WO2020020793A2

WO2020020793A2 - Marking/printing applicator and/or cleaning elements

Info

Publication number: WO2020020793A2
Application number: PCT/EP2019/069583
Authority: WO
Inventors: Armin Bärtschi; Peter Gross; Walter Hess
Original assignee: Trisa Holding Ag
Priority date: 2018-07-26
Filing date: 2019-07-19
Publication date: 2020-01-30
Also published as: US20210145162A1; EP3826507A2; WO2020020793A3; EP3598920A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning device, particularly a toothbrush, having a gripping body consisting of a gripping part (4), a head part (2), and a neck part (3) connecting the gripping part to the head part. One or more applicator and/or cleaning elements (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5h) are mounted on the head part (2) and form a bristle array (6) that has at least one external side (8) and/or top side (9). At least one of the applicator and/or cleaning elements (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5h) is marked or printed on the at least one external side (11) and/or top side (9) of the bristle array and/or gripping body, with a marking/colourant medium (7). The invention also relates to a corresponding method and a corresponding arrangement.

Description

Labeling / printing of application and / or cleaning elements

The present invention has the labeling or printing of application and / or cleaning elements, i.e. not just of conventional bristles and other elements on the cleaning device. The labeling / printing is used in particular for communication with the user. With the labeling / printing, for example, use and other instructions can be given, benefits, advantages or benefits communicated, logos applied and advertising spaces generated. The invention relates in particular to a correspondingly printed or labeled cleaning device (e.g. a brush, toothbrush, floss or tongue cleaner etc.), a corresponding method for identifying or printing such a cleaning device and an arrangement for carrying out the method. A cleaning device can also be understood to mean, in particular, an applicator (e.g. mascara, nail polish, lip gloss).

EP 0 366 100 A1 describes a toothbrush with a handle and a bristle holder and with a device which indicates the end of the usability of the toothbrush. The device is formed in that at least part of the toothbrush consists of a material component that gradually decomposes, dissolves or changes in color. At least part of the toothbrush is made from a material component or with one Provide material component that during the

Use gradually decomposes, dissolves or changes color. This process can be done by air, water or light. A variety of plastics are known for this purpose, e.g. Polymers with acid or amino groups, e.g. a polymer with methacrylic acid as a copolymer. Such plastics are soluble in water or in slightly acidic or basic liquids. Non-lightfast dyes and non-lightfast colored plastics are suitable for a color change. On the one hand, the transition area between

Bristle holder and handle are at least partially made of a water-decomposing or dissolving plastic. Since this transition area regularly comes into contact with water when brushing your teeth, the material component dissolves here, so that after a while the bristle holder is no longer stable, but is only soft and therefore unsuitable for cleaning the handle. Another possibility is to provide the bristle carrier and / or the stem with a display field which is covered with a decomposing or dissolving material component. After the possible period of use of the toothbrush has expired, this material component, for example the plastic mentioned, has dissolved so that the display field is visible and effectively shows the period of use. However, this solution does not concern the bristles or application and / or cleaning elements as such, but only the neck area of a toothbrush. From WO 00/01275 a method for the production of bristle goods is known with bristles made of plastic which extrudes endlessly as monofilaments, cut to the desired length and individually or in groups in bundles summarized as a bristle attachment to a bristle holder, as is the case with toothbrushes. After extrusion, the monofilament or the bristles produced therefrom are provided with at least one essentially line-shaped delimitation or marking line which can be recognized by the bristle stock of the finished bristle product as a color-contrasting mark, at a distance which represents the state of use from the end of the bristles on the use side. In this way, regardless of the actual wear and tear when using the bristle goods, the user of the bristle goods is constantly given visual information about the current state of use and the degree of current wear. The monofilament used to produce the bristles is extruded from a plastic filled with pigments, which react to laser beams with a change in color, the delimitation being produced by the action of laser beams on the monofilament or the bristles produced therefrom. If the marking is finally reached due to the progressive wear of the end of the bristles on the use side, the brush or toothbrush is no longer usable.

DE 103 14 521 A1 discloses the printing of brush bodies using an inkjet printer. It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a solution with which various types of application and / or cleaning elements for different cleaning devices and cleaning devices, which may consist of different material components, can themselves be processed optically in such a way that more varied communication is possible in a cost-effective and technically simple manner / Interaction with users achieved can be.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a cleaning device, in particular a toothbrush, with a

Grip body consisting of a grip part, a head part and a neck part connecting the grip part to the head part, one or more application and / or cleaning elements being applied to the head part, which form a bristle field which has at least one outer side and / or one upper side, wherein at least one of the application and / or

Cleaning elements on the at least one outside and / or an upper side of the bristle field and / or the handle body are marked or printed with a marking / color medium; and by a method for marking / printing a cleaning device, in particular a toothbrush, with a handle body consisting of a handle part, a head part and a neck part connecting the handle part to the head part, one or more application and / or cleaning elements being applied to the head part , which form a bristle field, which has at least one outside and / or an upper side, with the steps: (a) supplying the cleaning device with the handle body and the application and / or cleaning elements (or alternatively: a bristle puck) to an identification - / Pressure medium (e.g. to a printhead or laser) using a transport device (under a bristle puck bristles are summarized in their raw form in a puck (semi-finished products) as they are fed to a bristle machine - in the bristle puck this page is on Side close together); (b) Marking / printing at least one of the application and / or Cleaning elements on the at least one outside and / or an upper side of the bristle field (or alternatively: a bristle puck) and / or the handle body with an identification / color medium; and by an arrangement for marking / printing a bristle field and / or a handle body of a cleaning device, comprising a marking / printing means (for example a laser or printhead) with a marking / printing field within which a marking / printing of the bristle field with a marking / Ink medium can take place as well as with a holding device by means of which the cleaning device is held and positioned opposite the marking / printing means and which is preferably arranged on a transport device.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the application and / or cleaning elements marked or printed with the marking / color medium are made of a thermoplastic elastomer, in particular a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPE-Ü), a thermoplastic polyamide elastomer (TPE- A), a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer (TPE-O), or a thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPE-E), a polyamide (PA), a polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and / or a silicone. This

The choice of material components has shown particularly good results with regard to labeling / printing and the cleaning effect while at the same time protecting the gums and mouth tissue. In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the application labels marked or printed with the labeling / color medium have and / or cleaning elements on multiple colors. In this way, different functionalities, intensities of the individual application and

Cleaning elements are made clear. In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the application and / or cleaning elements and / or the handle body are marked or printed with an indicator or an indicator color. These are preferably indicators which show reactions in use. Examples include so-called usage indicators, in which the marking / printing wears off during use due to friction or mechanical abrasion and thus shows, for example, the condition of the application and / or cleaning elements (e.g. in the case of an applied indicator color: if there is no color left that means changing the brush). The mechanical abrasion can also be used, for example, for a corresponding indication on the handle body of the cleaning device.

The indicators or indicator colors can be activated, for example, on application and / or cleaning elements using water or washing them off (e.g. after 3 months of daily use, the labeling / color medium will be gone or completely faded); use with water or washing up then corresponds to a consumption process. It is also possible that after the first activation an independent, independent consumption process takes place, i.e. the indicator is used automatically and automatically from that point in time (i.e. without any further

Third party action). The activation of an indicator or an indicator color implemented with a marking / printing can also be controlled jointly by various processes, for example by a combination of use by friction or mechanical abrasion and use with water or washing up.

The intensity or duration of the indicator or the indicator color is controlled, for example, by the layer thickness of the application or the percentage admixture of the additive in the respective medium (a larger proportion corresponds to a longer or greater effect).

Another indicator of the

Labeling / printing can be applied is the so-called bacterial measurement. Here, when applied to the application and / or cleaning elements or to the neck / head part of the cleaning device, the condition in the mouth is detected and checked for the bacteria content.

In an analogous manner, bad breath can be detected and displayed in color by marking / printing an indicator or indicator color provided for this purpose. Finally, thermochromic identification media / thermochromic colors can also be applied to the application and cleaning elements or on the handle body of the cleaning device, which change their color image reversibly when the temperature changes. In this way, the water temperature and / or the period of use (residence time in the mouth) can be determined; For example, the application and / or cleaning elements or a sub-zone thereof are blue and when they are washed off with hot water, they become red accordingly. It can continue in this way too a changing picture can be created, for example, by a tree with leaves, the leaves change color with warm water, so that only the tree trunk or tree is visible.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the application and / or cleaning elements and / or the handle body are marked or printed with a graphic which produces an optical effect. Graphics can in particular serve as visual support for the properties of a product or represent anticipated properties of a product, e.g. by continuing the pattern of the brush handle; Images that support or suggest device function (e.g. visualization of the movement patterns of electric toothbrushes, for example vibration from waves / rings in Sonic-Sonic toothbrushes or an animation of the rotation for oscillating toothbrushes). In the case of electrical devices in particular, it is very interesting for the user to recognize the anticipated movement of the application and / or cleaning elements without the device having to be started (e.g. in the sales packaging).

Color or volume-supporting color elements are also conceivable; e.g. Lines, etc. can be applied in the 3D profile or in the topography of the bristle field or the handle body, which make the contour more visible or emphasize it. In this way, the special advantages of the 3D profile or the topography of the bristle field can be emphasized to the user.

In addition, the color gradient of the marking can, for example, correspond to the degree of hardness of the bristle bundles in the Bristle field can be designed. This means bundles with bristles of larger diameter are given a different identification than bundles with bristles of smaller diameter. The same considerations naturally also apply to the material hardnesses used for application and / or

Cleaning elements which are manufactured by injection molding (e.g. application and / or

Cleaning elements made of different soft components with different shore hardness can also be marked with different colors).

The purpose of the brush can also be communicated. This can be described in a descriptive text or communicated with a corresponding image (e.g. "Sensitive" e.g. with a feather, "Whitening" e.g. with a polar bear, "Interdental" e.g. with an illustrated dental floss thread or with a tooth space shown).

In addition, optical illusions or optical effects can be used, which are caused by movement (i.e. especially with oscillating brushes or sonic brushes).

Finally, patterns can also be applied which are only visible or changed by the movement of the electric toothbrush (for example on the outside of the bristle field of an oscillating toothbrush or on the top and / or on the front of the bristle field of a pivoting toothbrush or a Sonic toothbrush and / or on the brush body). That Through the operation of the electrical device, the marking through the movement takes on an alternative meaning or an alternative

Appearance compared to the non-operation. For example, a lettering or a pattern or a graphic appears on the application and / or cleaning elements during operation, which would not be directly recognizable without movement. As graphics in the form of textures or patterns that make the product unique, the following can also be used, for example: coat of arms, children's motifs,

Icons / pictograms, snow mountain motif (i.e. white bristles / filaments are used, to which blue mountains are applied).

In addition, shaky images (images that take on a different shape depending on the viewing angle and thus suggest a 3-dimensional and / or movable effect) are also conceivable. Furthermore, geometric graphics or geometric shapes can also be applied. Products can also be visually upgraded and / or modified using graphics. In order to make a brush unique, individual labeling / printing can be applied (e.g. mom, dad, names such as e.g. Philipp, Adrian, etc.) or a standardized individuality (e.g. male, female, zodiac signs, western or eastern characteristics / symbols or age information such as junior, kid, adult, 0 to 6 years, etc.).

The shape of the application and / or cleaning elements, for example the bristles and / or bundles of bristles and / or the shape of the handle body, can be advantageously used to produce the desired effect of the marking / printing mentioned in this document, to reinforce it and / or to make it variable become. Ie the Labeling / printing can preferably be adapted within an application and / or cleaning element in such a way that the labeling / printing follows the contour of the application and / or cleaning elements at least in part and thus, if desired, a different one depending on the viewing angle

Marking / printing leaves. The same is possible with the topography / shape of the handle body.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the identification / color medium is applied to the application and / or cleaning elements and / or the handle body with a layer thickness of 0.001 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably from 0.001 mm to 0.2 mm. In this way, a certain “minimum durability” with regard to abrasion and / or washing off can be guaranteed.

If the laser method (ie not laser printing) is used for marking, it cannot be defined with layer thicknesses. The marking can be a color change in the respective material component (for example the application and / or cleaning elements and / or the handle body), which does not result in a height difference. However, material can be removed, which is preferably between 0.01 mm and 0.5 mm. The respective material component can also foam up as a result of the laser treatment, which results in a color change in the surface and also a certain feel. The structure felt in this way has a height of 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm. So-called carbonization can also be achieved with the laser, which means a change in the respective one Brings material component with it, which can be perceived by the eye as a dark discoloration.

