WO2007093447A1

WO2007093447A1 - Dispenser for dispensing dental care products

Info

Publication number: WO2007093447A1
Application number: PCT/EP2007/001430
Authority: WO
Inventors: Henry Schulz
Original assignee: Henry Schulz
Priority date: 2006-02-15
Filing date: 2007-02-14
Publication date: 2007-08-23
Also published as: DE112007000398A5; DE102006025652A1; DE112007000398B4

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing dental care products. Said dispenser comprises a container (26) for accommodating dental care products and a discharge opening (42), which is present in the container (26), for discharging the dental care product. Said dispenser also has a detector (20, 38) which is designed and arranged in such a way that it detects the presence of a toothbrush (18) beneath the discharge opening (42) and/or a hand holding the toothbrush (18), and also a metering device (27b) which is designed and connected to the detector in such a way that the dental care product is dispensed in a metered manner when a toothbrush and/or a hand holding the toothbrush (18) is detected.

Description

DISPENSER FOR DISPENSING DENTAL PRODUCTS

Background of the invention

The present invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing tooth cleaning and dentifrice on a toothbrush.

To date, the daily application of the dentifrice and dentifrice in the form of toothpaste on the toothbrush is used worldwide a process that has not changed for many decades. Here, the toothpaste is in a loose container, a tube or a tube-like donor. This container must be taken while applying the toothpaste in the hand holding the toothbrush in the other hand. A desired dosage of the toothpaste takes place in a toothpaste tube via a pressure which is exerted on the elastic housing of the tube. In the case of tube-like containers, the metering is partly carried out by means of a valve or dispenser, which can be directly actuated by hand, at the container opening. The usual capacity of a toothpaste container mentioned above is usually 75 ml or 100 ml to 150 ml and sufficient for about 40 to about 100 teeth cleanings.

With the method described above, the following disadvantages arise:

1. There are usually two hands needed to apply the toothpaste on the toothbrush.

2. The toothpaste containers are not fixed and therefore can easily fall off. This can lead to contamination and hygienic problems.

3. When using a container by several people can easily be transmitted diseases, since a contact between the container opening and the bristles of the respective toothbrush can not be generally avoided.

4. The available containers have a small capacity. As a result, there is a need for a frequent purchase. This in turn leads to a considerable additional cost and time compared to large packs. 5. Point 4 results in an increased burden on the environment due to the large number of empty packaging.

Underlying task

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an advantageous dispenser for dental cleansing and dental care products.

Inventive solution

According to the invention this object is achieved by a dispenser according to claim 1. The dependent claims contain advantageous embodiments of the invention.

A dispenser according to the invention for dispensing dentifrice comprises a container for holding dentifrice and a dispensing opening provided in the container for dispensing the dentifrice. Furthermore, it has a detector and a metering device. The detector is configured and arranged to detect the presence of a toothbrush under the dispensing opening and / or a hand holding the toothbrush. The metering device is configured in such a way and connected to the detector that a metered delivery of dentifrice takes place upon detection of a toothbrush and / or a hand holding the toothbrush.

The dispenser may in particular comprise a holder with a receptacle for receiving at least one container. The holder can also be designed as a turret holder.

The container may contain the dentifrice directly - without intermediate container. Alternatively, the container is suitable for receiving a further container containing the dentifrice.

The detector detects a toothbrush that is inserted into the insertion opening and releases an output of dentifrice from the dispensing opening. This allows application of the dentifrice with only one hand. Of course, the device according to the invention can also be operated with two hands. The process of applying dentifrice is hygienic via the insertion opening without contact between the device and the bristles of the toothbrush. For the purposes of the present invention, the term dentifrice includes dentifrice, toothpaste and toothpaste. The metering device doses the dental care product to be dispensed. The metered dispensing of dentifrice is possible for example by a closure mechanism for the dispensing opening, which holds the dispensing opening closed in a first position and holds the dispensing opening open in a second position. The dosing unit may be fixedly attached to the container. However, it can also be integrated into the holder detachably or permanently. In this case, the metering device need not be replaced together with the container each time. On the other hand, when the metering device is integrated into the container, a hygienically perfect new metering device is provided each time the container is changed.

