstellung entlang der Schnittlinie B-B in 23,
• 28 ein zweites Kopplungselement der Kopplungseinheit des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer Schnittdarstellung entlang der Schnittlinie G-G in 23,
• 29 das zweite Kopplungselement der Kopplungseinheit des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer Schnittdarstellung entlang der Schnittlinie H-H in 23,
• 30 ein alternatives erfindungsgemäßes Mundhygienemittel mit einer Anwendungseinheit und einer Griffeinheit in einer perspektivischen Darstellung von vorne,
• 31 das alternative erfindungsgemäße Mundhygienemittel mit der Anwendungseinheit und der Griffeinheit in einer perspektivischen Darstellung von hinten,
• 32 eine Vorderseite des alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit der Anwendungseinheit und der Griffeinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung,
• 33 eine Seite des alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit der Anwendungseinheit und der Griffeinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung,
• 34 eine Rückseite des alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit der Anwendungseinheit und der Griffeinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung,
• 35 das alternative erfindungsgemäße Mundhygienemittel mit der Anwendungseinheit und der Griffeinheit in einer Schnittdarstellung entlang der Schnittlinie I-I in 33,
• 36 das alternative erfindungsgemäße Mundhygienemittel mit der Anwendungseinheit und der Griffeinheit in einer Schnittdarstellung entlang der Schnittlinie J-J in 33,
• 37 das alternative erfindungsgemäße Mundhygienemittel mit der Anwendungseinheit und der Griffeinheit in einer Schnittdarstellung entlang der Schnittlinie K-K in 33,
• 38 das alternative erfindungsgemäße Mundhygienemittel mit der Anwendungseinheit und der Griffeinheit in einer Schnittdarstellung entlang der Schnittlinie L-L in 33,
• 39 ein alternatives erfindungsgemäßes Mundhygienemittel mit einer Anwendungseinheit, einer Griffeinheit und einer Kopplungseinheit in einer perspektivischen Darstellung von vorne und
• 40 eine Seite des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit der Anwendungseinheit, der Griffeinheit und Kopplungseinheit in einer schematischen Explosions-Darstellung.

Show it:

• 1 an oral hygiene product according to the invention with an application unit, a handle unit and a coupling unit in a perspective view from the front,
• 2 the oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit in a perspective view from behind,
• 3 a front side of the oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit in a schematic representation,
• 4 a side of the oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit in a schematic representation,
• 5 a back side of the oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit in a schematic representation,
• 6 the oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit in a sectional view along the section line AA in 3 ,
• 7 the handle unit of the oral hygiene product according to the invention in a perspective view from the front,
• 8th the handle unit of the oral hygiene product according to the invention in a perspective view from behind,
• 9 a front side of the handle unit of the oral hygiene product according to the invention in a schematic representation,
• 10 a side of the handle unit of the oral hygiene product according to the invention in a schematic representation,
• 11 a rear side of the handle unit of the oral hygiene product according to the invention in a schematic representation,
• 12 the handle unit of the oral hygiene product according to the invention in a schematic top view in the longitudinal axis direction,
• 13 the handle unit of the oral hygiene product according to the invention in a sectional view along the section line BB in 10 ,
• 14 the handle unit of the oral hygiene product according to the invention in a sectional view along the section line AA in 9 ,
• 15 a partial section of one side of the handle unit of the oral hygiene product according to the invention in a schematic representation,
• 16 a first coupling element of the coupling unit of the oral hygiene product according to the invention in a sectional view along the section line CC in 15 ,
• 17 the first coupling element of the coupling unit of the oral hygiene product according to the invention in a sectional view along the section line DD in 15 ,
• 18 the first coupling element of the coupling unit of the oral hygiene product according to the invention in a sectional view along the section line EE in 15 ,
• 19 the first coupling element of the coupling unit of the oral hygiene product according to the invention in a sectional view along the section line FF in 15 ,
• 20 the application unit of the oral hygiene product according to the invention in a perspective view from the front,
• 21 the application unit of the oral hygiene product according to the invention in a perspective view from behind,
• 22 a front side of the application unit of the oral hygiene product according to the invention in a schematic representation,
• 23 a side of the application unit of the oral hygiene product according to the invention in a schematic representation,
• 24 a rear side of the application unit of the oral hygiene product according to the invention in a schematic representation,
• 25 the application unit of the oral hygiene product according to the invention in a schematic top view in the longitudinal axis direction from below,
• 26 the application unit of the oral hygiene product according to the invention in a sectional view along the section line AA in 22 ,
• 27 the application unit of the oral hygiene product according to the invention in a sectional view along the section line BB in 23 ,
• 28 a second coupling element of the coupling unit of the oral hygiene product according to the invention in a sectional view along the section line GG in 23 ,
• 29 the second coupling element of the coupling unit of the oral hygiene product according to the invention in a sectional view along the section line HH in 23 ,
• 30 an alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with an application unit and a handle unit in a perspective view from the front,
• 31 the alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit and the handle unit in a perspective view from behind,
• 32 a front side of the alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit and the handle unit in a schematic representation,
• 33 a side of the alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit and the handle unit in a schematic representation,
• 34 a back of the alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit and the handle unit in a schematic representation,
• 35 the alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit and the handle unit in a sectional view along the section line II in 33 ,
• 36 the alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit and the handle unit in a sectional view along the section line JJ in 33 ,
• 37 the alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit and the handle unit in a sectional view along the section line KK in 33 ,
• 38 the alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit and the handle unit in a sectional view along the section line LL in 33 ,
• 39 an alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with an application unit, a handle unit and a coupling unit in a perspective view from the front and
• 40 a side of the oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit in a schematic exploded view.

Description of the exemplary embodiments

The 1 shows a front side 82a of an oral hygiene product 10a in a schematic perspective view. In the present case, the oral hygiene product 10a is designed as a toothbrush. The oral hygiene product 10a is designed as a manual toothbrush. The oral hygiene product 10a is designed as a replaceable toothbrush. In addition, the oral hygiene product 10a could be used as a flosser, a single-tuft brush, an intermediate A tooth cleaner, a tongue cleaner or the like can be designed. Furthermore, combined oral hygiene products 10a are conceivable, which combine at least two different functions, for example a toothbrush with a tongue cleaner, a toothbrush with massage elements or the like.

The oral hygiene product 10a has an application unit 12a. Furthermore, the oral hygiene product 10a has a handle unit 16a. The handle unit 16a is formed by a manual handle unit 16a. The at least one handle unit 16a consists of a single material.

Below we will refer to the 1 until 29 Reference is made, which show different views of the oral hygiene product 10a, the handle unit 16a and the application unit 12a. Due to the different views, some elements are not shown in all of the figures and accordingly are not provided with reference numbers in all of the figures.

The oral hygiene product 10a has a longitudinal axis 38a, a height axis 122a and a width axis 124a. The longitudinal axis 38a is arranged parallel to a main extension direction 126a of the oral hygiene product 10a. The longitudinal axis 38a also corresponds to a longitudinal axis of the handle unit 16a. If the oral hygiene product 10a is placed with a back 84a on a flat surface so that the longitudinal axis 38a is arranged parallel to the surface, the height axis 122a is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 38a and perpendicular to the surface and the width axis 124a. The width axis 124a is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 38a and perpendicular to the height axis 122a. In the present case, the oral hygiene product 10a has a length, in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis 38a of the oral hygiene product 10a, of 130 mm to 210 mm and preferably of 180 mm to 200 mm. Furthermore, the oral hygiene product 10a has a maximum width, in particular parallel to the width axis 124a of the oral hygiene product 10a, of 10 mm to 20 mm and preferably from 12 mm to 17 mm. Furthermore, the oral hygiene product 10a without bristles has a height, in particular measured parallel to the height axis 38a, of 10 mm to 17 mm and preferably of 12 mm to 15 mm.

