EP3827700A1 - Oral care implement - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is based on an oral hygiene means, in particular a toothbrush, with at least one application unit (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f; 12g; 12h) which has a base body (13a; 13b; 13c; 13d; 13e; 13f; 13g; 13h), with at least one handle unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h), in particular manual handle unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h), which a base body (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h) and with at least one coupling unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e; 18f; 18g; 18h) for a releasable coupling of the application unit ( 12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f; 12g; 12h) with the handle unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h). It is proposed that the base body (16a; 16b; 16c ; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h) of the handle unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h) has a hardness and / or a density that is higher than a hardness and / or density of the base body (13a; 13b; 13c; 13d; 13e; 13f; 13g; 13h) of the user training unit (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f; 12g; 12h).

Description

State of the art

The invention relates to an oral hygiene agent.

From the EP 3,501,333 , the EP 3,501,334 , the EP 3,501,335 and the EP 3,501,336 Oral hygiene products, in particular toothbrushes, with at least one application unit, which has a neck area, with at least one handle unit, in particular manual handle unit, which has a base body, and with at least one coupling unit for detachable coupling of the application unit with the handle unit, are already known.

The object of the invention is in particular to provide an oral hygiene agent of the generic type with improved properties in terms of durability, a manufacturing method, ergonomics and / or ecology. The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1, while advantageous configurations and developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

Advantages of the invention

The invention is based on an oral hygiene agent, in particular a toothbrush, with at least one application unit, which has a base body, with at least one handle unit, in particular manual handle unit, which has a base body, and with at least one coupling unit for releasable coupling of the application unit to the handle unit .

It is proposed that the base body of the handle unit have a hardness and / or a density that is higher than a hardness and / or density of the base body of the application unit. There is preferably at least the base body of the handle unit made of a material whose hardness and / or density is higher, in particular significantly higher, than a hardness and / or density of the material from which the base body of the application unit is made. The main body of the handle unit can at least partially consist of a metallic material, of a plastic, of an organic material such as wood, bamboo or the like, of ceramic and / or of glass.

The oral hygiene means preferably consists of the application unit with bristles and the handle unit, the application unit in particular having a neck area which connects the application unit to the handle unit. The main body of the application unit consists in particular of the neck area and a head area. Alternatively, the neck area can be at least partially part of the handle unit. In this case, the application unit would be designed to be correspondingly shorter and, in the extreme case, would only consist of the brush head.

All sub-elements of the application unit can consist of at least one hard and / or one or more soft component (s). Conventional hard and / or soft components or sustainable hard and / or soft components can be used. The application unit consists in particular at least to a large extent of a plastic or of an organic material such as wood or bamboo. The application unit is formed in particular by a plug-on part. The application unit is formed in particular by a brush head. In principle, however, other designs of the application unit that appear sensible to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable. The handle unit is in particular designed in one piece. However, a multi-part design of the handle unit would also be conceivable. In particular, it would be conceivable here for several parts to be produced and then connected, for example in order to produce geometries which, for example, can only be produced in several parts due to undercuts or the like. Furthermore, the handle unit can be constructed in several parts from different materials. Various material combinations that appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are conceivable, such as, in particular, metal and plastic; Metal and wood; Metal and ceramics; Metal and glass; Metal and organic material (wood, bamboo, etc.); Ceramic and plastic; Ceramics and wood; Ceramics and glass; Ceramic and organic material (wood, bamboo, etc.); Glass and plastic; Glass and wood; Glass and organic material (Wood, bamboo, etc.) or wood and plastic. Furthermore, the handle unit can consist of various metals, plastics, ceramics or organic materials. The base body is designed in particular as a solid body made of solid material. However, it would also be conceivable for the base body to be designed as a hollow body. The base body could thus be designed, for example, as a cut cylindrical tube, which is closed, for example, by means of a plastic part as a closure and coupling element. Alternatively, the base body can also consist of two assembled half-shells.

The application unit and the handle unit preferably differ materially. The material of the handle unit is in particular more dense and / or harder than a material of the base body of the application unit. The base body of the application unit has a density of 800 kg / m ³ to 1600 kg / m ³ , for example when it is made of plastic. A ratio to the density of the handle unit is preferably from 0.2 to 0.75, preferably from 0.35 to 0.6. The main body of the handle unit has, in particular, a density of 2000 kg / m ³ to 3500 kg / m ³ , preferably of 2400 kg / m ³ to 3000 kg / m ³ . The application unit and the handle unit can also have different surfaces. Different manufacturing processes and different materials lead in particular to different surfaces. Of course, the surface properties can also be adapted so that the same surface is created virtually throughout. Abrasion or wear of the application unit is also particularly greater than abrasion of the handle unit, so that durability of the handle unit is achieved and multiple use, in particular multiple changing of the application unit, can be made possible.

The inventive design of the oral hygiene device makes it possible to provide advantageous properties with regard to the ergonomics of the oral hygiene device. Furthermore, in particular, an advantageously long-lasting handle unit can be provided, the application unit being designed in particular to be exchangeable. An advantageously high level of robustness of the handle unit can also be provided. Furthermore, in particular a focus of the oral hygiene device can be achieved which lies in an area of the handle unit. Furthermore, a focus of the oral hygiene agent can be achieved in particular, which is in use in one area the handle unit, which is enclosed by the hand. In particular, an oral hygiene agent that is advantageously easy to hold can be provided. Furthermore, a long service life of the handle unit can be achieved, in particular only the application unit having to be exchanged. In this way, in particular, an ecologically advantageous oral hygiene agent can be provided.

An “oral hygiene agent” is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a toothbrush and / or an interdental cleaner and / or a flosser and / or a tongue cleaner and / or a toothpick. The oral hygiene agent is advantageously designed as a toothbrush, in particular a manual toothbrush, preferably a children's or adult toothbrush, advantageously a purely manual toothbrush. The oral hygiene agent is designed in particular as an interchangeable toothbrush. However, it is also conceivable that the application unit has a design different from a brush head, for example as an interdental cleaner head, such as in particular for an interdental brush with twisted-in bristles, for an interdental cleaner with injection-molded cleaning elements and / or for interdental cleaners with dental floss, such as in particular flossers, and / or as a tongue cleaner head and / or as a toothpick. The oral hygiene means could, however, also generally be formed by a brush product. A “brush product” is to be understood in particular as an oral hygiene brush and / or a cosmetic brush and / or a hairbrush and / or a household brush. Oral hygiene brushes are, for example, manual toothbrushes such as reusable toothbrushes, interchangeable toothbrushes, disposable toothbrushes or single-tuft brushes, interdental cleaners, in particular with twisted-in bristles, in sprayed form or as flossers, tongue cleaners and / or dental floss. Cosmetic brushes, for example, mascara brushes, nail polish brushes, face brushes, applicators, in particular also hair coloring applicators, massage devices, make-up brushes, shaving brushes and / or wet razors or other body care products are conceivable. Dish brushes or bottle cleaners, for example, are conceivable as household brushes.

The application unit is formed in particular by a brush head. The application unit is designed in particular as a standard part. The application unit can in particular be used for both manual and electric toothbrushes or so-called hybrid toothbrushes. The application unit preferably consists in particular of at least one plastic. The application unit can consist of a transparent plastic, for example, in order to make the interface geometry and / or the engagement of the handle unit in the application unit visible. In particular, a visualization of the technicality could be achieved. Furthermore, operability can be shown in a more understandable manner. Alternatively, the application unit can at least partially consist of an organic material such as wood or bamboo. In particular, the head can be made of wood or bamboo, with the coupling unit in particular having to be adapted accordingly.

The oral hygiene device in particular has a longitudinal axis which is advantageously arranged at least substantially parallel to a main direction of extent of the oral hygiene device. The longitudinal axis preferably runs at least in sections within the oral hygiene product and in particular through its center of gravity. In particular, the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene device is a central axis of the oral hygiene device and / or a central axis of the handle unit. A “central axis” of an object is to be understood in particular as an imaginary axis which runs within the object parallel to a main direction of extent of the object and intersects the object at at most two points. "At least substantially parallel" is to be understood here in particular as an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, the direction having a deviation from the reference direction, in particular less than 8 °, advantageously less than 5 ° and particularly advantageously less than 2 °. A “main direction of extent” of an object is to be understood here in particular as a direction which runs parallel to a longest edge of a smallest imaginary cuboid which just completely surrounds the object. In this context, a “main extension” of an object is to be understood as meaning, in particular, an extension of a longest edge of a smallest imaginary cuboid which just completely surrounds the object.

In particular, the oral hygiene device has a length, in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene device, and measured parallel to the support surface, from 130 mm to 210 mm and preferably from 180 mm to 200 mm, although other, in particular smaller or larger, lengths are of course also conceivable are. Smaller versions can be used for toothbrushes for children or teenagers. The proportions given in this document are essentially adhered to in these cases. In particular, the oral hygiene device has a maximum width, in particular parallel to a width axis of the oral hygiene device, advantageously perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and / or parallel to a main extension plane of the oral hygiene device and / or the handle unit, of 10 mm to 25 mm and preferably of 18 mm to 21 mm on. In particular, the oral hygiene agent has a minimum width of 4 mm to 10 mm, preferably 5 mm to 7 mm, in a neck area of the application unit. Furthermore, the oral hygiene means without bristles has in particular a height, in particular parallel to the height axis measured perpendicular to the support surface, of 10 mm to 22 mm and preferably of 12 mm to 18 mm. The highest point is in particular in a thumb grip area or holding area of the grip unit of the oral hygiene product. The term "height" refers in particular to a state of the oral hygiene product in which it is placed, for example on a flat surface such as a table top, a wash basin, a furniture top or the like, in particular such that the longitudinal axis is arranged parallel to the surface and the back of the oral hygiene product rests on the flat surface. A "main plane of extent" of an object is to be understood in particular as a plane which is parallel to a largest side surface of a smallest imaginary cuboid, which just completely surrounds the object, and runs through the center of the cuboid.

The handle unit, in particular with a second coupling element of the coupling unit, has a length of 120 mm to 170 mm, preferably 135 mm to 155 mm. The ratio of this length of the handle unit to a total length of the oral hygiene product is in particular from 50% to 80%, preferably 55% to 75%. The oral hygiene device also has, in particular, a center of gravity that lies in an area of the handle unit. The center of gravity is preferably in an area that is at least partially enclosed by the hand or fingers during use. The center of gravity of the handle unit lies in particular on a longitudinal position in an area, measured from a rear end of the handle unit, from 40 mm to 90 mm, preferably from 55 mm to 75 mm. The center of gravity of the handle unit is in particular in a range from 35% to 75%, preferably from 45% to 60% of the length of the handle unit. The The focus of the oral hygiene device, i.e. the handle unit plugged together with the application unit, lies in particular on a longitudinal position in an area, measured from a rear end of the oral hygiene device, from 50 mm to 95 mm, preferably from 65 mm to 85 mm. The center of gravity of the oral hygiene device is in particular in a range from 25% to 60%, preferably from 35% to 45% of the length of the oral hygiene device, measured from a rear end of the oral hygiene device.

The application unit advantageously has at least one cleaning area which is provided for a tooth cleaning application, in particular in an oral cavity of the user. The cleaning area preferably comprises at least one cleaning unit, in particular at least one brush head, advantageously a toothbrush head, preferably with several bristles and / or bristle bundles and / or sprayed cleaning elements or sprayed bristles and / or flexible cleaning elements. However, the cleaning unit can also be designed, for example, as an interdental brush and / or as a single tuft (e.g. a single large bundle of bristles) and / or as a bow covered with dental floss, in particular as a flosser, or the like. Furthermore, the application unit advantageously has at least the neck element, which is preferably connected to the cleaning area, in particular directly and / or in one piece. "In one piece" is to be understood in particular to be at least cohesively connected, for example by a welding process, an adhesive process, an injection molding process and / or another process that appears sensible to a person skilled in the art, and / or advantageously formed in one piece, for example by a production from a casting and / or by production in a single or multi-component injection molding process and advantageously from a single blank. “Provided” is to be understood in particular as specifically designed and / or equipped. The fact that an object is provided for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

The oral hygiene agent has, in particular, a front side and a rear side, which in particular are arranged facing away from one another. The cleaning area is preferably arranged on the front side of the oral hygiene product. The The front side is in particular a side of the oral hygiene product that is visible in a viewing direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product and perpendicular to the width axis of the oral hygiene product. The face of the brush on which the thumb is placed is particularly referred to as the front of the oral hygiene product. The front side is normally also the side towards which the bristle field or the cleaning elements are directed. The rear side advantageously corresponds to a side of the oral hygiene product that is visible in a viewing direction opposite to this. The side of the toothbrush opposite the bristle field is referred to as the back of the oral hygiene product. In particular, the left side of the oral hygiene device denotes a side which is on the left when looking perpendicularly at the front of the oral hygiene device and the underside is oriented in the direction of the viewer. In particular, the right side of the oral hygiene product denotes a side which is on the right when looking perpendicularly at the front of the oral hygiene product and the underside is oriented in the direction of the viewer. In particular, an end of the oral hygiene device on which the cleaning area is arranged is referred to as the upper side. In particular, an end of the oral hygiene device which is opposite to the upper side and which is closest to the grip area is referred to as the underside.

The handle unit preferably has at least one base body, which is advantageously provided to be held with one hand. The base body is preferably designed with a waist at least in some areas. This advantageously allows a secure hold, optimizes ergonomics and reduces weight. The base body is particularly preferably elongated, with a longitudinal axis of the base body of the handle unit advantageously corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product. The base body is preferably at least partially, in particular completely, made of at least one metallic material. It would also be conceivable for the base body to additionally consist of a further component, such as a soft component, for example. In particular, the grip unit advantageously comprises at least one thumb grip area and / or at least one handle area. The thumb grip area is advantageously arranged on the front side of the oral hygiene device and in particular on a front side of the handle unit. It is conceivable that the thumb grip area and / or the handle area have at least one element and / or a surface structure made of at least one soft component and / or at least one hard component exhibit. Alternatively, the base body consists of plastic, ie at least one hard component and optionally of at least one soft component. Further materials for the base body are ceramics, glass, minerals, stone, organic materials (e.g. wood or bamboo). These materials can also be combined with hard or soft plastics or with one another. Possible material combinations are described above.

The materials used can be recycled and / or recyclable materials. For recyclable materials there is advantageously a publicly accessible recycling option or collections (metals, e.g. aluminum, glass, minerals, stone, plastics, organic materials (wood, bamboo), etc.).

In the context of this disclosure, almost any hard components and soft components can be used, which the person skilled in the art will combine and / or select appropriately. Styrene polymers such as styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), styrene methyl methacrylate (SMMA), styrene butadiene (SB) or the like come into consideration as hard components. Furthermore, a hard component can comprise polyolefins such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) or the like, in particular also in the form of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE). In addition, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), in particular in the form of acid-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETA), glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), acid-modified polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate or the like (PCT-G-hexylene phthalate (PCT-hexyl-A), glycol-modified polyetherphthalate (PCT-hexyl-A), are also used. It is also conceivable to use cellulose derivatives such as cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), cellulose propionate (CP), cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP), cellulose butyrate (CB) or the like. Furthermore, a hard component, for example, polyamides (PA) such as PA 6.6, PA 6.10, PA 6.12 or the like, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PUR), polyamide (PA) or the like. In particular, polyethylene (PE) and / or polyurethane (PU) can be used as a hard component and / or as a soft component. In particular, a hard component has a modulus of elasticity of at least 1000 N / mm ² and advantageously of at least 1300 N / mm ² and / or of at most 2400 N / mm ² and advantageously of at most 1800 N / mm ² . Polypropylene (PP) is the preferred hard component. At least certain materials mentioned under the hard component can be sustainable materials. In particular, materials with a cellulose content are at least partially bio-based.

Hard components are advantageously used for stable and / or structure-bearing elements, in particular in a carrier element of the application unit and / or the coupling unit and / or the handle unit and / or the like. The application unit or the handle unit or at least one base body of the application unit or the handle unit preferably has a single hard component which can be formed from one of the materials mentioned or from a mixture or a combination thereof. However, combinations of different hard components are also conceivable, these being processed, for example, in a two- and / or multi-component injection molding and / or glued to one another and / or welded, in particular ultrasonically welded. Alternatively or additionally, several hard components can be used that do not enter into a material bond in a two- and / or multi-component injection molding. In particular, it is conceivable that in this case a form fit, for example in the form of at least one undercut and / or at least one opening and / or at least one at least partial extrusion coating or the like, is produced between hard components. It is conceivable here that, for example, a second hard component, which is in particular injected onto a first hard component, shrinks and / or shrinks after an injection molding and advantageously forms a shrinkage connection. Suitable combinations can be, for example, polypropylene-polyester, polypropylene-styrene-acrylonitrile or other combinations.

For example, thermoplastic styrene elastometers (TPE-S) such as a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymer (SEBS), a styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer (SBS) or the like come into consideration as soft components. It is also conceivable to use thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPE-U), thermoplastic polyamide elastomers (TPE-A), thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers (TPE-O), thermoplastic polyester elastomers (TPE-E) or the like. Furthermore, a soft component can comprise at least one silicone, for example. Advantageously, a Soft component has a Shore A hardness of at most 90, advantageously of at most 50 and particularly advantageously of at most 30. At least one soft component preferably forms at least one material bond with at least one hard component, in particular in at least one two- and / or multi-component injection molding, advantageously by means of at least one overmolding and / or overmolding. The materials mentioned under the soft component can be sustainable materials.

It is advantageously conceivable that a hard component used and a soft component used have different colors, so that surface structures, inscriptions, motifs and the like can be implemented by means of a suitable design of the body.

