FR2930136A1 - VIBRATION TOOTHBRUSH. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a toothbrush (1) comprising on the one hand a support member (2) of the handle type, and at least one toothbrushing member (3) rotatably mounted around a tooth axis (XX ') with respect to said support member (2) and intended to be brought into contact with the teeth to ensure their cleaning by mechanical action, and secondly means for driving in rotation (6) of said brushing (3), said toothbrush (1) being characterized in that it is provided with transverse oscillation means (10) designed to oscillate the brushing member (3) according to a substantially transverse component (T) to its axis of rotation (XX '), toothbrushes.

Description

VIBRATION TOOTHBRUSH

The present invention relates to the general field of oral hygiene instruments, and more particularly to the field of toothbrushes for human or veterinary use.

The present invention relates in particular to a toothbrush comprising firstly a support member, of the handle type, and at least one toothbrushing member mounted to rotate about an axis (XX ') relative to said support member and intended to be brought into contact with the teeth to ensure cleaning by mechanical action, and secondly means for driving in rotation of said brush member.

The present invention also relates to a replacement head for toothbrushes and a module for toothbrushes.

The brushing of the teeth is an act of oral hygiene practiced for a long time and intended to eliminate the food debris as well as the dental plaque, likely to be at the origin of the formation of tartar, even of infectious centers.

For this purpose, it is known to use a toothbrush comprising a brushing member preferably formed by a brush with synthetic bristles, said brushing member being attached to the end of a handle for its manipulation in the oral cavity. .

Among the existing toothbrushes, there are known manual toothbrushes but also electric toothbrushes whose B80452 / FR brushing member is automatically rotated by means for example of an electric motor housed in the handle.

In particular, electric toothbrushes are known whose brushing member is in the form of a crown of bristles which point transversely on the side of the handle, said crown being driven in a rotational movement around an axis substantially perpendicular to the direction of extension of the handle.

Although they have a certain comfort of use, such electric toothbrushes suffer from some disadvantages.

Indeed, if the motorized rotation of the brushing member gives the latter a relatively effective abrasion movement while limiting the effort to be provided by the user, such a rotation tends, when the brush approaches the teeth by their lingual or vestibular surface, to bruise the epithelial attachment of said gum or even to cause some dehisement: of the gingiva with respect to the teeth.

On the other hand, such a movement is poorly adapted to cleaning by lateral approach of the inter-dental spaces, the hairs having a tendency to slide from one tooth to the other, over said space, without penetrating the latter.

The objects assigned to the invention therefore aim to provide a new toothbrush which has a particularly effective brushing action while being respectful of teeth such as gums.

Another object assigned to the invention is to provide a new toothbrush which is particularly easy and intuitive to use and which allows easy access to all the oral areas concerned with cleaning. B80452 / FR Another object assigned to the invention is to propose a new toothbrush whose structure is particularly simple, compact and inexpensive to manufacture.

Another object assigned to the invention is to provide a new toothbrush 5 that can be adapted to different needs of the user and different brushing conditions.

Another object assigned to the invention is to provide a new toothbrush that promotes the elimination of waste and dental plaque, especially in the inter-dental or sulcular spaces.

Another object assigned to the invention is to provide a new replacement head for toothbrushes that can be adapted to a handle provided with motorized drive means to improve the efficiency of brushing while respecting the teeth and the teeth. gums.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel replacement head for toothbrushes which is particularly simple, compact and inexpensive.

Finally, the objects assigned to the invention are to propose a new module for toothbrushes to improve the efficiency of brushing.

The objects assigned to the invention are achieved by means of a toothbrush 20 comprising on the one hand a support member, of handle type, and at least one toothbrushing member mounted to rotate around an axis (XX ') with respect to said support member and intended to be brought into contact with the teeth to ensure their cleaning by mechanical action, and secondly means for driving in rotation of said brushing member, said toothbrush being characterized in that it is provided with transverse oscillation means designed to oscillate the brush member in a substantially transverse component to its axis of rotation (XX ').

