EP0700259B1 - Head for a toothbrush - Google Patents

Head for a toothbrush Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0700259B1
EP0700259B1 EP94915131A EP94915131A EP0700259B1 EP 0700259 B1 EP0700259 B1 EP 0700259B1 EP 94915131 A EP94915131 A EP 94915131A EP 94915131 A EP94915131 A EP 94915131A EP 0700259 B1 EP0700259 B1 EP 0700259B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
silver
toothbrush
bristles
separate means
approximately
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP94915131A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0700259A1 (en
Inventor
Georges Driesen
Peter Hilfinger
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Braun GmbH
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Braun GmbH
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Publication date
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Publication of EP0700259A1 publication Critical patent/EP0700259A1/en
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Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B3/00—Brushes characterised by the way in which the bristles are fixed or joined in or on the brush body or carrier
    • A46B3/16—Brushes characterised by the way in which the bristles are fixed or joined in or on the brush body or carrier by wires or other anchoring means, specially for U-shaped bristle tufts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
    • A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
    • A46B2200/1066—Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures

Definitions

  • the invention is based on a toothbrush with a brush part which has a bristle carrier and bristles fixed thereon, the brush part being provided with components made of a material with an oligodynamic effect.
  • Such a brush part is already known from DE 31 05 544 A1.
  • the bristle carrier of this brush part is coated with a silver layer by means of an electro-galvanic process before the bristles are inserted.
  • the silvering of the bristle carrier is intended to prevent dirt from adhering and, above all, to prevent bacteria from forming.
  • the disadvantage here is that the surface coating of the bristle carrier does not give rise to the desired germicidal effect of the silver in any case in the bristle section which is arranged in the bristle carrier. Due to the capillary action, moisture is practically always present there, which is very difficult to dry. In addition, silvering of the entire bristle carrier is costly and labor-intensive.
  • a toothbrush is also known from EP 0 357 852, in which the attachment area of the bristles is designed in such a way that ion flow can take place in this area.
  • the ion flow is generated by means of a battery housed in the toothbrush.
  • the invention is therefore based on the problem of further developing the known toothbrush in such a way that the toothbrush is essentially free of bacteria / germs and remains in use without additional manufacturing outlay.
  • Oligodynamics is generally understood to mean the effectiveness of the smallest amounts of metal ions, specifically a growth-inhibiting or killing effect of heavy metal traces on microorganisms, the oligodynamic effect of the metals decreasing in accordance with the following series: cadmium - silver - brass - copper - mercury. Cadmium has the greatest oligodynamic effect, mercury the least. This oligodynamic effect is and was primarily used for the disinfection and preservation of liquids, especially for the disinfection of drinking, bathing and process water. Silver and its compounds are particularly suitable. The silver ions, which are relatively difficult to dissolve on contact with water, attach themselves to the negative charge carriers of the bacterial cells as positive ions.
  • the separate means for fixing the bristles in bores of the bristle carrier are advantageously designed as anchor plates, in particular arranged approximately centrally between the bristles of a bristle tuft and anchored in regions of the bristle carrier adjacent to the bores.
  • the bristles are fixed in the bores by the anchor plates using a method known per se. In this method (see, for example, EP 0 289 059 B1), the bristle carriers of the toothbrushes are equipped with bristles using a tamping machine. The tufts of bristles are bent into a U-shape and inserted into the hole by inserting (inserting) the anchor plate into the hole.
  • the material the anchor plate acts directly in the particularly critical area of the toothbrush, in which the bacteria accumulate and multiply particularly easily, ie between the individual bristles in the bore. Due to the capillary action, the bristles in the area of the bore are completely wetted with water after and after use of the toothbrush, which can only dry out slowly between uses, so that this area acts as a focus for the development of germs or for the accumulation and multiplication of Bacteria applies.
  • the oligodynamic effect of the anchor plate material kills the bacteria in this area and thus ensures a germ-free brush.
  • the separate means consist of a material enriched with silver, preferably of a silver alloy with a silver content of more than about 70%.
  • the separate agents particularly advantageously consist of a silver-copper alloy with a silver content of approximately 90% to 97% and a copper content of approximately 10% to 3%, or a silver-titanium alloy with a silver content of approximately 70% and a titanium content of about 30%.