It is also proposed that the at least one application unit has a brush head, in particular a toothbrush head. The application unit advantageously has at least one cleaning unit, in particular a toothbrush head, with bristles. The cleaning unit also advantageously has at least one bristle carrier, for example a brush head base body. At least some or all of the bristles are advantageously conventionally extruded bristles. In this case, bristles can in particular comprise at least one hard component and / or at least one soft component. The bristles are preferably made at least partially or completely from polyamide (PA) and / or from polyester (PBT, PET), any other materials being conceivable and sustainable materials also being possible. It is also conceivable that at least some of the bristles have a taper and / or a variable cross section. The bristles are preferably formed from a single, in particular also mixed, material. However, bristles with a plurality of components are also conceivable, which can in particular be produced and / or produced by means of at least one coextrusion. The bristles can be manufactured and / or manufactured, for example, by means of extrusion, cutting to length and / or post-processing. In contrast to injection-molded bristles or rubber-elastic massage and cleaning elements, which are manufactured using injection molding, conventional bristles are extruded, cut, processed and used on the toothbrush handle using an adapted process, such as the anchor punching process or a non-anchor process.

In particular, cylindrical or pointed bristles with a round cross-section are possible, with any other cross-sections such as polygonal, triangular, rectangular, square, elliptical, star-shaped, trapezoidal, cross-shaped, parallelogram-shaped, rhombus-shaped or any other cross-sections being conceivable. In particular, different bristles can be used in a bristle bundle, but also different bristle bundles, in particular each with a certain type of bristle. The bristles and / or bristle bundles can be arranged regularly, but also irregularly. In particular, bristles and / or bristle bundles arranged in groups and / or adjacent can differ with regard to at least one feature such as a length, a diameter, a material, a color, a material hardness, a geometry, a point and the like, in particular alternately. The bristles preferably have a diameter, in particular perpendicular to their longitudinal axis, of at least 0.075 mm and / or of at most 0.25 mm. The bristles advantageously have a cross-sectional area, in particular perpendicular to their longitudinal axis, of at least 0.002 mm ² and / or of at most 0.2 mm ² . In the case of bristles that are used in the cosmetics sector, for example bristles of an additional application element, thinner bristles and / or bristles with a smaller cross section can also be used, in particular bristles with a diameter, in particular perpendicular to their longitudinal axis, of at least 0.025 mm and / or of at most 0.2 mm and / or with a cross-sectional area, in particular perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, of at least 0.001 mm ² and / or of at most 0.15 mm ² . In the case of tapered bristles, polyester (PBT, PET) is particularly suitable as a material, sustainable materials are also possible, with tapering being able to be generated mechanically and / or chemically. However, other materials are also conceivable. The bristles are preferably straight in the longitudinal direction, but corrugated and / or twisted and / or helical and / or twisted bristles are also conceivable and, in particular, combinations of different bristles. Furthermore, bristles with a smooth surface are conceivable, as well as bristles with a textured surface.

Furthermore, the bristles, in particular as a bundle of bristles, are preferably processed by means of at least one anchor punching method or a method without an anchor or the like, in particular attached to the bristle carrier. The bristle carrier preferably has a plurality of, in particular drilled and / or im Injection molding formed, bristle receptacles, in particular holes for bristle bundles. In the case of anchor punching, it is conceivable, for example, that a base body, in particular from a hard component, preferably the brush head, is first manufactured by means of injection molding, with blind holes for bundles of bristles advantageously being formed during the injection molding. However, a subsequent drilling of blind holes is of course also conceivable. Preferably, bristles or bristle bundles are then folded and fastened in each case in a blind hole by means of at least one anchor, in particular by means of punching. Loop punching is also conceivable.

Alternatively, as mentioned, methods without anchors are also conceivable, bristles or bristle bundles advantageously not being folded. In this case, bristles or bristle bundles are approximately half the length of an anchor punch. For example, it is conceivable here that the bundles of bristles are first separated, fused and / or their bristle ends are in particular then encapsulated in order to secure them. Here, bundles of bristles can advantageously be brought together.

It is also conceivable that the application unit is composed of a base body and a bristle plate which is fitted with bristles and / or alternative cleaning elements. For this purpose, bristle plates with through holes are first manufactured by means of injection molding, through which bristles are then passed. The bristles are then preferably connected, in particular fused, on a rear side, preferably with one another and / or with the corresponding bristle plate. Bristle platelets with bristles in this way can then be welded and / or glued to a base body, in particular a brush head, preferably by means of ultrasonic welding. For this purpose, the base body, in particular the brush head, has in particular a recess into which the bristle plate can be inserted. A known manufacturing process in this context is the anchor free tufting process, which in particular enables bundles of bristles to be brought together. The underside of the bristle plate denotes, in particular, a side which is placed in a recess in the base body and in the direction of the rear side of the Shows oral hygiene product. Correspondingly, the top of the bristle plate points in the direction of the front of the oral hygiene product.

Another possible method for anchorless bristle application is the manufacture, in particular injection molding, of a brush head with through-holes for bristles. Bristles can then be passed through the through holes and fused on a rear side, in particular with one another and / or with the brush head. Preferably, the fused areas and / or the brush head are then overmolded, in particular with at least one soft component.

It is also conceivable to first manufacture a brush head with blind holes, for example by means of injection molding and / or by means of drilling the blind holes. In this case, bristles are put together in bundles and fused and / or otherwise connected at one end. The brush head is then heated. Then bundles of bristles can advantageously be introduced into the blind holes and anchored by pressing the brush head. In particular, the heated blind holes are deformed here, so that the bundles of bristles are anchored in them.

As an alternative or in addition to punched and / or welded and / or glued on bristles, injection molded bristles are also conceivable. These can, in particular, be manufactured together with the application unit, the handle unit and / or the coupling unit during a multi-component injection molding process, or they can be injection-molded onto a base body of the application unit at a later date.

Another possible method of bristling the brush head is turning it in, which creates a cylindrical brush. Here, for example, filament is fed from a roll, with in particular several filament strands being wound on a roll. Several rollers are pre-tensioned for feeding the machine, because each filament in the brush corresponds to a strand of filament. The filaments are spread out correctly in width so that they have the width in which they are inserted into the brush. The filaments are pulled forward so that they are then free for the next step, ie that a wire can be passed over them. A wire is then fed to the machine from a roll, ie it is unwound and introduced into the process. The wire is cut to a length which is greater than the unwound length of the screwed-in brush, the final cutting to length takes place after screwing in. The wire is bent into a U so that the open side can then be pushed over the filaments to thread the bristles. The wire is held at the bottom of the U. The open end of the wire is then clamped so that the filaments are held between the pieces of wire. The filaments are cut to a length which is greater than the final length in the brush, so that the brush can then be cut correctly when the filaments are twisted in. The wire is rotated so that the filaments are clamped between the wire and thus fixed. After the filaments are fixed in the wire, they are cut to the correct length and profiled. After the brush part is completed, the excess wire is cut off.

In an injection molding process, in particular two- and / or multi-component injection molding, materials of injected bristles preferably do not form a material bond with other soft components and / or hard components of the oral hygiene product. Injected bristles are preferably connected by means of a form fit, for example by means of at least one undercut and / or at least one opening and / or by means of at least one at least partial overmolding with soft components and / or hard components, with a shrinkage connection and / or a shrink connection being particularly conceivable. However, a connection by means of at least one material connection is also conceivable.

One-, two- and / or multi-component injection molding is basically conceivable for all of the possible injection molding processes mentioned. The materials used, in particular different soft components and / or hard components, can, as mentioned, be and / or be connected in a materially and / or form-fitting manner. Forming articulated or movable or flexible connections by means of suitable injection molding steps is also conceivable. In principle, for example, hot runner processes, cold runner processes and / or co-injection processes are possible.

As an alternative or in addition to a brush head fitted with bristles, the application unit can also have at least one tongue cleaner and / or at least one alternative cleaning and / or massage element. These can each consist of a soft component, a hard component or a combination of Soft and hard components can be designed and / or advantageously manufactured and / or manufactured by means of injection molding.

Injection-molded bristles are preferably made at least partially and advantageously completely from a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPE-U). The use of a modified polyurethane elastomer (TPE-U) is conceivable here, which can be modified in particular with regard to improved flow properties and / or rapid solidification, in particular rapid crystallization, advantageously even at higher temperatures. Of course, other materials are also conceivable, for example thermoplastic polyester elastomers (TPE-E), thermoplastic polyamide elastomers (TPE-A), polyethylene (PE), for example in the forms of low density polyethylene (LDPE) or linear low density polyethylene ( LLDPE), or the like. Materials for sprayed bristles advantageously have a Shore D hardness of at least 0 and particularly advantageously of at least 30 and / or of at most 100 and advantageously of at most 80. In particular, a Shore hardness of a material of injected bristles is advantageously higher than a Shore hardness of other soft components used, for example for grip elements, massage elements, further cleaning elements or the like. The materials used to manufacture injected bristles can be sustainable materials.

In principle, the use of water-soluble polymers is also conceivable, for example for hard components, soft components, injected bristles or other elements of the oral hygiene product.

Likewise, bioplastics can be used for the hard component, the soft component and / or the material for injected bristles, which can be obtained in particular from renewable raw materials, can be biodegradable, in particular compostable, and / or can consist of a recycled and / or recyclable material . The material is preferably formed in particular from a plastic. The biodegradable, in particular compostable, and / or recycled and / or recyclable material is preferably formed from a bioplastic, in particular from a plastic based on renewable raw materials and / or from a biodegradable plastic. The material can therefore in particular be fossil-based and biodegradable, such as PVOH, PCL, PBAT, PET or PBS, based on renewable raw materials and biodegradable, such as for example PLA, PHA, cellophane or starch blends, or based on renewable raw materials and not biodegradable, such as Ca, Bio-PE, Bio-PP, Bio-PA, Bio-PET. Various bioplastics that appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are conceivable, such as starch-based bioplastics, cellulose-based bioplastics, polyhydroxy alkanoates, such as in particular polyhydroxybutyric acid (PHB), polylactic acid (PLA), aliphatic and / or aromatic copolyesters, or other bioplastics such as lignin based bioplastics. The application unit or the handle unit can preferably consist largely of a biodegradable, in particular compostable, and / or a recycled material. The oral hygiene agent preferably consists of only one component. In particular, the oral hygiene agent has a hard component. The material volume body of the application unit or handle unit can at least for the most part consist of the hard component. The hard component and / or the soft component and / or the material for injected bristles consists in particular of a bioplastic, which in particular can be obtained from renewable raw materials. In particular, maize, hemp, sugar, castor oil, palm oil, potatoes, wheat, sugar cane, rubber, wood, the castor plant / the miracle tree and the like come into consideration as raw materials. Corresponding possible basic materials could for example be cellulose, starch, lactic acid (PLA), glucose, chitin, chitosan or the like, from which in particular corresponding bioplastics can be synthesized.

In this context, a “coupling unit” is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a unit which forms an interface to a coupling of the application unit to the handle unit, in particular a manually releasable coupling without tools. The coupling unit enables, in particular, multiple coupling and decoupling of the application unit with the handle unit carried out by an operator. The coupling unit is used in particular to replace the application unit on the handle unit. A coupling can take place, for example, by means of a plugging movement, a rotary movement and / or a combination of a plugging and rotary movement. The coupling unit preferably has at least one first coupling element and at least one second coupling element corresponding to the first coupling element. A first coupling element preferably forms an interface receptacle, while the second coupling element forms one Interface extension forms. In this context, an “interface receptacle” is to be understood in particular as a receptacle area which is provided for capturing an interface extension in a captive manner. The interface receptacle is preferably provided, in particular, for a force-fitting and / or form-fitting receptacle of the interface extension. The interface receptacle forms, in particular, a receptacle area into which the interface extension can be pushed, in particular plugged in, the interface extension latching and / or jamming in the receiving area in particular from a defined insertion force and / or a defined insertion path. The interface receptacle is preferably arranged on a side of the application unit facing away from the brush head.

The coupling unit corresponds in particular at least approximately to a coupling unit, as it is already in the WO 2016/177580 is revealed. The one in the pamphlet WO 2016/177580 The coupling unit described should therefore be viewed in particular as part of the disclosure of the present invention. In the case of the coupling unit, compared to the coupling unit, the WO 2016/177580 in particular, an adaptation to a plastic-metal, plastic-ceramic, plastic-glass, plastic-organic material connection takes place. Wood, bamboo or the like, for example, are conceivable as organic material. In particular, for example, other tolerances are necessary so that the whole works together. Furthermore, a geometry can be simplified in order to enable manufacturability. An adaptation takes place in particular on the side of the handle unit so that the same application unit can be used. An adaptation of a second coupling element of the coupling unit takes place in particular to ensure manufacturability in materials other than plastic, due to the changed tolerance fields of the processing and to simplify the handle unit without loss of reliability. In particular, complicated tolerance dependencies can be defused. In the case of a second coupling element of the coupling unit, compared to the WO 2016/177580 especially a front part shortened by 1.1 mm. Furthermore, in the case of the second coupling element, the coupling unit was compared to the WO 2016/177580 in particular a rib is provided, the rib in particular having an inlet slope along the longitudinal axis. In particular, the rib replaces a horseshoe shape, so that only the effectively supporting areas are designed become. In particular, a conical slot is provided in a central part of the second coupling element. The slot has, in particular, a conicity along the longitudinal axis, widening by 0.5 ° per side towards the free end. In a rear part of the second coupling element, a snap is provided, in particular, which is exposed. The exemption is, in particular, production-related. For an exemption, in particular around the snapper, a rectangle is set lower than the further interface geometry. Furthermore, in the case of the second coupling element, the coupling unit was compared to the WO 2016/177580 in particular a recess is filled on the front side and on the back the body is only shaped up to the recesses and in particular reduced by approximately 0.5 mm. In particular, this results in a dimensional jump in the cast part.

Alternatively, other connection options for the coupling unit are also conceivable. The application unit and the handle unit can be connected, for example, by means of a screw connection or screw connection, a thread being introduced into the application unit and the handle unit. The parts could therefore, in particular, be screwed together, the threads having to be adapted in particular to a handle design so that the push-on part is ultimately in the correct orientation relative to the handle. The application unit is preferably screwed onto the handle unit with a clockwise rotation.
Alternatively, a plug and snap connection for the coupling unit would be conceivable. A second coupling element can, for example, be moved into the first coupling element along the longitudinal axis and finally snapped to secure it. The snapping can take place, for example, with a pin and recess geometry. Alternatively, a bayonet connection for the coupling unit would be conceivable. A connection could therefore be made in particular by inserting and rotating or by rotating and snapping. Alternatively, a press-fit connection for the coupling unit would be conceivable. In particular, a frictional connection could be provided, with a coupling element forming a recess and a coupling element forming a pin.

“Provided” is to be understood in particular as specifically programmed, designed and / or equipped. The fact that an object is provided for a specific function is to be understood in particular as meaning that the object has this specific function Function fulfilled and / or carried out in at least one application and / or operating state.

In particular, the handle unit can be used several times, so it is not a single-use product. In particular, only the application unit is changed. In particular, the application unit with different properties can also be combined with the same handle unit. In particular, several different attachments are conceivable on the same handle unit, which can be changed back and forth. The oral hygiene product can be sold as a set, for example with a holder / stand for storing the application unit and the handle unit, with the handle unit and with various application units, such as an attachment brush, an interdental attachment and / or a tongue cleaner attachment.

It is further proposed that the at least one coupling unit has at least one first coupling element which is formed in one piece with the application unit. The first coupling element is preferably designed in one piece with the base body of the application unit. The first coupling element preferably forms an interface receptacle. The first coupling element in particular delimits an interface receptacle. The first coupling element is arranged in particular on a side of the application unit facing away from the cleaning area. The first coupling element is preferably arranged at an end of the neck area facing away from the cleaning area. The application unit has in particular a cleaning area and a neck area, the first coupling element being arranged in the neck area. "In one piece" is to be understood in particular to be at least cohesively connected, for example by a welding process, an adhesive process, an injection molding / molding process and / or another process that appears sensible to a person skilled in the art, and / or advantageously formed in one piece, such as for example, by production from a cast and / or by production in a one-component or multi-component injection molding process and advantageously from a single blank. Alternatively or additionally, a form fit between the coupling element and the application unit (for example by means of a press fit, friction fit, cone, etc.) can also be provided.

In this way, in particular, an advantageous coupling unit can be provided. In particular, a number of components can be kept small. Furthermore, an at least partial integration of the coupling unit into the application unit can thereby be achieved.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one coupling unit has at least one second coupling element, which corresponds to the first coupling element and which is firmly connected to the handle unit. The coupling unit is provided in particular for a rotationally fixed coupling of the first coupling element to the second coupling element. The second coupling element is preferably formed by an interface extension which at least partially protrudes from the base body of the handle unit. The second coupling element is arranged in particular on a side of the handle unit facing the application unit. The second coupling element is preferably arranged at an end of the handle unit facing away from the lower end of the handle unit, that is to say it is arranged on the upper side of the handle unit. The second coupling element preferably forms part of the handle unit. In this way, in particular, an advantageous coupling unit can be provided. Furthermore, an at least partial integration of the coupling unit into the handle unit can thereby be achieved.

It is further proposed that the second coupling element of the coupling unit consists at least to a large extent of a plastic and is at least positively and / or cohesively connected to the handle unit. The second coupling element is preferably connected to the handle unit by means of a plug-in and / or adhesive connection. At one end facing the application unit, the handle unit preferably has a recess and / or an extension in and / or to which the second coupling element is fastened. “Form-fittingly connected” is to be understood in particular to mean that surfaces of components that are connected to one another in a form-fitting manner exert a holding force acting on one another in the normal direction of the surfaces. In particular, the components are in geometric engagement with one another. “Cohesively connected” is to be understood as meaning, in particular, that the mass parts are held together by atomic or molecular forces, such as, for example, during soldering, welding, gluing and / or vulcanizing. As a result, an advantageously variable production of the second coupling element can be achieved. In particular, an advantageously inexpensive and flexible production of the second coupling element can be achieved. Furthermore, an at least partial integration of the coupling unit into the handle unit can thereby be achieved. Alternatively or additionally, a form fit between the coupling element and the application unit (for example by means of a press fit, friction fit, cone, etc.) can also be provided.