The objects assigned to the invention are also attained by means of a replacement head for a toothbrush intended to be mounted on the handle of a toothbrush provided with motorized drive means provided for driving an actuator member. brushing, said head being characterized in that it comprises a brush member rotatably mounted about an axis (XX '), transverse oscillation means designed to oscillate said brush member in a substantially transverse component to its axis of rotation (XX '), as well as junction means for the reversible attachment of said head to the handle of said toothbrush and the coupling of the brush member to the drive means.

The objects assigned to the invention are finally achieved by means of an oscillating module for a toothbrush intended to be interposed between on the one hand a toothbrush head portion having a rotatable toothbrush member rotated around a toothbrush. an axis of rotation () X ') and on the other hand a toothbrush handle provided with motorized drive means adapted to drive said rotating brush member, said oscillating module being provided with a transmission element designed for mechanically connecting the motorized drive means to the brush member and transverse oscillation means adapted to oscillate the brush member in a substantially transverse component to its axis of rotation (XX ').

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear in more detail on reading the description which follows, and with the aid of the accompanying drawings, provided for purely illustrative and non-limiting purposes, among which: B80452 / FR - Figure 1 illustrates, in an overall perspective view, an embodiment of toothbrush according to the invention.

- Figure 2 illustrates, in a side view, the toothbrush of Figure 1.

- Figure 3 illustrates, in a top view in partial section A-A, a portion of the toothbrush shown in Figures 1 and 2.

- Figures 4A and 4B illustrate, respectively in a side view and a top view, a portion of the constituent elements of the toothbrush variant shown in Figures 1 to 3.

- Figures 5A and 5B illustrate, in schematic views from above, the positioning of an embodiment of toothbrush according to the invention with respect to the teeth to be brushed.

Figure 6 illustrates, in a schematic sectional view, the mode of action of an embodiment of toothbrush according to the invention.

- Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12A illustrate, in side views, variants of brushing members according to the invention. FIG. 12B illustrates, according to a front view, the variant embodiment of the brushing member corresponding to FIG. 12A.

The present invention relates to a toothbrush 1 for maintaining oral hygiene by mechanical removal of food debris and dental plaque.

The present invention particularly relates to a toothbrush 1 intended for humans, but it can perfectly be adapted for veterinary use B804521FR intended especially for livestock or companion animals (dogs, horses, cattle, sheep, swine, goats, etc.).

Conventionally, the toothbrush 1 comprises a support member 2 which is provided with at least one brushing member 3 of the teeth.

Within the meaning of the invention, the support member 2 allows the user of the brush to manipulate the brushing member 3, and in particular to substantially control its position and its orientation in space, as well as its pressure at contact of teeth and gums. Said support member 2 is in no way limited to a particular embodiment, and could in particular comprise a handle or an articulated arm.

However, particularly preferably, the support member 2 is intended for direct manual gripping of the toothbrush 1 and thus constitutes a handle.

Preferably, said support member 2 is substantially elongate, and may in particular be in the form of a rod having a geometry of revolution and optionally having one or more bulges intended to form an ergonomic handle facilitating its grip, such as this is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

According to the invention, the brushing member 3 is intended to be brought into contact with the teeth 4 in order to clean them by mechanical action.

According to the invention, said brushing member 3 is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (XX ') with respect to the support member 2.

Biien that the axis of rotation (XX ') can be oriented substantially transversely to the handle 2, the brushing member 3 can then be B80452 / FR substantially in the form of a crown whose base is tangent to the handle and whose bristles point in a direction transverse to the latter, the axis of rotation (XX ') of the brushing member 3 is preferably located substantially in the longitudinal extension of the support member: 2.

In other words, the axis of rotation (XX ') and the direction of extension of the support member 2 are substantially parallel and preferably coincidental, so that, as shown in FIGS. at 3, 5A and 5B, the brushing member 3 substantially forms a brush with longitudinal rotation.