Another printing process is embossing. A shape or a contour, which is applied to a stamp, is pressed against the surface of the handle body to be printed and / or against the application and / or cleaning elements, the medium to be applied being applied between the surface to be printed and the stamp , When hot stamping, the stamp is heated in the application and usually only a single-color print is achieved. A full-surface, multi-colored print is achieved with decal embossing. The print is applied only with pressure, the print is again achieved with a stamp as described above.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the packing density of the application and / or cleaning elements, in particular the bristles, is from 12 pieces / mm ² to 25 pieces / mm ² , preferably from 16 pieces / mm ² to 20 pieces / mm ² . In this way, the labeling / printing can be further optimized. A higher packing density of the application and / or cleaning elements allows a higher resolution of the identification, in particular with an end face identification of the application and / or

Cleaning elements.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the number of

Marking points / printing points or the printing resolution or the resolution of the marking greater than the number of marked application and / or Cleaning elements. More preferably, the

Print resolution from 20 dpi to 3000 dpi, preferably from 150 dpi to 1500 dpi. These measures ensure particularly good visibility and legibility of the marking and printing. This means that the small bristle areas (e.g. at the free bristle end on the

Top of the bristle field) better or more marked. This means that the area is provided with more marking points / pressure points due to the higher resolution, which serves for a "better" marking.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the case of a (for example round) bristle field with at least one outside and an upper side, there is at least one application and cleaning element on the outside of the bristle field and at least one cleaning and application element on the upper side of the bristle field with one

Labeling / printing provided. This form of labeling / printing can be used for individual customers

Bristle bundle (or larger areas over several

Bristle bundles) are marked or printed around the corner, ie across the top edge. This creates a continuous, continuous marking / printing from the outside to the top of at least individual application and cleaning elements. In this way, interesting optical effects can be created and a different exposure with regard to use can be generated. It is expected that the wear on the label will be higher on the top than on the outside. In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, an elongated (for example rectangular, kite-shaped, elliptical, etc.)

Characterized bristle field with at least one front, a long side and a top at least one application and / or cleaning element on the front of the bristle field, at least one application and / or cleaning element on the long side of the bristle field and at least one cleaning and application element on the top of the bristle field / printed. Again, individual bristle bundles (or larger areas across several bristle bundles) can be marked / printed on corners, i.e. over their top, front and / or longitudinal / outer edge. The bristle field can thus be marked / printed as desired in the X, Y and Z directions (contiguous and non-contiguous). Of course, only combinations between front and top, longitudinal and top or front and long side "over a corner" are again conceivable in a connected or non-connected manner.

The handle body can also be printed on several sides and across edges / corners. Analogous to the printing on the application and cleaning elements, transitions on the handle body can be designed accordingly. Furthermore, transitions / edges / corners between application and cleaning elements and the handle body can be designed continuously or coherently. This also makes it possible to print on the body close to or up to the edge.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the labeling / Printing means a printhead, in particular an inkjet printhead. Particularly good print quality can be achieved inexpensively in the Inkj et process.

The use of digital printing processes such as the Inkj et process (also called inkjet printing) or laser printing (not to be confused with the lasers mentioned later) is possible.

Another preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention comprises a laser as the marking / printing means.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the marking / printing means (e.g. the print head) is arranged to be movable and / or rotatable relative to the cleaning device along at least one axis, preferably two axes, more preferably three axes. As a result, the aforementioned variable identification of the bristle field or of the handle body can be achieved on the upper, longitudinal / outer, front and / or also on the rear. Furthermore it is possible to contour cleaning and application elements e.g. of bristles and / or bundles of bristles or also the topography of the handle body. Of course it can

Labeling / printing medium must also be fixed and the product is moved with the corresponding axes in relation to the labeling / printing medium.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the

Transport device holding means with which the brush can be pivoted and / or rotated relative to the marking / printing means. This too The measure serves for the variable marking / printing of the bristle field, in particular a 360

Labeling / printing of the outside or outer surface of a bristle field of mascara and interdental brushes (i.e. around the brush) or 360 printing of handle bodies (i.e. around the product).

In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, a

(For example, round or elliptical) bristle field with at least one outside and an upper side at least one application and / or cleaning element on the outside of the bristle field and at least one cleaning and / or application element on the top of the bristle field. This form of labeling / printing can be used for individual customers

Bristle bundles or larger areas across several bristle bundles on the outside following the respective shape of the brush head) and / or marked / printed on a corner, i.e. over the top edge. With this type of labeling / printing, it is possible to generate a surrounding text or graphic, which the user only recognizes as a whole when he rotates the product accordingly. As a result, the user can be encouraged to get to know the product better with all its possibilities and advantages through a multi-page view. Of course, this is also possible on the handle body itself.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, in a (preferably rectangular) bristle field with at least one

Front, a long side and an upper side at least one application and / or cleaning element printed on the front of the bristle field, at least one application and / or cleaning element on the long side of the bristle field and at least one cleaning and / or application element on the top of the bristle field. Again, individual bundles of bristles (or larger areas across several bundles of bristles) can be printed / labeled around the corner, ie across their top, front and / or longitudinal outer edge. The bristle field can thus be printed / labeled as desired in the X, Y and Z directions (contiguous and non-contiguous).

In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the marking / printing means (e.g. the print head) has a height of 5 mm to 100 mm, preferably 10 to 50 mm. This height indicates the width of the marking / printing. More preferably, the print head has 5 to 500 nozzles, preferably 10 to 300 nozzles. This ensures the aforementioned resolution.

The labeling / printing per product can be carried out in several steps by the labeling / printing medium (e.g. the print head). The can continue

Marking / printing using several

Pass marking / printing media in parallel or in succession. Different can further

Printing processes can be used in succession or in parallel.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the marking / printing speed is from 2 m / min to 100 m / min, preferably from 5 m / min to 60 m / min. As a result, a efficient and high quality

Labeling / printing can be generated.

In a preferred embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, the marking / printing means is along at least one axis (e.g.

X, Y or Z), preferably two axes (e.g. two axes from X, Y and Z), more preferably three axes (e.g. X,

Y, Z) movably and / or rotatably arranged relative to the cleaning device. As a result, the aforementioned variable marking / printing of the bristle field on the top, lengthways / outside, front and / or also on the back can be achieved.

In a variant, the marking / printing means is arranged rigidly or fixedly and the holding means with the cleaning device moves laterally on the marking / printing means, i.e. along the Z axis. In this way, an outer or long side of the bristle field can be identified. The marking / printing means can, however, also be arranged rigidly or fixedly above the bristle field in order to mark / print on the top of the bristle field. This variant is also particularly suitable for the marking / printing of bristle pucks (i.e. bristles in their raw form combined in a puck or semi-finished products such as those fed to a bristling machine).

In a further variant, the marking / printing means is arranged such that it can move relative to the cleaning device on the holding device. The marking / printing means moves laterally on the bristle field of the brush or Handle body over, ie along the Z axis. In this way, an outer or long side of the bristle field or of the handle body can in turn be marked / printed. The marking / printing means can, however, also be arranged so as to be movable above the bristle field or the handle body in order to mark / print on the top of the bristle field or the handle body.

In yet another variant, the marking / printing means is preferably arranged to be movable relative to the cleaning device and the cleaning device is arranged to be movable relative to the marking / printing means. The marking / printing means can move laterally past the bristle field of the brush or the handle body (ie along the Z axis), transversely to the bristle field of the cleaning device (ie along the X axis) and / or it can be in a dome-like manner Rotational movement in relation to the Z axis (ie movement in the X and Y planes) is brought into a position above the bristle field or the handle body or on the other side of the bristle field or the handle body. At the same time, the holding means with the cleaning device can pass the labeling / printing means on the side, i.e. along the Z axis. In this way, the top and both outer and long sides of the bristle field as well as the handle body, the hot head, neck and handle part, of the brush can be marked / printed in high number of cycles (but there is also the possibility of the holder means to be arranged rigidly).

The marking / printing means can also be in a dome-like rotary movement with respect to the Z- Axis (ie movement in the X and Y planes) are brought into a position in front of or behind the bristle field or on the other side of the bristle field, so that the front or back and both outer and long sides of the bristle field as well if necessary, the front and side edges of the cleaning device can be marked / printed. A corresponding rotary movement with respect to the Y axis is also conceivable (ie movement in the X and Z planes for marking / printing on the top, front and back).

In yet another variant, both the marking / printing means are arranged so as to be movable relative to the cleaning device and the cleaning device on the holding device is movable relative to the marking / printing means. The marking / printing medium moves laterally past the bristle field or the handle body of the cleaning device, i.e. along the Z axis. The cleaning device (here preferably a mascara or interdental brush) is arranged such that it can rotate relative to the marking / printing means, i.e. Rotation around the Z axis. The brush is pivoted and / or rotated by the holding means in relation to the marking / printing means. In this way, in particular, the outside of the bristle field can be marked / printed with mascara and interdental brushes (360 ° printing / marking). The labeling

/ Printing means can, however, also be arranged movably above the bristle field in order to identify / print on the outside or outer surface of the bristle field.

It is also particularly advantageous with the same labeling / printing medium, in addition to application and / or cleaning elements to mark further elements of the product (for example the handle body consisting of handle part, neck part and head part).

In the context of the present invention, it is particularly preferably marked or printed with ink, preferably with wax-like ink. The ink can be water soluble or water insoluble. The ink, preferably the wax-like ink, is warmed up or melted and is viscous to solid in the unheated state. It can only be processed regularly in the liquid state. The ink solidifies very quickly when it comes into contact with the surface to be marked / printed. Color changes are fundamentally complex because the ink is led to the print head over long distances (in hoses (line)).

The drying time of the waxy ink is preferably less than 2 seconds, more preferably less than 1.5 seconds. The ink can be touched after drying. Wax-like ink has the advantage that it adheres to different material components and thus application and / or cleaning elements and also grip bodies consisting of different ones

Material components can be labeled. For example, food wax 5012 from Markers Imaje (a Dover Company) can be used.

When marking in the laser process, there is no actual material application and therefore no marking medium is required. The labeling is done by color changes etc. as described above. Other preferred applications

The present invention relates primarily to personal care brush products. With regard to oral hygiene, manual toothbrushes can be used, for example as reusable toothbrushes (e.g. replaceable head toothbrushes) or as single-use toothbrushes or as single-tufted brushes (brushes with only one large bristle bundle).

Electric toothbrushes with different types of brush heads and different forms of movement (e.g. oscillating, swiveling, translational, vibrating or combinations or superimpositions thereof) are also suitable. Electric toothbrushes can have a mechanical gear with 1: 1 reduction or gear ratio, an oscillating armature motor or an electric motor. The electric toothbrushes can be operated at different speeds and have, for example, single-use batteries or accumulators (e.g. nickel-metal hydride batteries or lithium-ion batteries) as energy stores. Charging can be done inductively or directly with a plug connection.

The toothbrushes, which are the subject of the present application, consist regularly of a head part with application and / or cleaning elements, a neck part and a handle part. All sub-elements can consist of at least one hard and / or one or more soft components. The head part can also have a recess for a corresponding head plate, which with application and / or

Cleaning elements is occupied. The application and / or cleaning elements can, for example, conventional, extruded bristles (tapered like cylindrical) and / or rubber-elastic massage and / or cleaning elements. Sprayed bristles can also be used or combined, for example.

Another preferred area of application is interdental cleaners. These can be designed as an interdental cleaner with screwed-in bristles, and / or with sprayed cleaning elements or as an interdental cleaner with dental floss and, if necessary

Toothpicks (also known as flossers or dental violins). Tongue cleaners are also cleaning devices in the sense of the present invention, as well as tongue cleaner sections applied to toothbrushes. Appropriate application and / or cleaning elements can be marked / printed on tongue cleaners. Often these are only relatively small structures such as knobs, ribs, tenons, surface structures. These can consist of hard and / or soft components.

It is clear that different application and / or cleaning elements can be marked / printed on a product. The different application and / or

Cleaning elements can be in a different position on the product, serve a different purpose and / or have different properties.

With a toothbrush, for example, the tongue cleaners on the back and the bristles on the front can be marked / printed. The same or different labeling / printing media or labeling

/ Printing processes are used. Dental floss can also be marked / printed accordingly. In particular dental floss which is clamped in a plastic part (like the flossers / dental violins described above). In the cosmetics sector, mascara brushes, nail polish brushes, face brushes, applicators, make-up or lip gloss brushes are preferably marked / printed.

Other areas of application are shaving brushes and

Wet razors (hair removal), highlight brushes (hair coloring) or hair brushes.

For the household sector, there are washing-up brushes, toilet brushes, clothes brushes, floor mops, brooms as well as brushes and paint rollers.

Preferred material components hard components

The following are preferably used as hard components: styrene polymerizates such as styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS),

Styrene methyl methacrylate (SMMA) or styrene butadiene (SB); Polyolefins such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), for example also in the forms of high density polyethylene (HDPE) or low density polyethylene (LDPE); Polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in the form of acid-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETA) or glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG),

Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), acid modified

Polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate (PCT-A) or glycol modified polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate (PCT-G); Cellulose derivatives such as cellulose acetate (CA), Cellulose acetate butyrate (CAEB), cellulose propionate (CP), cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) or cellulose butyrate (CB); Polyamides (PA) such as PA 6.6, PA 6.10 or PA 6.12; Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA); Polycarbonate (PC); Polyoxymethylene (POM); Polyvinyl chloride (PVC); Polyutherane (PUR); Polyamide (PA); Polyethylene (PE) can be used both as a hard component and as a soft component; Polyurethane (PU) can be used both as a hard component and as a soft component; polypropylene (PP) is preferably used as the hard component with an elastic modulus which is preferably between 1000 to 2400 N / mm ² , particularly preferably between 1300 to 1800 N / mm ² .

The hard component is preferably used for / in stable, structure-bearing elements, for example in the handle body for the handle, the neck and / or head part. If several hard components are used, for example in the two- or multi-component injection molding process or material components are connected with ultrasonic welding, the hard components used preferably form a material connection with one another.