The application unit 12a is formed by a plug-on part. The application unit 12a is designed to be separable from the handle unit 16a, in particular separable without tools. The application unit 12a is formed, for example, by a brush attachment. In principle, however, another design of the application unit 12a that would appear sensible to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable. The application unit 12a has a base body 14a. The application unit 12a has a head area 94a. The head area 94a forms a brush head of the oral hygiene product 10a. In the present case, the head area 94a is designed as a toothbrush head. The head region 94a in particular has a base body designed as a bristle carrier. A base body of the head region 94a is formed entirely from a hard component. However, it would also be conceivable for the base body of the head region 94a to be formed from a hard component and a soft component. The base body of the head region 94a forms a bristle carrier. The oral hygiene product 10a also has a cleaning area 96a which is received by the head area 94a and which comprises a plurality of bristle bundles. At least one recess is formed on the front 82a of the head region 94a. The at least one recess is intended to accommodate a bundle of bristles. The head area 94a has a large number of recesses. The recesses are formed by bristle holes. Any suitable bristles can be used as bristles, which, as described above, can be punched using the anchor punching process, for example. In principle, the use of anchorless methods would also be conceivable. This could provide an anchorless oral hygiene product 10a and thus an oral hygiene product 10a without metal, since the anchor wire can be dispensed with. In the case of certain anchorless methods, a recess is provided in the head region 94a, which is intended to accommodate a plate parallel to the handle unit 16a. The plate is manufactured in particular by means of an injection molding process, with the plate already having bristles before it is attached. The plate is intended to be anchored in the recess of the head region 94a, in particular by welding. Bristle bundles can differ in terms of their length, their composition, their number of bristles, a bristle material, a color, a surface structure and the like. Likewise, angles at which the bristles and/or the bristle bundles are arranged relative to one another or to a surface of the base body of the head region 94a can vary between bristles and/or between bristle bundles. Furthermore, in the present case, the application unit 12a comprises at least one neck region 98a, which in particular connects the head region 94a to the handle unit 16a via a coupling unit 20a. The neck area 98a forms a neck. The base body 14a of the application unit 12a includes the head region 94a and the neck region 98a.

The application unit 12a is arranged on the top of the oral hygiene product 10a. The Application unit 12a forms a top point of the oral hygiene product 10a. The application unit 12a is, for example, completely formed from a hard component. However, it would also be conceivable for the application unit 12a to be formed partly from a soft component and partly from a hard component. With regard to suitable soft and/or hard components, reference is made to the description above. In principle, the application unit 12a can have at least one tongue cleaner element. The tongue cleaner element can in particular have knobs and/or slats. The tongue cleaner element is preferably arranged on the back of the head region 94a, in particular this can be arranged on a ring made of a soft component and/or on an island made of a hard component.

The neck region 98a forms a transition between the application unit 12a and a second coupling element 24a of the coupling unit 20a. The neck region 98a is formed from the hard component. The neck region 98a is formed in one piece with the head region 94a. The head area 94a and the neck area 98a form the base body 14a of the application unit 12a.

The handle unit 16a has a base body 18a. Furthermore, the handle unit 16a has a material solid body 62a and a substantial cavity structure 64a. The material solid body 62a forms the base body 18a. The essential cavity structure 64a is at least essentially delimited by the material volume body 62a. The cavity structure 64a is formed by a continuous cavity in the handle unit 16a. In the present case, the cavity structure 64e is formed by exactly one cavity. The cavity structure 64a extends over a substantial part of a main extension 66a of the handle unit 16a. The cavity structure 64a extends at least approximately from a rear end of the handle unit 16a to a first coupling element 22a of the coupling unit 20a.

The cavity structure 64a is completely enclosed by the material volume body 62a in at least one plane parallel to a main extension plane 80a of the handle unit 16a. The cavity structure 64a is completely enclosed by the material volume body 62a in the main extension plane 80a of the handle unit 16a. The cavity structure 64a is surrounded by the material volume body 62a in at least one cross section transverse to a main extension direction 26a of the handle unit 16a. The solid body 62a has at least one recess 68a, 70a, 72a, 74a, via which the cavity structure 64a is connected to an environment. The material solid body 62a has several defined recesses 68a, 70a, 72a, 74a. The material volume body 62a, apart from the recesses 68a, 70a, 72a, 74a, completely delimits the cavity structure 64a. The recesses 68a, 70a, 72a, 74a are designed to be unconnected and each have a cross-sectional area of a maximum of 2.5 cm ² . The cavity structure 64a is arranged in the voluminous parts of the handle unit 16a. The material volume body 62a has a small wall thickness in an area delimiting the cavity structure 64a. The material solid body 62a has at least three recesses 68a, 70a, 72a, 74a, via which the cavity structure 64a is connected to an environment in at least one direction. The directions are each angled at least 80° relative to one another, starting from a geometric center of the cavity structure 64a. The recesses 68a, 70a, 72a, 74a have different orientations. Furthermore, the recesses 68a, 70a, 72a, 74a do not each extend completely through the handle unit 16a. The recesses 68a, 70a, 72a, 74a form a pattern on a surface of the handle unit 16a. The resulting pattern is in particular symmetrical to the longitudinal axis 38a.

The material volume body 62a has at least two essentially oval recesses 68a, 70a. The material solid body 62a has at least a first oval recess 68a and at least a second oval recess 70a. The at least one first recess 68a is arranged on the front side 82a of the handle unit 16a. The at least one second recess 70a is arranged on the back 84a of the handle unit 16a. The second recess 70a is arranged along the main extension direction 26a of the handle unit 16a offset from the first recess 68a on the front side 82a on a back side 84a of the handle unit 16a. The first recess 68a and the second recess 70a are therefore not congruent. The material solid body 62a has a plurality of first recesses 68a and a plurality of second recesses 70a, the first and second recesses 68a, 70a alternating along the longitudinal axis 38a, so that the recesses 68a on the front side 82a and the recesses 70a on the back side 84a alternate. The material volume body 62a has 2 to 8, preferably from 2 to 6, first recesses 68a and 2 to 8, preferably from 2 to 6, second recesses 70a. The material solid body 62a has, for example, exactly 3 first recesses 68a and exactly 3 second recesses 70a. Smaller and larger recesses 68a, 70a are provided, the smaller recesses 68a, 70a having a length of 12 mm to 21 mm, preferably 14 mm to 18 mm, and larger recesses 70a having a length of 20 mm to 38 mm, preferably from 28 mm to 35 mm. There is exactly one larger second recess 70a arranged in an area of an embossing surface 100a. The larger second recess 70a is formed by a lowest second recess 70a. There are no larger first recesses 68a provided. The width of the individual recess 68a, 70a is from 4 mm to 13 mm, preferably from 5.5 mm to 11 mm. The distance between the recesses 68a, 70a on each side for the smaller recesses 68a, 70a from the center of the recess 68a, 70a to the center of the recess 68a, 70a is from 20 mm to 45 mm, preferably from 25 mm to 35 mm. Furthermore, the recesses 68a, 70a are laterally delimited on both sides by a wall 102a of the material volume body 62a, with a wall thickness on the side of the oval recesses 68a, 70a being from 1 mm to 8 mm, preferably from 1.5 mm to 5 mm . A web 104a is arranged between the first recesses 68a. Furthermore, a web 106a is also arranged between the second recesses 70a. The webs 104a, 106a are at least partially X-shaped. The recesses 68a, 70a are delimited in the longitudinal direction by the webs 104a, 106a of the material volume body 62a. The webs 104a, 106a have a minimum width of 2.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably from 3 mm to 4 mm, and a maximum width, in particular in an area of the embossing surface 100a, of 6 mm to 12 mm, preferably from 7 mm to 10 mm, up. A lowest web 104a on the front 82a forms the embossing surface 100a. The embossing surface 100a serves to provide a surface for attaching lettering or logos, for example by embossing. The first recesses 68a extend on the front 82a to the web 106a on the back 84a, while the second recesses 70a on the back 84a extend to a web 104a on the front 82a. The oval recesses 68a, 70a extend at least substantially perpendicular to a main extension plane 80a of the handle unit 16a, the oval recesses 68a, 70a extending through a center plane which extends parallel to the main extension plane 80a through a geometric center of the handle unit 16a. This results in particular in a low height of the webs 104a, 106a. The height of the webs 104a, 106a is from 0.5 mm to 4 mm, preferably from 1 mm to 2.5 mm. The first recesses 68a are arranged distributed along a central axis on a front side 82a of the handle unit 16a. The second recesses 70a are arranged offset from the first recesses 68a on the back 84a of the handle unit 16a. The second recesses 70a are each arranged along the longitudinal axis 38a with a center offset from the first recesses 68a. The second recesses 70a are always arranged between the first recesses 68a along the longitudinal axis 38a. In particular, openings form between the recesses 68a, 70a, which form the cavity structure. The openings are the result of intersecting recesses 68a, 70a. The first recesses 68a and the second recesses 70a are arranged overlapping in an interior of the handle unit 16a. All first and second recesses 68a, 70a are connected to one another via openings, so that a large cavity is formed, which extends over a large part of a main extension 66a of the handle unit 16a.

