EP2420157A1 - Toothbrush with brush topography structuring - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves inserting a bristle bundle (22) with cylindrical bristles and/or tapered bristles into a receiving recess of a tool of a bristling machine. A profile pin is guided into the recess and acts on ends of the bristles of the bundle for its alignment so that the bristles are aligned by front side of the pin. A discontinuous surface is provided on the front side of the pin and forms different planes, where the bristles have topography complementary to that of the front side of the pin. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a toothbrush comprising a bristle bundle (2) a device for manufacturing an anchorless setaceous toothbrush.

Description

The present invention relates to a toothbrush having a bristle field design and to a method for the production thereof.

Toothbrushes usually have a brush head with a bristle field formed from bristle bundles. Such toothbrushes are known from the prior art. The bristle fields of the toothbrushes have been diversified over time to improve their application, that is, on the one hand the cleaning effect and on the other hand the handling for the user. One of these developments relates to the use of profiled bristle fields and bristle bundles with bristles of different heights.

US 5,926,897 discloses a toothbrush having a bristle field composed of bristle bundles. This bristle field is designed profiled and the individual bristle bundles have a number of higher standing bristles, which form a higher end surface.

DE 198 32 436 describes a method for making brushes, in particular toothbrushes. The method shows the processing of bristle bundles with different lengths bristles, wherein the processing of the bristles is performed in different steps by means of lateral deflection.

US design 425,306 shows an ornamental bristle field with substantially triangular bristle bundles, at the corners of higher standing bristles are arranged.

EP 1 425 989 discloses toothbrushes with pointed bristles and a method of making the same. The bristles can have two identical pointed ends or different, ie, one not pointed and one pointed end.

WO 2009/000903 describes a toothbrush with bristle bundles, these bristle bundles on the one hand have shorter non-pointed bristles and on the other hand longer pointed bristles. The longer bristles may be randomly distributed in the bristle bundle or centrally located in an inner region of the bristle bundle.

The object underlying the present invention is to provide a toothbrush which is easy to produce and which has a very good cleaning effect and is easy to handle.

The object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1 and a toothbrush having the features of claim 7 and a device having the features of claim 12. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

In the method according to the invention for producing anchorless brushed toothbrushes, a bristle bundle with cylindrical bristles and / or pointed bristles is introduced into a receiving recess of a tool of a bristling machine. By means of a guided in the receiving recess profile pin is acted on the pin facing the end of the bristles of the bristle bundle to their orientation, so that the bristles of the bristle bundle are aligned by means of an end face of the profiled pin and thereby the topography of the end face of the profiled pin complementary topography form, wherein the profiled pin has a non-continuous surface on the end face acting on the bristles, which forms a plurality of planes. Not continuous means that the surface has an edge-shaped transition, ie an edge.

An apparatus for carrying out the method according to the invention for producing a toothbrush comprises a die with profile pins guided therein, wherein the profile pins have a highly polished or lapped surface.

A toothbrush according to the invention is made of plastic and comprises at least one hard component and / or one or more soft components. Furthermore, the main body of the toothbrush comprising a head part, a grip part and a neck part connecting the head part and the grip part comprises a carrier element, preferably in the form of a carrier plate. The bristle field formed from bristle bundles is arranged on the carrier element. Both the head, the neck, the handle part and also the carrier element comprise at least one hard component and / or at least one soft component. Preferably, the head part or the interface to the carrier element and the carrier element itself are made of the same hard component. The following thermoplastics are preferably used as hard components: styrene polymers, eg styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), polystyrene (PS) acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), styromethyl methacrylates (SMMA) and styrene butadiene; Polyolefins such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), both in the form of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and in the form of low density polyethylene (LDPE); Polyester, eg Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in the form of acid modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETA) or in the form of glycol modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), acid modified polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate (PCT-A) and glycol modified polycyclohexylenedimethylene ether terephthalate (PCT-G); Cellulose derivatives, eg, cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetobutyrate (CAB), cellulose propionate (CP), cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP), and cellulose butyrate (CB); Polyamides (PA), eg PA6.6, PA6.10 and PA6.12; Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA); Polycarbonate (PC); Polyoxymethylene (POM); Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyurethane (PUR). Particularly preferred is polypropylene having an E-modulus in the range of 1000 N / mm ² to 2400 N / mm ² , most preferably in the range of 1300 N / mm ² to 1800 N / mm ² .

As soft components, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are preferably used: thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPE-U); thermoplastic styrene elastomers (TPE-S), e.g. Styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymer (SEBS) or styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer (SBS); thermoplastic polyamide elastomers (TPE-A); thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers (TPE-O); thermoplastic polyester elastomers (TPE-E). In addition, the thermoplastics polyurethanes (PUR) and polyethylenes (PE) can also be used as a soft component. Preferably, a TPE-S is used. The Shore A hardness of the soft components used is preferably less than 90 Shore A.

The hard and soft components used are preferably in two- or multi-component injection molding processed. This forms a material or positive connection between the components.

The term bristles refers to the individual filaments of which bundles of bristles are made up. The terms bristle, bristle filament or filament are used synonymously and all refer to the above-mentioned individual filaments of a bristle bundle. Bristles can be made of different materials. For example, polyamides (PA) or polyesters (PBT) are used. An example of a polyamide used is PA6.12. In this case, polyamides are preferably used for cylindrical bristles, while polyesters are preferably used for one-sided or double-sided sharpened bristles. The bristles can have different diameters. As a rule, bristles have a cylindrical shape. Preferably, the cross section is at least approximately circular cylindrical and constant over the length of the bristle, in this way a circular cylinder is formed. Other cross-sectional shapes are possible, for example, square, rectangular or diamond-shaped. Tapered bristles have on the one hand a cylindrical part in which they have a constant cross-section, on the other hand, these bristles taper over a certain range to at least one payload end. In one-sided sharpened bristles, as they can be used in tooth brushes according to the invention, the area of the sharpened bristles which adjoins the pointed area and thus faces the free end has a cylindrical cross-section. Furthermore, bristles may have different types of ends. The bristle end of cylindrical bristles is usually on the one hand at least approximately hemispherical, while on the other hand, the bristle end of pointed bristles leaking to a point. The bristle ends of cylindrical bristles are usually machined to avoid any sharp edges at the bristle end, which may for example result from cutting. Machining means that the ends of the cylindrical bristles are rounded, for example, after being cut to a length for further processing. This breaks sharp edges of the bristle ends of the cylindrical bristles and achieves an at least approximately hemispherical bristle end.

The bristles may be at least partially colored. Polyester (PBT) bristles are dyed chemically. If the bristles are made of polyamide (PA), food colors can also be used for coloring. For example, Aluminum Lake of 3,3'-dioxo-2,2'-diindolinydene-5,5'-disulfonic acid for a blue color, aluminum lake of 5-hydroxy-1- (4-sulfophenyl) -4- (4- sulfophenylazo) -3-pyrazolecarboxylic acid for yellow staining or aluminum lake of 6-hydroxy-5- (4-sulfophenylazo) -2-naphthalenesulfonic acid also used for yellow staining. Wholly or partially colored bristles must be painted in order to ensure their machinability. For example, to reduce the friction between the bristles and the machine parts.