Furthermore, the dentifrice may have different consistencies, so that the device according to the invention can be used in a variety of ways. Filling the device with dentifrice may be via an exchange or refill pack which is a bulk pack over the currently used containers with approximately 2 to 20 times capacity.

In addition, a variety of other functions can be integrated into the container or in the holder. Examples of such functions are, for example, a radio, a check-up, a note / dictation function, a PDA recording or a wireless call for load-up. Furthermore, the dispenser can have a fastening possibility for attachment to, for example, a wall or an integrated stand for placement on a table or the like.

The check-up may include, for example, an optical recognition and evaluation of human saliva for the analysis of specific, health-relevant basic indicators. For this purpose, the transmitter may have an analysis device, for example an optical analysis device, for analyzing saliva. An issuing of warnings or nutritional information would take place after the evaluation. The donor could then be purchased with or without a "health check up module".

The container may further have a variety of shapes. For example, it can be round, square, rectangular, square, heart-shaped or mouth-shaped, so that it can be used as an accessory for bathroom or toilet facilities.

The device according to the invention has the following effects and advantages: 1. Safe application and dosing of dentifrice with only one hand, in which the toothbrush is located.

2. Fastening possibility of the application and metering device.

3. Market introduction of large packs as refill packs for the applicator and dosing device to avoid the accumulation of empty packs.

4. Further use of the facility for various services, services and communication.

5. Hygienic application of dentifrice, since contact between bristles of the toothbrush and the metering device is not necessary.

6. Dosing levels determined by the metering device reduce unnecessary consumption of dentifrices, for example in children and toddlers, which tend to uncontrolled consumption.

7. Recording various individual toothpaste containers.

In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the detector is designed as a lever to be operated with the hand holding the toothbrush or with a button to be operated with the hand holding the toothbrush. The lever or button will be touched in use by the hand inserting the toothbrush. Upon exertion of a predetermined pressure on the lever or the key by hand, an application and dosing of befindlichem in the device dentifrice on the toothbrush is triggered. This embodiment comprises a mechanical or electrical device for actuating the metering device.

Alternatively, the detector is designed as a sensor unit that detects the presence of the toothbrush and / or the hand holding the toothbrush without contact. The sensor unit triggers the actuation of the metering device during the detection. By the non-contact detection, the hygiene of the device according to the invention is increased. In addition, the sensor unit can be designed such that it detects the size of the toothbrush and calculates a metered amount. The sensor unit therefore advantageously comprises, in addition to a sensor for detecting the size of a toothbrush, a processor which receives data from the sensor, processes it further and, if necessary, sends it to a sensor. siereinheit outputs. This embodiment comprises an electrical means for metering and applying the dentifrice to a toothbrush.

Alternatively, the detector is designed as a stop against which the toothbrush strikes when guided under the dispensing opening. This can for example be mechanically, pneumatically, hydraulically or electrically connected to the metering device.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the dispensing opening is designed as a metering nozzle. The metering nozzle allows accurate metering of the amount of dentifrice that is to exit the dispensing opening.

The dispenser comprises in an advantageous embodiment, a holder for receiving the container in the form of, for example, an exchange or refill. The holder prevents slipping of the replacement or refill pack. At the same time, the detector and / or the metering device can also be integrated into the holder. Alternatively, it is also possible to integrate the detector and / or the metering device into the container. Also, arranging the metering device in the container and the detector in the holder or vice versa is possible.

Advantageously, the holder comprises an internal thread, a bayonet closure or another connecting element, which allows a releasable positive connection. A container containing a dentifrice then comprises the appropriate counterpart to the connecting element. By means of the positive connection, the container can then be releasably fixed in the holder.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the container and / or the holder has a connection for connecting water. The dosing and application of the dentifrice can be carried out by means of water pressure. By means of the water can be further, if necessary, the device to be cleaned.

In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, a container, for example in the form of an exchange or refill pack for dispensing dentifrice, has a dispensing opening for dispensing the dentifrice, a detector and a metering device. The detector is configured and arranged to detect the presence of a toothbrush under the dispensing opening and / or a hand holding the toothbrush. The metering device is configured and connected to the detector that a metered delivery of dentifrice takes place upon detection of a toothbrush and / or a hand holding the toothbrush.

Brief description of the drawings

An exemplary embodiment of a dispenser according to the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the attached schematic drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a dispenser according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a front view of a dispenser according to the invention in cross-section; and

Fig. 3 is a side view of a dispenser according to the invention in cross-section.