Alternatively, several hard components can be used, which do not form a material connection in two- or multi-component injection molding. In these pairings, a form fit is provided, for example in the form of undercuts and / or openings and / or partial and / or complete overmolding (etc.). The second sprayed hard component then shrinks on cooling to the first sprayed hard component and thus forms a shrinkage connection. Examples of possible hard component pairings which do not have material closure received are polypropylene and polyester, polypropylene and styrene acrylonitrile, etc.

soft components

Soft components preferably form a material connection with the hard components by means of overmolding in the two- or multi-component injection molding process. The following are preferably used as soft components: thermoplastic styrene elastomers (TPE-S), such as, for example, a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymer (SEBS) or styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer (SBS); but also thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPE-U); Thermoplastic polyamide elastomers (TPE-A); Thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers (TPE-O); Thermoplastic polyester elastomers (TPE-E) and silicones. Polyethylene (PE) can be used both as a hard component and as a soft component. Polyurethane (PU) can also be used both as a hard component and as a soft component. The preferred thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) have a Shore A hardness <90, preferably <50, particularly preferably <30.

Preferred material components for sprayed bristles

In contrast to conventional, extruded bristles, sprayed bristles are produced by injection molding. Preferred material components for the sprayed bristles are thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPE-U). Preferred modifications to the TPE-U standard can include: better flow properties and faster solidification or crystallization (ie the molecular chains bond even at high temperatures). Alternative material components include polyethylene (PE), for example in the forms of low density polyethylene (LDPE) or linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) as well as thermoplastic polyester elastomers (TPE-E) and thermoplastic polyamide elastomers (TPE-A).

The material components for sprayed bristles are preferably thermoplastic elastomers and have a Shore D hardness of 0 to 100, preferably 30 to 80. Special shapes of soft components are used for sprayed bristles, which generally have higher Shore hardness than other soft components from which flexible cleaning / massage elements or handle zones or tongue cleaners can be produced.

During the injection molding process (two- or multi-component injection molding), material components for sprayed bristles generally do not form a material connection with the other soft and / or hard components used. Consequently, a positive connection is provided for any connections with other hard or soft components, for example in the form of undercuts and / or openings and / or partial and / or complete overmolding / wrapping

(Etc.). The second sprayed material component for sprayed bristles shrinks on cooling to the first sprayed hard or soft component and thus forms a shrinkage connection.

Special material components

As special material components, which are preferably used, in particular bioplastics should be mentioned, ie plastics that are formed from renewable raw materials. The raw materials for the bioplastics consist, for example, at least partially of corn, hemp, sugar, castor oil, palm oil, potatoes, wheat, sugar cane, rubber, wood and the castor bean plant or the miracle tree. Examples of possible raw materials obtained from the raw materials are: cellulose, starch, lactic acid (PLA), glucose, chitin and chitosan.

The main groups of bioplastics include starch-based bioplastics, cellulose-based bioplastics, polyhydroxyalkanoates (e.g. PHB, polyhydroxybutyric acid), PLA (polylactic acid, e.g. ecovio®), aliphatic / aromatic copolyesters (e.g. Ecoflex® or infinito®). More preferred

Bioplastics include, for example, lignin-based bioplastics. Water-soluble polymers are also suitable.

Wood or grass can also be used as the material component in the area of the handle body.

The handle body can consist of a hardwood, such as chestnut, oak, beech, linden, pear, apple, walnut, poplar, birch, elm, ash or acacia. The handle body can consist of or contain a coniferous wood, such as Douglas fir, spruce, larch, pine or fir. The handle body can consist of a pre-treated or pre-processed wood, such as kebony, thermo-ash or steamed beech, or contain this. The handle body is in particular made of a primary wood. The handle body can also be made from recycled wood. The handle body can also consist of or contain bamboo, liquorice or cedar wood. Licorice or cedarwood stand out for their special Effect or their special smell and / or taste.

Preferred application and / or cleaning elements

In the context of the present invention, the application and / or cleaning elements can comprise the following configurations:

Conventional, extruded bristles

Conventional, extruded bristles can generally be made up of hard and / or soft components. Conventional, extruded bristles (pointed or cylindrical) are preferably made of polyamide (PA) or polyester (PBT).

The production is preferably carried out by means of extrusion (one material component) or by means of co-extrusion (more than one material component). In contrast to sprayed bristles or rubber-elastic massage and

Cleaning elements, which are manufactured by injection molding, are extruded, cut, machined (for example rounded or tapered) and used on the brush handle using a suitable process (anchor punching, AFT, IMT, etc.). The processing of conventional bristles is usually carried out before marking / printing.

The longitudinal shape of the conventional, extruded bristles is preferably cylindrical or tapered (e.g. chemically tapered, especially for bristles made of polyester (PBT)), wavy or twisted or helical.

In cross section, the conventional, extruded bristles are approximately circular, triangular, rectangular, square, elliptical, polygonal, trapezoidal, parallelogram-shaped or rhombus-shaped.

Preferred dimensions for oral hygiene include a diameter of 0.075 mm to 0.25 mm and an area of 0.002 mm ² to 0.2 mm ² .

For cosmetics, preferred dimensions include a diameter of 0.025 mm to 0.2 mm and an area of 0.001 mm ² to 0.15 mm ² .

The surface is smooth or textured. The conventional, extruded bristles are also preferably combined in bundles.

tongue cleaner

Preferred tongue cleaners, for example m

Toothbrushes are integrated, are regularly made up of hard components and / or soft components or a combination of hard components and soft components. Tongue cleaners can also be constructed from a material component for sprayed bristles, which in turn can be combined with hard and / or soft components. Tongue cleaners are regularly injection molded.

Cleaning / massage elements

Cleaning / massage elements are preferably made of

Soft component built up. They are preferably manufactured using the injection molding process.

Sprayed bristles

Sprayed bristles consist of one of the above material components for sprayed bristles and are also preferably produced by injection molding.

Preferred manufacturing process

injection molding

The process or the manufacturing process for toothbrushes in particular initially comprises the injection molding of a base body, which regularly in any case involves a handle, i.e. Grip body or a grip part, a neck part and a head part (with or without recess for a head plate) comprises. An injection molding tool or a machine is used for this. With two or multi-component injection molding,

Connect material components using a material or fabric connection. They connect

Not material components, a form fit is usually sought, for example in the form of a

Shrinkage connection. Depending on the configuration, mobility is also possible, for example by means of a joint (formed by the non-connecting material components). Both hot runner and cold runner processes or co-injection processes are used.

The location of the injection point is preferably chosen so that no injuries to the oral tissue or gums can occur during use due to the material residues that regularly remain there (which, however, can possibly be overmoulded by another material component).

Beborstungsverfahren

For the bristles of the headboard come in here Ask the anchor punching method, anchorless method and screwing method, which are briefly explained below.

In the anchor punching process, the base body is first injected with blind holes and then the bristles are folded and fastened in the head part by means of anchors. The anchor punching is carried out by means of a punching device or a punching tool and corresponding format sets. A similarly applicable process is loop punching.

The bristles are not folded in the anchorless processes, which is why the bristles here are only half the length of the bristles in the anchor punching process.

According to a first method variant, the bristle bundles are first separated. The bristle ends are then melted and then directly encapsulated with plastic component. With this method, several bundles of bristles can be brought together. Known processes include what is known as in-mold tufting (IMT), in which the encapsulation also includes the injection molding of the base body, and so-called integrated anchorless production, in which bristles are first encapsulated with (head) platelets and then the platelets with the base body or be molded around the headboard.

According to a second process variant, (head) platelets with through holes are first injected. The bristles are then provided and passed through the (head) plate. The bristles are then melted on the back and thus also melted with the (head) plate. The bristled (head) The plate is now welded to the separately produced base body by means of ultrasound. Known methods include the V-Air and Zahoransky Z. Vamp 1 methods, in which it is not possible to combine bundles. Other known processes include the Boucherie Anchor Free Tufting (AFT) - and the Zahoransky Z. Vamp 3 process, in which bundles can be combined.

According to a third variant of the method, a base body with through holes for bristles is first injection molded in the head part. The bristles are then provided and passed through the through holes in the head part. Then the bristles are melted on the back. Finally, the bristle melt is overmolded with soft components. Known methods include the Boucherie AMR method, in which the bundling of bundles is not possible. Another known method is the Boucherie AMR + method, in which bundles can be brought together. According to a fourth method variant, a base body with blind holes for the bristles in the head part is first injected. The bristles are then made available in bundles. The bristles are then fused in bundles. Now the handle body at the head area is heated to glass temperature. The bristles are then inserted into blind holes and anchored in the head part by means of pressure (i.e. the size of the blind holes is reduced or the base body is deformed in order to anchor the bristles). A so far known method is the Boucherie PTt method.

With the screwing-in process, which is used for example for Interdental or mascara brushes are used, the filaments are fed from the roll, with several

Filament strands are wound on a roll. Several rolls are pretensioned for the machine assembly, because each filament in the brush corresponds to a filament strand. The filaments are spread out appropriately so that they have the width in which they are inserted into the brush. The filaments are also drawn out so that they are then free for the next step, ie the wire can be passed over them. The wire is fed onto the machine from a roll, ie unwound and introduced into the process. The wire is cut to a length which is greater than the unwound length of the screwed-in brush, because the final cutting takes place only after screwing in. The wire is then bent into a U so that the open side can then be pushed over the filaments (threading in the bristles). The wire is held on the curve or at the bottom of the U. The wire is then pushed over the filaments over the outside. Then the open wire end is clamped so that the filaments hold between the pieces of wire. The filaments are then cut to a length that is greater than the final length in the brush so that the brush can be cut correctly afterwards (when the filaments are screwed in). Finally, the wire is rotated so that the filaments are clamped between the wire, that is, fixed. A spiral of filaments is formed. After the filaments are fixed in the wire, they are cut to the correct length (ie profiled). After the brush part is finished, the excess wire is cut off. Following the appropriate bristles, the toothbrushes can be decorated if necessary and then packed.

Preferred forms of marking / function The function of the invention

Labeling / printing is mostly a form of communication and can be divided into the categories marking, user support, product functionality and benefits for dealers / manufacturers or combinations thereof. The following aspects are particularly important when marking:

Product name / brand / advertising text, etc.: This includes logos and advertising, such as company logos, club logos or event logos. Brands or brands can also be applied vertically, for example on an application and / or cleaning element (e.g. a bundle of bristles). Furthermore, recycling information can be applied (e.g. recycling Möbius tape or recycling icons). The marking / printing according to the invention brings this content to a place where the marking / printing is not yet common: to the application and cleaning elements.

Production codes: these can be identification

/ Include manufacturing numbers, which serve, for example, as protection against theft. Each brush has its own code, which is of particular interest for expensive brushes. The production codes can also be used for traceability, as is the case with lot codes. Sales code / product information: this includes roughly the EAN code. This can be legible through the packaging so that a benefit is generated. In the case of neutral packaging, the code is applied to the application and / or cleaning elements.

The QR code primarily serves as a link to the manufacturer, i.e. about the manufacturer's website, e.g. for the

Reorder the product (address of the online shop), information regarding recycling of the product, information about the life cycle or origin or also for the exact specifications of the product (raw materials used, manufacturing processes, energy consumption, dismantling instructions, disposal instructions etc.). On the

The website can also describe the exact procedure for recycling, for example, if certain parts have to be separated and recycled separately (disassembly instructions), or the various recycling methods for the different parts. The QR code can preferably also be combined with a wear indicator, i.e. the QR code for the (re) order can only be read after wear. Alternatively, the QR code of the product can be read the first time it is used, and a reminder about the expiration of the product's service life is triggered, for example, via an associated app or manufacturer's website. For a toothbrush, the recommended service life is 3 months, for example

Interdental products are recommended to be used for one day to one week.

The QR code can also serve as a link to a consulting website on which the application is communicated (ie how the product is used correctly). In addition to printing, QR codes can also be embossed. The embossing of a QR code requires special embossing stamps, which require the finest processing. To create a stamp for a QR code that can be read later, methods such as etching using acid or milling using a stylus are used. The height difference to be created in the embossing stamp lies in the range between 0.02 mm and 0.10 mm. This difference in height is also transferred to the handle during the stamping process. With height differences in this area, the structures can be made sufficiently fine so that even QR codes with a suggested side length of 5-15 mm, preferably 8-12 mm, particularly preferably 10 mm can ultimately be made legible. The QR code is preferably applied to the bristle-bearing front in the rear half of the handle. Alternatively, this can also be attached to the back of the handle part.

Of course, other machine-readable codes can also be applied according to the invention.

Furthermore, product properties can also be applied, e.g. the number of filament ends. These are counted individually by a camera, for example, and the number is then applied (e.g. 4241). Of course, a previously determined average value can also be used.

Properties of the application and / or cleaning elements can also be communicated by means of applied text and / or a pictogram or a graphic, such as the bristle hardness (ie “soft”, “medium”, “hard”, etc.). In addition, the ingredients or additives of the application and / or cleaning elements can be described, such as Charcoal, Antibac or Bamboo etc. In addition, special properties of the application and / or cleaning elements can be described, such as the shape of the ends: rounded, pointed; the cross section: diamond cross section, wave section; the longitudinal shape: corrugated etc.

In the case of electrical devices, performance information is also applied, such as the number of oscillations (tours) or the speed. The image can be designed so that different speeds represent different images (e.g. electric toothbrush with cleaning mode (1) with a first number of revolutions and in cleaning mode (2) with another number of revolutions).

Products can also be visually upgraded and / or changed using graphics. To a

To make the cleaning device or a brush unique, an individual marking / printing can be applied (e.g. mom, dad, names, years, etc.) or a standardized individuality (e.g. male, female, zodiac signs, western or eastern characteristics / symbols or Age information such as junior, kid, adult, 0 to 6 years, etc.).