Boron bundles according to the invention comprise bristles with at least two different lengths. That is, the free ends of the bristles are at different heights from the bristle-carrying top of the head and up in the case of bristle bundles with bristles of two different lengths two different areas. The portion of the bundle of bristles which contains all the bristles in cross-section is called the bundle of bristles. The portion of the bundle of bristles, which in cross-section only comprises the bristles with the bristle ends projecting upwards, is referred to as a reduced part of the bristle bundle. The above-mentioned two effective surfaces are formed on the one hand by the bristle ends of the bristles of shorter length and on the other hand by the bristle ends of the bristles of greater length, that is, with the higher bristle ends.

The bristle bundle trunk preferably has a height of 6 mm to 11 mm, particularly preferably 8 mm to 10 mm. The height of the reduced portion of the bristle bundle is preferably 9 mm to 15 mm, particularly preferably 10 mm to 12 mm. The height is measured in each case from the top of the head part or the support element, actually from the exit point of the bristle from the surface. The distance of the end surface of the bristle bundle trunk to the end surface of the reduced part is preferably between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, between 2 mm and 3 mm. As described above, bristle bundles comprise bristles with bristle ends of different height which form two usable surfaces. The bristles can also have different bristle ends. On the one hand, the bristle ends may be rounded, as has been described for cylindrical bristles, on the other hand, bristles may have a tapering region towards their free end, which has a sharpened bristle end. In one embodiment, all bristles have pointed bristle ends. In a preferred variant, only bristles with a higher bristle end have a sharpened bristle end. This means that only the reduced part of a bundle of bristles has bristles sharpened bristle end. The remaining bristles of this bristle bundle with a lower bristle end are cylindrical bristles with a rounded bristle end. Thus, the higher usable area is formed by bristles with pointed bristle ends, whereas the lower lying useful area is formed by bristles with a rounded bristle end. In another embodiment, it is the other way around. The bristles with higher bristle ends have rounded bristle ends. In contrast, in this embodiment, the remaining bristles with a lower bristle end have pointed bristle ends. Consequently, in this embodiment, the higher usable space is formed by free, rounded bristle ends and the lower effective area is formed by free, pointed bristle ends.

Both cylindrical bristles with a rounded bristle end and bristles with a sharpened bristle end may wholly or preferably only be partially colored. The colored area of a bristle extends over a length of 2 mm to 10 mm, preferably 3 mm to 8 mm. Also preferably only bristles are colored with higher standing bristle end. In addition, in the case of only partially colored bristles, the colored part of the bristles preferably extends toward the free bristle ends thereof. As an alternative embodiment, only bristles having a lower bristle end have a colored area, which area preferably extends toward the free bristle ends.

The at least partial coloring of the bristles may have other advantages in addition to design and aesthetic aspects to bring oneself. An embodiment of the coloring or of the color itself entails that the fading of the colored area of a bristle or the washing out of the color as the use period progresses are used by the user as an efficient indicator of the shorter life of a toothbrush according to the invention. This gives the user an advantageous consumption display.

The bristle field is formed by the bristle bundles arranged on the carrier element. The bristle bundles can be arranged in a grid on the support element. The bristle field may be formed by one or preferably two or more different types of bristle bundles. In addition to bristle bundles with bristles which have at least two bristle ends of different heights, bristle bundles with cylindrical bristles or bristle bundles with bristles having a pointed free end or also bristle bundles consisting of a combination of cylindrical and sharpened bristles may be present. In the bristle field, the bristle bundles with bristles of bristles of different heights can be arranged exclusively in the outermost regions, while in the interior of the bristle field bristle bundles are formed, which are shaped according to the known state of the art. For example, in the interior of the bristle field cylindrical bristles with a height of bristle ends may be attached, which may be configured shorter in their bristle length than the bristle bundles with bristles having at least two bristle ends of different height. Also possible are alternating longitudinal or transverse areas of the above different types of bristle bundles. The bristle bundles can generally, that is also the bristle bundles with bristles, which have at least two bristle ends of different heights upstanding, be configured in a variety of cross-sections. Examples of these are circular, approximately circular, curved, angular or free-form structures.

The bristle bundles and also the higher bristle ends in the bundle of bristles are preferably arranged substantially vertically. An inclination relative to the carrier plate can also be realized. The higher ends protrude at an angle relative to the support plate from the bristle bundle. The orientation of the inclination is not limited, the bristles that are affected by the skew can take any angle in the projection perpendicular to the support plate relative to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush. Bristle bundles with inclined bristles can be combined in the same bristle field with vertical bristle bundles.

Further, in a bristle field, the lengths of the lower-lying bristle ends and also the lengths of the higher bristle ends can be varied. In a bristle field, it is therefore possible to vary with one length or the other length or with both lengths.

Furthermore, the bristle bundles according to the invention can be combined with additional soft-elastic structures arranged on the carrier element or directly on the head part, wherein the soft-elastic structures consist of at least one of the soft components described above consist. Such soft elastic structures are preferably designed as soft-elastic cleaning or massage elements. The soft-elastic cleaning or massage elements can have very different shapes due to the great freedom of design. Below are some examples of possible design variants. In addition to a scraper-like configuration, the cleaning or massage elements can also be present as corner-mounted wing-like or pin-shaped configured cleaning or massage elements. Also possible are scraper-like in their plan view wavy designed cleaning or massage elements or curved, possibly approximately circular curved cleaning or massage elements. The approximately circular cleaning or massage elements may form a closed circle or be arranged in segments in a circle. The soft-elastic cleaning or massage elements complement the cleaning effect of the bristles by enhancing the removal of dental plaque and the polishing of the tooth surface or effect. In addition, soft-elastic structures, in particular the soft-elastic cleaning or massage elements, also serve to dampen cleaning movements and not least the massage of the gums. Analogous to how the different types of bundles of bristles can be combined or arranged with each other, the anchorless bursting of the toothbrush by means of the support element allows a very great design freedom in the arrangement of flexible structures, in particular the cleaning or massage elements. For example, scraper-like, curved in plan view and arranged on a circle soft elastic cleaning or Massage elements enclose one or more bristle bundles, the soft elastic cleaning elements are in turn surrounded by bristle bundles or can be. In addition, the AFT method allows the realization of bristle bundles with an example arcuate cross-section, since no anchor is necessary which limits the width of the bristle bundle.

Boron bundles according to the invention comprise bristles with at least two different lengths. The bristles with the higher bristle ends form a (second) effective area. This useful surface may be a plane extending substantially parallel to the top of the head part. However, the effective area may also be a plane inclined with respect to the top of the head or the effective area may be a, e.g. have wave-shaped, roof-shaped or serrated profile.

The bristle-carrying head portion may comprise a bristle field formed of different types of bristle bundles. In addition to the bristle bundles with bristles which have bristle ends of different heights and thus form at least two levels of use, it is also possible for there to be further bristle bundles with cylindrical bristles or with exclusively sharpened bristles. In addition, soft-elastic structures, e.g. in the form of soft-elastic cleaning and massage elements, be present. The soft-elastic structures can be formed directly on the head part or on a carrier element which is inserted into the head part and connected to it.

