EP2186434B1 - Toothbrush, brush and brush head for a toothbrush - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a bristle for a toothbrush, which consists of a monofilament of plastic, wherein the preferably cloverleaf-shaped bristle body has a plurality of star-shaped longitudinal ribs which project laterally from a core portion of the bristle body. The invention further relates to a brush head for an electric toothbrush with at least one bristle tuft having at least one such bristle and an electric toothbrush with such a brush head.

From the EP 11 13 737 B1 or the US Pat. No. 6,871,373 B2 Bristles are known for a toothbrush, which have a substantially cloverleaf-shaped cross-section. At the free ends of the bristles are in this case a piece of wide spliced, so that the clover-shaped cross-section forming longitudinal ribs of the bristle body individually projecting at the end of the bristle and form a total flower-shaped bristle end. Such split bristle ends have many advantages, such as an improved conforming to the tooth surface, a better cleaning agent distribution on the tooth surface and a high cleaning effect on the smooth surfaces. On the other hand, previous bristle tufts from such split bristles are less advantageous in terms of plaque removal or interdental cleaning.

Above all, however, such spliced bristle tufts are expensive to manufacture. Usually, special splicing machines are used for this purpose, which split the bristles by means of rapidly rotating knives. This is done in several steps, such as in the WO 00/01276 described.

Like in the EP 11 13 737 B1 explained, has also been proposed to build in such cloverleaf bristles so to speak predetermined breaking points, which facilitate the splitting. For this purpose, when extruding the bristle body of the extrusion strand is first split into several separate strands, which are then joined together again. At the joints, corresponding predetermined breaking points result, since there are created interfaces between corresponding material sections. As a result, the bristles break when splitting transversely, so that the core region of the bristle body is also split.

WO2007 / 144038A teaches a toothbrush bristle with a longitudinally pitch-structured profiling.

On this basis, the present invention seeks to provide an improved bristle and an improved bristle carrier of the type mentioned in each case as well as an improved toothbrush, avoid the disadvantages of the prior art and develop the latter in an advantageous manner. Preferably, an easy-to-produce electric toothbrush is to be created, on the one hand good clinging of the bristle tufts to the tooth surface, a good cleaning agent distribution on the tooth surface and a pleasant feel achieved, on the other hand, however, also in the plaque removal and the removal of harder tooth contamination has a good cleaning performance ,

According to the invention this object is achieved by a bristle according to claim 1, a bristle carrier according to claim 6 and a toothbrush according to claim 11. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

It is therefore proposed to initially insert unspliced bristles with laterally projecting longitudinal ribs and preferably cloverleaf-shaped cross-section into the toothbrush and to form such that they split themselves in the cleaning operation. According to the invention, the bristle of the type mentioned above is self-splitting in such a way that the cleaning forces acting on the bristles during normal brushing lead to a splitting of the bristle at its free end. As a result, consuming splicing and corresponding splicing can be saved in the production of the toothbrush.

Any reference to the bristle tufts may alternatively be considered as a reference to a plurality of bristles according to this invention as described above and below and in the claims. In addition, other types of tooth cleaning elements may alternatively be used instead of bristles. Furthermore, as described in this context, the bristle tufts can not be arranged on outer, middle and inner rings, but rather on outer, middle or inner regions arranged relative to one another.

The self-splicing bristles with the laterally projecting longitudinal ribs are in this case advantageously combined in corresponding bristle tufts with non-self-splicing bristles, so that a mixture of splicing and non-splitting bristles is present in the corresponding bristle tufts. As a result, a good Umschmiegung the tooth surface, a good cleaning agent distribution and a pleasant feel with still high cleaning performance in terms of plaque removal can be combined. Furthermore, self-splicing can therefore take several months in a controlled process. In addition, a high bristle density in a bristle tufts and thus on the bristle carrier of the brush head can be realized.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the mixed bristle tufts, which have both splitting bristles with lateral longitudinal ribs and longitudinal rib-free, normal bristles, arranged in an inner portion of the bristle field of the brush head, while at an outer edge of the bristle field bristle tufts are provided from nicht splitting bristles, wherein these outer bristle tufts may advantageously have in part a greater length and / or height than the inner bristle tufts, so that a particularly effective interdental cleaning can be achieved with these outer bristle tufts of non-splitting bristles. At the same time, the splitting bristles in the inner region of the bristle field ensure effective cleaning of the tooth flanks.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the bristle body including its core portion is thereby formed free of predetermined breaking points, i. it advantageously has a homogeneous material and microstructure over the entire cross section.

The self-splicing training can basically be achieved in various ways. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the bristles have a special shape. In particular, the bristle body may be shaped such that a ratio of an outer diameter of an enveloping cylinder enclosing the longitudinal ribs to a minimum outer tap dimension determined by applying a vernier caliper to the bristle body is in the range of about 1.10 to 1.30. The said ratio of outer diameter of the enveloping cylinder to the Außenabgriffsmaß may vary depending on the number of longitudinal ribs. If three longitudinal ribs are provided on the bristle body, said ratio of outside diameter to outside tap dimension is advantageously between 1.10 and 1.25 and in particular about 1.15.

In the invention, three longitudinal ribs are provided.

In addition, the bristle body advantageously has a certain ratio of the depth of the depressions between the laterally projecting longitudinal ribs and the outer diameter of the the longitudinal ribs enveloping envelope cylinder. In the invention, it is provided that the ratio of the core diameter of a fictitious inner shell cylinder inscribed by the depressions between the longitudinal ribs to the outer diameter of said enveloping cylinder, which includes the longitudinal ribs, is 0.5 +/- 0.15. The said outer shell cylinder is thus about twice as large as the core diameter.

