DE202006011720U1 - Brush, in particular toothbrush - Google Patents

Abstract

Brush, in particular Toothbrush, with a brush body (4) and a bristle filament-carrying brush head (2) with an intermediate the brush body (4) and the brush head (2) formed torsional elastic zone (5) comprising Center longitudinal axis (8) the torsion-elastic zone (5) outwardly outgoing torsion bars (6), in the radial and / or axial direction and / or in the circumferential direction vary.

Description

The The present invention relates to a brush, in particular a toothbrush with a brush body and a bristle filament bearing brush head. Such brushes, in particular Toothbrushes are well known.

Especially with toothbrushes It is about the contact pressure of the useful ends of the bristle filaments against the teeth and especially to control the gums. Furthermore should be done by properly adjusting the brush geometry and design one the usual Cleaning movement supportive Movement of the brush head reached be such that the use-side ends in use the toothbrushes of red to white, i.e. be moved from the gum to the chewing surfaces. Otherwise There is the problem that pollution and germs occur along the tooth surface the tooth and the gums are pressed.

Accordingly, it is from the date of the applicant DE 299 07 024 It is known to provide a torsion-elastic zone between the brush head and the brush body, ie in a neck area which is in particular tapered in the case of toothbrushes. This torsion-elastic zone has torsion bars extending from the central longitudinal axis. All torsion bars are provided in a cross-shaped arrangement and connected to one another via a base extending in the axial direction in the bending line. Practical experiments have shown that such a torsionally elastic zone does not meet the requirements to be set to the desired extent. In particular, it has been shown that in the usual stress in the description only an insufficient pivoting movement within the torsional elastic zone about the longitudinal axis thereof can be achieved.

Of the The present invention is based on the problem of a brush, in particular toothbrush with regard to their cleaning effect.

to solution The above problem is with the present invention, a brush with proposed the features of claim 1. The specified here brush has in the torsion-elastic zone of the central longitudinal axis outward outgoing torsion bars. After that, the torsion bars go essentially in the radial direction from the central longitudinal axis. The torsion bars but have in departure from the vorbeschriebe NEN proposed solution in a radial and / or axial direction varying cross-sectional shape. This means, that the torsion bars within the torsionally elastic zone in radial and / or axial direction are not formed constant. Rather, you can the torsion bars in the axial direction with respect to the central longitudinal axis openings or otherwise have varying cross-sectional shapes. While in the prior art, the torsion bars as in the cross-sectional view rectangular profiles are formed, proposes a alternative embodiment of the present invention before, the torsion bars in the radial direction vary, for example, by triangular or trapezoidal formations. these can straight and / or curved, have specially convex walls. As walls are in particular the substantially radially extending surfaces of the Torsionstege viewed. According to an alternative Aspect, the torsion bars vary circumferentially, i. various In the torsionally elastic zone provided torsion bars are in relation formed on the torsion axis as the symmetry axis is not identical.

With regard to an improvement of the cleaning effect and in particular the possibility of torsion bars to allow due to torsional stresses a corresponding pivoting about the torsion axis is proposed according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the radial direction opposite webs in cross-section identical to each other form, whereas between them at least one further torsion bar is provided which shows a deviating from the aforementioned Torsionsstegen design in the cross-sectional view. In this case, the torsion bars with the greater longitudinal extension are preferably in a direction parallel to bristle filaments, whereas torsion bars with a different orientation have a smaller radial length. With this embodiment, the torsional capability is improved without impairing the flexural elasticity of the neck region which is relevant in this respect and usually has the torsion-elastic zone. The torsional webs which decisively influence the flexural rigidity of the brush neck are preferably provided such that the area moment of inertia of the brush neck of the bend opposes a higher resistance to stresses due to a compressive force extending substantially parallel to the bristle filaments than to a compressive force acting at right angles thereto. Thus, for example, an envelope surface, which touches the outside of the torsion bars, have a non-circular cross-sectional shape. It may, for example, be an elliptical envelope surface. The maximum diameter of the elliptical envelope surface preferably runs parallel to the bristle filaments; the smallest diameter of the ellipse perpendicular to these. As an essentially elliptical envelope surface in the sense of the invention, an envelope surface is also understood, in which the axis provided at the location of the greatest width corresponds to the furthest points on the axis Outer surface of the ellipse intersecting longitudinal axis eccentrically intersects, ie in which the elliptical envelope surface is not symmetrical but asymmetrical egg-shaped.