Fig. 4 is a side view of another dispenser according to the invention in cross-section.

Fig. 5 is a front view of another dispenser according to the invention.

Fig. 6 is a front view of another dispenser according to the invention.

Fig. 7 is a front view of another dispenser according to the invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 7. FIG.

Fig. 9 is a front view of another dispenser according to the invention.

Fig. 10 is a side view of a holder of a dispenser according to the invention.

Fig. 11 is a side view of the holder shown in Fig. 10 with the lower part arranged thereon.

Fig. 12 is a front view of another dispenser according to the invention.

Fig. 13 is a side view of another dispenser according to the invention.

Identical or similar parts are identified in all figures with the same reference numerals. Detailed description of an embodiment

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a dispenser according to the invention.

The dispenser 10 according to the invention comprises a container 26 and a holder 12, which can be attached by means of a fastening 14 to a wall (not shown). The holder 12 comprises a receptacle 12a and a cover 12b. It also has an insertion opening 16 into which a toothbrush 18 can be inserted. In the insertion opening 16, a stop 20 is arranged as a detector, which is connected to a mechanism for controlling the dosage of dentifrice. Furthermore, in the insertion opening 16, a shell or a plate 24, in particular with raised edges arranged.

When the toothbrush 18 is inserted into the insertion opening 16 and exerts a predetermined pressure on the abutment 20, the abutment 20 shifts such that a dispensing opening 42 is released and a dispensing operation is initiated so that dentifrice is applied to the toothbrush 18. The plate 24 serves to catch possibly falling next to the toothbrush dentifrice.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the dispenser 10 according to the invention shown in FIG. 1 in cross section. It can be seen, the holder 12 with the receptacle 12a and the lid 12b, wherein the lid 12b relative to the receptacle 12a by means of the hinge 34 can be folded to a container 26, such as an exchange or refill in the receptacle 12a in to be able to introduce a holding device 27. The holding device 27 is constructed of three movable parts 27a, 27b and 27c. The upper part 27a forms an additional lid for the refill pack 26, which is foldable with respect to the middle part 27b. The middle part 27b is displaceable with respect to the upper part 27a and the lower part 27c in order to be able to exert a pressure on the replacement or refill pack 26. It serves as a metering device for dosing the dentifrice. The receptacle 12a can be fixed to the wall (not shown) by means of the fastening means 14. The replacement or refill pack 26 contains the dentifrice. The shape of the replacement or refill pack 26 is adapted to the shape of the holder 12, in particular to the shape of the receptacle 12 a and the holding device 27. The replacement refill pack 26 includes a receiving portion 28, a transition portion 30 and a metering channel 32, which are arranged consecutively. The receiving portion 28 has the largest cross section and serves to receive a stock of dentifrice.

By exerting a pressure on the receiving portion 28 by means of the central portion 27b of the holding device 27, a dosing is triggered when the stopper 20 is moved. For this purpose, the stop 20 is mechanically coupled to the middle part 27b of the holding device 27. Alternatively, it is also possible to use an electric motor for displacing the middle part 27b of the holding device 27 with respect to the upper and the lower part 27a, 27c of the holding device 27 for exerting pressure on the receiving section 28 of the replacement or refill pack 26. In this case, the stopper is electrically coupled to the electric motor. In a further alternative, the displacement can also take place by means of water pressure. For this purpose, the device 10 comprises a water connection, which allows the supply of water in a region between the central part 27 b and the rear wall of the holder 12. Instead of being displaceable, the middle part 27b can also be inflatable, for example by means of air or water, so that inflation leads to pressure on the receiving section 28 of the replacement or refill pack 26. The pumping can be done mechanically, for example by the movement of the stop 20, or triggered by the stop 20 electrically.

The transition portion 30 of the replacement and / or refill 26 has a reduced cross-section, unlike the receiving portion 28, and serves to deliver the dentifrice to the dosing channel 32, which has a cross-section adapted to conventional toothbrush dimensions. This can prevent 32 toothpaste drops next to the toothbrush on the emergence of dentifrice from the metering.

