EP0716821B1 - Toothbrush - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a brush for the tooth and Body care, consisting of a bristle holder and an this attached bristle bundle, the ends of the Bristles of adjacent bundles in at least two different, planes perpendicular to the bristle extension.

A variety of are essential for the effectiveness of toothbrushes Factors are decisive. They range from purely geometric Dimensions such as bristle diameter, bristle length and Area of the bristle field, about the bristle density, the Bristle material, the strength properties, such as bending ability and re-erection ability until order the bristles within the bristle stock.

It was recognized early on that one was exclusive flat work surface, i.e. one the bristle ends comprehensive flat envelope surface for inadequate cleaning, leads especially in the interdental spaces, because the bristles are essentially in during the cleaning movement the same direction, namely against the direction of movement, fold and not enough into the interdental spaces penetration. The tooth necks are similar problem areas in the area of the transition to the gingiva. Is problematic further that the bit on the outside of the tooth in the anterior region concave, but convex on the inside is, so that in particular the cleaning of the inside of the Anterior teeth are hardly possible effectively.

The individual tooth also has different outside and inside Curvatures on and finally is in the molar area the purchase area in turn designed differently than the outer or inner tooth surface. The inadequate cleaning effect the aforementioned toothbrushes with flat Work surface and dense bristle trimmings are based essentially on the support of the bristles with each other the consequence of the deflection of the bristles against the Direction of movement, and the inadequate adjustment of the Work surface on the different teeth or tooth contours.

This should be remedied, for example, that the bristle bundles have different lengths (FR-A-2 587 183) and / or have different angular positions. So it is known (US 4 010 509) in the middle Longitude of bristle bundles arranged in the bristle carrier to be shorter than that on both sides in the edge area arranged bundles, which are also angled are. With regard to the deflection of the bristles applies here however, the same for the individual bundle as for the previously mentioned toothbrush. The bundles of the same length usually turn in one direction, namely against the direction of movement.

The same applies to another known toothbrush (US 3rd 722 020), in which the ends of the bristle bundles in total three working levels lie, their level from the central longitudinal axis rises to the outside. This is intended to essential convex effective area can be achieved however, at most for the outside of the tooth in the anterior region is cheap.

In another known embodiment (US 4,979,782) the bristles of each bundle have different lengths and form a concave or convex surface and can finally the bundles among themselves two different ones Have lengths by being in the front of the Brush are longer than in the rear area. Farther it is known (EP 0 449 655) bristle bundles with different Bundle diameters and different lengths to be arranged in groups, the effective surfaces of the bristle ends in two different levels, which are in the essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the bristle carrier run. The shorter bundles can inevitably only be effective in one direction of movement if they namely in the direction of movement in front of the longer bundles lie. With the opposite movement they become overlapped by the longer bundles and so ineffective.

Finally, it is known (EP 0 471 312) within one Provide bundles of bristles of different lengths. This However, measure serves to thicken the bristle ends to be able to provide without the bundle spreading, what if the thickenings in one plane would necessarily be the case. Support themselves here too the bristles over the thickening together and will consequently the entire bundle is deflected during cleaning.

In a known toothbrush, which forms the preamble of claim 1 (US-A-4 672 706), the bristle bundles have different lengths and the bundles are arranged comparatively closely. A bundle sits on an area of 6.4mm ² . This already achieves a good cleaning effect and, due to their different lengths, the bundles can also follow the tooth contour well.

Because of the extremely high requirements for toothbrushes The density of the bristles with the smallest possible diameter applies for all known embodiments that within the individual bundle the mutual support of the bristles sufficient individual evasion when cleaning prevented.

The different dentistry doesn't change that recommended cleaning techniques, e.g. of red (gingiva) on white (Tooth) or that with mechanically driven toothbrushes known oscillations. On the contrary, in dental research Attachment losses (gum loss), as well as damage to the tooth itself, which are due to excessive brush pressure. On such high brush pressure inevitably occurs when the User strives to have a brushing effect even on heavy exercise accessible areas.

The invention is therefore based on the object a brush according to the preamble of claim 1 (US-A-4 672 706) propose an arrangement that includes a optimal adaptation of the effective area of the bristle bundle the given teeth and tooth contours enables, and regardless of the brushing technique used.

This object is achieved in that at least two bristle bundles are arranged on a bristle carrier surface of at most 6mm ² , the ends of which lie in the at least two different planes.

The arrangement of at least two bristle bundles on an area of at most 6 mm ² initially creates the possibility of minimizing the effective areas given by the ends of each bristle bundle. The entire working surface of the bristle trimmings is thus broken down into the smallest possible surface elements with a tight arrangement of the same, so that the bundles on the bit contour have a different penetration depth, and on the other hand the support of the bristles among themselves is reduced so that they adapt better to predetermined curvatures or longer bristles dodge more easily and the shorter bristles work better.

