SK1432002A3 - Toothbrush with eccentric drive - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a toothbrush with a brush head (1) that is supported by a brush body (10) and that is provided with a bristle support (20) that receives the bristles (22). Said bristle support is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation on a housing section (30) of a housing and is reversibly driven by an eccentric drive (50, 52). The brush body (10) is additionally mounted on the housing section (30) in such a manner that it can be pivoted within said section.

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a toothbrush with a brush head as defined in claim 1.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Toothbrushes of this kind can be commercially available in various embodiments and are generally provided with a replaceable toothbrush head on which a rotating symmetrical body carrying bristles is placed. The brush body is rotatably mounted in a compact housing with the possibility of rotation around the axis, while the drive is provided by a small electric motor. Such a type of drive is described, for example, in WO 91/07116.

Eccentric drives have been widely used in this context, which drive the brush body in a reverse manner. The brush body performs an alternating rotational movement in both directions at an angle of rotation, the value of which can be, for example, 130 °. Eccentric drives of this kind are known, for example, from U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,845,795; US 5,504,959 or US 5,617,601.

WO 96/37 164 discloses another variant of eccentric toothbrush drive. In this variant, the rotational movement of the drive motor that is in progress is transmitted directly to the drive shaft, which moves the brush body and has a curved end. This bent end is engaged in the respective guide groove on the brush holder, thereby reversing the rotary motion. In this way, it is possible to realize a mechanically simple, wear-resistant drive. The space requirement is also very low, so it is possible to achieve a slim and compact casing design.

Although toothbrushes of this kind have proven to work well in practice, new improvements in dental care require further improvements. In particular, it has been found in practice that purely rotational movements of the brush body are considered insufficient to achieve a reliable cleaning of the tooth surface.

For this reason, there is a concept where rotational movements are also associated with different movements of the brush body in the vertical direction. Such variants of the technical embodiment, which are based on the eccentric drive principle, are already known, for example, from DE 44 33 914 A1 or WO 96/31171.

However, it has been shown that the cleaning effect of toothbrushes of this kind is not entirely optimal. A further disadvantage of this modification is that in the case of toothbrushes of this kind, relatively high manufacturing and technical problems arise due to their complicated construction.

It was therefore an object of the present invention to offer manufacturers such a toothbrush concept as described in the introductory part and which, compared to the prior art toothbrushes in a rotary drive embodiment, provides a structurally simple solution.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This technical problem can be solved by a type-like embodiment of a toothbrush with characteristic features as defined in claim 1.

Advantageous geometrical solutions of this embodiment of the invention are set forth in the further defined claims.

The object of the present invention is based on the idea of adding yet another movement in the vertical direction to the reverse rotary movement. This will then allow the bristles on the brush body to perform a high frequency pulsating motion on the tooth surface. In this case, a substantially vibration effect is exerted in the vertical direction on the tooth surface, ο

Which promotes the release of dirt, the effect being approximately comparable to the ultrasonic effect.

In particular, this object can be achieved in that the brush body will not only rotate in the housing zone, but will also be pivotable in the same brush zone.

In order to provide this pivotal movement combined with the rotary movement, in one of the first preferred variant embodiments, an eccentric drive pin engaging the brush body is provided which effectively acts in movement in the circumferential and axial directions.

Alternatively, the present invention contemplates, in a second embodiment variant, also generating a pivoting movement in conjunction with a rotational movement such that a guide pin of the eccentric drive engaging the brush body is provided, which effectively acts in movement in the circumferential and axial direction.

Such structurally simple measures succeed in realizing this superimposed brush movement mode.

A third preferred embodiment is a modification that provides that the eccentric drive will have an eccentric shaft rotating in one direction, which is mounted orthogonally to the axis of rotation of the bristle holder at the central [central] housing of the brush body. It is contemplated that this moving eccentric shaft will also have a drive pin on the front side. In this way, a mechanically simple drive system with a minimum degree of wear can be realized. The space requirements of this system are also very small, so that a slim and compact brush body construction is actually created.

A fourth preferred embodiment is a modification which contemplates that the brush body will perform a rotational movement synchronized with the tilting movement. The toothbrush body can in this case rest on a guide pin which is mounted so that it projects axially on a certain part of the toothbrush body / cover. According to this embodiment, the brush body has an inwardly conical shape inwardly facing the bristles facing the bristles. The guide or pin thus supports the brush body in the axial direction. The conical shape of the recess makes it possible to perform the pivoting movement generated by the eccentric, the cone angle being at least as large as to be able to perform the pivoting movement without hindrance. In this way, it is ensured that the guide pin can accommodate the resulting axial pressures at each angle position of the brush body.