Such a toothbrush advantageously makes it possible to perform a tangential brushing according to the so-called roller method, that is to say according to an oriented movement of the gum towards the tooth, as is illustrated in FIG. 6, such a movement combining the mechanical efficiency of brushing with the respect of the gums.

For this purpose, the brushing member 3 preferably has a substantially cylindrical geometry, preferably of revolution, and whose length is preferably substantially greater than its overall diameter.

As an indication, the brushing member may have an overall diameter substantially between 12 mm and 15 mm, and a contiguous length between 15 mm and 30 mm, and preferably close to 25 mm.

Thus, during brushing, the user brings the side wall of the cylindrical brushing member 3 at a tangent approach against the surface of the tooth 4, the axis of rotation (XX ') being substantially parallel to the direction of the tooth. main extension of the gum 5. B80452 / FR Preferably, the brushing member 3 will comprise a slightly abrasive soft liner whose outer surface is intended to come into contact with the teeth 4 and the gingiva 5.

Preferably, this abrasive liner will be formed by a plurality of bristles, for example of synthetic material, the diameter, length and flexibility of which will be defined by those skilled in the art according to the destination of the brush, and in particular of the sensitivity of the user.

According to the invention, the toothbrush 1 also comprises means for driving in rotation 6 of the brushing member 3, which are intended to drive said brushing member 3 in rotation about its axis (XX ') in transmitting to the latter a torque and a sufficient speed to enable it to exert its mechanical action of cleaning by friction in contact with the teeth.

According to an embodiment not shown, said rotational drive means 6 can be arranged to give the brush member 3 an alternating rotation, in order to give said brushing member a back and forth movement, of which the amplitude corresponds for example to a quarter turn, or even a half-turn or a complete turn.

This may especially be the case when the brushing member 3 is in the form of a crown oriented transversely with respect to the handle 2.

However, the rotational drive means 6 are preferably designed to allow continuous drive of the brush member 3 by allowing the latter to perform any number of consecutive turns 25 in the same direction. B8C452 / FR Advantageously, the axis of rotation () O ') passes through the constituent material of the brushing member 3, the rotation of the brushing member 3 thus taking place on itself about the axis ( XX ').

Preferably, the rotational drive means 6 are reversible and allow the user to choose the direction of rotation of the brush member 3. Thus, it is possible to adapt the direction of rotation according to whether teeth are being treated. of the mandible or upper maxillary teeth, and according to whether the vestibular or lingual surfaces of the teeth 4 are treated, in order to ensure that said direction of rotation causes the brushing member 3 of the gingiva 5 towards the tooth 4, thus respecting the brushing method known as the roller.

According to a preferred embodiment, the rotary drive means 6 comprise a speed controller (not shown) designed to allow the user to choose the speed of rotation of the brushing member 3.

In particular, it is conceivable that the toothbrush 1 is provided with an electric motor and a variable speed drive allowing a continuous adjustment, or a stepwise adjustment, of the speed of rotation, as well as the choice of the direction of rotation. rotation. Preferably, said speed regulator makes it possible to adjust the speed of rotation of the brushing member 3 in a range of between 30 rpm and 180 rpm.

According to an important characteristic of the invention, the toothbrush 1 is provided with transverse oscillation means 10 designed to oscillate the brush member 3 according to a component T substantially transverse to its axis of rotation (XX '). 880452 / FR Thus, the toothbrush 1 according to the invention advantageously combines two mechanical cleaning actions with stripping properties, namely on the one hand a friction action, substantially tangential, when the surface of the brush member 3 slides frictionally along the surface of the gingiva 5 and the teeth 4, and secondly a mechanical action of pressure variation, substantially transverse, percussion type and / or cavitation, which promotes the separation of food debris and dental plaque.

The transverse oscillation means 10 are therefore adapted to give the brush member 3 a radial flap, that is to say to deport said brushing member, when it is driven by its rotational movement, by relative to the position occupied by its axis of rotation (XX ') at rest, according to a reciprocating movement having at least one substantially radial component.

