MXPA06005366A - Toothbrush and method for the production thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric toothbrush (10) having a rechargeable energy storage (24) that is arranged in an inner space (36) in the body (12) of the toothbrush (10). Said inner space (36) is sealed against splashed water and other harmful effects by a primary sealing element (56). At least one contact element (28) for an external power supply unit (46) produces an electrically conductive connection to the energy storage (24). Said contact element can be located inside the inner space (36), wherein the primary sealing element (56) can be removed for charging, or it can alternatively located outside the inner space (36) and is optionally protected by an additional secondary sealing element (76). The invention also relates to a method for the production of said toothbrush.

Description

TOOTHBRUSH AND PROCESS TO PRODUCE THE SAME The invention relates to a toothbrush having an electrically operated functional unit with the features of claim 1 and to a process for producing such a toothbrush with the features of claim 14.

Electric brushes with stored rechargeable energy (storage batteries) are known and widely available in the market. In most cases, the electrical energy is transmitted inductively to the energy storage from the charging station. This is described, for example, in document CH 656 987. Since there is no need for any power line connections between the energy storage and the charging station, the advantage of this charging method lies in the direct handling for the user (for example, direct placement in the charging station without trying to find the contact) and at the low level of susceptibility to external influences, for example, water or toothpaste, which can result in contamination or corrosion of electrical contacts . The disadvantage with the inductive load lies in the high production costs and in the large amounts of space required for the charging station, which comprises a high payout charging circuit. The toothbrushes are likewise large, heavy and unwieldy, in addition to the storage batteries, a secondary coil with a rectifier arrangement must be present.

U.S. Patent No. 4,827,552 discloses an electric toothbrush of the generic type having an energy storage that can be charged via a plug contact. The contact element is located unprotected at the foot of the electric toothbrush and therefore in a region in which water dripping from the brush head itself accumulates. Satisfactory transmission current is put at risk by corrosion and contamination of the contact elements.

The object of the invention is to develop a cost-effective charging method that allows reliable operation, can be used in a way that saves space, is direct as possible to implement and allow the minimum dimensions of the electric toothbrush.

The direct charging method for electrical equipment, for example mobile phones, known per se are adapted according to the invention in such a way that they can also be used for toothbrushes having electrical functional components in the wet region. The charging current is transmitted directly to the electric toothbrush, for example, by means of contact elements, using an energy supply unit - comprising a transformer and a rectifier element or comprising an electronic time circuit. Provided inside the toothbrush, instead of an expensive charging circuit that takes up a lot of space, it is just a contact element, if appropriate with connecting lines to the storage battery. The toothbrush can therefore be configured to be considerably thinner and lighter than conventional electric toothbrushes with an inductive load and easier to handle. There is more design freedom for the purposes of filling the aesthetic requirements. The invention makes favorable use possible, mass produced components, possibly standard elements, and therefore power supply units that are already present in the home.

According to the invention, the interior space of the toothbrush, in which the energy storage is located, is sealed by a main sealing element, with the result that it is not possible for any water or other foreign matter to penetrate during the intentional use of the toothbrush. This prevents corrosion and contamination of energy storage and electrical contacts.

In the case of a variant of the invention, the energy storage and the contact elements are both located in the interior space, which is sealed by the main sealing element during the intended use, for example, during the cleaning of the teeth . The main sealing element can be moved at least to the extension where the contact element is accessible for the loading operation.

In the case of another variant of the invention, the interior space is permanently sealed, for example, the internal space is closed in a manner adjusted to the water during the intended use of the toothbrush and during the loading operation. The provision can be made for this possible by the removal of the main sealing element, for example, for repair work. It is also possible, however, for the energy storage to be completely fixed in place by injection molding. The contact element is located outside the internal space and is optionally sealed by a secondary sealing element, for example, a closure cap.

If only the interior space is permanently sealed, the contact element is arranged, for example, on the surface of the region of the handle and / or the neck region, in the region of the rear side and / or of the side regions. It can also be moved inward in relation to the surface and arranged in a cut. It is therefore placed in such a way when the toothbrush is left, this usually takes place with the toothbrush erect or with the front side located in the upright direction, it is not possible for any debris to be formed on the contact element by the fluid of water droplets and toothpaste. The opening of the contact elements, in the respective position, is provided on the side which is directed away from the direction in which the water flows. By producing one or more defined stopping positions, the electric toothbrush is preferably provided on the outer wrap with geometric elements (support protuberances) that are preferably formed of a soft component.

In an advantageous development, in particular of the first variant of the invention, the load logic is configured in such a way that operation of the article during loading is not possible. This prevents short circuits and contamination of the interior space and increases user safety.

The toothbrush is preferably packaged in such a way that its presentation in the package is self-explanatory. For example, the power supply unit and / or the contact elements are visible through the viewing windows. In this way, it is also possible for the buyer to check if he already has an adequate power supply unit.

The functional component of electric toothbrushes comprises, for example, a vibration element, which causes the head to vibrate, or a pusher, by means of which the head part can oscillate. It is also possible to provide other consumers, for example, light, music, time. Also preferably provided are the elements of a switch that turn on the power consumption on or off in relation to the battery storage. Mechanical or electronic switches can be provided here. The switch can be triggered by the user (for example, push button, rotation switch, throttle, contact element in the closure, motion sensor, pressure sensor, etc.), or by other external influences. The storage battery is preferably of the nickel cadmium (INCD) or nickel metal hydride (NiMh) type. AA or AAA batteries produced in series are used. The apparatuses are preferably operated with a voltage of less than 4 volts, preferably 1.2 volts. For reasons related to cost, a single 1.2 volt storage battery should be used. An optimum duration of use per discharge cycle of the storage battery is at least 2 hours, but preferably at least 5 hours or more. If this can be achieved using AAA batteries, this size is preferable for reasons related to space. In the case of a toothbrush with a vibrating head part, the preferable capacity of the AAA battery is 300-800 Ah; in the case of a toothbrush with a rotating head part, the preferable capacity of the AA battery is 600-2300 mAh.

Since the storage battery can produce explosive gases such as oxygen and / or hydrogen, particularly during the charging operation, the interior space is preferably sealed with a sealing element that is permeable to gas but protects the interior space against water . The use is preferably made of a corresponding membrane fitted on the hard component.

The electric toothbrush preferably consists of one or more hard structure-forming components (eg, polystyrene PS, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene ABS, styrene-acrylonitrile SAN, polyester polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide PA), but preferably of polypropylene PP and at least one or more soft components. The soft components are preferably formed of thermoplastic elastomer TPE having an affinity for the hard component used and is connected to the latter during the injection molding of two components. The soft component is usually used by a flexible switch membrane. The electric toothbrush contains, among other things, an interior space with electrical components that are closed in a manner tight to the water. The interior space is preferably formed by a core squeegee in the mold of the hard component and the soft component.