A particularly simple realization of the movement mode of the rotating eccentric shaft acting on the brush head is made possible by the fact that the brush body has a radially conical recess facing inwards, which then immediately engages the eccentric shaft drive pin. In this case, the rotational axes of the brush body and the eccentric shaft intersect orthogonally.

A fifth embodiment is a solution which assumes that the pivoting or tilting movement of the brush body will not be combined with the orbiting movement, but will be realized around a defined axis. For example, it is possible to combine an oscillating linear movement with a reverse rotary movement.

In the brush body, it is contemplated to provide a guide groove located in the axial direction into which the eccentric shaft drive pin engages. The pivoting movement is then formed such that the drive pin extends through the guide groove and always reaches a certain bearing surface at its end, thereby allowing the brush body to be carried in the axial direction. Compared to the fourth embodiment, the brush body will only be actuated during a certain angular phase of the circumferential movement of the drive pin. The longitudinal shape of the guide groove determines the deflection rate of the brush body in the axial direction.

The guide groove can be appropriately shaped in the zone of the peripheral surface of the brush body. A number of options are contemplated, as exemplified below.

In this case, it is preferred that the guide groove is shaped according to the holder and fits directly into it. The pin engages directly in the guide groove and can be moved back and forth between the front and rear reversing points, so that the force transmission takes place between the sides of the guide groove in the axial direction and the bristle holder can be moved in such a way that .

This variant suffices with a small number of movable components and therefore the noise level is almost zero, and this conceptual embodiment is particularly suitable for high-frequency applications, so-called high-speed toothbrushes.

An advantage of this embodiment is also that the guide groove is a structural component of the backdrop stone which is inserted into the brush body. The sliding block can be inserted into the axial recess directly or by means of a holder, which makes installation incomparably easier and at low cost. The backdrop stone has the advantage that it can be easily replaced in the event of wear. A particular advantage is that the material of the brush body can be freely selected, which makes it possible to achieve optimum modification also in terms of wear characteristics.

In a further variant embodiment, it is contemplated that the sliding block will be positioned in the guide groove with the possibility of sliding it in the axial direction, the sliding block having an entrainment hole in which the entrainment pin engages. Such a method of installation has the advantage that the toothbrush head does not perform the respective movement in the axial direction together with the eccentric pin during the entire driving pin movement mode, but for example only immediately before the respective points of movement reversal.

In this way, the axial component activating the pivoting movement can be 'dosed' almost arbitrarily. ¹

For the latter variant solutions, there is one common feature characterized in that the counter stone together with the respective recess or guide groove on the brush bristle holder is of such a construction that, in addition to the rotational or pivot movement of the counter stone, the opposite rotational movement of the housing the bristles so that the engaging pin is not subjected to undesired bending stress.

In this case, the gemstones used are generally cylindrical in shape, which makes it possible to obtain a reliable bearing in the recess or in the guide groove. The preferred variant contemplates that the backdrop stone will have a spherical shape. This also has the advantage that the frictional forces occurring in the zone between the gate stone and the recess or guide groove will be minimal.

The embodiment of the aforementioned swiveling or tilting axis is realized, for example, in such a way that a construction solution is chosen in which two guide pins located radially in the brush head body zone are used. These will fit into the respective guide grooves located on the toothbrush body and oriented parallel to the circumference. For manufacturing reasons, it is possible to use a guide groove extending over the entire circumference, and the possibility of making and using guide grooves whose length will be limited in relation to the geometry of the circumference and functionally associated with the respective guide pin is not excluded. The movement space in the perimeter zone shall be selected in such a size that the rotary movement of the toothbrush body can be performed without any mechanical obstacles.

The mechanically extremely simple design for generating the pivoting movement can be realized according to the invention in that the toothbrush body has a V-shaped or U-shaped guide groove opposite the eccentric shaft, which is made axially and in a mirror-symmetrical direction along the circumferential zone. with respect to the symmetrical plane of the toothbrush body, wherein in the toothbrush housing zone there is one guide pin which fits into this groove conductively.

The present invention further envisages that the cleaning effect of the toothbrush of said embodiment will be higher, that in addition to the reverse rotational movement and the mechanically coupled pivoting movement the upward and downward movement of the toothbrush head is associated. This type of movement is related to reciprocating movement.