The material solid body 62a further has at least two at least substantially semi-oval recesses 72a, which are arranged on a front side 82a of the handle unit 16a. The at least substantially semi-oval recesses 72a are arranged along the main extension direction 26a of the handle unit 16a at a height of the second oval recesses 70a. The semi-oval recesses 72a on the front 82a are arranged opposite the second oval recesses 70a. On the front side 82a, the semi-oval recesses 72a are arranged laterally offset from the first oval recess 68a. The material solid body 62a has from 2 to 16, preferably from 2 to 12, semi-oval recesses 72a on the front side 82a. The material solid body 62a has, for example, exactly 6 semi-oval recesses 72a. The semi-oval recesses 72a are arranged on an outer edge of the front side 82a. On the front side 82a, the lowest semi-oval recesses 72a are formed by larger recesses 72a, with the embossing surface 100a being arranged between the larger semi-oval recesses 72a. The semi-oval recesses 72a on the front 82a are arranged to the left and right of the webs 104a. The semi-oval recesses 72a are each arranged as pairs on the front side 82a, with the pairs of semi-oval recesses 72a each being arranged at the same height on both sides of the longitudinal axis 38a. The semi-oval recesses 72a open into one of the second oval recesses 70a. The semi-oval recesses 72a on the front 82a each form a breakthrough to a second oval recess 70a on the back 84a. The openings are at least partially formed laterally and towards the front 82a. The semi-oval recesses 72a form the last recesses 68a, 70a, 72a, 74a at the bottom of the front 82a. The semi-oval recesses 72a each form a bottom end on the front side 82a. On the back 84a, the large second oval recess 70a forms the last recess 68a, 70a, 72a, 74a at the bottom. The large second oval recess 70a forms on the Back 84a has a conclusion at the bottom. The semi-oval recesses 72a extend to the side edge of the handle unit 16a. The semi-oval recesses 72a are open to one side and extend to an edge of the solid body 62a.

The material volume body 62a further has at least two further at least substantially semi-oval recesses 74a, which are arranged on a back side 84a of the handle unit 16a. The further semi-oval recesses 74a are arranged along the main extension direction 26a of the handle unit 16a at a height of the first oval recess 68a. On the back 84a, the further semi-oval recesses 74a are arranged laterally offset from the second oval recesses 70a. The material solid body 62a has further semi-oval recesses 74a from 2 to 16, preferably from 2 to 12, on the back 84a. The material solid body 62a has, for example, 6 further semi-oval recesses 74a on the back 84a. The further semi-oval recesses 74a are arranged on an outer edge of the back 84a. The further semi-oval recesses 74a are each arranged as pairs on the back 84a, with the pairs of semi-oval recesses 74a each being arranged at the same height on both sides of the longitudinal axis 38a. The further semi-oval recesses 74a open into one of the first oval recesses 68a. The further semi-oval recesses 74a on the back 84a each form a breakthrough to one of the first oval recesses 68a on the front 82a. The openings are at least partially formed laterally and towards a front. The further semi-oval recesses 74a extend to the side edge of the handle unit 16a. The further semi-oval recesses 74a are open to one side and extend to an edge of the solid body 62a.

The at least substantially semi-oval recesses 72a, 74a extend at least substantially perpendicular to a main extension plane 80a of the handle unit 16a, wherein the semi-oval recesses 72a, 74a do not extend through a center plane that extends parallel to the main extension plane 80a through a geometric center of the handle unit 16a extends. The semi-oval recesses 72a, 74a are introduced into the solid body 62a at least essentially perpendicular to the main extension plane 80a of the handle unit 16a.

The first oval recesses 68a, the second oval recesses 70a and the semi-oval recesses 72a, 74a are larger in the longitudinal direction than in the transverse direction. The semi-oval recesses 72a, 74a form lateral interruptions in the outer shape of the solid body 62a, with a continuous web 108a being provided on both sides between the semi-oval recesses 72a of the front 82a and the further semi-oval recesses 74a of the back 84a in the longitudinal direction, which Walls 102a forms. A mold separation 110a runs on the webs 108a. The mold separation 110a has a continuous course without jumps and continues continuously in the direction of the coupling unit 20a or the neck area 98a of the application unit 12a.

Furthermore, there is an imaginary straight line which extends perpendicular to the main extension plane 80a of the handle unit 16a and which extends freely from an intersection with the material solid body 62a through the first oval recess 68a and the second oval recess 70a. The imaginary straight line runs through a breakthrough between the first oval recess 68a and the second oval recess 70a. Furthermore, there is an imaginary straight line which extends perpendicular to the main extension plane 80a of the handle unit 16a and which extends freely from an intersection with the material solid body 62a through one of the semi-oval recesses 72a and the at least one second oval recess 70a. In addition, there is an imaginary straight line which extends perpendicular to the main extension plane 80a of the handle unit 16a and which extends freely from an intersection with the material solid body 62a through one of the further semi-oval recesses 74a and the at least one first oval recess 68a. Furthermore, there is an imaginary straight line which extends parallel to the main extension plane 80a of the handle unit 16a and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 38a and which extends freely from an intersection with the material solid body 62a through two of the semi-oval recesses 72a and the at least one second oval recess 70a . Furthermore, there is an imaginary straight line which extends parallel to the main extension plane 80a of the handle unit 16a and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 38a and which extends, free from an intersection with the material solid body 62a, through two of the further semi-oval recesses 74a and the at least one first oval recess 68a extends.

The material solid body 62a slopes towards one of the first oval recesses 68a and forms a thumb grip area 86a. The material solid body 62a slopes towards the uppermost first oval recess 68a and forms the thumb grip area 86a. One of the webs 104a on the front 82a and the walls 102a of the material solid body 62a, which limit the uppermost first oval recess 68a, are chamfered towards the uppermost first oval recess 68a. The thumb grip area 86a is formed partly with the chamfer and partly with the recess 68a. The uppermost first oval recess 68a is in the shape of an ellipse with a longitudinal axis in the direction of the longitudinal axis 38a of the handle unit 16a. This creates a depression that allows the thumb to rest optimally. One of the webs 106a, which is concavely rounded at the rear for the support of the index finger against the longitudinal axis 38a, is arranged on a back side applied to the thumb grip area 86a. The web 106a forms an index finger grip area 112a.

