DE202008008790U1 - Brush, in particular toothbrush, and injection mold - Google Patents

Abstract

Brush, in particular a toothbrush, with a bristle bundle (3) carrying the brush head (2) and a handle handle (1), wherein the brush head (2) is movably attached relative to the handle handle (1) thereto, characterized in that the brush at least two initially produced separately elements (4; 11), of which a handle handle member (11) substantially forms the handle handle (1) and at its the brush head (2) end facing a journal (12) and of which the other element as Brush head element (4) forms the brush head (2) and has a receiving portion (6) receiving the axle journal (12), which is connected at the end to the handle handle element (11).

Description

The The present invention relates to a brush, in particular to a toothbrush the genus of protection claim 1 and an injection mold for protection claim 11th

Such to brush are well known. Especially with toothbrushes, it has not in the past at suggestions Missed, the brush head movably relative to the handle. Usual is an articulated Connection between the brush head and the handle handle so that the brush head is subjected to excessive compressive stress in Can dodge borders. The connection between the brush head and the handle is elastically movable, so that at a Relief of the brush head the original Alignment of the brush head is restored relative to the handle.

Also it is known, individual segments of the brush head elastically relative to arrange each other and / or elastic relative to the handle.

at the previously known solutions becomes the brush head regularly first as Part of a body made with the handle handle by means of injection molding. Between the brush head and the handle handle or between individual segments of the brush head but remain relatively thin film hinges in the production of the body usually which allow the relative mobility of the various segments of the brush. These film hinges are usually further with a soft elastic Plastic, specially encapsulated in a thermoplastic elastomer, to prevent the ingress of dirt and bacteria.

The previously known solutions to lead to a certain homogenization of Pressure force of bristle bundles on the surface to be cleaned. specially with toothbrushes should be an excessive contact force the bristle bundle be prevented against the gums.

Indeed support the previously known solutions only insufficient the best possible Cleaning desired Relative movement between the surface to be cleaned and the use-side ends of the bristle bundles. From a dental point of view is a cleaning movement from the gums to the free ends of the gums Teeth desired, the also called "red-to-white-plastering technique" for short becomes. The manual implementation of this desired cleaning movement is but for the User difficult, which explains the high prevalence of electric toothbrushes. These But are much more expensive to buy.

Of the The present invention is based on the problem of specifying a brush which the desired Cleaning movement of the use-side ends of the bristle bundles relative to the surface to be cleaned promotes. Furthermore should an injection mold for one such brush be specified.

to solution This problem is according to the present invention, a brush with the features of claim 1 and an injection mold with the Characteristics of claim 11 specified.

These brush differs from previously known brushes in that the brush at least two comprises separately manufactured elements. The separately manufactured Elements are common produced by plastic injection molding. It is on the one hand around a handle handle element, which is essentially the handle handle training, which is meant to express that the handle handle element in any case, forms the surfaces covered by the user's hand, possibly also a part of a slimmer brush neck, which is between the brush head and the handle is provided. Parts of the handle stem element can down to the brush head extend. The handle stem has at its the brush head facing end a stub axle, over which the movable bearing of the brush head he follows. For this purpose, a brush head element is provided as a second element, having a receiving the axle journal receiving portion. The brush head element is connected at the end to the handle handle element. Both elements are inseparably joined to form a unity.

Of the Receiving portion and the journal act in such a way, that the receiving portion is movable relative to the axle journal. This mobility allows in any case a pivoting movement of the brush head around the longitudinal axis of the handle, which regularly with the axis of the journal coincides. The recording section is postponed on the journal, but certainly within limits movable relative to the journal. The receiving section is preferably designed such that during a pivoting movement of the brush head relative to the handle during manual operation of the brush elastic against forces in the receiving section to be built on, at discharge on brush head to a provision of the same lead to the original position relative to the handle.

The aforementioned restoring force is preferably effected by a configuration in which the receiving portion receives torsional stresses when pivoting the brush head relative to the handle. The receiving portion is ausgebil for this purpose in a preferred embodiment of the present invention in the manner of a helix det, which interacts slidably with the journal. The individual helical turns of the helix are usually on the outer peripheral surface of the axle journal and are guided there. Depending on the desired degree of rotational movement between the brush head and the handle handle, the individual helical turns can be provided in the tensionless initial position of the brush head relative to the handle also with a certain distance from the outer peripheral surface of the journal. The corresponding configuration of the receiving portion in the manner of a helix results in a guided on the journal pressure spring over which the desired mobility of the brush head is made possible relative to the handle.

