DE10341141A1 - Housing for small electric appliance esp. electric toothbrush, has protective layer designed as molded body fixed by joining material in spraying process - Google Patents

Abstract

A housing for a small electrical appliance has a molded plastics basic body (1) and a decorative- and/or specification-number layer (26) and protective see-through or translucent layer (21) externally on the basis body, in which the protective layer (21) is designed as a molded body which is fixed by means of a joining material in the two-component-spraying process on the basis body. An independent claim is included for an electric toothbrush with grip housing.

Description

The The invention relates to a housing a small electrical appliance, for example electric toothbrushes, Shavers, epilators or hair dryer, with a molded plastic body and a decorative and / or marking layer between the base body and one outside at the base body existing transparent or translucent protective layer arranged is.

It is known, a handle housing for an electrical toothbrush with characters such as manufacturer's logo, type indication for a user, and the like Mistake. The characters become outside on the case appropriate. However, it is disadvantageous that the characters through damage the use over time are or are no longer clearly recognizable.

A handle housing is from the DE 197 15 536 A1 known. This handle housing is provided with a built-in and externally outside of the handle housing hand-operated switch. The handle housing is made of dimensionally stable plastic, wherein in the region of a recess for the switch of the handle housing an elastic coating is present. This protects the switch from external environmental influences.

From the EP 0 619 171 For example, a method is known with which decorative articles can be produced. In this method, the decor is applied several times side by side on a transparent plastic element, then the plastic element cut into pieces, each with only one decor, then a decorated piece is introduced into the intended for the preparation of the plastic article injection mold so that the decorated side faces inwards, and then the plastic object sprayed. In this way one obtains a plastic article with a decor which is protected by a transparent plastic layer.

Out WO 01/96088 discloses a method for producing a toothbrush, which consists of two different plastics. This toothbrush can have a decor, however, on the surface of the toothbrush located.

Of the Invention is based on the object, a simple producible casing for a Small electric appliance specify in the markings and / or Dekoranbringungen ago Wear and tear other external influences are protected.

These Task is solved by that the decorative and / or marking layer between the main body and a bowl-shaped example, Outside at the base body positive, positive and / or cohesive attached to a transparent or translucent protective layer, wherein the protective layer is formed as a shaped body by means of a bonding material in the two-component injection process on Body attached is.

By the protective layer according to the invention the decorative and / or marking layer from abrasion through use protected. Also a protection against external influences, such as Corrosion is given in a simple way. But also a protection against corruption is achieved. The transparent or translucent shaped body is easy to install trained and can be easily attached to the body become. For example, it can be clipped onto the base or with this cohesive be connected. Preferably, the shaped body is dimensionally stable. According to the invention lies Label between the protective layer and the main body of the housing, whereby no direct contact the labeling more possible is. The molded body Can be made of transparent and / or opaque and / or translucent plastic consist. The decor is therefore clearly visible or shines well. The protective transparent shell is very hard-wearing.

In an advantageous embodiment of the housing according to the invention the decorative and / or marking layer applied directly to a bottom of the protective layer. The Decor and / or marking layer can thereby in a simple Method applied by various methods, such as hot transfer, tampon print, inmold decoration become. Possible but is also the printing on the body. As the decor through the protective layer protected It can also be made by printing processes that are not wear resistant or produce abrasion-resistant printing, otherwise at the attachment For example, be damaged on a handle housing a toothbrush would.

Cheap is it also, if the decorative and / or marking layer formed as an adhesive layer is that glued under the protective layer or on the body is. As a result, it is not necessary the molding or the basic body too print.

According to an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the protective layer is cohesively attached by an edge regions of the protective layer ordered connection material is attached to the housing. In particular, the bonding material is a bonding plastic, which is sprayed onto the base body around the protective layer in the two-component injection process. The connecting plastic is injected in particular over the entire circumference of the protective layer. This is preferably formed bead-like. In addition to a secure connection so a seal is achieved without additional sealant. The connecting plastic can be flexible or not flexible. It is useful in this embodiment, when the protective layer is prefixed by molded and / or incorporated fixation, in particular pins, holes, lugs and / or slots, with the body. This allows a defined injection process and attachment of the protective layer always at the right place.