The cross-section of the bristle body is in fact cloverleaf-shaped and the longitudinal ribs have an outer contour, which corresponds in each case to a partial circular cylinder.

Advantageously, in this case all longitudinal ribs have a mutually identical outer contour in order to achieve a uniform splicing.

The aforesaid external tap size, which can be determined by applying a vernier caliper such that the minimum tap dimension can be adjusted while rotating the bristle, can here basically be between 5 and 9 mil, with a mil = 0.0254 mm. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, said Abgriffsmaß be between 5.5 and 6 mils and in particular about 5.75 mil. The above-mentioned tapping the Abgriffsmaßes with a vernier caliper is of course meant only figuratively to clarify the definition of Abgriffsmaßes. Since a mechanical caliper of conventional design would be too coarse in the mentioned Durchmaßermaßen the bristle, a corresponding filigree device such as a micrometer screw would be used.

The aforementioned bristles with longitudinal ribs can in principle be added in a different mixing ratio to the splicing-free, normal bristles. Depending on the application, more splicing bristles, but also more non-splitting bristles can be used. A good compromise with regard to plaque removal on the one hand and reshaping of the tooth surfaces and cleaning agent distribution on the other hand is achieved in a further development of the invention in that x = 50% +/- 10% self-splicing trained bristles with laterally projecting longitudinal ribs on the one hand and y = 50% +/- 10% spliceless, normal bristles on the other hand are used per mixed bristle tufts, where x + y = 100%.

The spliceless bristles can basically have different cross-sectional geometries. Advantageously, they are longitudinally rib-free with a geometric basic cross-sectional shape such as rectangular or hexagonal. In particular, as spliceless bristles, those with a round, in particular circular, cross-section are provided.

The spliceless bristles advantageously have a diameter which is smaller than the previously mentioned external tap dimension of the self-splitting bristles with longitudinal ribs. For example, round 5.5 mil diameter round bristles may be blended with self-spliced bristles having longitudinal ribs with an outside tap of 5.75 mils.

Particularly advantageous is the use of said selbstaufspleissenden bristles in a bristle field, the bristle tufts in cross-sectional area concentrated on the outer edge of the bristle field and in the central region and are provided between these large bristle tufts at the edge and in the center on a central bristle tuft ring cross-sectional area small bristle tufts. In particular, a plurality of tufts of bristles having a cross section smaller than the cross section of the elongated bristle tufts are arranged within the elongated bristle tufts on the outer ring on a middle ring and again within these small bristle tufts on the middle ring is at least one bristle tufts with a cross section larger than the cross section of Bristle tufts of the middle ring provided. Through this rhythmic alternation of the tufts cross-sections from the inside to the outside, a high bristle density can be achieved and better avoid a collision of the fasteners. On the other hand, there are also advantages in terms of cleaning effect. Among other things, the toothpaste usually applied in the center of the bristle field is better kept on the work surface.

Advantageously, the bristle tufts of said central ring and the innermost bristle tufts are provided with said self-splicing bristles.

In a further development of the invention, bristle tufts of different cross-sectional shapes are arranged on the at least one middle bristle ring. In particular, bristle tufts may be provided on said at least one central ring which have an approximately square tuft cross-section. Alternatively or additionally, bristle tufts with a round cross section, in particular a circular cross section, may also be provided on the said middle ring. If both angular, in particular square, as well as round, in particular circular bristle tufts are arranged on said middle ring, these are advantageously concentrated in different sectors. There are basically different possibilities for this. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that round bristle tufts are arranged on the middle ring in opposite sectors which contain the toothbrush longitudinal axis in the undeflected neutral position of the bristle carrier. The angular bristle tufts of the middle ring, however, are advantageously arranged in opposite sectors of the bristle carrier, which are arranged in the neutral position of the bristle carrier symmetrical to a transverse axis.

In order to create favorable space for the attachment of the bristle tufts, can be provided in a further development of the invention that the angular bristle tufts of the middle ring, at least some of which, with respect to the main axes of the bristle carrier and also with respect to the main axis of the ring contour of the ring on which they are arranged are twisted at an acute angle. In particular, at least one of the angular bristle tufts, preferably every second angular tufts of bristles, can be rotated with its main axis in such a way that the main axis of the bristle tuft cross section is inclined at an acute angle to a tangential to the middle ring. As a result, corresponding anchor plates are correspondingly rotated out of the collision area of other anchor plates. In addition, the bending behavior of the bristle field can be formed overall more homogeneous and in particular less direction-dependent.

The bristle tufts of the middle ring have at least approximately the same cross-sectional area, regardless of their various tufts cross-sectional shapes, with the cross-sectional areas varying in a range of preferably less than +/- 25%.

Compared to the cross-sectional areas of the bristle tufts of the middle ring, the outer elongated bristle tufts on the outer ring and the at least one innermost bristle tufts in the center of the bristle field are at least twice as large in cross-sectional area.

On the outer ring of the bristle field in this case advantageously several mutually opposite pairs of elongated bristle tufts can be arranged. In order to achieve a better adaptation of the bristle configuration to the different cleaning tasks in different regions of the bristle field, differently shaped pairs of elongated bristle tufts may be provided on said outer ring, which are differently formed with regard to their bristle length and / or height and / or cross-sectional area.

Here, fundamentally different configurations are possible. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention are in opposite sectors of the bristle carrier, which contain the toothbrush longitudinal axis in its undeflected neutral position, longer and / or larger in cross-sectional area elongated bristle tufts than in perpendicular oriented sectors transverse to the toothbrush longitudinal axis.