Due to the separate design of the second coupling element, the coupling unit can in particular be used for different handle units. The second coupling element is preferably designed to be separable from the handle unit, in particular for disposal. The handle unit has, in particular, an interface for a fixed connection with the second coupling element. The interface is preferably designed in a blind hole-like shape. The second coupling element is in particular made of plastic and is preferably made in an injection molding process. The second coupling element is designed identically with regard to its shape, in particular regardless of its material configuration. When the oral hygiene product is produced, in particular the handle unit and the second coupling element are produced separately and subsequently mounted. The assembly can take place in various ways that appear sensible to a person skilled in the art, with in particular a form of the transition from the second coupling element to the handle unit at least partially dictating assembly. In particular, in the case of a screw connection, for example, the transition should be designed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis. An assembly can also take place, for example, by means of a press fit, by means of gluing, by means of a snap and / or latching connection and / or by means of a screw connection. The connection between the second coupling element and the handle unit can in particular be designed to be fixed and non-detachable or changeable. In the case of a non-detachable connection, it would be particularly conceivable that the second coupling element should, in particular, only be able to be installed once, with dismantling being possible only through destruction. A corresponding connection can be achieved, for example, by gluing or pressing. In the case of a detachable connection, it would be particularly conceivable that a separation is possible, for example for recycling or the attachment of different colored coupling elements. A corresponding, releasable connection can be made possible, for example, by means of a screw connection. Different colored second coupling elements can in particular bring the necessary differentiation with a uniform handle color. Furthermore, it would also be conceivable that different second coupling elements are provided for differently configured coupling units, the second coupling element each being configured identically on a side facing the handle unit and only the interfaces for coupling with the first coupling element being configured differently. In particular, different interfaces could be implemented with the same handle. In particular, a variability over several different handles could be achieved. For example, with five different handle units and three different second coupling elements, 15 product variants could be achieved. Alternatively or additionally, it would also be conceivable for an intermediate piece, in particular an interface part, to be designed to be exchangeable.

It is proposed that the first and second coupling elements are preferably designed differently so that when the first coupling element is used, forces are not exerted on the second coupling element which could weaken the corresponding coupling connection. This can be implemented with different connection or coupling methods. For example, the first coupling can be achieved by means of a plug connection and the second coupling by means of a screw connection. For the same reason, the same coupling processes with different effects can also be used. For example, two rotary connections in different directions or two plug connections with different axial effects can be used.

It is further proposed that the second coupling element of the coupling unit is formed in one piece with the handle unit. In this way, in particular, an advantageous coupling unit can be provided. In particular, a number of components can be kept small. Furthermore, integration of the coupling unit into the handle unit can thereby be achieved.

It is further proposed that the at least one coupling unit has at least one second coupling element, which consists of a metallic, ceramic, glass-like or organic material. The second coupling element is preferably made of the same material as the base body of the handle unit. As a result, an advantageously robust second coupling element can in particular to be provided. In particular, a large number of coupling processes with the application unit can be made possible with the same accuracy of fit.

It is also proposed that at least the main body of the handle unit consists at least to a large extent of a metallic material. The handle unit preferably consists entirely of a metallic material. "At least to a large extent" should be understood to mean in particular at least 50%, advantageously at least 60%, preferably at least 70%, particularly preferably at least 80% and particularly advantageously at least 90%. Furthermore, in this context, a “metallic material” is to be understood in particular as a technically used metal and an industrially used alloy. Various metallic materials that appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are conceivable, such as, for example, ferrous material and / or non-ferrous materials, such as, in particular, alloys based on copper and / or aluminum. Preferably, the main body of the handle unit consists largely of just one metallic material, such as an alloy in particular, but it would also be conceivable that the main body of the handle unit consists of different metallic materials, in particular different areas of the main body of the handle unit consist of different metallic materials can. Further materials or material combinations are described above. As a result, an advantageously long-lasting handle unit can be provided, in particular, the application unit being designed to be exchangeable. An advantageously high level of robustness of the handle unit can also be provided. Furthermore, a long service life of the handle unit can be achieved, in particular only the application unit having to be exchanged. In this way, in particular, an ecologically advantageous oral hygiene agent can be provided.

It is also proposed that a handle unit be implemented in three parts. A second coupling element is designed, as well as an actual base body, which takes up most of the volume of the handle, and a closing element, which forms the rear end of the body. In particular, the coupling element as well as the terminating element can be designed from a metallic material. Furthermore, the base body can in particular be made of a more valuable material, for example ceramic, porcelain, glass, wood, bamboo, etc.

It is also proposed that at least the base body of the handle unit is manufactured in a die-casting process. In this way, in particular, an advantageous base body of the handle unit can be provided. In particular, a base body of the handle unit that can advantageously be produced easily and precisely can be provided. The entire handle unit is preferably produced in a die-casting process. At least the base body of the handle unit, in particular the entire handle unit, is preferably produced in an aluminum die-casting process. In the die-casting process, metal in particular is poured, in particular pressed, into a predetermined mold, in particular a die-casting mold, under high pressure and at a very high mold filling speed. Subsequent demolding must be taken into account in the design. Demoulding guidelines regarding undercuts must be observed. The draft angles are more than 0.5 °, preferably more than 1 °. Undercuts are to be avoided in the design if possible, as they involve very complex casting tools so that demoldability is guaranteed. However, other manufacturing methods for the handle unit that appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable. For example, the handle unit can be produced at least partially in a sintering process. Here a molded part is produced and compacted. Alternatively or additionally, the handle unit can be produced at least partially by means of a turning process. As a rotating part, the handle unit should in particular be designed to be rotationally symmetrical to the longitudinal axis (or another axis). Alternatively or additionally, the handle unit can be manufactured at least partially by means of a milling process. In particular, free shapes are possible here, whereby, depending on the shape, the production can be very time-consuming, which leads to a very expensive product. As an alternative or in addition, the handle unit can be produced at least partially in a forming process or a pressing process. In particular, only a limited shape is possible here. Alternatively or additionally, the handle unit can be produced at least partially by means of an extrusion process. In particular, a strand material is produced as a basic structure or as a longitudinal profile of the handle unit. Post-processing is particularly essential here in order to obtain an adapted shape. In addition, a combination with cutting, sawing, drilling and / or milling for producing at least part of the handle unit and / or the second coupling element would also be conceivable. As an alternative or in addition, the handle unit can be produced at least partially by means of a structural method, such as a 3D printing method, for example. Preferably the Handle unit manufactured at least partially in a 3D printing process. In the 3D printing process, material is applied layer by layer, creating a three-dimensional object.

In the manufacture of the handle unit by means of die casting, a gate point or a gate and, for example, also the overflow or overflows, in particular for all manufacturing processes, preferably in an area in which the gate point, gate or overflow does not later functionally interfere and furthermore optically and haptically either does not interfere or can be edited in such a way that it does not interfere. The sprue point and also the individual overflow generally represent, in particular, a special accumulation of material which, for example, can result in optical differences during post-treatment or does not functionally achieve the same quality as the rest of the part. The gate point is preferably not in a functional area such as the second coupling element. The sprue point is preferably not in a haptically important area such as that of the thumb rest or the surface at the rear end of the handle part, etc. Furthermore, due to the product design, it may be necessary to carry out certain deburring work, for example on mold separations, etc.

In one embodiment of the handle unit, a gate / gate is located in particular on a mold parting line at the rear end of the handle; two gate points are implemented symmetrically to one another in terms of manufacturing technology. In this embodiment, the overflows are also located symmetrically at the front end of the handle unit in front of the coupling unit.

In the die-casting process for the handle unit, 1, 2, 3 or 4 sprue points and 1, 2, 3 or 4 overflows are used.

The handle unit preferably has a production-related mold parting line. Mold separation lines arise in each case in particular at those points where different parts of a mold, in particular a casting mold, meet. The design, in particular the design, of the handle unit is preferably matched to the course of the mold parting lines, so that the mold parting line results in part of the design. The shape separation line of the handle unit leads in particular around the base body of the handle unit, in particular in the longitudinal direction, with the in recesses Grip unit, in particular, a mold separation line is also formed if these are continuous from one side to the other, for example from the front to the rear, since different parts of a casting mold also meet at this point. In particular, the handle unit has a mold parting line on the outside of the base body and one mold parting line per recess. The mold parting line preferably has a continuous course, in particular round courses free of steps being implemented. Preferably, the mold parting line is always arranged at the widest point of the body for the purpose of demoldability. The mold parting line can be implemented directly as a "sharp" edge, which means that the contacting surfaces meet at one point. However, the mold parting line is preferably shaped as a radius in order not to cause any injuries to the users during use. The radius, seen in cross section, is between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 0.9 and 2.1 mm.

The application unit preferably also has a mold dividing line. The handle unit and the application unit are preferably designed in a geometrically continuous manner. The tangents of the corresponding, adjoining outer surfaces are essentially parallel. In particular, the mold parting line of the handle unit is thereby also continued in the mold parting line of the application unit. The mold parting lines continued across different materials in particular. In this way, in particular, a design can be realized from a single source and there are no elements that can be injured. The mold parting line can in particular be implemented as a design element.

It is also conceivable that structures and / or textures are generated on the handle unit. In this way, in particular, different haptics can be generated. Various structures that appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are conceivable, such as, for example, corrugations, ribs, knobs and / or high-low structures with any pattern. The structures can in particular already be embedded or raised in a mold, in particular a casting mold, during manufacture. A shaping can take place directly integrated in a primary shaping of the handle unit. An additional, separate forming process is also possible (e.g. by means of cutting processes such as milling or non-tensioning processes such as pressing or deforming. It is also proposed that the metallic material be formed from an aluminum alloy. Preferably the aluminum alloy is not magnetic. In this way, in particular, an advantageous base body of the handle unit can be provided. In particular, a base body of the handle unit that can advantageously be produced easily and precisely can be provided. The entire handle unit is preferably made of the metallic material. The choice of material can in particular be influenced by the manufacturing process. Certain manufacturing processes allow materials for processing that later allow preferred post-processing. For example, there are difficulties in anodizing parts made from certain aluminum alloys that are made by die casting, whereas with identical milled forms made from essentially pure aluminum, a more easily anodized alloy can be used. The aim of the choice of material is, in particular, to create a permanent grip. In particular, pure materials or alloys are provided; in particular, no mixture of plastic and metal or alloy is provided in the individual material area. The metallic material can in particular be made of new material as well as of recycling material, such as coffee capsules, aluminum cans, etc., exist. A combination of new material and recycled material is also conceivable. As an alternative to aluminum, other metallic materials that appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable, such as copper alloys, gold, silver, titanium, chrome steel and / or steel.

It is further proposed that the metallic material has between 1% and 13% silicon, between 0.5% and 2% iron and a maximum of 5% copper. The metallic material preferably has a maximum of 13% magnesium. The metallic material preferably has a maximum of 1% nickel. The metallic material preferably has a maximum of 5% zinc. In this way, in particular, an advantageous base body of the handle unit can be provided. In particular, an advantageously lighter and precisely producible base body of the handle unit can be provided. Various aluminum alloys that appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are conceivable. The aluminum alloy can, for example, be of a first type, in particular comprising 5% to 10% silicon, less than 2% iron, 2% to 5% copper, less than 1% magnesium, less than 1% nickel, less than 5% zinc and / or less than 1% tin. The aluminum alloy of the first type has in particular a density of 2000 kg / m ³ to 3500 kg / m ³ , preferably of 2400 kg / m ³ to 3000 kg / m ³ . The aluminum alloy of the first type is particularly well suited for post-treatment by means of dip painting. Alternatively, the aluminum alloy can be of a second type, in particular comprising 8% to 13% silicon, less than 1.5% iron, 1% to 4% copper, less than 1% magnesium, less than 1% nickel, less than 2% zinc , less than 1% tin, less than 0.5% lead and / or less than 0.2% titanium. The aluminum alloy of the second type has, in particular, a density of 2000 kg / m ³ to 3500 kg / m ³ , preferably of 2400 kg / m ³ to 3000 kg / m ³ . Alternatively, the aluminum alloy can be of a third type, in particular comprising less than 1.5% silicon, less than 1.5% iron, less than 1% copper, less than 1% magnesium, less than 1% zinc and / or less than 1 % Titanium. The aluminum alloy of the third type has, in particular, a density of 2000 kg / m ³ to 3500 kg / m ³ , preferably of 2400 kg / m ³ to 3000 kg / m ³ . The aluminum alloy of the third type is particularly well suited for anodizing. Alternatively, the aluminum alloy can be a fourth type, in particular comprising 1.5% to 3.5% silicon, less than 1.5% iron, less than 1% copper, less than 1% manganese, 6% to 13% magnesium, less than 1% nickel, less than 1% zinc, less than 1% tin, less than 0.5% lead and / or less than 0.5% titanium. The aluminum alloy of the fourth type has, in particular, a density of 2000 kg / m ³ to 3500 kg / m ³ , preferably of 2400 kg / m ³ to 3000 kg / m ³ . The aluminum alloy of the fourth type is particularly easy to polish and also easy to machine. Alternatively, the aluminum alloy can be a fifth type, in particular comprising 1% to 3% silicon, less than 1% iron, less than 1% copper, less than 1% manganese, 3% to 8% magnesium, less than 1% zinc and / or less than 0.5% titanium. The aluminum alloy of the fifth type has, in particular, a density of 2000 kg / m ³ to 3500 kg / m ³ , preferably of 2400 kg / m ³ to 3000 kg / m ³ . The aluminum alloy of the fifth type is particularly easy to polish and, due to the high silicon content, easy to cast. Pure aluminum is a sixth type of possible metallic material. This essentially only consists of aluminum. This sixth type in particular has a density of 2000 kg / m ³ to 3500 kg / m ³ , preferably of 2400 kg / m ³ to 3000 kg / m ³ . With the mentioned material types, it is always the case that the remaining% consist essentially of aluminum. It should be noted in particular that the proportion of silicon is very important in the case of handle units manufactured by means of die casting. The higher the silicon content, the more advantageous it has in particular on the flow and shape-filling capacity. With as the Si content decreases, the flowability becomes poorer. However, silicon is particularly disadvantageous for post-processing, in particular by anodizing, and a balance must accordingly be found with the silicon content. In particular, depending on the metallic material used, other manufacturing processes for the handle unit are also conceivable.

Furthermore, alternative materials are also conceivable, which can in particular be produced with other production methods as the case may be. Various alternative materials that appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are conceivable, such as, for example, organic materials such as wood or bamboo, stone, plastic, celluloid, glass, ceramic and / or porcelain. Alternatively or additionally, the handle unit can be constructed from several material components. Combinations of the materials described above can be used.
For example, different metals in particular have different optics, in particular also in terms of surface treatment. Furthermore, different metals have different properties and are, for example, also magnetic or non-magnetic. Furthermore, a combination of metal with overmolding of plastic would also be conceivable. A magnetic handle unit creates alternative storage options in particular, so the handle unit can be suspended or set up magnetically, for example.

It is also proposed that the base body of the handle unit delimit at least one recess which extends completely through the base body, for example from the front to the rear, and which is completely enclosed by the base body in at least one plane, in particular parallel to a main extension plane of the handle unit . In this way, in particular, an advantageously low material requirement can be achieved. In particular, an advantageously filigree handle unit can be provided. The recess in the main plane of extent of the handle unit is preferably completely enclosed by the material base body. The base body preferably forms at least partially a ring, in particular a loop, which extends around the recess. The recess is preferably formed by a slot. In particular, the recess, in particular in the main plane of extent, has a drop-shaped or lenticular cross-sectional shape. The slot is aligned in particular along the longitudinal axis of the handle unit. The The base body forms in particular two lateral longitudinal webs which are each connected at at least one end, in particular a front end and a rear end, and enclose the recess. The ring formed by the base body, in particular the loop which surrounds the recess, is in particular designed to be closed. In particular, there are no open ends, such as fork-shaped configurations. The ring, in particular the loop, can have a wide variety of cross-sections. Possible cross-sectional shapes are circular, oval, elliptical, rectangular, diamond-shaped, triangular, n-angular, rhombus-shaped, parallelogram-shaped, whereby the edges / corners formed in the longitudinal direction can be rounded or "sharp". In particular, the ring is designed to be round or rounded on the outside, that is to say outside the recess. Furthermore, the cross-section can change over the longitudinal course and change from one shape to another, even several times. The at least one recess serves in particular to save material. The at least one recess is arranged in particular in the longitudinal direction. The number of recesses can in particular be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more, preferably one to three. The recesses can be arranged next to one another at least partially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The recess can have a wide variety of cross-sections in a plan view from the front. In particular, the shape of the recess essentially corresponds to a shape of the loop. The cross-sectional shape or the shape of the recess can be uniform in the longitudinal direction or also have a change in the form of constrictions. A constriction can be used, for example, to design a thumb grip area in a somewhat offset manner. Other possible cross-sectional shapes are elliptical, diamond-shaped, parallelogram-shaped, rectangular, triangular. The corners and edges of the cross-sectional shapes are preferably rounded, the minimum radius being 0.5 mm, preferably 1 mm. The edges / corners that form in the longitudinal direction, which are formed, for example, at an entry into the recess, have a radius of at least 0.5 mm, preferably of at least 1 mm. In particular, sharp transitions are also possible. The at least one recess has, in particular, a width of 4 mm to 9 mm, preferably 5 mm to 7.5 mm. The at least one recess has, in particular, a length of 10 mm to 60 mm, preferably 25 mm to 50 mm. A ratio of the volume of the at least one recess to a volume of the at least one recess together with the handle unit is in particular from 0.3 to 0.7, preferably from 0.38 to 0.52. The at least one recess can also perform further functions. For example, it would be conceivable that the oral hygiene agent can be suspended from the at least one recess, for example on a hook. In particular, the recess can also serve to form the counterpart for a holder. For example, it would be conceivable that a holder and the at least one recess are adapted to one another. Thus, for example, the oral hygiene agent can be suspended, inserted and / or attached via the recess on the holder. The holder can in particular be designed in various ways that appear sensible to a person skilled in the art, such as, for example, as a base that stands itself and / or as a holding option for additional parts such as clickable or snap-in elements made of plastic, in particular made of soft components and / or hard components. At least one recess can also serve to fix the oral hygiene agent in the packaging.