In the sense of the invention thus defined, the upward and downward movement of the toothbrush head is necessary for this reciprocating movement, in that the toothbrush holder is mounted axially displaceably in the housing zone and has at least one guide groove formed on the bristle holder along the peripheral zone. and is inclined in the axial direction, wherein there is at least one guide pin in the toothbrush housing zone which fits into this groove conductively. Such an axial displacement of the bristle holder is thus generated in that the holder, in a mechanically forced, coupled manner, performs a defined movement of the driving pin between the two reversal points in the axial direction.

It is pointed out that, in terms of kinematic reversion, it will also be possible to invert the bearing / guide pin against the guide grooves. In particular, this means that the guide pins may also be located on the toothbrush head and the corresponding grooves may be located in the toothbrush housing zone.

It is also possible, without losing the necessary functionality, to locate the drive pin on the toothbrush head and to make a corresponding hole on the eccentric shaft.

Although the technical concepts described above are generally applicable in the field of toothbrushes in particular, they are particularly suitable for so-called high-speed toothbrushes, for which the term Ultrasonic toothbrush has also been used. In such brushes, the eccentric shaft rotates at a speed ranging from about 15,000 to 25,000 per minute. At such high speeds, the individual toothbrush components are subjected to a very high load, which is also subject to a permanent reversal of the direction of rotation of the toothbrush body. Therefore, it is important that the drive is very simple in design, as optimally ensured by the above-mentioned technical measures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is explained in more detail below by means of the embodiments illustrated in the individual figures. These are:

Fig. 1 toothbrush head according to the first variant with axial sectional view, the toothbrush body is located in the first position, Fig. 2 the toothbrush head of Figure 1, the toothbrush body being in the second position, Fig. 3 the toothbrush head of Figure 1 in plan view, the toothbrush body being in the third position, Fig. 4 toothbrush head according to a second embodiment with an axial sectional view, Fig. 5 the toothbrush head of Figure 4 in plan view. Fig. 6 toothbrush head according to the third embodiment ("reversible toothbrush head ") a) bottom view, (b) right-side view; c) front view, (d) a sectional view along the plane A-A Fig. 7 toothbrush head according to a fourth embodiment ("reversible toothbrush head ") a) bottom view, (b) right-side view; c) front view, (d) a sectional view along the plane A-A Fig. 8 toothbrush head according to figure 6 in perspective view, Fig. 9 the toothbrush head of Figure 6 in the disassembled illustration, Fig. 10 the toothbrush head of Figure 6 in longitudinal section - cutting plane = mirror symmetrical plane. Fig. 11 the axial guide pin of the toothbrush head of Figure 6 and Figure 7

Fig. 12 shows a sectional view of the drive according to a fifth embodiment,

Fig. 13 shows a sectional representation of the drive according to a sixth embodiment,

Fig. 14 shows a sectional view of a drive according to a seventh embodiment,

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A first embodiment of a toothbrush according to the present invention is shown in Figures 1 to 3.

The toothbrush head X has a toothbrush body 10 on which a bristle holder 20 is disposed on the face side. On the face 12 facing away from the bristles 22, a conical recess 14 is provided in the axial direction.

Accordingly, a vertical guide pin 34, which fits into a conical recess 14, is disposed in the zone of the toothbrush cover 30. The toothbrush body 10 is thus supported axially on the guide pin 34.

The toothbrush body 10 furthermore has a conical recess 18 facing inwards in a radial direction, into which the drive pin 52 of the eccentric shaft 50 is inserted. On this principle, the motion kinematics of the toothbrush body 10, explained below.

The eccentric shaft 50 is driven by a driving electric motor (not shown) in more detail, while performing an orbiting rotary movement. The eccentric pin 52 describes an orbital circular movement U, wherein the toothbrush body 10 performs both a reverse rotational movement R and a tilting movement relative to a fixed axis G of the body. In the position shown in Figure 1, the eccentric pin 52 is located at the left reversal point, thereby tilting the toothbrush body 10 upward by the tilting angle K. Figure 2 shows the opposite position in which the toothbrush body 10 is rotated downward by the tilting angle K. During full rotation With the eccentric shaft 50, the toothbrush body 10 performs a pivoting movement, starting from the position shown in Figure 1, moving to the position shown in Figure 2, to finally return it back to the starting position shown in Figure 1. is 2K.

As can be seen in particular from Figure 3, the pivoting movement is coupled by a mechanical coupling with a rotational movement R, so that the toothbrush body 10 is constantly inclined relative to the fixed axis of the body G by a tilt angle K, thereby performing a kind of reciprocating movement.