Conveniently, the compound plastic 31 . 32 . 33 or another material used to seal with a two-component injection molding an opening, preferably for a switch, so that a membrane 36 arises.

Advantageous It is also when the protective layer forming moldings with Provided snap connection means for attachment to the base body is. In this case, it is not necessary that a connecting plastic is used. The compound of the molding is a pure positive connection.

alternative The molded body forming the protective layer may also be formed by welding seams and / or spot welds with the main body be attached.

A execution of the handle body according to the invention, at between the main body and the protective layer a seal is present, has the advantage that no water creep under the protective layer and through housing openings in the handle housing can penetrate.

According to one Another preferred variant of the handle housing according to the invention provided that the forming the protective layer molding in a hollow of the body lies. This will be a flush surface achieves what is perceived as being particularly shapely.

Further advantageous developments of the invention are mentioned in the subclaims.

Based The description of the figures are various embodiments of a handle housing according to the invention, the Invention and further advantages thereof explained in more detail.

It shows:

1 a Schittdarstellung by a handle housing an electric toothbrush,

2 a further sectional view of the handle housing through the section line AA in 1 .

3 a cross section of a handle housing according to the invention in the region of a housing opening according to the section line BB in 4 .,

4 a longitudinal section of a portion of the handle housing,

5 a longitudinal section of a first embodiment of the handle housing,

6 a view of the handle housing according to 5 from above,

7 a cross section along the section line CC in 5 .

8th a cross section along the section line DD in 5 .

9 a longitudinal section of a second embodiment of the handle housing,

10 a cross section of a third embodiment of the handle housing,

11 a cross section of a fourth embodiment of the handle housing,

12 a cross section of a fifth embodiment of the handle housing,

13 a cross section of a sixth embodiment of the handle housing and

14 a cross section of a seventh embodiment of the handle housing.

In the figures are always the same parts with the same reference numerals Mistake.

1 shows a tubular handle housing an electric toothbrush. The handle housing houses the required parts such as the electric motor, gearbox, accumulators, control equipment and other parts. Battery operation is just as possible. As in 1 is illustrated is at an end 2 or on a front end side of the handle housing, a shaft 4 stored, wearing an unillustrated Aufsteckbüste. At the other, rear end 5 or on a rear end face is a closure wall 6 present, for example, to engage on a base body 1 is formed, which essentially forms the housing. The closure wall 6 forms a housing bottom.

As continues in 1 is shown is at the base body 1 and in particular at one of the shaft 4 near area an opening 11 which is adapted to provide access to a hand-operated switch 12 to enable. The desk 11 is located in the handle housing and is used to turn the toothbrush on and off. Next to the opening 11 - preferably behind this opening 11 - is on one of the shaft 4 more distant area one or more view openings 13 available. Preferably below the viewing openings 13 there is one or more light emitting diodes 14 for displaying an operating state, such as on / off and / or state of charge of the accumulator.

The preferably tubular cross-section of the handle housing is in 2 shown, where also the switch 12 and the wave 4 you can see.

As shown in the following figures, carries the molded plastic body 1 a decorative and / or marking layer 26 , The decor and / or marking layer 26 is according to the invention between the main body 1 and a cup-shaped, outside the base body force, form and / or materially attached, transparent or translucent protective layer 21 arranged, with the protective layer 21 According to the invention is designed as a shaped body. Preferably, the molding is dimensionally stable and made for example of a thermosetting plastic. The protective layer prevents abrasion of the decorative and / or marking layer 26 ,

The 3 and 4 show an embodiment in which the decorative and / or marking layer 26 directly on the protective layer 21 printed or applied. The attachment can be done by methods such as heat transfer, tampon print or inmold decoration and is applied to the protective layer 21 on the body 1 applied side facing. The decorative layer created, for example, by printing 26 lies correspondingly below the protective layer 21 ,

The trained as a molded body protective layer 21 is preferably according to the cross section of the main body 1 arch shaped. As a result, the de sign of the handle housing is not affected. But it can also have a different form.