In a preferred embodiment, the ends of the Bristles from three neighboring bundles in three different ones Levels.

The ends of the bristles of a bundle can concentric levels, instead the Levels of the same level are several bundles along or extend across the bristle holder. Alignment can also of these levels in the longitudinal extension of the bristle carrier vary.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, that the ends of the bristles of a single bundle in the at least two different levels. Through this Measure can be a contouring of the work surface in Divide the smallest effective areas of different levels.

In a further preferred embodiment it is provided that the bristles, the ends of which lie in the same plane, the same as each other, but from those of Bristles, the ends of which lie in a different plane, different Have diameter.

In this way, the stiffness of the bristles, the ends of which lie in a common effective area, differently shape as that of the bristles, the ends of which are in one another level.

Finally, it can be provided that the bristles, the Ends lie in one plane, from those of the bristles, the ends of which are on a different plane, different ones Properties, e.g. Material, surface, color etc. exhibit.

Figur 1a:

eine schematische, abgebrochene Ansicht einer Zahnbürste herkömmlicher Art in der Ausgangslage;

Figur 1b:

die Zahnbürste gemäß Fig. 1a in der Gebrauchslage;

Figur 2a:

eine der Fig. 1a entsprechende Ansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung;

Figur 2b:

die Ausführungsform nach Fig. 2a in der Gebrauchslage beim Reinigen der Gebißaußenseite;

Figur 2c:

die Ausführungsform nach Fig. 2a bei der Reinigung der Gebißinnenseite;

Figur 2d:

die Ausführungsform nach Fig. 2a beim Reinigen der Kauflächen;

Figur 3a:

eine schematische Ansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform in der Ausgangslage;

Figur 3b:

die Ausführungsform nach Fig. 3a in einer Gebrauchslage;

Figur 4a:

ein einzelnes, herkömmliches Borstenbündel;

Figur 4b:

eine erste Ausführungsform eines Bündels mit gestuften Borsten;

Figur 4c:

eine zweite Ausführungsform eines Bündels mit gestuften Borsten;

Figur 4d:

eine dritte Ausführungsform eines Bündels mit gestuften Borsten;

Figur 5a:

zwei benachbarte Borstenbündel mit gestufter Arbeitsfläche;

Figur 5b:

drei benachbarte Borstenbündel mit gestufter Arbeitsfläche;

Figur 6a:

einer der Figur 5b entsprechende Ausführungsform mit unterschiedlichen Borsten;

Figur 6b:

eine der Figur 5a entsprechende Ausführungsform mit verschiedenen Borsten und

Figur 7:

die geometrische Abmessung eines Teilbereichs des Borstenbesatzes einer Zahnbürste.

The invention is described below with reference to some exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing. The drawing shows:

Figure 1a:

is a schematic, broken view of a conventional toothbrush in the starting position;

Figure 1b:

the toothbrush according to Figure 1a in the use position.

Figure 2a:

a view corresponding to FIG. 1a of a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2b:

the embodiment of Figure 2a in the use position when cleaning the outside of the dentition.

Figure 2c:

the embodiment of Figure 2a when cleaning the inside of the dentition.

Figure 2d:

the embodiment of Figure 2a when cleaning the occlusal surfaces;

Figure 3a:

a schematic view of a second embodiment in the starting position;

Figure 3b:

the embodiment of Figure 3a in a position of use.

Figure 4a:

a single, conventional bundle of bristles;

Figure 4b:

a first embodiment of a bundle with stepped bristles;

Figure 4c:

a second embodiment of a bundle with stepped bristles;

Figure 4d:

a third embodiment of a bundle with stepped bristles;

Figure 5a:

two adjacent bristle bundles with a stepped work surface;

Figure 5b:

three adjacent bristle bundles with a stepped work surface;

Figure 6a:

an embodiment corresponding to FIG. 5b with different bristles;

Figure 6b:

an embodiment corresponding to Figure 5a with different bristles and

Figure 7:

the geometric dimension of a portion of the bristle trim of a toothbrush.

7, which shows a section of a bristle holder with bristle trimmings. 25 bristle bundles, each with a diameter of 0.6 mm, are arranged on an area of 6 cm ² , the bundles also being at a distance of 0.6 mm from one another, so that four bundles are arranged over approximately 6 mm ² . Such an arrangement can be realized by optimizing the latest manufacturing technologies.

Figure 1a shows a section of a manufacturing technology manufactured toothbrush with conventional Bristle or bundle arrangement. it consists of a bristle carrier 1 and bundles 2, each of which several bristles 3 are formed. The bristle bundle 2 have the same length, so that their ends on a lie flat envelope that forms the working surface 4.