The kinematics of the second embodiment variant differs from this concept as shown in Figures 4 and 5. Here again, we can see the toothbrush head 100 with the toothbrush body 11 '. On the front side of the toothbrush body 110 is a bristle holder 120 carrying bristles 122. On the opposite side there is a conical axial recess 114 by which the toothbrush body 110 is supported by a guide pin 34 which is mounted vertically in the housing zone 30. .

Further, there is an eccentric shaft 50 with a driving pin 52, which shaft can perform a rotating rotary motion. Thus, there is a match with the above-described implementation variant.

The only difference is that in the zone of the housing 30 there are two guide pins 38 arranged in a radial direction, which fit into a guide groove 118 moving along the peripheral surface 116.

Further, on the toothbrush body 110 there is a chucking hole 124 into which a backing stone 130 is mounted mounted on the holder 134. The backing stone 130 has a guide groove 132 into which the driver pin 52 engages. mode:

Because of the guide pins 38, the toothbrush body 110 can be tilted about the G axis only in the plane shown in Figure 4, but not in the sectional plane shown in Figure 5.

The toothbrush body 110, when fully extending the circumferential path of the eccentric shaft 50, starting from the position shown in Figure 4, moves to a downward position by an angle K, upwardly to a position not shown here and tilted upward by the value of the angle K to finally return to the starting position shown in Figure 4. Thus, only a pivoting movement about an axis extending orthogonally to the plane of the sheet is performed. The toothbrush body 110 is alternately moved by pressing the driving pin 52 against the respective end of the guide groove 132, so that the longitudinal span of the guide groove 132 in conjunction with the positioning of the driving pin 52 creates the maximum possible displacement path relative to the eccentric shaft 50. tilting K.

It follows from the foregoing that by means of constructionally simple measures, a combination of rotational and pivoting movement is realized, which allows an optimum tooth brushing effect here.

A third embodiment of a toothbrush according to the invention is shown in Figure 6 as well as in Figures 8 to 11.

According to Figure 6, such a toothbrush head 200 has a toothbrush body 210 on which a bristle holder 220 with bristles is disposed. For technical clarity the bristles are not shown in the drawing.

The toothbrush body 210 has an inwardly directed recess 214 at its front side 212 which extends into a cone 215, which cone 215 is adjoined in the axial direction by a hollow space 213 inward.

On the circumferential surface 216 of the toothbrush body 210, seating grooves are provided, which in the example are designated a guide groove 217 of the second type and a guide groove 219 of the third type. The guide groove 217 of the second type lies opposite the guide groove 232. In relation to the imaginary mirror symmetrical plane passing through the guide groove 217 of the second type and the guide groove 232, two guide grooves 219 of the third type are also applied in the opposite constellation.

The geometry of the guide groove of the second type is substantially U-shaped, with the two U-shaped arms being arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to the aforementioned plane of mirror symmetry. The guide grooves 219 of the third type also have a longitudinal bearing relative to the peripheral zone and tend to be axially aligned with the bearing on the bristle holder.

Figure 7 shows a toothbrush head according to a fourth embodiment, with Figures 8, 9, 10 and 11 analogously showing a third embodiment for the purpose of interpreting a toothbrush in the sense of the present invention.

The toothbrush head 300 of Figure 7 has the following identical technical characteristics of the toothbrush head 200 of Figure 6:

The toothbrush head 300 has a toothbrush body 310 on the front side 312 of which an axial recess 314 is formed. This axial recess 31 extends into a cone 315 which eventually opens into a hollow space 313. The peripheral surface 316 of the toothbrush body 310 is provided. as the toothbrush head 200 of the previous embodiment - the guide groove 317 of the second type and the two guide grooves 319 of the third type. The guide grooves 319 of the third type also have an opposing fit and the guide groove 31 of the second type lies opposite the guide groove 332. As in the previous embodiment, the bristle holder 320 here is also shown without bristles for improved technical clarity.

As in the previous embodiment, the geometry of the second type guide groove 31 on the circumferential surface 3 16 of the toothbrush body 3 10 is U-shaped. The third type guide grooves 309 also have an inclination in the axial direction, as in the previous example. other than in the previous example, it will vary the angle of inclination in the circumferential direction.

Figure 8 shows a toothbrush head according to a third embodiment in a perspective view. Figure 8 shows here the characteristic features of the invention defined below:

The toothbrush head 400 is held by a toothbrush body 410, and a bristle holder 420 supported by a toothbrush body 410 is provided with bristles 422. The toothbrush body 410 is generally cylindrical in shape with an approximately elliptical base surface. On the front side 412 of the toothbrush body 410 there is a recess 414 in the axial direction, which in this example has a cylindrical shape. This cylindrical shape of the recess 414 extends inwardly into a conical shape. This cone has a reference numeral 415. This cone 415 is followed by a hollow space 413.