In addition to the elongated bristle tufts, further bristle tufts of non-oblong contour may advantageously be provided on the outer ring, which may advantageously have an approximately circular or square cross section whose cross sectional area is smaller than the cross sectional area of the elongated bristle tufts.

In the central region of the bristle field according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, two likewise elongated bristle tufts are provided whose longitudinal axis, i. the longitudinal extension of the elongated cross section, each aligned parallel to a major axis of the bristle carrier. In particular, the said innermost bristle tufts can be oriented with their longitudinal axes in the undeflected neutral position of the bristle carrier parallel to the toothbrush longitudinal axis and / or be oriented towards the elongated bristle tufts of the outer ring, which have on the outer ring the greatest height and / or largest cross-sectional area.

The bristle carrier and / or the bristle field may in principle have different outer contour contours, wherein the bristle carrier is advantageously designed to be round, in particular in the case of rotational drive of the bristle carrier. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, however, the bristle carrier is not circular in this case, but provided with a deviating from the circular shape. In particular, the bristle carrier may be formed oval or elliptical or slightly flattened in a similar manner. Alternatively or additionally, at least the outer row or the outer ring of bristle tufts be arranged on an oval or an ellipse or a similarly flattened ring.

The bristle tufts are in this case viewed in the plan view of the bristle carrier advantageously symmetrical with respect to the main axes of the bristle carrier and / or arranged rotationally symmetrical, in particular such that the bristle tufts or their attachment locations on the bristle carrier by a 180-degree rotation are interconvertible.

Alternatively or additionally, however, the bristle field can be viewed in a side view, in particular transversely to the toothbrush longitudinal axis, having an asymmetrical contouring, in particular in such a way that the height profile rises to one side more than to the other.

In a further development of the invention, the bristle field has a central depression in the working surface defined by the free ends of the bristle tufts, which advantageously may have a channel-shaped bottom, which is curved in one direction and is substantially straight in the direction perpendicular thereto. Such a substantially uniaxial arched depression in a central portion of the bristle field or its working surface can not only achieve a better absorption of the toothpaste or a similar, gel-like dentifrice, but, above all, a better tooth cleaning effect with a more pleasant, gentler cleaning sensation. The rising to opposite peripheral sides contour of the work surface nestles better on the lateral tooth flanks, which are encased so to speak accurately, so that in particular the adjacent to the interdental spaces sections of the tooth flanks are better cleaned.

In contrast to bristle fields with flat depressions in the middle, not the very innermost, ie central tufts, have to bend away. Rather, the bristle tufts nestle already without bending away accurately to the side edges of the teeth. In addition, there is a gentler cleaning feeling, in particular when the brush head is moved from one tooth to the next, since, due to the varying bristle tufts, individual tufts are pushed away one after the other in the central region as they are pushed over a tooth flank or, as it were, along the curved surface of the depression around the brush head Flank of the next tooth is pushed around, without the brush head would fall so to speak into the depression. Especially in rotary Moreover, driving the bristle field results in a gentle wiping movement, since the tufts of bristles tucked around the tooth flank are bent more strongly with increasing distance from the axis of rotation.

The trough-shaped curvature of the recessed, central portion of the bristle field surface can basically be achieved in various ways. For example, a correspondingly curved bristle carrier could be provided with a constant length of the bristle tufts. In a further development of the invention, however, vary the bristle tufts, in particular the inner bristle tufts in their length such that they define the said trough-shaped curvature with their free ends. In particular, the length of the inner bristle tufts in the direction of warping of the work surface defined by the free ends may increase with increasing distance from a center of the bristle carrier such that said trough-shaped warping of the central recess is defined. By thus varying the length of the bristle tufts, a gentle cleaning sensation and a gentle moving away of the bristle field over the teeth can be achieved, since the further projecting bristles can bend away more easily due to their greater length.

In order to achieve a continuous as possible curvature of the surface of the central recess, the free ends of the inner bristle tufts, which define said working surface in the region of the recess, not parallel to the bristle carrier extending end faces, but to the surface of the bristle carrier acute angled end faces, with different inner Bristle tufts differently inclined face have such that the differently inclined faces complement each other define the said groove-shaped contour of the central recess. In particular, the inclination of the end faces of the free ends of the bristle tufts can be increasingly formed with increasing distance of the bristle tufts from the center of the bristle carrier, resulting in an increasingly steeper wall of the trough-shaped bottom toward the peripheral edges of the bristle field.

In principle, the bristle tufts can form a flat surface at their free ends. In this case, the inner bristle tufts define said trough-shaped curvature, so to speak, in the form of a crease with a stepwise increasing tuft from tuft to tuft.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the free ends of the inner tufts at their free ends may have a non-planar, but rather arcuately curved end face such that the complementary free ends of adjacent bristle tufts define a continuously curved envelope surface which forms the aforementioned trough-shaped depression , The curved end faces of the individual tufts are advantageously curved uniaxially, i. in itself already trough-shaped curved, so that they have a straight course in one direction, while they have a vault in a direction perpendicular thereto.

The trough-shaped curved bottom of the central region of the working surface of the bristle field can in principle be formed symmetrically, i. have a substantially parabolic course. In this case, the inner bristle tufts with their free ends rise substantially equally towards opposite circumferential sides of the bristle field.