  • These alloys can be used without problems for the production process and, in addition to the required tensile strength of more than 500 N / mm 2, also have a sufficient oligodynamic effect.
  • the separate means are provided with a coating of essentially pure silver.
  • the separate means for example the armature wire, are galvanically provided with the silver coating, so that the procedural strength values of the material for the anchor plates are ensured by the base material of the armature wire and the oligodynamic effect by the silver coating.
  • the silver coating has a thickness of 5 to 50, in particular 5 to 20, micrometers, the desired oligodynamic effect of the silver is achieved, taking into account an economical use of materials.
  • the separate agents are advantageously made of silver with a purity of more than about 99%, which ensures an extremely high oligodynamic effect.
  • special treatment of the silver material e.g. cooling with nitrogen achieves the strength values and processing properties required for the process and enables the bristles to be fixed in the bristle carrier with an anchor plate made of silver.
  • the required strength values can also be achieved by cold working the anchor material.
  • the separate means consist of stainless steel or titanium. In addition to the required strength values, these materials also have an albeit weaker fungicidal and bactericidal action.
  • a brush part 20 for toothbrushes has bristles 24 which are arranged in a bristle carrier 22 individually or in the form of tufts of bristles 26.
  • the bristles of the bristle tufts 26 are each bent into a U-shape and inserted into a bore 32.
  • the bristle tufts 26 are fixed in the bores 32 via separate ones Means 28, which at least partially consist of silver and are preferably designed as anchor plates 30.
  • These anchor plates 30 are each arranged centrally in the U-shaped region 36 of the bristle tufts 26 and anchored, in particular clamped, in regions 34 which in each case adjoin the bores 32. The bristle tufts 26 are thus secured in their position against slipping out or pulling out.
  • the bristles 24 are inserted into the bores 32 in the bristle carrier 22 in a U-shaped manner by means of a tamping machine.
  • the anchor plate 30 is then inserted centrally into the bent bristle 24 or the bristle tuft 26. Areas 38 remain between the bristles 24 or the bristles 24 and the bore 32, which are not completely filled by the bristles 24 or tufts 26. Since, due to the capillary action between the individual bristles 24 or between the bristles 24 and the bores 32, water collects in the areas 38 during use, which only rarely dries from one use of the toothbrush for the next use, these areas 38 are a source for bacteria.
  • the anchor plate 30 Due to the material of the anchor plate 30, which is at least partially made of silver, silver ions dissolve on contact with the water during and after the use of the toothbrush. These silver ions impair the metabolism of the bacteria and lead to the death of the bacteria with the breakdown of the metabolism. In addition, these silver ions also have a fungicidal action, ie they also destroy molds that could possibly accumulate in the area of the bores 32 between or on the bristles 24. Due to the properties of silver that it is difficult to release ions in solution, there is a natural limitation of the number of ions in the solution, but this is sufficient for a bactericidal effect.
  • the solution does not have a harmful effect on the flora of useful bacteria present in the oral cavity, since the positive silver ions react almost completely with the negative ions of toothpaste or saliva.
  • the positive silver ions combine in part with the negative ions of the toothpaste or saliva to form silver salts, which precipitate out of the solution and are rinsed out of the oral cavity with the rinsing water while brushing the teeth.
  • the brush part 20 of the toothbrush is germ-free through the use of anchor plates 30 made from a material with an oligodynamic effect, for example from an anchor wire provided with a silver coating, and remains in spite of the persistent moisture in the critical area between the bristles 24 and in the areas 38 the bristles 24 and the holes 32.

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  • Brushes (AREA)
  • Massaging Devices (AREA)

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/EP94/01326 Sec. 371 Date Nov. 14, 1995 Sec. 102(e) Date Nov. 14, 1995 PCT Filed Apr. 27, 1996 PCT Pub. No. WO94/27467 PCT Pub. Date Dec. 8, 1994The invention is directed to a toothbrush having a brush section 20 comprising a bristle carrier 22 and bristles 24 fixedly secured thereto, with the brush section 20 being provided with components made of silver. Separate structures 28 are provided for fixedly securing the bristles 24 in their proper location in the bristle carrier 22, which separate structures 28 are made of a material with oligodynamic action.

Description

Die Erfindung geht aus von einer Zahnbürste mit einem Bürstenteil, welches einen Borstenträger und daran festgelegte Borsten aufweist, wobei das Bürstenteil mit Bestandteilen aus einem Material mit oligodynamischer Wirkung versehen ist.The invention is based on a toothbrush with a brush part which has a bristle carrier and bristles fixed thereon, the brush part being provided with components made of a material with an oligodynamic effect.