In particular, such transverse oscillation means can advantageously approach and move alternatively, at a frequency substantially established, the contact surface of the brushing member 3 with respect to the face of the teeth 4. It is remarkable that in the preferred embodiment in which the axis of rotation (XX ') is located in the extension of the support member 2, the combination of a longitudinal rotational movement and a transverse oscillation movement makes it possible to obtain a particularly effective brushing, including inter-dental spaces, while being particularly respectful of the anatomy, particularly papillary and sulcular user.

Of course, the amplitude and strength of the oscillations will be determined so as not to bruise the teeth or the mucous membranes of the user.

Bb0452 / FR Thus, the transverse oscillation means 10 will preferably be designed to cause a vibration of relatively small radial amplitude, for example of the order of 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4B, the rotary drive means 6 and the transverse oscillation means 10 comprise a common member which is formed by an eccentric rotary transmission element 11 which has a distribution mass such that its center of gravity is offset from its axis of rotation, so as to create an unbalance.

Preferably, as shown in the figures, the axis of rotation of the common member 11 is substantially parallel, and particularly preferably coincides with the axis of rotation (XX ') of the brush member 3 .

Thus, the common member 11 forms a kind of offset weight, whose imbalance produces an oscillating radial movement when it is rotated.

In this respect, it is remarkable that the appearance of the transverse vibrations is substantially concomitant with the rotation of the brushing member 3, and that their maintenance can be substantially synchronous with the rotation of said brushing member 3.

Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B, the common member 11 preferably has an elongated and substantially asymmetrical shape, and is preferably made in one piece. B80452 / FR More particularly, the eccentric rotary transmission element 11 may be formed by a pin which has a substantially frustoconical portion 11A recessed on one side.

More specifically, said spindle may be inscribed in a truncated cone with an axis corresponding substantially to the axis of rotation () O ') and provided with a flat part 11B extending over a portion, and preferably the majority of its length substantially along the median plane of said truncated cone.

Of course, the transmission element 11 is not limited to a particular embodiment and could be in the form of a rod, for example of circular section, bent in C or V so as to form a stirrup offset with respect to the axis of rotation (XX ').

Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 3, 4A or 4B, the eccentric rotary transmission element 11 is in direct contact with the brushing member 3, and particularly preferably comes integrally with a portion of this last.

In particular, the spindle may be integral with a core of the brushing member 3, the core on the periphery of which are implanted, preferably transversely, the bristles constituting said brush member.

On the other hand, the eccentric rotary transmission element 11 is preferably housed in an intermediate portion 12 of the toothbrush 1 which forms a neck located between the support member 2 and the brushing member 3.

Thus, advantageously, said eccentric rotary transmission element 11 can connect, preferably directly, the brushing member 3 to a drive shaft 13 housed in the support member 2. B8C4521EN Advantageously, said motor shaft 13 forms the output shaft of an electric motor or geared motor 14.

Preferably, the neck comprises a substantially frustoconical hollow housing, within which the spindle 11 can freely rotate about the axis (XX ').

Preferably, said neck 12 has, in the vicinity of the brush member 3, a throat 12A of diameter substantially smaller than that of the handle 2, to facilitate access of said brush member 3 to the teeth.

Of course, the constituent material of the eccentric rotary transmission element 11, as well as the shape and dimensions of the latter will be determined so as to create a functional vibration of sufficient amplitude when rotating on the one hand but also so as to support the transmission forces of the engine torque from the motor shaft 13 to the brush member 3 on the other hand.

For this purpose, the eccentric rotary transmission element 11 will preferably be made of a rigid and dense material, particularly preferably in a metallic material such as steel.

Advantageously, such a material that is both dense and readily available makes it possible to produce a particularly compact and inexpensive spindle.