Furthermore, the oral hygiene product 10a has the coupling unit 20a for a releasable coupling of the application unit 12a to the handle unit 16a. The coupling unit 20a is used to replace the application unit 12a on the handle unit 16a. The coupling unit 20a has the first coupling element 22a. Furthermore, the coupling unit 20a has a second coupling element 24a corresponding to the first coupling element 22a. The first coupling element 22a forms an interface extension, while the second coupling element 24a forms an interface receptacle. The second coupling element 24a limits an interface recording. The first coupling element 22a is firmly connected to the handle unit 16a. The first coupling element 22a is formed in one piece with the handle unit 16a. The first coupling element 22a is formed in one piece with the material solid body 62a. The first coupling element 22a is formed in one piece with the material volume body 62a on a side of the handle unit 16a facing the application unit 12a. The first coupling element 22a is formed by an interface extension, which protrudes at least partially from the solid body 62a of the handle unit 16a. The second coupling element 24a is firmly formed with the application unit 12a. The second coupling element 24a is formed in one piece with the base body 14a of the application unit 12a. The second coupling element 24a is arranged on a side of the application unit 12a facing away from the head region 94a. The second coupling element 24a is arranged at an end of the neck region 98a facing away from the head region 94a. The second coupling element 24a is arranged in the neck region 98a of the application unit 12a. The coupling unit 20a is intended for a rotationally fixed coupling of the first coupling element 22a with the second coupling element 24a.

The first coupling element 22a has a base body 34a, which has a conical basic shape. A central axis 36a of the base body 34a is angled relative to a longitudinal axis 38a of the handle unit 16a. The conical basic shape is inherently straight, with the back and thus the conical outer surface of the base body 34a being interrupted by an orientation groove 28a. The angle of the conical outer surfaces of the base body 34a is from 4° to 15°, preferably from 5.5° to 9°, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base body 34a, the outer conical surfaces being symmetrical. The length of the base body 34a, measured on the surface, is from 8 mm to 30 mm, preferably from 15 mm to 25 mm, measured on the side from the free end to a transition edge to the handle unit 16a. Furthermore, the length of the base body 34a on the surface, measured on the front side, measured from the free end to a transition edge to the handle unit 16a, is from 15 mm to 35 mm, preferably from 22 mm to 32 mm. The length of the base body 34a, measured on the surface, is from 10 mm to 30 mm, preferably from 17 mm to 27 mm, measured on the back from the free end to a transition edge to the handle unit 16a. The width of the base body 34a, measured from side to side at the highest point of a transition geometry from the handle unit 16a to the base body 34a perpendicular to the insertion direction, is from 5 mm to 15 mm, preferably from 7 mm to 11 mm. Furthermore, the width of the base body 34a from side to side, measured at the free end perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 38a, is from 2 mm to 10 mm, preferably from 4 mm to 6 mm.

The second coupling element 24a has an annular base body 44a. The annular base body 44a is opened downwards towards the handle unit 16a and tapers towards the application unit 12a. The annular base body 44a is designed to correspond to the base body 34a of the first coupling element 22a. The base body 44a has a material thickness of 0.5 mm to 3 mm, preferably 1 mm to 2 mm. The base body 44a has a material thickness that brings with it a certain flexibility.

Furthermore, the first coupling element 22a delimits an orientation groove 28a which extends at least substantially along a main extension direction 26a of the handle unit 16a. The base body 34a delimits the orientation groove 28a. The orientation groove 28a extends over an entire extent of the first coupling element 22a. The orientation groove 28a is arranged on a back side of the first coupling element 22a. Furthermore, the orientation groove 28a is open towards the back and towards the top. The orientation groove 28a is open towards a free end, in the direction of the application unit 12a. The orientation groove 28a is closed towards the handle unit 16a and goes into the handle unit 16a. The orientation groove 28a extends along the longitudinal axis 38a of the oral hygiene product 10a over an entire extent of the first coupling element 22a. The orientation groove 28a runs in a straight line. A bottom of the orientation groove 28a runs at least approximately parallel to a main extension direction of the first coupling element 22a. An angle between the bottom of the orientation groove 28a to the longitudinal axis 38a is from 1° to 10°, preferably 1° to 5°. A depth of the orientation groove 28a increases from a free end toward the handle unit 16a. The orientation groove 28a is arranged with a central axis offset from the longitudinal axis 38a of the oral hygiene product 10a. The length of the orientation groove 28a, measured at the bottom of the orientation groove 28a, is from 10 mm to 30 mm, preferably from 15 mm to 25 mm. The width of the orientation groove 28a is from 1.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably from 2 mm to 3.5 mm, at the free end, with demolding or insertion bevels being provided in the longitudinal direction. At one end facing the handle unit 16a, the orientation groove 28a has a width of 1.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably 2 mm to 2.5 mm, at the bottom and a width of 2 mm to 6 mm, preferably 2.5 mm to 3, at the top mm up. Furthermore, the orientation groove 28a has a depth of 1 mm to 6 mm, preferably 2 mm to 4 mm, at the free end, and a depth of 2 mm to 8 mm, preferably 3 mm to 5, at the end facing the handle unit 16a mm, up. The orientation groove 28a has a rounded, preferably C-shaped, cross section.

The second coupling element 24a further has an internal guide comb 30a, which extends at least substantially along a main extension direction 32a of the application unit 12a. The guide comb 30a is enclosed by the annular base body 44a. The guide comb 30a is intended to engage in the orientation groove 28a in a coupled state of the coupling unit 20a. The guide comb 30a can be inserted into the orientation groove 28a in different rotational positions about a longitudinal axis 38a of the oral hygiene product 10a, with the second coupling element 24a being aligned into a final angular position as the engagement of the first coupling element 22a in the second coupling element 24a increases. The guide comb 30a projects perpendicular to a central axis of the second coupling element 24a into a receiving area of the second coupling element 24a for the first coupling element 22a. The guide comb 30a attaches directly to an open end of the second coupling element 24a and extends into the receiving area of the second coupling element 24a to receive the first coupling element 22a. The guide comb 30a is integrally formed with the application unit 12a. The guide comb 30a is further arranged symmetrically on the longitudinal central axis. The guide comb 30a has a height of 3 mm to 7 mm, preferably 4 mm to 6 mm, at an end facing the handle unit 16a, and a height of 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably 1 mm, at an end facing the application unit 12a in the receiving area 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm. Furthermore, the guide comb 30a has a width of 1 mm to 3.5 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm, on a ridge, the ridge being rounded. At the base of a base body 44a of the second coupling element 24a, the guide comb 30a has a width of 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm. A length of the guide comb 30a, measured at the upper edge of the ridge, is from 10 mm to 40 mm, preferably from 15 mm to 30 mm. The guide comb 30a has a triangular cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

Furthermore, the first coupling element 22a has a first locking means 40a. The first locking means 40a is formed by a locking extension. The first locking means 40a is arranged in the orientation groove 28a. The first locking means 40a is arranged in an end region of the orientation groove 28a facing the handle unit 16a. The first locking means 40a is arranged on a bottom of the orientation groove 28a. The first locking means 40a is formed by a trapezoidal elevation in the orientation groove 28a. The first locking means 40a has a trapezoidal cross section in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first coupling element 22a. The first locking means 40a has a height of 0.2 mm to 1.2 mm, preferably 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm. Furthermore, the first locking means 40a extends over an entire width of the orientation groove 28a. Furthermore, the first locking means 40a has a length at the top of a plateau of the trapezoidal cross section of 0.2 mm to 1 mm, preferably from 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm. The first locking means 40a also has a length of 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably 2 mm to 3 mm, at the bottom of the shoulder. An angle of the legs of the trapezoidal cross section is from 10° to 60°, preferably from 20° to 40°. A distance between the first latching means 40a and the free end of the first coupling element 22a, measured along the longitudinal axis 38a from a center of the first latching means 40a, is from 7 mm to 40 mm, preferably from 15 mm to 25 mm.