To fill the dispenser 10 according to the invention, the receptacle 12a of the cover 12b is removed. The replacement or refill 26 is inserted into the receptacle 12a in such a way that the metering channel 32 is inserted into the dispensing opening of the holder 12 with a precise fit. Subsequently, the receptacle 12a is closed with the lid 12b. The device 10 according to the invention is then available to every user. The user can insert a toothbrush into the insertion opening 16 such that it presses against the stop 20. By movement of the stop 20 is triggered a dosing so that the dentifrice is applied to the toothbrush.

Fig. 3 shows a side view of the dispenser 10 according to the invention in cross section.

The stop 20 in the insertion opening 16 is connected to a slide 36 which closes the discharge opening 42 and which is displaceable for releasing the discharge opening 42. In addition, the stopper 20 is mechanically coupled to the middle part 27b of the holder device 27.

When the toothbrush 18 is inserted into the insertion opening 16 in the direction shown by the arrow 40, it abuts against the stopper 20 and displaces the stopper 20 on further insertion such that the slider 36 shifts and releases the dispensing opening 42, so that from the Dosing channel 32 dentifrice can be applied to the toothbrush 18. At the same time, a pressure is exerted on the receiving portion 28 of the replacement or refill pack 26 from the middle part 27b of the holding device 27. The dentifrice flows out of the dispensing opening 42.

After application of the dentifrice to the toothbrush 18, the toothbrush 18 is again moved out of the insertion opening 16 counter to the direction of movement 40. The stop 20 is provided with a return mechanism, which moves the slider 36 and the stopper 20 when moving out of the toothbrush 18 in its output opening 42 occlusive position. The return mechanism may, for example, be realized by one or more springs.

4 shows a side view of a further dispenser 410 according to the invention in cross section. The dispenser 410 according to FIG. 4 essentially corresponds to the dispenser 10 according to FIG. 3 with the difference that the detector has a button 38 which is arranged above the insertion opening 16. The key 38 is connected to the slider 36. It can be moved by pushing in the direction of the arrow, whereby the slider 36 is moved to release the discharge opening. The button 38 is also electrically coupled to an electric motor (not shown) which, upon actuation of the button 38, displaces the central portion 27b of the retainer 27. In an alternative embodiment, the slider 36 can be moved electrically. When the toothbrush 18 is inserted into the insertion opening 16 in the direction shown by the arrow 40, the key 38 can be pressed either with the hand holding the toothbrush 18 or with the other hand. In a purely electrical induced displacement of the central part 27b of the holding device 27 and the slider 36, the key 38 may be formed as a touch-sensitive or non-contact functioning sensor.

After application of the dentifrice to the toothbrush 18, the toothbrush 18 is pulled out of the insertion opening counter to the direction of movement 40. When the button 38 is no longer pressed, the slider 36 is moved by the return mechanism in its output position closing the output opening.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of a further dispenser according to the invention. The device 510 according to the invention has a holder 512 which can be attached to a wall (not shown) by means of a fastening (not shown). The holder 512 further has an insertion opening 16 into which a toothbrush can be inserted. In addition, it has two first partitions 46, so that three support portions 48 are formed, in each of which a container, for example, a refill or refill (not shown), can be inserted. Furthermore, the holder 512 has a second partition wall 50, which separates the holder sections 48 from the insertion opening 16. Each mounting portion 48 has a button 38 as a detector, which is arranged above the insertion opening 16. The keys 38 can be displaced by pressing in such a way that they trigger an application and dosing operation of the respective support portion 48. The dispensing of the dentifrices contained in the respective replacement or refill pack onto a toothbrush takes place via the first dispensing and metering section 52a and a second dispensing and metering section 52b. The first dispensing and metering section 52a serves as an intermediate section for transferring the dentifrice to the second dispensing and metering section 52b, which has a width that matches the width of a conventional toothbrush.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic drawing of a further dispenser according to the invention. The dispenser 610 according to FIG. 6 essentially corresponds to the dispenser 510 according to FIG. 5 with the difference that, instead of common first and second dispensing and metering sections 52a, 52b, each holding section 48 has its own Dosing and output section 62 has. Furthermore, in contrast to the dispenser 510 shown in FIG. 5, the dispenser 610 has a sensor 638 as a detector. The sensor 638 triggers an application and dosing process upon detection of a finger, a hand or a toothbrush. The sensor 638 may be touch-sensitive or non-contact and, for example, designed as a thermal sensor or optical sensor.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic illustration of a further dispenser according to the invention in a front view. The dispenser 710 of the present invention has three replacements 726 disposed in a wall mount (not shown) that can be attached to a wall (not shown). The type of dentifrice that is in the respective replenishment package 726 is indicated by the user visible mark (indicated by "A", "B", and "C" in the figure) Dispenser 710 (not shown) has three lower parts 733, each configured to form a toothbrush insertion opening 716. Each lower part 733 has upper and lower walls connected by two opposite side walls A bow-shaped stop 20 is arranged as a mechanical detector forming a lever arm, for example, and instead of a bow-shaped stop 20, a sensor for detecting the toothbrush, in particular an optically sensor, can be used as the detector can be removed from the wall fastening A separate design of the lower parts 733 for Each replacement or refill pack 726 is advantageous for cleaning and replacement purposes. The replacement or refill packings 726 and the lower parts 733 are equipped with connecting elements that are complementary to one another in such a way that the replacement or refill packs can be fixed in a form-fitting manner to the lower parts. For example, threads or complementary elements of a baisonett closure come into consideration as suitable connecting elements.

FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 7. FIG. The dispenser 710 is attached to a wall (not shown) by a wall mount 14. The wall mount 14 comprises a mechanical receptacle 714 in the form of a projection 714a and a hook or a rail 714b and a magnetic receptacle 714 'in the form of a magnetic disk. Alternatively, the wall shark Only mechanical recordings 714 or only magnetic recordings 714 'include. Furthermore, the wall mounting 14 for attachment to the wall (not shown) comprises a mechanical fastening device 774. As an alternative to the mechanical fastening device 774, the wall mounting 14 may also have a device for attachment in Saugfußverfahren (vacuum / vacuum method). The replacement or refill pack 726 marked with the letter "A" is secured to the wall mount 14 by means of the mechanical receptacle 714 and the magnetic receptacle 714 ', while the replacement refill pack 726 indicated by the letter "B" is in one position is shown, from which the replacement or refill pack 726 can be brought by rotation in a position in which it is attached to the wall bracket 14. The two Austauschbzw shown. Refill packs 726 each have magnetic plates 724 'suitable for placement in the magnetic receptacle 714'. Furthermore, both Austauschbzw. Refill packages 726 each at its upper and lower end projections 724, which are suitable for locking into the mechanical receptacle 714.

When using the dispenser 710, a toothbrush 18 is in the from the Austauschbzw. Refill packages 726 and the lower part 733 formed insertion opening 716 introduced so that by touching the stopper 20 an application and dosing is triggered.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic illustration of a further dispenser according to the invention in a front view. The dispenser 910 has four replacements 926 disposed one above the other and side by side in the holder 944. The replacement or refill packs 926 each have a button 938 as a detector, which is connected to a mechanism for controlling the dosage of dentifrice. Instead of the button, a non-contact or touch-sensitive functioning sensor, for example, a thermal sensor or optical sensor, are used. The replacement or refill packs 926 further each have an insertion opening 916 for inserting a toothbrush (not shown) and an application and metering nozzle 92 disposed below the button 938 in the insertion opening 916. The width of the nozzle 92 is adapted to the width of a conventional toothbrush. When using the metering device 910, the user first selects the desired dentifrice that is marked on the replacement or refill packs 926 (indicated by the letters "A", "B", "C" and "D" in the figure). points). He then inserts a toothbrush into the desired insertion opening 916 and actuates the corresponding button 938 to apply the dentifrice to the toothbrush.

In Fig. 10, the wall bracket 14 shown in Fig. 8 is shown in more detail in side elevation, with the base 733 detachable from the wall bracket 14 not shown. The wall mount 14 is fixed to the wall 780 by means of the mechanical attachment 774. For example, the receptacle 714 shown schematically may be provided with a hook 714b or the like for fixing an exchange and refill pack 726. At the bottom of the receptacle 714, a control device 790 is arranged for controlling the dosage. The control device 790 can be designed mechanically or electronically.

In Figure 11, the wall bracket 14 is shown with the attached, removable (eg for cleaning) lower part 733 shown. The bow-shaped stop 20 of the lower part 733 is connected to the control device 790 of the wall bracket 14. The toothbrush 18 is guided to actuate the stop 20 in the direction of movement of the arrow 40 in the insertion opening 716. Also, the stop 20 may, for example, be designed to be removable for cleaning purposes.