A bit in the anterior region is schematically shown in FIG. 1b with the front teeth 5 and the first on the front tooth area subsequent molar tooth 6 shown. When running the bristle bundles 2 put on during the cleaning movement their ends against the direction of movement around like this at the bristle bundle 2 shown on the left is recognizable. The bristle bundles spread between them on, but without a significant effect with their ends to unfold while the bristle bundle shown further to the right 2 remain without any effect. In particular is recognizable that the bristles are not or only very insufficient penetrate between the teeth.

Figure 2a shows a toothbrush according to the invention, at the bristle bundle 8 in turn on the bristle carrier 7 in the Fig. 7 arrangement shown are attached. The bristles 9 each bundle 8 or groups of bristles are different long so that their ends are shown Embodiment in three stepped action levels 10, 11th or 12 are.

In FIG. 2b, the toothbrush according to FIG. 2a is in one of the usual positions of use when cleaning the teeth on the Teeth outside shown. Again, there are the front teeth 5 and the first molar tooth 6 can be seen. When pressing the Bristles soften under the cleaning movement much more diverse, like this one Comparison of Figures 1b and 2b becomes clear. While the bundle of bristles on the left completely turns in one direction (against the direction of movement), but due to the stepped effective areas of the individual Bristles of the bundle cover the outer contour of the tooth the bristles of each other give way to the other bundles Bundles in different directions and penetrate this in turn partially flawlessly into the interdental spaces one while other bristles of the same bundle or the bristles of the adjacent bundle on the tooth surfaces be effective. The same applies to cleaning the inside of the teeth, as can be seen in FIG. 2c is. The bristles therefore optimally adapt to the Contour of the surfaces to be cleaned including the Interdental spaces. The same optimal adjustment results, as shown in Figure 2d, on the occlusal surfaces.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3a, each has Bundle 10 central bristles 11, the ends of which on one Effective surface 12 and on both sides of the bristles 11th arranged groups of bristles 12 and 13, the ends of which again lie in two different active surfaces 15, 16. The effect of such an embodiment is shown in FIG. 3b evident.

Figure 4a shows a single bristle bundle 2 accordingly the embodiment of Figure la. The bristles 3 one such bundle 2, which is essentially the one indicated Circular, have the same length.

In Figure 4b, a single bristle bundle 8 is corresponding the embodiment shown in Figures 2a to d. The Ends of the bristles of such a bundle 8 are in three Tiered levels across the bundle extent. Besides one There is a segment with bundles 17 of greatest length Segment with bundles 18 of medium length and next to it Segment with bundles 19 of the smallest length. Figure 4c shows an annular gradation of the active surfaces of the bristles Bundle 20, namely with an outer group of bristles 21 of shortest length, a middle group of bristles 22 medium length and a central group with bristles 23 greatest length.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG Bristle bundle 24 provided the reverse arrangement. This therefore has a central group of bristles 25 smallest length, a group concentrically surrounding this of medium length bristles 26 and an outer group of Bristles 27 of greatest length.

Instead of grading the effective areas of a single bundle can also the effective area in the arrangement according to FIG neighboring bundles are at different levels.

Figure 5a shows two adjacent bundles 28, 29, the Cross section is segment of a circle, the bristles of the Bundle 28 have a greater length than that of the bundle 29. Are in the embodiment of Figure 5b three bundles of circular cross section in the arrangement 7 of different lengths, the Bundle of 30 longest bristles, the bundle of 31 bristles medium length and the bundle 32 bristles of the shortest length having.

Another design option arises, as in Figure 6a shown, in that the bristles are adjacent Bundles 33, 34 and 35 have different diameters or, as indicated in FIG. 6b, the bristles are adjacent Bundles 36, 37 have different properties, e.g. consist of different materials or have different surface properties.

Claims (7)

1. Brush for tooth and personal hygiene, comprising a bristle carrier (7) and bristle bundles (8) fixed thereto, the ends of the bristles (9) of adjacent bundles being in at least two different planes perpendicular to the bristle extension, characterized in that at least two bristle bundles (8) are placed on a bristle carrier surface of at the most 6 mm² and their ends are in at least two different planes (10, 11, 12).
2. Brush according to claim 1, characterized in that the ends of the bristles of three adjacent bundles (33, 34, 35) are in three different planes (10, 11, 12).
3. Brush according to claim 1, characterized in that the ends of the bristles of a single bundle (8) are located in at least two different planes.
4. Brush according to claim 3, characterized in that the ends of the bristles (21, 22, 23) of a bundle (20) are located on concentric planes.
5. Brush according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the planes (10, 11, 12) of the same level of several bundles extend along or transversely to the bristle carrier.
6. Brush according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the bristles, whose ends are located in the same plane, have a mutually identical diameter, but which differs from the diameters of the bristles, whose ends are located in another plane.
7. Brush according to one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the bristles, whose ends are located in the same plane, have mutually identical characteristics, e.g. material, surface, colour, etc., but differing from those of the bristles, whose ends are located in another plane.

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