The "narrow sides" of the toothbrush cylindrical body 410 with an elliptical base surface have a guide groove 432 and a guide groove 417 of the second type, which is only indicated herein. The guide groove 432 is designed as a gripping hole 424 oriented in a conical shape inwards with connection to the hollow space 426, which is widened inwards.

The "longitudinal" sides of the toothbrush cylindrical body 410 also have two opposing guide grooves 419 of the third type of the above embodiment. The guide grooves 417 and 419 of the second and third types are in this example incorporated into the toothbrush cylindrical body so as to extend into the hollow space 413 which adjoins the cone 415 and hence the axial recess 414.

To illustrate how such a toothbrush head of FIG. 6 or FIG. 7 is fitted to a toothbrush housing, FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of such a toothbrush with its head in a disassembled state [explosive image].

Such an embodiment of the toothbrush 501 has a blunt-cone cover 560, the pointed end of which is a part 562 supporting the toothbrush head, which in the example is cylindrical. The part 562 is mounted on the toothbrush body such that the cylinder axis of this part 562 is generally positioned vertically on the axis of the blunt-cone cover 560.

The cylinder-shaped part 562 has a recess, not shown here, into which the toothbrush head body 500 can be inserted. At the bottom of this recess, an axial guide pin 568 can be mounted centrally. In addition, the cylindrical part 562 has three openings on its periphery into which two guide pins 566 and one guide pin 564 can be inserted in the radial direction. These guide pins 564 and 566 and guide pin 568 are intended to engage respective guide grooves 217, 317, 417 and 219, 319, 419 as well as axial recesses 214, 314, 414.

The toothbrush cover 560 is shaped in the axial direction to form a hollow space. The eccentric shaft 550, which is also shown in Figure 9, can be accommodated in this cavity. On the front side of the eccentric shaft 550 is located a driving pin 552 in the direction of its axis. When the eccentric shaft 550 - as predetermined - is inserted into the eccentric shaft 550. Thus, the drive pin 552 fits immediately into the guide groove 532 of the toothbrush head 500.

Figure 10 illustrates the manner in which the respective respective pins 664, 668 / driver pins 652 fit into respective guide grooves of the toothbrush head 600. Figure 10 shows an embodiment of a toothbrush with a toothbrush head 600 mounted and an eccentric shaft 650 according to Figure 6, shown in longitudinal section. The mirror plane of the toothbrush 601 was chosen as the cutting plane.

Toothbrush head 600 with a rotational axis generally oriented vertically relative to toothbrush cover 660 is shown. The driving pin 652 engages in the guide groove, the axial guide pin 668 fits in the axial recess as well as the radial bearing pin 664 located in the housing part 662. guide groove of the second type.

The kinematics of the third and fourth embodiments in a modification as shown in Figures 6 to 10 is substantially identical. The following motion modes are required to reciprocate the electric toothbrush head:

1. Reverse rotary motion;

2. Swinging movement

3. up and down movement.

The reverse rotational movement is generated such that the drive pin 552 and 652, which fits into the axial recess 214, 314, 414, takes place as a result of the rotational movement of the eccentric shaft 550 and 650, respectively, between the two return points. This axial recess 214, 314, 414 is extended in the axial direction such that a force transfer and thus a reverse rotational movement is performed vertically on the rotary axis by the rotational movement of the eccentric shaft 550, 650.

The pivoting movement of the toothbrush head 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 is generated by the mechanically coupled movement of the eccentric shaft drive under the influence of radially mounted guide pins 564 and 664, respectively, which fit into the bearing groove 217, 317, 417 of the second type. . The toothbrush head with respect to the guide pin 564 or 664 moving in the groove 217, 317 or 417 of the second type performs a tilting movement about an axis lying in the mirror-symmetrical plane of the toothbrush head.

Upward and downward movement of the toothbrush head 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 is ensured by the fact that two radial guide pins 566, which are mirror-symmetrical with respect to the aforementioned mirror-symmetrical plane, engage the respective body 210 during the reverse rotational movement. , 310, 410 of the toothbrush in the circumferential direction where the third type guide grooves 219, 319 and 419 are located with an axial inclination.