Furthermore, the second coupling element 24a has a second locking means 42a which is designed to correspond to the first locking means 40a on a ridge of the guide comb 30a. The second locking means 42a is formed by a locking recess. The second locking means 42a in one of the handle unit 16a facing end region of the second coupling element 24a arranged. The second locking means 42a is formed by a recess. The depression in particular has a depth of 0.15 mm to 0.55 mm, preferably 0.25 mm to 0.45 mm. Furthermore, the second locking means 42a extends over an entire width of the guide comb 30a. The length of the second locking means 42a, which is designed as a recess, is from 0.2 mm to 1.2 mm, preferably from 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm, in the longitudinal direction. The side surfaces of the second locking means 42a, which is designed as a recess, have an angle of 10° to 60°, preferably 20° to 40°, with respect to the ridge of the guide comb 30a. The second locking means 42a is designed to correspond to the first locking means 40a. The guide comb 30a also has a recess 48a between the second latching means 42a and a fastening region 46a of the guide comb 30a, in which the guide comb 30a is connected to the base body 44a, which is intended to deflect the second latching means 42a in the direction of the fastening region 46a to enable. The recess 48a brings with it a certain flexibility for the second locking means 42a in the guide comb 30a, since the recess or its edges can deflect somewhat.

The first coupling element 22a also has a further locking means 50a, which is arranged on a side of a base body 34a of the first coupling element 22a opposite the orientation groove 28a. The further locking means 50a is formed by a locking recess. The further latching means 50a forms a third latching means 50a and is arranged on a front side of the first coupling element 22a. The further locking means 50a is formed by a locking recess with a trapezoidal cross section. The side walls of the trapezoidal cross section have an angle of 100° to 175°, preferably 130° to 170°, with respect to the floor. The third locking means 50a is designed symmetrically. The length of the side walls results from the angle and the cut with the conical surface of the base body 34a of the first coupling element 22a. The third locking means 50a, designed as a recess, has a depth of 0.5 mm to 2 mm, preferably 1 mm to 1.7 mm. The width of the third locking means 50a extends over the entire cone from left to right. There is no lateral limitation. A length of the third locking means 50a is from 3 mm to 8 mm, preferably from 4.5 mm to 6.5 mm, in the longitudinal axis direction, at the top of the opening of the recess. At the bottom the length is from 0.2 mm to 2 mm, preferably from 0.5 mm to 1.2 mm. The third locking means 50a of the first coupling element 22a is arranged in a first end region 52a of the first coupling element 22a facing the handle unit 16a. A distance between the third latching means 50a and a free end of the first coupling element 22a, measured along the longitudinal axis 38a from a center of the third latching means 50a, is from 10 mm to 50 mm, preferably from 15 mm to 30 mm. A distance between the first latching means 40a and the third latching means 50a, measured along the longitudinal axis 38a from a center of the first latching means 40a to a center of the third latching means 50a, is from 2 mm to 10 mm, preferably from 3 mm to 6 mm.

The further locking means 50a of the first coupling element 22a is significantly larger than the first locking means 40a of the first coupling element 22a.

Furthermore, the second coupling element 24a has a fourth locking means 114a, which is formed by a locking extension and which is designed to correspond to the third locking means 50a. The second coupling element 24a has two latching means 42a, 114a, namely the fourth latching means 114a on the front, which is formed by a latching extension, in particular a latching cam, and the second latching means 42a on the back of the second coupling element 24a, which is formed by a recess is formed. The fourth locking means 114a has a trapezoidal cross section. The fourth locking means 114a has a direct transition to the base body 44a on the side, so that no step is created. The maximum height of the fourth locking means 114a relative to the surrounding geometry is from 0.2 mm to 1.3 mm, preferably from 0.4 mm to 1 mm. The width of the fourth locking means 114a essentially corresponds to a width of the receiving area of the second coupling element 24a. The fourth locking means 114a extends over the entire width of the receiving area of the second coupling element 24a. Furthermore, the length of the fourth locking means 114a in the longitudinal direction at the top of an elevation of the trapezoidal cross section is from 1.5 mm to 6 mm, preferably from 2.5 mm to 4.5 mm. The angle of the legs of the trapezoidal cross section of the fourth locking means 114a, measured from the base body 44a, is from 10° to 60°, preferably from 20° to 40°.

The fourth locking means 114a of the second coupling element 24a is significantly larger than the second locking means 42a of the second coupling element 24a.

Furthermore, the first coupling element 22a has at least two support extensions 54a, 56a arranged on an outside of the base body 34a, which, in a coupled state of the coupling unit 20a, are intended to rest on an inside of a base body 44a of the second coupling element 24a. The support fort Sets 54a, 56a have an at least approximately rectangular or trapezoidal basic shape. The support extensions 54a, 56a have a shape following the cone of the base body 34a. The support extensions 54a, 56a are essentially trapezoidal, with a widest point pointing downwards. The shapes of the support extensions 54a, 56a are adapted to demoulding. The edges of the support extensions 54a, 56a are rounded. The support extensions 54a, 56a are connected to the base body 34a of the first coupling element 22a via rounded edges. The support extensions 54a, 56a have a height of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm. The support extensions 54a, 56a are intended to compensate for tolerances. The width of the support extensions 54a, 56a is a maximum of 1.5 mm to 4 mm, preferably 2 mm to 3 mm, and a minimum of 0.5 mm to 3 mm, preferably 1 mm to 2 mm, transverse to the longitudinal axis 38a. A length of the support extensions 54a, 56a is from 1 mm to 7 mm, preferably from 1.5 mm to 6 mm, along the longitudinal axis 38a. The length of the support extensions 54a, 56a depends on a position of the respective support extension 54a, 56a. The support extensions 54a, 56a are arranged offset in the longitudinal axis direction and around the base body 34a at several positions and different sides. The support extensions 54a, 56a are arranged symmetrically to the longitudinal axis 38a.

The first coupling element 22a has at least six primary support extensions 54a of the support extensions 54a, 56a, which are arranged in a band in a first end region 52a of the first coupling element 22a facing the handle unit 16a. The primary support extensions 54a are arranged in the band partially offset from one another along the longitudinal axis 38a, with the primary support extensions 54a being arranged in an overlapping manner along the longitudinal axis 38a. An upper edge of the band is spaced from 6 mm to 21 mm, preferably from 11 mm to 16 mm, along the longitudinal axis 38a measured from the free end of the interface. The orientation groove 28a on the back passes through the band of primary support extensions 54a. The width of the band, measured in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal axis 38a, is from 3 mm to 12 mm, preferably from 5 mm to 8 mm. The minimum distance of the band to the handle unit 16a, measured along the longitudinal axis 38a, is from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably from 1 mm to 3 mm. A number of primary support extensions 54a in this band is from 4 to 10, preferably 5 to 7. For example, exactly 6 primary support extensions 54a are provided, with all primary support extensions 54a being arranged in the band. Different shapes and/or lengths of the support extensions 54a are arranged in the band. There are two primary support extensions 54a provided on the rear side of the orientation groove 28a. The two primary support extensions 54a on the back are formed by long support extensions 54a. One side of these support extensions 54 rests on the groove edge of the orientation groove 28a. The two primary support extensions 54a on the back have a length of 3 mm to 8 mm, preferably 4 mm to 6 mm, and a width of 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm, preferably 1 mm to 2.5 mm, on. Furthermore, two long primary support extensions 54a are provided on the front, each of which is arranged at a position in the band to the left and right of the center. The long primary support extensions 54a on the front have a length of 1.5 mm to 6 mm, preferably 2.5 mm to 4 mm, and a maximum width of 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 3 mm , on. Furthermore, two short primary support extensions 54a are provided, which are arranged laterally. The short primary support extensions 54a have a length of 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 3 mm, and a maximum width of 0.7 mm to 4 mm, preferably 1.2 mm to 2.5 mm, on. The support extensions 54a can be used to support the second coupling element 24a over small areas.