Graphics can also serve as a visual support of the properties or the effect of a product, such as by continuing the pattern of the brush handle in the bristle field (or vice versa) as well as images that support or suggest a device function (e.g. visualization of vibration by waves / rings) Sonic Sonic toothbrushes or other electrical devices).

Color or volume-supporting color elements are also conceivable; e.g. lines can be applied in the 3D profile of the bristle field, which make the visualization of the contour of the bristle field more visible. In addition, the color gradient can be designed according to the degree of hardness of the bristle bundles in the bristle field. The intended use of the brush can also be communicated with an illuminating graphic or pictogram ("sensitive", e.g. with a feather, "whitening" e.g. with a polar bear, "interdental" e.g. with an illustrated dental floss or illustrated interdental spaces).

In addition, optical illusions or optical effects can be used, which are caused by movement (i.e. especially with oscillating brushes or sonic brushes). Finally, patterns can also be applied which are visible or changed by the movement of the electric toothbrush (e.g. on the outside of the bristle field of an oscillating toothbrush or on top and / or on the front of the bristle field of a pivoting toothbrush or a Sonic toothbrush.

Examples of graphics in the form of textures or patterns are: coat of arms, children's motifs, comic figures, icons / pictograms or snow mountain motifs (i.e. white bristles / filaments are used, to which blue mountains are laterally applied). Shake images are also conceivable. Furthermore, geometric graphics or geometric shapes can also be applied.

It can also be a copy protection or a seal of authenticity can be provided, for example in the form of a scannable code, an individual code or a code for product registration.

The main focus of user support is on the following:

Recommended use or effect or note for a suitable add-on product: for "Sensitive" application and / or cleaning elements, for example, a

Indication of a "sensitive" toothpaste. Likewise, in the case of “whitening” application and / or cleaning elements, a reference to “whitening”

Toothpaste applied. The same applies to the "Interdental" recommendation for use.

In the case of a face brush, an indication of a corresponding cleaning gel can also be applied (e.g. by specifying the brand name and / or the product name).

It is also conceivable that the labeling / printing indicates the amount or the space provided, the toothpaste, gels, etc. required, e.g. by means of a circle or a strip which is to be filled. This can also be due to the contour or profile of the

Application and / or cleaning elements are supported. In addition, instructions for use or instructions for use can be applied to the user. In oral hygiene this can include, for example: careful use of resources: eg «switch off water», «dispose of properly», recommendation for the cleaning time, eg: «3 minutes cleaning », hygiene recommendations, for example:" Rinse before use "and / or" Dry after use ", and / or" Replace after three months ", etc. In the case of a multi-stage treatment, the recommendation of the next treatment level can be applied (e.g. treatment 1- 2-3-4). In oral hygiene, the following instructions can be applied: 1) toothbrush, 2) dental floss and 3) mouthwash. As with all labels, a textual description or a corresponding graphic instruction is conceivable. Recycling or disposal instructions

If a product consists of different materials, the individual material components or their abbreviations can be specified.

Furthermore, it can be specified how and / or where the individual material components can be separated from one another for disposal. For example, instructions can be given as to where, for example, material must be cut for a material separation. For example, in the case of wooden toothbrushes with a plastic head, it can be specified where the plastic head can be separated. A line and / or corresponding pictogram of the release agent (e.g. scissors, pliers, etc.) can be attached to the intended separation location.

A further user support is provided by first-time use or novelty seals. These can be washable, for example, ie if the product is preferably used for the first time, the identification / color medium is removed. This can also include a covered image, for example, which is exposed. It is also possible to print an indicator for the contact pressure. In a conceivable variant A a wobble image changes with the flexibility of the brush handle (from smiley to no smiley). In another variant, there is a change in color if too much pressure is applied (for example color change or discoloration to red). Here, the

However, the identification medium is applied over a movable point at which the corresponding parameters can be detected or ascertained, so that, for example, a color change takes place. The product functionality also includes chemical reactions of the labeling / printing (e.g. with ions), the release of active substances (substances are integrated in the labeling / color medium) and / or the change in the physical properties of the product. For example, the surface structure of the application and / or

Cleaning elements are changed (e.g. increase roughness, change coefficient of friction, etc.). Different roughnesses can also be provided in the application area (i.e. zones with / without

Marking / printing). This can also be done, for example, by adding additives to the labeling / color medium (e.g. the printer ink). In this way, for example, a part of the handle body which is touched for the application can be provided with a pressure which improves the feel. Or elements in Braille can be realized in a similar way. Different surface structures are provided not only on the handle body but also on application and / or cleaning elements. Tongue cleaners, sprayed bristles, application and / or cleaning elements can be used for this purpose

Soft material or zones of it especially for this own.

Furthermore, the physical properties of the labeled / printed medium or the application and / or cleaning elements can be changed. For example, thick marking / printing (layer thickness) can be provided so that the properties of the base material no longer have an effect at the corresponding point.

A benefit for retailers or manufacturers can be the product differentiation for a product for several different customers (i.e. the same products for different customers are created using

Marking / printing differentiated). In this way, special editions can be created with little effort (e.g. seasonal motifs or major events such as the World Cup or the

Olympic Games) .

It is also possible to produce very small series. The labeling / printing for small series can be quickly adapted using digital processes. It is also possible to label each product individually (lot size 1)

Preferred labeled / printed media

The labeled / printed medium preferably comprises semi-finished or raw materials, processed products and variants.

Extruded materials come as semi-finished or raw materials

Filaments into consideration (see under massage and cleaning elements). There are also two or two Three-component filaments possible. Charcoal (charcoal.) Can be used as additives in the filaments

(Charcoal)), metal flakes, antibacterial additives, etc. be included. Bristles bundled into a bristle puck (here not puck tufts are meant, but rather the semi-finished product or the batch in which the bristles are brought to the bristling machine) can be identified at their tips. These can be cylindrical or tapered filaments. These can be colored or marked on one or both sides. The labeling / printing must of course take place depending on the (post) processing i.e. Any grinding / cutting / profiling of the bristles or also rounding or tapering (physical and / or chemical processing) of the bristle ends must be taken into account. As a rule, the processing of extruded bristles is done before marking.

Alternatively, the marking / printing can take place before processing, but the marked / printed part of the bristles is no longer processed or is not damaged by the processing.

A tight packing of the application and / or cleaning elements, for example bristles, only results in a superficial marking / printing on their ends. A less dense package also provides depth marking, ie not only in the area of the ends of the application and / or cleaning elements or the bristles. The density ratio, depending on the properties of the marking / color medium, results in the depth of the marking / printing. In this context, the capillary action must also be checked. It depends on the identification / color medium used, ie on the ink used or its viscosity. Viscous identification / color media, such as a wax-like ink, bring little to no capillary action, but also little depth of penetration. For the length of the coloring in the longitudinal direction of the bristles, see below.

An optimal process of the bristle processing including marking includes pre-rounding or tapering, marking / printing and then inserting the bristles. Further subsequent processing such as tapering, rounding, cuts and / or grinding can also result in a removal of the marking / printing and thus a deliberate change or weakening of the marking / printing in this area.

Processed products can of course also be marked / printed. The sprayed cleaning elements comprise sprayed bristles and sprayed, rubber-elastic cleaning elements (e.g. in the form of lamellae, knobs or the like). at

Bristle bundles are preferably not marked / printed on the individual bristle, but rather a bundle or a group of bristles. A tongue cleaner on the toothbrush, which is formed from a hard component and / or from a soft component, can also be marked / printed.

Furthermore, elements that can be degraded during use and / or elements that release active substances during use can also be labeled in this way. For example, elements made from water-soluble polymers. By dissolving the element, the printing is of course also removed / dissolved.

In addition, within the scope of the present invention, a marking / marking / printing of the brush body, the bristle melt (in the case of brushes bristle-free from anchors), the bristle area (the area in which the bristle holes are made) and / or the bristle holes (for example for covering) can of course also be carried out of unsightly geometries or a bristle melt with transparent brushes). This can be done separately or before the bristles.

Elements that are produced by means of additive manufacturing (e.g. 3D printing), such as application and / or cleaning elements, can also be labeled or printed. In addition, pure tongue cleaners can be marked / printed which have no further cleaning elements, but only one scraping edge; or flocked elements in which the base element is reworked with flocking.

The printing or marking of flocked elements in the handle body or also under the cleaning and / or application elements of a cleaning device takes place after they have been applied to the final product. The flocked elements can consist of hard and / or soft material. For example

Cleaning devices such as interdental cleaners,

Lip gloss applicators, handle bodies are wholly or partially flocked. All printing / labeling methods proposed in this document can be used. Prefers become non-contact processes.

Conventional, extruded bristles of short length (approx. 0.1 to 5 mm; preferably approx. 0.3 - 2 mm) are referred to as flock fibers ("flock" for short). In electrostatic flocking, millions of such short bristles are applied to an element coated with adhesive in an electrical field. The field lines ensure that the fibers align themselves essentially vertically and thus create a uniform, textile surface. Depending on the fiber thickness and length, a velvety to hard-abrasive surface can be created depending on the desired function, appearance or feel.

Preferred place of application Form of the marked / printed medium

The marked / printed medium preferably comprises individual bundles, several bundles or large bundles (so-called puck tufts), as produced without anchor in the AFT or PTt process, which have large marked / printed areas. These surfaces can be flat, curved, fan-shaped, conical, undulating or have another non-planar topography.

When marking / printing bundles that consist of several picks, logos can be marked / printed and picks that consist of different types of bristles (e.g. different colors, finishes (pointed or rounded), different diameters, different materials etc.), ie different types of bristles are marked / printed in a bundle. A pick is understood to be a separation process for a bundle of bristles in the bristle machine. In a conventional brush or a brush manufactured using the anchor punching method, a pick corresponds to a bundle of bristles. For example in anchor-free

Bristling processes such as Aft, IMT or PTt make it possible, at least in part, to produce a bundle of bristles (viewed in the finished product) from several picks.

A puck tuft is understood here to mean a large coherent bundle with a high bristle density in the bristle field and preferably with a large number of bristles in the corresponding individual bundle of a finished product, e.g. a toothbrush. The individual bristles lie against each other in high density. The bristles of the bundle are generally connected to one another via a coherent melt carpet or a bristle melt, and the puck tuft is made up of several picks during manufacture.

In the case of a very large bundle which has, for example, a carpet structure or a so-called puck tuft, it is possible to mark / print only a part, for example only bristles which are higher in the bundle are marked.

Form of marking / printing The marking / printing can be on the side of the application and / or cleaning elements (i.e. on the

Coat). It can take place partially or 360 ° around the application and / or cleaning elements. For example, in the case of an oscillating round or elliptical electric toothbrush or a face brush, the marking / printing can be done around the side the bristle field take place.

The marking / printing can also (additionally or alone) on top of the application and / or

Cleaning elements, i.e. on the contact surface or on the end area of the application and / or cleaning elements on the use side.

Furthermore, a topography occupied by the ends of the application and / or cleaning elements can also be marked / printed, i.e. a 3D shape with an X, Y, and a Z component. This

Topography can be formed by the end regions on the use side and / or laterally by the application and / or cleaning elements.

The marking / printing can also include different zones in the bristle field, e.g. in the middle a carpet structure, for example in the form of a puck tuft, and outside, normal, single bristle bundles. It can also be different

Printings / printing processes / marking processes are used, such as high-resolution markings / prints in the dense part or deep markings / prints penetrating into the bristle field in the less dense part. It is also possible to use a different printing process for the handle body and application and / or cleaning elements.

The resolution, the color, the surface structure and / or the composition of the marking / printing can thus vary depending on the packing density of the bristles.

Criteria with which the marking / printing can change are the length, color, shape, cross-section, material and / or the type of processing of the end area of the application and / or cleaning elements.

The bristle melt in AFT brushes can also be marked / printed (e.g. in neon color so that the color shines through the tips). In this way, for example, the not so beautiful bristle melt can be covered at the same time.

Bristle bundles which are conical upwards (i.e. which have bristles diverging upwards in the manner of a bouquet) can also be marked / printed. This is better for

Lettering, cf. below regarding the distances between the bristle ends or the distances between the areas to be marked / printed. The bristle bundles, which are conical at the top, form a continuous surface consisting of bristle ends.

The marking / printing can also take place at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the bristles, ie the marking leads laterally from the bristles against the bristle tips. This works particularly well with brushes, but is also possible with the other brushes mentioned. For example, one or more bundles of bristles can be marked / printed, so to speak, over a corner, ie over their top, front and / or longitudinal edge. 360 ° marking / printing in the form of an image is also possible. For example, a spiral shape can be applied around a bundle or around a screwed-in brush etc. In this case, the marking / printing goes over 360 °, the beginning and end of the marking lie together or in the same degree of angle (0 ° = 360 °). Labeling / printing is also possible over several bundles. Different types of applications and / or cleaning elements can be used with one

Labeling / printing can be combined. For example, there is a simultaneous one

Marking / printing on bristles and / or

Application and / or cleaning elements

Soft component and / or sprayed bristles possible. In a further combination, application and / or cleaning elements can be made on a brush head

Soft components, for example in the form of lamellae or knobs on the inside and bundles with conventional bristles on the outside. Both the application and / or cleaning elements made from conventional bristles and those made from soft components can be marked / printed before the conventional bristles are anchored. This is possible with various bristle methods, for example with the anchor punch method as well as with the PTt method.