In the Anchor Free Tufting (AFT) process, the bristles or bundles of bristles become unaided Ankers on the head part or on a support element, such as a bristle support plate attached. In the case of a carrier element, the bristles are thereby guided in bundles with their blunt end opposite the free use end through passages in the carrier element, so that an end region of the bristle bundles protrudes beyond the underside of the carrier element. At this over the underside of the support member projecting end portion of the bristles they are fixed by melting, gluing or welding.

In the method according to the invention, a tool which consists of a block-like main body, also referred to as a die, and a funnel plate is used in a bristling machine. Through the die of the tool passes in the vertical direction, a receiving recess. The cross section of this receiving recess is constant over the entire length of the rectilinear receiving recess in the die. In the receiving recess is a pin, a so-called profile pin, guided in sliding fit.

In the region in which they come into contact with bristles, that is to say the profiled pins have on their front side a scratch-free polished, preferably a lapped surface or highly polished. Depending on the shape of the end face of the profiled pin existing recesses must have sharp and burr-free edges, otherwise there is a risk that the bristle filaments when inserting into the hole or in subsequent processing or jam. In addition, it is advantageous if the diameter at the bristle end, which rests on the profile pin is not smaller than the tolerance range between the profile pin and the Receiving recess. The diameter of the depression in the profile pin implies that between 3 and 8 bristles occupy the corresponding profile. That is to say the stated number of bristles is higher in the bundle of bristles than in the rest. In the final bristle bundle, between 5% and 25%, preferably between 10% and 15%, of the bristle ends are higher than the remainder. The bristle ends standing higher are preferably arranged centrically in the bristle bundle. the arrangement at the edge of the contour of the bristle bundle is another possibility of the arrangement. The depth of the recess is between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 3 mm. In the course of the process, the die or its receiving recesses are filled with the associated pins by a circular arc of the bristle machine with bundles of cylindrical or pointed bristles. Wherein the arc of the die or the receiving recess per passage 20 to 50, preferably 35 to 45 bristles feeds. A finished bristle bundle may comprise bristles of only one passage as well as of several passes of the circular arc. Furthermore, there is the possibility of using a variable circular arc. This allows the number of bristles fed per pass to be adjusted. In this way a variability of +/- 34% can be achieved starting from an initial burst amount (100%). Accordingly, different sized receiving recesses may be arranged in a die, which leads to the toothbrush to different sized bristle bundles. After filling, the funnel plate is placed on the matrix in another station of the bristle machine.

The sliding fit between the die and the profiled pins is designed such that the tips of the sharpened bristles have a larger diameter than the tolerance range of the sliding fit. The movement of the profile pins is limited so that they are movable only within the die.

At its top, located in the die end, on which abut the tips of the bristles, the profiled pin is provided, for example with a blind hole-like depression to the respective bristle bundle, in the final form, to provide a topography in which a part of the bristles a has higher bristle end. The final shape of the bundles of bristles is decisively influenced by the shape of the face of the profile pin. Instead of a blind hole-like depression, however, other arbitrary topographies of the end face of the profile pin are possible.

Subsequently, the funnel plate is placed on the die and thereon, if this is provided in the method, a bristle carrier plate such that the bristle carrier plate associated with this bristle bundle is aligned with the corresponding guide passage in the funnel plate. The upper side of the bristle carrying plate comes to rest on the funnel plate, so that the underside of the bristle carrying plate is exposed upwards. For the sake of completeness it should be mentioned that this guide passage of the funnel plate on the other hand also corresponds to the receiving recess. By moving the profiled pin in an upward direction on the bristle support plate to the bristles to upward moved and pushed with its blunt end through the funnel plate and the passage therethrough until an adjoining the blunt end portion in the cylindrical portion of cylindrical or pointed bristles over the underside of the bristle carrier plate protrudes. Subsequently, a heating stamp is lowered onto the bristles or in the vicinity thereof so that the end region of the bristles melts and forms on the underside a bristle mat 21 which at least partially covers the underside and thereby fixes the bristles to one another and to the bristle support plate.

In an analogous manner as shown above, the die of the tool can have a further receiving recess with profile pins guided therein. In turn, bristles, e.g. cylindrical bristles introduced; These come with their possibly previously mechanically machined ends on the front side of the other profile pins to the plant. In this case, depending on the shape of the front side of the profile pins in turn a topography, that is, a bristle field with different upstanding bristle ends generated.

Simultaneously with the profile pin described above, the further profile pins are displaced to push the respective bristle bundles through the further passages of the bristle carrying plate until the bristle bundles protrude with an end portion over the underside of the bristle carrying plate. The melting of the end sections takes place as described above.

Are different plastics used for the production of cylindrical or pointed bristles, creates a bristle carpet 21 from the corresponding plastics. In particular, this bristle mat 21 may consist of polyester (pointed bristles) and polyamide (cylindrical bristle). Since these two types of plastic do not combine in the bristle melt, it is preferable to ensure that groups of bundles of bristles are formed with the individual materials, in which case the bristle melt can combine within a group. The similar bristle bundles are placed in this regard preferably in groups with immediate proximity. In this case, therefore, preferably the bristle bundles of tapered bristles or cylindrical bristles are introduced into receiving recesses or further receiving recesses, which are arranged adjacent to one another and form a group.

The present invention can be used for bristle fields of different products. For example, manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes with rotating, oscillating, pivoting or translational motion (as sideways or longitudinal movement, vibratory motion or a combination of these movements may be provided with bristle bundles having bristles with at least two bristle ends of different heights.

Fig. 1

in perspektivischer Sicht ein Trägerelement in der Form eines Borstentragplättchens;

Fig. 2

ebenfalls in perspektivischer Ansicht das Borstentragplättchen mit einem Borstenfeld;

Fig. 3

ebenfalls in perspektivischer Ansicht einen Kopfbereich und einen Teil eines Halsbereichs eines Zahnbürstenkörpers mit einer Ausnehmung im Kopfbereich;

Fig. 4

in perspektivischer Ansicht den Zahnbürstenkörper aus Figur 3 mit die Ausnehmung eingesetztem borstentragenden Borstentragplättchen aus Figur 2;

Fig. 5

den vollständig montierten Bürstenkopf aus Figur 4 im Längsschnitt;

Fig. 6a

einen Schnitt durch ein Werkzeug mit einer Aufnahmeausnehmung für die zugespitzten Borsten und einer weiteren Aufnahmeausnehmung für zylindrische Borsten, einem in der Aufnahmeausnehmung geführten Stift und einem in der weiteren Aufnahmeausnehmung geführten weiteren Stift für das Bewegen und Ausrichten der Borsten, einem auf der Trichterplatte angeordneten Borstentragplättchen, wobei die Trichterplatte die zugespitzten und zylindrischen Borsten zu einem gemeinsamen Durchlass des Borstentragplättchens leitet, und einem Heizstempel;

Fig. 6b

eine Draufsicht auf die Matrize aus Figur 6a;

Fig. 6c

eine Draufsicht auf die Trichterplatte aus Figur 6a;

Fig. 7a

eine Draufsicht auf die Aufnahmeausnehmungen für Borsten in einer Matrize;

Fig. 7b

eine Draufsicht auf das fertige Borstenbündel gefertigt mit einer Matrize gemäss Figur 7a;