In a further development of the invention, however, advantageously also an asymmetrical course of the curvature of the central recess in the working surface of the bristle field can be provided, wherein in particular a banana-shaped gutter curvature can be provided. Advantageously, the bristle tufts defining the central recess in the working surface of the bristle field rise unevenly towards opposite circumferential sides, so that one upper edge of the trough-shaped depression is higher than the opposite edge. As a result, among other things, the tendency of users to compensate for the brush head not exactly tangential to the tooth flanks to create, but in a slightly V-shaped employment.

In order to achieve a further improved cleaning effect with respect to the interdental spaces, in a further development of the invention, the outer, longer or higher bristle tufts each have at least one chamfer on the end-side end faces. In particular, the lateral edges of the end faces can be chamfered in the manner of a chamfer. As a result, on the one hand, the said longer outer bristle tufts can penetrate better into the interdental spaces. On the other hand, the brush head can also move easier and gentler from tooth to tooth, since the chamfers of the circumferentially outer bristle tufts lift the bristle field, so to speak in the manner of a wedge-shaped inclined surface on the next tooth flank.

The outer, longer bristle tufts can basically be bevelled both towards the inner side and towards the outer side. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, however, only one chamfer is provided on one of the sides of the respective bristle tufts, so that a sufficiently wide, non-beveled end surface remains, whereby a cleaning effect is achieved equally in the interdental spaces as well as on the tooth flanks.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention in this case the outer, i. bevelled edges of the free ends of the bristle tufts facing away from the inner bristle tufts. This allows the brush head to slide very gently from tooth to tooth.

Alternatively or additionally, the inside edge of the end face of said outer, longer bristle tufts may also have the chamfer. As a result, the working surface of the bristle field fits snugly to the bulbous tooth flanks. The inside bevel continues, as it were, the gutter-shaped indentation in the center of the working surface of the bristle field.

Depending on the application and training of bristle tufts, the bevel can be formed to different degrees on the peripheral, longer bristle tufts. A good cleaning effect both between the teeth and on their surfaces can be achieved if said bevel of the circumferential bristle tufts is inclined at an angle of about 20 ° to 60 ° relative to the non-tapered end face of said bristle tufts. The depth of the chamfer may in principle be selected differently, wherein it proves to be an advantageous compromise between ease in the interdental spaces and remaining brushing ability on the tooth flanks when said chamfer extends over about 25% to 75% of the width of the bristle tufts at the end , By "width" is meant the extent of the bristle tufts perpendicular to its longitudinal axis and transversely to the longitudinal direction of the bevel.

Particularly effective are the peripheral, longer outer bristle tufts, in particular in conjunction with said bevels, when said bristle tufts are inclined at least with their outer side towards a perpendicular to the bristle carrier acute angle to the outer peripheral side, and preferably at an angle in the range of 1.5 ° to 15 °, preferably about 3 ° to 10 °. As a result, the bristle tufts receive a reduced in one direction when moving the brush head back and forth Buckling resistance, resulting in a better insertion into the interdental spaces.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, said longer outer bristle tufts have a cross-sectional area which increases towards their free ends and / or side flanks diverging away from the bristle carrier. In particular, said circumferentially outer bristle tufts may be trapezoidal in shape when viewed in a longitudinal section, such that the free ends of the tuft are wider than its base on the bristle carrier. By such a trapezoidal design of the bristle tufts these get on the one hand a larger work surface at their free ends. On the other hand, the bristles within a tuft by the fan-like spreading easier to move each other, resulting in a better overall adaptation to the tooth contour and an improved cleaning performance. Especially with lateral bevels of the free ends of the bristle tufts get this favorable geometry ratios with noticeable edges that better conform to the transition contours of the teeth.

The trapezoidal formation of the outer, longer bristle tufts here is advantageously formed asymmetrically with respect to a perpendicular to the bristle carrier. In particular, an inner flank of said bristle tufts, which faces the inner bristle tufts, may extend substantially perpendicular to the surface of the bristle carrier, while an outer side of the respective tufts of bristles which faces away from the inner tufts of bristles may be angled towards the outside at an acute angle to the bristle carrier is. The outer flanks thus project obliquely outwards, while the inner flanks stand straight, that is to say they are aligned essentially perpendicular to the bristle carrier surface.

In the case of the elongated bristle tufts, the abovementioned bevel at the free end of the bristle tuft advantageously extends parallel and / or tangentially to the longitudinal axis of the elongated end face of the bristle tuft.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, outer bristle tufts are provided on opposite circumferential sides in opposite circumferential sectors on the outer peripheral side, so that the central depression in the working surface of the bristle field extends between the opposite longer circumferential tufts. The longer, outer bristle tufts are advantageously not provided along the entire circumference of the bristle field, but only in limited angular sectors of preferably each less than 60 ° sector angle, while in intermediate sectors in which the channel-shaped indentation has its deepest points in the central region, circumferentially no longer, increased outer tufts are placed. The channel-shaped central depression extends, as it were, across the entire bristle field. The outer, circumferential bristle tufts are in the mentioned sectors in which the groove-shaped depression has its lowest points, adapted to the course of the groove-shaped recess contour or form part of it.

The brush head is fundamentally drivable in various ways. Depending on the design of the toothbrush and its drive various drive kinematics can be realized. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the drive movement in this case comprises a rotational oscillation about an axis of rotation which extends through the bristle carrier. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, said rotation axis can extend through the center or center of gravity perpendicular to the plane of the bristle carrier.