A power supply unit is used in all variants. This power supply unit is connected to the local power supply (for example, 230 volts AC or 115 volts AC). The power supply unit is preferably designed in such a way that the power plug is integrated in the box and the power supply unit can therefore be plugged directly into a socket. In this case, the use is made of a class II power supply unit of 4 volts and of IP X4 (IEC standard 60529, DIN 40050). In a less preferable variant, however, it is also possible to provide a power cable between the plug and the power supply unit; in the case of this variant, it may be necessary to use a power supply unit with a higher degree of protection, for example, IP X7. The power supply unit must always be short-circuit proof.

In the power supply unit, the local AC supply voltage (eg, 210-250 volts AC 50 Hertz) is transformed into a low DC voltage so as to charge the storage battery. By means of a cable and a contact element, then, the direct voltage (4-7 volts DC) is transmitted directly to the electric toothbrush from the power supply unit. The charging currents are preferably around 30-230 mA, corresponding to 10% of the capacity of the storage battery (C / 10). This results in a charging period of 10-14 hours in the case of the aforementioned types of storage batteries. The cable serves to bridge the distance between the next power supply connection and the means for securing the electric toothbrush. This cable length is between about 0.5 meters and 2 meters, preferably 1.5 meters. In a less preferable variant, the electric toothbrush is plugged directly into the power supply unit with corresponding contact elements.

The use is preferably made of plug-type contact elements. The plug is preferably fitted on the cable of the power supply unit. For safety reasons, the use is made from a socket that has a hollow interior space and a phase provided on the exterior and interior. This construction avoids short circuits when the plug supports an electrically conductive surface. The connection-contact element of the plug has approximately the following dimensions (length 3-15 millimeters, preferably 10 millimeters per diameter of 2-10 millimeters, preferably 5.5 millimeters).

The contact element designed as a plug is preferably fitted inside or on the electric toothbrush. It is possible preferably for the plug (for example by means of a pin) also to be contacted - to be connected by other electrically conductive components (for example, on the cover of the toothbrush) in addition to the plug. For this reason, this bolt must have a minimum diameter of 1-4 mm, preferably 2.4 mm. The pin is preferably connected to the terminal (+) of the motor and the storage battery. Preferably interacting with the contact element is a switch that, during the charging operation, disconnects the consumer and only charges the storage battery.

In order to keep costs low, the plug contacts are preferably mass produced parts. The metal surfaces of the contact elements are usually coated surfaces (for example, gold, nickel, chromium, etc.). A nickel layer guarantees good electrical conductivity and particularly good resistance to corrosion against the aggressive mixture of toothpaste and water with low production costs. The dimensions of the plug are usually selected to be equal to or less than the diameter of the storage battery, with the result that the dimensions of the interior space can be minimized.

(External dimensions: width / height of the plug using a storage battery of size AAA preferably less than . 5 mm, the length depending on the selected plug distance, storage batteries size AA of less than 14.5 mm).

The plugging operation is preferably carried with a defined movement (translation, rotation, or a combination thereof) of 1-10 millimeters and / or 10-180 degrees, preferably of the plug in relation to the contact itself. In the case of contamination and corrosion, this allows a certain amount of rubbing of the contact surfaces, which have a self-cleaning action and therefore facilitate contact-connection. During the plug-in operation, a certain pressure is produced between the contact-connection surfaces (for example, by means of the spring action of one contact-connection surface on the other), and contamination can likewise be effectively scraped as a result. The plugging operation is therefore preferably carried out by means of a combination of movement and pressure of the contact-connection surfaces in relation to one another. At the end of the plugged-in distance, the plug is intended to close in the plug, this preventing released independent of the plug or loose contact between the plug and the contact. The force that is necessary to release the plug is preferably greater than the dead weight of the entire electric toothbrush in the direction of pulling the plug. The contact preferably undergoes closed form adjustment with its transport unit, for example, the printed circuit template, so that the plugging forces do not rest on, for example, the welded electrical contacts.

Since certain forces are exerted in the above defined plugging operation, it must be ensured that the fragile components of the electric toothbrush are not damaged. In particular, it should be ensured that the bristles are not crushed or that flexible moisture or vibration media in the region of the neck are not deformed by the forces produced. For this reason, the contact elements should be placed on or in the handle in such a way that the handle still has enough available space so that it is comfortably held in the other hand. In this regard, it is desirable for the contact elements to be placed at one end of the handle or the other. In addition, the support points in the region of the handle, in which the toothbrush must be held during the plugging operation, are clearly marked for the user. For this purpose, the use can be made of geometric elements such as teeth, protuberances, surface textures, etc., and / or areas with soft materials and / or a corresponding print.

The plugging direction is proposed as an angle between -90 degrees and 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the handle part, even though the plugging operation preferably takes place in the direction of this main shaft so that the other hand can better Use, as explained above, to absorb the plugging forces.

The plugging operation can be simplified by the contact elements having a rotational symmetric cross section, preferably circular. The relative positions of the plug contacts are therefore not important and do not need to be searched by the user. It is only the plugged in address that has to be correct. In the different variants, the plugging direction is preferably provided parallel or perpendicular to the opening direction of the closure.

The position of the contact elements in relation to the toothbrush is critical with respect to the tendency of contamination, sealing of the interior space, plugging operation during loading and comfortable use of the electric toothbrush. Regarding contamination, the contact element must be placed on the electric toothbrush in such a way that, when the toothbrush is left following the respective use, it is not possible for any residues of toothpaste to be formed on the toothbrush element. Contact. The electric toothbrush is preferably provided with geometric elements, preferably formed of soft components, on the outer sheath so that the left position, following the use, is clearly defined for the user. In addition, electrical contact elements must be provided in a location in which it is not possible for any small drops of water or toothpaste to occur when the toothbrush is left after use. In addition to one or, if necessary, more horizontally defined positions of left, the glass of the toothbrush or a part of the flattened handle, in the case that the toothbrush assumes a more or less vertical position, should also be taken in consideration here. The opening of the contact elements (for example, the plug), in the respective position, is preferably provided on the side that is directly outside the direction in which the water flows.

Further criteria for the position of the contact elements are comfort during use. Since said contact elements comprise, at least in part, metallic components, the position is selected in such a way that, during use the electric toothbrush, the resulting cleaning pressure (approximately 100 grams-1 kilogram; grams on average) does not produce any impression, as a result of the contact elements, on the hand that guides the toothbrush. In a variant, for this purpose, the contact elements are arranged on the surface of the toothbrush, in a slightly sunk way therein, and are encased with, or embedded in, the soft component that performs a certain flexible action. The resulting flexible mounting allows for easier plug-in and removal operations since the plug-in direction does not need to be precisely maintained. The contact element, in this case, can preferably be adjusted laterally or on the back side of the handle part. It is preferable, however, for the contact elements to be introduced into the interior space or a boundary layer of the electric toothbrush and be sealed by the main sealing element, for example, covered by a protective plastic layer of a soft or hard component or a combination thereof. In the case of this variant, the surface of the handle part can be completely covered with plastics, in such a way that it is not possible for any impressions to occur during the cleaning operation. The contact elements are likewise better protected against contamination.