By way of indication only, the eccentric transmission element 11 may have a length of substantially between 50 mm and 60 mm, its asymmetric recessed portion may have a length of approximately 40 mm to 45 mm, the truncated cone having, for its part, large base diameter of the order of 6 mm to 8 mm and a small base diameter of the order of 3 mm to 4 mm. B8C452 / FR Moreover, according to another variant embodiment, not shown, it is possible for the transverse oscillation means 10 to be formed wholly or partly by the brushing member 3 itself, the latter then being arranged and mounted on the support member 2 so that its center of gravity is outside its axis of rotation (XX ').

In other words, the unbalance at the origin of the vibrations can advantageously result from the eccentricity of the brushing member 3 itself, so that it is not necessary to provide another element of imbalance. , in particular at the level of the transmission of motion from the motor shaft 4 to the brushing member 3.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the toothbrush 1 preferably has a head portion 20 which is removable from the support member 2, and on which the brushing member 3 is embedded.

Thus, the user can advantageously have several interchangeable heads 20, in particular to proceed with the replacement of the brush member 3 in case of wear of the latter. For this purpose, the removable head portion 20 is provided, at the base of the neck 12, with reversible fastening means 21 enabling it to be assembled with the support member 2, for example by interlocking, clipping, fixing with a bayonet or any other means. other equivalent means. Advantageously, the fastening means 21 may comprise a key or a lug-longitudinal groove assembly intended on the one hand to lock the head to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the handle and secondly to act as a polarizer during the In particular, the detachable head portion 20 also comprises all or part of the transverse oscillation means 10.

More particularly, the eccentric rotary transmission element 11 can advantageously be embedded on said head portion 20.

According to such an alternative embodiment, the transmission element 11 and the drive shaft 13 are advantageously provided with reversible coupling means 22 that can alternately engage them with each other when the head portion 20 is fixed on the support member 2, or allow their relative separation when said head portion 20 is removed from said support member 2.

More particularly, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B, the drive shaft 13 can be slotted by means of a longitudinal through groove 23 so as to form an open yoke in which one or more pins 24 attached to the tail 25 of the pin 11, which is itself located opposite the head 26 carrying the brush member 3.

As an indication, the tail 25 of the spindle may have a length substantially between 10 mm and 12 mm.

According to a particularly simple embodiment, the tail 25 of the spindle comprises two diametrically opposite pins 24 formed by the projecting portions of a radial pin.

Of course, the invention also relates as such to a replacement head 20 for toothbrushes to be mounted on the handle 2 of a toothbrush 1 provided with drive means 6 motorized B80452 / FR provided to drive a brushing member 3 in motion, and more particularly in rotation.

According to an important characteristic of the invention, said replacement head 20 comprises a brushing member 3 rotatably mounted around an axis () X '), transverse oscillation means 10 designed to oscillate said brush member 3 according to a component T substantially transverse to its axis of rotation () X '), as well as junction means 30 allowing the reversible attachment of said replacement head 20 to the handle 2 and the coupling of the brush member 3 to coaching medium 6.

Preferably, the joining means 30 comprise on the one hand reversible fastening means 21, preferably located at the base of the neck 12, allowing the assembly of the head 20 with the support member 2, and means of fixing. reversible coupling 22 for engaging the transmission member 11 and the drive shaft 13, as described above.

Advantageously, the connecting means can be designed to adapt to different standards of motorized handles, so that the replacement head 20 according to the invention can be used in retrospect on a conventional toothbrush.

It is thus possible to transform, or convert, said conventional toothbrush into a toothbrush 1 according to the invention, that is to say, rotating and vibrating, and preferably longitudinally and vibratingly rotating.

Of course, the removable and interchangeable nature of the replacement heads 20 according to the invention allows the user to replace a brush member 3 worn by a new brushing member 3, or B84,452 / FR choose from a plurality of separate replacement heads 20 having, for example, brushing members of different shape, size, or stiffness so as to adapt the toothbrush 1 to its personal brushing conditions.

The toothbrush 1 according to the invention is thus easily configurable, from a wide variety of possible configurations.