However, according to an alternative advantageous embodiment of the invention, the axis of rotation may also be positioned eccentrically, so that differently sized components of movement are generated at different circumferential sides of the bristle field. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the eccentricity is given with respect to the longer, outer bristle tufts, that is, the axis of rotation is parallel to a connecting line through the opposite, outer, longer bristle tufts shifted. Depending on the configuration of the bristle field, the eccentricity can be formed differently strong, and it shows a good compromise between desirably different sized cleaning movements on different peripheral sides on the one hand and still tolerable shaking on the other hand, if the axis of rotation a diameter line of the bristle carrier in the aspect ratio of 55% to 45 % to 70% divided to 30%.

Alternatively or additionally, the axis of rotation of the bristle carrier may be inclined at an acute angle to the plane defined thereby, wherein the inclination is preferably at an angle of 89 ° to 65 °, in particular 88 ° to 82 ° to the plane of the bristle carrier. In this way, the rotational movement of a poking movement can be superimposed in connection with the groove-shaped curved surface image of the bristle field. Preferably, the axis of rotation is tilted in such a way that the bristle field is tilted away from the handpiece of the toothbrush. In rotationally oscillating driving the bristle field is provided in an advantageous development of the invention that extending in plan view end face of the circumferentially outer, longer bristle tufts in an arc around the axis of rotation, in particular on a circular arc around the rotation axis around.

The aforementioned bevels at the outer ends of the longer outer bristle tufts may still have a straight course in development of the invention, preferably substantially tangential to the arcuately curved, elongated end face of the tufts. This simplifies the one hand, the production of bristle tufts. On the other hand, there is a circumferentially varying width of the chamfers and related to the non-tapered end faces, which can cause a constant penetration and extraction of the corresponding bristle tufts from the interdental spaces in the manner of wedge surfaces.

According to an alternative advantageous embodiment of the invention, however, the chamfers may also have a curved shape curved around the axis of rotation, in particular such that the chamfers and / or the remaining, non-chamfered end faces of the bristle tufts have a circumferentially constant contour and width. In this way, a particularly gentle contacting of the bristle tufts with the tooth flanks and favorable penetration into the interdental spaces can be achieved.

The outer, longer bristle tufts surround the inner bristle tufts along about 25% to 75% of the circumference of the bristle field or bristle carrier.

The inner bristle tufts, which define the said central depression in the work surface with their free ends, can form with their free ends a substantially continuous, continuous surface, thus resulting in an actually continuous groove-shaped depression. In this way, on the one hand, a full-surface encompassing of the tooth flanks and thus a surface cleaning effect can be achieved. On the other hand, this has a favorable effect on the positioning of the toothpaste or dentifrice, which is better kept on the working surface of the bristle field and does not flow so easily between the bristle tufts on the bristle carrier.

In an alternative, advantageous embodiment of the invention, the said inner bristle tufts can form with their free ends separate end faces, whereby a better removal of dissolved impurities can be achieved.

Advantageously, the bristles are formed such that the self-splicing of the bristle ends gradually increases during brushing with a toothbrush (electrically or not) with these bristles.

Figur 1:

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer elektrischen Zahnbürste mit einem rotatorisch antreibbaren Büstenkopf nach einer bevorzugten Ausführung der Erfindung,

Figur 2:

eine Draufsicht auf den Bürstenkopf der Zahnbürste aus Figur 1,

Figur 3:

einen Längsschnitt durch den Bürstenkopf aus Figur 2 entlang der Linie B-B parallel zur Längsachse der Zahnbürste,

Figur 4:

einen Längsschnitt durch den Bürstenkopf aus Figur 2 entlang der Linie A-A in Figur 2,

Figur 5:

eine vergrößerte Seitenansicht eines der äußeren, längeren Borstenbüschel aus Figur 3 in einer vergrößerten, schematischen Darstellung, die die Winkelverhältnisse der Abschrägung des Büschels zeigt,

Fig. 6:

eine schematische Querschnittsansicht einer selbstaufspleißend ausgebildeten Borste nach einer vorteilhaften Ausführung der Erfindung mit drei seitlich vorspringenden Längsrippen, und

Fig. 7:

eine schematische Querschnittsansicht einer selbstaufspleißend ausgebildeten, Borste nicht erfindungsgemäßen mit vier seitlich vorspringenden Längsrippen.

These and other features of the invention, each of which, by itself or in sub-combination, may form the subject of the present invention, regardless of their scope in the claims, will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, from which preferred embodiments are set forth the invention will be explained in more detail. In the drawings show:

FIG. 1:

1 is a schematic side view of an electric toothbrush with a rotatably driven busts head according to a preferred embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 2:

a plan view of the brush head of the toothbrush FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3:

a longitudinal section through the brush head FIG. 2 along the line BB parallel to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush,

FIG. 4:

a longitudinal section through the brush head FIG. 2 along the line AA in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 5:

an enlarged side view of the outer, longer bristle tufts FIG. 3 in an enlarged, schematic representation showing the angular relationships of the chamfer of the tuft,

Fig. 6:

a schematic cross-sectional view of a self-splitting bristle according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention with three laterally projecting longitudinal ribs, and

Fig. 7:

a schematic cross-sectional view of a self-splitting, bristle not according to the invention with four laterally projecting longitudinal ribs.

In the FIG. 1 drawn toothbrush 1 comprises a handle 2 and a brush head 4 coupled thereto. More specifically, the brush head 4 can be coupled to a connected to the handpiece 2 neck 3 of the toothbrush 1, which is in the form of a hollow brush tube. However, it would also be possible for the brush head 4 to comprise the said neck 3 or at least a part thereof and to couple it to the handpiece 2.

The handpiece 2 takes in its interior an energy storage 20, preferably in the form of a battery, a motor 5, preferably in the form of an electric motor, and a control device 21.