Ein derartiges Bürstenteil ist bereits aus der DE 31 05 544 A1 bekannt. Der Borstenträger dieses Bürstenteiles wird vor dem Einsetzen der Borsten mittels eines elektrogalvanischen Verfahrens mit einer Silberschicht überzogen. Die Versilberung des Borstenträgers soll das Anhaften von Schmutz und vor allem die Bildung von Bakterien verhindern. Nachteilig ist hierbei, daß durch die Oberflächenbeschichtung des Borstenträgers die erwünschte keimtötende Wirkung des Silbers jedenfalls in dem Borstenabschnitt, der in dem Borstenträger angeordnet ist, nicht eintritt. Dort ist bedingt durch die Kapillarwirkung praktisch ständig Feuchtigkeit vorhanden, welche nur sehr schlecht abtrocknen kann. Darüberhinaus ist eine Versilberung des gesamten Borstenträgers kosten- und arbeitsaufwendig.Such a brush part is already known from DE 31 05 544 A1. The bristle carrier of this brush part is coated with a silver layer by means of an electro-galvanic process before the bristles are inserted. The silvering of the bristle carrier is intended to prevent dirt from adhering and, above all, to prevent bacteria from forming. The disadvantage here is that the surface coating of the bristle carrier does not give rise to the desired germicidal effect of the silver in any case in the bristle section which is arranged in the bristle carrier. Due to the capillary action, moisture is practically always present there, which is very difficult to dry. In addition, silvering of the entire bristle carrier is costly and labor-intensive.

Andere Techniken zur Vermeidung der Entstehung bzw. Verminderung einer bereits vorhandenen Bakterienflora am Bürstenteil, insbesondere zwischen den einzelnen Borsten, bestehen z. B. in der Bestrahlung der Bürste mit UV-Licht. Dieses Verfahren ist mit einem zusätzlichen Aufwand für den Benutzer verbunden, benötigt Zeit und verursacht auch zusätzliche Kosten für das Bestrahlungsgerät.Other techniques for avoiding the emergence or reduction of an already existing bacterial flora on the brush part, in particular between the individual bristles, exist e.g. B. in the irradiation of the brush with UV light. This method involves additional effort for the user, takes time and also causes additional costs for the radiation device.

Aus der EP 0 357 852 ist des weiteren eine Zahnbürste bekannt, bei der der Befestigungsbereich der Borsten derart gestaltet ist, daß in diesem Bereich ein Ionenfluß erfolgen kann. Der Ionenfluß wird mittels einer in der Zahnbürste untergebrachten Batterie erzeugt.A toothbrush is also known from EP 0 357 852, in which the attachment area of the bristles is designed in such a way that ion flow can take place in this area. The ion flow is generated by means of a battery housed in the toothbrush.

Der Erfindung liegt daher das Problem zugrunde, die bekannte Zahnbürste dahingehend weiterzubilden, daß ohne zusätzlichen Herstellungsaufwand die Zahnbürste im wesentlichen frei ist von Bakterien/Keimen und während der Benutzung auch bleibt.The invention is therefore based on the problem of further developing the known toothbrush in such a way that the toothbrush is essentially free of bacteria / germs and remains in use without additional manufacturing outlay.

Gelöst wird dieses Problem dadurch, daß zur Festlegung der Borsten im Borstenträger separate Mittel vorgesehen sind und diese separaten Mittel aus dem Material mit oligodynamischer Wirkung bestehen.This problem is solved in that separate means are provided for fixing the bristles in the bristle carrier and these separate means consist of the material with an oligodynamic effect.