Preferably, as described above, the replacement head comprises an eccentric rotary transmission element 11, of asymmetric spindle type, which is designed firstly to connect the motorized drive means 6 to the brush member 3 to transmit to the latter a rotational movement, and secondly to create an unbalance capable of generating transverse oscillations.

Of course, the present invention may also relate tara such that a toothbrush oscillating module intended to be interposed between firstly a toothbrush head portion having a mobile brushing member 3 rotated around a axis (XX) and on the other hand a toothbrush handle 2 provided with motorized drive means 6 capable of driving said brushing member 3 in rotation, said oscillating module being provided with a transmission element designed to mechanically connect the drive means to the brush member and transverse oscillation means designed to oscillate the brush member 3 according to a substantially transverse component to its axis of rotation (XX ').

In other words, the oscillating module can constitute a removable intermediate stage that can be grafted between the handle 2 and the brushing member 3, for example at the base of the neck 12, so as to form a vibrating mechanical interface which one hand transmits the drive movement

B804521GB main rotation of the motor member to the brush member and, secondly generates vibrations in the head of the toothbrush.

Such an oscillating module in accordance with the invention may advantageously constitute a replacement modular head portion 20, said head comprising on the one hand a brushing member 3 and on the other hand an oscillating module that can be alternately associated with each other. other or dissociated from each other.

Of course, the oscillating module in accordance with the invention will have means for joining one hand to the handle and, on the other hand, to the portion of the head 20 supporting the brushing member.

Such an oscillating module may in particular be in the form of a section of cylindrical or frustoconical tube provided with an eccentric rotary transmission element of the spindle type, possibly supported and guided by bearings.

In addition, the invention may also relate as such to a brushing member 3 intended to be rotatably mounted relative to a toothbrush support member 2 about an axis (XX '). , said brushing member 3 having an unbalanced mass distribution with respect to the axis (XX ') so as to cause vibrations during its rotation.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the toothbrush 1 according to the invention preferably comprises a physiological spacer 31 designed to partially cover the brush member 3 so as to prevent it to come into contact with the mucous membranes, and more particularly with the cheek, the lips or the tongue, when the said brushing member 3 is brought into contact with the teeth 4 during the brushing. E3804521EN Thus, the physiological spacer 31 forms a kind of shield located substantially opposite the functional zone 32 of the brushing member 3 at which the latter comes into contact with the teeth, to preserve the labial mucous membranes , jugales and linguales of the abrasive action of said brushing member 3.

Said physiological spacer 31 is arranged to separate the mucous membranes of the teeth and thus leave enough space for the user to place the head 20 of the toothbrush in a good position and to allow the roller movement of the brushing member 3 on the along the vestibular, palatal and lingual surfaces of the teeth, both superior and inferior.

Such a physiological spacer 31 can in particular be in the form of an arcuate plate, disposed substantially concentrically with the brushing member 3 in the extension of the handle 2 and the head 20.

Advantageously, said physiological spacer 31 may be integral with the collar housing 12.

The present invention finally relates to stirring members 3 as such.

In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the brushing member 3 according to the invention may comprise one or more wear members 40.

Die. such wear indicators may for example be formed by substantially rigid annular elements located slightly recessed from the outer casing 41 (of revolution) in which the sweeping movement of the bristles 42 during the rotation of the organ brushing 3 around its axis (XX '). B804521EN C) e such wear indicators may also be formed by local extra thicknesses 43 of bristles 42 projecting on the surface of the outer envelope 41, as shown in FIG. 7.

Optionally, the wear indicators 40 may comprise colored markings contrasting with the color of the rest of the bristles 42.

According to an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the brushing member 3 can be substantially in the form of a cylinder of circular base section, and the distal end 43 of which is opposite the spindle. 11 when the member 3 is mounted on the toothbrush, has a curved shape, preferably a spherical cap.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the brushing member 3 has, as shown in Figure 9, a flute 44 designed to facilitate the removal of debris during the rotation of said brush member.