The rotational movement of the motor 5 is converted via a gear 22 in the illustrated embodiment in a rotationally oscillating movement of a drive shaft 23 which extends through the neck 3 through the brush head 4 back. About a mounted on the handpiece 2 switch 24, the toothbrush 1 can be activated or turned off.

The brush head 4 is in a known manner by means of a suitable transmission (preferably deviating from the illustrated embodiment via a bevel gear 25) offset by means of a push rod transmission at the end of the drive shaft 23 in an oscillating rotational movement about a rotation axis 9, which is substantially transverse to the toothbrush longitudinal axis 26 extends. The angle range swept thereby by the bristle carrier 7 of the brush head 4 advantageously assumes a value in the range of approximately ± 35 ° ± 5 °, but an oscillation in the range of ± 10 ° to ± 100 ° is also possible. The oscillation frequency may vary and, for example, be between 10 Hz and 100 Hz. In the FIG. 1 drawn embodiment forms the axis of rotation 9 with the toothbrush longitudinal axis 26 a right angle. In addition, a drive of the brush head 4 is provided in a third dimension for the pulsation in the direction of the axis of rotation or oscillation.

A preferred embodiment of the brush head 4 of the toothbrush 1 is in the FIGS. 2 to 5 shown. The bristle carrier 7 is here round, but advantageously not circular, but slightly oval and / or elliptical, with the longer axis of the oval or the ellipse in the neutral position of the bristle carrier 7 extends parallel to the toothbrush longitudinal axis 26 and the shorter axis of the oval or the ellipse transversely thereto. In FIG. 2 is the longer axis of the oval or ellipse parallel to the line BB.

A multiplicity of bristle tufts are arranged on the bristle carrier 7, which are arranged in a plurality of approximately circular or non-circular (such as oval) rings 12, 14 and 15 and distributed over the bristle field 10. On an outer ring 12 are in the illustrated embodiment according to FIG. 2 eight bristle tufts are positioned, four of which have an elongated contour, while four have a - roughly speaking - round or equilateral cross-sectional contour. The length of the bristle tufts on said outer ring 12 varies here, as will be explained in more detail, wherein - broadly speaking - longer bristle tufts are generally provided in opposite sectors 27 and 28 which contain the toothbrush longitudinal axis 26 in the initial position of the bristle carrier 7 as in For this purpose, cross-oriented or intermediate sectors 29 and 30, cf. FIG. 2 ,

As FIG. 2 shows, lying on the main axes BB and AA bristle tufts 11 and 31 of the outer ring 12 in the plan view are each elongated, while the intermediate bristle tufts 32 have an approximately equilateral contour or an approximately cubic or round cross-section. The said elongated bristle tufts 11 and 31 each have an arcuately curved course around the oscillation or rotation axis 9 around, cf. FIG. 2 ,

The sitting on the longer main axis BB outer bristle tufts 11 extend over a peripheral portion of about 50 ° to 90 °, preferably about 70 °, while sitting on the shorter main axis AA outer bristle tufts 31 over a peripheral portion of each about 20 ° to 45 °, preferably about 30 °.

On a second ring 15 of bristle tufts viewed from the outside, a total of 10 bristle tufts 13a and 13b are positioned, some of which have a circular cross section and others have a polygonal cross section. In particular, how are FIG. 2 shows, in the sectors 27 and 28, in which the longer outer tufts 11 of the outer ring 12, arranged in cross-section circular bristle tufts 13a, while in the intermediate sectors 29 and 30 of the bristle carrier 7 on the second ring 14 square bristle tufts are provided , Also, the length of these bristle tufts 13a and 13b on the second ring 14 varies cyclically from tuft to tuft along the circumference of the ring 14, in such a way that longer bristle tufts are provided in said sectors 27 and 28 than in the sectors 29 and 30 lying on the short main axis.

The round bristle tufts 13a and the square, approximately square bristle tufts 13b of the central ring 14, regardless of their different cross-sectional contour, have approximately the same cross-sectional area at least approximately at the same time.

As FIG. 2 can, in order to create favorable space for the attachment of the bristle tufts, can be provided in a further development of the invention that the angular bristle tufts 13b of the central ring 14, at least some thereof, with respect to the main axes AA and BB of the bristle carrier 7 and also with respect to Ring contour of the ring 14 on which they are arranged, are acute-angled twisted. In particular, at least one of the angular bristle brushes, preferably every second angular bristle tufts 13b may be rotated with its main axis 37 such that the main axis 37 of the tufts cross-section is inclined at an acute angle to a tangential to the central ring 14. As a result, corresponding anchor plates are correspondingly rotated out of the collision area of other anchor plates. In addition, the bending behavior of the bristle field can be formed overall more homogeneous and in particular less direction-dependent.

Finally, two elongated bristle tufts 13c are provided in an entirely inner area or a third ring of tufts viewed from the outside, which extend with their longitudinal extent 38 in each case parallel to the longer main axis B-B.

The innermost bristle tufts 13c are significantly larger in terms of their cross-sectional area than the bristle tufts 13a and 13b of the middle ring. In the illustrated embodiment, its cross-sectional area between 200% and 400% of the cross-sectional area of the bristle tufts 13 a and 13 b of the middle ring 14th

The innermost bristle tufts 13c are elongate, so that their longitudinal extent 38 is more than 150% of their transverse extent, preferably about 150% to 300%. In the illustrated embodiment, the innermost bristle tufts 13c are advantageously bulged vaulted on an outer contour and formed straight on an inner contour, wherein the inner and outer contours are advantageously connected by rounded end contours.