Electrical devices are a special case: Here, the design can be such that the actual communication / marking or printing etc. is only visible when the device is switched on (e.g. vibration, oscillation or swiveling). That the movement of the marked application and / or cleaning elements results in a different image / pattern than in the idle state.

With an electrical device, fixed and / or movable application and / or cleaning elements can be marked / printed. Here, the Continue labeling via the application and / or cleaning elements via the fixed part to the moving part and the movement then results in different images with a fixed and a moving part. The movement can thus be made visible by optical effects (for example in the case of small movements). For example, the

Labeling / printing of the application and / or cleaning elements of an oscillating electric toothbrush have a punctiform pattern, which becomes a line due to the movement. This means that the oscillation angle can be clearly shown to the user.

Furthermore, the handle body can also be printed / labeled on its various parts. The printing / marking of handle bodies can be done in different processes.

The printing / marking can cover a wide printing field. This does not necessarily have to be flat, it can also have a curvature. The curvature can be circular, rounded or oval (viewed in cross section). The curvature preferably has a radius (with the center of the longitudinal axis of the handle body) from 2 mm to 15 mm, more preferably from 4 mm to 8 mm.

The printing can be applied with the center of the longitudinal axis in cross-section at an angle a - seen in the transverse direction. The angle a is a maximum of 180 ° (preferably 120 ° to 180 °), accordingly the upper surface of the product can be printed in one step essentially up to the parting plane. For example, for the above Printing / marking the pad printing process,

Inkjet printing or laser printing can be used. It is important in the case that the product or cleaning device to be printed is well held in a holding means (or a workpiece carrier) and thus assumes a clearly defined position. The product or cleaning device to be printed is to be leveled by the holding means in order to assume an as horizontal position as possible. The holding means can also be used to create a cover for certain parts of the product or cleaning device to be printed, which may not be printed.

The tampon, which is usually used to transfer the ink, has a curved shape, adapted to the surface to be printed. This deforms appropriately so that the applied pressure has the correct appearance. To make this possible, the color of the printed image on the tampon is provided in a distorted manner, so that the printed image appears correctly after application to the curved surface. The same applies to inkjet printing or laser printing.

With the methods mentioned handle bodies with strong curvatures can be printed / marked transversely to the longitudinal direction. However, it is also possible, in addition or as an alternative, to print / mark curvatures in the longitudinal direction of the handle body. The method even allows handle surfaces to be marked not only with convex but also with concave zones. The radii of curvature or transitions of the curved convex or concave zones of the surfaces to be printed should not be less than 2 mm, preferably 4 mm, radii.

Larger curved surfaces can thus be found on the handle body from 400 to 2000 mm ^2, preferably 500 to 1800 mm ² , particularly preferably 600 to 1400 mm ^{2, can be} printed / labeled.

It is possible to interrupt the printed / marked surface, i.e. Print multiple regions in one operation. The regions can be separated by different material components. For example, a printed hard component on the handle body can be separated into two or more printed regions by a soft component. Furthermore, for example, a printed hard component on the handle body can be separated into two or more printed regions by surface structures or discontinuities (edges, shoulders, etc.) on the surface of the hard component.

Preferred parameters In the following, particularly preferred parameters for labeling / printing are given.

The preferred width / length of the marking / printing on the surface of the bristle field of the cleaning devices according to the invention is from 0.01 mm to 50 mm, preferably from 1 mm to 20 mm.

The depth of the marking / printing (e.g. into the bristle field) depends on the density of the bristle pack and the properties of the medium to be marked / printed. With regard to a packing density of the application and / or cleaning elements with which one

Labeling / printing is possible, the bristle distances or the distances of the areas to be marked / printed are first discussed. The bristle density is understood to be the number of filament ends that occur in a certain area. Regarding the counting method, it should also be said that in the case of an anchor stamping process, two filament ends are formed from one filament on a brush.

Two preferred examples are given for a high bristle density (as is achieved, for example, with face brushes):

Example A: Here the bristle hole diameter is approx. 1.77 mm, the bristle diameter approx. 3 mils, at 220

Bristles which 440 bristle ends

(Printing area / marking area).

Example B: Here the bristle hole diameter is approx. 2.3 mm, the bristle diameter approx. 2.5 mils, with 146 bristles which 292 bristle ends

(Printing area / marking area). In the case of a conical bristle hole (ie sprinkling the bristles), this corresponds to a density of 18.25 bristles / mm ² on the area to be marked / printed. With a low density (ie large bristle spacing), the marking / printing goes deeper into the bristle field than with a dense package. The looseness to pressure depth ratio cannot be determined directly, since it depends on the bristle component, the pressure medium and the bristle density.

The resolution of the printhead compared to the bristle density plays a role in the labeling / printing options. With a high resolution of the means for marking the printhead, for example, the bristle density can be smaller, so that it is more legible Labeling / printing is created.

In the present case, the bristle density for the marking / printing is preferably from 12 bristles / mm ² to 25 bristles / mm ^2, preferably from 16 bristles / mm ² to 20 bristles / mm ² .

It can also be provided to realize different bristle densities in a bristle field. This means, for example, that different labeling qualities, e.g. Print qualities or different possibilities for the displayed object can be achieved. For example, partly a photo-realistic image in the area of the high densities and on the other hand a simpler printing in the area of the lower densities.

The marking / printing can be single-colored, two-colored, three-colored, four-colored or generally multi-colored or photorealistic. It can have one or more different properties besides color or instead of color. It can also have different courses, e.g. a color gradient or a layer thickness gradient.

With a multi-layer marking / printing e.g. A multi-layer print can have several layers with different properties, different images (e.g. depending on the age of use of a brush you have a different image) or different chemical ones

Properties are applied. The application and / or cleaning elements to be printed are marked / printed in several passes.

In the present case, the resolution of the marking / printing is preferably 20 dpi to 3,000 dpi, further preferably 150 dpi to 1,500 dpi. The ratio of dpi to the number of bristles / mm ² is preferably 1: 0.8 to 1: 250, preferably 1: 7.5 to 1: 93.75.

The following applies to the minimum size of an individually identifiable / printing area (i.e. so that the representation can be recognized): the area must be large enough so that marking points / pressure points can be "caught". In particular, the number of marking points / pressure points must be higher than the number of bristles in order to mark or print on a surface.

In the context of the present invention, the minimum size of the area to be marked / printed is preferably 0.0001 mm ² .

The application surface for the labeling / color medium can be on the surface of the application and cleaning elements, i.e. the application can be done by gluing or powder (no liability). The color medium or the identification medium can also penetrate the application and cleaning elements (e.g. by lasering or migration of the identification / color medium).

With regard to the visibility of the marking / printing or the necessary color contrast, the chromaticity or the chromaticity difference is specified as a parameter. By definition, chromaticity describes the relative color effect in relation to the reference white, i.e. in comparison to a certain brightest point in a color space. The chromaticity is suitable as a measurement value for conical color spaces, for example, where measurements can be taken from the top. These systems are practically where in printing the paper white represents the zero color and for saturated black exactly the same amount of paint is required as for saturated red. White has a chroma of 0, the colors (colorful tones) and deep black up to 100%, medium gray 50%.

To achieve visibility on a white base, the colourfulness must have a value of at least 40%, preferably at least 50%.

To achieve visibility on colors other than white, the difference in color must be at least 40%, preferably at least 50% (if the same colors are used). When using different colors, however, it is not possible to measure with the difference in color. In general, it is possible to provide a primer with white paint so that the colors applied to it are applied on a good basis and give a good visual appearance. This prevents the base color of the application and / or cleaning elements or the handle body from shining through.

Preferred labeling procedure / printing procedure

Labeling procedures / printing process

In the context of the present invention, the preferred labeling method or printing method is the inkjet method. Printing with wax-like ink is particularly preferred. The ink can be water soluble or water insoluble.

The wax-like ink is warmed up or melted and is viscous when not warmed until firm. It can only be processed regularly in the liquid state. The ink solidifies on contact with the surface to be marked / printed. Color changes are always complex because long distances have to be covered in hoses (or lines). The drying time of the waxy ink is usually less than 2 seconds. The ink can then be touched. For example, the food wax 5012 vop markers Imaje (a Dover Company) can be used.

Another preferred variant is the UV direct printing process. The ink does not dry in the ambient air, for example on a sheet of paper, but is cured with ultraviolet light immediately after application to the surface of the material to be labeled / printed (substrate). The dried ink has a slightly satin appearance that comes very close to high quality printed paper. This results in a disadvantage in durability under sunlight or adverse weather conditions. The UV curing increases the strength of the print on the one hand and on the other hand creates a slight protection against yellowing.

The laser method is also preferred in the present case. On the one hand, a marking by means of a laser can be applied and / or under the surface

Cleaning elements are made. The advantage of marking under the surface of the application and / or cleaning elements is that the deep gloss is not impaired. In another variant of the laser method, the surface of the application and / or cleaning elements is changed mechanically / thermally. The actual color comes from the substrate and depends on the laser treatment. The surface is preferably foamed or "burned". So it is not an actual application of paint, but a stoving.

Another preferred method is screen printing. The printing form of screen printing consists of a frame that is covered with a fabric. A stencil is photographically applied (sometimes by hand in the case of artistic work). The stencil prevents the application of color at those points on the print image that should not be printed. The printing form is then fastened in a printing machine over the material to be printed (printing material). Then printing ink is applied to the fabric and spread with a rubber squeegee through the open areas of the stencil on the substrate. The color is pressed through the mesh of the fabric and applied to the surface to be printed. After printing, the printed material is removed from the machine or laid out to dry.

The pad printing process can also be used in the context of the present invention. The printed image to be transferred is exposed on a cliché using a positive film (offset film). This cliché is then washed out and the exposed printed image remains recessed on the surface of the cliché. A basic distinction is made between steel clichés and plastic clichés. In the case of steel clichés, the printed image is etched into the steel surface. Steel clichés can be found particularly in the case of recurring print images with very large numbers Use. In the present case, plastic clichés are preferred because they adapt well to the surface to be printed. This also enables non-flat printing / marking areas.

Pad printing usually requires a solid surface. In the context of the present invention, it can be used above all for the marking / printing of bristle pucks, since the bristles can be fixed or held well here. Application and / or cleaning elements can also be marked / printed with the necessary tools.

Different labeling / printing methods can be combined for labeling / printing. In addition to the application and / or cleaning elements, other elements and zones on the product can also be marked / printed using the same labeling / printing method. For example, the handle body or the hand part with the same method as the application and / or

Cleaning elements are marked / printed.

Depending on the process, variants are possible (e.g. individualized production, for example with lot size 1).

In order to improve the adhesion of the medium to the part to be printed, it may be necessary to pretreat the surface. The surface is prepared by gassing, plasma treatment, corona treatment, ion treatment, so that the pressure can adhere. Properties of preferred labeling / color media such as inks / toners / varnishes etc.

In addition to the standard components, flavors, cosmetics (elements supporting the application), abrasive elements (synthetic or natural, such as corundum) and / or Active substance may be included. An active substance is understood here to mean a substance which has an effect in the respective area of application.

The following types of active substances are differentiated: (A) Oral hygiene active substances with toothpaste-like

Effect that can make a conventional toothpaste superfluous. The following ingredients are suitable for this: Sorbitol, flavors, hydrated silicon, sodium, lauryl sulfate, sodium monofluorophosphate, creatine, zinc sulfate, triclosan, glycerin, sodium saccharin, propylene glycol, disodium phosphate, alumina, trisodium phosphate, sodium fluoride, betaines, Titanium Dioxide, Cellulose Gum, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, etc.

(B) Active substances with antibacterial effect for occasional cleaning of the brush head in the toothbrush glass before or after brushing your teeth. The following ingredients can be used: Sodium Bicarbonate, Citric Acid, Phosphoric Acid, Sodium Carbonate, Potassium Carbonate, Sodium Perborate, Sodium Hexamethaphosphate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Stearate, etc. (C) Active substances which indicate the cleaning success by coloring the plaque on the tooth surface (ie by coloring the plaque residues). The following

Ingredients are suitable for this glucose, maltodextrin, magnesium sterate, aroma, saccharin, microcrystalline cellulose, etc.

(D) additional active substances which do not occur in conventional pastes, but which supplement or enhance their effect (cf. ingredients from (A) to (C)). (E) active substances for tooth bleaching («bleaching»), e.g. those with ingredients containing hydrogen peroxide.

(F) Two-component systems made of active substances and specially developed toothpaste, which, when they come together, produce a chemical or physical reaction. In principle, both single use of an active substance and multiple use are possible. For single use, one insert consumes one serving of active substance. When used multiple times, one insert only consumes part of the active ingredient portion. It goes without saying that the concentration or the amount of the active substance is set much lower for the intended single use than for multiple use. When used once, the concentration corresponds approximately to the concentration of the active substances of conventional pastes. In the event of multiple use, the corresponding concentration is increased several times. In addition to the concentration, the range / duration of use of the active substance portion can also be influenced by the water liquid and water flushing or corresponding openings become .

The essential requirements for such active substance additives in the marking / color medium are that they have to be processed by the marking / printing process, for example the active substance dissolved in the marking / color medium in an ink must pass through the nozzle of an inkjet or the corresponding process and it must be compatible with the carrier of the labeling medium (for example the wax). Depending on the area of application, for example, are also further

Food suitability, cosmetic suitability etc. provided .