Regarding the sealing of the interior space and the contact elements, the following variants, which have already been mentioned before, apply: (i) The contact elements are placed in the current interior space of the electric toothbrush, in a location that is easily accessible to the user, preferably in the immediate vicinity of the line of separation between the handle portion and the closure. All of the interior space including the contact element is closed with sealing action by a main sealing element, for example, a closure. The main sealing element can be produced in an operation with the electric toothbrush, from the same hard and soft component, possibly just from the soft component. A permanent connection, for example, in the form of a film hinge, is optionally provided between the main sealing element and the handle of the toothbrush. The contact elements are fixed on a solid transport unit made of plastic or on a printed circuit board and are electrically connected to the storage batteries (for example, by means of printed conductors or cables, etc.). This solid transport unit may also contain functional units such as switches, impulse and storage batteries, etc. Preferably it comprises a printed circuit board with the contact elements firmly connected thereto, the storage battery and in addition the circuit components, for example the printed conductors, and the resistor. This so-called battery-stored subset is a self-containment system that has the outer appearance of a rechargeable battery with integrated plug contacts. This subset can be used in the same way as a conventional disposable battery. The terminals of the energy storage are accessible from outside directly or via the contact element.

In order to optimize the administration of the electric toothbrush, it is proposed to place the contact elements in series with the storage battery (for example, one behind the other) on the transport unit. The diameter of the interior space therefore corresponds approximately to the size of the storage battery plus the transport unit. In the variants where a storage battery of size AAA is used, the diameter of the battery AAA and the thickness of the transport unit with the printed circuit board and the storage battery correspond approximately to the diameter of a battery A ?. The minimum warehouse-battery subset described above can therefore be replaced, with little expenditure, by an AA battery. It is therefore possible, with few changes (bridging the difference in length), to operate the electric toothbrush using a disposable AA battery. In addition, the same injection molds can be used to produce a rechargeable electric toothbrush and a toothbrush with a disposable energy storage.

There is no risk, in the case of this variant, that the contact elements become contaminated, since the interior space is only open to load the storage battery. In this variant, it is preferably ensured that the article is not used when the interior space is open, for example, during the loading operation, since the interior space, in this state, does not have a seal. In the case of this variant, the other technical components (such as impulse, storage battery, etc.) are preferably covered by means of a shield that is not necessarily fit to the water (for example, with a plastic part installed or a self-adhesive plastic label). The shield gives protection, during the loading operation, against water that splashes in the wet battery and clearly shows the user the contact elements that are not covered in it. Other technical units that may confuse the user are not visible. Preferably, the shield has means of closing (for example, connection tabs of instant closing action, projections) that allow the shield to be connected to the warehouse-battery subassembly. In addition, the instantaneous closure action elements are optionally present on the shield, which secures the magazine-battery sub-assembly radially with respect to the hard component of the toothbrush handle and thus prevents the storage-battery subassembly (with shield) of falling. (ii) The interior space of the electric toothbrush is sealed in relation to the contact elements by the main sealing element. The contact elements themselves are not covered / sealed and can communicate freely with the external surroundings. In this variation, the tendency of contamination and corrosion of the contact elements is much greater, but additional handling by the user, for example, the removal of a closure or of a sealing element, is dispensed. In order to ensure a satisfactory seal, the sealing element can be made on a part of the box with integrally molded or separate seals, for example, O-rings. For production reasons, however, the contact elements are preferably placed on a way of adjusting form on the hard component and are over-molded and / or encapsulated, and fixed, by means of the soft component and therefore sealing the interior space of the electric toothbrush. The contact elements communicate either directly or by means of an electrical connection, for example, a braided plastic sheathed wire, with further electrical components, for example, printed circuit board or storage battery, in the interior space of the toothbrush.

The variant (ii) can be extended by an additional secondary sealing element, which additionally seals the contact elements in relation to the outer surroundings. All that which is therefore required to load the article is released from the outer, secondary sealing element. The interior space is completely sealed in each state (during loading and during use). There is no provision made for the user to open the main seal. In some circumstances, in the case of this variant, it is also possible for the electric toothbrushes to be used during the charging operation, for example, with the contact element plugged in. The secondary seal can be produced in the form of an additional cover or a deformable flexible sealing lip. The secondary seal is also preferably produced with the soft component available. For reasons related to cost, the secondary sealing elements must be produced in an operation provided with the hard or soft component. It is additionally proposed for these sealing elements to firmly connect to the handle portion of the electric toothbrush, for example, by means of a film hinge or a flexible connection made of elastomeric material. This prevents them from getting lost during the loading operation. The storage-battery subassembly is required to comprise, at a minimum, a storage battery, a resistor and a transport unit, for example, in the form of a printed circuit board. If the contact element is not in place in the body (closure, handle part) by the injection molding, the contact element is also preferably a constituent part of the storage-battery subassembly, which can therefore replace a or more of the disposable batteries. This subset, if necessary, can be added by further components, for example, by switch elements, time function, motor, LED. The resistance used prevents the storage batteries from being overcharged and allows a constant charge current from the power supply unit. If a preferable power supply unit with an energy output is used, without load, 7 volts DC and, with load, 4 volts DC, at 230 mA, with different battery capacities, the following resistance values are reached to of example, depending on the variant: The resistance is preferably selected to be in turn higher than necessary, so that it is also possible to use "other" power supply units with a higher load current without damaging the storage battery.

Loading logic is an essential constituent part of the charging method as a whole. The configuration according to the invention allows the satisfactory charging of the storage battery and the limited differential of the operation of the electric toothbrush in different operating states in dependence on the sealing of the interior space. This is described hereinafter with reference to Figure 12.

Another advantageous variant provides a support for the electric toothbrush, for example, in the form of a support. The toothbrush plugged into the latter is positioned in such a way that the contact elements are not placed in the direction in which the water flows or at the drip points. It is also the intention for the loading operation to be possible when the user does not have the support at hand. The support is either solely mechanical, serves only as a support and positioning aid for the electric toothbrush and does not contain any electrical components. In the case of this variant, it must be ensured that the contact elements are freely accessible if the electric toothbrush is placed on the support. In another variant, the support contains additional electrical elements, for example, a unit of time, display of the state of charge, display of the load capacity, music. These additional electrical elements are supplied by the same contact element as the electric toothbrush itself, for example, preferably operating at the same operating voltage as the electric toothbrush. In an alternative variant, the support in the same way has an additional storage battery. The support is only an "electrical intermediate", which may or may not be used. When traveling, it is equally possible for the electric toothbrush, in the case of this variant, to be charged directly by the power supply unit. Accordingly, the support has the same plug contacts as the power supply unit and the electric toothbrush. In the case of variants with secondary seals, it must be ensured that, in addition to the plug element of the support, a corresponding amount of space is provided by the secondary seal, for example, a recess. The support preferably contains means that detect the placement of the electric toothbrush in the support, or the removal thereof, in order to thereby promote electrical functions, for example, time. The presence of the electric toothbrush is detected by means of a mechanically activated push button, driven by the user or as the toothbrush is placed in position. It is equally possible for the presence of the toothbrush to be detected by an electronic analysis of the charging current and the charging voltage, but this variant involves higher costs and disbursement.