More particularly, the brushing member 3 may have a geometry of revolution axis (XX ') and be provided with a cord 45 of helicoidal bristles obtained for example by cutting or molding and projecting from the surface of said body member. brushing so as to form the lips delimiting a helical groove.

According to another variant embodiment corresponding to FIG. 10, the brushing member 3 may comprise bristles arranged helically or in a double spiral axis (XX ') to form a kind of brush.

According to another variant embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the longitudinal profile of the brushing member 3 has a succession of indentations 46, so as to facilitate the interdental cleaning. 880452 / FR According to such an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal profile of the brush member 3 is alternately widened and then throttled, so that it has a succession of vertices 47, or bellies and recesses 48, or nodes, the vertices 47 are thus spaced from each other and relatively free so as to be able to penetrate more easily into the inter-dental spaces.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment which can constitute an entirely separate invention, the brushing member 3 comprises a double-helix brush structure designed to improve the sulcular cleaning, said double-helix structure comprising: at least one first network of brushing branches 50, each branch 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D of said first network being formed of a flexible rod, of the hair type or tuft of bristles, said branches 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D being arranged in a corolla around the axis of rotation (XX '), - at least one second network of brushing branches 51, each branch 51A, 51B, 51C, 51D of the second network being formed of a flexible rod, of the hair type or tuft of bristles, said branches 51A, 51B, 51C, 51D being arranged in a corolla around the axis of rotation (XX '), said first and second networks 50, 51 of brushing branches having respective overall diameters D1, D2 different, being alternately arranged along the longitudinal axis of rotation () X ') and angularly offset relative to one another.

Preferably, as shown in FIG. 12E3, the branches 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D have a substantially radial extension and are arranged on the perimeter of the brushing member 3, at a distance of 80452 / FR. others, to form substantially the blades of a kind of helix.

Particularly preferably, each network 50, 51 thus comprises four separate and equidistant branches distributed substantially at 90 ° to one another.

Moreover, the first and the second network 50, 51 preferably comprise the same number of branches distributed substantially in the same angular arrangement, the phase shift angle corresponding to the angular offset, measured in a plane normal to the axis of rotation ( XX '), between a branch of the first network and the corresponding branch of the second network is preferably between 30 ° and 60 °, and particularly preferably close to 45 °, as shown in Figure 12B.

According to a preferred embodiment, the branches will have a wide base fixed to a central hub materializing the axis of rotation (XX '), and a refined free point, somewhat like a brush.

Advantageously, the branches may be curved, and in particular have a generally convex profile vis-à-vis the direction of rotation of the brushing member 3.

Of course, it is quite possible to vary the number of branches of each network, the shape and / or the length of said branches, but also to stack any number of first and second networks 50, 51 alternately the with each other along the axis (XX ').

Thus, the toothbrush 1 according to the invention guarantees a particularly effective brushing while being respectful not only of the gingiva, the teeth, but also the mucous membranes. In addition, such a toothbrush is easily configurable and particularly versatile, thanks to the interchangeability of its heads, and the multitude of combinations that can be made from the same support member, by choosing a head vibrator and / or a specific brushing member 3 from a set of heads and / or brewing members available. B80ti'52 / EN

Claims (1)