Regarding the strength, permanent or waterproof marking / color media e.g. Inks etc. are used or non-permanent. The non-permanent identification / color media e.g. Inks etc. are preferably water-soluble or soluble due to abrasion. The drying time for the aforementioned labeling / color media e.g. Inks etc. should be as short as possible, i.e. preferably less than 2 seconds or matched to the clock of the respective machine (or faster)

If necessary, a post-treatment must be carried out so that the labeling / printing dries well (e.g. by means of air, heat and / or light) or that it becomes firm to the touch.

For compliance reasons, the labeling / color media must be suitable for body contact and / or consumption depending on the area of application, ie they must be food-safe. The labeling / color media can basically be any any color (white, black, colorful, etc.). The choice of color also depends on the respective one

Labeling or printing processes. In terms of visibility, opaque colors or translucent colors are preferred.

In the case of the labeling / color media, there must in particular be liability on the material components of the application and / or cleaning elements and / or the handle body. In addition, the identifiability or printability of the material components of the application and / or cleaning elements and / or the handle body must be guaranteed.

Preferred installation of the labeling

/ Printing medium or printhead installation The marking / printing medium or the printhead is preferably installed so that it can be moved over three axes (X, X, Z). In addition, it can preferably also be rotated or pivoted about these axes. In this way, the same distance to the product can always be kept and 3D bodies can also be marked / printed i.e. Bodies in which the corresponding surfaces have a 3D contour. As a variant, the

Brush handle (handle body) be marked / printed. Preferred heights of the areas to be marked (the marking / printing field) or printhead heights range from 5 mm to 100 mm, further preferably from 10 mm to 50 mm. The preferred number of nozzles of the print head regularly ranges from 5 to 500, more preferably from 10 to 300. The preferred marking / printing speed ranges from 2 m per minute to 100 m per minute, more preferably from 5 m per minute to 60 m per minute.

In the case of a print head that cannot be adjusted in height, the print head is installed in such a way that it is arranged at a medium distance from the part to be printed. This means that when printing on curved surfaces, the distance is measured and averaged and the averaged dimension corresponds to the optimal printing distance. This creates areas with a greater distance than the optimal distance and areas with a smaller distance than the optimal distance.

For accurate printing, it is generally the case that the accuracy of the alignment of the print head with respect to the part to be printed is essential, so that the print on the part is ultimately applied precisely within small tolerances in the right place.

The following preferred variants are specified with regard to the movement during the marking / printing process:

Variant (A): the means for labeling / printing (e.g. the print head) is fixed, the chain or the belt (as a transport device for the product) moves with the product. Or the means for marking / printing or the print head moves and the product is fixed. Labeling / printing is only possible on the width (i.e. over the height) of the labeling / printing medium.

Variant (B): the labeling / printing medium (e.g. the print head) is movable (3D), the chain or ribbon (as a transport device for the product) with product moves. Here a marking / printing of a surface with a topography is possible (larger marking / printing area).

Variant (C): the labeling / printing medium (e.g. the print head) is movable (3D), the product is fixed. It is also possible to mark / print a surface with a topography (larger marking / printing area).

Variant (D): the labeling / printing medium (e.g. the print head) is movable, the product rotates. This is necessary, for example, for spiral marking / printing or for 360 ° marking / printing of a screwed-in brush.

In the process, a maximum of 30 cycles are generally provided for integration into the punching machine (e.g. in the AFT process, PTt process or in conventional punching). In the present case, 15 to 30, more preferably 20 to 30, cycles are preferably provided. The number of cycles in the stamping process depends on the bristle field, i.e. on the number of picks, the bundles of bristles that have to be provided.

In one variant, several brushes are processed in parallel, i.e. marked / printed. In this way the cycle time can be kept but the number of brushes can be increased.

Preferred process integration

The integration into the manufacturing process can take place as follows: Before attaching the bristles: when the raw material or semi-finished product is marked / printed. It should be noted here that post-processing may rub off the marking / pressure (e.g. on the bristles or on the brush handle).

After attaching the bristles: when the bristle field is marked / printed. This means with sprayed bristles, flexible cleaning elements and AFT head platelets after injection molding. In the case of punched bristles / screwed-in bristles, this means after bristling or before packaging. The preferred process is: punching - cutting - rounding -

Marking / printing. The marking / printing medium (e.g. the print head) is moved directly on the punching machine while the product is moving in the process step. The punching process is open, e.g. conventional, anchorless (AFT, PTt, IMT process), screwing machine or brush production, etc.

The processing during punching comprises the following steps: punching - cutting - marking / printing - rounding (grinding) (i.e. the bristles are at least partially colored). A variant in a double punching machine comprises punching in several steps: punching - cutting - rounding - marking / printing - punching - cutting - rounding (- marking / printing). Side marking / printing is possible here, but 3D effects or several marking / printing levels in the same bristle field are also possible.

The integration before packaging can also provide an intermediate step on the packaging machine. The process integration can take place inline, on the one hand, ie directly on the existing production machines (with an additional work step) or offline, ie, with a separate device only for executing the labeling / printing step. The offline variant is intended for individual design in the shop, for example.

The medium to be labeled / printed can be held fixed or moving in the process, depending on whether the print head is installed fixed or moving and of course also depending on the motif and the

Imprint area / marking area.

Tools for accurate marking / printing include, among other things, screens for covering non-marking / printing parts.

Furthermore, deformation elements can be provided, which align the medium to be marked / printed before the marking / printing and after the marking / printing have it returned to the original position. This can displace application and / or cleaning elements, i.e. pushing away unidentifiable / printing application and / or cleaning elements (i.e.

Bristle bundles and / or TPE elements are bent). This enables marking / printing in depth, for example behind other application and / or cleaning elements. Of course, the application and / or cleaning elements for marking / printing can also be pressed together. Finally, a template can be provided in the bristle field, which is removed after the marking / printing. Such a template is used, for example, when individual bundles are to be marked / printed in a bristle field. For this purpose, a cover element is arranged over the surface to be bristled before punching. Then it is punched through the cover element. Before labeling / printing, that is

Cover element raised so that only the tips of the bristle bundles look out of the cover element and can then be marked / printed. Then the template is removed by extending. In this way, labeling / printing in addition to the desired bundles can be avoided.

When printing on the handle body, templates can also be used to protect or cover parts that are not to be printed.

Basically, in the context of the present invention, the handle in the same process step as the

Application and / or cleaning elements are marked / printed. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings for purposes of illustration.

Show it:

1: a perspective view of a toothbrush head according to the invention with identification / printing on the top, lengthways and on the front of the bristle field;

2: a perspective view of a toothbrush head according to the invention analogous to FIG. 1 with a marked / printed tongue cleaner element on the back;

3: a perspective view of a further toothbrush head according to the invention with marking / printing on corners on the top, lengthways and on the front of the bristle field;

4a: a side view of an inventive

(round) toothbrush head for an electrically oscillating toothbrush with a conventionally punched bristle field with a laterally applied pattern in the idle state;

4b: the toothbrush head according to the invention

4a in motion;

5a: a plan view of a further (round) toothbrush head according to the invention with a conventionally stamped bristle field for an electrically oscillating toothbrush with a pattern applied on top of the bristle field in the idle state; 5b: the toothbrush head according to the invention

Fig. 5a in motion;

6a: a perspective view of a toothbrush head according to the invention for an electrically pivoting toothbrush with a pattern applied to the bristle field at rest;

6b: The toothbrush head according to the invention

6a in motion; 7a: a side view of an inventive

Interdental or mascara brush with an applied longitudinal pattern or longitudinal stripe;

7b: a perspective view of the interdental or mascara brush according to FIG. 7a;

8a: a side view of an inventive

Interdental or mascara brush with an applied wave pattern;

8b: a perspective view of the interdental or mascara brush according to FIG. 8a;

9a: a side view of an inventive one

Interdental or mascara brush with an applied 360 ° pattern in the form of a spiral;

9b: a perspective view of the interdental or mascara brush according to FIG. 9a;

10 is a perspective view of an interdental or

Mascara brush with an applied logo;

11: a plan view of an inventive one

Flosser with marked / printed

Dental floss;

12a: a top view of an inventive one

Interdental cleaner with cross-labeled / printed cleaning elements; 12b: a side view of the interdental cleaner according to FIG. 12a;

13a: a plan view of an inventive Face brush with a pattern applied to the top of the bristle field;

13b: a side view of the face brush according to

13a, which shows an additional, circumferential marking / printing (360 °);

Fig. 14: a perspective view of a brush according to the invention with a

Labeling / printing on corners; 15 is a schematic front view of an arrangement for marking / printing the bristle field of a cleaning device;

16 shows a plan view of a schematic arrangement for marking / printing on the bristle field of a schematically illustrated cleaning device according to a first variant;

17 shows a plan view of a schematic arrangement for identifying the bristle field of a schematically illustrated cleaning device according to a second variant;

18 shows a plan view of a schematic arrangement for identifying the bristle field of a schematically illustrated cleaning device according to a third variant; 19 shows a plan view of a schematic arrangement for identifying the bristle field of a schematically illustrated cleaning device according to a fourth variant; 20 shows a plan view of a schematic arrangement for identifying the bristle field of a schematically illustrated cleaning device according to a fifth variant; 21 shows a perspective view of a toothbrush handle body according to the invention with identification / printing on the front;

FIG. 22 is a plan view of the toothbrush handle body from FIG. 21; 23 shows a plan view of a further toothbrush handle body with identification / printing on the front; and

Fig. 24 is a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a

Toothbrush handle body with marking / printing on the front.

In Fig. 1, a head part 2 for a manual toothbrush 1 is illustrated. Various application and / or cleaning elements 5a, 5b and 5c protrude from the top 2a of the approximately rectangular head part 2, which together form the bristle field 6.

On the front side 10 of the bristle field 6 there are arranged bristle bundles 5a which flare conically from the upper side 2a of the head part 2 in the direction of their free end. In the present case, the sprinkling bristle bundles 5a extend approximately to the middle of the bristle field 6 or the head part 2. They include the front rows on the head part 2 and are arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis L of the head part 2. The approximately middle row of application and / or cleaning elements is by lamellar

Rubber elements 5b are formed, which are also arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis L of the head part 2. This is followed by conventional (cylindrical) bristle bundles 5c, which are likewise arranged in rows transverse to the longitudinal axis L of the head part 2 and which also form the rear side 14 of the bristle field 6. The back 14 of the bristle field 6 faces the handle part 3 of the toothbrush.

The bristle field 6 is marked / printed on its upper side 9, its front side 10 and its long side 11 with an identification / color medium 7. The marking / printing can include, for example, a logo, a picture, instructions for use or a code etc. (the "text" serves as a placeholder in the present case). The marking / printing can be made 360 ° around the bristle field 6, i.e. completely along the outer sides 11, as well as the front and back 10, 14. Each of the outer application and / or cleaning elements 5a, 5b, 5c can be marked or printed with the color medium in whole or in part in the region of its outer side. However, gaps can also be left (i.e. an unprinted or unmarked application and / or cleaning element 5a, 5b, 5c between two marked / printed).

On the top side 9 of the bristle field 6, in principle, each of the application and / or cleaning elements can be marked / printed in whole or in part with the identification / color medium 7. Depending on the hole geometry, different densities can be present in the bristle field 6 (ie in particular the brushing bristle bundles 5a and the conventional bristle bundles 5c which have preferably been applied here using the anchor stamping method). For example, the bristle field 6 can be denser at the front than at the rear, but the reverse arrangement is also possible.

The label / color medium 7, as in all of the other embodiments shown, is preferably a waxy and quick drying ink. The pattern shown basically also serves as a placeholder for various other types of labeling / printing which are listed above in the general description.

The in Fig. 2 head part 2 shown on its

Rear 2b a tongue cleaner 12 made of soft component, which has a plurality of knobs 12a and fins 12b. The soft component of the tongue cleaner 12 covers almost the entire back 2b of the head part 2, except for the edge 2c. To this extent, the tongue cleaner 12 forms an island of soft components on the back 2b of the head part 2.

The tongue cleaner 12 is marked / printed with an identification / color medium 7. The

Labeling / printing can include, for example, a logo, instructions for use or a code etc. (the "text" serves as a placeholder in the present case). The marking / printing runs over the lamellae 12b, which are arranged in the front area of the tongue cleaner 12, and over flat areas in FIG middle region of the tongue cleaner 12. However, the marking / printing can also go over the knobs 12a.

The marking / color edium 7 is also preferably a wax-like and quick-drying ink. In addition to the marked / printed tongue cleaner 12, the head part 2 can also have marked / printed application and / or cleaning elements 5a, 5b, 5c (as in FIG. 1), i.e. brush bristles 5a, lamellar rubber elements 5b and conventional

Bristle bundle 5c. The knobs 12 a are arranged in the present case on the outer or longitudinal sides of the tongue cleaner 12. The slats 12b are preferably arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis L of the head part 2. In principle, the text pattern also serves as a placeholder for various other types of labeling / printing which are listed above in the general description.

In Fig. 3 shows a further head part 2 for a toothbrush 1, which in turn is different

Application and / or cleaning elements 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d,

5e, which form the bristle field 6. The front side 10 of the bristle field 6 is formed by a large bristle bundle or a puck tuft 5d, which is arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis L of the head part 2. Behind it are several struggling

Bristle bundles 5a, which in turn are arranged in several rows transversely to the longitudinal axis L of the head part 2. Then in the middle of the head part 2, lamellar rubber elements 5b are also arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis L of the head part 2. The back 14 of the bristle field 6 is formed by a puck tuft 5e, which is approximately smaller than the front puck tuft 5d.