Fig. 7c

eine Seitenansicht des fertigen Borstenbündels aus Figur 7b;

Fig. 8a

eine Draufsicht auf die Aufnahmeausnehmungen für Borsten in einer weiteren Matrize;

Fig. 8b

eine Draufsicht auf das fertige Borstenbündel gefertigt mit einer Matrize gemäss Figur 8a;

Fig. 8c

eine Seitenansicht des fertigen Borstenbündels aus Figur 8b;

Fig. 9a

eine Draufsicht auf die Aufnahmeausnehmungen für Borsten in einer weiteren Matrize;

Fig. 9b

eine Draufsicht auf das fertige Borstenbündel gefertigt mit einer Matrize gemäss Figur 9a;

Fig. 9c

eine Seitenansicht des fertigen Borstenbündels aus Figur 9b;

Fig. 10a

eine Draufsicht auf eine Aufnahmeausnehmung für Borsten in einer Matrize;

Fig. 10b

eine Draufsicht auf das fertige Borstenbündel gemäss Figur 10a;

Fig. 10c

eine Draufsicht auf den entsprechenden Profilstift für das fertigen eines Borstenbündels gemäss Figur 10b;

Fig. 10d

eine Seitenansicht auf das Borstenbündel gefertigt gemäss Figur 10a bis 10c;

Fig. 10e

eine Seitenansicht des Profilstifts aus Figur 10c;

Fig. 11a

eine Draufsicht auf eine Aufnahmeausnehmung für Borsten in einer Matrize;

Fig. 11b

eine Draufsicht auf das fertige Borstenbündel gemäss Figur 11a;

Fig. 11c

eine Draufsicht auf den entsprechenden Profilstift für das fertigen eines Borstenbündels gemäss Figur 11b;

Fig. 11d

eine Seitenansicht auf das Borstenbündel gefertigt gemäss Figur 11a bis 11c;

Fig. 11e

eine Seitenansicht des Profilstifts aus Figur 11c;

Fig. 12a

eine Draufsicht auf eine Aufnahmeausnehmung für Borsten in einer Matrize;

Fig. 12b

eine Draufsicht auf das fertige Borstenbündel;

Fig. 12c

eine Draufsicht auf den entsprechenden Profilstift für das fertigen eines Borstenbündels gemäss Fig. 12b;

Fig. 12d

eine Seitenansicht auf das Borstenbündel gefertigt gemäss Figur 12 a bis c;

Fig. 12e

eine Seitenansicht des Profilstifts aus Figur 11c;

Fig. 13

eine Draufsicht auf einen weiteren möglichen Profilstift;

Fig. 14

eine Draufsicht auf einen weiteren möglichen Profilstift;

Fig. 15

eine Draufsicht auf einen weiteren möglichen Profilstift;

Fig. 16a

eine Draufsicht auf die Aufnahmeausnehmungen einer Matrize;

Fig. 16b

eine Draufsicht auf die den Aufnahmausnehmungen gemäss Figur 16a zugeordneten Profilstiften;

Fig. 16c

eine Draufsicht auf das mittels den Profilstiften gemäss Figur 16b erzeugte, fertige Borstenbündel;

Fig. 16d

eine Seitenansicht auf das mittels den Profilstiften gemäss Figur 16b erzeugte, fertige Borstenbündel;

Fig. 17a

eine Draufsicht auf die Aufnahmeausnehmungen einer Matrize;

Fig. 17b

eine Draufsicht auf die den Aufnahmausnehmungen gemäss Figur 17a zugeordneten Profilstiften;

Fig. 17c

eine Draufsicht auf das mittels den Profilstiften gemäss Figur 17b erzeugte, fertige Borstenbündel;

Fig. 17d

eine Seitenansicht auf das mittels den Profilstiften gemäss Figur 17b erzeugte, fertige Borstenbündel;

Fig. 18a

eine Draufsicht auf die Aufnahmeausnehmungen einer Matrize;

Fig. 18b

eine Draufsicht auf die den Aufnahmausnehmungen gemäss Figur 18a zugeordneten Profilstiften;

Fig. 18c

eine Draufsicht auf das mittels den Profilstiften gemäss Figur 18b erzeugte, fertige Borstenbündel;

Fig. 18d

eine Seitenansicht auf das mittels den Profilstiften gemäss Figur 16b erzeugte, fertige Borstenbündel;

Fig. 19a

eine Draufsicht auf die Aufnahmeausnehmungen einer Matrize;

Fig. 19b

eine Draufsicht auf die den Aufnahmausnehmungen gemäss Figur 19a zugeordneten Profilstiften;

Fig. 19c

eine Draufsicht auf das mittels den Profilstiften gemäss Figur 19b erzeugte, fertige Borstenbündel;

Fig. 19d

eine Seitenansicht auf das mittels den Profilstiften gemäss Figur 19b erzeugte, fertige Borstenbündel;

Fig. 19e

ein Querschnitt durch das Borstenbündel gemäss Figur 19d entlang der Linie A-A;

Fig. 20a

eine Draufsicht auf die Aufnahmeausnehmungen einer Matrize;

Fig. 20b

eine Draufsicht auf die den Aufnahmausnehmungen gemäss Figur 20a zugeordneten Profilstiften;

Fig. 20c

eine Draufsicht auf das mittels den Profilstiften gemäss Figur 20b erzeugte, fertige Borstenbündel;

Fig. 20d

eine Seitenansicht auf das mittels den Profilstiften gemäss Figur 20b erzeugte, fertige Borstenbündel;

Fig. 20e

ein Querschnitt durch das Borstenbündel gemäss Figur 20d entlang der Linie B-B;

Fig. 21a

die Form des Endbereichs einer zylindrischen abgerundeten Borste; und

Fig. 21b

die Form des Endbereichs einer zugespitzten Borste.

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. It shows purely schematically:

Fig. 1

in perspective view, a carrier element in the form of a bristle carrying plate;

Fig. 2

likewise in perspective view, the bristle carrying plate with a bristle field;

Fig. 3

also in perspective view a head portion and a portion of a neck portion of a toothbrush body with a recess in the head area;

Fig. 4

in a perspective view of the toothbrush body FIG. 3 with the recess inserted bristle-bearing bristle tinsel from FIG. 2 ;

Fig. 5

the fully assembled brush head FIG. 4 in longitudinal section;

Fig. 6a

a section through a tool having a receiving recess for the sharpened bristles and a further receiving recess for cylindrical bristles, a guided in the receiving recess pin and a guided in the other receiving recess further pin for moving and aligning the bristles, arranged on the funnel plate bristle carrying tabs, the funnel plate directing the tapered and cylindrical bristles to a common passage of the bristle carrier plate, and a heating punch;

Fig. 6b

a plan view of the die FIG. 6a ;

Fig. 6c

a plan view of the funnel plate FIG. 6a ;

Fig. 7a

a plan view of the receiving recesses for bristles in a die;

Fig. 7b

a plan view of the finished bristle bundle made with a die according to Figure 7a ;

Fig. 7c

a side view of the finished bristle bundle FIG. 7b ;

Fig. 8a

a plan view of the receiving recesses for bristles in another die;