It is further proposed that the grip unit has at least one thumb grip area, the recess being at least partially arranged in the thumb grip area. The main body of the grip unit preferably forms a depression in the thumb grip area towards the recess. The recess is arranged at least on a front side of the base body of the handle unit. In particular, the recess is arranged at a lowest point of the depression. In particular, the recess is concave. The thumb grip area is formed in particular from an interaction between the thickening and shape of the base body of the grip unit and the recess, a depression for the thumb rest being formed in the thumb grip area. The support surface is formed by a flank of the ring of the base body that encompasses the recess on the side of the recess, that is to say in particular on the inside. In this way, in particular, an advantageous integration of the thumb grip area can be achieved. In particular, an advantageously filigree handle unit can also be provided.

It is further proposed that the base body of the handle unit delimits at least one further recess, which is arranged along a longitudinal axis of the handle unit behind the recess, which extends completely through the base body and which is in at least one plane, in particular parallel to a main plane of extent of the handle unit, completely enclosed by the base body is. The further recess is arranged in particular on a side of the recess facing away from the application unit. The recess and the further recess are in particular free from a connection. The recess and the further recess are in particular separated by the base body of the handle unit. The further recess in the main plane of extent of the handle unit is preferably completely enclosed by the material base body. The base body preferably forms two rings, in particular loops, which extend around the recess and the further recess. The further recess is preferably formed by a slot. In particular, the further recess, in particular in the main plane of extent, has a lenticular cross-sectional shape. The slot is aligned in particular along the longitudinal axis of the handle unit. The further recess in particular has an identical orientation as the first recess. The base body forms in particular two lateral longitudinal webs which are each connected at at least one end, in particular a front end and a rear end, as well as in a central one and enclose the recess and the further recess. The ring formed by the base body, which surrounds the further recess, is, in particular, designed to be closed. In particular, there are no open ends, such as fork-shaped configurations. The ring which surrounds the further recess can have a wide variety of cross-sections. Possible cross-sectional shapes are circular, oval, elliptical, rectangular, diamond-shaped, triangular, n-angular, rhombus-shaped, parallelogram-shaped, whereby the edges / corners formed in the longitudinal direction can again be rounded, as described for the first recess. In particular, the ring is designed to be round or rounded on the outside, that is to say outside of the further recess. Furthermore, the cross-section can change over the longitudinal course and change from one shape to another, even several times. The further recess can have a wide variety of cross-sections in a plan view. The cross-sectional shape can be uniform in the longitudinal direction or also have a change in the form of constrictions. A constriction can be used, for example, to design a thumb grip area in a somewhat offset manner. Other possible cross-sectional shapes are elliptical, diamond-shaped, parallelogram-shaped, rectangular, triangular. The corners and edges of the cross-sectional shapes are preferably rounded, and the edges / corners formed in the longitudinal direction can be rounded or "sharp". In particular, this can result in an advantageously low material requirement can be achieved. In particular, an advantageously filigree handle unit can be provided.

It is further proposed that the base body of the handle unit delimits at least two recesses, which are arranged next to one another perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, which extend completely through the base body and which each completely separate from the handle unit in at least one plane, in particular parallel to a main plane of extension of the handle unit Base body are enclosed. The recesses are arranged in particular on a side facing away from the application unit. In particular, the recesses are free from a connection. The recesses are in particular separated by the base body of the handle unit, the base body forming a rib along the main direction of extent. The recesses in the main plane of extent of the handle unit are preferably completely enclosed by the material base body. The base body preferably forms a ring, in particular a loop, which is separated by a rib along the longitudinal axis and which extend around the recesses. The recesses are preferably formed by a slot. In particular, the recesses, in particular in the main plane of extent, have a lenticular and / or banana-shaped cross-sectional shape. The respective slot is aligned in particular along the longitudinal axis of the handle unit. In particular, the two recesses have an identical orientation in the main direction of extent, but they are shaped in a mirrored manner with respect to the main direction of extent. The base body forms in particular two lateral longitudinal webs which are each connected at at least one end, in particular a front end and a rear end, and which, together with the rib, enclose the recesses. The ring with rib, which is formed by the base body and which surrounds the further recess, is designed in particular to be closed. In particular, there are no open ends, such as fork-shaped configurations. The actual ring and also the rib which enclose the recesses can have a wide variety of cross-sections. Possible cross-sectional shapes are circular, oval, elliptical, rectangular, diamond-shaped, triangular, n-angular, rhombus-shaped, parallelogram-shaped, whereby the edges / corners formed in the longitudinal direction can again be rounded, as described for the first recess. In particular, the ring is designed to be round or rounded on the outside, that is to say outside of the further recess. The cross-section can be further Change along the length and change from one shape to another, also several times. The recesses can have a wide variety of cross-sections in a plan view. The cross-sectional shape can be uniform in the longitudinal direction or also have a change in the form of constrictions. A constriction can be used, for example, to design a thumb grip area in a somewhat offset manner. Other possible cross-sectional shapes are elliptical, diamond-shaped, parallelogram-shaped, rectangular, triangular. The corners and edges of the cross-sectional shapes are preferably rounded, and the edges / corners formed in the longitudinal direction can be rounded or "sharp". In this way, in particular, an advantageously low material requirement can be achieved. In particular, an advantageously filigree handle unit can be provided.

Furthermore, there are in particular various options for labeling the handle unit. The lettering can in particular be implemented directly in the material, for example by means of recessed or sunk and / or raised or raised lettering and / or logo. In particular, when manufacturing by casting or milling, the labeling directly in the material does not pose a problem. Alternatively, the labeling can be done by interrupted or different surface treatment, i.e. the omission or different application of the surface treatment in areas and / or a specific surface treatment only in the area of the Lettering. The lettering can be etched, for example. Alternatively, the inscription can be done by printing or embossing. However, a printed label may be less suitable for durability because it is less permanent. The labeling can take place in particular in the grip area. If the handle unit is designed with loops, the inscription can take place in particular on the inside or outside of the loops of the base body of the handle unit. The orientation of the lettering is preferably towards the front, but it is also possible towards the rear or in both orientations. In particular, various positions and orientations that appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are conceivable. The mass, in particular the length and width of the inscription, is in particular dependent on a design and the space on the base body. If the inscription is designed as an elevation or depression, the elevation or depression has, in particular, a height or depth of 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm, preferably 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm.

It is further proposed that the handle unit, viewed at least in a plane parallel to a main extension plane of the handle unit, has an at least approximately 8-shaped basic shape. Preferably, the handle unit, viewed at least in a plane parallel to a main extension plane of the handle unit, has at least approximately the shape of an infinite symbol (∞). The main body of the handle unit forms an eight. The base body forms, in particular, two rings, in particular loops. Each of the rings, in particular loops, has a recess in the middle, in particular the recess and the further recess. The ring surrounding the recess, in particular the loop, is in particular smaller, in particular less wide and less long, than the ring, in particular the loop, surrounding the further recess. In particular, the recess is smaller than the further recesses. In particular, a knot in which the two loops are connected is formed between the two loops of the base body of the handle unit. The position of the knot in relation to the total length of the handle unit is in particular along the longitudinal axis of the handle unit at 60 mm to 80 mm, preferably at 65 mm to 75 mm, measured from the free end. The position of the knot in relation to the total length of the handle unit is in particular in% of the total length of the handle unit, measured from the free end, between 35% and 55%, preferably between 40% and 50%. The cross-sections of the loops of the base body of the handle unit are preferably at least similar, with the loops being able to merge into a further shape, for example at their ends or at the knot. The loops each have a closed contour. The base body of the handle unit also has a width of 4 mm to 8 mm, preferably 5 mm to 7 mm. Furthermore, the base body of the handle unit has, in particular, a height of 4 mm to 20 mm, preferably 6 mm to 15 mm. In particular, the base body of the handle unit forms a course in the longitudinal direction. The base body of the handle unit has a minimum height of 7.6 mm and a maximum height of 12.9 mm, in particular along the course. In a side view, the handle unit has a curved, in particular curved, longitudinal shape. On the back, the handle unit has, in particular, support points at the free end and in the area of the second coupling element when it is placed on a surface. In principle, however, another shape of the longitudinal shape of the handle unit that appears sensible to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable, such as, for example, wavy or straight. In particular, the handle unit has a weight of 20 g to 40 g, preferably 25 g to 35 g. The Oral hygiene agent has a weight of 20 g to 45 g, preferably 28 g to 38 g. A ratio of the weight of the handle unit to a weight of the oral hygiene agent is preferably from 0.75 to 0.95, preferably from 0.85 to 0.93. The handle unit preferably forms a thickening in front of the interface so that there is an optimal transition from the slim design of the handle unit to the application unit. Furthermore, in particular, an advantageous shape of the handle unit can be provided. In this way, in particular, an advantageously low material requirement can be achieved. In particular, an advantageously filigree handle unit can be provided.

Alternatively, the handle unit can also have one of two different numbers of loops. The formation of more loops and knots is conceivable. In particular, the handle unit can have 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or more loops. The longitudinal axes of the individual loops or the individual recesses could be at an angle to one another in the longitudinal direction, the angle of the respective longitudinal axes of the loops or the recesses being at an angle of at most 45 ° to one another, preferably at an angle of at most 30 ° and at most preferably at an angle of a maximum of 20 °.

Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the handle unit to have only one loop, with an O-shape of the handle unit being created in particular. In particular, only one ring is formed without a knot. The ring can in particular be curved and have a narrowing of the recess in a central region. The cross-sections of the base body can be at least approximately identical, in particular to a configuration with a plurality of loops. A ratio of the volume of the at least one recess to a volume of the at least one recess together with the handle unit is in particular from 0.4 to 0.8, preferably from 0.45 to 0.6, in a corresponding embodiment. Alternatively, a continuous, flat shape of the handle unit would also be conceivable, with the second coupling element and / or a transition to the second coupling element not thickened to the same extent. In particular, a flatter shape could be formed, the height of the frame being reduced at least in the vicinity of the interface is.

The oral hygiene agent has, in particular, several points of support for depositing the oral hygiene agent in one plane. Defined depositing is particularly important both for the handle unit without the application unit and for the entire unit Oral hygiene products feasible. In both cases there is a restraint at least partially at the same points. The handle unit has support points in the rear area as well as in the area of the coupling unit. The at least one rear support point is located along the longitudinal axis, in particular a maximum of 35 mm from the free end, preferably a maximum of 25 mm from the free end. The at least one rear support point is in particular formed by a point-shaped or linear surface, in particular transversely to the longitudinal axis. In an embodiment of the handle unit with at least one recess, the handle unit has in particular two rear support points on a transverse axis to the longitudinal axis. The two rear support points are in particular on a straight line and provide good stability. The at least one front support point lies in particular in an area of the coupling unit, in particular in a transition from the handle unit to the receiving unit. In the case of the oral hygiene device in an assembled state, the rear support points with respect to the handle unit without the application unit are in particular identical and lie in the same area. In contrast, the position of the at least one front support point changes in particular due to the slip-on part. The oral hygiene agent in an assembled state has, in particular, support points with two different properties. In particular, there is at least one support point on the handle unit and at least one support point on the application unit. It is therefore in particular at least one point of support on metal and at least one point of support, for example on plastic or another material described above.

It is further proposed that the base body of the handle unit is designed to be at least essentially rotationally symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal axis of the handle unit. In this way it can be achieved in particular that the base body of the handle unit can be produced at least partially by turning. In particular, the use of rotary transfer machines is also conceivable. In particular, an advantageously filigree handle unit can be provided. If the second coupling element is produced in one piece with the handle unit, the second coupling element can be produced in a subsequent mechanical machining process, such as, for example, pushing, pressing, milling, forming or the like. If the second coupling element is made of a material different from the handle unit, a blind hole can be made in an end face of the base body of the handle unit, for example by turning and / or drilling, in the longitudinal direction be introduced, in which the second coupling element, in particular made of plastic, can be introduced. The handle unit can be cut to length in particular by sawing, milling, parting off, turning, etc. A maximum diameter of the handle unit is in particular from 10 mm to 20 mm, preferably from 12 mm to 16 mm. If the handle unit has a waist, a minimum diameter of the handle unit, in particular the waist, is from 7 mm to 15 mm, preferably from 9 mm to 12 mm. In the case of a rotationally symmetrical design, the handle unit can have various shapes that appear useful to a person skilled in the art. The main body of the handle unit can be cylindrical. The base body of the handle unit can have a conical or conical shape, the cone tip in particular in the area of the free end. The main body of the handle unit has a waisted shape, with at least one waist being formed.

It is also proposed that the base body of the handle unit be designed at least substantially in the shape of a truncated cone. The base body preferably has a larger diameter on a side facing the coupling unit than on a side facing away from the coupling unit. A free end of the base body of the handle unit facing away from the coupling unit is particularly rounded, the diameter being in particular from 7 mm to 15 mm, preferably from 9 mm to 12 mm. In this way, in particular, a handle unit that is advantageously easy to manufacture can be provided. In this way it can be achieved in particular that the base body of the handle unit can be produced at least partially by turning. In particular, an advantageously filigree handle unit can also be provided.

In addition, it would be conceivable, especially in all configurations, for additional elements to be provided on the base body of the handle unit. For example, plastic elements made of at least one soft and / or hard component are conceivable, which are latched into the base body, in particular the metal handle. A prerequisite for this is, in particular, a suitable recess in the base body of the handle unit. Alternatively, the handle unit can also be inserted into an injection molding tool and at least partially encapsulated with plastic.

The plastic element can, for example, take on the function of a thumb grip. It would also be conceivable that the plastic elements are replaced can. In particular, different colors and / or different geometries can be used in order to distinguish between different oral hygiene agents. In this way, in particular, a multi-component design with parts made of metal and parts made of plastic can be achieved, which in particular produces advantageous ergonomics. Similarly, other materials or material combinations described above can also be provided or used.

Furthermore, there is still a separability. Before disposing of the handle unit, in particular plastic parts or other types of materials can be removed again and separately recycled or properly disposed of. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable that a plastic element is pulled over the base body of the handle unit. This can in particular take place in layers, so that the base body is partially covered with a plastic layer. The plastic layer (preferably a soft component) can in particular be designed to be exchangeable, similar to a balloon or condom, or not to be exchangeable. In the case of an opening where the base body is inserted, the plastic layer can have more material, for example an annular thickening, which is used for anchoring on the base body. The annular thickening can in particular be introduced into a circumferential groove provided on the base body. In this way, an improved hold can be achieved and the soft component layer does not immediately slip away. In particular, different colors can be realized in this way. Alternatively, the plastic element can be designed in the shape of a ring, the plastic ring being pulled over the base body. The cross section of the plastic ring can be flattened, in particular rectangular, so that the plastic ring is held directly on the surface of the base body. Alternatively, the cross section of the plastic ring can be circular. The plastic ring is provided in particular to be arranged in a groove in the base body in order to be able to hold the position during use or, for example, to prevent it from rolling away. Alternatively, an additional element can also be inserted into a specifically designed recess in the base body of the handle unit. The additional element can for example consist of stone, glass, ceramic, organic material (for example wood or bamboo), plastic, minerals, diamonds, crystals and / or another metal. The connection technology is particularly dependent on a material. Depending on the material, the additional element be clicked or caulked, for example, by means of a form fit and / or force fit, as could be done, for example, with the plastic element. The additional element can, for example, also be fixed via a separate holding part, which in turn can be coupled, in particular detachably, to the base body of the handle unit. Alternatively, a connection can be made using an adhesive. Alternatively, the additional element, in particular an individual one, can also be cast in a standard geometry and inserted into the base body. Furthermore, the additional element can also be cast directly into the base body or, alternatively, the base body can be cast around the additional element. In the case of a material with a higher melting point, the additional element can in particular be overmolded directly, the handle unit in particular having a lower melting point than the additional element which is overmolded.

The invention also proposes the handle unit for the oral hygiene agent. The handle unit forms, in particular, a unit which can be separated from the application unit and which can in particular be used with different application units. The handle unit is provided in particular for exchanging the application units.

The invention is also based on a method for producing the handle unit. It is proposed that at least one base body of the handle unit is preferably made at least to a large extent from a metallic material; alternative materials are described above. The entire handle unit is preferably made from a metallic material. The main body of the handle unit is made in particular from aluminum or an aluminum alloy. In particular, an advantageously long-lasting handle unit can be produced in this way. An advantageously high level of robustness of the handle unit can also be provided. Furthermore, in particular, an advantageous center of gravity of the handle unit can be achieved. In particular, an oral hygiene agent that is advantageously easy to hold can be provided. Furthermore, a long service life of the handle unit can be achieved.

It is also proposed that at least the base body of the handle unit is produced in a die-casting process. In this way, in particular, an advantageously light and precise base body of the handle unit can be produced. The entire handle unit is preferably produced in a die-casting process. At least the main body of the handle unit, in particular the entire handle unit, is preferred in one Aluminum die casting process produced. In the die-casting process, metal in particular is poured, in particular pressed, into a predetermined mold, in particular a die-casting mold, under high pressure and at a very high mold filling speed. The casting pressure is preferably between 300 bar and 1200 bar. The strength of the body produced increases with higher casting pressure. The resulting gate points / gates or the overflow or overflows can require post-processing. On the one hand, depending on the process, a sprue system with the product can be removed from the tool, which must then be removed. This can usually be separated mechanically. Furthermore, regardless of the process, post-processing of the sprue points / gates or the overflow or overflows is necessary, for example to make the surfaces fine and to remove any rough spots or what is optically disturbing. Furthermore, due to the product design, it may be necessary to carry out certain deburring work, for example on mold separations, etc.