The innermost bristle tufts 13c are advantageously aligned with their longitudinal axes 38 parallel to the main axis of the bristle carrier, which extends in the undeflected neutral position of the bristle carrier 7 parallel to the toothbrush longitudinal axis 26 and, thus, a longitudinal center plane. The bristle tufts form a homogeneous bristle surface with their free bristle ends. This is achieved by slightly inwardly inclined bristle plug hole walls (between 1.5 and 3 °).

As FIG. 3 shows, the bristle tufts of the bristle field 10 are contoured at their free ends or coordinated with respect to their length and / or height such that the defined by the free ends of the bristle tufts working surface 34 of the bristle field 10 has a central recess 16 which has a channel-shaped Floor 17 has a curved course in one direction and a straight course in a direction perpendicular thereto. The curvature advantageously extends in the direction of the longer main axis BB or in the direction of the toothbrush longitudinal axis 26 when the bristle carrier 7 is in its undeflected neutral position. In a direction perpendicular thereto, which is parallel to the shorter main axis AA of the bristle carrier 7 and / or transverse to the toothbrush longitudinal axis 26, when the bristle carrier 7 is in its undeflected neutral position, the recess 16 has a straight contour, as this FIG. 3 shows.

The central recess 16 may be formed deep different. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the lowest point of the recess 16 is set lower by an amount of about 1 mm to 3 mm, preferably about 2 mm from the highest point of the bristle field 10. The groove-shaped contouring of the bottom 17 of the recess 16 can in this case be fundamentally differently curved. In the in the FIGS. 3 to 5 As shown, an arcuate contour with a radius of curvature in the range of 8 mm to 17 mm, preferably about 11 mm to 14 mm is provided, but this may vary depending on the dimensioning and configuration of the bristle field.

As FIG. 3 shows, in this case the end faces of the inner tufts 13a, 13b and 13c and the end faces of the shorter, outer tufts 31, which also define the channel-shaped bottom 17, not formed as a flat surfaces, but also curved in a gutter-shaped. The respective gutter-shaped curved end surfaces 35 complement each other and together form said trough-shaped contour of the bottom 17 of the central recess 16. Specifically, the inclination of the end surfaces of the inner bristle tufts 13 increases with increasing distance from the axis of rotation 9 in the direction parallel to the main axis BB, cf. , FIG. 3 , In other words, those on the transverse axis AA arranged bristle tufts are slightly curved at their free ends, but aligned substantially parallel to the bristle carrier surface, while increasing with increasing distance from said main axis AA, the inclination of the free ends.

As FIG. 3 also shows, arranged in the sectors 27 and 28 outer tufts 11 of the outer ring 12 are extended relative to the remaining tufts of bristles or have a greater height so that they project beyond the remaining bristle tufts. This also results in a height level with respect to the central recess 16, see. FIG. 3 , that is, the central recess 16 goes to the in FIG. 3 drawn execution not continuously in the end faces of said outer tufts 11 over.

The said outer tufts 11 in the opposite sectors 27 and 28, which in the neutral position of the bristle carrier comprise the toothbrush longitudinal axis 26, advantageously have end faces 36 which comprise a flat portion 19 which is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tufts 11 and bevels 18, the beveled end surfaces 36 to the outside.

As FIG. 5 shows, said chamfers 18 extend at an angle y in the range of 20 ° to 60 °, preferably about 30 ° to 40 °. The chamfers 18 are advantageously formed so deep or wide that they extend over about 25% to 75% of the width W of the respective bristle tufts 11. The width W means the extent of the bristle tufts perpendicular to its longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the chamfer 18, in the region of the free end of the bristle tufts, cf. FIG. 5 , In the in FIG. 5 drawn design so the chamfer extends over about 1/4 to 3/4 of the width W.

The said longer outer bristle tufts 11 are in this case viewed in their longitudinal section as a whole trapezoidal. While the inner flank of the respective bristle tufts 11 extends substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the bristle carrier 7, the outer flank is perpendicular to the bristle carrier 7 at an angle α of approximately 1.5 ° to 10 °, preferably approximately 3 ° inclined to 5 °, so that the cross section of the bristle tufts 11 increases towards its free end, that is, the bristle tufts is wider towards the free end. As a result, with a limited size of the bristle carrier 7, a large work surface can be achieved. Moreover, favorable geometric conditions at the free end of the bristle tufts 11 with respect to the bevel 18 result.

In order to cover the tooth flanks as flat as possible, to distribute the plaster pressure over a large area and to hold toothpaste or the like on the work surface 34, take the bristle tufts with their free ends advantageously at least 35% to 55% of the surface defined by the bristle carrier 7, preferably 50% or more of this. As FIG. 2 shows, the bristle tufts on the outer ring 12 may extend over a peripheral portion of about 200 ° to 300 °, when the extension of all bristle tufts is added together. The externally viewed second ring 14 of bristle tufts may extend over a circumference of a total of about also 200 ° to 300 °, when the extension of all bristle tufts is added together along the circumference. The innermost bristle tufts can advantageously cover with their free ends a substantially full-surface closed area.

Advantageously, the bristle tufts defining the central recess 16 are at least partially provided with self-splitting bristles, wherein in particular the in Fig. 2 shown bristle tufts (13a and 13b) of the middle ring 14 and / or the innermost bristle tufts 13c (and possibly the bristle tufts 13a of the middle ring) may include such self-splicing bristles.