Fig. 8b

a plan view of the finished bristle bundle made with a die according to FIG. 8a ;

Fig. 8c

a side view of the finished bristle bundle FIG. 8b ;

Fig. 9a

a plan view of the receiving recesses for bristles in another die;

Fig. 9b

a plan view of the finished bristle bundle made with a die according to FIG. 9a ;

Fig. 9c

a side view of the finished bristle bundle FIG. 9b ;

Fig. 10a

a plan view of a receiving recess for bristles in a die;

Fig. 10b

a plan view of the finished bristle bundle according to FIG. 10a ;

Fig. 10c

a plan view of the corresponding profile pin for the finished of a bristle bundle according to FIG. 10b ;

Fig. 10d

a side view of the bristle bundle according to FIGS. 10a to 10c ;

Fig. 10e

a side view of the profile pin FIG. 10c ;

Fig. 11a

a plan view of a receiving recess for bristles in a die;

Fig. 11b

a plan view of the finished bristle bundle according to FIG. 11a ;

Fig. 11c

a plan view of the corresponding profile pin for the finished of a bristle bundle according to FIG. 11b ;

Fig. 11d

a side view of the bristle bundle according to FIGS. 11a to 11c ;

Fig. 11e

a side view of the profile pin FIG. 11c ;

Fig. 12a

a plan view of a receiving recess for bristles in a die;

Fig. 12b

a plan view of the finished bristle bundle;

Fig. 12c

a plan view of the corresponding profile pin for the finished of a bristle bundle according to Fig. 12b ;

Fig. 12d

a side view of the bristle bundle according to Figure 12 a to c ;

Fig. 12e

a side view of the profile pin FIG. 11c ;

Fig. 13

a plan view of another possible profile pin;

Fig. 14

a plan view of another possible profile pin;

Fig. 15

a plan view of another possible profile pin;

Fig. 16a

a plan view of the receiving recesses of a die;

Fig. 16b

a plan view of the receiving recesses according to FIG. 16a associated profile pins;

Fig. 16c

a plan view of the means of the profile pins according to FIG. 16b produced, finished bristle bundles;

Fig. 16d

a side view of the means of the profile pins according FIG. 16b produced, finished bristle bundles;

Fig. 17a

a plan view of the receiving recesses of a die;

Fig. 17b

a plan view of the receiving recesses according to Figure 17a associated profile pins;

Fig. 17c

a plan view of the means of the profile pins according to FIG. 17b produced, finished bristle bundles;

Fig. 17d

a side view of the means of the profile pins according FIG. 17b produced, finished bristle bundles;

Fig. 18a

a plan view of the receiving recesses of a die;

Fig. 18b

a plan view of the receiving recesses according to FIG. 18a associated profile pins;

Fig. 18c

a plan view of the means of the profile pins according to FIG. 18b produced, finished bristle bundles;

Fig. 18d

a side view of the means of the profile pins according FIG. 16b produced, finished bristle bundles;

Fig. 19a

a plan view of the receiving recesses of a die;

Fig. 19b

a plan view of the receiving recesses according to FIG. 19a associated profile pins;

Fig. 19c

a plan view of the means of the profile pins according to FIG. 19b produced, finished bristle bundles;

Fig. 19d

a side view of the means of the profile pins according FIG. 19b produced, finished bristle bundles;

Fig. 19e

a cross section through the bristle bundle according to Figure 19d along the line AA;

Fig. 20a

a plan view of the receiving recesses of a die;

Fig. 20b

a plan view of the receiving recesses according to FIG. 20a associated profile pins;

Fig. 20c

a plan view of the means of the profile pins according to FIG. 20b produced, finished bristle bundles;

Fig. 20d

a side view of the means of the profile pins according FIG. 20b produced, finished bristle bundles;

Fig. 20e

a cross section through the bristle bundle according to FIG. 20d along the line BB;

Fig. 21a

the shape of the end portion of a cylindrical rounded bristle; and

Fig. 21b

the shape of the end portion of a sharpened bristle.

In FIG. 1 is a possible carrier element in the form of a bristle carrying plate 10 in a perspective view obliquely from above. From the top 12 to the bottom 14, a number of passages 16 extend. These have in the example shown a kidney-shaped or oval cross-section. The passages may also have a circular or any other cross section in the form of a closed contour. From the bottom 14 is in the direction towards below a ring-shaped Zentrierungswulst 18, which extends at a small distance from the side edge of the bristle carrier plate 10 along this and is preferably formed wedge-shaped tapering towards the free end. Directly adjacent to the centering bead 18, on the underside 14 of the bristle carrier plate 10 between the Zentrierungswust 18 and the side edge of the bristle carrier plate 10, a circumferential and along the side edge extending welding edge 19 is attached. This serves in the process of connecting bristle carrier plate 10 and toothbrush body 28. The welding edge 19 can of course also be provided at any other location laterally or on the underside of the bristle carrier plate 10. In particular, it is also possible to attach the welding edge to the centering bead 18. Of course, these alternative arrangements of the welding edge necessitate adjustments to the counter-geometry of the bristle carrying plate 10, that is, to the recess 32.

FIG. 2 shows in the same representation as FIG. 1 the bristle support plate 10, which is provided with a schematically indicated bristle facing 20. The bristle stocking 20 consists of bundles of bristles 22, that is, a bundle of bristles 22 per passage 16. Each of the bristle bundles 22 consists of a plurality of bristles; these are described in detail below.

FIG. 3 shows a head portion 24 and a portion of an adjoining neck portion 26 of a toothbrush body 28. At the neck portion 26 connects at the side facing away from the head portion 24 in a well-known manner, the handle portion. The head area 24 is of his in the FIG. 3 upper side 30 ago provided with a recess 32 which corresponds to the shape of the bristle carrying plate 10 and is limited by a bottom 34 substantially. The side wall of this recess 32 has a circumferential shoulder, which forms a welding shoulder 35. The back 36 of the toothbrush body 28 is located on the opposite side of the front 30 and is lying in the view shown below.

FIG. 4 shows the bristle carrier plate 10 provided with the bristle stock 20 inserted into the recess 32. The insertion is facilitated by the Zentrierungswulst 18. The upper surface 12 of the bristle carrier plate 10 is aligned in the finished state of the toothbrush in a preferred manner with the front side 30 of the toothbrush body 28. The bristle carrier plate 10 is firmly connected to the toothbrush body 28, preferably by means of ultrasonic welding. In this case, a weld is performed in the region of the welding edge 19 and the welding paragraph 35. The bristle facing 20 projects beyond the top 12. FIG. 4 thus shows the head portion and a portion of the neck portion of a toothbrush 28. Of course, at this point, other methods for bristle or Brstentragplättchenverankerung be used.

The bristle support plate 10 is preferably made of a hard component, as described earlier.

In the example shown, the head region 24 and the neck region 26 of the toothbrush body 28 are also made from one of these hard components. Preferably, the same hard component is used for the bristle carrier plate 10 and the toothbrush body 28, at least in the contact area of the two parts.