Depending on the angle of inclination of the guide grooves 219, 319 and 419 of the third type, the stroke movement of the toothbrush head upwards or downwards is stronger or weaker. In the case of the toothbrush head shown in Figure 6 according to a third embodiment, the upward and downward movement is performed independently of the angle of rotation. In the case of the toothbrush head shown in FIG. 7 according to a fourth embodiment, the stroke, which is dependent on the rotation angle in the reverse rotational movement, is determined by the angle of inclination whose value increases in one direction. In this case, this will in particular mean that the toothbrush head will rotate intensely upwards when rotating to the left, starting from the right stop, and the other half of the rotation will then only make a small stroke. Towards the left stop, when the toothbrush head is turned to the right, the downward movement speed mode will be exactly the opposite. Such a motion stroke mode of the toothbrush head at different speeds up and down results in the toothbrush pressure changing during tooth brushing.

In this way, the effect of brushing the teeth is greatly enhanced compared to the embodiment based on the reversible toothbrush head principle.

Due to these three intersecting movement modes, high demands are placed on the construction as well as the mechanical stress on the axial guide pin 568 and 668, respectively, since this must allow both the toothbrush head to move in all the above directions and absorb the respective forces [pressure].

The movement modes are made possible by axial pins 768 as shown in Figure 11. It consists essentially of a cylindrical hull 774, a cylindrical shaft 772 mounted on the cylindrical hull 774 with a reduced cross-sectional area positioned opposite the cylindrical hull 774 and a head 770. which is generally spherical in shape and is mounted on a cylindrical shaft 772.

The fuselage 774 is intended to be inserted into an opening in a portion of the housing 662 and 562, respectively. The dimensions of the head 770 have been chosen to fit into the cavity 213, 313, 413 in the axial recesses 214, 314 and 414 respectively. 6 and 7, respectively, so that only a minimum play is created when this insertion is carried out. The length of the shaft 772 of the axial guide pin 768 is selected to allow upward and downward movement of the toothbrush head 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 by the radial guide pin 566 engaging the guide groove 219, 319, respectively. 419 of the third type, without bending the guide pin 768 mechanically. The cone 215, 315 or 415 of the axial recess 214, 314 or 414 in the toothbrush body 210, 310 or 410 of the head brushes 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 respectively moves between the ball head 770 and the upper edge of the torso 774 shaft 772 of axial guide pin 768.

Figures 12 to 14 show different types of drives in cross-section according to further implementation variant solutions. With these figures, it is to be interpreted how a reverse rotary motion can be derived from the orbiting rotary motion of the eccentric shaft.

The implementation variant of the toothbrush 801 of FIG. 12 initially shows how a reverse rotary motion can be generated by means of a back stone embedded in a guide groove provided on the toothbrush body.

Toothbrush 801 consists of a handle 880 with a retractable cover 860 and a toothbrush head 800. The handle 880 houses an electric motor 890, which is coupled to the eccentric shaft 850, which is housed in the housing 860. The housing 860 has a dedicated enclosure 862 at its front to accommodate the toothbrush head 800.

The toothbrush head 800 is positioned in the enclosed space 862 by the axial guide pin 868 and the radial guide pin 864 as described above.

The toothbrush holder 820 has a guide groove 832 in which the gate stone 830 moves. The drive pin 852 of the eccentric shaft 850 fits into the drive hole 836 on the drive stone 830. This creates a mechanically coupled connection of the drive stone 830 with the drive pin 85. allowing movement back and forth in the guide groove 832 between two reverse [return] points.

The drill hole 836 carries the pin 852 almost completely [without any play], wherein relative movement of the drive pin 852 is carried out without any obstacles and in the direction of rotation to minimize friction losses.

In particular, as shown in the enlarged X, the driving pin 852 is in section in the left reverse point. When a rotary motion is activated, its position moves to the right until it reaches the right reverse point. The toothbrush head 800 performs a rotational movement. In a further rotational movement mode, the drive pin 852 returns to its starting position, thereby counteracting the reverse movement of the toothbrush holder 820.

In order for the movement mode to be absolutely flawless, it is necessary for the eccentric pin 852 to be able to move unrestrictedly in the guide groove 832 between the two reversal points and, on the other hand, to move laterally at a comparatively low clearance value. this movement [without any unwanted will]. In addition, the gate stone 830 must be mounted in a guide groove 832 rotatable about its longitudinal axis in order to be able to perform compensatory movements opposed to the direction of rotation of the bristle holder 820 so as to prevent undesirable bending stresses on the driving pin 852. in mechanical engagement. The gate stone 830 and the guide groove 832 each have a circular cross section adapted to each other, so that compensatory movement is possible without creating unnecessary friction. Finally, it is necessary to ensure that the eccentric pin 852 is dimensioned with respect to its length so that it remains in engagement with respect to the varying height position of the gate stone 830.