It can be seen that in the front puck tuft 5d one

Labeling / printing has been applied in a corner, here in the form of a ring

Marking / printing, which is on the outside 11, the front 10 and the top 9 of the puck

Tufts 5d (or the bristle field 6) extends. The

Labeling / printing thus runs over the top, front and the longitudinal or outer edge 8a, 8b, 8c of the

Puck tufts 5d (or the bristle field 6). The conventional bristle bundles 5c and the rear puck tuft 5e are each also corner

Markings / printing applied, in each case from the outside 11 to the top 9, i.e. over the longitudinal or outer edge 8c of these elements.

In particular, the puck tufts 5d, 5e have preferably been applied by means of the AFT process. As can be seen, the labeling / printing can also be done asymmetrically. In addition, large bundles, such as the puck tufts 5d, 5e, each deliver large printing areas.

The patterns shown basically also serve as placeholders for various other types of labeling / printing which are listed above in the general description.

The Fig. 4a and 4b illustrate a round head part 2 for, in particular, electrically oscillating toothbrushes with a stamped bristle field 6 made from preferably conventional bristle bundles 5c. A pattern is applied to the outside 11 of the bristle field 6 by means of an identification / color medium 7. The pattern shows in Idle state, which is shown in Fig. 4a, purely by way of example on the shape of a point. This pattern changes its shape when in motion, ie when the toothbrush is in operation. In the present case, as can be seen in FIG. 4b, there is an elongated / line-like / line-like shape for the pattern. In principle, such a pattern can also be marked / printed using a corner, ie using the

Upper edge 16 of the bristle field 6 away. The pattern also basically serves as a placeholder for various other configurations of the

Marking / printing, which are listed above in the general description.

5a and 5b illustrate a round head part 2 for in particular electrically oscillating toothbrushes with a stamped bristle field 6 made of preferably conventional bristle bundles 5c. On the upper side 9 of the bristle field 6 or on the upper side of individual conventional bristle bundles 5c, an identification / color medium 7 is used

Labeling / printing applied. The marking / printing can cover the top of the individual conventional bristle bundles 5c in whole or in part. Here, in the idle state, which is shown in FIG. 5a, there are several conventional ones in the outer ring

Bristle bundles 5c are partially marked or printed on the top (ie on their half lying inwards towards the center M of the head part 2). In a ring located further inwards (ie towards the center M of the head part 2), several conventional bristle bundles 5c are completely marked / printed on their upper side. This pattern is changing in the moving state, ie in the operating state of the toothbrush (Fig. 5b), again its shape. In the present case there are concentric circles of different diameters.

This pattern also basically serves as a placeholder for various other types of labeling / printing which are listed above in the general description.

In the Fig. 6a and 6b a head part 2 for e.g. an electrically pivoting toothbrush is shown. Various application and / or cleaning elements 5a, 5b and 5c protrude from the top 2a of the approximately rectangular head part 2, which together form the bristle field 6. On the front 10 of the bristle field 6 are arranged bristle bundles 5a, which flare conically from the top 2a of the head part 2 in the direction of its free end.

In the present case, the sprinkling bristle bundles 5a extend up to approximately the middle of the bristle field 6 or the head part 2. They include the front rows on the head part 2 and are arranged transversely to the longitudinal or pivot axis L of the head part 2. The approximately middle row of application and / or cleaning elements is formed by lamellar rubber elements 5c, which are also arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis L of the head part 2.

This is followed by conventional (cylindrical) bristle bundles 5c, which are likewise arranged in rows transverse to the longitudinal axis L of the head part 2 and which also form the rear side 14 of the bristle field 6. The back 14 of the bristle field 6 faces the handle part 3 of the toothbrush. The bristle field 6 is only on its top here

9 marked / printed with an identification / color medium 7. In the present case, several of the oozing bristle bundles 5a are marked / printed on their upper side with an identification / color medium 7 in such a way that a dotted one

Diagonal results. Furthermore, several of the conventional bristle bundles 5c are marked / printed on the upper or lower side 11 of the bristle field 6 with an identification / color medium 7 on their upper side, so that there is a dotted line parallel to the pivot axis L. This pattern gives the 6a again shown.

In the in Fig. 6b shown moving or operating state of the toothbrush changes the pattern to a cloud-like structure. Here, too, the pattern basically serves as a placeholder for various other types of labeling / printing which are listed above in the general description. The pattern can in turn change the state in such a way that the representation in the state without movement does not reveal anything special, while the effective pattern is only formed with the movement.

Furthermore, depending on the hole geometry, different densities can be present in the bristle field 6 (i.e. in particular the brushing bristle bundles 5a and the conventional bristle bundles 5c are preferably applied here using the anchor stamping method). The bristle field 6 can, for example, be denser at the front than at the rear and vice versa.

In the Fig. 7a and 7b becomes a screwed-in brush 1 shown, which can be used for example as an interdental or mascara brush. A double wire 13 extends from the neck part 3 of the brush 1, in which bristles 5f are screwed in spirally. To this extent, the wire 13 with the bristles 5f corresponds to the head part of the brush 1. The spirally screwed-in bristles 5f form a bristle field 6 which is approximately cylindrical in side view.

A longitudinal stripe or a longitudinal pattern is applied along the longitudinal or outer side 11 of the bristle field 6 by means of an identification medium / color medium 7. Again, the longitudinal stripe or the longitudinal pattern basically also serves as placeholders for various other configurations of the marking, which are listed above in the general description. In the Fig. 8a and 8b show a further screwed-in brush 1, which can be used, for example, as an interdental or mascara brush. From the neck part 3 of the brush 1 in turn extends a double wire 13 in which bristles 5f are spirally screwed. The wire 13 with the bristles 5f corresponds to the head part of the

Brush 1. The bristles 5f screwed in spirally form a bristle field 6 which is approximately cylindrical in side view.

A wavy pattern is applied along the longitudinal or outer side 11 of the bristle field 6 by means of an identification medium / color medium 7. The wavy

Basically, pattern also serves as a placeholder for various other configurations of the

Identification, which are listed above in the general description.

In the Fig. 9a and 9b is a further screwed in Brush 1 shown, which can be used for example as an interdental or mascara brush. From the neck part 3 of the brush 1 in turn extends a double wire 13 in which bristles 5f are spirally screwed. To this extent, the wire 13 with the bristles 5f corresponds to the head part of the brush 1. The spirally screwed-in bristles 5f form a bristle field 6 which is approximately cylindrical in side view.

A 360 ° pattern approximately in the manner of a spiral is applied along the outside 11 of the bristle field 6 by means of an identification / color medium 7. The spiral-like 360 ° pattern basically also serves as a placeholder for various other configurations of the

Marking / printing, which are listed above in the general description.

In Fig. 10 becomes a further screwed-in brush 1, which is used, for example, as an interdental or

Mascara brush can be used, shown schematically. The picture is intended to show how the turned-in brushes 1 usually look due to the bristling of the bristles 5f. The bristle field is a cylinder rather than a spiral. From the neck part 3 of the brush 1, in turn, a double wire 13 extends into which brushing bristles 5f are screwed. To this extent, the wire 13 with the bristles 5f corresponds to the head part of the brush 1. The bristles 5f normally sprinkle automatically, which is why they are shown in the present figure as a (continuous) cylindrical bristle field 6.

A text pattern is applied to the outside 11 of the bristle field 6 by means of an identification / color medium 7. The text pattern basically also serves as Placeholders for various other configurations of the marking / printing, which are listed above in the general description.

11 shows a flosser (dental violin) 1 with a handle part 4, a U-shaped head part 2 and a neck part 3 connecting the handle part 4 with the head part 2. Between the free ends of the U-shaped head part 2 there is approximately a thread Dental floss clamped 5g. The thread made of dental floss 5g is marked / printed here with a dashed pattern by means of a marking / color medium 7.

This can serve as a novelty seal for the dental floss, for example, by the medium e.g. the color wears off in use. A taste can also be applied in this way. In principle, however, the pattern also serves as a placeholder for various other configurations of the

Marking / printing, which are listed above in the general description. 12a and 12b show an interdental brush 1 with a grip part 4, a conically tapering head part 2 and a neck part 3 connecting the grip part 4 with the head part 2. The grip part 4 has

Bracket projections 4a, preferably made of soft component. On the tapered head part 2 there are cleaning elements 5h (again preferably made of

Soft component), which preferably protrude upwards and laterally on the head part 2 (ie from a layer of soft component 15) and also taper in the direction of the free end of the head part. The cleaning elements 5h form a bristle field 6. In the present case, several of the cleaning elements 5h projecting upwards are marked / printed in a type of zebra pattern at least on their upper side (ie transversely) by means of an identification / color medium 7. This can serve the user, for example, as an orientation aid during use. In principle, however, this pattern also serves as a placeholder for various other configurations of the marking / printing, which are listed above in the general description.

13a and 13b, a head part 2 for a

Face brush shown. From the front 2a of the head part 2 there are preferably sprinkling bristle bundles 5a, which together form the bristle field 6. As can be seen in FIG. 13 a, on the top 9 of the bristle field 6, along the longitudinal axis L of the

Essentially oval brush head 2, by means of an identification / color medium 7, a wave-shaped pattern is applied over a plurality of juxtaposed bristle bundles 5a. In the case of extreme sprinkles, it is possible for the bristle field 6 to form a continuous surface on the top 9. Some of the outside bristle bundles lying in a wavy pattern are only partially marked on their surface e.g. printed (i.e. usually only the inner halves are marked / printed).

Furthermore, as can be seen in FIG. 13b, the

Bristle field 6 is marked / printed on its outside 11 by means of a marking / color medium 7 with several wavy lines, which preferably run around the entire outside 11 (ie 360 °). The However, the aforementioned patterns also serve in principle as placeholders for various other types of labeling / printing which are listed above in the general description. Fig. 14 illustrates a brush-like brush 1, which can also be used as a mascara or nail polish brush, for example. The neck part 3 is adjoined by an annular head part 2, to which one or more bristle bundles 5a, which are preferably sprinkling, are applied. The corresponding bristle field 6 preferably has a barrel-shaped or, as in this case, conical contour.

A text pattern is applied to the bristle field 6 by means of an identification / color medium 7, which extends from the outside 11 over the upper edge 16 to the top 9 of the bristle field 6 (i.e. one

Marking / printing on corners). In principle, the text pattern also serves here as a placeholder for various other configurations of the

Marking / printing, which are listed above in the general description.

Fig. 15 shows, purely schematically, a front view along the movement axis Z of an arrangement for

Marking / printing on the bristle field 6 of a brush 1. The arrangement comprises a marking / printing means 20 (for example a print head or laser) which has a specific marking field / printing field 21 within which marking / printing of the bristle field 6 and / or of the handle body Handle part 4, neck part 3 and head part 2 can be done with an identification / color medium. The brush 1 with the handle part 4 is held by a holding means 23 which is on a transport device 22 (for example a conveyor belt) is arranged. The coordinate system specifies the axes X, Y and Z, along which and possibly around which the marking / printing means 20 and possibly the brush 1 can preferably move. The coordinate system also applies to all other figures, the Z axis corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the brush 1 and the X and Y axes perpendicular to it.

In the variant according to FIG. 16, the marking / printing means 20 is preferably arranged rigidly or fixedly and the holding means 23 with the brush 1 moves laterally (arrows PI) past the marking / printing means 20, i.e. along the Z axis. The transport device 20 is omitted here for reasons of clarity. In this way, an outer or longitudinal side 11 of the bristle field 6 and / or of the handle body with handle part 4, neck part 3 and head part 2 can be marked or printed. The marking / printing means 20 can, however, also be arranged rigidly or fixedly above the bristle field 6 in order to identify / print on the top 9 of the bristle field 6. The variant according to Fig. 16 is also particularly suitable for marking / printing bristle pucks (i.e. semi-finished products, cut, bundled bristles).

In the variant according to FIG. 17, the marking / printing means 20 is preferably arranged to be movable relative to the brush 1 on the holding device 23 (reverse movement situation compared to FIG. 16). The marking / printing means 20 moves laterally (arrows Pl ') past the bristle field 6 and handle body of the brush 1, ie along the Z axis. The Transport device 20 is here for the sake of

Clarity omitted. In this way, in turn, an outer or longitudinal side 11 of the bristle field 6 and / or the handle body with the handle part 4, neck part 3 and head part 2 can be marked or printed. The marking / printing means 20 can, however, also be arranged so as to be movable above the bristle field 6 or handle body in order to mark / print on the top 9 of the bristle field 6. In the variant according to FIG. 18, both the marking / printing means 20 are preferably arranged to be movable with respect to the brush 1 and the brush 1 is to be movable with respect to the marking / printing means 20. The marking / printing means 20 can move laterally (arrows Pl ') past the bristle field 6 or the handle body of the brush 1 (ie along the Z axis), transversely (arrow P2') to the bristle field 6 or the handle body of the Move brush 1 (ie along the X-axis), high relative to the bristle field 6 or the handle body (ie along the Y-axis, not shown) and / or it can move in a dome-like manner (arrow P3 ') with respect to the Z- Axis (ie movement in the X and Y planes) can be brought into a position above the bristle field 6 or the handle body or on the other side of the bristle field 6 or the handle body. At the same time, the holding means 23 can be moved with the brush 1 on the side (arrows P1) on the identification

/ Printing medium 20 over, i.e. along the Z axis. The transport device 22 is again omitted here for reasons of clarity.