On the molding, the protective layer 21 is preferably a further opening 22 arranged with the opening 11 of the basic body 1 corresponds, like the 3 and 4 demonstrate. In particular, it has the same diameter or the same shape. The openings 11 . 22 may be circular or have a different shape. The decorative layer 26 is also with an opening 27 Mistake.

In the range of the light emitting diode 14 is the decorative layer 26 preferably with a translucent area or a viewing window 28 provided, like 4 shows.

The 5 to 8th show a first embodiment of the handle housing according to the invention, in which the protective layer 21 via a connecting material 31 . 32 . 33 cohesively with the base body 1 connected is. The protective layer 21 is first fixed not shown on the molded body molded fixative. These may be pins or noses that engage in slots or holes of the body.

Subsequently, a plastic is sprayed around the protective layer by means of a two-component injection process, so that the plastic on the one hand with the protective layer 21 and on the other hand with the plastic of the body 1 a cohesive connection is received, because the protective layer 21 in the described embodiments preferably consists of plastic. The preferably flexible connection plastic 31 . 32 . 33 is the protective layer 21 peripherally arranged circumferentially and formed like a bead. Through the plastic compound 31 . 32 . 33 are the protective layer 21 and the main body 1 firmly connected. As the connecting plastic 31 . 32 . 33 is closed circumferentially, like 6 illustrates, creates a hermetically sealed arrangement. Foreign substances such as, water, gas, microbes and dirt, thus can not penetrate through a gap between the body and the decorative layer in the housing.

It is particularly advantageous if the plastic 31 . 32 . 33 also in the openings 11 . 22 . 27 is injected, leaving a membrane 36 arises. This will also the openings 11 . 22 . 27 (see. 4 ) sealed. Because of the plastic 31 . 32 . 33 is elastic, the switch can 12 through the plastic in the area of the membrane 36 or the openings 11 . 22 . 27 be operated. Advantageous is a Betätigungskuppe 37 over the membrane 36 pressing the switch 12 facilitated.

It is also possible that the through the plastic 31 . 32 . 33 formed beads are not flexible. The spraying of the membrane 36 is then formed in a further step by the two-component injection molding process.

As in 5 Further illustrated, the light of the light emitting diode 14 through the opening 13 of the basic body 1 and through the viewing window 28 be seen.

A second embodiment of the invention show the 9 and 10 , In this variant, the main body 1 a hollow 41 on, in which the protective layer 21 is embedded. The protective layer 21 is also here by the compound plastic 31 . 32 . 33 with the main body 1 connected. This creates with the main body 1 , the protective layer 21 and those of the compound plastic 31 . 32 . 33 formed beads a unit with a smooth outer surface. The protective layer is practically in the trough 41 integrated. As 9 can show the trough 41 open on one side (see left side). But it can also be closed circumferentially.

In the variant after 11 lies the protective layer 21 also in the hollow 41 , The protective layer 21 is however with the main body 1 through one or more welds 43 and / or welds 44 connected, with the weld 43 is preferably arranged at the edge and the welds 44 within an area of the protective layer 21 are positioned.

Another embodiment of the handle housing according to the invention is shown in FIG 12 shown. This is the protective layer 21 also in the hollow 41 , An adhesive layer 47 connects the protective layer in this variant 21 with the main body 1 , Preferably, the adhesive layer is 47 an adhesive film, in particular a double-sided adhesive film. The adhesive layer 47 but can also consist of a liquid or pasty adhesive. This variant also requires no sealant, since the seal through the adhesive layer 47 is reached.

The Trough arrangement can also be combined with other joining techniques.

Another possibility of attachment of the protective layer 21 shows 13 , In this embodiment, the protective layer becomes 21 at the base body 1 determined by snap connection means. The snap connection means consist, for example, of the protective layer 21 laterally shaped noses 51 leading into lateral groove-shaped depressions 52 at the base body 1 snap in, with a hollow here as well 41 is available. The wells 52 are on a circumferential wall of the hollow 41 arranged.

When in the 14 variant shown is also a snap connection and a trough 41 available. However, the snap connection consists of snap hooks or latching fingers 54 at the bottom of the protective layer 21 are formed and project into the housing interior or are directed downward. The catch fingers 54 grab in holes 55 on the main body 1 are arranged. So no water under the protective layer 21 crawl and over the holes 55 can get into the housing interior, is a circumferential seal 56 preferably between the decorative layer 26 and the body 1 arranged.