It is further proposed that a surface of at least the base body of the handle unit is anodized in at least one post-processing step. Anodizing represents a method of surface technology for producing an oxidic protective layer on the aluminum. In particular, anodic oxidation takes place. In particular, in contrast to the galvanic coating process, the protective layer is not deposited on the workpiece, but an oxide and / or hydroxide is formed by converting the topmost metal layer. In particular, an oxide layer is formed with a layer thickness of 5 μm to 30 μm, preferably 15 μm to 25 μm. The base body of the handle unit can be colored in particular during or after the anodizing in the post-processing step. In this way, in particular, an advantageous surface treatment can be provided for the handle unit. In particular, a high surface quality can be achieved. Furthermore, anodized parts can be recycled, especially without special treatment.

Another method from the field of anodic methods that can be used is ematalizing. A very compact, opaque oxide layer is built up on the treated body in a special electrolyte with titanium compounds. The surface is very wear-resistant, smooth and almost pore-free. In this way you can Coating complex workpieces homogeneously. The layer thicknesses depend on the alloy and are in the range from 5 μm to 30 μm, preferably from 15 μm to 25 μm. Ematalating cannot be colored directly, so there are no color options.

Alternatively or additionally, various coatings and / or surface treatments of the handle unit that appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are conceivable. A coating and / or surface treatment of the handle unit should in particular not have any optical interruptions in the normally visible and touchable surface area. In order to apply the coating, however, the part must be held, with the holding taking place in particular in areas that are not optically exposed, for example in the area of the interface and / or the second coupling element, since these areas will later be covered by the application unit during use. Alternatively, the handle unit can also be held in optically less exposed areas in the area of the recess, for example. The breakpoints usually form irregularities in the coating. Either there is no coating at the holding points or an irregular coating forms, for example with interruptions or excessive accumulations of material. Furthermore, different positions of the at least one coating and / or surface treatment are conceivable. It is particularly conceivable that different zones with different surface treatments or coatings are provided. For example, multi-component plastic can be replaced by different surface appearances. In particular, a grip in different areas of the grip can be configured differently in order to enable optimal holding. For example, it would be conceivable that the second coupling element is polished or not surface-treated and not coated, while other parts of the handle unit have a different surface roughness. Alternatively, it would be conceivable that the handle unit is basically polished to a high gloss, but the thumb grip area and / or a rear surface is provided with a rough surface.

A surface treatment of the handle unit is preferably carried out in at least one post-processing step in order to produce a defined surface quality of the handle unit. The surface treatment is usually carried out before the coloring. In particular, the surface treatment serves at least to a generation of a surface roughness with an Ra value of 0.006 to 3.2, preferably from 0.006 to 0.8. One possible surface treatment is ball polishing in particular. In ball polishing, the handle unit is processed with ceramic bodies, polishing bodies or steel balls. By processing with ceramic bodies, the roughness peaks are removed in order to produce a finer and shiny surface. With polishing bodies and when using additional pastes, it is possible to achieve very fine or deep surface roughness values. The running times and choice of pastes are particularly dependent on the initial value and material of the workpieces. When machining with steel balls, the surface is also compacted and the resistance to corrosion is increased. This processing is particularly suitable for obtaining an inexpensive and well-glossy surface. Another possible surface treatment is in particular slide chipping, in particular barrel finishing. In barrel finishing, also called barrel finishing, the handle unit is brought into a roller-shaped movement, in particular with grinding bodies in a work container. The friction with the grinding wheels grinds the handle unit and with the choice of the right machine and means, the surface treatment can be controlled so that the desired result is achieved. In particular, the composition and size of the abrasive bodies are selected according to the desired material removal, in particular the edges, the surface roughness and the grinding pattern. Both a gloss and a matt finish can be achieved. Another possible surface treatment is, in particular, etching. Etching refers in particular to the removal of material in the form of depressions on the surface of organic or inorganic materials through the use of corrosive substances. If individual parts of the surface of the handle unit are protected by a compound that cannot be attacked by the etchant, such as, in particular, an etching base or a masking lacquer, any desired drawings can be produced. For this purpose, in particular, the entire surface is covered with an etching base, which is then removed again in places with the help of suitable needles, pens or other tools. In this way, in particular, drawings can be generated on the handle unit. If different gradations or tones are to be achieved in the etching and therefore individual lines are more or less deepened, then, after the etching liquid has acted for some time, the image components that are not to be further etched are covered with a brush and liquid etching base. When etching, this is usually a solution of etching ground in turpentine oil. After drying in particular, the next etching process takes place. This process is called step etching in particular. Another possible surface treatment is blasting. In blasting, such as shot blasting and / or sandblasting, the surface treatment is carried out using different blasting media that are directed onto the handle unit at high speed, for example by means of air, liquids or magnetism. This results in a compaction of the surface of the handle unit and, at the same time, the solidification of the surface. In addition, this process can be used to clean, cut, matt and / or finish surfaces, among other things. Another possible surface treatment is brushing in particular. In this machining production process, the material is removed manually or mechanically using appropriate abrasives and rubbing movements in order to achieve the desired surface structure. The ground materials can then be refined using different colors, for example using the anodizing process, and protected against corrosion and scratching. Especially when brushing metal or aluminum, fine, matt or structured surfaces can be created for high-quality optics. Another possible surface treatment is, in particular, electropolishing and / or plasma polishing. Electropolishing is one of the ablative manufacturing processes. More precisely, it is assigned in particular to the electrochemical removal process with an external power source. In this process, metal is anodically removed in an electrolyte specially tailored to the material, i.e. the metallic workpiece forms the anode in an electrochemical cell. Plasma polishing is similar to electrolytic polishing, but works with salt solutions that are ecologically safer. An important difference is the significantly higher voltage that leads to a plasma film around the workpiece, which is why another mechanism of action leads to the removal. Another possible surface treatment is in particular polishing, in particular laser polishing. By removing thin layers of the surface, the smallest burrs, particles, unevenness and impurities are removed. As a result, high strength, less adhesion and pure and shiny results of the material can be achieved.

The handle unit is preferably coated in at least one post-processing step. A coating has, in particular, layer thicknesses of 0.001 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably from 0.01 mm to 0.03 mm. A possible one Powder coating in particular represents a coating process. Powder coating is an extremely resistant and versatile coating system in which electrically conductive metals are coated with powder paint. Another possible coating method is electroplating, such as chrome plating. In electroplating, electricity is passed through an electrolytic bath. The metal that is to be applied, such as copper or nickel, is located on the positive pole, the anode, and the object to be coated, in particular the handle unit, is located on the negative pole, the cathode. By means of an electric current, metal ions are deposited on the handle unit by reduction. Depending on the process, the anode dissolves at the same time, or the metal ions are deposited from solutions with a finite amount of substance. The object to be refined is coated evenly on all sides with the metal. The longer the object is in the bathroom and the higher the electrical current, the thicker the metal layer, such as the copper layer, becomes. In order to be able to apply such layers successfully, the substrate must be pretreated. Further possible coating processes are, for example, galvanizing, enamelling, chrome plating, gold plating and / or silver plating. In the case of silver-plating, a wide variety of processes are conceivable, such as vapor deposition and / or electroless silver-plating. Another possible coating method is painting, such as dip painting by means of electrophoresis or spraying. For example, electrochemical dip painting is conceivable. In principle, a distinction is made between anodic and cathodic electrocoating. Both dip painting processes are electrochemical painting processes. The item to be painted is immersed in an electrically conductive, aqueous dip paint and a DC voltage field is applied between the item to be painted and a counter electrode. The basic principle of electrodeposition coating is to precipitate water-soluble binders on the surface of the item to be coated, which is used as an electrode, thus creating a closed, adhesive coating film. Capillary processes almost completely squeeze the water from the process bath out of the paint film. Alternatively, for example, cathodic dip painting is conceivable. In the case of cathodic dip painting, the paint is deposited as a result of chemical reactions, coagulations and the binding agent. This is implemented in particular with direct voltages of 200 to 260 volts by means of an electrical current flow from an external electrode, the anode, via the conductive paint to the item to be painted, which acts as a cathode. Through the The current that is applied generates hydroxide ions at the cathode, which neutralize the binding agent and thus cause it to coagulate.

Possible problems when reworking the handle unit can be, for example, that a slippery, smooth handle is created. This can be solved in particular by a targeted surface roughness. Furthermore, a subsequent coating can impair the recyclability of the handle unit. Dip-coated handle units, for example, must be washed before recycling so that the coating has been removed before recycling.

Further properties can also be generated by post-processing. For example, an antibacterial coating of the handle unit would be conceivable, for example by means of silver. It would also be conceivable that silver is only partially applied, for example in the interface area, in particular if the application unit is not removed often and the coupling unit is not cleaned very often in this way.

The oral hygiene agent according to the invention should not be restricted to the applications and embodiments described above. In particular, the oral hygiene agent according to the invention can have a number of individual elements, components and units that deviates from a number of individual elements, components and units mentioned herein, and / or any meaningful combination thereof, in order to fulfill a mode of operation described herein. In addition, in the case of the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values lying within the stated limits should also be deemed disclosed and can be used in any way.

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

drawings

Further advantages emerge from the following description of the drawings. Eight exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. The drawings, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The A person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

Fig. 1A

eine perspektivische, schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit einer Anwendungseinheit, einer Griffeinheit und einer Kopplungseinheit,

Fig. 1B

eine perspektivische, schematische Darstellung der Griffeinheit des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels,

Fig. 1C

eine Vorderseite des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit der Anwendungseinheit, der Griffeinheit und der Kopplungseinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 1D

eine Rückseite des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit der Anwendungseinheit, der Griffeinheit und der Kopplungseinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 1E

eine Seite des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit der Anwendungseinheit, der Griffeinheit und Kopplungseinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 1F

eine Vorderseite der Griffeinheit des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 1G

eine Rückseite der Griffeinheit des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 1H

eine Seite der Griffeinheit des erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 2A

eine perspektivische, schematische Darstellung eines alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit einer Anwendungseinheit, einer Griffeinheit und einer Kopplungseinheit,

Fig. 2B

eine perspektivische, schematische Darstellung der Griffeinheit des alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels,

Fig. 2C

eine Vorderseite des alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit der Anwendungseinheit, der Griffeinheit und der Kopplungseinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 2D

eine Rückseite des alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit der Anwendungseinheit, der Griffeinheit und der Kopplungseinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 2E

eine Seite des alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit der Anwendungseinheit, der Griffeinheit und der Kopplungseinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 2F

eine Vorderseite der Griffeinheit des alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 2G

eine Rückseite der Griffeinheit des alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 2H

eine Seite der Griffeinheit des alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 3A

eine perspektivische, schematische Darstellung eines weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit einer Anwendungseinheit, einer Griffeinheit und einer Kopplungseinheit,

Fig. 3B

eine perspektivische, schematische Darstellung der Griffeinheit des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels,

Fig. 3C

eine Vorderseite des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit der Anwendungseinheit, der Griffeinheit und der Kopplungseinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 3D

eine Rückseite des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit der Anwendungseinheit, der Griffeinheit und der Kopplungseinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 3E

eine Seite des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit der Anwendungseinheit, der Griffeinheit und der Kopplungseinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 3F

eine Vorderseite der Griffeinheit des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 3G

eine Rückseite der Griffeinheit des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 3H

eine Seite der Griffeinheit des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 4A

eine perspektivische, schematische Darstellung eines weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit einer Anwendungseinheit, einer Griffeinheit und einer Kopplungseinheit,

Fig. 4B

eine perspektivische, schematische Darstellung der Griffeinheit des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels,

Fig. 4C

eine Vorderseite des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit der Anwendungseinheit, der Griffeinheit und der Kopplungseinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 4D

eine Rückseite des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit der Anwendungseinheit, der Griffeinheit und der Kopplungseinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 4E

eine Seite des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit der Anwendungseinheit, der Griffeinheit und Kopplungseinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 4F

eine Vorderseite der Griffeinheit des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 4G

eine Rückseite der Griffeinheit des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 4H

eine Seite der Griffeinheit des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 5A

eine perspektivische, schematische Darstellung eines weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit einer Anwendungseinheit, einer Griffeinheit und einer Kopplungseinheit,

Fig. 5B

eine perspektivische, schematische Darstellung der Griffeinheit des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 5C

eine Vorderseite des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit der Anwendungseinheit, der Griffeinheit und der Kopplungseinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 5D

eine Rückseite des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit der Anwendungseinheit, der Griffeinheit und der Kopplungseinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 5E

eine Seite des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit der Anwendungseinheit, der Griffeinheit und der Kopplungseinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 5F

eine Vorderseite der Griffeinheit des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 5G

eine Rückseite der Griffeinheit des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 5H

eine Seite der Griffeinheit des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 6A

eine perspektivische, schematische Darstellung eines weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit einer Anwendungseinheit, einer Griffeinheit und einer Kopplungseinheit,

Fig. 6B

eine perspektivische, schematische Darstellung der Griffeinheit des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 6C

eine Vorderseite des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit der Anwendungseinheit, der Griffeinheit und der Kopplungseinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 6D

eine Rückseite des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit der Anwendungseinheit, der Griffeinheit und der Kopplungseinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 6E

eine Seite des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit der Anwendungseinheit, der Griffeinheit und der Kopplungseinheit,

Fig. 6F

eine Vorderseite der Griffeinheit des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 6G

eine Rückseite der Griffeinheit des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 6H

eine Seite der Griffeinheit des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 7A

eine perspektivische, schematische Darstellung eines weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit einer Anwendungseinheit, einer Griffeinheit und einer Kopplungseinheit,

Fig. 7B

eine perspektivische, schematische Darstellung der Griffeinheit des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels,

Fig. 7C

eine Vorderseite des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit der Anwendungseinheit, der Griffeinheit und der Kopplungseinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 7D

eine Rückseite des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit der Anwendungseinheit, der Griffeinheit und der Kopplungseinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 7E

eine Seite des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit der Anwendungseinheit, der Griffeinheit und der Kopplungseinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 7F

eine Vorderseite der Griffeinheit des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 7G

eine Rückseite der Griffeinheit des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 7H

eine Seite der Griffeinheit des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 8A

eine perspektivische, schematische Darstellung eines weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit einer Anwendungseinheit, einer Griffeinheit und einer Kopplungseinheit,

Fig. 8B

eine perspektivische, schematische Darstellung der Griffeinheit des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels,

Fig. 8C

eine Vorderseite des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit der Anwendungseinheit, der Griffeinheit und der Kopplungseinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 8D

eine Rückseite des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit der Anwendungseinheit, der Griffeinheit und der Kopplungseinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 8E

eine Seite des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels mit der Anwendungseinheit, der Griffeinheit und der Kopplungseinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 8F

eine Vorderseite der Griffeinheit des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 8G

eine Rückseite der Griffeinheit des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung und

Fig. 8H

eine Seite der Griffeinheit des weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung.

Show it:

Figure 1A

a perspective, schematic representation of an oral hygiene product according to the invention with an application unit, a handle unit and a coupling unit,

Figure 1B

a perspective, schematic representation of the handle unit of the oral hygiene product according to the invention,

Figure 1C

a front side of the oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit in a schematic representation,

Figure 1D

a rear side of the oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit in a schematic representation,

Figure 1E

one side of the oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit in a schematic representation,

Figure 1F

a front side of the handle unit of the oral hygiene product according to the invention in a schematic representation,

Figure 1G

a rear side of the handle unit of the oral hygiene product according to the invention in a schematic representation,

Figure 1H

one side of the handle unit of the oral hygiene product according to the invention in a schematic representation,

Figure 2A

a perspective, schematic representation of an alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with an application unit, a handle unit and a coupling unit,

Figure 2B

a perspective, schematic representation of the handle unit of the alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention,

Figure 2C

a front side of the alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit in a schematic representation,

Figure 2D

a rear side of the alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit in a schematic representation,

Figure 2E

one side of the alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit in a schematic representation,

Figure 2F

a front side of the handle unit of the alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention in a schematic representation,

Figure 2G

a rear side of the handle unit of the alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention in a schematic representation,

Figure 2H

one side of the handle unit of the alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention in a schematic representation,

Figure 3A

a perspective, schematic representation of a further alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with an application unit, a handle unit and a coupling unit,

Figure 3B

a perspective, schematic representation of the handle unit of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention,

Figure 3C

a front side of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit in a schematic representation,

Figure 3D

a rear side of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit in a schematic representation,

Figure 3E

one side of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit in a schematic representation,

Figure 3F

a front side of the handle unit of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention in a schematic representation,

Figure 3G

a rear side of the handle unit of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention in a schematic representation,

Figure 3H

one side of the handle unit of the further alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention in a schematic representation,

Figure 4A

a perspective, schematic representation of a further alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with an application unit, a handle unit and a coupling unit,

Figure 4B

a perspective, schematic representation of the handle unit of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention,

Figure 4C

a front side of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit in a schematic representation,

Figure 4D

a rear side of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit in a schematic representation,

Figure 4E

one side of the further alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit in a schematic representation,

Figure 4F

a front side of the handle unit of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention in a schematic representation,

Figure 4G

a rear side of the handle unit of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention in a schematic representation,

Figure 4H

one side of the handle unit of the further alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention in a schematic representation,

Figure 5A

a perspective, schematic representation of a further alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with an application unit, a handle unit and a coupling unit,

Figure 5B

a perspective, schematic illustration of the handle unit of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention in a schematic illustration,

Figure 5C

a front side of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit in a schematic representation,

Figure 5D

a rear side of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit in a schematic representation,

Figure 5E

one side of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit in a schematic representation,

Figure 5F

a front side of the handle unit of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention in a schematic representation,

Figure 5G

a rear side of the handle unit of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention in a schematic representation,

Figure 5H

one side of the handle unit of the further alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention in a schematic representation,

Figure 6A

a perspective, schematic representation of a further alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with an application unit, a handle unit and a coupling unit,

Figure 6B

a perspective, schematic illustration of the handle unit of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention in a schematic illustration,

Figure 6C

a front side of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit in a schematic representation,

Figure 6D

a rear side of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit in a schematic representation,

Figure 6E

one side of the further alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit,

Figure 6F

a front side of the handle unit of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention in a schematic representation,

Figure 6G

a rear side of the handle unit of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention in a schematic representation,

Figure 6H

one side of the handle unit of the further alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention in a schematic representation,

Figure 7A

a perspective, schematic representation of a further alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with an application unit, a handle unit and a coupling unit,

Figure 7B

a perspective, schematic representation of the handle unit of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention,

Figure 7C

a front side of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit in a schematic representation,

Figure 7D

a rear side of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit in a schematic representation,

Figure 7E

one side of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit in a schematic representation,

Figure 7F

a front side of the handle unit of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention in a schematic representation,

Figure 7G

a rear side of the handle unit of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention in a schematic representation,

Figure 7H

one side of the handle unit of the further alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention in a schematic representation,

Figure 8A

a perspective, schematic representation of a further alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with an application unit, a handle unit and a coupling unit,

Figure 8B

a perspective, schematic representation of the handle unit of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention,

Figure 8C

a front side of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit in a schematic representation,

Figure 8D

a rear side of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit in a schematic representation,

Figure 8E

one side of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit in a schematic representation,

Figure 8F

a front side of the handle unit of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention in a schematic representation,

Figure 8G

a rear side of the handle unit of the further alternative oral hygiene agent according to the invention in a schematic illustration and

Figure 8H

one side of the handle unit of the further alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention in a schematic representation.