Since considerable clamping forces are exerted, in particular in the case of the support with plug contacts, it is proposed to provide the support with fixing means in relation to the underlying surface. This can be provided by the installation of additional weight or by adhesion elements, for example, a suction rate. If the soft material is used for these adhesion elements, it is proposed, once again, the use of the same soft material that has also already been used for other purposes, for example, the membrane over the squeeze buttons, the sealing of the electrical components in the interior space, hollows of the handle for handling purposes, movement of the support, and to produce these in an operation.

Since the toothbrush only has to be charged following a number of cleaning cycles, the holder preferably has two left positions for the electric toothbrush. One is used for charging purposes (the brush is electrically connected) and the other is used to simply leave the toothbrush, without an electrical connection.

A sales unit contains the electric toothbrush including the power supply unit possibly with, depending on the variant, additional replacement heads / plug heads, and optionally with the holder. The power supply unit including the elements for the connection of the power supply and the contact elements used for the connection to the electric toothbrush are preferably displayed in a package that can be seen, so that the user can see that The toothbrush is a rechargeable one. As an additional option, it is also possible for the main or secondary seal to be displayed in the open state, in such a way that the user immediately recognizes how the electric toothbrush can be recharged.

The examples of the invention are described below and illustrated in the drawings, in which, only schematically: Figures la-i show several views of a toothbrush according to the invention and constituting parts thereof; Figure 2 shows a toothbrush with a conventional energy storage, non-rechargeable; Figures 3a-d, 4a-c, 5a-c, 6a-d, 7a-b, 8, 9, 10 show various views of other toothbrushes according to the invention and constituting parts thereof; Figure 11 shows a toothbrush according to the invention with a support; Figures 12a-h show circuit diagrams of the charging circuit in various operating states; Figure 13 shows a sales unit with a toothbrush according to the invention and a power supply unit; Figures 14a and b show a shield to delimit the cavity; Figures 15a and b show a closure having an additional switch to produce an alternative switch state; and Figures 16a-h show basic circuit diagrams for a toothbrush having an additional switch in accordance with Figures 15a and b.

Figures 1 and 3-10 show several toothbrushes 10 according to the invention, of which the body 12 comprises in each case a head region covered in bristles 16, a region of handle 14 and a neck region 18 located in the middle. The head region 16 forms about 5% -20% of the entire length, the neck region 18, which is thinned in relation to the region of the handle 14 forms about 15% -50% of the entire length, and the Mango region forms around 40% -80% of the entire length. A closure 40 is a constituent part of the region of the handle 14 and, in several variants, can take up to 10% -70% of the length of the handle.

The body 12 contains in each case functional components 20 with an electrically operated functional unit 22, in this case a motor for the vibration pulse (Figures 1 and 7-9) or the rotary pulse (Figures 3-6 and 10) of the head region and / or the bristle plate. The toothbrushes 10 each comprise a storage of rechargeable energy 24, (storage battery) and a contact element 28. These are fitted on a printed circuit board 38 which is arranged in an interior space 36 of the region of the handle 13. Also located in the interior space 36 is a switch 34, which is fused into a flexible connection element 88 which, in the installed state, contacts-connects a terminal of the energy store 24.

The printed circuit board 38 has means that allow a shape adjustment and force adjustment connection to the hard component of the electric toothbrush. In the present case, the snap-action flexible mouths 104 (Figure Ih) close behind a contact bridge 54. The printed circuit board 38 has a thickness of 0.5-3 millimeters, preferably 1 millimeter. In a number of variants, the printed circuit board 38 is inserted from behind, with the components mounted therein, into the interior space 36 of the electric toothbrush 10.

Figure 2 shows a comparative example of a toothbrush with a non-rechargeable energy storage 26 in the form of a battery. The construction and function of the toothbrush are described in the international patent application PCT / EP03 / 09681, which was not published before the priority date. The external configuration of this toothbrush and the installation of the functional unit 22 are performed in a manner identical to the toothbrush shown in Figures la-c. It is possible to compensate for the difference in length between the battery 26 and the battery storage subset 10, which comprises the storage battery 24, the contact element 28, the printed circuit board 38 and the connecting lines (Figure Ih) , by the flexible connection elements 88 of different lengths. It is therefore advantageously possible to use the same brush body and the same production tools and largely the same production steps. The switch 34 is optionally arranged on the printed circuit board 38 of the storage battery subassembly 108.

The toothbrush 10 which is shown in Figures la-g is only described hereinafter to the extent that it is necessary to understand the invention. With regard to the construction and production of the body 12 and of the functional components 20, they refer to PCT / EP03 / 09681.

The storage battery 24 and the contact element 28 in the form of a standard contact are fitted on the printed circuit board 38 (Figure 1). The contact element 28 is held in a form-fitting manner on the printed circuit board 38 in the manner of an anchoring element 106. The storage battery subassembly 108 is pushed into an interior space 36 in a first part of box 62 of the body of two parts 12. The interior space 36 is closed by a second box part 64 in the form of a closure 40 being placed in position. Arranged between the two box parts is a seal 58, which is integrally molded over the closure 40 or preferably over the hard component 30 of the handle region 14. The seal 58 preferably consists of the same material as the soft component 32 of the body 12 , consisting of soft and hard material. The hard component 30 serves to produce the constituent parts of stability formation of the box, while the soft component 32 serves to produce additional elements, for example, the region of flexible neck 18, non-slip coating on the region of the handle 14, the cleaning elements in the head region 16, support elements 102 to produce a position defined as seated, for embedding the functional unit 22, and the wetting elements in the interior space 36 for wet hitting the storage battery 24. All the elements formed of the soft component are preferably integrally molded in one operation, in particular using the same material.

The closure 40, together with the seal 58, serves as a main sealing element 56, by means of which the interior space 36, during normal use of the toothbrush, is sealed against the penetration of water and other materials. strange, as illustrated in Figure Ib. Figures Ie and Id show the open state, in which the contact element 28 is accessible to the plug 44 of a power supply unit 46 (see Figure 13). The closure 40 is placed on the first part of the case 62 in the manner of a bayonet, closing the type of thread or instant closing action and is optionally connected to a clamping ring 50, which is pulled out on the first part of the box 62, via a film hinge 42 (Figures le and Ig). A corresponding recess is provided in the part of the handle in order to ensure seamless closure in the clamping ring 50.