Als Oligodynamie wird allgemein die Wirksamkeit kleinster Mengen von Metallionen, speziell eine wachstumshemmende oder abtötende Wirkung von Schwermetallspuren auf Mikroorganismen, verstanden, wobei der oligodynamische Effekt der Metalle entsprechend nachfolgender Reihe abnimmt: Cadmium - Silber - Messing - Kupfer - Quecksilber. Cadmium hat dabei die größte, Quecksilber die geringste oligodynamische Wirkung. Dieser oligodynamische Effekt wird und wurde vor allem zur Desinfektion und Konservierung von Flüssigkeiten, insbesondere zur Entkeimung von Trink-, Bade- und Brauchwasser genutzt. Besonders geeignet sind hierbei Silber und seine Verbindungen. Die Silber-Ionen, die bei Kontakt mit Wasser relativ schwer in Lösung gehen, lagern sich als positive Ionen an den negativen Ladungsträgern der Bakterienzellen an. Dieser Anlagerung folgt eine irreversible Schädigung der Bakterienzelle, d.h. es kommt zu einer bakteriziden Wirkung. Ursache hierfür ist die Blockierung von bestimmten Enzymen durch die Metall-Ionen, die zur Störung des Stoffwechsels der Bakterien führt und den Tod der Bakterienzelle zur Folge hat. Ebenso bedeutsam ist die fungizide, z.B. für Schimmelpilze tödliche Wirkung des Silbers. Diese Reaktionen beginnen bereits bei einer Silber-Konzentration ab ca. 5 Mikrogramm/l Wasser, die weit unterhalb der Gefährdungsschwelle für den menschlichen Organismus liegt. Unterhalb dieser Grenze wird ein bakteriostatischer bzw. fungistatischer Zustand erreicht, d.h. vorhandene Bakterien oder Pilze können sich nicht vermehren. Bedingt durch die Verwendung von einem Material mit oligodynamischer Wirkung als separates Mittel zur Festlegung der Borsten im Borstenträger wird die Keimbildung, gerade in diesem schlecht trocknenden und damit problematischen Bereich verhindert. Aufgrund der chemischen Diffusion ensteht auch in einem Borstenabschnitt oberhalb des Borstenträgers eine im wesentlichen keimfreie Zone. Durch diese Maßnahme wird ohne zusätzliche Verwendung chemischer oder sonstiger Substanzen eine keimfreie Zahnbürste geschaffen. Infektionen, z.B. im Zahnfleischbereich, die bei Verwendung einer mit Bakterien befallenen Zahnbürste entstehen können, werden praktisch ausgeschlossen. Auf das Herstellungsverfahren oder die einzusetzenden Werkzeuge hat der erfindungsgemäße Einsatz dieser separaten Mittel, bestehend aus einem Material mit oligodynamischer Wirkung keinen Einfluß, so daß die Technologie der bisherigen Herstellungsverfahren unverändert beibehalten werden kann.Oligodynamics is generally understood to mean the effectiveness of the smallest amounts of metal ions, specifically a growth-inhibiting or killing effect of heavy metal traces on microorganisms, the oligodynamic effect of the metals decreasing in accordance with the following series: cadmium - silver - brass - copper - mercury. Cadmium has the greatest oligodynamic effect, mercury the least. This oligodynamic effect is and was primarily used for the disinfection and preservation of liquids, especially for the disinfection of drinking, bathing and process water. Silver and its compounds are particularly suitable. The silver ions, which are relatively difficult to dissolve on contact with water, attach themselves to the negative charge carriers of the bacterial cells as positive ions. This accumulation is followed by irreversible damage to the bacterial cell, ie it has a bactericidal effect. The reason for this is the blocking of certain enzymes by the metal ions, which leads to a disruption of the metabolism of the bacteria and the death of the bacterial cell. The fungicidal effect of the silver, which is fatal for mold, is just as important. These reactions start at a silver concentration of approx. 5 micrograms / l water, which is far below the hazard threshold for the human organism. Below this limit a bacteriostatic or fungistatic state is reached, ie existing bacteria or fungi cannot multiply. Due to the use of a material with an oligodynamic effect as a separate means for fixing the bristles in the bristle carrier, nucleation is prevented, particularly in this poorly drying and thus problematic area. Due to the chemical diffusion, an essentially germ-free zone also arises in a bristle section above the bristle carrier. This measure creates a germ-free toothbrush without the additional use of chemical or other substances. Infections, for example in the gum area, which can occur when using a toothbrush infected with bacteria, are practically excluded. The use according to the invention of these separate means, consisting of a material with an oligodynamic effect, has no influence on the production process or the tools to be used, so that the technology of the previous production processes can be retained unchanged.