1. Toothbrush (1) comprising firstly a support member (2) of the handle type, and at least one brushing member (3) of the teeth (4) rotatably mounted about an axis (XX ') with respect to said support member (2) and intended to be brought into contact with the teeth (4) to ensure cleaning by mechanical action, and secondly rotation drive means (6) of said brushing member (3), said toothbrush (1) being characterized in that it is provided with transverse oscillation means (10) designed to oscillate the brushing member (3) according to a component (T) substantially transverse to its axis of rotation (XX '). 2 toothbrush according to claim 1 characterized in that the support member is substantially elongate and in that the axis of rotation (XX ') of the brushing member (3) is located substantially in the longitudinal extension of said support member (2). Toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transverse oscillation means (10) are formed by the brushing member (3) itself, which is arranged and mounted on the support member ( 2) so that its center of gravity lies outside its axis of rotation (XX '). 4 - toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the drive means (6) and the transverse oscillation means (10) comprise a common member formed by an eccentric rotary transmission element (11) which presents a mass distribution such that its center of gravity is offset relative to its axis of rotation so as to create an unbalance. B80452 / FR5 - Toothbrush according to claim 4 characterized in that the eccentric rotary transmission element (11) is formed by a pin having a substantially frustoconical portion recessed on one side. 6 - toothbrush according to claim 4 or 5 characterized in that the eccentric rotary transmission element (11) is in direct contact with the brushing member (3), and preferably integral with a portion of this latest. 7 - toothbrush according to one of claims 4 to 6 characterized in that the eccentric rotary transmission element (11) is made of a metallic material. 8 - toothbrush according to one of claims 4 to 7 characterized in that the eccentric rotary transmission element (11) is housed in an intermediate portion of the toothbrush (1) forming a neck (12) between the support member (2) and the brushing member (3), said transmission member (11) connecting the brush member (3) to a drive shaft (13) housed in the support member (2). ). 9 - toothbrush according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that it has a removable head portion (20) of the support member (2) on which is embedded the brushing member (3). 10 - toothbrush according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the rotation drive means (6) comprise a speed controller designed to allow the user to choose the speed of rotation of the brush member (3), preferably in a range between 30 rpm and 180 rpm. 880452 / FR11 - Toothbrush according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the brushing member (3) has a flute (44) designed to facilitate the removal of debris during its rotation. 1: 2 - Toothbrush according to claim 2 characterized in that the longitudinal profile of the brush member (3) has a succession of indentations (46) so as to facilitate the dental cleaning. 13-toothbrush according to claim 2 characterized in that the brushing member (3) comprises a double helix brush structure designed to improve the sulcular cleaning, Iadil: e double helix structure comprising: at least a first network (50) brushing branches (50A, 50B, 50C, 50D), each branch being formed of a flexible shaft of hair type or tuft of bristles, said branches (50A, 50B, 50C, 50D) being arranged in a corolla around of the axis of rotation (XX '), - at least one second network (51) brushing branches (51A, 51B, 51C, 51D), each branch being formed of a flexible shaft of the hair type or tuft of hair , said branches (51A, 51B, 51C, 51D) being arranged in a corolla around the axis of rotation (XX '), said first and second networks (50, 51) of brushing branches having overall diameters (D1 , D2) being alternately staggered along the longitudinal axis of rotation (XX ') and offset angularly relative to each other. 14 -Total head (20) for a toothbrush to be mounted on the handle (2) of a toothbrush provided with motorized drive means (6) for driving an 8804 52 / FRbrossing member (3) ), said head being characterized in that it comprises a brush member rotatably mounted about an axis () (X '), transverse oscillation means (10) adapted to oscillate said brush member ( 3) according to a component (T) substantially transverse to its axis of rotation () X '), as well as connecting means (30) for the reversible attachment of said head (20) to the handle (2) and the coupling of the brushing member (3) to the drive means (6). 15 -Tête replacement (20) for toothbrush according to claim 14 characterized in that it comprises an eccentric rotary transmission element (11), asymmetrical spindle type, which is designed on the one hand to connect the means d drive (6) motorized to the brush member (3) to transmit to the latter a rotational movement, and secondly to create an unbalance capable of generating transverse oscillations. 16-Oscillating module for a toothbrush intended to be interposed between on the one hand a portion of a toothbrush head comprising a brushing member (3) movable to rotate about an axis of rotation (XX ') and on the other hand a toothbrush handle (2) provided with motorized drive mayens (6) adapted to drive said brushing member (3) in rotation, said oscillating module being provided with a transmission element designed to mechanically connect the driving means (6) by brushing means (3) and transverse oscillation means adapted to oscillate the movable brush member (3) according to a component (T) substantially transverse to its axis of rotation (XX ' ). B80452 / EN