In the cross-sectional view can the torsion bars have a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape to have. As a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape also becomes a configuration understood in which in the radial Direction extending walls of a torsion bar are curved. Alternatively you can the torsion bars also have a substantially trapezoidal shape in the cross-sectional view to have. Again, as a substantially trapezoidal cross-section a configuration understood in which at least the in Radial direction extending walls also curved, in particular outward convexly curved could be. In the case of the substantially triangular or substantially trapezoidal cross-sectional shape lies the widened foot of the Torsionssteges close to the axis relative to the central longitudinal axis, whereas the tapered tip Achfernfern is provided. Accordingly, the width of the torsion bar decreases in the radial direction. However, to avoid injury and to protect the delicate gums at the far axis the torsion bar a widened head segment may be provided which on the outside the brush exposed in the torsion-elastic zone and covered in the width direction on the cross section of the torsion bar an underlying narrowest narrowest Place overlooked.

Next the aforesaid non-constant configurations of the torsion bars in the radial direction can they also be formed varying in the axial direction. These varying cross-sectional shapes can also be combined with the aforesaid Provided varying cross-sectional shapes in the radial direction be. So can according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention each individual Torsionssteg to form at least two in the axial direction successively arranged Torsionssegmenten of an incision be interspersed, which extends substantially in the radial direction and has a certain axial extent. The torsion segments thus formed are preferably by at least one extending in the axial direction Tendon interconnected. Preferably, between two to seven Torsion segments provided. As appropriate, two to three torsion segments are likely to be seen. This tendon is preferably in the area the central longitudinal axis and is preferable in view of easy manufacturability of the brush cohesively connected to the torsion bar segments. It is in particular thought of the torsion bar segments together with the tendon and a brush body, usually the brush head and the brush body forms, form. After that you can on the body encapsulations for example, with a soft elastic plastic, for example TPE be provided. For example, through this soft elastic plastic on the brush body special functional surfaces formed, for example, the support of the fingers of the brush holding Serve hand. Here, the soft elastic plastic in the torsionally elastic zone are introduced and here in particular surrounded the torsion bars so that dirt and bacteria in of the torsion-elastic zone during use of the brush can not implant. It can be identical soft elastic plastic in the torsionally elastic Zone and the formation of the functional surfaces in an injection mold be introduced. In view of the different requirements however, it is preferable to have a relative in the torsion-elastic zone soft elastic plastic (20 to 40 Shore A), whereas the functional surfaces with a slightly harder one soft elastic plastic (40 to 70 Shore A) are formed should. Thus, at least for high quality brushes, a three-component injection molding is used come.

Of the soft elastic plastic is preferably between the torsion bars or the Torsionsstegsegmenten introduced, in particular so that the outside the torsion bars on the brush exposed. By this configuration, not only the torsion zone trained but about it be visually emphasized, especially if the torsion bars and / or the Torsionsstegsegmente formed as part of a brush body and in color the soft elastic plastic are lifted. According to one Another preferred embodiment of the present invention proposed to form the torsion bars so that they soft elastic plastic on the outside of the brush in the Overhang the area of the torsion-elastic zone.

When torsionally elastic zone in the sense of the present invention preferably in the case of toothbrushes in particular, the area considered the torsional stress around the longitudinal axis of the brushes the least resistance.

Further Details and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to FIG Toothbrushes in conjunction with the drawing. In this show:

1 a side perspective view of the front part of the toothbrush;

2 a representation according to 1 for a second embodiment;

3 a view corresponding to the 1 and 2 for a third embodiment;

4 a cross-sectional view through the torsionally elastic region of a fourth embodiment;

4a an enlarged sectional view along the boundary IV-IV as shown in FIG 4 ;

5 . 5a a representation according to 4 a fifth embodiment;

6 a side view of the front part of a toothbrush for a sixth embodiment;

7 a representation according to 6 for a seventh embodiment;

8th a representation according to 7 for a modified embodiment compared to this;

9 . 9a . 9b a side perspective view of a specific brush design for the in 7 schematically shown embodiment;

10 a representation according to 7 for a ninth embodiment;