Von Vorteil sind die separaten Mittel zur Festlegung der Borsten in Bohrungen des Borstenträgers als Ankerplättchen ausgebildet, insbesondere in etwa mittig zwischen den Borsten eines Borstenbüschels angeordnet und in an die Bohrungen jeweils angrenzenden Bereichen des Borstenträgers verankert. Die Festlegung der Borsten in den Bohrungen durch die Ankerplättchen erfolgt mit einem an sich bekannten Verfahren. Bei diesem Verfahren (siehe z.B. EP 0 289 059 B1) werden die Borstenträger der Zahnbürsten mittels einer Stopfmaschine mit Borsten bestückt. Die Borstenbüschel werden U-förmig gebogen in die Bohrung eingebracht und durch Einfügen (Einschießen) des Ankerplättchens in den Bohrungen gehalten. Damit ist der Einsatz eines Materials mit oligodynamischer Wirkung bei allen Zahnbürsten möglich, bei denen die Borsten im Borstenträger mit Ankerplättchen festgelegt werden. Das Material der Ankerplättchen wirkt unmittelbar in dem besonders kritischen Bereich der Zahnbürste, in dem sich die Bakterien besonders leicht ansammeln und vermehren, d.h. zwischen den einzelnen Borsten in der Bohrung. Aufgrund der Kapillarwirkung sind die Borsten im Bereich der Bohrung bei und nach dem Gebrauch der Zahnbürste vollständig mit Wasser benetzt, welches zwischen den Benutzungen nur langsam abtrocknen kann, so daß dieser Bereich als Herd für die Entstehung von Keimen bzw. für die Ansammlung und Vermehrung von Bakterien gilt. Die oligodynamische Wirkung des Material es des Ankerplättchens bewirkt die Abtötung der Bakterien in diesem Bereich und sorgt somit für eine keimfreie Bürste.The separate means for fixing the bristles in bores of the bristle carrier are advantageously designed as anchor plates, in particular arranged approximately centrally between the bristles of a bristle tuft and anchored in regions of the bristle carrier adjacent to the bores. The bristles are fixed in the bores by the anchor plates using a method known per se. In this method (see, for example, EP 0 289 059 B1), the bristle carriers of the toothbrushes are equipped with bristles using a tamping machine. The tufts of bristles are bent into a U-shape and inserted into the hole by inserting (inserting) the anchor plate into the hole. This makes it possible to use a material with an oligodynamic effect on all toothbrushes in which the bristles are fixed in the bristle holder with anchor plates. The material the anchor plate acts directly in the particularly critical area of the toothbrush, in which the bacteria accumulate and multiply particularly easily, ie between the individual bristles in the bore. Due to the capillary action, the bristles in the area of the bore are completely wetted with water after and after use of the toothbrush, which can only dry out slowly between uses, so that this area acts as a focus for the development of germs or for the accumulation and multiplication of Bacteria applies. The oligodynamic effect of the anchor plate material kills the bacteria in this area and thus ensures a germ-free brush.

In einer vorteilhaften Ausbildung der Erfindung bestehen die separaten Mittel aus einem mit Silber angereichertem Material, vorzugsweise aus einer Silber-Legierung mit einem Silberanteil von über etwa 70%.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the separate means consist of a material enriched with silver, preferably of a silver alloy with a silver content of more than about 70%.

Besonders vorteilhaft bestehen die separaten Mittel aus einer Silber-Kupfer-Legierung mit einem Silberanteil von etwa 90% bis 97% und einem Kupferanteil von etwa 10% bis 3% oder einer Silber-Titan-Legierung mit einem Silberanteil von etwa 70% und einem Titananteil von etwa 30%. Diese Legierungen sind für das Herstellungsverfahren problemlos verwendbar und weisen neben der erforderlichen Zugfestigkeit von mehr als 500 N/mm2 auch eine ausreichende oligodynamische Wirkung auf.The separate agents particularly advantageously consist of a silver-copper alloy with a silver content of approximately 90% to 97% and a copper content of approximately 10% to 3%, or a silver-titanium alloy with a silver content of approximately 70% and a titanium content of about 30%. These alloys can be used without problems for the production process and, in addition to the required tensile strength of more than 500 N / mm 2, also have a sufficient oligodynamic effect.

In einer vorteilhaften Weiterbildung sind die separaten Mittel mit einem Überzug aus im wesentlichen reinem Silber versehen. Die separaten Mittel, z.B. der Ankerdraht, werden galvanisch mit dem Silberüberzug versehen, so daß die verfahrenstechnisch erforderlichen Festigkeitswerte des Materials für die Ankerplättchen durch das Grundmaterial des Ankerdrahtes und der oligodynamische Effekt durch den Silberüberzug gewährleistet werden.In an advantageous development, the separate means are provided with a coating of essentially pure silver. The separate means, for example the armature wire, are galvanically provided with the silver coating, so that the procedural strength values of the material for the anchor plates are ensured by the base material of the armature wire and the oligodynamic effect by the silver coating.