In this variant but also in the other embodiments, signs or the like of the decorative layer 26 recessed, with the color of the main body 1 the color of the decorative layer 26 different. As a result, the characters are readable or recognizable.

It is also possible that the decorative layer 26 not on the protective layer 21 are arranged but directly on the body 1 , The protective layer 21 remains uncoated. Known printing methods can also be used here.

The invention is not limited only to the described embodiment. So instead of a switch 12 , an opening 13 and a light emitting diode 14 , a window 28 and a membrane 36 Several of these elements may be present. It is also within the scope of the invention, if several protective layers 21 , both with each other and side by side.

Also features of one variant can be combined with features of another variant. For example, the embodiment according to 13 likewise, as in 14 Illustrated is a seal 56 exhibit.

The invention is not limited to toothbrushes. The protective layer according to the invention 21 Can also be used on shavers, epilators, hairdryers, thermometers and other electrical equipment.

 1

body

2

front The End

 4

wave

5

rear The End

 6

closure wall

11

opening

 12

switch

13

view port

 14

led

21

protective layer

 22

(second) opening

26

decorative layer

 27

(third) opening

28

window

 31 32, 33

Connecting plastic

36

membrane

 37

operation summit

41

trough

 43

Weld

44

welds

 47

adhesive layer

51

nose

 52

wells

54

latching fingers

55

holes

56

poetry

Claims (15)

Housing for a small electrical appliance, for example for electric toothbrushes, razors, epilators or hair dryers, with a molded plastic body ( 1 ) and a decor and / or labeling layer ( 26 ), between the main body ( 1 ) and a transparent or translucent protective layer on the outside of the main body ( 21 ), the protective layer ( 21 ) is formed as a shaped body, which is fastened by means of a connecting material in the two-component injection process on the base body. Housing according to claim 1, characterized in that the decorative and / or marking layer ( 26 ) directly onto a lower side of the protective layer ( 21 ) is applied. Housing according to claim 1, characterized in that the decorative and / or marking layer ( 26 ) directly on an upper side of the main body ( 1 ) is applied. Housing according to claim 1, characterized in that the decorative and / or marking layer ( 26 ) as an adhesive layer ( 47 ) formed under the protective layer ( 21 ) or on the basic body ( 1 ) or glued on both. Housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective layer ( 21 ) cohesively by at edge regions of the protective layer ( 21 ) arranged connecting material with the main body ( 1 ) is attached. Housing according to claim 5, characterized in that the connecting material is a, preferably flexible, connecting plastic ( 31 . 32 . 33 ), which in the two-component injection process on the base body ( 1 ) around the protective layer ( 21 ), in particular over the entire circumference of the protective layer ( 21 ) is sprayed, wherein preferably the connecting plastic ( 31 . 32 . 33 ) is formed bead-like. Housing according to claim 6, characterized in that the connecting plastic ( 31 . 32 . 33 ) also in the area of openings ( 11 . 22 . 27 ) of the basic body ( 1 ) and preferably a membrane ( 36 ), by which a switch ( 12 ) can be operated. casing according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the protective layer by molded and / or incorporated fixative, in particular Cones, holes, Noses and / or slots, is prefixed to the base body. Housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective layer ( 21 ) forming moldings with snap connection means for attachment to the base body ( 1 ) is provided. Housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective layer ( 21 ) forming moldings by one or more welds ( 43 ) and / or welding points ( 44 ) with the basic body ( 1 ) is attached. Housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the base body ( 1 ) and the protective layer ( 21 ) a seal ( 56 ) is available. Housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective layer ( 21 ) forming moldings in a trough ( 41 ) of the basic body ( 1 ) lies. Housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective layer ( 21 ) forming moldings having at least one opening ( 11 ) for an actuating switch ( 11 ) is provided and / or over a display element, in particular a light emitting diode ( 14 ) is arranged. Housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a built-in and outside of the handle housing ( 1 ) hand-operated switch ( 11 ) and / or at least one display element. Electric toothbrush with a handle housing after one of the preceding claims.