11 a specific product design of a toothbrush for the in 10 schematically illustrated embodiment;

11a a cross-sectional views along the lines aa according to 11 and

11b a cross-sectional view of a modification to the representation in 11a

In 1 are the essential parts of an embodiment, which is designed as a toothbrush to recognize. The toothbrush includes a brush head 2 with attached and projecting from this bristle filaments 3 , which are summarized in a conventional manner regularly to bristle bundles. Between this brush head 2 and a front end of a brush body 4 there is a torsion-elastic zone 5 ,

The torsional elastic zone 5 in the present case has four torsion bars which are oriented cross-sectionally in the manner of a cross 6 , These torsion bars 6 have at their brush head end, their brush body end and in the middle of each a bridge bridge 7 on. The respective bridge bridges 7 extend to the central longitudinal axis 8th of the torsionally elastic area. All bridge bridges 7 the four torsion bars 6 are connected. Accordingly, the four torsion bars enclose 6 two cylindrical cavities extending over an entire axial length of the torsion-elastic zone 5 penetrating quarter circle shells 9 are open to the outside.

By introducing a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) into the torsion-elastic zone 5 for forming a circular cross-section, the outer surface partially through the end faces of the torsion bars 6 and partially formed by the TPE is the torsion-elastic zone 5 provided with a smooth outer surface, so that pollution and bacteria can not nest in the torsion-elastic zone. With regard to the best possible pivoting of the torsion-elastic zone 5 In case of torsional loading, TPE may be applied to the filling in the torsion-elastic zone 5 also be waived. In such a case, the usual torsional stress in the oral cavity results in a pivoting movement between the brush head 2 and the brush body 4 of about 8.5 °.

In 2 is opposite 1 modified embodiment shown. The same components are provided with the same reference numerals. Unlike the in 1 shown embodiment, only three torsion bars 6 provided, which are offset in the circumferential direction with an angle of 120 ° to each other.

Also these torsion bars 6 have a varying cross-sectional shape in the axial direction with bridge bridges 7 at the beginning and end of the torsion-elastic zone 5 as well as in the middle. Also in this embodiment, the torsionally elastic zone may be filled with a thermoplastic elastomer to complete a circular outer peripheral surface. Without a corresponding filling results in the usual torsional loads in toothbrushes a pivoting movement of about 7.2 °.

A significantly improved pivotability has the in 3 illustrated embodiment. In this case are in the torsion-elastic zone 5 four torsion bars on the circumference 6 provided, which in any case have a varying cross-sectional shape in the radial direction and near the central longitudinal axis 8th tapering towards each other. The individual torsion bars 6 connecting segments can also be provided offset in the axial direction of the type of bridge bridges, whereby the previously with reference to the 1 and 2 featured recesses in the area of the central longitudinal axis 8th be formed. To change the torsional stiffness, it is also conceivable, the corresponding torsion bars 6 from the hard body forming the main body only in the region of an outer circular ring in the region of the torsion-elastic zone 5 provide and in the radially inner region of the torsion bars 6 form through the soft elastic plastic. In this respect, results in the radial direction, a variation of the torsion bars, due to the different material properties of the hard component and the soft component. This in 3 shown embodiment can pivot at normal torsional loads by about 17 °.

At the in 4 embodiment shown are the torsion bars 6 as in the 1 aligned embodiment shown. However, the torsion bars have 6 different dimensions. In the main direction, in this case parallel to the bristle filaments 3 the torsion bars are much longer than in the direction perpendicular thereto extending transverse direction. The aspect ratio of the torsion bars is about 8: 1. All torsion bars can be connected in the central longitudinal axis via a common tendon. The torsion bars 6 however, vary in the circumferential direction. In addition, in any case, have the main direction extending torsion bars 6 a radially varying cross-sectional shape that tapers in the outer region. One the outside of the torsion bars 6 tangent envelope surface 10 is elliptical and contains between the individual torsion bars 6 the outer surface of a soft-elastic encapsulation made of a soft elastic plastic. In the usual torsional stress in a toothbrush, the in 4 embodiment shown to be pivoted by a wave of 7.5 °.