As can be seen from the view in the longitudinal direction in the interior space in the Figure, the interior space 36, in the open state, is only covered by a shield 60 (Figure 1f) that does not have any sealing function. A preferable incorporation of the shield is described below with reference to Figures 14a-e. The state without the shield 60 is illustrated in Figure 11. Since it is therefore possible for the water to penetrate during the loading operation, the following measures ensure that the functional unit 20 can operate, regardless of the position of the switch 34, only in the closed sealing state: as illustrated in Figures 12a-e, the manual activation switch 34 has been connected in series with another switch 70, which is formed by a contact strip 48 on the closure 40 in connection with jumper links. contact 54 in the first part of the case 62. The contact strip 48 is illustrated in Figure Ig in the partial view of the closure 40. In the closed state, the contact strip 48 produces an electrically conductive connection between the pin 90 of the contact element 28 and contact bridges 54, as a result of which function unit 22 is basically promptly rendered for operation. If the contact element 44 of the power supply unit has been plugged in, the contact bridges 54 are only contact-contacted by nonconductive components of the contact member 44, with the result that the switch 70 is open.

A switch 34 'may also optionally be incorporated in the closure 40. This switch 34' may be used as an alternative to the on / off switch 34 or may produce an alternate operating state if it is further mounted to the switch 34. A closure of this type is described below with reference to Figures 15a and b.

The closure 40 contains an opening 92 and a membrane 52, through which the gases produced during the operation can escape, but which form sufficient protection against water.

During the production of the toothbrush, the interior space 36 is formed in the hard component by means of a core and is axially demoulded from behind the part of the handle 14. The surfaces, protuberances and recesses are formed here, and these are used for the installation of the switch element 34, of the storage battery subassembly 108 and of the motor subassembly 22. The storage battery subassembly 108 is mounted in a flexible manner in the axial direction by means of a spring element 88. The elements Moisture made of soft material (not shown) are preferably provided in the radial direction. The printed circuit board 38 has one or more instantaneous closing action elements 104, which once the subassembly has been pushed into a corresponding recess in the hard component, closes behind one or both legs of the bridge 54. The strip of contact 48 and pin 90 of contact 28 are arranged in such a way that contact strip 48 comes into contact with pin 90 with pre-tensioning when the bayonet lock is rotated. The pin 90 of the contact is preferably located on the axis of rotation of the closure 40.

The closure 40, like the first part of the box 62, is produced from a hard or soft component or from a combination thereof. The clamping ring 50 is preferably produced in an operation with the closure and preferably consists of the same material as the rest of the soft constituent parts. It is of a flexible and elastic configuration, in order to be able to accommodate the rotation for closing / opening the interior space without any damage. In order that there are no impressions left on the surface of the user's hand during use, the connecting crosspiece 42 between the retaining ring 50 and the closure 40 is preferably provided laterally or on the underside of the electric toothbrush. .

The storage battery subassembly has a battery AAA 24. The diameter of the interior space 36, however, is configured in such a way that, instead of this subset, it can also accommodate a disposable battery AA 26. The production can therefore easily change over a toothbrush operated by batteries. In order to bridge the difference in length between an AA battery and a battery subset stored with an AAA battery, the contact strip 48 on the closure 40, the switch element 34 or the extension of the latter, designed as spring portion 88 , is consequently elongated. The present seal 58 of the main sealing element 56 is made of soft material or a separate O-ring on the first part of the case 62 or on the closure 40.

For production purposes, the following subassemblies are prepared: 1. Sub-assembly of motor 22 with vibration unit, lines, contact bolt, contact bridge 54; 2. Closing 40 with demagnetizing membrane 52, contact strip 48, optional retaining ring 50; 3. Sub-assembly of storage battery 108 with printed circuit board 38 with instantaneous closing action element 104, resistance R, storage battery 24, contact element 28, optional shield 60; 4. Switch 34 with spring element 88; 5.- Toothbrush head 16 with bristles.

The assembly takes place by way of the following steps: 1. Hard component 30 of the toothbrush, 2. Install and fix the motor of subassembly 22 on the hard component, 3. Soft component 32 of the toothbrush (overmolding the motor of subassembly 22, producing the switch membrane, retaining zones, support elements 102, sealing elements, optional soft / flexible cleaning elements, wetting elements, flexible zones in the neck region, etc.), 4. Insert the switch element 34, fix it on the hard component 30 of the electric toothbrush, . Insert the storage battery subassembly 108 with shield into the recess of the hard component 30, closing it behind the legs of the contact bridge 54, then the optional test performance, 6. Install the closure 40 (optionally by means of a retaining ring 50), 7. Install the brush head, 8. Pack Figures 3a-d show another toothbrush according to the invention, having a rotating head and a corresponding pulse unit 22. The closure 40, like the second part of the case 64, takes a considerable amount of part of the handle 14 and accommodates the energy storage 24. The contact element 28 is positioned approximately in the center of the handle part 14, in an interior space 36. The first and second parts of the housing 62, 64 are screwed one to the other. another by way of a thread 66. The distance by which the closure 40 opens is limited by suitable means. The closure 40 can therefore be opened by rotation over a limited distance for the loading operation, complete removal of the closure 40 by the user who is not seen. The distance corresponds at least approximately to the size of the contact element 28. The contact element 44 of the power supply unit 46 is plugged into the contact element 28, on the front side of the toothbrush, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the toothbrush 10. As an alternative, it may also be possible to provide a slidable closure that closes instantaneously on the handle portion 62.

A switch 70 that is closed automatically when the closure 40 is closed is also provided here.

A bent spring part 68 is preferably fitted to the end of the printed circuit board, the spring being forced against a storage battery terminal by the closure 40 and thus functioning as switch 70. For this purpose, the closure 40 has , on the inside, a protrusion 110 which is arranged on the longitudinal axis L and, in a closed state, presses on the spring part 68 regardless of the rotational position.

According to the invention, the inner space 36 with the energy storage 24 and the contact element 28 is closed in a manner adjusted to water by a main sealing element 56 in the form of the second part of the box 64, if it is appropriate with an additional seal (soft material or a ring in 0).

For production purposes, the following subassemblies are prepared, first of all: 1. Sub-assembly of motor 22 with motor, seal, guide; 2. Closing 40 with protrusion 110; 3. Subset of storage battery 108 with printed circuit board 38, switch 70, resistor R, storage battery 24, contact 28; 4.-Toothbrush plugged with brush head 16.

The rest of the set / production takes place by way of the following steps: 1. Hard component 30 of the toothbrush, 2. Soft component 32 of the toothbrush (producing the switch membrane, retaining zones, support protuberances, sealing elements, optional soft / flexible cleaning elements, wetting elements, flexible zones in the neck region, etc.), 3. Install and fix the motor of subassembly 22 on the hard component, 4. Inserting the storage battery subassembly 108 with shield into the recess of the hard component 30, closing it by producing an electrical connection here to the motor subassembly by means of contacts or plug wires 94, . Install cover 40, 6. Install the toothbrush plugged in, 7. Pack Figures 4a-c show a solution similar to Figures 3a-d. The closure 40 here is considerably shorter and flattened at the end, so that the toothbrush can be loaded in the vertical position. The contact element 28 is located at the rear end of the region of the handle 14. As an option here, the sub-assembly of the motor 22, 34 and the sub-assembly of the storage battery 108 are connected by means of the printed circuit board 38 for form a single subset (Figure 4c). The printed circuit board 38 has a switch element 70, which is closed by means of rotation when the interior space 36 is closed by the closure 40. Two spring portions 70a, 70b are preferably fitted to the closing end of the printed circuit board 38, these spring portions being pressed against each other by the closure 40 and closing the circuit. The production and the assembly are analogous to the example of Figures 3a-d.