However, for the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned here that both the bristle carrier plate 10 and the toothbrush body 28 can be produced in a multi-component injection molding process. In this case, both the bristle carrier plate 10 and the toothbrush body 28 may each be composed of one or more hard components and / or of one or more soft components. An extract of possible hard and soft components is listed earlier in the text. If the bristle carrier plate 10 consists of one or more hard components and one or more soft components, the passages 16 are preferably arranged in the hard component. The soft component can be used both for the formation of additional soft-elastic cleaning elements on the bristle carrier plate 10 or on the head region 24 or attached to the toothbrush body 28 for functional or decorative purposes.

The FIG. 5 shows a longitudinal section along a central longitudinal plane, wherein this central longitudinal plane is perpendicular to the front side 30 of the head part 24. The central longitudinal plane or the sectional plane runs doing so by the five in FIG. 4 The bristles are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush centrally arranged bristle bundles 22. The bristles are not individually detailed, but shown schematically in bundles as area or volume. The reflowed end regions 70 form a readily discernable bristle feltsheet 21, which in the embodiment shown extends over virtually the entire underside 14 of the bristle carrier lamina 10. The bristle carrier plate 10 is connected via its welding edge 19 fixed to the welding shoulder 35 of the head part 24. The welding area is in the Fig. 5 shown schematically with a line as a delimitation. Adjacent to the head part 24 and fixedly connected thereto, the neck part 26 of the toothbrush body 28 is arranged.

FIG. 6a shows a way to equip a bristle carrier plate 10 with a bristle bundle 22 having both pointed bristles 40 and cylindrical bristles 39. The die 62 has a receiving recess 64, in which pointed bristles 40 are inserted, and close to a further receiving recess 64 ', in which cylindrical bristles 39 are introduced or have become, on. The guide passages 69 and 69 'of the funnel plate 63 associated with these receiving recesses 64 and 64' converge toward each other in the direction of the bristle carrier plates 10 arranged on the funnel plate 63 so that they form a single common outlet for the bristles 40 and 39 at the downstream end. It is also possible that the two passages 69 and 69 'still form separate outlets, but which lie directly next to each other. The outlet or the directly adjacent outlets are aligned By simultaneously moving the pins 66, 66 'toward the funnel plate 63, the bundle 22 becomes sharpened and the bundle 22 of cylindrical bristles 40, 39 pass through the common passage of the bristle carrier plate 10 pushed through until their end portions 70, 70 'protrude beyond the bottom 14 of the bristle carrying plate 10. By subsequently melting the end regions 70 and 70 ', for example by means of the heating punch 72, the bristles 40, 39 are fastened to the bristle carrier plate 10, forming a bristle melt carpet 21.

In a corresponding manner, it is possible to combine a plurality of individual bundles 22 of bristles 39, 40 from different receiving recesses 64 by means of the funnel plate 63 and thus together to form a bristle tufts in a common passage 16. In the same way as in Fig. 5 it is also possible to supply bundles 22 of bristles 40 or 39 of the same kind to a common passage 16.

The bristle carrier plate 10 provided with the bristle trim 20 is removed from the tool 60 and brought together with the toothbrush body 28 in a manner known from the prior art and fastened there.

In bristles without bristle support plates 10, as already described, the bristles 40, 39 instead of through the bristle carrier plate 10 passed through into a mold cavity. Plastic is then injected into the mold cavity around the brush head form and anchor the bristles 40, 39 in this way.

The FIG. 6b shows a plan view of a section of the die 62 with the receiving recesses 64 and 64 '. The guide recesses 69 and 69 'associated receiving recesses 64 and 64' unite to the bristle carrier plate 10 facing side of the funnel plate 63 to a single common outlet 65 as in FIG. 6c shown. It is so that the sum of the cross-sectional areas of Fig. 6b , which together form a bundle of bristles 22 equal to the cross-sectional area of the common outlet 65.

The Figures 7a-c, 8a-c and 9a-c each show a possible manufactured bristle bundle 22 with bristles, which have a higher bristle end and thus form two different useable areas. The bristle bundles 22 shown are formed by bristles from a plurality of receiving recesses 64. In this case, the bristle bundles 22 or their higher-lying parts are each formed by a receiving recess 64 or a single profiled pin 66. That is, all bristles which originate from a receiving recess 64 have the same length in the final product. In the Figures 7a, 8a and 9a the corresponding arrangement of the receiving recesses 64 of the die is shown. In FIG. 7b will be seen a plan view of the finished bristle bundle 22, wherein the part of the bristle bundle 22, the bristles having higher bristle ends has shown gray. The bundle of bristles has the shape of an equilateral triangle in its plan view, with the higher part of the bristle bundle 22 extending toward a tip of the triangle. In FIG. 7c is a side view of the bristle bundle 22 FIG. 7b shown. In the FIG. 8b is a substantially circular bristle bundle 22 shown with a gray, centrally arranged higher standing bristle bundle part. The FIG. 8c shows a side view of the in FIG. 8b illustrated bristle bundle. Another possible embodiment of a bristle bundle 22 is shown in FIG FIG. 9b shown. The bristle bundle 22 has a square shape. In this case, three of the four of the bundles of bristles divided into quadrants have bristles with a higher bristle end. FIG. 9c shows a side view of the in FIG. 9b illustrated bristle bundle. In the Figs. 7a-c and 8a-c Bristle bundles 22 are shown in which the smaller proportion of the total cross-section is higher. In Fig. 9a-c the opposite situation is shown. The larger proportion of the cross section is higher and a smaller proportion is lower.

In Fig. 7a-c and Fig. 8a-c another detail is highlighted. The higher-standing parts of the bristle bundles 22 can be arranged both at the edge of the bristle bundle 22, as well as in the middle of lower-lying bristles surrounded in the bristle bundle 22nd

In the Figures 10a-e a further possible embodiment of a single bristle bundle 22 is shown, which is made of bristles which originate from only one receiving recess 64. The FIG. 10a shows the receiving recess 64 of the die. That in the FIG. 10b shown bristle bundles 22 has in plan view a circular shape with a gray, centrally arranged elevated bristle bundle part. The corresponding side view of the bristle bundle is in FIG. 10d displayed. In the figure 10c is a plan view of the bristle bundle corresponding profiled pin 66. As shown in FIG. 10e it can be seen, the profiled pin 66 has a recess 68 corresponding to the raised bundle part. The circular shape of the recess 68 has a diameter of 0.3 mm to 0.8 mm, preferably 0.5 mm. This embodiment shows the variant in which the higher bristle bundle part is completely surrounded by the lower bristle bundle part.

In the FIGS. 11a-e a further possible embodiment of a single bristle bundle 22 is shown, which is made of bristles which originate from only one receiving recess 64. The FIG. 11a shows the receiving recess 64 of the die. That in the FIG. 11b shown bristle bundles 22 has in plan view again a circular shape with a gray, circular segment-shaped raised bristle bundle part. The raised bristle bundle part is bounded on the one hand by the circular arc of the circumference of the bristle bundle 22 and on the other hand by a secant. The corresponding side view of the bristle bundle is in FIG. 11d displayed. In the FIG. 11c is a plan view of the bristle bundle corresponding profiled pin 66. As shown in FIG. 11e it can be seen, the profiled pin 66 has a recess 68 corresponding to the raised bundle part. This embodiment shows the variant in which the higher-lying bristle bundle part lies partly on the edge of the bristle bundle and on the other hand is surrounded by the lower-lying bristle bundle part.