The first coupling element 22a has at least three secondary support extensions 56a, which are arranged in a band in a second end region 58a of the first coupling element 22a facing away from the handle unit 16a. The number of secondary support extensions 56a in this band is from 1 to 6, preferably from 2 to 4. The first coupling element 22a has, for example, exactly three secondary support extensions 56a, which are all arranged in this band. The band of secondary support extensions 56a is arranged in particular at the very end of the base body 34a, directly on the edge. One edge of the secondary support extensions 56a forms the end edge or part of the end edge of the base body 34a. The orientation groove 28a leads through the band of secondary support extensions 56a. The width or height of the band of secondary support extensions 56a corresponds in particular to the maximum length of the support extensions 56a. The lower edges of the secondary support extensions 56a form a continuing geometry and lie on the same plane of the base body 34a. The secondary support extensions 56a have a length of 1 mm to 6 mm, preferably 2 mm to 4 mm. Of the secondary support extensions 56a, one support extension 56a is arranged on the longitudinal axis 38a and two secondary support extensions 56a are arranged symmetrically laterally directly on the edge of the base body 34a and directly on an edge of the orientation groove 28a. An upper end edge of the ground Body 34a forms two sides of the base area of the secondary support extensions 56a.

The first coupling element 22a is free of support extensions 54a, 56a in a central region 59a arranged between the first end region 52a and the second end region 58a. A distance of the band of primary support extensions 54a and the band of secondary support extensions 56a, measured along the longitudinal axis 38a, measured between the end edges of the bands on the cone surface, is from 5 mm to 15 mm, preferably from 8 mm to 12 mm. No further support extension 54a, 56a is arranged between the bands.

The handle unit 16a has an end face 60a with a wave-shaped geometry on a side facing the first coupling element 22a. The first coupling element 22a is connected to the handle unit 16a on the end face 60a of the handle unit 16a, following the geometry of the end face 60a. The wave-shaped end face 60a of the handle unit 16a forms a transition geometry, with the first coupling element 22a adjoining the end face 60a with a gradation. The wavy end face 60a also extends into the orientation groove 28a and forms an end wall of the orientation groove 28a, with a final part of the end wall deviating from the outer wave shape of the end face 60a during a transition into the ground in order to enable demoulding. The wavy end face 60a has a constant width perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 38a. On the end face 60a there is a shoulder from the first coupling element 22a to the handle unit 16a. A width of the shoulder corresponds to the material thickness of the base body 44a of the second coupling element 24a, so that a continuous surface is formed when plugged on. The second coupling element 24a has an end face 128a corresponding to the end face 60a on the base body 44a. The shoulder of the end face 60a has a width of 0.5 mm to 4 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 2 mm. The shoulder of the end face 60a forms an angle of at least approximately 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis 38a. The shoulder continues on the back, particularly into the orientation groove 28a. The course of the end face 60a is visible on the surface of the assembled oral hygiene product 10a. The course has a rounded shape and/or round transitions. The end face 60a forms a height profile in a circumferential wave-shaped geometry, which is lowered at the front and back and raised laterally on the left and right. The deepest point is on the front 82a and the back 84a, each on the longitudinal axis 38a. A height difference from the front and back, measured along the longitudinal axis 38a, is from 2 mm to 7 mm, preferably from 3 mm to 5 mm. A height difference from the front to the side measured along the longitudinal axis 38a is from 3 mm to 9 mm, preferably from 5 mm to 7 mm. A height difference from the back to the side measured along the longitudinal axis 38a is from 1 mm to 4 mm, preferably from 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm. An angle from the front to the side with respect to the longitudinal axis 38a is from 35° to 75°, preferably from 45° to 65°. An angle from the back to the side relative to the longitudinal axis 38a is from 10° to 50°, preferably from 20° to 35°.

In the 30 until 40 Two further exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The following descriptions are essentially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, with regard to the same components, features and functions being referred to the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular the 1 until 29 , can be referenced. To distinguish between the exemplary embodiments, the letter a in the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiment is the 1 until 29 by the letters b and c in the reference numbers of the exemplary embodiments 30 until 40 replaced. With regard to components with the same designation, in particular with regard to components with the same reference numerals, one can in principle also refer to the drawings and/or the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular the 1 until 29 , to get expelled.

The 30 shows a front side 82b of an oral hygiene product 10b with an application unit 12b and with a handle unit 16b, which has a material volume body 62b, which forms a base body 18b. The handle unit 16b is connected to the application unit 12b. The handle unit 16b and the application unit 12b are designed in one piece in this exemplary embodiment, it would also be conceivable that the application unit 12b via a coupling unit according to the first exemplary embodiment 1 until 29 is designed to be separable from the handle unit 16b. The at least one application unit 12b has a header area 94b. The head area 94b forms a brush head of the oral hygiene product 10b. The head region 94b in particular has a base body designed as a bristle carrier. The oral hygiene product 10b also has a cleaning area 96b which is received by the head area 94b and which comprises a plurality of bristle bundles.

The handle unit 16b further has at least one essential cavity structure 64b, which is at least essentially delimited by the material volume body 62b. The cavity structure door 64b is formed by one or more cavities in the handle unit 16b. In the present case, the cavity structure 64b is formed by exactly two cavities. The cavity structure 64b extends over a substantial part of a main extension 66b of the handle unit 16b. The cavity structure 64b is designed in two parts, with a first part of the cavity structure 64b extending over a front part of the handle unit 16b facing the application unit 12b and a second part of the cavity structure 64b extending over a rear part of the handle unit 16b facing away from the application unit 12b . The first part of the cavity structure 64b extends to a neck region 98b of the application unit 12b. A thumb grip area 86b is arranged between the first part of the cavity structure 64b and the second part of the cavity structure 64b. The first part of the cavity structure 64b is located partially behind the thumb grip area 86b. The cavity structure 64b is at least approximately completely covered from the front by the material solid body 62b. A front side 82b of the material volume body 62b is not designed to be completely closed, but recesses 76b, 78b are aligned at least substantially perpendicular to the front side 82b.

The material solid body 62b has in at least one area at least five strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b, which are spaced apart from one another in a first area of the handle unit 16b and are arranged in contact in at least a second area of the handle unit 16b. The strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b run in the form of waves that are partially offset from one another. In areas in which the strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b are arranged offset from one another and move away from one another, recesses 76b, 78b are formed in the transverse direction. The recesses 76b, 78b are visible from the side. In an area of the recesses 76b, 78b, cores of the injection molding tool touch each other for production, which form the back 84b and which form the front 82b. The recesses 76b, 78b between the strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b extend essentially in the transverse direction through the solid body 62b, whereby the recesses 76b, 78b can also extend partially perpendicular to a main extension plane 80b through the solid body 62b. Viewed from the front 82b to the back 84b, the recesses 76b, 78b are only slit-shaped and barely visible. A depression is formed on the back 84b, which is delimited by the strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b and which forms the hollow structure 64b. The recess is designed to be open to the surroundings on the back 84b through a further, large recess 79b. The strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b are not straight.

The material solid body 62b has two outer strand elements 88b, two middle strand elements 90b and an inner strand element 92b. The inner strand element 92b forms a central strand which runs along a longitudinal axis 38b. The middle strand elements 90b adjoin the inner strand element 92b on both sides in the transverse direction. The outer strand elements 88b in turn connect to the middle strand elements 90b on the outside in the transverse direction. The strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b extend in width and height. The strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b each form a complete wave. The strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b form a complete wave when viewed in the transverse direction. There are four strand elements 88b, 90b, which each run in a wave shape when viewed both in the transverse direction and perpendicular to a main extension plane 80b. The strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b partially run in opposite directions, so that one strand element 88b, 90b, 92b can be more in the area of a wave trough, while another strand element 88b, 90b, 92b is designed more as a wave hill. Viewed in the transverse direction, the outer strand elements 88b run in opposite directions to an inner strand element 92b. The outer strand elements 88b run in opposite directions when viewed perpendicular to a main extension plane 80b. The middle strand elements 90b run in opposite directions when viewed perpendicular to a main extension plane 80b. Furthermore, nodes are formed between adjacent strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b. The node points each form contact points of the strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b, in which the strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b are connected. A node is located at the bottom of the handle unit 16b. Furthermore, a further node point is provided between the middle strand elements 90b and the inner strand element 88b, which is arranged in an upper region of an embossing surface 100b. Furthermore, a further node point is provided between all strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b below a thumb grip area 86b. The strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b each extend over the entire handle unit 16b from bottom to top, with the recesses 76b, 78b becoming fewer in the transverse direction from bottom to top. The strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b end at a further node below the neck region 98b.