The switch 70 can also be arranged in the closure 40 separately from the contact element 28.

Figures 5a-c show an electric toothbrush with a rotary plug brush similar to that in Figures 3a-d and 4a-c. The contact element 28 and the energy storage 24 are located with the printed circuit board 38 in the closure 40, which can be completely removed from the first case part 62 for charging purposes and is otherwise screwed, plugged in or Instantly locked in it. In the closed state, two contact springs 72 which are preferably arranged on another printed circuit board 38 'in the first part of the case 62, contact-connect a terminal of the storage battery 24 and / or the pin 90 of the element of contact 28, which is arranged above the storage battery. These components therefore function as a switch 70 and, in the closed state, serve to produce a conductive connection between the stored battery subassembly 108 and the motor subassembly with switch 34.

The storage battery subassembly, on the printed circuit board 38, has one or more instantaneous action elements which, once the subassembly has been pushed into a corresponding recess in the hard component of the closure 40, is closed. The storage battery subset preferably has a battery 7AA. The diameter of the interior space 36 and / or of the corresponding recess in the closure 40, however, is configured in such a way that, instead of this sub-assembly, it can also accommodate two disposable AA batteries. The production can therefore easily be changed to a toothbrush with a disposable battery.

The main sealing element 56 for closing the inner space 36 is made by the closure 40, preferably in conjunction with a seal 58, which is arranged in the form of a soft material or an O-ring on the toothbrush or in the closure 40.

The production / set is analogous to the examples that have already been described, with the exception that the storage battery subset is inserted into the recess in the closure and enclosed.

Figures 6a-d show a modification of the electric toothbrush of Figures 5a-c, in which case the storage battery subassembly 108 is located in the handle portion of the body 12. The contact element 28 and the stored energy 24 are likewise arranged one over the other. The closure 40 contains just two spring elements 72 which are connected in a conductive manner to one another. In the closed state of the closure, they short-circuit the pin 90 of the contact element 28 with a storage battery terminal. In this variant, it is easily possible to switch to operation with a disposable battery 7? A, since the dimensions of the interior space 36 are sufficient for this purpose. In the case of closure as well, an additional switch 34 ', as shown in Figures 15a and b and described below, can be provided. For this purpose, the spring elements 72 are diverted via the switch 34 'analogously to the contact strip 48.

Figures 7a and b show an electric toothbrush with a vibration unit 22, a storage of rechargeable energy 24 and a contact element 28. The basic construction corresponds to Figure 1. In contrast to the example of Figure 1, the interior space 36 in the region of the handle 14 is permanently closed by a main seal 56. The main seal 56 in this case is formed by a second part of the box 64 which is in the form of a closure 40, permanently placed on the first part of the box 62 and, together with the latter, joins the interior space 36. The closure 40 consists of hard and soft component 30, 32. The contact element 28 and the connecting lines 94 of the contact element 28 to the energy storage 24 and / or to the printed circuit board 38 which are embedded in the soft component 32. The contact element 28 is preferably fixed on the hard component of the closure 40 and over molded / encapsulated by the soft component. go. The contact element 28 essentially consists of a hard material (eg metal) that withstands the injection pressure and the temperature during the overmolding. The closure 40 is permanently connected to the first part of the box 62, for example, by means of blowing or an instantaneous action connection.

The contact element 28 is arranged in a recess 74 which is oriented along the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush 10 and is preferably in a manner that complements the contact element 44 of the power supply unit. The orientation angle can also be up to +/- 90 degrees. An opening 92 with a demagnetizing membrane 52 is likewise arranged in the closure 40.

The switch 40 can be formed by another switch 34 'in accordance with the example shown in Figures 15a and b and described below, so that the switch 72 can be activated with the latch engaged.

It is preferable, but not necessary, for the recess 74 to be covered during normal operation, by a secondary sealing element 76, which can be removed for loading purposes. It is preferably in a manner that complements the recess 74, and is connected to the actual body of the brush 12 via a film hinge 42. By virtue of the shape of the secondary sealing element 76, during closure, the material that is displaced is displaced. has been accumulated in the recess 74 under certain circumstances.

For production purposes, the following subassemblies are prepared: 1. Sub-assembly of motor 22 with vibration unit, lines, contact pin 112; 2.- Closure 40 with demagnetizing membrane; 2. Contact element 28, possibly connecting lines 94; 3. Subset of storage battery 108 with printed circuit board 38, resistor R, storage battery 24, without contact element 28; 4.- Switch 34; 5.- Toothbrush head 16 with bristles.

Set: 1. Hard component of the toothbrush, 2. Install / fix the motor subassembly 22 on the hard component, 3. The soft component of the toothbrush (over molding of the motor subassembly, producing the shift membrane 114, retaining zones, support protrusions 102, sealing elements, optional soft / flexible cleaning elements, wetting elements, flexible areas in the neck region, etc. 4. Insert the change element 34, fix it on the hard component of the electric toothbrush, . Insert the storage battery subassembly 108 into the recesses of the hard component, then optionally test the performance, 6. Produce an inductive connection between the contact element 28 in the closure and the energy storage 24, 7. Install the closure, the storage battery subassembly and the motor subassembly, 8. Installing the brush head, 9. Pa .

Figure 8 shows another example of an electric toothbrush. The contact element 28 is embedded in the part of the handle 14 and is located on the back side of the toothbrush, the plug direction that runs longitudinally, The interior space 36 is closed by a main sealing element 56 made of the hard component 30. The connecting lines 94 can be embedded in the soft component 32. A recess 74 for the contact element 44 of the power supply unit and also the demagnetizing opening are arranged in the termination surface 98 on the underside of the toothbrush. The termination surface 98 may be covered by a closure cap 96, which may consist of just a hard component. The closure cap 96 functions as a secondary sealing element 76 to protect the contact element 28 against foreign matter.

The production takes place in a manner analogous to Figures 7a and b, except that the contact element 28 is embedded directly in the handle part 14, in particular is encapsulated by soft component 32. This preferably takes place in an operation as the motor subset is embedded.

Figure 9 shows another example of a toothbrush with a main sealing element 56 and optional secondary sealing element 76. The recess 74 is located on the rear side 86 of the body 12 and is oriented along the longitudinal axis. The interior space 36 is permanently closed by a closure 40. This functions as a main sealing element 56 and contains a demagnetizing opening 92 with membrane 52. The contact element 28 is located in the wall of the handle portion 14 and is optionally covered by the secondary sealing element 76. The contact element 40 can therefore consist of just the hard component. This toothbrush is particularly suitable for erect storage, for example, in a toothbrush cup.

The production takes place in a manner analogous to the example in Figure 8.

In the case of all variants, in particular those with a permanently closed interior space 36, it is also possible for the interior space 36 to be filled by a material, provided that the contact element 28 remains accessible.