In the Figures 12a-e is another possible embodiment of a bristle bundle 22 shown. The FIG. 12a shows the receiving recess 64 of the die. That in the FIG. 12b illustrated bristle bundles 22 has in plan view a circular shape with a raised bristle bundle part shown in gray. In contrast to the embodiments shown above, that in the FIGS. 12b and 12d in bristle bundles shown in plan view or side view not only one but two higher bristle bundle parts in the same bundle of bristles. The two higher-order bristle bundle parts, like the bundle of bristles 22 themselves, have a circular shape and are arranged symmetrically on a diameter line of the bristle bundle. In the FIG. 12c is a plan view of the bristle bundle corresponding profiled pin 66 is shown. Like from the FIG. 12e it can be seen, the profiled pin 66 has two recesses 68 corresponding to the raised bundle part.

The example is intended to show that in a bristle bundle 22 a plurality of elevated bristle bundle parts can be formed. In this case, a variant is not shown, the higher bristle bundle parts may have different bristle lengths within the same higher-standing bristle bundle part. On the other hand, of course, the higher bristle bundle parts can have a total of different bristle lengths.

The FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 show further exemplary embodiments of profile pins 66, each with a different shaped recess 68. During the profile pin 66 according to FIG. 13 has a groove-shaped, along a diameter line of the circular profiled pin 66 extending recess 68, has the in figure 14 Profile pin shown a cross-shaped recess 68. The in FIG. 15 illustrated profiled pin 66 has a centrally disposed triangular recess 68. By the exemplified embodiments of profile pins is clear that almost any embodiments of the bristle bundles 22 are possible with respect to their higher-part parts, in particular with respect to their cross-sections.

The Figures 16a-d show a further embodiment of a bristle bundle 22 with bristles, of which at least one part has a higher bristle end. In the FIG. 16a the four receiving recesses 64 of the die 62 corresponding to the bristle bundle 22 are shown. Of the exception receptacles 64 assigned in FIG. 16b shown profile pins 66 have two a centrally disposed recess 68. Accordingly, in the in FIG. 16c shown top view of the finished bristle bundle 22 two gray areas shown on a diagonal of the square bristle bundle with higher standing bristle ends. The FIG. 16d shows the finished bristle bundle 22 in side view. The higher-standing parts of the bristle bundle 22 are achieved in this embodiment by a plurality of profiled pins 66. Depending on a recess in the profile pin 66 is assigned to a higher part.

The FIGS. 17a-d show a further embodiment of a bristle bundle 22 with bristles, of which at least one part has a higher bristle end. In the Figure 17a the three receiving recesses 64 of the die 62 corresponding to the bristle bundle 22 are shown. Of the exception receptacles 64 assigned in FIG. 17b shown profile pins 66 all have one circular-sector-shaped in each case the other two profiled pins 66 facing recess 68. Accordingly, in the in FIG. 17c shown top view of the finished bristle bundle 22 to see a gray-shaped, triangular region of the bristle bundle 22 with higher bristle ends. The triangular higher part of the bristle bundle 22 is arranged centrally in the likewise triangular bristle bundle 22. The FIG. 17d shows the finished bristle bundle 22 in side view. The higher part of the bristle bundle 22 is achieved in this embodiment by a plurality of profile pins 66. In this case, the circular sector-shaped indentations of the individual profile pins 66 each represent only one part, which as a whole ultimately forms the raised part of the bristle bundle 22.

The Figures 18a-d represent a further embodiment of a bristle bundle 22 with bristles, of which at least one part has a higher bristle end. In the FIG. 18a the four receiving recesses 64 of the die corresponding to the bristle bundle 22 are shown. Of the exception receptacles 64 assigned in FIG. 18b shown profile pins 66 have two a groove-shaped extending through a diameter line recess 68, whereas the recesses of the other two profile pins 66 are each circular segment-shaped. In the in FIG. 18c shown top view of the finished bristle bundle 22 result in the recesses of the profile pins 66 complementary raised portions of the bristle bundle 22 a diagonally across the square bristle bundle 22 extending comb. The FIG. 18d shows the finished bristle bundle in side view. The higher-standing parts of the finished bristle bundle 22 are achieved in this embodiment by the combination of the recesses of a plurality of profile pins 66.

The Figures 19a-e show a possible embodiment of an elongated bristle bundle 22. In the FIG. 19a the receiving recesses 64 of the die 62 can be seen. The profile recesses 64 associated with the receiving recesses 64 are in the FIG. 19b shown. The profile pins 66 all have a straight, groove-shaped recess 68 which extends through the center of the respective profile pin 66. Both the receiving recesses and the corresponding profiled pins 66 are arranged along an arcuate line in such a way that the straight, groove-shaped recesses 68 of the individual profiled pins 66 form a continuous recess 68. The FIG. 19c shows a plan view of the corresponding, elongated bristle bundle 22. The elevated portion of the bristle bundle 22 is shown in turn gray. The combination of the straight, groove-shaped recesses 68 of the individual profile pins 66 in the finished bundle of bristles 22, a centrally disposed continuous higher part of the bristle bundle 22 is achieved in the form of a comb. The Figure 19d shows a side view of the finished bristle bundle 22 according to the FIG. 19c , In the Figure 19e is a cross section along the line AA in Figure 19d shown. One of the ways that can be used in connection with this embodiment is that although the profile pins 66 are provided with straight recesses 66 in the final product but a circular arc-shaped contour should be created. In the process, it is possible to make the transition continuous by the funnel plate 63 is designed accordingly. With her The transition from straight to round and continuous can be created easily.

The Figures 20a-e show a further possible embodiment of an elongated bristle bundle 22. In the FIG. 20a again, the receiving recesses 64 of the die 62 can be seen. The profile recesses 64 associated with the receiving recesses 64 are in the FIG. 20b shown. The profile pins 66 all have a groove-shaped recess 68, which does not necessarily pass through the center of the circular profile pin 66. Both the receiving recesses 64 and the corresponding profile pins 66 are arranged along a straight line. The groove-shaped recesses 68 are arranged such that a slightly meandering line is formed. The FIG. 20c shows a plan view of the corresponding, elongated bristle bundle 22. The elevated portion of the bristle bundle 22 is shown in turn gray. As a result of the combination of the groove-shaped recesses 68 of the individual profile pins 66, in the finished bristle bundle 22, a continuous, higher-lying part of the bristle bundle 22 in the form of a meandering comb is achieved. The FIG. 20d shows a side view of the finished bristle bundle 22 according to the FIG. 20c , In the FIG. 20e is a cross section along the line BB in FIG. 20d shown. Good to see the higher in the form of a comb part of the bristle bundle 22nd

In the context of in the Fig. 19a to 20e it should be mentioned that, of course, within the final bundle, the bristle length of the higher-standing part of the bristle bundle can vary. In this way, a height profile can be realized in the designed comb.

The higher-order bristle bundle parts formed in this way preferably form a continuous, stepless contour. Next, it is also possible to make the contour interrupted or even unsteady.

By combining depressions 68 in individual profile pins 66, on the one hand, the arrangement of the profile pins 66, e.g. along a curved line, and on the other hand by the shape and arrangement of the recesses 68 in the individual profile pins 66 achieve a "composite" shape of the part raised in the finished bundle of bristles.