Description of the exemplary embodiments

The Figure 1A shows a front side 34a of an oral hygiene device 10a in a schematic perspective illustration. In the present case, the oral hygiene means 10a is designed as a toothbrush. The oral hygiene device 10a is designed as a manual toothbrush. The oral hygiene device 10a is designed as an interchangeable toothbrush. In addition, the oral hygiene means 10a could be designed as a flosser, a single-tuft brush, an interdental cleaner, a tongue cleaner or the like. Furthermore, combined oral hygiene means 10a are conceivable which combine at least two different functions, for example a toothbrush with tongue cleaner, a toothbrush with massage elements or the like.

The oral hygiene device 10a has an application unit 12a. The oral hygiene device 10a also has a handle unit 14a. The handle unit 14a is formed by a manual handle unit 14a. The at least one handle unit 14a consists of a single material.

In the following, the Figures 1A to 1H Reference, which show different views of the oral hygiene device 10a and the handle unit 14a. Due to the different views, some elements are not shown in all of the figures and accordingly not provided with reference symbols in all of the figures. Generally is the cleaning area 48a is shown schematically. The Figure 1B shows the front side 34a of the handle unit 14a in a perspective, schematic representation. The Figure 1C shows a front side 34a of the oral hygiene device 10a in a schematic representation. The Figure 1D shows a rear side 36a of the oral hygiene device 10a in a schematic representation. The Figure 1E shows the side of the oral hygiene device 10a in a schematic representation. The Figure 1F shows the front side 34a of the handle unit 14a of the oral hygiene device 10a in a top view. The Figure 1G shows the rear side 36a of the handle unit 14a of the oral hygiene device 10a in a schematic representation. The Figure 1H shows one side of the handle unit 14a of the oral hygiene device 10a in a schematic representation.

The oral hygiene device 10a has a longitudinal axis 30a, a height axis 38a and a width axis 40a. The longitudinal axis 30a is arranged parallel to a main direction of extent 42a of the oral hygiene device 10a. The longitudinal axis 30a also corresponds to a longitudinal axis 30a of the handle unit 14a. If the oral hygiene device 10a is placed with the rear side 36a on a flat surface, so that the longitudinal axis 30a is arranged parallel to the surface, the height axis 38a is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 30a and perpendicular to the surface and the width axis 40a. The width axis 40a is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 30a and perpendicular to the height axis 38a. In the present case, the oral hygiene device 10a has a length, in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis 30a of the oral hygiene device 10a, from 130 mm to 210 mm and preferably from 180 mm to 200 mm. Furthermore, the oral hygiene device 10a has a maximum width, in particular parallel to the width axis 40a of the oral hygiene device 10a, of 10 mm to 25 mm and preferably of 18 mm to 21 mm. Furthermore, the oral hygiene device 10a has a minimum width of 4 mm to 10 mm, preferably of 5 mm to 7 mm, in a neck region 44a of the application unit 12a. Furthermore, the oral hygiene means 10a without bristles has a height, in particular measured parallel to the height axis 38a, of 10 mm to 22 mm and preferably of 12 mm to 18 mm. The handle unit 14a has a weight of 20 g to 40 g, preferably 25 g to 35 g. The oral hygiene agent 10a has a weight of 20 g to 45 g, preferably 28 g to 38 g. A ratio of the weight of the handle unit 14a to a weight of the oral hygiene agent 10a, that is to say with the Handle unit 14a and the application unit 12a, from 0.75 to 0.95, preferably from 0.85 to 0.93.

The application unit 12a is formed by a plug-on part. The application unit 12a is designed to be separable from the handle unit 14a, in particular separable without tools. The application unit 12a is formed, for example, by an attachment brush. In principle, however, another embodiment of the application unit 12a that appears sensible to a person skilled in the art is also conceivable. The application unit 12a has a base body 13a. The application unit 12a has a head area 46a. The head region 46a forms a brush head of the oral hygiene device 10a. In the present case, the head region 46a is designed as a toothbrush head. The head region 46a has, in particular, a base body designed as a bristle carrier. A base body of the head region 46a is formed entirely from a hard component. However, it would also be conceivable that the base body of the head region 46a is formed from a hard component and a soft component. The main body of the head region 46a forms a bristle carrier. The oral hygiene device 10a also has a cleaning region 48a, which is received by the head region 46a and which comprises a plurality of bundles of bristles. At least one recess is formed on the front side 34a of the head region 46a. The at least one recess is provided for receiving a bundle of bristles. The head region 46a has a multiplicity of cutouts. The recesses are formed by bristle holes. Any suitable bristles which, as described above, can be punched using the anchor punching process, for example, can be used as the bristles. In principle, the use of anchorless methods would also be conceivable. In this way, an anchorless oral hygiene device 10a and thus an oral hygiene device 10a without metal can be provided, since the anchor wire can be dispensed with. In the case of certain anchorless methods, a recess is provided in the head region 46a, which is provided for receiving a plate parallel to the grip unit 14a. The platelet is produced in particular by means of an injection molding process, the platelet already having bristles before it is attached. The plate is intended to be anchored in the recess of the head region 46a, in particular by means of welding. Bundles of bristles can differ in terms of their length, their composition, their number of bristles, a bristle material, a color, a surface structure and the like distinguish. Likewise, angles at which the bristles and / or the bristle bundles are arranged relative to one another or to a surface of the base body of the head region 46a can vary between bristles and / or between bristle bundles. Furthermore, in the present case, the application unit 12a comprises the at least one neck area 44a, which in particular connects the head area 46a to the handle unit 14a. The neck region 44a forms a neck. The main body 13a of the application unit 12a comprises the head region 46a and the neck region 44a.

The application unit 12a is arranged on the upper side of the oral hygiene device 10a. The application unit 12a forms an uppermost point of the oral hygiene device 10a. The application unit 12a is, for example, completely formed from a hard component. However, it would also be conceivable that the application unit 12a is formed partly from a soft component and partly from a hard component. With regard to suitable soft and / or hard components, reference is made to the description above. In principle, the application unit 12a can have at least one tongue cleaner element. The tongue cleaner element can in particular have knobs and / or lamellae. The tongue cleaner element is preferably arranged on the rear side of the head region 46a, in particular this can be arranged on a ring made of a soft component and / or on an island made of a hard component.

The neck region 44a forms a transition between the application unit 12a and the handle unit 14a. The neck region 44a is formed from the hard component. The neck region 44a is formed in one piece with the head region 46a.

The handle unit 14a has a base body 16a. The grip unit 14a has at least one grip surface 50a, which forms a surface 32a of the base body 16a. The grip surface 50a extends on the front side 34a from an end of the grip unit 14a facing the neck region 44a to the lower end of the oral hygiene device 10a on the underside. The base body 16a of the handle unit 14a delimits at least one recess 24a. The recess 24a extends completely through the base body 16a and is completely enclosed by the base body 16a in at least one plane. The recess 24a is completely enclosed by the base body 16a in a plane parallel to a main plane of extent of the handle unit 14. The recess 24a is in the main plane of extent of the handle unit 14a completely from the Base body 16a is enclosed. The base body 16a has a first loop 52a which extends around the recess 24a. The recess 24a has a teardrop-shaped and / or lenticular cross-sectional shape in the main plane of extent of the handle unit 14a. The recess 24a is aligned in particular along the longitudinal axis 30a of the handle unit 14a. The first loop 52a of the base body 16a forms two lateral longitudinal webs 54a, 54a ', which are each connected at a front end and a rear end of the recess 24a along the longitudinal axis 30a and enclose the recess 24a. The first loop 52a is designed to be closed. In particular, there are no open ends, such as fork-shaped configurations. The first loop 52a has, for example, an at least approximately diamond-shaped cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 30a. The longitudinal webs 54a, 54a 'of the first loop 52a have a diamond-shaped cross section. The longitudinal webs 54a, 54a 'of the first loop 52a are round or rounded on the outside, that is to say outside the recess 24a. Furthermore, the longitudinal webs 54a, 54a 'of the first loop 52a are formed on the inside, ie facing the recess 24a, approximately angular, in particular sharp-edged. The cross sections of the longitudinal webs 54a, 54a 'each have four sides, at least one of which is concave and at least one is convex. Preferably, in each case at least one side of the cross-sections of the longitudinal webs 54a, 54a 'facing the recess 24a and located on the front side 34a is concavely curved. Furthermore, the outer sides, that is to say in particular the sides of the cross-sections of the longitudinal webs 54a, 54a ′ facing away from the recess 24a, are preferably convexly curved in each case. The cross-sections of the longitudinal webs 54a, 54a 'can at least partially change over a longitudinal course, in particular with regard to the dimensioning of the cross-section. The recess 24a has a width of 4 mm to 9 mm, preferably 5 mm to 7.5 mm. The recess 24a has a length of 10 mm to 60 mm, preferably 25 mm to 50 mm. The recess 24a can also perform further functions. For example, it would be conceivable that the oral hygiene device 10a can be suspended from the recess 24a, for example on a hook.

The base body 16a of the handle unit 14a also delimits a further recess 28a, which is arranged along the longitudinal axis 30a of the handle unit 14a behind the recess 24a. The further recess 28a is arranged on a side of the recess 24a facing away from the application unit 12a. The recess 24a and the further recess 28a are free from a direct connection. The recess 24a and the further recess 28a are separated by the base body 16a of the handle unit 14a. The further recess 28a extends completely through the base body 16a and is completely enclosed by the base body 16a in at least one plane. The further recess 28a is completely enclosed by the base body 16a in a plane parallel to a main plane of extent of the handle unit 14a. The further recess 28a is completely enclosed by the main body 16a in the main plane of extent of the handle unit 14a. The base body 16a has a second loop 56a which extends around the further recess 28a. The further recess 28a has a drop-shaped and / or lenticular cross-sectional shape in the main plane of extent of the handle unit 14a. The further recess 28a is aligned in particular along the longitudinal axis 30a of the handle unit 14a. The second loop 56a of the base body 16a forms two lateral longitudinal webs 58a, 58a ', which are each connected at a front end and a rear end of the further recess 28a along the longitudinal axis 30a and enclose the further recess 28a. Between the recess 24a and the further recess 28a, the first loop 52a and the second loop 56a form, in particular, a junction in which the loops 52a, 56a run into one another. At the junction, a left longitudinal web 54a of the first loop 52a merges into the right longitudinal web 58a 'of the second loop 56a. Furthermore, a right longitudinal web 54a 'of the first loop 52a merges into the left longitudinal web 58a of the second loop 56a at the junction. The second loop 56a is designed to be closed. The second loop 56a has, for example, an at least approximately diamond-shaped cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 30a. The longitudinal webs 58a, 58a 'of the second loop 52a have a diamond-shaped cross section. The longitudinal webs 58a, 58a 'of the second loop 56a are round or rounded on the outside, that is to say outside the further recess 28a. Furthermore, the longitudinal webs 58a, 58a 'of the second loop 56a on the inside, that is to say facing the further recess 28a, are designed to be approximately angular, in particular sharp-edged. The cross-sections of the longitudinal webs 58a, 58a 'each have four sides, at least one of which is concave and at least one is convex. Preferably, at least one side of the cross-sections of the longitudinal webs 58a, 58a ′ facing the further recess 28a and located on the front side 34a is concavely curved. Furthermore, the outer sides, that is to say in particular the sides of the further recess 28a facing away from, are preferably in each case Cross-sections of the longitudinal webs 58a, 58a 'are convexly curved. The cross-sections of the longitudinal webs 58a, 58a 'can at least partially change over a longitudinal course, in particular with regard to the dimensioning of the cross-section. The further recess 28a has a width of 4 mm to 9 mm, preferably 5 mm to 7.5 mm. The further recess 28a has a length of 10 mm to 60 mm, preferably of 25 mm to 50 mm. The further recess 28a can also perform further functions. For example, it would be conceivable that the oral hygiene device 10a can be suspended from the further recess 28a, for example on a hook.

The handle unit 14a has an at least approximately 8-shaped basic shape when viewed in a plane parallel to a main plane of extent of the handle unit 14a. The handle unit 14a, viewed in a plane parallel to a main plane of extent of the handle unit 14a, has at least approximately the shape of an infinite symbol. The base body 16a of the handle unit 14a forms a figure eight with the loops 52a, 56a. The first loop 52 is smaller, in particular less wide and less long, than the second loop 56a. Furthermore, the recess 24a is smaller than the further recess 28a. The position of the node in relation to the total length of the handle unit 14a lies along the longitudinal axis 30a of the handle unit 14a at 60 mm to 80 mm, preferably at 65 mm to 75 mm, measured from the free end. The position of the node in relation to the total length of the handle unit 14a is in% of the total length of the handle unit 14a, measured from the free end, between 35% and 55%, preferably between 40% and 50%. The cross-sections of the loops 52a, 56a of the base body 16a of the handle unit 14a are preferably at least similar, the loops 52a, 56a, for example, being able to merge into a further shape at their ends or at the junction.

The grip unit 14a has a thumb grip area 26a. The grip unit 14a also has a palm grip area 60a. The recess 24a is at least partially arranged in the thumb grip area 26a. The further recess 28a is at least partially arranged in the palm grip area 60a. The main body 16a of the grip unit 14a forms a depression in the thumb grip area 26a towards the recess 24a. The recess is at least on a front side 34a of the Base body 16a of the handle unit 14a arranged. The recess is concave. The recess is formed by the first loop 52a.

The loops 52a, 56a of the handle unit 14a also have a width of 4 mm to 8 mm, preferably 5 mm to 7 mm. Furthermore, the loops 52a, 56a of the handle unit 14a have a height of 4 mm to 20 mm, preferably 6 mm to 15 mm. The base body 16a or the loops 52a, 56a of the handle unit 14a form a course in the longitudinal direction. The base body 16a or the loops 52a, 56a have a smallest height of 7.6 mm and a maximum height of 12.9 mm along the course. In a side view, the handle unit 14a has a curved, in particular curved, longitudinal shape. The handle unit 14a has on the rear side 36a, in particular, support points at the free end and at an end facing the application unit 12a when it is placed on a surface. The handle unit 14a has a weight of 20 g to 40 g, preferably 25 g to 35 g. Furthermore, the handle unit 14a forms a thickening at an end facing the application unit 12a, so that there is an optimal transition from the slim design of the handle unit 14a to the application unit 12a.

The base body 16a of the grip unit 14a has a hardness and a density which is higher than a hardness and density of the base body 13a of the application unit 12a. The base body 13a of the application unit 12a consists of plastic and has a density of 800 kg / m ³ to 1600 kg / m ³ . A ratio to the density of the handle unit 16a is from 0.2 to 0.75, preferably from 0.35 to 0.6. The base body 16a of the handle unit 14a has a density of 2000 kg / m ³ to 3500 kg / m ³ , preferably of 2400 kg / m ³ to 3000 kg / m ³ .

The main body 16a of the handle unit 14a consists at least to a large extent of a metallic material. The base body 16a of the handle unit 14a consists entirely of a metallic material. The handle unit 14a consists entirely of a metallic material. The metallic material is formed from an aluminum alloy. The metallic material has between 1% and 13% silicon, between 0.5% and 2% iron and a maximum of 5% copper. The metallic material has a maximum of 13% magnesium. The metallic material has a maximum of 1% nickel. The metallic material has a maximum of 5% zinc. The aluminum alloy can, for example, be of a first type, in particular comprising 5% to 10% silicon, less than 2% iron, 2% up to 5% copper, less than 1% magnesium, less than 1% nickel, less than 5% zinc and / or less than 1% tin. The aluminum alloy of the first type has, in particular, a density of 2000 kg / m ³ to 3500 kg / m ³ , preferably of 2400 kg / m ³ to 3000 kg / m ³ . Alternatively, the aluminum alloy can, for example, be of a second type, in particular comprising 8% to 13% silicon, less than 1.5% iron, 1% to 4% copper, less than 1% magnesium, less than 1% nickel, less than 2% Zinc, less than 1% tin, less than 0.5% lead and / or less than 0.2% titanium. The aluminum alloy of the second type has, in particular, a density of 2000 kg / m ³ to 3500 kg / m ³ , preferably of 2400 kg / m ³ to 3000 kg / m ³ . Alternatively, the aluminum alloy can be, for example, a third type, in particular comprising less than 1.5% silicon, less than 1.5% iron, less than 1% copper, less than 1% magnesium, less than 1% zinc and / or less than 1% titanium. The aluminum alloy of the third type has, in particular, a density of 2000 kg / m ³ to 3500 kg / m ³ , preferably of 2400 kg / m ³ to 3000 kg / m ³ . Alternatively, the aluminum alloy can, for example, be of a fourth type, in particular comprising 1.5% to 3.5% silicon, less than 1.5% iron, less than 1% copper, less than 1% manganese, 6% to 13% magnesium, less than 1% nickel, less than 1% zinc, less than 1% tin, less than 0.5% lead and / or less than 0.5% titanium. The aluminum alloy of the fourth type has, in particular, a density of 2000 kg / m ³ to 3500 kg / m ³ , preferably of 2400 kg / m ³ to 3000 kg / m ³ . Alternatively, the aluminum alloy can be, for example, a fifth type, in particular comprising 1% to 3% silicon, less than 1% iron, less than 1% copper, less than 1% manganese, 3% to 8% magnesium, less than 1% zinc and / or less than 0.5% titanium. The aluminum alloy of the fifth type has, in particular, a density of 2000 kg / m ³ to 3500 kg / m ³ , preferably of 2400 kg / m ³ to 3000 kg / m ³ . Alternatively, the aluminum alloy may be a sixth type, for example. The aluminum alloy of the sixth type has, in particular, a density of 2000 kg / m ³ to 3500 kg / m ³ , preferably of 2400 kg / m ³ to 3000 kg / m ³ .