This in 5 shown fifth embodiment has torsion bars 6 with triangular cross-sectional shape. In this embodiment, only two torsion bars 6 intended. At the height of the central longitudinal axis 8th push these two torsion bars 6 with her widened foot 11 together. A rejuvenated tip 12 is with a head segment 13 provided which has a substantially circular cross-section and on the tapered tip 12 seated. This head segment 13 forms the outer peripheral surface of the brush in the torsionally elastic zone 5 , However, the vast majority of the outer peripheral surface is in the area of the torsion-elastic zone 5 by the encapsulation 14 formed, which the torsion bars 6 and the vast majority of the head segments 13 envelops.

At the in 6 embodiment shown, the torsion bars are tapered 6 in the axial direction, so that in the middle of the torsion-elastic zone 5 only a tendon 15 remains from the hard component, which is located on the central longitudinal axis 8th located. At the front and rear ends of the torsion-elastic zone 5 have the torsion bars 6 one the torsion bars 6 in 1 appropriate design. The majority of the front side of the torsion bars 6 However, it has a concave surface. In the middle of the torsion-elastic zone 5 has the tendon 15 a square cross section corresponding to the over the torsionally elastic zone 5 consistently constant width of the torsion bars 6 , The torsional elastic zone 5 is again provided by wrapping with a soft elastic plastic with round heel-free outer peripheral surface.

At the in 7 embodiment shown are torsion bars 6 essentially according to the in 1 formed embodiment shown. However, these are torsion bars 6 with incisions extending in the radial direction 16 provided and enforced by these. The incisions extend to the tendon 15 at the intersection of the torsion bars 6 lies and one of the width of the webs 6 corresponding square cross-section has. Accordingly, the torsional elastic zone includes 5 five longitudinally successive provided torsion segments 17 , each for themselves a torsion bar 6 train, that of four incisions 16 is interspersed.

In the absence of an encapsulation of the in 7 illustrated embodiment with a soft elastic plastic in the region of the torsion-elastic zone 5 can be achieved with a conventional torsional load of 65.8 °, a pivot angle. Even with a filling of the torsion-elastic zone 5 with a thermoplastic elastomer to form a corresponding zone with circular cross-sectional shape results in a remaining swing angle of 14.8 °.

Opposite the in 7 illustrated embodiment is in the in 8th shown embodiment, the central longitudinal axis curved, wherein the end portions of the central longitudinal axis 8th in the area of the torsion-elastic zone 5 parallel to each other but offset. The central longitudinal axis of the brush head 2 runs parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the brush body 4 , It should be mentioned that the in 7 and 8th shown embodiments also in terms of the number of incisions 16 can vary. Also the shape of the incisions 16 may vary. Each individual incision can have a surface design as shown in 6 has been shown for a single incision.

The 9 shows a front perspective view of a toothbrush whose torsionally elastic Zone 5 similar to the one in the 7 and 8th embodiment shown is formed. The main body 2 . 4 is brightly drawn; the encapsulation 14 in dark color. The central longitudinal axis 8th the torsion-elastic zone 5 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the brush head 2 arranged. Subsequently, ie to the distal part of the torsionally elastic zone 5 forms the brush body 4 a bent neck section 18 which is relative to the main axis of the brush body 4 and the torsion-elastic zone 5 slants. The encapsulation 17 is also in the area of this neck section 18 provided and in any case extends to the front of the brush body 4 There around a thumb rest area 19 to form a thermoplastic elastomer.

The 9a and 9b show cross-sectional views through different area of the torsionally elastic zone 5 , How to recognize, the tendon has 15 between the torsion segments 14 a circular cross-section. The cross section of the thermoelastic zone 5 is round. The central longitudinal axis of the torsion-elastic zone 5 is opposite the central longitudinal axis of the brush body 4 provided offset. The offset is about 20 mm.

At the in 10 shown ninth embodiment, the torsion bars 6 formed converging in the radial direction. The radially extending outer surfaces of the triangle thus formed have a slight convex curvature. Between these curved radial surfaces of the individual torsion bars 6 there is a soft-elastic encapsulation 14 , which are essentially in the manner of a quarter circle between the individual torsion bars 6 is provided. Their off-axis end can be seen on the outer peripheral surface only in the manner of a thin line. Without encapsulation with a soft elastic plastic component can be in 10 shown embodiment at normal torsional load by about 33 ° pivot. If between the individual torsion bars 6 a TPE is formed, the corresponding angle is usually about 14 °.