FIG. 12 shows a further dispenser 1210 according to the invention in cross-sectional view. The dispenser 1210 has a base 1233 and three mechanically stable storage containers 1226. The lower part 1233 and the reservoir 1226 are mounted vertically displaceable on a wall mount (not shown). The base 1233 includes an upper 1230 and a lower wall 1232 joined together by two opposing side walls 1234 to form a toothbrush receptacle. The triggering of a Auftragungs- and dosing process is done by moving the mechanically stable reservoir 1226 in the vertical direction.

FIG. 13 shows a further dispenser 1310 according to the invention. The dispenser 1310 is secured to the wall 1380 by the wall bracket 1214. It has a mechanically stable storage container 1326, at the lower end of which a lower part 1333 with a metering section (not shown) is arranged. Furthermore, the reservoir 1326 has a pressure point 1338. It is disposed on the wall mount 1314 such that it only contacts the wall mount 1314 at its upper end when no pressure is applied to the pressure point. When you press the pressure point 1338 in the direction of arrow 1394, the reservoir 1326 is pressed along its entire length to the wall fastening 1314 pressed, whereby a Auftragungs- and dosing is triggered mechanically or electrically. The reservoir 1326 in the actuated position is shown in dashed lines.

A further embodiment variant of the dispenser 1410 according to the invention is shown in FIG. In this variant of the dispenser, the replacement or refill packs 1426 are arranged to form a drum in the manner of a revolver. This drum is held by a turret holder 1414 with a wall holder. The turret holder 1414 includes an insertion opening 1416 for inserting a toothbrush, an application and metering nozzle 1492 and a stop 1420 or a button 1438, via which a metering process can be triggered.

To hold the replacement or refill packages, the turret retainer includes two retaining members 1415a, 1415b, between which the individual replacement or refill packages are insertable. In the present embodiment, the holding elements are formed as holding plates, each having on the side opposite to the other holding plate, elastic locking projections. The replacement or refill packs are provided with recesses into which the resilient latching projections can engage when inserting an exchange or refill pack. The lower holding plate 1415b also has passage openings through which dispensing openings of the replacement or refill packs can be connected to the application and metering nozzle 1492. Preferably, the applicator and metering nozzle 1492 and / or the dispensing opening of each replacement or refill package 1426 is provided with a seal that seals the area surrounding the dispensing opening of an exchange or refill package 1426 with the dispensing and metering nozzle 1492 from the environment seals, so that a sealed against the exit of caring agent dosing formed. For example, the seals may be in the form of resilient sealing lips disposed about the dispensing orifice of an exchange or refill pack or about the applicator and metering nozzle 1492, and toward the dispensing nozzle or toward the replacement or refill pack, respectively Protrude 1426.

By turning the turret, various replacement or refill packages 1426 located in the turret can be connected to the order and metering nozzle 1492. In a modification of this embodiment, the turret holder comprises only one wall holding element and two holding elements designed as holding discs. The applicator and metering nozzle 1492 and the button 1438 and / or the stopper 1420 are then disposed in the individual replacement or refill packages 1426.

Although a retainer for six replacement or refill packages is illustrated in the present embodiment, the retainer may be configured for a different number of replacement or refill packages. The shape of the replacement or refill packs can be adapted to the number of replacement or refill packs to be held in the holder. In the case of, for example, six replaceable or refill packs to be held, these can in particular have a base area which corresponds to an equilateral triangle, as shown in FIG. As a possible modification, the side which forms the outside of the drum with the replacement or refill pack held may be rounded so that the drum composed of six replacement or refill packs has a cylindrical rather than a polygonal outer surface. If, in contrast, only four replacement or refill packs are to be held, this may, for example, have the footprint of an isosceles right-angled triangle. The drum would then have a total square footprint. Also in this case, the outside of the replacement or refill packages may be rounded to achieve a cylindrical outer surface of the drum.

It should be noted that a mount does not necessarily have to be populated with the maximum number of replacement or refill packs. In principle, it is possible to either release holding shafts of the holding device or to provide them with dummy packs. Such dummy packs could, for example, also act as an advertising medium.