Fig. 6 In this case shows a preferred embodiment of such a self-splitting bristle, which has a cross-section that is basically the same over its length, which is advantageously designed trefoil-shaped, as this Fig. 6 shows. The bristle body 40 in this case comprises three laterally projecting longitudinal ribs 41 projecting from a core portion 42 star-shaped to the outer peripheral side. The longitudinal ribs 41 are distributed uniformly over the circumference. The longitudinal ribs 41 in this case have an outer contour corresponding to a portion of a circular cylinder. The geometry ratios are advantageously selected such that an enveloping cylinder 43 placed around the longitudinal ribs 41 has an outer diameter P _outer , while a fictitious nuclear enveloping cylinder 45 inscribed between the longitudinal ribs 41 has a diameter P _inner , the ratio of P _inner to P _outer in the range of 0.5 +/- 0.15.

On the other hand that is in Fig. 6 drawn Außenabgriffsmaß Φ by appropriate design of the longitudinal ribs 41 so selected that it is 5.75 mil in the illustrated embodiment. This results in a ratio of the outer diameter of the enveloping cylinder 43 P _outer to said outer tap size Φ in the range of 1.0 to 1.3, and especially 1.15.

As Fig. 6 shows the longitudinal ribs 41 in the three-rib design an outer contour in the form of a pitch circle cylinder 43, the diameter of which corresponds approximately to the diameter P _inside of said core core cylinder 45.

The bristle is advantageously formed of polyamide, especially nylon 6.12.

Another non-inventive embodiment of the bristle shows Fig. 7 , The basic concept essentially corresponds to the Fig. 6 , so that corresponding reference numerals are used. Essentially different Fig. 7 from Fig. 6 in that, instead of three longitudinal ribs 41, four longitudinal ribs 41 are provided, and thus therefore the bristle body 40 has the cross-section of a four-leaf clover. Again, the longitudinal ribs 41 are uniformly distributed over the circumference and provided with an outer contour corresponding to a pitch circle cylinder. The geometry ratio are advantageously chosen such that the ratio of the diameter P _inside the core cylinder 45 to the diameter P _{outer of} the outer envelope cylinder 43 is about 0.5 +/- 0.15. The ratio of said diameter P _{outer of} the enveloping cylinder 43 to the external tap dimension Φ is advantageously 1.10 to 1.30 and in particular about 1.20 in this four-ribbed embodiment. Said external tap dimension Φ in the illustrated embodiment is also about 5.75 mils.
Advantageously, in the FIGS. 6 and 7 shown self-splitting bristles in the aforementioned bristle tufts of the central ring 14 and the innermost bristle tufts 13c with "normal", ie not selbstaufsplißend trained bristles combined, advantageously in a mixing ratio of about 50 +/- 10% to 50 +/- 10%.

Claims (11)

1. A self-fanning bristle for a toothbrush, which bristle is comprised of a monofilament made of plastic, wherein the bristle body - which is preferably cloverleaf-shaped in cross section - has multiple longitudinal ribs (41) arranged in a star shape or peripherally, which longitudinal ribs project laterally from a core section (42) of the bristle body (40), wherein the bristle body (40) is shaped such that a ratio of a diameter P_inner of a core cylindrical shell (45) that is inscribed by the troughs (44) between the longitudinal ribs (41) to an external diameter P_outer of a cylindrical shell (43) enclosing the longitudinal ribs (41) amounts to 0.5 +/- 0.15, the longitudinal ribs (41) have an outer contour corresponding to a semicircular cylinder, and the bristle body (40) including its core section (42) has a homogeneous material structure and microstructure, characterized in that the bristle has three longitudinal ribs.
2. A bristle according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the bristle body (40) is formed such that a ratio of an external diameter P_outer of a cylindrical shell (43) enclosing the longitudinal ribs (41) to a minimum external caliper measurement Φ that is determined by application of a Vernier caliper to the bristle body (40) is in a range from 1.10 to 1.30.
3. A bristle according to the preceding Claim, wherein the cited ratio of external diameter P_outer to external caliper measurement Φ is 1.15 given a bristle body with three longitudinal ribs (41).
4. A bristle according to any of the two preceding Claims, wherein the cited external caliper measurement Φ is between 127 and 229 µm (5 and 9 mil), preferably between 140 and 152 µm (5.5 and 6 mil), in particular is 146 µm (5.75 mil).
5. A bristle according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein it is comprised of polyamide.
6. A brush head for a toothbrush, in particular an electric toothbrush, having preferably an approximately plate-shaped bristle carrier (7) that bears a bristle field (10) with multiple bristle tufts (11, 13), wherein at least one of the bristle tufts (13a, 13b, 13c) includes at least one bristle according to any of the preceding Claims.
7. A brush head according to the preceding Claim, wherein bristles according to any of the Claims 1 through 7 are mixed with self-fanning bristles - in particular bristles that are without longitudinal ribs, preferably bristles that are at least partially round in cross section - in the at least one bristle tuft (13a, 13b, 13c).
8. A brush head according to the preceding Claim, wherein a mixture ratio of 50% +/- 10% bristles according to any of the Claims 1 through 10 to 50% +/-10% self-fanning bristles is provided.
9. A brush head according to any of the two preceding Claims, wherein the self-fanning bristles have an external diameter that is smaller than the external caliper measurement Φ of the bristles that are designed to be self-fanning.
10. A brush head according to any of the Claims 6 through 9, wherein the at least one bristle tuft (13a, 13b, 13c) with mixed bristles is arranged in an inner region of the bristle field (10).
11. An electric toothbrush having a brush head according to any of the preceding Claims 6 through 10.

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