At least the base body 16a of the handle unit 14a is produced in a die-casting process. The handle unit 14a is produced in a die-casting process. The handle unit 14a is produced in an aluminum die-casting process. In principle, however, other manufacturing processes that appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable, as has already been explained above.

Furthermore, the oral hygiene means 10a has a coupling unit 18a for a releasable coupling of the application unit 12a to the handle unit 14a. The coupling unit 18a is used to replace the application unit 12a on the handle unit 14a. The coupling unit 18a has a first coupling element 20a. Furthermore, the coupling unit 18a has a second coupling element 22a corresponding to the first coupling element 20a. The first coupling element 20a forms an interface receptacle, while the second coupling element 22a forms an interface extension. The first coupling element 20a delimits an interface receptacle. The first coupling element 20a is formed in one piece with the application unit 12a. The first coupling element 20a is formed in one piece with the base body 13a of the application unit 12a. The first coupling element 20a is arranged on a side of the application unit 12a facing away from the head region 46a. The first coupling element 20a is arranged at an end of the neck region 44a facing away from the head region 46a. The first coupling element 20a is arranged in the neck region 44a of the application unit 12a. The coupling unit 18a is provided for a rotationally fixed coupling of the first coupling element 20a to the second coupling element 22a. The second coupling element 22a is firmly connected to the handle unit 14a. The second coupling element 22a of the coupling unit 18a is formed in one piece with the handle unit 14a. The second coupling element 22a is formed by an interface extension which at least partially protrudes from the base body 16a of the handle unit 14a. The second coupling element 22a is arranged on a side of the handle unit 14a facing the application unit 12a. The second coupling element 22a is arranged on an end of the handle unit 14a facing away from the lower end of the handle unit 14a. The second coupling element 22a forms part of the handle unit 14a. The second coupling element 22a consists of a metallic material.

The second coupling element 22a forms a plug-like coupling structure 86a. The second coupling element 22a is divided into three steps 62a, 64a, 66a, namely a first step 62a at the free end, a subsequent second step 64a and a final third step 66a, which merges into an inclined stop surface 68a of the handle unit 14a. The first stage 62a is divided into an upper sub-element 70a and a lower sub-element 72a. The upper sub-element 70a of the first step 62a is at least partially cylindrical or almost cylindrical and rises in the direction of the second stage 64a in the form of a ramp. The upper sub-element 70a is wedge-shaped. An at least approximately rectangular groove 74a begins approximately halfway through the first step 62a and continues over the entire second step 64a up to the stop at the third step 66a. The lower sub-element 72a of the first step 62a is formed by a wall-shaped web which continues from the first step 62a over the entire second step 64a up to the stop at the third step 66a. The lower sub-element 72a is chamfered at a free end or the wall-shaped web is chamfered. The rectangular groove 74a on the top of the upper sub-element 76a of the second step 64a and the web of the lower sub-element 72a of the first step 62a are used in particular for secure and twist-free insertion into the corresponding socket-like first coupling element 20a of the coupling unit 18a. The second step 64a has an upper sub-element 76a. The upper sub-element 76a has a semi-cylindrical shape with a central axis parallel, in particular coaxial, to the longitudinal axis 30a of the handle unit 14a. A diameter of the upper sub-element 76a of the second step 64a is greater than a diameter of the upper sub-element 70a of the first step 62a. The third stage 66a is divided into an upper sub-element 78a and a lower sub-element 80a. The upper sub-element 78a of the third step 66a has a semi-cylindrical shape with a central axis parallel, in particular coaxial, to the longitudinal axis 30a of the handle unit 14a. The lower sub-element 80a of the third step 66a has a semi-cylindrical shape with a central axis parallel, in particular coaxial, to the longitudinal axis 30a of the handle unit 14a. A diameter of the upper sub-element 78a of the third stage 66a is smaller than a diameter of the lower sub-element 80a of the third stage 66a. Furthermore, the third step 66a has a cam 82a on the lower sub-element 80a. The cam 82a is formed by a latching cam which is provided to latch with a corresponding latching recess 84a of the first coupling element 20a. The cam 82a has at least approximately a keyhole-shaped contour. The cam 82a has a rectangular stem and a round crown. This configuration ensures particularly good locking with an oppositely designed locking recess 84a of the first coupling element 20a. The cam 82a protrudes from the lower sub-element 80a. Furthermore, the cam 82a is free. The exemption is, in particular, production-related. A rectangular recess is made in the lower sub-element 80a around the cam 82a for an exemption. The first step 62a is longer than the second step 64a and approximately the same length as the third step 66a on its underside. The third step 66a is correspondingly longer on its underside than the second step 64a, but somewhat shorter on its upper side than the second step 64a.

The first coupling element 20a of the coupling unit 18a is formed at least approximately opposite to the second coupling element 22a. The first coupling element 20a is divided into three stages, namely into a first stage inside, a second stage and a third stage at the free end. The first stage has an upper partial recess and a lower partial recess, the partial recesses each being cylindrical and merging into one another. The second stage has a cylindrical recess. Furthermore, the first coupling element 20a has two webs each extending over the first and second step, which protrude into the recesses of the first and second step. The webs each extend on opposite sides along a longitudinal axis 30a of the oral hygiene device 10a. A diameter of the upper and lower partial recesses of the first stage is each smaller than a diameter of the recess of the second stage. The third stage has a cylindrical recess. The diameter of the cylindrical recess of the third stage is larger than a diameter of the cylindrical recess of the second stage.

In a method for producing the handle unit 14a, at least the base body 16a of the handle unit 14a is made at least to a large extent from a metallic material. The entire handle unit 14a is made of a metallic material. The handle unit 14a is made of an aluminum alloy. Furthermore, at least the base body 16a of the handle unit 14a is produced in a die-casting process. The entire handle unit 14a is produced in a die-casting process. The handle unit 14a is produced in an aluminum die-casting process. In the die-casting process, the metallic material is pressed into a die-casting mold for the handle unit 14a under high pressure and at a very high mold filling speed. The second coupling element 22a is produced with the handle unit 14a. The second coupling element 22a is produced together with the handle unit 14a in the die-casting process. After the handle unit 14a has been manufactured, a post-processing step takes place. In the post-processing step, a surface 32a of at least the base body 16a of the handle unit 14a is anodized. An entire surface 32a of the handle unit 14a and at least partially the second coupling element 22a are anodized in the post-processing step. During anodizing, an oxidic protective layer is created on the alloy. In particular, anodic oxidation takes place. In particular, the protective layer is formed by converting the topmost metal layer into an oxide and / or hydroxide. In particular, an oxide layer is formed with a layer thickness of 5 μm to 30 μm, preferably 15 μm to 25 μm. The base body 16a of the handle unit 14a can be colored in particular during or after the anodizing in the post-processing step. In principle, however, as already stated above, other post-processing steps that appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable.

In the Figures 2A to 8H five further embodiments of the invention are shown. The following descriptions are essentially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, with the same components, features and functions being restricted to the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular the Figures 1A to 1H , can be referenced. To distinguish the exemplary embodiments, the letter a in the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiment is Figures 1A to 1H by the letters b to h in the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiments of Figures 2A to 7H replaced. With regard to components with the same designation, in particular with regard to components with the same reference symbols, the drawings and / or the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular the Figures 1A to 1H , to get expelled.

The Figures 2A to 2H show an oral hygiene means 10b in different representations. The oral hygiene device 10b is designed as an interchangeable toothbrush. The oral hygiene device 10b has an application unit 12b. The oral hygiene device 10b also has a handle unit 14b. The application unit 12b is formed by a plug-on part. The application unit 12b has a base body 13b. The application unit 12b is designed to be separable from the handle unit 14b, in particular separable without tools. Furthermore, the oral hygiene means 10b has a coupling unit 18b for a releasable coupling of the application unit 12b to the handle unit 14b. In general, the cleaning area 48b of the application unit 12b is shown schematically.

The handle unit 14b has a base body 16b. The base body 16b of the handle unit 14b delimits at least one recess 24b. The recess 24b extends completely through the base body 16b and is completely enclosed by the base body 16b in at least one plane. The recess 24b is completely enclosed by the base body 16b in a plane parallel to a main plane of extent of the handle unit 14. The recess 24b is completely enclosed by the base body 16b in the main plane of extent of the handle unit 14b. The base body 16b has a loop 52b which extends around the recess 24b. The recess 24b has an 8-shaped cross-sectional shape in the main plane of extent of the handle unit 14b. The recess 24b is aligned in particular along the longitudinal axis 30b of the handle unit 14b. The loop 52b of the base body 16b forms two lateral longitudinal webs 54b, 54b 'which are each connected at a front end and a rear end of the recess 24b along a longitudinal axis 30b and enclose the recess 24b. The loop 52b is designed to be closed. In particular, there are no open ends, such as fork-shaped configurations. The loop 52b has, for example, an at least approximately diamond-shaped cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 30b. The longitudinal webs 54b, 54b 'of the loop 52b have a diamond-shaped cross section. The longitudinal webs 54b, 54b 'of the loop 52b are round or rounded on the outside, that is to say outside the recess 24b. Furthermore, the longitudinal webs 54b, 54b 'of the loop 52b are formed on the inside, ie facing the recess 24b, approximately angular, in particular sharp-edged. The cross-sections of the longitudinal webs 54b, 54b 'each have four sides, at least one of which is concave and at least one is convex. Preferably, at least one side of the cross-sections of the longitudinal webs 54b, 54b 'facing the recess 24b and located on the front side 34b is concavely curved. Furthermore, the outer sides, that is to say in particular the sides of the cross-sections of the longitudinal webs 54b, 54b ′ facing away from the recess 24b, are preferably convexly curved in each case. The cross-sections of the longitudinal webs 54b, 54b 'can at least partially change over a longitudinal course, in particular with regard to the dimensioning of the cross-section.

The grip unit 14b has a thumb grip area 26b. The grip unit 14b also has a palm grip area 60b. The recess 24b is arranged at least partially in the thumb grip area 26b and in the palm grip area 60b. The base body 16b and the recess 24b form a constriction between the thumb grip area 26b and the palm grip area 60b. The Constriction is used, among other things, to set down the thumb grip area 26b. However, the thumb grip area 26b does not occupy the entire part of the recess 24b in front of the constriction, but essentially only the foremost part of the recess 24b.

The Figures 3A to 3H show an oral hygiene means 10c in different representations. The oral hygiene means 10c is designed as an interchangeable toothbrush. The oral hygiene device 10c has an application unit 12c. The oral hygiene device 10c also has a handle unit 14c. The application unit 12c is formed by a plug-on part. The application unit 12c has a base body 13c. The application unit 12c is designed to be separable from the handle unit 14c, in particular separable without tools. Furthermore, the oral hygiene means 10c has a coupling unit 18c for a releasable coupling of the application unit 12c to the handle unit 14c. In general, the cleaning area 48c of the application unit 12c is shown schematically.

In a plane parallel to a main extension plane of the handle unit 14c, the handle unit 14c has an at least approximately 8-shaped basic shape as an outer shape. The handle unit 14c has a base body 16c. The base body 16c is at least substantially planar on a front side 34c. The base body 16c has a recess 24c on a rear side 36c. The recess 24c is formed by a depression. The recess 24c is at least partially enclosed by the base body 16c in a plane parallel to a main plane of extent of the handle unit 14c. The recess 24c has an 8-shaped cross-sectional shape in the main plane of extent of the handle unit 14c. The grip unit 14c has a thumb grip area 26c. The grip unit 14c also has a palm grip area 60c. The recess 24c is arranged at least partially on the rear side of the thumb grip area 26c and the palm grip area 60c. The base body 16c and the recess 24c form a constriction between the thumb grip area 26c and the palm grip area 60c. The constriction is used, among other things, to set down the thumb grip area 26c.

The Figures 4A to 4H show an oral hygiene means 10d in various representations. The oral hygiene means 10d is designed as an interchangeable toothbrush. The Oral hygiene means 10d has an application unit 12d. The oral hygiene device 10d also has a handle unit 14d. The application unit 12d is formed by a plug-on part. The application unit 12d has a base body 13d. The application unit 12d is designed to be separable from the handle unit 14d, in particular separable without tools. Furthermore, the oral hygiene means 10d has a coupling unit 18d for a detachable coupling of the application unit 12d to the handle unit 14d. In general, the cleaning area 48d of the application unit 12d is shown schematically.

The coupling unit 18d has a first coupling element 20d. Furthermore, the coupling unit 18d has a second coupling element 22d corresponding to the first coupling element 20d. The first coupling element 20d forms an interface receptacle, while the second coupling element 22d forms an interface extension. The first coupling element 20d delimits an interface receptacle. The first coupling element 20d is formed in one piece with the application unit 12d. The first coupling element 20d is arranged on a side of the application unit 12d facing away from the head region 46d.

The second coupling element 22d is formed by a separate component. The second coupling element 22d of the coupling unit 18d consists at least for the most part of a plastic. The second coupling element 22d is produced in particular in an injection molding process. The second coupling element 22d consists entirely of a plastic. In principle, however, it would also be conceivable that the second coupling element 22d consists of a different material that appears sensible to a person skilled in the art. The second coupling element 22d has a plug-like coupling structure 86d. Furthermore, the second coupling element 22d has a base body 88d on which the plug-like coupling structure 86d is arranged. The second coupling element 22d is designed in one piece. Furthermore, the second coupling element 22d has an interface, which is not further visible, for coupling to the handle unit 14d. This interface is arranged on one of the plug-like coupling structure 86d applied side of the base body 88d. The second coupling element 22d is at least positively and / or cohesively connected to the handle unit 14d. The second coupling element 22d is, for example, connected to the handle unit 14d by means of a plug-in and / or adhesive connection. The second Coupling element 22d is designed to be separable from handle unit 14d, in particular for disposal. The handle unit 14d has an interface for a fixed connection with the second coupling element 22d. The interface is preferably designed in a blind hole-like shape. At one end facing the application unit 12d, the handle unit 14d has a recess, which is not further visible, in which the second coupling element 22d is fastened. When the oral hygiene device 10d is produced, the handle unit 14d and the second coupling element 22d are produced separately and subsequently assembled. The assembly is carried out, for example, by means of a latching connection. However, as already stated above, other types of assembly that appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable. The connection between the second coupling element 22d and the handle unit 14d can in particular be designed to be fixed and non-detachable or changeable. Different colored second coupling elements 22d can bring the necessary distinction, especially with a uniform handle color.

The Figures 5A to 5H show an oral hygiene means 10e in various representations. The oral hygiene device 10e is designed as an interchangeable toothbrush. The oral hygiene device 10e has an application unit 12e. The oral hygiene device 10e also has a handle unit 14e. The application unit 12e is formed by a plug-on part. The application unit 12e has a base body 13e. The application unit 12e is designed to be separable from the handle unit 14e, in particular separable without tools. Furthermore, the oral hygiene means 10e has a coupling unit 18e for a releasable coupling of the application unit 12e to the handle unit 14e. In general, the cleaning area 48e of the application unit 12e is shown schematically.

The handle unit 14e has a base body 16e. The base body 16e of the handle unit 14e is designed to be at least essentially rotationally symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal axis 30e of the handle unit 14e. The base body 16e of the handle unit 14e is designed to be rotationally symmetrical to the longitudinal axis 30e of the handle unit 14e. The base body 16e of the handle unit 14e is designed at least essentially in the shape of a truncated cone. The base body 16e has a larger diameter on a side facing the coupling unit 18e than on a side facing away from the coupling unit 18e. A free end facing away from the coupling unit 18e The base body 16e of the handle unit 14e is rounded. An end of the base body 16e of the handle unit 14e facing the coupling unit 18e is also beveled. An end face of the base body 16e of the handle unit 14e facing the coupling unit 18e has an angle of at least approximately 45 ° with respect to the longitudinal axis 30e of the handle unit 14e. The bevel of the base body 16e of the handle unit 14e is opposite to a bevel of the application unit 12e. A maximum diameter of the handle unit 14e is from 10 mm to 20 mm, preferably from 12 mm to 16 mm.

The coupling unit 18e has a first coupling element 20e. Furthermore, the coupling unit 18e has a second coupling element 22e, which corresponds to the first coupling element 20e. The first coupling element 20e forms an interface receptacle, while the second coupling element 22e forms an interface extension. The first coupling element 20e delimits an interface receptacle. The first coupling element 20e is formed in one piece with the application unit 12e. The first coupling element 20e is arranged on a side of the application unit 12e facing away from the head region 46e.