Figures 10A-c show another variant of a toothbrush in which the interior space 36 is permanently closed by a main sealing element 56. The main sealing element 56 is formed by a second part of the sleeve type box 64, which is placed on the first part of the box 62 and permanently connected thereto. The second part of the box 64 forms a recess 74, in which the contact element 28 is arranged. The second part of the box 64, on its side which is directed out of the first part of the box 62, is provided with a secondary sealing element 76. This comprises a membrane that is cut out in a star shape and can be pierced by the contact element 44 of the power supply unit, but otherwise provides sufficient protection against the water, at least against the splashing water.

Figure 10c shows the subset of motor and storage battery arranged on a common printed circuit board 38. This subassembly is pushed into the interior space 36 once the hard component has been produced. The contact element is integrated in the second part of the box 64, separately produced, in particular it is embedded in the soft component. Before the first and second parts of the box 62, 64 are connected, the connecting lines 94 of the storage battery subassembly and the contact element 28 are connected.

Figure 11 shows a support 80 for a toothbrush 10 analogous to Figures 3a-d. The holder 80 has a recess 80 adapted to the handle portion 14 of the toothbrush 10. The contact element 28 is located on the back side 86 of the toothbrush 10. When the latter is placed in the holder 80, thereby comes into contact with a contact element 84 in the recess. This contact element is galvanically connected to a contact 100, in which the contact element 44 of the power supply unit 46 can be plugged in. The toothbrush 10 can be loaded via support 80 or directly, by virtue of the contact element 44 of the power supply unit 46 being plugged into the contact member 28.

Figures 12a-h show circuit diagrams of the charging circuit for the different sealing variants.

Case 1: The contact element 28, together with the energy storage 24, is located in the interior space 36, which is closed with sealing action by a closure 40 (Figures 1 and 3-5). During normal operation (Figure 12a), the main sealing element (closure 40) closes the interior space 36 in a tight manner to the water. A switch 70, which is activated by the positioning of the closure 40 in position / removal of the closure 40, is closed. The user can interrupt the consumer 22 on and off by another switch 34. If the closure 40 is removed, the switch 70 inevitably interrupts the connection between the storage battery 24 and the consumption 22 (Figure 12b). Open, for example, in an unsealed state, it is therefore impossible for the electric toothbrush to light up. During the charging of the storage battery 24 by virtue of the plug 44 being plugged into the contact 28, the interior space 36 is opened (Figure 12c). By providing the switch 70, it is then further possible to achieve the situation where the charge of the storage battery 24 always takes place, regardless of the state of the switch 34, only if the consumption 22 is not operating. This is because, if the consumption 22 is operating (for example, 34 and 70 closed) during the charging of the storage battery 24 and the storage battery 24 is completely empty, charging would not be possible.

Case 2 (Figures 12 d-e): The interior space 36 is completely sealed in relation to the contact element 28 in each operation state (Figures 7-10). Since the main seal is not removed, a distinction is made only between two states of operation, to be precise the normal state of operation (Figure 12d) and the state of charge (Figure 12e). The operation of opening and closing the secondary seal does not need, in fact, to have any influence on the charging circuit. For post-loading purposes the storage battery 24, the contact 28 preferably has an integrated switch 70 which performs the task of the switch 70 activated by the closure in case 1. This integrated switch 70 ensures that the storage battery 24 can be charged regardless of the state of the switch 34. The integrated switch 70 is opened when the plug 44 is plugged in (Figure 12e), and therefore prevents the situation where a storage battery is completely empty 24 », it can not charge because the consumption 22 is connected to the storage battery 24 via switch 34.

If, with the inclusion of this potential disadvantage, the integrated switch 70 is not provided, operation with plug 44 inserted is conceivable in principle.

Case 3 (Figures 12 f-h): In a manner analogous to case 1, a distinction is made here, once again, between three operating states. The switch 70 corresponds to the spring element 72 shown in Figure 6, and the switch 70 ', as in case 2, is preferably integrated in the contact element 28.

Figure 12f describes the normal state of operation. The user interrupts the consumption 22 on and off by means of the switch 34. The switches 70 (activated by the closure) and 70 '(integrated in the contact element 28) are closed. The resistor R is short-circuited by the closed switch 70.

Figure 12g describes the state in which the closure has been removed and the consumer, regardless of the status of switch 34, considering the risk of contamination, does not work. In this state of operation, it is the intention of the case that the consumer 22 is in electrical connection with the storage battery 24 via the resistor R, but it will not be possible, however, to turn on the switch, since the resistance of the resistance R is selected to be greater than the internal resistance of the consumption 22, the objective of the same form is reached as a result.

Figure 12h proposes an additional switch 70 'preferably integrated in the contact element 28. If the plug 44 is plugged in (and the switch 70' is then opened) it is therefore possible, as in case 2, to prevent the situation where a completely empty storage battery 24 can not be charged because the consumption 22 is connected to the power supply unit 46 via the switch 34.

If, with the inclusion of this potential disadvantage, the integrated switch 70 'is not provided, the operation with the plug 44 plugged in, as in case 2, is also conceivable in principle.

Figure 13 shows a sale set 78 in which a toothbrush 10 and the power supply unit 46 are displayed in an inside view package.

Figures 14a-b show a design variant of the shield 60 that has been sketched in Figure lf in a view in the direction of the axis of the toothbrush. The shield 60 comprises a body 138 surrounding a cut 140 which is open on one side and in the direction of the axis of the toothbrush. The contact element is inserted in this cut 140 during use. In this case, a closing tab 142 closes behind the contact element. The shield is secured to the storage battery subset in this manner. In addition, securing means 144 are arranged on the outer wall of the body 138 and can be used to secure the shield 60 on the handle of the toothbrush, such that the storage battery subassembly is prevented from falling. These securing means 144 are formed, for example, by projections closing on the hard component of the toothbrush control. In this case, the soft material can be displaced by the projections.

Figures 15a and b show views of a closure 40 having a switch 34 'that can be used as an alternative or in addition to the on-off switch 34 described above. The switch 34 'has two interruption positions, for example. In a first interrupting position, the pin 90 and the contact bridge 54 have a short circuit by means of the switch 34 ', this corresponds to the normal state of operation. In the other interrupting position, the connection between pin 90 and contact bridge 54 can be diverted via another electrical component 124 that produces an alternate operating state. For example, the electrical component can, for example by means of a Schottky diode, reduce the voltage and therefore correspondingly reduce the speed of the motor or of the energy. This alternative closure can of course also be used in an electric toothbrush operated by a non-rechargeable battery. In this case, the contact is made with a battery pole instead of with pin 90.

The closure has the following components: the contact strip 48 contacts-connects only to the contact bridge 54, but not to the pin 90 as in the original variant. Two electrical connection lines 120, 122 are routed from the contact strip 48 to the switch 34 'which is arranged in the closure 40. A first electrical connection 120 goes directly to the switch 34' (short circuit), and a second electrical connection 122 it is routed via the electrical component 124 that changes the operating state. As a function of the position of the switch, the electrical circuit is closed directly or via the electrical component, such that an alternative interrupting state that is influenced by the component can occur. An electrical connection, which is preferably only conductive in the closed state and is made by a contact 126 with a spring 128, routed from the switch 34 'back to the bolt 90 through a recess 130 in the contact strip 48.