In this way, the top 9 and both outer and long sides 11 of the bristle field 6 and also the Handle body or head, neck and the handle part 2, 3, 4 of the brush 1 marked in high cycle number, for example, printed.

However, the marking / printing means 20 can also be in a dome-like rotary movement with respect to the X axis (ie movement in the Y and Z planes, not shown) into a position in front of the bristle field 6 (front side) or the handle body or on the the other side of the bristle field 6 (rear side) or of the handle body, so that the front side 10 and both outer and longitudinal sides 11 of the bristle field 6 (and possibly also the rear side thereof) as well as the front and side edges of the brush 1 can be marked or printed (not shown for reasons of clarity). The variant shown in FIG. 19 corresponds to the variant shown in FIG. 18; however, the holder means 23 is not movable with the brush 1 here. The labeling and printing options are the same here. In the variant according to FIG. 20, the marking / printing means 20 is preferably arranged to be movable relative to the brush 1, and the brush 1 on the holding device is preferably movable relative to the

Labeling / printing means 20. The labeling / printing means 20 moves laterally (arrows PI ') past the bristle field 6 or the handle body of the brush 1, ie along the Z axis. The brush 1 (preferably a mascara or interdental brush) is arranged so that it can rotate (arrow P4) relative to the marking / printing means 20 (ie rotation about the Z axis). The transport device 22 is here for reasons omitted for clarity.

In this way, in particular the outside 11 of the bristle field 6 can be marked or printed with mascara and interdental brushes (360 ° identification / printing) or the outside of the handle body can be printed with 360 °. The

Labeling / printing means 20 can, however, also be arranged movably above the bristle field 6 in order to identify / print on the outside or outer surface 11 of the bristle field 6.

21 and 22, a handle body consisting of handle part, 4, neck part 3 and head part 2 of a manual toothbrush 1 is illustrated. The bristle field is not formed, only the bristle holes are shown, that is to say the holes in the head part 2, which serve to anchor the application and cleaning elements.

The handle body is marked / printed on its front with an identification / color medium 7. The labeling / printing can include various elements. An image / ornament, a logo (the "text" serves as a placeholder here) and a QR code are shown as examples. The marking / printing can be carried out 360 ° around the handle body. The label / color medium 7, as in all of the other embodiments shown, is preferably a waxy and quick drying ink. The pattern shown basically also serves as a placeholder for various other types of labeling / printing which are listed above in the general description.

23 shows a further grip body consisting of Handle part, 4, neck part 3 and head part 2 of a manual toothbrush 1 illustrated. In this example, the handle body is made of wood. The bristle field is not formed, only the bristle holes are shown, that is to say the holes in the head part 2, which serve to anchor the application and cleaning elements.

Another identification in the form of two elements can be seen in the area of the thumb rest. A lattice-like structure is formed on the left and right of the handle body. In addition to labeling, this structure can also develop a certain feel (in Braille style), by applying a large amount of ink or by lasering the structure with a certain amount of material removal.

The cross section in Fig. 24 illustrates the pressure options of a toothbrush handle body. The schematically shown printing 7 on the handle part 4 with identification / printing on the front. The applied pressure is up to a maximum angle a. attached around the longitudinal axis. This means that the printing, which takes place in one step (contiguously), takes a maximum of angle a from end to end. The surface is also curved and has an oval shape, the printing runs over the curved surface. The curvature can in principle be circular, rounded or oval (viewed in cross section).

The curvature preferably has a radius R (with the center of the longitudinal axis of the handle body) from 2 mm to 15 mm, more preferably from 4 mm to 8 mm.

The angle a is a maximum of 180 °, accordingly the upper surface of the product can be printed essentially up to the parting line. For example, a tampon printhead, an inkjet printhead or laser printhead can be used as the marking / printing means 20. In any case, it is important that the product or cleaning device 1 to be printed is well held in a holding means 23 (cf. FIGS. 15 to 20) and thus assumes a clearly defined position. The product or cleaning device 1 to be printed is to be leveled by the holding means 23 in order to assume an as horizontal position as possible. The holding means 23 can also be used to create a cover for certain parts of the product or cleaning device 1 to be printed, which may not be printed.

The tampon, which is usually used to transfer the ink (not shown), has a curved shape, adapted to the surface to be printed. This deforms appropriately, so that the applied pressure has correct appearance. To make this possible, the color of the printed image on the tampon is provided in a distorted manner, so that the printed image appears correctly after application to the curved surface. The same applies to inkjet printing or laser printing.

With the methods mentioned handle bodies with strong curvatures can be printed / marked transversely to the longitudinal direction. However, it is also possible, in addition or as an alternative, to print / mark curvatures in the longitudinal direction of the handle body. The method even allows handle surfaces to be marked not only with convex but also with concave zones. The radii of curvature R or transitions of the curved convex or concave zones of the surfaces to be printed should not be less than 2 mm, preferably 4 mm, radii.

Arched surfaces of 400 - 2000 mm ^{2 can be} printed / marked on the handle body.

The design variants shown and described in the present application are only examples. In particular, the individual forms and elements of these design variants can be combined with other design variants without leaving the scope of the present invention. Reference symbol list:

1 cleaning device (e.g. brushes, toothbrushes, flossers or dental violins, tongue cleaners etc.)

2 headboard

2a top of headboard

2b back of headboard

2c edge back of headboard

3 neck part

4 grip part

4a mounting protrusions

5a bunches of bristles

5b lamellar rubber elements

5c conventional bristle bundle

5d puck tuft (front)

5e puck tuft (rear)

5f twisted bristles (spiral)

5g dental floss

5h injected cleaning elements

6 bristle field

7 Labeling / color medium (labeling / printing)

8a top edge of bristle field or individual element

8b front edge of bristle field or individual element

8c longitudinal / outer edge of bristle field or individual element

9 top of bristle field or individual element

10 Bristle field front or individual element

11 Long side / outside bristle field or individual

element 12 tongue cleaner (on the back of the toothbrush) 12a nubs

12b slats

13 (double) wire

14 Back of the bristle field or individual element

15 layer of soft component

16 top edge (round)

20 marking / printing media (e.g. printhead or laser)

21 Labeling / printing field

22 Transport device

23 holder means

M center

Pl arrow (direction of movement of the product)

Pl 'arrow (direction of movement of the marking

/ Printing medium)

P2 'arrow (direction of movement of the marking

/ Printing medium)

P3 'arrow (direction of movement of the marking

/ Printing medium)

P4 arrow (direction of movement of the product)

L longitudinal axis

R radius (curvature)

X axis

Y axis

Z axis

Claims

claims

Cleaning device, in particular toothbrush, with a handle body consisting of a handle part (4), a head part

(2) and a neck part connecting the handle part (4) to the head part

(3), one or more application and / or cleaning elements (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5h) being applied to the head part (2), which form a bristle field (6) which has at least one outer side ( 8) and / or an upper side (9), at least one of the application and / or cleaning elements (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5h) on the at least one outer side (8) and / or an upper side (9) the bristle field and / or the handle body is marked / printed with an identification / color medium (7).

Cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the application and / or cleaning elements (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5h) marked / printed with the marking / color medium (7) made of a thermoplastic elastomer, in particular one Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, a thermoplastic polyamide elastomer, a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer, or a thermoplastic polyester elastomer, a polyamide, a polybutylene terephthalate and / or a silicone are formed.

Cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the marked / printed Application and / or cleaning elements (5a, 5b,

5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5h) and / or the handle body are marked / printed with an indicator or an indicator color.

4. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding

Claims, characterized in that the

Labeling / color medium (7) with a layer thickness of 0.001 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.001 mm to 0.2 mm, on the application and / or cleaning elements (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5h ) and / or the handle body is applied.

5. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding

Claims, characterized in that the

Packing density of the application and / or cleaning elements (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5h), in particular the bristles, from 12 pieces / mm ² to 25 pieces / mm ² , preferably from 16 pieces / mm ² to 20 Pieces / mm ² .

6. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the

Labeling / printing resolution from 20 dpi to 3000 dpi, preferably from 150 dpi to 1500 dpi.

7. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding

Claims, characterized in that in the case of a bristle field (6) with at least one outer side (8) and one upper side (9) at least one application and / or cleaning element (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f,

5h) on the outside (8) of the bristle field (6) and at least one cleaning and application element (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5h) is marked / printed on the top side (9) of the bristle field (6) ,

8. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that individual application and / or cleaning elements (5a, 5b,

5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5h) or larger areas over several application and / or cleaning elements (5a,

5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5h) across corners, i.e. across the upper edge, are marked / printed so that there is a continuous, continuous marking / printing from the outside to the top of at least individual application and / or

Cleaning elements (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5h) results.

9. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the case of a bristle field (6) with at least one front side (10), one long side (11) and one upper side (9) at least one application and / or cleaning element (5a, 5b , 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5h) on the front (10) of the bristle field (6), at least one application and / or cleaning element (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5h) on the long side ( 11) of the bristle field (6) and at least one cleaning and / or application element (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5h) is marked / printed on the top side (9) of the bristle field (6).

10. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the labeling / printing within a

Application and / or cleaning element (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5h) is adapted so that the

Marking / printing the contour of the application and / or cleaning elements (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5h) follows at least in part, preferably to leave a different marking / printing, depending on the viewing angle.

11. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the

Grip body has a curvature, which is seen in cross section, is provided with a continuous printing over an angle of up to 180 °.

12. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle body has a curvature with a radius (R) of 2 mm to 15 mm, preferably from 4 mm to 8 mm.

13. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding

Claims, characterized in that on the handle body, preferably also in the area of the application and / or cleaning elements,

Flock fiber elements are applied.

14. Cleaning device according to claim 13, characterized in that the flock fiber elements comprise conventional, extruded bristles with a length of 0.1 to 5 mm, preferably approximately 0.2 to 2 mm.

15. Process for marking / printing a

Cleaning device (1), in particular a toothbrush, with a handle body consisting of a handle part (4), a head part (2) and a neck part (3) connecting the handle part (4) to the head part (2), with the head part (2 ) one or more application and / or cleaning elements (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5h) are applied, which form a bristle field (6) which has at least one outer side (8) and / or one upper side (9) with which

Steps:

(a) Feed the cleaning device (1) with the

Handle body and the application and / or cleaning elements (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5h) to a marking / printing means (20), preferably a printhead, by means of a transport device (22);

(b) marking / printing at least one of the

Application and / or cleaning elements (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5h) on the at least one

Outside (11) and / or an upper side (9) of the bristle field (6) and / or the handle body with an identification / color medium (7).

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the marking / printing means (20) is an inkjet, laser or tampon print head.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the labeling

/ Printing means (20) along at least one axis (X, Y, Z), preferably two axes (X, Y,

Z), more preferably three axes (X, Y, Z) movable and / or rotatable relative to the

Cleaning device (1) is arranged.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the transport device has holding means (23) with which the cleaning device (1) compared to the labeling / Printing means (20) can be pivoted and / or rotated.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that in a bristle field (6) with at least one outer side (8) and one

Top (9) at least one application and / or cleaning element (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5h) on the outside (8) of the bristle field (6) and at least one cleaning and / or application element (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5h) is marked / printed on the top (9) of the bristle field (6).

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that in the case of a bristle field (6) with at least one front side (10), one long side (11) and one upper side (9), at least one application and / or cleaning element (5a , 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5h) on the front (10) of the bristle field (6), at least one application and / or cleaning element (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5h) on the long side (11) of the bristle field (6) and at least one cleaning and / or application element (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5h) is marked / printed on the top (9) of the bristle field (6).

21. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that the labeling / printing means (20) 5 to 500 nozzles, preferably

10 to 100 nozzles.

22. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 21, characterized in that the labeling / Printing speed from 2 m / min to 100 m / min, preferably from 5 m / min to 60 m / min.

23. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 22, characterized in that a physical and / or chemical processing of the application and / or cleaning elements (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f,

5h), in particular in the case of extruded bristles, is carried out before marking / printing.

24. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 22, characterized in that a physical and / or chemical processing of the application and / or cleaning elements (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f,

5h), in particular in the case of extruded bristles, is carried out after the marking / printing, but the marked / printed part is not printed or is only printed in a harmless manner.

25. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 24, characterized in that a handle body with a curved surface of 400 - 2000 mm ^2, preferably 500 - 1800 mm ² , particularly preferably 600 -

1400 mm ^{2 is} printable.

26. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that for printing on curved surfaces, the tampon print head (20) has a curved shape adapted to the surface to be printed.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that the tampon print head (20) deforms during printing in such a way that the applied pressure on the handle body has the correct appearance.

28. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that the labeling / printing means (20) can also be used to print flock fiber elements.

29. Arrangement for marking / printing a bristle field (6) and / or a handle body of a cleaning device (1) comprising a marking / printing means, preferably an inkjet, laser or tampon print head (20), with a marking / printing field (21) within which the bristle field (6) is marked / printed with a color medium (7) and with a holding device (23) by means of which the cleaning device (1) is held and positioned relative to the marking / printing means (20) and which is preferably arranged on a transport device (22).

30. Arrangement according to claim 29, characterized in that the marking / printing means (20) along at least one axis (X, Y, Z), preferably two axes (X, Y, Z), more preferably three axes (X, Y, Z) is arranged movably and / or rotatably relative to the cleaning device (1).

31. Arrangement according to one of claims 29 or 30, characterized in that by means of the holding means (23) the cleaning device (1) can be pivoted and / or rotated with respect to the marking / printing means (20).