The second coupling element 22e is formed by a separate component. The second coupling element 22e of the coupling unit 18e consists at least to a large extent of a plastic. In principle, however, it would also be conceivable that the second coupling element 22e consists of a different material that appears sensible to a person skilled in the art. The second coupling element 22e has a plug-like coupling structure 86e. Furthermore, the second coupling element 22e has a base body 88e on which the plug-like coupling structure 86e is arranged. The main body 88e is arranged at least partially in the thumb grip area 26e. The main body 88e of the second coupling element 22e forms a recess in the thumb grip area 26e. The recess is arranged at least on a front side 34e of the base body 88e. The recess is concave. The base body 88e can also have elevations in the thumb grip area 26e to improve grip. The base body 88e has, for example, three linear elevations. The second coupling element 22e is formed in one piece. Furthermore, the second coupling element 22e has an interface, which is not further visible, for coupling to the handle unit 14e. The interface is on a the side of the base body 88e facing away from the plug-like coupling structure 86e. The second coupling element 22e is at least positively and / or cohesively connected to the handle unit 14e. The second coupling element 22e is, for example, connected to the handle unit 14e by means of a plug-in and / or adhesive connection. The second coupling element 22e is designed to be separable from the handle unit 14e, in particular for disposal. The handle unit 14e has an interface for a fixed connection with the second coupling element 22e. The interface is preferably designed in a blind hole-like shape. At one end facing the application unit 12e, the handle unit 14e has a recess, which is not further visible, in which the second coupling element 22e is fastened. The recess can for example be made in the form of a blind hole in the longitudinal direction by turning and / or drilling. When the oral hygiene device 10e is manufactured, the handle unit 14e and the second coupling element 22e are manufactured separately and subsequently assembled. The assembly is carried out, for example, by means of a latching connection. However, as already stated above, other types of assembly that appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable. The connection between the second coupling element 22e and the handle unit 14e can in particular be designed to be fixed and non-detachable or changeable. Different colored second coupling elements 22e can bring the necessary distinction, especially with a uniform handle color. The bevel of the base body 16e of the handle unit 14e and the bevel of the coupling unit 18e clearly define the orientation of the base body 88e on the handle unit 14e.

The Figures 6A to 6H show an oral hygiene means 10f in different representations. The oral hygiene device 10f is designed as an interchangeable toothbrush. The oral hygiene device 10f has an application unit 12f. The oral hygiene device 10f also has a handle unit 14f. The application unit 12f is formed by a plug-on part. The application unit 12f has a base body 13f. The application unit 12f is designed to be separable from the handle unit 14f, in particular separable without tools. Furthermore, the oral hygiene means 10f has a coupling unit 18f for a detachable coupling of the application unit 12f to the handle unit 14f. In general, the cleaning area 48f of the application unit 12f is shown schematically.

The handle unit 14f has a base body 16f. The base body 16f of the handle unit 14f is designed to be at least essentially rotationally symmetrical to a longitudinal axis 30f of the handle unit 14f. The base body 16f of the handle unit 14f is designed to be rotationally symmetrical to the longitudinal axis 30f of the handle unit 14f. The base body 16f of the grip unit 14f is formed in a cambered manner in a palm grip area 60f. Furthermore, the base body 16f of the grip unit 14f is designed with a waist between the thumb grip area 26f and the palm grip area 60f. The base body 16f has a largest diameter in the palm grip area 60f. A free end of the base body 16f of the handle unit 14f facing away from the coupling unit 18f is rounded. A minimum diameter of the handle unit 14f in the waist is from 7 mm to 15 mm, preferably from 9 mm to 12 mm. A maximum diameter of the handle unit 14f is from 10 mm to 20 mm, preferably from 12 mm to 16 mm. One end of the base body 16f of the handle unit 14f facing the coupling unit 18f is straight.

The coupling unit 18f has a first coupling element 20f. Furthermore, the coupling unit 18f has a second coupling element 22f corresponding to the first coupling element 20f. The first coupling element 20f forms an interface receptacle, while the second coupling element 22f forms an interface extension. The first coupling element 20f delimits an interface receptacle. The first coupling element 20f is formed in one piece with the application unit 12f. The first coupling element 20f is arranged on a side of the application unit 12f facing away from the head region 46f.

The second coupling element 22f is formed by a separate component. The second coupling element 22f of the coupling unit 18f consists at least to a large extent of a plastic. In principle, however, it would also be conceivable that the second coupling element 22f consists of a different material that appears sensible to a person skilled in the art. The second coupling element 22f has a plug-like coupling structure 86f. Furthermore, the second coupling element 22f has a base body 88f on which the plug-like coupling structure 86f is arranged. The base body 88f is designed to be straight towards the handle unit 14f and bevelled towards the application unit 12f. The base body 88f has, in particular, a bevel of at least approximately towards the application unit 12f 45 ° with respect to the longitudinal axis 30f. The second coupling element 22f is formed in one piece. Furthermore, the second coupling element 22f has an interface, which is not further visible, for coupling to the handle unit 14f. The interface is arranged on a side of the base body 88f facing the plug-like coupling structure 86f. The second coupling element 22f is at least positively and / or cohesively connected to the handle unit 14f. The second coupling element 22f is, for example, connected to the handle unit 14f by means of a plug-in and / or adhesive connection. The second coupling element 22f is designed to be separable from the handle unit 14f, in particular for disposal. The handle unit 14f has an interface for a fixed connection with the second coupling element 22f. The interface is preferably designed in a blind hole-like shape. At one end facing the application unit 12f, the handle unit 14f has a recess, which is not further visible, in which the second coupling element 22f is fastened. The recess can for example be made in the form of a blind hole in the longitudinal direction by turning and / or drilling. When the oral hygiene device 10f is manufactured, the handle unit 14f and the second coupling element 22f are manufactured separately and subsequently assembled. The assembly is carried out, for example, by means of a latching connection. However, as already stated above, other types of assembly that appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable. The connection between the second coupling element 22f and the handle unit 14f can in particular be designed to be fixed and non-detachable or changeable. Different colored second coupling elements 22f can bring the necessary differentiation possibility, especially with a uniform handle color.

The Figures 7A to 7H show an oral hygiene agent 10g in various representations. The oral hygiene agent 10g is designed as an interchangeable toothbrush. The oral hygiene agent 10g has an application unit 12g. The oral hygiene device 10g also has a handle unit 14g. The application unit 12g is formed by a plug-on part. The application unit 12g has a base body 13g. The application unit 12g is designed to be separable from the handle unit 14g, in particular separable without tools. Furthermore, the oral hygiene means 10g has a coupling unit 18g for a releasable coupling of the application unit 12g to the handle unit 14g. In general, the cleaning area 48g of the application unit 12g is shown schematically.

In a plane parallel to a main extension plane of the handle unit 14g, the handle unit 14g has an at least approximately 8-shaped basic shape as the outer shape. The handle unit 14g has a base body 16g. The main body 16g of the handle unit 14g delimits at least one recess 24g. The recess 24g extends completely through the base body 16g and is completely enclosed by the base body 16g in at least one plane. The recess 24g is completely enclosed by the base body 16g in a plane parallel to a main plane of extent of the handle unit 14g. The recess 24g is completely enclosed by the main body 16g in the main plane of extent of the handle unit 14g. The base body 16g has a loop 52g which extends around the recess 24g. The recess 24g has a lenticular cross-sectional shape in the main plane of extent of the handle unit 14g. The recess 24g is aligned in particular along the longitudinal axis 30g of the handle unit 14g. The loop 52g of the base body 16g forms two lateral longitudinal webs 54g, 54g ', which are each connected at a front end and a rear end of the recess 24g along a longitudinal axis 30g and enclose the recess 24g. The loop 52g is designed to be closed. In particular, there are no open ends, such as fork-shaped configurations. The loop 52g has, for example, an at least approximately diamond-shaped cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 30g. The longitudinal webs 54g, 54g 'of the loop 52g have a diamond-shaped cross section. The longitudinal webs 54g, 54g 'of the loop 52g are round or rounded on the outside, that is to say outside the recess 24g. Furthermore, the longitudinal webs 54g, 54g 'of the loop 52g are formed on the inside, that is to say facing the recess 24g, approximately angular, in particular sharp-edged. The cross-sections of the longitudinal webs 54g, 54g 'each have four sides, at least one of which is concave and at least one is convex. Preferably, in each case at least one side of the cross-sections of the longitudinal webs 54g, 54g 'facing the recess 24g and located on the front side 34g is concavely curved. Furthermore, the outer sides, that is to say in particular the sides of the cross-sections of the longitudinal webs 54g, 54g 'facing away from the recess 24g, are preferably convexly curved in each case. The cross-sections of the longitudinal webs 54g, 54g 'can at least partially change over a longitudinal course, in particular with regard to the dimensioning of the cross-section.

The grip unit 14g has a thumb grip area 26g. The grip unit 14g also has a palm grip area 60g. The recess 24g is at least partially arranged in the palm grip area 60g. The base body 16g and the recess 24g form a constriction between the thumb grip area 26g and the palm grip area 60g. The constriction is used, among other things, to set down the thumb grip area 26g. The thumb grip area 26g does not, however, take up the entire part of the grip unit 14g in front of the constriction, but essentially only the foremost part.

The Figures 8A to 8H show an oral hygiene agent 10h in various representations. The oral hygiene agent 10h is designed as an interchangeable toothbrush. The oral hygiene agent 10h has an application unit 12h. The oral hygiene device 10h also has a handle unit 14h. The application unit 12h is formed by a plug-on part. The application unit 12h has a base body 13h. The application unit 12h is designed to be separable from the handle unit 14h, in particular separable without tools. Furthermore, the oral hygiene means 10h has a coupling unit 18h for a releasable coupling of the application unit 12h to the handle unit 14g. In general, the cleaning area 48h of the application unit 12h is shown schematically.

In a plane parallel to a main extension plane of the handle unit 14h, the handle unit 14h has an at least approximately teardrop-shaped basic shape as the outer shape. The handle unit 14h has a base body 16h. The base body 16g of the handle unit 14h delimits at least two recesses 24h, 24h ', which are laid out essentially parallel to the main direction of extent. The recesses 24h, 24h 'extend completely through the base body 16h and are each completely enclosed by the base body 16h in at least one plane. The recesses 24h, 24h 'are completely enclosed by the base body 16h in a plane parallel to a main plane of extent of the handle unit 14h. The recesses 24h, 24h 'are completely enclosed by the main body 16h in the main plane of extent of the handle unit 14h. The base body 16h has a loop 52h which extends around the recesses 24h, 24h ', a rib 90h being formed in the loop 52h along the longitudinal axis which divides the recess in the loop 52h into two recesses 24h, 24h' . The Recesses 24h, 24h 'have a banana-shaped cross-sectional shape in the main extension plane of the handle unit 14h; they are arranged in a mirrored manner with respect to the main extension direction 42h. The recesses 24h, 24h 'are aligned in particular along the longitudinal axis 30h of the handle unit 14h. The loop 52h of the base body 16h forms two lateral longitudinal webs 54h, 54h ', which are each connected at a front end and a rear end along a longitudinal axis 30h and enclose the recess 24h, as well as the rib 90h, which forms the recess of the loop in two recesses 24h, 24h 'divided. The loop 52h is designed to be closed. In particular, there are no open ends, such as fork-shaped configurations. The loop 52h has, for example, an at least approximately diamond-shaped cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 30h. The longitudinal webs 54h, 54h 'of the loop 52h have a diamond-shaped cross section. The longitudinal webs 54h, 54h 'of the loop 52h are designed to be rounded or rounded on the outside, that is to say outside of the recesses 24h, 24h'. Furthermore, the longitudinal webs 54h, 54h 'of the loop 52h on the inside, that is to say facing the respective recesses 24h, 24h', are approximately angular, in particular sharp-edged. The cross-sections of the longitudinal webs 54h, 54h 'each have four sides, at least one of which is concave and at least one is convex. Preferably, in each case at least one side of the cross-sections of the longitudinal webs 54h, 54h 'facing the recesses 24h, 24h' and located on the front side 34h is concavely curved. Furthermore, the outer sides, that is to say in particular the sides of the cross-sections of the longitudinal webs 54h, 54h 'facing away from the recesses 24h, 24h', are preferably convexly curved. The cross-sections of the longitudinal webs 54h, 54h 'can at least partially change over a longitudinal course, in particular with regard to the dimensioning of the cross-section.

The grip unit 14h has a thumb grip area 26h. The grip unit 14h also has a palm grip area 60h. The recesses 24h, 24h 'are at least partially arranged in the palm grip area 60h. The base body 16g and the recesses 24h, 24h 'form a constriction between the thumb grip area 26h and the palm grip area 60h. The constriction is used, among other things, to set down the thumb grip area 26h. However, the thumb grip area 26h does not occupy the entire part of the grip unit 14h in front of the constriction, but essentially only the foremost part.

The descriptions made for specific figures can of course also be transferred to other figures which show the same or similar characteristics and in which the characteristics are not described in the same detail.

Reference number

10

Oral hygiene products

12th

Application unit

13th

Base body

14th

Handle unit

16

Base body

18th

Coupling unit

20th

Coupling element

22nd

Coupling element

24

Recess

26th

Thumb grip area

28

Recess

30th

Longitudinal axis

32

surface

34

front

36

back

38

Elevation axis

40

Latitude axis

42

Main direction of extent

44

Neck area

46

Head area

48

Cleaning area

50

Grip surface

52

loop

54

Longitudinal web

56

loop

58

Longitudinal web

60

Palm grip area

62

step

64

step

66

step

68

Stop surface

70

Sub-element

72

Sub-element

74

Groove

76

Sub-element

78

Sub-element

80

Sub-element

82

cam

84

Locking recess

86

Coupling structure

88

Base body

90

rib

Claims (20)

Oral hygiene means, in particular toothbrush, with at least one application unit (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f; 12g; 12h) which has a base body (13a; 13b; 13c; 13d; 13e; 13f; 13g; 13h) with at least one handle unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g, 14h), in particular manual handle unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h), which has a base body (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h), and with at least one coupling unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e; 18f; 18g; 18h) for a releasable coupling of the application unit (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d ; 12e; 12f; 12g; 12h) with the handle unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h),
characterized in that
the base body (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h) of the handle unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h) has a hardness and / or a density which is higher as a hardness and / or density of the base body (13a; 13b; 13c; 13d; 13e; 13f; 13g; 13h) of the application unit (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f; 12g; 12h). Oral hygiene agent according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the at least one coupling unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e; 18f; 18g; 18h) has at least one first coupling element (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h) which is integral with the application unit ( 12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f; 12g; 12h). Oral hygiene agent according to claim 2,
characterized in that
the at least one coupling unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e; 18f; 18g; 18h) at least one second coupling element (22a) corresponding to the first coupling element (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h) ; 22b; 22c; 22d; 22e; 22f; 22g; 22h) which is firmly connected to the handle unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h). Oral hygiene agent according to claim 3,
characterized in that
the second coupling element (22d; 22e; 22f) of the coupling unit (18d; 18e; 18f) consists at least to a large extent of a plastic and is at least positively and / or cohesively connected to the handle unit (14d; 14e; 14f). Oral hygiene agent according to claim 3,
characterized in that
the second coupling element (22a; 22b; 22c; 22g; 22h) of the coupling unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18g; 18h) is formed in one piece with the handle unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14g; 14h). Oral hygiene agent according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the at least one coupling unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18g; 18h) has at least one second coupling element (22a; 22b; 22c; 22g; 22h) which consists of a metallic material. Oral hygiene agent according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
at least the base body (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h) of the handle unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h) consists at least for the most part of a metallic material. Oral hygiene agent according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
at least the base body (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h) of the handle unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h) is produced in a die-casting process. Oral hygiene agent at least according to claim 7,
characterized in that
the metallic material is formed from an aluminum alloy. Oral hygiene agent according to claim 9,
characterized in that
the metallic material has between 1% and 13% silicon, between 0.5% and 2% iron and a maximum of 5% copper. Oral hygiene agent according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the base body (16a; 16b; 16d; 16g; 16h) of the handle unit (14a; 14b; 14d; 14g; 14h) delimits at least one recess (24a; 24b; 24d; 24g; 24h, 24h ') which extends completely through the The base body (16a; 16b; 16d; 16g; 16h) extends and which extends completely from the base body (16a; 16b; 16d; 16a; 16b; 16d; 16g; 16h) is enclosed. Oral hygiene agent according to claim 11,
characterized in that
the grip unit (14a; 14b; 14d) has at least one thumb grip area (26a; 26b; 26d), the recess (24a; 24b; 24d) being at least partially arranged in the thumb grip area (26a; 26b; 26d). Oral hygiene agent at least according to claim 11,
characterized in that
the base body (16a; 16d) of the handle unit (14a; 14d) delimits at least one further recess (28a; 28d) which is arranged along a longitudinal axis (30a; 30d) of the handle unit (14a; 14d) behind the recess (24a; 24d) which extends completely through the base body (16a; 16d) and which is completely enclosed by the base body (16a; 16d) in at least one plane, in particular parallel to a main extension plane of the handle unit (14a; 14d). Oral hygiene agent according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the handle unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14g; 14h) has an at least approximately 8-shaped basic shape when viewed at least in a plane parallel to a main extension plane of the handle unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14g; 14h). Oral hygiene agent according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the base body (16e; 16f) of the handle unit (14e; 14d) is designed to be at least essentially rotationally symmetrical to a longitudinal axis (30e; 30f) of the handle unit (14e; 14d). Oral hygiene agent according to claim 15,
characterized in that
the base body (16e) of the handle unit (14e) is at least substantially frustoconical. Handle unit for an oral hygiene means (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d; 10e; 10f; 10g; 10h) according to one of the preceding claims. Method for producing a handle unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14d; 14f; 14g; 14h) according to claim 17,
characterized in that
at least one base body (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h) of the handle unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h) is made at least for the most part from a metallic material. Method according to claim 18,
characterized in that
at least the base body (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h) of the handle unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h) is produced in a die-casting process. Method according to claim 18 or 19,
characterized in that
in at least one post-processing step a surface (32a; 32b; 32c; 32d; 32e; 32f; 32g; 32h) of at least the base body (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h) of the handle unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h) is anodized.

Images