The toothbrush head 900 shown in Figure 13 fully corresponds to the aforementioned variant embodiment.

Again there is a toothbrush body 91 with a toothbrush head 900 that is provided with a guide pin 968. The bristle holder 920 is located in an axial recess 914 (typically) with a displaceability in the longitudinal direction.

The bristle holder 920 has an axial guide groove 932 in which a sliding stone 930 is mounted which can be moved axially.

The gate stone 930 is provided with a drill hole 936 into which the drive pin 952 of the eccentric shaft 950 fits.

Thus, there is a match between the base assembly in conjunction with the implementation variant shown in Figure 12. The only difference is that the gate stone 930 has a conical shape.

The alternative toothbrush solution shown in Figure 14 with the head 1000 fully agrees with the embodiment shown in Figures 12 and 13.

Here, the toothbrush body 1010 together with the bristle holder 1020 forms the head 1000 of the toothbrush. The bristle holder 1020, along with the bristles 1022, is rotatably mounted (with the possibility of longitudinal displacement), as in the previous embodiments, the movement mode being performed by a guide pin and an axial recess 1014. The axial recess 1014 consists in this case - as above described in detail - from the cone 1015 and from the associated hollow space 1013. The coupled mechanical movement of the toothbrush head 1000 in the housing 1060 is accomplished by a guide pin 1064 engaging a guide groove 1017.

12 and 13. The only difference is that the driving pin 1052, which can be rotated by means of the eccentric shaft 1050, fits directly and immediately into the guide groove. 1,032th

The following kinematics arises:

The eccentric pin 1052 in this groove 1032 moves freely between the front and rear reversing points back and forth by the motor drive of the eccentric shaft 1050. The force transmission from the driving pin 1052 to the toothbrush holder 1020 extends along the sides of the guide groove 1032 in the axial direction Toothbrush. In order to prevent the drive pin 1052 engaging in the guide groove 1032 from being subjected to undesired bending stress, the guide groove 1032 has a hollow space 1026 in the radial direction, which represents a gripping point for the free end of the drive pin 1052 while maintaining some distance from the inner walls 10 of the hollow space. In addition, this clamping bore 1024 of the guide groove 1032 extends radially outwardly in the shape of a cone.

This variant suffices with a small number of movable components and therefore the noise level is almost zero, and this conceptual embodiment is particularly suitable for high-frequency applications, so-called high-speed toothbrushes. In such brushes, the eccentric shaft rotates at a number of revolutions ranging from about 15,000 to 25,000 revolutions per minute. At such high speeds, the individual toothbrush components are subjected to a very high load, which is also subject to a permanent reversal of the direction of rotation of the toothbrush body. It is therefore important that the drive is very simple in design, as optimally provided by the abovementioned measures.

Component List Toothbrush Head Toothbrush Body Front Side Axial Recess Peripheral Area Radial Recess Bristle Bristle Brush Part Cover Axial Guide Pin Radial Guide Pin Eccentric Shaft Pin

100 toothbrush head

110 toothbrush body

112 front side

114 axial recess

116 peripheral surface

118 guide groove of the first type

120 bristle holder

122 bristles

124 clamping bore

130 backdrop stone

132 guide groove

134 bracket [beam]

200 toothbrush head

210 toothbrush body front side hollow space axial recess cone circumferential surface guide groove of the second type guide groove of the third type bristle holder guide groove toothbrush head toothbrush body front side hollow space axial recess conical guide groove of the second type guide groove of the third type tooth groove toothbrush head toothbrush body front side hollow space axial recess cone circumferential surface guide groove of the second type guide groove of the third type bristle bristle clamping hole hollow space tooth groove toothbrush tooth eccentric shaft drive head housing cover part cover brushes radial guide pin radial guide pin axial guide pin toothbrush head toothbrush eccentric shaft drive pin cover housing part radial guide pin axial guide pin axial guide pin head dr hull toothbrush head toothbrush bristle holder backdrill guide groove driving hole eccentric shaft driving pin cover housing part radial guide pin axial guide pin handle electric toothbrush head toothbrush body axial groove bristle brush bristles bristle brush bristles stud cover housing part radial guide pin axial guide pin toothbrush head toothbrush body hollow space axial recess cone guide groove second type bristle holder bristle clamping hole hollow space guide groove

1050 eccentric shaft 1052 carrier pin 1060 housing 1062 part of the cover 1064 radial guide pin 1068 axial guide pin ax axial direction r radial direction at circumferential direction The tilting angle [tilting angle] R rotational movement toothbrush body U rotational movement eccentric shaft G rotary axis

Claims (16)