For the realization of toothbrushes produced according to the invention and produced according to the invention, a wide variety of bristle types can be used. Preferably, cylindrical bristles 39 or pointed bristles 40 are used.

Fig. 21a shows the bristle end of a cylindrical bristle. The cylindrical bristles are preferably made of polyamide (PA). They have over the bristle length a substantially constant nominal diameter _Δnenn (diameter at the thickest point of the bristle), which is for example 0.15 to 0.25 mm, on. The tip 22a of the bristle is rounded in the final state in the brush. The cross section of the cylindrical bristle is preferably circular. But there are also other cross-sectional shapes possible, for example, square, rectangular or diamond-shaped.

Topped bristles 40 are in Fig. 21b outlined. Topped bristles 40 are preferably made of polyester (PBT) and also have a constant diameter over a range of their length, eg also a nominal diameter of 0.15-0.25 mm. Toward the tip 40a, the bristle 40 tapers, beginning at a distance a from the tip 40a. Measured from the top 40a corresponds to the diameter at the appropriate location, for example, the following values: Distance (mm) % of the nominal diameter Average tolerance 0.1 8th% 5-15% 1 25% 15-35% 2 45% 30-60% 3 60% 50-80% 4 75% 60-90% 5 80% 70-90% 6 85% > 75% 7 90% > 80%

The tapering process is based on the reduction of the diameter by means of a chemical process. Depending on the length of the stay of the bristle in the chemical substance, the plastic degrades and reduces the diameter. The shape of the tip is so influenceable.

There are basically two types of pointed bristles. Those who only have one point of sharpening at one end and those who have a point at both ends of the bristle. The taper is dimensioned in both cases as stated above. The one-sided sharpened bristles have a taper at one end and at the other end they are cylindrically shaped and can be rounded off. The bristles, which are sharpened on both sides, are designed with a sharpening at both ends.

From the cross section, the pointed bristles can be made the same as the cylindrical bristles.

In order to maintain sufficient stability of the individual filaments, the nominal diameter is left over 75% over a major part of the length. The above table shows that the tapering of the filaments is predominantly on the last 4 to 5 mm. With this configuration, the tip 23a can optimally achieve the smallest fissures and the interdental spaces with sufficient filament stability.

For the present invention preferably cylindrical or unilaterally tapered bristles are used.

For all types of bristles, in order to achieve sufficient flexibility of the filaments, a length, starting from the brush head, is selected between 7 mm and 13 mm.

In the present invention, as well as for toothbrushes in general, the bristles may be completely or partially colored. Accordingly, in the case of partially colored bristles, for example, only the bristle ends or only one bristle end or else all but the bristle ends can be colored. The coloration itself may be used as an indicator color, i.e. the color wears away in use and thus serves as a usage indicator or as a permanent coloration.

The cylindrical bristles, which are made of polyamide, for example, be colored with food colors and be provided on the paint with a paint. Possible food colors that can be used are, for example, blue "aluminum lake of 3,3'-dioxo-2,2'-diindolinyidenes-5,5'-disulfonic acid", for yellow " Aluminum Lake of 5-hydroxy-1- (4-sulfophenyl) -4- (4-sulfophenylazo) -3-pyrazolecarboxylic acid "or" aluminum lake of 6-hydroxy-5- (4-sulfophenylazo) -2-naphthalenesulfonic acid acid. "These colors are designed to be suitable for Food-Contact, and when the colors are applied to bristles, the surface is usually no longer of the quality that allows for automatic processing on toothbrush bristles or at least the colored areas of the bristles are provided with a varnish which makes the surface smoother and thus allows automatic processing.

Topped bristles, which are made of polyester, can not be colored in this way. The coloring of these bristles requires a chemical process, which is not discussed here.

The advantage of coloring may be that the technical aspect of different lengths of bristles can be made visible, for example, when only the higher standing bristle ends are colored, or when only the lower-lying bristle ends are colored. Furthermore, the use of the indication of use (consumption indication) can be created by the design as an indicator game for the customer.

Preferably, the part of the bristles is colored, which comprises the higher-standing bristle ends. The coloring of the two-sided ends is still possible.

The coloring has, if it concerns only the bristle tips, on the finished toothbrush a length of 2 mm to 10 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 8 mm. Due to the processing, the coloration on the unprocessed bristles is longer or adapted, since at most certain parts of the coloring are ground away or cut away. Accordingly, the coloration in the raw material need not be the same length at both ends of the bristles as it may vary in the final product. Preferably, the coloration in the final product is the same length at both bristle ends, if both bristle ends are colored.

Of course, the design variants shown in this document are exemplary and the individual forms and elements of these design variants can be combined with other design variants without departing from the scope of this invention.

Claims (16)

A method for producing anchorless brushed toothbrushes, wherein a bristle bundle (22) having cylindrical bristles (39) and / or pointed bristles (40) is inserted into a receiving recess (64) of a tool (60) of a bristle machine and 64) guided profile pin (66) on the pin (66) facing the end of the bristles (39, 40) of the bristle bundle (22) is acted on their orientation, that the bristles (39, 40) of the bristle bundle by means of a front side of the profiled pin ( 66) and thereby obtain the topography of the end face of the profiled pin (66) complementary topography, characterized in that the profiled pin (66) on the bristles (39, 40) acting end face has a non-continuous surface, which several levels forms. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the end face has one or more recesses. A method according to claim 1 to 2, characterized in that the non-continuous surface of the end face of the profiled pin (66) two or more levels of bristle ends are designed. The method of claim 1 to 3, characterized in that the continuous parts of the surface of the profiled pin (66) scratch-free that is polished, highly polished or lapped. A method according to claim 1 to 4, characterized in that the non-continuous transitions in the surface of the profiled pin are formed as sharp edges. Method according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the bristles (39, 40) pushed open by the profile pins (66) protrude with an end region (70) over the upper underside (14) of the bristle carrying plate (10) and the end regions (70). the bristles (39, 40) are melted to secure the bristles (39, 40) to the bristle carrier plate (10). Toothbrush produced by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one bristle bundle (22) bristles having a bristle ends standing up higher relative to the other bristles. Toothbrush according to claim 7, characterized in that the distance between the higher bristle ends to the lower bristle ends between 0.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably between 2 mm to 3 mm. Toothbrush according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that 5% to 25%, preferably 10% to 15% of the bristle ends in a bristle bundle are higher than the rest of the bristle ends of the bristle bundle. Toothbrush according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the higher-standing bristle ends form a continuing contour, which has been formed by a plurality of profile pins (66). Toothbrush according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the higher-standing bristle ends are enclosed by the lower-lying bristle ends. Apparatus for carrying out the method according to claim 1 for producing a toothbrush according to claim 8 comprising a die with profiled pins guided therein, characterized in that the profiled pins have a highly polished or lapped surface. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the discontinuous transitions of the surface are designed sharp-edged. Apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the discontinuous transitions lead into a depression. Apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the recess has a depth between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 3 mm. Apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the recess has a diameter of 0.3 mm to 0.8 mm, preferably 0.5 mm.

Images