Two first recesses 76b of the side recesses 76b, 78b form symmetrically on both sides between the inner strand element 92b and the middle strand elements 90b at a height of the embossing surface 100b. Two Second recesses 78b of the side recesses 76b, 78b form symmetrically on both sides between the middle strand elements 90b and the outer strand elements 88b at a height between the embossing surface 100b and the thumb grip area 86b. The side recesses 76b, 78b have a narrow convex lens shape.

The material volume body 62b has five recesses 76b, 78b, 79b, via which the cavity structure 64b is connected to an environment in at least one direction. The directions are angled at least 80° relative to one another, starting from a geometric center of the cavity structure 64b.

Two recesses 76b, 78b open the cavity structure 64b to a left side, two recesses 76b, 78b open the cavity structure 64b to a right side and one recess 79b opens the cavity structure 64b to the back 84b.

The thumb grip area 86b is formed in an upper area of the handle unit 16b. The thumb grip area 86b is formed by the strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b, with the inner strand element 92b forming the main contact surface for the thumb grip area 86b. Structures are formed on the main contact surface that improve grip and prevent the thumb from slipping. So that something similar to a trough is formed, the middle and outer strand elements 88b, 90b are shaped somewhat in opposite directions in this area. The outer strand elements 88b form lateral boundaries, in particular lateral elevations. The outer shape of the handle unit 16b is formed laterally by the outer strand elements 88b, while the strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b alternate on the front 82b and back 84b.

The material volume body 62b is constructed symmetrically in the transverse direction, with the outer strand elements 88b being mirrored and the middle strand elements 90b being mirrored. The inner strand element 92b is constructed symmetrically and is wider than the others. The inner strand element 90b forms the embossing surface 100b at the bottom and forms the largest part of the thumb grip area 86b at the top. The inner strand element 90b is wider in the area of the embossing surface 100b and the thumb grip area 86b and is tailored between the embossing surface 100b and the thumb grip area 86b. The inner strand element 90b also narrows to a lower end and an upper end. The middle strand elements 90b continue the wave shape of the inner strand element 92b perpendicular to a main extension plane 80b and are arranged partially offset from the inner strand element 92b. The outer strand elements 88b continue the wave shape of the middle strand elements 90b perpendicular to a main extension plane 80b and are arranged partially offset from the middle strand elements 90b. A number of strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b is from 3 to 9, preferably from 3 to 6. For example, exactly five strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b are provided. The outer and middle strand elements 88b, 90b have a constant width, with the inner strand element 92b in particular forming a course in width. The inner strand element 92b has a minimum width of 1 mm to 4 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 3 mm, and a maximum width of 6 mm to 12 mm, preferably 7 mm to 10 mm. The outer and middle strand elements 88b, 90b have a width of 0.8 mm to 4 mm, preferably 1 mm to 3 mm. The height of the individual strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b is from 2 mm to 7 mm, preferably from 2.5 mm to 6 mm. A cross-sectional area perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the individual strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b is from 4 mm ² to 30 mm ² , preferably from 4.5 mm ² to 26 mm ² . The inner strand element 92b has a largest cross section in the area of the embossing surface 100b or the thumb grip area 86b. A cross section of the outer and middle strand elements 88b, 90b is essentially constant. The middle strand elements 90b have a smallest cross section. The strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b have a rectangular cross-sectional shape. However, an n-square, round or oval cross-sectional shape would also be conceivable. The cross-sectional shape of the handle unit 16b is derived from the arrangement of the strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b.

In a corresponding embodiment, a mold separation 110b is arranged on the outer strand elements 88b. The mold separation 110b forms a continuous course on the outermost strand elements 88b, free of jumps. The mold separation 110b continues in particular in the direction of the application unit 12b. The mold separation 110b is arranged at a middle area in terms of height.

The 39 shows a front side 82c of an oral hygiene product 10c in a schematic perspective view. In the present case, the oral hygiene product 10c is designed as a toothbrush. The oral hygiene product 10c is designed as an electric toothbrush. The oral hygiene product 10c is designed as a replaceable toothbrush.

The oral hygiene product 10c has an application unit 12c. Furthermore, the oral hygiene product 10c has a handle unit 16c. The handle Unit 16c is formed by an electric handle unit 16c.

Below we will refer to the 39 and 40 Reference is made, which show two views of the oral hygiene product 10c, the handle unit 16c and the application unit 12c. In particular, for the explanations regarding the coupling unit, reference is made to the 1 until 29 referred to, which at least partially also show the coupling unit. The coupling unit 20c with the coupling elements 22c and 24c is identical to the coupling unit 20a with the coupling elements 22a and 24a in the 1 until 29 executed. Due to the views, some items are not included 39 and 40 shown and accordingly not provided with reference numbers. Overall, reference is made to the description mentioned in the coupling unit 1 until 29 referred.

The handle unit 16c is preferably constructed from at least two plastic components. Basically, a hard component forms the “framework” of the handle unit 16c and one or more other components close the open areas. For example, as shown in the figures, a soft component is attached in the area of the on-off button 130c so that the necessary manipulations are possible.

The on-off button 130c on the front of the toothbrush is specific to an electric toothbrush. Furthermore, the handle unit 16c is designed to be hollow so that the electrical components can be accommodated in the handle unit 16c. In the present case, the electric toothbrush is a vibration or sonic toothbrush, which causes the application unit 12c to vibrate. The handle unit 16c is closed at the bottom with a cover 132c, so that the cavity with the electrical components is closed. The electrical components may include, for example, a motor with an eccentric that provides a vibratory movement for cleaning. The electric toothbrush is preferably supplied with energy via an accumulator, which is housed in the cavity with the other electrical components. The accumulator is charged either inductively via a charger into which the handle unit 16c is placed, or via a physical plug connection. The physical plug connection is realized, for example, by removing the cover 132c and thus releasing a charging socket. A plug from a power supply is then inserted into the charging socket and the battery is charged.

An application unit 12c can be coupled to the handle unit 16c.

Reference symbols

10

Oral hygiene products

12

Application unit

14

Basic body

16

Handle unit

18

Basic body

20

Coupling unit

22

First coupling element

24

Second coupling element

26

Main direction of extension

28

Orientation groove

30

Leadership comb

32

Main direction of extension

34

Basic body

36

Central axis

38

Longitudinal axis

40

Rest means

42

Rest means

44

Basic body

46

Fastening area

48

recess

50

Rest means

52

End area

54

supporting process

56

supporting process

58

End area

59

midrange

60

front side

62

Solids

64

cavity structure

66

Main extension

68

recess

70

recess

72

recess

74

recess

76

recess

78

recess

79

recess

80

Main extension plane

82

front

84

back

86

Thumb grip area

88

strand element

90

strand element

92

strand element

94

Head area

96

Cleaning area

98

neck area

100

embossing surface

102

wall

104

web

106

web

108

web

110

Mold separation

112

Index finger grip area

114

Rest means

118

Nut

120

recess

122

height axis

124

Latitude axis

126

Main direction of extension

128

front side

130

On-Off button

132

Lid

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2016/177580 A1 [0002]
• WO 2007/030958 A1 [0002, 0081]
• WO 2021/069693 A2 [0002]

Claims (30)