Dadurch, daß der Silberüberzug eine Dicke von 5 bis 50, insbesondere 5 bis 20 Mikrometer aufweist, wird die gewünschte oligodynamische Wirkung des Silbers unter Berücksichtigung eines ökonomischen Materialeinsatzes erzielt.Because the silver coating has a thickness of 5 to 50, in particular 5 to 20, micrometers, the desired oligodynamic effect of the silver is achieved, taking into account an economical use of materials.

Von Vorteil bestehen die separaten Mittel aus Silber mit einem Reinheitsgrad von mehr als etwa 99%, wodurch eine äußerst hohe oligodynamische Wirkung gewährleistet wird. Durch spezielle Behandlung des Silbermaterials, z.B. durch Kühlung mit Stickstoff werden die für das Verfahren erforderlichen Festigkeitswerte und Verarbeitungseigenschaften erreicht und die Festlegung der Borsten im Borstenträger mit einem Ankerplättchen aus Silber ermöglicht. Die erforderlichen Festigkeitswerte können auch durch Kaltverformung des Ankermaterials erreicht werden.The separate agents are advantageously made of silver with a purity of more than about 99%, which ensures an extremely high oligodynamic effect. By special treatment of the silver material, e.g. cooling with nitrogen achieves the strength values and processing properties required for the process and enables the bristles to be fixed in the bristle carrier with an anchor plate made of silver. The required strength values can also be achieved by cold working the anchor material.

In einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung bestehen die separaten Mittel aus rostfreiem Stahl oder Titan. Diese Materialien weisen neben den erforderlichen Festigkeitswerten ebenfalls eine, wenn auch schwächere fungizide und bakterizide Wirkung auf.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the separate means consist of stainless steel or titanium. In addition to the required strength values, these materials also have an albeit weaker fungicidal and bactericidal action.

Weitere Vorteile und Anwendungsmöglichkeiten der Erfindung ergeben sich aus nachfolgenden Beschreibungen des Ausführungsbeispieles, das in den Zeichnungen näher dargestellt ist.Further advantages and possible uses of the invention result from the following descriptions of the exemplary embodiment which is shown in more detail in the drawings.

Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
ein Bürstenteil gemäß der Erfindung im Längsschnitt;
Fig. 2
das Bürstenteil gemäß Fig. 1 im Querschnitt.
Show it:
Fig. 1
a brush part according to the invention in longitudinal section;
Fig. 2
1 in cross section.

Ein Bürstenteil 20 für Zahnbürsten weist Borsten 24 auf, die in einem Borstenträger 22 einzeln oder in Form von Borstenbüscheln 26 angeordnet sind. Dabei sind die Borsten der Borstenbüschel 26 jeweils U-förmig gebogen in eine Bohrung 32 eingefügt. Die Festlegung der Borstenbüschel 26 in den Bohrungen 32 erfolgt über separate Mittel 28, die zumindest teilweise aus Silber bestehen und vorzugsweise als Ankerplättchen 30 ausgebildet sind. Diese Ankerplättchen 30 sind jeweils mittig im U-förmig gebogenen Bereich 36 der Borstenbüschel 26 angeordnet und in Bereichen 34, die jeweils an die Bohrungen 32 angrenzen, verankert, insbesondere verklemmt. Damit sind die Borstenbüschel 26 in ihrer Position gegen Herausrutschen oder Herausziehen gesichert.A brush part 20 for toothbrushes has bristles 24 which are arranged in a bristle carrier 22 individually or in the form of tufts of bristles 26. The bristles of the bristle tufts 26 are each bent into a U-shape and inserted into a bore 32. The bristle tufts 26 are fixed in the bores 32 via separate ones Means 28, which at least partially consist of silver and are preferably designed as anchor plates 30. These anchor plates 30 are each arranged centrally in the U-shaped region 36 of the bristle tufts 26 and anchored, in particular clamped, in regions 34 which in each case adjoin the bores 32. The bristle tufts 26 are thus secured in their position against slipping out or pulling out.