If the switch 34 'is used as a main switch (on / off), only the first electrical connection 120 to the contact strip 48 is used to produce the on / off interrupted state; the other electrical connection 122 is not used.

The closure is preferably produced in two parts. All electrical components are fitted to a first cylindrical inner part 132 comprising a hard component. A second sleeve type part 134 consists of a hard component ring surrounding the first cylindrical part 132, and a preferably soft component interrupting membrane 136 which allows the switch 34 'to be pressed. The soft component is preferably transparent, in order to make the switch and the interruption state visible. The two closing parts 132, 134 are then preferably permanently connected to one another, for example by instantaneous action, welding or gumming.

The outer sleeve 134 may have a hole that is covered by a ventilation membrane. The ventilation membrane is preferably fixed to be grasped with the help of the inner sleeve 132 and / or when being bonded by adhesive.

The closure shown in Figures 15a and b can also be used in slightly modified forra of other refined variants. The closure may likewise be used in another context than with a rechargeable toothbrush, for example, in a toothbrush with a battery, and also in other electrically operated personal care devices, such as razors.

Figures 16a-h show basic circuit diagrams for the variant with an additional switch 34 'described above with reference to Figures 15a and b. The circuit diagrams correspond in principle to Figures 12a-h, with the difference that the on / off switch 70 (performed by the closure) in that figure has been replaced by a switch subassembly 146 with a switch 34 'that can assume two interrupted states. The switch subassembly 146 is integrated into the closure 40 of the toothbrush. The state in which the closure is removed is illustrated in Figures 16b, 16c, 16e, 16g, and 16h. Only the differences of Figures 12a-h, are described below, otherwise reference is made to the explanations of Figures 12a-h.

The switch subassembly 146 has two lines 120, 122 which are connected in parallel and in which one is routed via an electrical component 124, a Schottky diode in this case. The electrical circuit can be closed by the switch 34 'either via the short circuit line 120 or via the component 124, providing that the closure 40 is adjusted to the body of the toothbrush. If closure 40 is removed, switch 34 'does not operate. The functions described above with reference to Figures 12a-h are produced by way of the short circuit line 120. An additional switch state is realized by way of the electrical component 124.

Claims (18)

1. A toothbrush having a body which comprises a region of mango, a head region and a neck region, which is located between the mango region and the head region, and which has functional components which are arranged , at least in part, within the body and comprising an electrically operated functional unit and an electrical supply device for the functional unit, the electrical supply device has a rechargeable energy store and at least one contact element, and it being possible, by means of at least one contact element, to produce an electrically conductive connection between the energy store and the power supply unit which, when in use, is located outside the body, characterized in that the store of energy is arranged in an interior space of the body, the interior space being sealed by a primary seal element in order to prevent the energy store is in contact with splashed water and other foreign matter.

2. The toothbrush as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the interior space is permanently closed by the primary seal element and the at least one contact element is arranged outside the interior space.

3. The toothbrush as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that it comprises a secondary seal element by means of which the contact element is sealed during use, in order to prevent the contact element from coming into contact with the water splashed, and which can be moved, at least in part, in order to make it possible to have access to the contact element from the outside at least for the loading operation.

4. The toothbrush as claimed in clause 3, characterized in that the secondary seal element can be displaced, pivoted, removed or punched.

5. The toothbrush as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the energy store and the at least one contact element are arranged within the interior space, being possible for the interior element to be closed and to be opened by at least insofar as the at least one contact element can be accessed from the outside at least for the loading operation.

6. The toothbrush as claimed in clause 5, characterized in that the body comprises a first container part and a second container part, the handle region being formed by the first and / or second container part, and possible for the first and second container parts to be moved relative to one another, in particular shifted along the longitudinal axis (L) of the body, between an open position and a closed position, and the second container part being preferably designed as a closure to close the interior space.

7. The toothbrush as claimed in clause 6, characterized in that the contact element is arranged in the interior space such that, in the closed position, the interior space is sealed at least against the spatters of water and, in the open position, at least the contact element can be accessed from the outside.

8. The toothbrush as claimed in clauses 6 or 7, characterized in that the first and second container parts are screwed together, preferably using a rope with distance limitation means.

9. The toothbrush as claimed in one of clauses 6 to 8, characterized in that a switch interacts with the second container part, the latter deactivating the functional unit in the open position.

10. The toothbrush as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that the switch comprises the contact element and a part which can be moved relative to them, the part, in the closed position is electrically connected conductive to the contact element.

11. The toothbrush as claimed in one of clauses 5 to 10, characterized in that the contact element has a bolt which is directly connected in an electrically conductive manner to a terminal of the energy store.

12. The toothbrush as claimed in clause 29, characterized in that the at least one contact element is arranged within a disruptor in the brush body, resulting in that it is decentering inwardly relative to the outer surface of the toothbrush. brush body, the disruptor is preferably oriented outwardly from the head region.

13. The toothbrush as claimed in clause 12, characterized in that the shape of the disruptor is adapted to the shape of a further contact element of a power supply unit for storing energy.

14. A process for producing a toothbrush as claimed in one of the preceding clauses, which comprises the following steps: - producing the body by injection molding from at least one hard component which serves as reinforcement; - insert the functional unit inside or on the body; - integrally molding a soft component so that the functional unit is directly encapsulated, at least in part, by the soft component.

15. The process as claimed in clause 14, characterized in that the electrical supply device is inserted into the interior space once the soft component has been produced, the interior space then being sealed by the primary seal element formed of a soft and / or hard component.

16. The process as claimed in clause 14, characterized in that the electrical supply device is inserted into the interior space before the smooth component has been produced, and because the soft component is then integrally molded so that the The contact is embedded, at least in part, in the soft component, and the interior space is sealed by a primary seal element formed from the soft component.

17. The process as claimed in clauses 14 to 16, characterized in that all the structures of soft component, in particular the cleaning elements, the cushioning elements in the neck region and / or in the interior space, the soft structures / flexible in the body, the seal elements, are formed in an operation.

18. An assembly comprising a toothbrush as claimed in one of Clauses 1-13 and a power supply unit that is arranged in a package so that at least one of the contact elements of the unit Power supply or toothbrush is visible from the outside. SUMMARY The invention relates to an electric toothbrush having a store of rechargeable energy which is arranged in an interior space in the body of the toothbrush. The interior space is sealed by a primary seal element against splashed water and other damaging influences. At least one contact element for an external power supply unit produces an electrically conductive connection to the energy store. The contact element is located either within the interior space, it being possible for the primary seal element to be removed for loading purposes, or outside the interior space, in which case it is optionally protected by an additional secondary seal element. The invention also relates to a process for producing such a toothbrush.