PATENT CLAIMS A toothbrush with a head (1, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 900, 1000) of a toothbrush carried by a body (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 910, 1010) of a tooth brushes, with bristles (22, 122, 422, 922, 1022) supported by a bristle holder (20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 820, 920, 1020) that is housed in a portion of the cover (30, 562, 662, 862 962, 1062) such that it can rotate about axis (G) and is reversely driven by an eccentric drive (50, 52, 550, 552, 650, 652, 850, 852, 950, 952, 1050, 1052), characterized by in that the toothbrush body (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 910, 1010) is additionally pivoted in the housing part (30, 562, 662, 862, 962, 1062). Toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that, in order to produce a pivoting movement coupled to the rotational movement (R), the drive pin (52) of the eccentric drive (50, 52) is in an effective mechanical connection with the body (10, 110). 210, 310, 410, 910, 1010) of the toothbrush in the circumferential (U) and axial direction (ax). Toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, in order to create a pivoting movement coupled with the rotational movement (R), a guide pin (564, 664, 964, 1064) is received in the housing (562, 662). 862, 962, 1062), in effective mechanical engagement with the toothbrush body (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 910, 1010) in the circumferential direction (U) and in the axial direction (ax). Toothbrush according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the eccentric drive (50, 52, 550, 552, 650, 652, 850, 852, 950, 952, 1050, 1052) has an eccentric shaft (50). 50, 550, 650, 850, 950, 1050) moving in a defined direction, positioned orthogonally to the rotational axis (G) of the bristle holder (20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 820, 920, 1020) and the centrally positioned body (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 910, 1010) of the toothbrush and has a drive pin (52, 552, 652, 852, 952, 1052) on the front side. Toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the toothbrush body (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 910, 1010) has a front side (12, 112, 212, 312, 412). facing the bristles (22, 122, 422, 922, 1022), an inwardly directed cone-shaped recess (14, 114, 214, 314, 414, 914, 1014) that interacts with the guide pin (34, 568, 668, 768, 868) 968, 1068), which is located axially protruding in the housing part (30, 562, 662, 862, 962, 1062), the housing (560, 660, 860, 960, 1060). Toothbrush according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the toothbrush body (10) has a radial recess (18) of a conical shape facing inwards into which the drive pin (52) is inserted. Toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the toothbrush body (110) has a guide groove (132) mounted in the axial direction (ax) in which the drive pin (52) moves. Toothbrush according to claim 7, characterized in that the guide groove (232, 332, 432, 1032) is directly incorporated into the toothbrush body (210, 310, 410, 1010). Toothbrush according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the guide groove (132) is an alternative or additional component of the backstone (130) which is inserted into the toothbrush body (110). Toothbrush according to claim 9, characterized in that the sliding stone (130) is located axially on the toothbrush body (110). Toothbrush according to claim 9, characterized in that the gate stone (830, 930) is located in the guide groove (832, 932) axially with a displaceability and that the gate stone (830, 930) has a driving hole (836, 936) ) into which the driving pin (852, 852, 952) fits. Toothbrush according to one of Claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the counter stone (830, 930) is formed in a spherical or cylindrical shape. Toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the toothbrush body (110) has two guide grooves of the first type disposed opposite one another in the circumferential direction (U) or at least a circumferential groove (118) of the first type, which cooperate with the guide pin (38) and are located radially in the respective part of the housing (30). Toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that - the toothbrush body (210, 310, 410, 510, 1010) has a guide groove (217, 317, 417) of the second type located opposite the eccentric shaft (850, 950, 1050), which is located along the circumferential segment and in the axial direction symmetrical to the symmetrical plane of the toothbrush body (210, 310, 410, 910, 1010), having a V or 'U shape, and - that in the part of the housing (562, 662, 862, 962, 1062) there is at least one guide pin (564, 664, 964, 1064) which fits in a conductive manner into a guide groove (217, 317, 417) of the second type. Toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that: - that the bristle holder (220, 320, 420, 820, 920, 1020) is supported axially displaceably on a defined part of the cover (560, 660, 860, 960, 1060) and has at least a guide groove (219, 319, 419) a third type which is mounted on the bristle holder (220, 320, 420, 820, 920, 1020) along the circumferential segment and in an axial direction under a certain inclination; and - that in the defined part of the housing (562, 662, 862, 962, 1062) there is at least one guide pin (566) which fits in a conductive manner into a guide groove (219, 319, 419) of the third type. Toothbrush according to one of the above claims, characterized in that the drive pin (52) is located on the front side of the drive shaft (50) driven in the range of 15,000 to 25,000 rpm.