Die Borsten 24 werden zur Festlegung mittels einer Stopfmaschine U-förmig gebogen in die Bohrungen 32 im Borstenträger 22 eingebracht. Danach wird das Ankerplättchen 30 mittig in die gebogene Borste 24 oder das Borstenbüschel 26 eingesetzt. Zwischen den Borsten 24 bzw. den Borsten 24 und der Bohrung 32 verbleiben Bereiche 38, die durch die Borsten 24 bzw. Borstenbüschel 26 nicht gänzlich ausgefüllt werden. Da sich bedingt durch die Kapillarwirkung zwischen den einzelnen Borsten 24 bzw. zwischen den Borsten 24 und den Bohrungen 32 in den Bereichen 38 während der Benutzung Wasser sammelt, welches nur selten von einer Benutzung der Zahnbürste zur nächstfolgenden Benutzung abtrocknet, sind diese Bereiche 38 eine Quelle für Bakterien. Durch das Material der Ankerplättchen 30, welches zumindest teilweise aus Silber besteht, gehen bei Kontakt mit dem Wasser während und nach der Benutzung der Zahnbürste Silber-Ionen in Lösung. Diese Silber-Ionen beeinträchtigen den Stoffwechsel der Bakterien und führen mit dem Zusammenbruch des Stoffwechsels zum Absterben der Bakterien. Darüberhinaus wirken diese Silber-Ionen auch fungizid, d.h. sie vernichten ebenfalls Schimmelpilze, die sich gegebenenfalls im Bereich der Bohrungen 32 zwischen oder an den Borsten 24 anlagern könnten. Bedingt durch die Eigenschaften des Silbers, nur schwer Ionen in Lösung abzugeben, erfolgt eine natürliche Begrenzung der Ionenzahl in der Lösung, die jedoch ausreichend für eine bakterizide Wirkung ist. Auf die in der Mundhöhle vorhandene Flora nützlicher Bakterien wirkt die Lösung jedoch nicht schädlich, da die positiven Silber-Ionen fast vollständig mit den negativen Ionen der Zahnpasta oder des Speichels reagieren. Die positiven Silber-Ionen verbinden sich zum Teil mit den negativen Ionen der Zahnpasta oder des Speichels zu Silbersalzen, welche aus der Lösung ausfallen und mit dem Spülwasser während des Zähneputzens aus der Mundhöhle gespült werden. Das Bürstenteil 20 der Zahnbürste wird durch die Verwendung von Ankerplättchen 30 aus einem Material mit oligodynamischer Wirkung, z.B. aus einem mit einem Silberüberzug versehenen Ankerdraht, keimfrei und bleibt es trotz der anhaltenden Feuchtigkeit im kritischen Bereich zwischen den Borsten 24 bzw. in den Bereichen 38 zwischen den Borsten 24 und den Bohrungen 32.The bristles 24 are inserted into the bores 32 in the bristle carrier 22 in a U-shaped manner by means of a tamping machine. The anchor plate 30 is then inserted centrally into the bent bristle 24 or the bristle tuft 26. Areas 38 remain between the bristles 24 or the bristles 24 and the bore 32, which are not completely filled by the bristles 24 or tufts 26. Since, due to the capillary action between the individual bristles 24 or between the bristles 24 and the bores 32, water collects in the areas 38 during use, which only rarely dries from one use of the toothbrush for the next use, these areas 38 are a source for bacteria. Due to the material of the anchor plate 30, which is at least partially made of silver, silver ions dissolve on contact with the water during and after the use of the toothbrush. These silver ions impair the metabolism of the bacteria and lead to the death of the bacteria with the breakdown of the metabolism. In addition, these silver ions also have a fungicidal action, ie they also destroy molds that could possibly accumulate in the area of the bores 32 between or on the bristles 24. Due to the properties of silver that it is difficult to release ions in solution, there is a natural limitation of the number of ions in the solution, but this is sufficient for a bactericidal effect. However, the solution does not have a harmful effect on the flora of useful bacteria present in the oral cavity, since the positive silver ions react almost completely with the negative ions of toothpaste or saliva. The positive silver ions combine in part with the negative ions of the toothpaste or saliva to form silver salts, which precipitate out of the solution and are rinsed out of the oral cavity with the rinsing water while brushing the teeth. The brush part 20 of the toothbrush is germ-free through the use of anchor plates 30 made from a material with an oligodynamic effect, for example from an anchor wire provided with a silver coating, and remains in spite of the persistent moisture in the critical area between the bristles 24 and in the areas 38 the bristles 24 and the holes 32.