Finally, it should be noted that all the features that are mentioned in the application documents and in particular in the dependent claims, despite the formal reference to one or more specific claims, even individually or in any combination should receive independent protection. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Dispenser holder a Container b Lid Attachment Opening Toothbrush Stopper Plate Replacement and / or refill pack Holding device Admission section Transition section Dosing channel Hinge Slide Button Movement direction of the toothbrush Dispensing opening First divider Wall Holding section Second divider a First dispensing and dispensing section b Second dispensing and dispensing section a First dispensing and dispensing section a Dosing section b second dispensing and dosing section dosing nozzle 0 dispenser 0 dispenser 2 holder 0 dispenser 8 sensor 0 dispenser 4 mechanical holder 4 'magnetic holder 4a projection 4b hook / rail 6 insertion opening 4 rail 4' magnetic plate 6 replacement or refill pack 3 lower part 4 mechanical Mounting 0 Wall 0 Control device 0 Application and dosing device 6 Inlet opening 6 Replacement or refill pack 944 bracket 1230 top wall

1232 lower wall

1233 lower part

1234 side wall 1226 reservoir 1262a first metering section 1262b second metering section 1294 printing direction

1310 dispensers

1314 wall bracket

1326 reservoir

1333 lower part

1338 button

1380 wall

1394 printing direction

1410 dispensers

1414 revolver mount

1415a retaining plate

1415b retaining plate

1416 insertion opening

1420 stop

1426 Replacement or refill pack

1438 button

1492 applicator and dosing nozzle

Claims

claims

A dispenser (10, 510, 610, 710, 910, 1210, 1310, 1410) for dispensing dentifrice with at least one container (26, 926, 1226, 1326, 1426) for receiving dentifrice and one in the container (26, 926, 1226, 1326, 1426) for dispensing the dentifrice characterized by a detector (20, 38, 638, 1420) configured and arranged to detect the presence of a toothbrush (18) under a toothbrush (18) Dispensing opening (42) and / or a toothbrush (18) holding the hand detected, and by a metering device (27b) which is configured and connected to the detector (20, 38, 638, 1420), that a metered delivery of dentifrice upon detection of a toothbrush (18) and / or a toothbrush (18) holding the hand done.

A dispenser according to claim 1 including a support (12, 14, 512, 944, 1414) comprising a receptacle for receiving at least one container (26, 926, 1226, 1326, 1426).

3. Dispenser according to claim 2, wherein the detector and / or the metering device is integrated in the holder or are.

4. Dispenser according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the detector and / or the metering device is integrated in the container.

5. Dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the detector as with the toothbrush (18) holding hand to be operated lever or with the toothbrush (18) holding hand to be operated button (38) is formed.

6. Dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the detector is designed as a sensor unit which detects the presence of the toothbrush (18) and / or the toothbrush (18) holding the hand without contact.

The dispenser (10) of claim 6, wherein the sensor unit comprises a sensor for detecting the size of the toothbrush (18) and a processor configured to calculate the dosage amount to be dispensed based on the detected size of the toothbrush.

8. A dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the detector is formed as a stop (20) which detects the presence of the toothbrush (18) touch-sensitive.

A dispenser (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing opening is configured as a metering nozzle (92).

10. Dispenser (10) according to one of the preceding claims and claim 2, wherein the holder comprises a connecting element for bringing about a positive connection and the container comprises a matching counterpart.

A dispenser (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (12, 512) has a water connection.

A dispenser (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, which has an analysis unit for analyzing the saliva.

13. Dispenser (10) according to claim 12, wherein the analysis unit is formed as an optical unit.

A dispenser (1410) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a holder which includes a receptacle for receiving at least one container (1426), the holder being in the form of a turret holder (1414).

A container (26, 1226, 1326) for dispensing dentifrice having an output port (42) for dispensing the dentifrice, characterized by a detector (20, 38, 1338) configured and arranged to detect the presence thereof a toothbrush (18) under a dispensing opening (42) and / or a toothbrush (18) holding hand detected and by a metering device (27b) which is configured and connected to the detector that a metered delivery of dentifrice upon detection of a Toothbrush (18) and / or the toothbrush (18) holding hand done.

16. A container (1226, 1326) according to claim 15, which has a mechanical stability.