With consideration on the hygienic requirements are the spaces between the individual spiral turns filled with a soft elastic plastic, which prevents dirt and bacteria within the coil, d. H. between neighboring spiral walks, or between individual helical turns and the outer peripheral surface of the Nesting axle journal. The training, after which the soft-elastic Plastic between the helical gears is provided allows Furthermore, a compact design of the brush head in the area the receiving section. Alternatively, the helical turns outside wrapped and thus shielded from dirt and bacteria. This embodiment is possible, but relatively expensive in production. About that leads out they lead to an unwanted thickening of the brush in the region of the receiving portion. The serving For example, by a sleeve-like Foil be realized, on the one hand with the brush head element and on the other hand connected to the handle handle member.

to Realize the connection between the brush head element and the handle stem element positive and / or cohesive Connections available. On the one hand, the receiving portion of the brush head element with the handle stem element be locked. This forms, for example, in the preferred Ausgestal direction of the receiving portion in the manner of a helical handlestielnahe End of the receiving portion locking surfaces, which with locking lugs, which are formed on the handle stem element, cooperate. The latching surfaces can for example, at one formed at the end of the receiving portion sleeve, which may be uniform or divided in the circumferential direction, be formed.

alternative the receiving portion can be welded to the handle stem element. For this purpose, the handle handle near the end of the receiving portion preferably at the end of the preferred provided coil on a ring whose outer diameter in about the outer diameter of the handle on the joint equivalent. The brush head element preferably has an annular surface, the inside limited by the annular surface of the projecting axle journal and with the the ring surface of the Receiving section welded is.

According to one Another preferred embodiment of the present invention the brush head element in the axial direction opposite set the handle handle element. For this purpose, the brush head element forms preferably a bearing shell, which engages over the journal end, is movably held to the journal and located on the journal supported on the end. The bearing sleeve is preferably frontally and circumferentially supported on the journal, so that the bearing pin not only an axial fixing of the brush head element causes, but at the same time a leadership of the pivoting movement of the brush head element relative to the handle stem element.

According to one forms another preferred embodiment of the present invention the brush head element between the bearing sleeve and the brush head a rejuvenated one Brush head neck from, which is a certain pivoting of the brush head about an axis at right angles to the pivot axis of the brush head allowed. This rejuvenated brush neck can in a conventional manner a possibly with a soft elastic Component encapsulated film hinge or an overmolded taper include. With this preferred development, a brush is created, the brush head itself both about the longitudinal axis to swing the handle as well as uneven compressive stress at the use-side ends of the bristle bundles by a pivoting movement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle in the brush neck can dodge.

Further Details and advantages will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In these demonstrate:

1 a longitudinal sectional view of an embodiment of the invention using the example of a toothbrush with enlarged detail in the joining region between the two elements;

2 the detail according to 1 for an alternative embodiment;

3 an injection mold (schematic) for the production of the brush head element of 1 shown embodiment, and

4 an injection mold (schematic) corresponding 3 for an alternative embodiment of the brush head element.

The 1 shows a first embodiment of a brush according to the invention using the example of a toothbrush, which is shown in a longitudinal sectional view. The brush includes an elongated handle 1 and a brush head held thereby 2 to which a plurality of bristle bundles 3 are attached. As bristle bundles in the context of the present invention, any cleaning element of a brush can be understood. In this case, the feature "bundles of bristles" is not limited to those configurations which comprise filaments for forming the bristle bundle. Bristle bundles for the purposes of the present invention may be wholly or partially also elongated cleaning elements made of thermoplastic elastomer, of the brush head 2 protrude.

The brush head 2 is part of a brush head element 4 , which next to the brush head 2 also a tapered brush neck 5 and a receiving section 6 training, which is a sleeve 7 includes, which adjoins the brush neck and from the one spiral 8th going off, the a plurality of successively provided in the axial direction helical turns 9 ausformt. At its free end, the last spiral goes 9 in a circumferentially closed ring 10 with constant radius over.

This in 1 shown brush head element 4 is manufactured as a single component by means of injection molding. Use there are commonly used in the manufacture of toothbrushes plastics, such as PP.

The brush further includes a grip handle 1 forming handle handle element 11 , which at its brush head near end of a journal 12 forms, one by the handle stem element 11 shaped ring surface 13 surmounted.

The brush head element 4 and the handle stem element 11 are first produced as separate components. The brush head element 4 gets regular before joining brush head element 4 and handle handle element 11 equipped with bristle bundles. The bristle bundles may be in the conventional manner with metallic anchors on the brush head 2 be provided. Alternatively, the bristle bundles can be reversed on the brush head element 4 be attached.

For joining the receiving section 6 over the axle journal 12 pushed until the ring 10 on the ring surface 13 is applied. After that, ring 10 and ring surface 13 welded together to brush head element 4 and handle handle element 11 to connect with each other. The individual spiral turns 9 the helix 8th remain slidable relative to the journal 12 , The bearing sleeve 7 rests with her sleeve wreath 7a on the outer peripheral surface and with its sleeve bottom 7b at the front of the journal 12 from. The helix 8th is preferably in the starting position, ie in the unloaded state, stress-free on the handle handle 11 held. For this purpose, the brush head 2 opposite the front of the journal 12 kept at a distance. When using the toothbrush is thus possible that the brush head 2 via the spiral acting as a compression spring 8th and that between sleeve bottom 7b and front side of the pin 12 between brush head 2 and handle handle element 11 with stub axle 12 existing axial play or rebound and / or a Torsinns- or rotational movement relative to the handle stem element 11 performs. The connection between brush head 2 and handle handle element 11 Therefore, it is based on the principle of a spring damper. The picture of the brush head 2 on the axle journal 12 Therefore, the handle handle element allows both axial and torsional movements of the brush head 2 or their combination. At the same time the measure of a bending movement between the brush head 2 and handle handle element 11 adjustable depending on the contact pressure when using the toothbrush.