Claims (9)

  1. A toothbrush having a brush section (20) comprising a bristle carrier (22) and bristles (24) fixedly secured thereto, said brush section (20) being provided with components made of a material with oligodynamic action, characterized in that separate means (28) are provided for fixedly securing the bristles (24) in their proper location in the bristle carrier (22), and that said separate means (28) are made of the material with oligodynamic action.
  2. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said separate means (28) for fixedly securing the bristles (24) within bores (32) in the bristle carrier (22) are configured as small anchoring plates (30) arranged in particular approximately centrally between the individual bristles (24) of a bristle tuft (26) and anchored in areas (34) of the bristle carrier (22) adjoining the respective bores (32).
  3. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that said separate means (28) are made of a material enriched with silver, preferably a silver alloy with a silver content of over 70%, approximately.
  4. A toothbrush as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said separate means (28) are composed of an alloy of silver and copper with a silver content of between 90% and 97%, approximately, and a copper content of between 10% and 3%, approximately, or alternatively, of an alloy of silver and titanium with a silver content of 70%, approximately, and a titanium content of 30%, approximately.
  5. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that said separate means (28) are plated with a coating of essentially pure silver.
  6. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the silver coating has a thickness of between 5 and 50 micrometers, in particular of 5 to 20 micrometers.
  7. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that said separate means (28) are made of silver with a percentage purity of over 99%, approximately.
  8. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that said separate means (28) are made of stainless steel or titanium.
  9. A toothbrush as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said separate means (28) have a tensile strength of 500 N/mm2, approximately, or over.
EP94915131A 1993-05-26 1994-04-27 Head for a toothbrush Expired - Lifetime EP0700259B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE4317407A DE4317407C1 (en) 1993-05-26 1993-05-26 Brush part for a toothbrush
DE4317407 1993-05-26
PCT/EP1994/001326 WO1994027467A1 (en) 1993-05-26 1994-04-27 Head for a toothbrush

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0700259A1 EP0700259A1 (en) 1996-03-13
EP0700259B1 true EP0700259B1 (en) 1997-06-11

Family

ID=6488885

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP94915131A Expired - Lifetime EP0700259B1 (en) 1993-05-26 1994-04-27 Head for a toothbrush

Country Status (11)

Country Link
US (1) US6009589A (en)
EP (1) EP0700259B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH08511180A (en)
AT (1) ATE154212T1 (en)
AU (1) AU6649394A (en)
CA (1) CA2163367C (en)
DE (2) DE4317407C1 (en)
DK (1) DK0700259T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2105709T3 (en)
HK (1) HK1000345A1 (en)
WO (1) WO1994027467A1 (en)

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US8745804B2 (en) * 2009-08-27 2014-06-10 Steven Jaksha Stainless steel toothbrush with thermochromic display
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DE19818553C1 (en) * 1998-04-24 1999-08-05 Rueb F A Holding Gmbh Making plastic toothbrush combating microorganism growth amongst its bristles
WO1999055194A1 (en) 1998-04-24 1999-11-04 F.A. Rueb Holding Gmbh Method for producing a plastic toothbrush
DE10015062A1 (en) * 2000-03-25 2001-10-04 Braun Gmbh Toothbrush head has elongated slot wherein tuft is arranged in each segment formed by transverse wall which is arranged to converge separate tufts
EP1138222A2 (en) 2000-03-25 2001-10-04 Braun GmbH Brush head and method for its production
US6665901B2 (en) * 2000-03-25 2003-12-23 Braun Gmbh Brush head and method of manufacturing such a brush head
US6786558B2 (en) 2000-03-25 2004-09-07 Braun Gmbh Brush head and method of manufacturing such a brush head
DE10015062B4 (en) * 2000-03-25 2010-05-12 Braun Gmbh Brush head and method of making such a brush head

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DK0700259T3 (en) 1998-01-05
ES2105709T3 (en) 1997-10-16
CA2163367A1 (en) 1994-12-08
HK1000345A1 (en) 1998-03-06
US6009589A (en) 2000-01-04
CA2163367C (en) 2000-01-18
EP0700259A1 (en) 1996-03-13
JPH08511180A (en) 1996-11-26
ATE154212T1 (en) 1997-06-15
AU6649394A (en) 1994-12-20
DE59403128D1 (en) 1997-07-17
DE4317407C1 (en) 1994-08-18
WO1994027467A1 (en) 1994-12-08

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