Oral hygiene product, in particular toothbrush, with at least one application unit (12a; 12c), which has a base body (14a; 14c), and with at least one handle unit (16a; 16c), in particular manual handle unit, which has a base body (18a; 18c), characterized by at least one coupling unit (20a; 20c) for a releasable coupling of the application unit (12a; 12c) with the handle unit (16a; 16c), which has a first coupling element (22a; 22c) which is firmly connected to the handle unit (16a; 16c) is connected, and has a second coupling element (24a; 24c) corresponding to the first coupling element (22a; 22c), which is firmly connected to the application unit (12a; 12c), wherein the first coupling element (22a; 22c) has at least one substantially along a main extension direction (26a) of the handle unit (16a; 16c) extending orientation groove (28a) and the second coupling element (24a; 24c) has at least one internal guide comb (30a), which extends at least substantially along a main extension direction (32a) the application unit (12a; 12c) and which is intended to engage in the orientation groove (28a) in a coupled state of the coupling unit (20a; 20c). Oral hygiene products Claim 1 , characterized in that the orientation groove (28a) extends over an entire extent of the first coupling element (22a; 22c). Oral hygiene products Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the first coupling element (22a; 22c) comprises a base body (34a; 34c) delimiting the orientation groove (28a), which has a conical basic shape, with a central axis (36a; 36c) of the base body (34a; 34c) opposite a longitudinal axis (38a) of the handle unit (16a; 16c) is angled. Oral hygiene product according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first coupling element (22a) comprises a first locking means (40a), in particular a locking extension, which is arranged in the orientation groove (28a). Oral hygiene products Claim 4 , characterized in that the second coupling element (24a) has, on a ridge of the guide comb (30a), a second locking means (42a), in particular a locking recess, which is designed to correspond to the first locking means (40a). Oral hygiene products Claim 5 , characterized in that the second coupling element (24a) has an annular base body (44a) surrounding the guide comb (30a), the guide comb (30a) being between the second locking means (42a) and a fastening region (46a) of the guide comb (30a). , in which the guide comb (30a) is connected to the base body (44a), has a recess (48a), which is intended to enable a deflection of the second locking means (42a) in the direction of the fastening area (46a). Oral hygiene product according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first coupling element (22a) has at least one further locking means (50a), in particular a locking recess, which is on a side of a base body (34a) of the first coupling element (34a) opposite the orientation groove (28a). 22a) is arranged. Oral hygiene products Claim 7 , characterized in that the further locking means (50a) of the first coupling element (22a) is arranged in a first end region (52a) of the first coupling element (22a) facing the handle unit (16a). Oral hygiene products at least after Claim 7 and 4 , characterized in that the further latching means (50a) of the first coupling element (22a) is significantly larger than the first latching means (40a) of the first coupling element (22a). Oral hygiene product according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first coupling element (22a) comprises a base body (34a) delimiting the orientation groove (28a) and at least two support extensions (54a, 56a) arranged on an outside of the base body (34a), which in a coupled state of the coupling unit (20a) are intended to rest on an inside of a base body (44a) of the second coupling element (24a). Oral hygiene products Claim 10 , characterized in that the first coupling element (22a) has at least six primary support extensions (54a), which are arranged in a band in a first end region (52a) of the first coupling element (22a) facing the handle unit (16a). Oral hygiene products Claim 10 , characterized in that the first coupling element (22a) has at least three secondary support extensions (56a), which in one Band are arranged in a second end region (58a) of the first coupling element (22a) facing away from the handle unit (16a). Oral hygiene products Claim 11 and 12 , characterized in that the first coupling element (22a) is free of support extensions (54a, 56a) in a central region (59a) arranged between the first end region (52a) and the second end region (58a). Oral hygiene products Claim 10 , characterized in that the support extensions (54a, 56a) have an at least approximately rectangular or trapezoidal basic shape. Oral hygiene product according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle unit (16a) has an end face (60a) with a circumferential wave-shaped geometry on a side facing the first coupling element (22a), the first coupling element (22a) having the geometry of the end face ( 60a) is connected to the handle unit (16a) on the end face (60a) of the handle unit (16a). Oral hygiene product according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first coupling element (22a) is connected in one piece to the handle unit (16a). Oral hygiene products according to the generic term of Claim 1 , in particular according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle unit (16a; 16b) has at least one material solid body (62a; 62b) and at least one substantial cavity structure (64a; 64b), which is at least substantially separated from the material solid body (62a; 62b) is limited and which extends at least over a substantial part of a main extension (66a; 66b) of the at least one handle unit (16a; 16b), characterized in that the material volume body (62a; 62b) has at least three recesses (68a, 70a, 72a, 74a; 76b, 78b, 79b), via which the cavity structure (64a; 64b) is connected to an environment in at least one direction. Oral hygiene products Claim 17 , characterized in that the directions in which the at least three recesses (68a, 70a, 72a, 74a; 76b, 78b, 79b) connect the cavity structure (64a; 64b) with an environment, starting from a geometric center of the cavity structure (64a ; 64b) are angled at least 80° relative to each other. Oral hygiene products Claim 17 or 18 , characterized in that the cavity structure (64a; 64b) is completely enclosed by the material volume body (62a; 62b) in at least one plane parallel to a main extension plane (80a; 80b) of the handle unit (16a; 16b). Oral hygiene products according to one of the Claims 17 until 19 , characterized in that the material solid body (62a) has at least two at least substantially oval recesses (68a, 70a), a first recess (68a) being arranged on a front side (82a) of the handle unit (16a) and a second recess ( 70a) is arranged along the main extension direction (26a) of the handle unit (16a) offset from the first recess (68a) on a back side (84a) of the handle unit (16a). Oral hygiene products Claim 20 , characterized in that the material volume body (62a) has at least two at least substantially semi-oval recesses (72a), which are arranged on a front side (82a) of the handle unit (16a), the at least substantially semi-oval recesses (72a) along a Main extension direction (26a) of the handle unit (16a) are arranged at a height of the second oval recess (70a). Oral hygiene products Claim 20 and 21 , characterized in that the material volume body (62a) has at least two further at least substantially semi-oval recesses (74a), which are arranged on a back side (84a) of the handle unit (16a), the further at least substantially semi-oval recesses (74a) are arranged along a main extension direction (26a) of the handle unit (16a) at a height of the first oval recess (68a). Oral hygiene products according to one of the Claims 21 or 22 , characterized in that the at least substantially semi-oval recesses (72a, 74a) extend at least substantially perpendicular to a main extension plane (80a) of the handle unit (16a), wherein the at least substantially semi-oval recesses (72a, 74a) do not extend through a Center plane extends parallel to the main extension plane (80a) through a geometric center of the handle unit (16a). Oral hygiene products at least after Claim 20 , characterized in that the at least substantially oval recesses (68a, 70a) extend at least substantially perpendicular to a main extension plane (80a) of the handle unit (16a), the at least substantially oval recesses (68a, 70a) extending through a central plane extend, which are parallel to the main extension plane (80a) extends through a geometric center of the handle unit (16a). Oral hygiene products at least after Claim 20 , characterized in that there is an imaginary straight line which extends perpendicular to the main extension plane (80a) of the handle unit (16a) and which extends freely from an intersection with the material solid body (62a) through the at least one first oval recess (68a) and which extends at least one second oval recess (70a). Oral hygiene products Claim 20 and 21 characterized in that at least two at least essentially semi-oval recesses (72a) open into the second oval recess (70a). Oral hygiene products at least after Claim 20 , characterized in that the material solid body (62a) slopes towards the first oval recess (68a) and forms a thumb grip area (86a). Oral hygiene products according to one of the Claims 17 until 27 , characterized in that the cavity structure (64b) is at least approximately completely covered from the front by the material solid body (62b). Oral hygiene products according to one of the Claims 17 until 28 , characterized in that the material solid body (62b) has at least five strand elements (88b, 90b, 92b) in at least one area, which are spaced apart from one another in a first area of the handle unit (16b) and in at least a second area of the handle unit (16b ) are arranged in contact. Application unit of an oral hygiene product (10a; 10b; 10c) according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to one of Claims 1 until 16 .

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