2 shows an alternative embodiment in which the helix 8th with the handle handle element 11 is locked. This forms this locking lugs 14 from that of the peripheral surface of the handle stem element 11 protrudes and from a collar 15 are encompassed, the handle on the handle end end of the receiving portion 6 is trained.

The 3 schematically shows an injection mold consisting of two mold halves 20 . 21 , which in their division level a form nest 22 for the formation of the brush head element 4 form. Right-angled to the division plane is a cylindrical core 23 between the tool halves 20 . 21 inserted, the outer peripheral surface of a molding surface for the inner surfaces of the helical turns 9 and the ring 10 pretends.

In the case of manufacture of the brush with a brush head element 4 as a two-component component (hard and soft component) is the in 3 shown basic body held on the core 23 used in another cavity, which can take on the one hand, the body, on the other hand, but at least between the helical turns 9 a mold nest 24 leaves in which a soft-elastic component can be injected (see. 4 ).

After encapsulation of the helix 8th is the brush head element 4 as a two-component injection-molded part produced. The core 23 can be used to further manipulate the thus-produced intermediate product to position it relative to the brush head. After that, the core becomes 23 pulled and the journal 12 through the ring 10 introduced into the helix. Brush head element 4 and handle handle element 11 are connected with each other.

1

grip handle

2

brush head

3

bristle bundles

4

Brush head element

5

Brush head neck

6

receiving portion

7

shell

7a

sleeve ring

7b

sleeve base

8th

spiral

9

helical turns

10

ring

11

Grip handle element

12

journal

13

ring surface

14

locking lug

15

collar

20

tool half

21

tool half

22

cavity

23

core

24

cavity

Claims (13)

Brush, in particular a toothbrush, with a bundle of bristles ( 3 ) carrying brush head ( 2 ) and a handle ( 1 ), in which the brush head ( 2 ) movable relative to the handle ( 1 ) is attached to this, characterized in that the brush at least two initially separately manufactured elements ( 4 ; 11 ), of which a handle stem element ( 11 ) essentially the grip handle ( 1 ) and at its the brush head ( 2 ) end facing a journal ( 12 ) and of which the other element as a brush head element ( 4 ) the brush head ( 2 ) and the axle journal ( 12 ) receiving section ( 6 ), the end with the handle stem element ( 11 ) connected is. Brush according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving portion ( 6 ) is designed such that it upon rotation and / or pressure loading of the brush head ( 2 ) about the axle of the axle journal ( 12 ) an elastic and on the brush head ( 2 ) acting restoring force generated. Brush according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the receiving portion in the manner of a helix ( 8th ) is formed on the journal ( 12 ) is movably guided. Brush according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the receiving portion ( 6 ) with the handle ( 1 ) is locked. Brush according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the receiving portion ( 6 ) with the handle ( 1 ) is welded. Brush according to claim 3, characterized in that in intervals between individual helical turns ( 9 ) the helix ( 8th ) is a soft elastic plastic. brush according to claim 5, characterized in that the soft elastic Plastic a TPE with a hardness from 5 to 20 Shore A is. Brush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bust head element ( 4 ) in the axial direction with play on the handle stem element ( 11 ) is held and an axial and / or torsional movement (rotational movement) of the brush head element ( 4 ) on the handle stem element ( 11 ) is allowed. Brush according to claim 8, characterized in that the brush head element ( 4 ) one the journal ( 12 ) end over-reaching, movable to the journal ( 12 ) and at the journal ( 12 ) supporting bearing sleeve ( 7 ) trains. Brush according to claim 9, characterized in that the bearing sleeve ( 7 ) circumferentially on the end-side journal ( 12 ) is supported. Brush according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the brush head element ( 4 ) between the bearing sleeve ( 7 ) and the brush head element ( 4 ) a tapered brush neck ( 5 ) trains. Injection mold for a brush according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, having a mold cavity ( 22 ) and one in the direction of a dividing plane in the mold cavity ( 22 ) usable core ( 23 ) for forming a brush head ( 2 ) with integral, a helix ( 8th ) receiving section ( 6 ). Injection mold according to claim 12, characterized by a further molding device with a further mold cavity ( 24 ) for receiving the core ( 23 ) with the brush head ( 2 ) and mold cavity sections between helical turns ( 9 ) the helix ( 8th ) for injecting a soft component ten-injection material.