In 11 is a versus the representation in 9 modified embodiment substantially according to the schematic representation of the ninth embodiment in 10 shown. In this embodiment, the encapsulation 14 in the area of the torsion-elastic zone 5 a concave shape. At the front and rear end of the torsion-elastic zone 5 have the torsion bars 6 as well as the encapsulation 14 in about the same diameter. Due to the concave constriction of the encapsulation 14 up to the middle of the torsion-elastic zone 5 become the torsion bars 6 optically lifted and are recognizable separate design features. This effect can be further enhanced by the fact that the torsion bars 6 be curved convex outwards in the side view.

The 11a and 11b show cross-sectional views along the line XX as shown in FIG 11 once in the case of four circumferentially spaced torsion bars 6 ( 11a ) and once in the case of three distributed on the circumference provided torsion bars 6 ( 11b ).

2

brush head

3

filaments

4

brush body

5

torsionally Zone

6

torsion

7

footbridge

8th

central longitudinal axis

9

Quadrant shell

10

envelope

11

foot

12

Rejuvenated tip

13

head segment

14

encapsulation

15

tendon

16

incision

17

torsion segment

18

neck section

19

thumb rest

Claims (20)

Brush, in particular a toothbrush, with a brush body ( 4 ) and a bristle filament-carrying brush head ( 2 ) with a between the brush body ( 4 ) and the brush head ( 2 ) torsional elastic zone ( 5 ) comprising the central longitudinal axis ( 8th ) of the torsionally elastic zone ( 5 ) outwardly extending torsion bars ( 6 ), in the radial and / or axial direction and / or vary in the circumferential direction. Brush according to claim 1, characterized in that the torsion webs ( 6 ) have at least one recess extending in the axial direction. Brush according to claim 2, characterized in that the recess up to the central longitudinal axis ( 8th ) enough. Brush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the torsion webs ( 6 ) interconnected recesses and bridge bridges ( 7 ), which are connected to one another on the foot side. Brush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two, three or four torsion bars ( 6 ) are provided distributed in the circumferential direction. Brush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the radial direction opposite Torsionsstege ( 6 ) are formed in cross-section identical to each other and that between these at least one torsion bar ( 6 ) is provided with deviating design. Brush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a the outer side of the Torsionstege ( 6 ) tangent enveloping surface ( 10 ) has a non-circular cross-sectional shape. Brush according to claim 7, characterized in that the envelope surface ( 10 ) is formed substantially elliptical. Brush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one torsion bar ( 6 ) has a substantially triangular or substantially trapezoidal cross section, wherein the widened foot ( 11 ) of the torsion bar ( 6 ) near the axis and the tapered tip ( 12 ) is provided off axis. Brush according to Claim 9, characterized in that the walls of a torsion bar (13) extending substantially in the radial direction are ( 6 ) are curved outwardly. Brush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the off-axis end of the torsion bar ( 6 ) with a widened, the outside of the brush in the torsion-elastic zone ( 5 ) forming head segment ( 13 ) is provided. Brush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the torsion webs ( 6 ) for the formation of at least two torsionally arranged in the axial direction Torsionssegmenten ( 17 ) from the outside by extending in the radial direction incisions ( 16 ) are interspersed. Brush according to claim 12, characterized in that the torsion segments ( 17 ) by at least one chord extending in the axial direction ( 15 ) are interconnected. Brush according to claim 13, characterized in that the chord ( 15 ) cohesively with the Torsionsstegsegmenten ( 17 ) connected is. Brush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the torsion bars ( 6 ) and / or the torsion segments ( 17 ) A soft elastic Kuststoff is provided. Brush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the torsion webs ( 6 ) and / or the torsion segments ( 17 ) formed as part of a brush body and color are lifted off the soft elastic plastic. Brush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the torsion webs ( 6 ) protrude the soft elastic plastic on the outside of the brush. Brush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the free surface of the torsion webs ( 6 ) in a longitudinal section view convex outward and / or the surface of the between the torsion bars ( 6 ) provided soft elastic plastic in a longitudinal sectional view is concavely curved inwards. Brush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal axis of the torsionally elastic zone ( 5 ) substantially parallel, but offset to the longitudinal axis of the brush body ( 4 ) runs. brush according to claim 19, characterized in that the offset between 15 and 25 mm.