WO2022112334A1

WO2022112334A1 - Dental cleaning product and toothbrush head

Info

Publication number: WO2022112334A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/082829
Authority: WO
Inventors: Enrico FLADE
Original assignee: Ecocoat Gmbh
Priority date: 2020-11-27
Filing date: 2021-11-24
Publication date: 2022-06-02
Also published as: EP4251005A1; DE102020216521A1

Abstract

A dental cleaning product (10) comprises a carrier element (20) and a cleaning pad (30), which cleaning pad comprises an elastically deformable foam material and is arranged on the carrier element (20), wherein the cleaning pad (30) comprises a first main surface region 30-A, which acts as a cleaning face, and a peripheral lateral face region 30-B, which extends to the carrier element (20). An inwardly curved recess (32) is provided in the lateral face region 30-B, which recess extends, starting from the first main surface region 30-A, at least partially or completely vertically through the cleaning pad (30).

Description

Dental cleaning product and toothbrush head

description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a dental cleaning product. In particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to a dental cleaning product in the form of a toothbrush (power or manual) or in the form of a toothbrush head, e.g., a power or manual toothbrush.

Conventional toothbrush heads in an electric or manual toothbrush have a bristle field with a large number of cleaning bristles which, for example, depending on the area of action, e.g. B. tooth surface cleaning, interdental cleaning, etc., can be designed in under different bristle fields with a different length and / or different bristle hardness.

In toothbrushes, there is generally a need to obtain the highest possible cleaning performance of the toothbrush head, both on the exposed tooth surfaces and on the interdental spaces, while at the same time avoiding excessive stress, i. H. excessive abrasion of the tooth enamel and excessive stress on the gum tissue should be prevented. In particular, a thorough but gentle, reliable and defined cleaning effect with low wear on the toothbrush head and low wear on the teeth to be cleaned and on the gum tissue should be obtained.

This object is solved by the independent patent claims. Developments according to the invention are defined in the respective dependent claims.

According to exemplary embodiments, a dental cleaning product comprises a carrier element and a cleaning pad, which has an elastically deformable foam material and which is arranged on the carrier element, with the cleaning pad having a first main surface area that acts as a cleaning surface and a peripheral side surface area that extends to the carrier element.

According to one exemplary embodiment, an inwardly curved recess is provided in the side surface area, which extends at least partially or completely vertically through the cleaning pad, starting from the first main surface area. According to an alternative embodiment, a notch is provided in the first major surface area of the cleaning pad.

According to an alternative embodiment, the dental cleaning product also includes a support structure for the cleaning pad, the elongate support structure extending from the carrier element into the foam material of the cleaning pad, the foam material being attached to the support structure and surrounding the support structure in regions or in the shape of a cap.

According to an alternative exemplary embodiment, the dental cleaning product also comprises cleaning bristles on the carrier element, the cleaning bristles being arranged laterally adjacent to the cleaning pad or laterally surrounding the cleaning pad.

The core idea of the present invention is now a product Dentalreinigungspro, z. B. in the form of a Za h n bü rste n head of an electric or manual toothbrush, which has a specially designed cleaning pad made of an elastically deformable foam material as a cleaning element or as part of the cleaning elements, e.g. B. in connection with cleaning bristles.

Due to the geometric design of the cleaning pad (= cleaning body in the form of a cleaning cushion, block or block) on the toothbrush head, an extremely effective cleaning performance and yet gentle care effect can be obtained during a tooth brushing process. The removal of material (of the dental plaque to be removed, etc.) and thus the cleaning performance of the toothbrush head can be adjusted extremely precisely via the geometric configuration used and the materials used for the cleaning pad. Thus, a dental cleaning product, e.g. B. in the form of a toothbrush head of an electric or manual toothbrush, are manufactured and made available, which can ensure an extremely effective and gentle surface and interspace cleaning of teeth with an appropriately designed toothbrush head ge.

Furthermore, the cleaning performance can be further adapted to different requirements by the specially trained cleaning pad with cleaning bristles on the Toothbrush head is combined in order to obtain a highly adapted cleaning performance. Furthermore, a (vertical) notch can be provided as a depression or relief notch in the main surface area of the cleaning pad in order to ensure improved interdental cleaning. Furthermore, the cleaning pad can have a support structure, e.g. a support structure that is elongated in the vertical direction, which extends into the foam material of the cleaning pad and is mechanically connected to the tooth-cleaning head in order to increase mechanical rigidity, particularly in the edge areas of the cleaning pad during the tooth-brushing process obtained, which also allows for a sufficient pressure of the cleaning pad in the interdental spaces for a high cleaning performance.

The support structure is effective, for example, to transfer the circulating (e.g. parallel to the x-y plane) or linear deflection (e.g. parallel to the x-direction) of the toothbrush head in an electrically operated toothbrush (as completely as possible) to the main surface area of the cleaning pad. The energy input or power transmission to the main surface area of the cleaning pad can thus be increased by the support structure, since the main surface area of the cleaning pad follows the movement of the electrically operated toothbrush head.

Furthermore, the foam material of the cleaning pad can have an abrasive surface covering on the main surface area, which has, for example, abrasive functional particles (abrasive and/or polishing particles). Due to the abrasive surface covering, the removal of material for the dental cleaning product can be adjusted extremely precisely via the material properties of the materials used for the cleaning pad and the abrasive surface covering. The abrasive surface covering can, for example, have a combination of a thermoplastic binder with abrasive functional particles (cleaning grains). Alternatively, the abrasive surface covering can have the abrasive functional particles (cleaning grains), for example, which are formed by a ther moplastic material.

A dental cleaning product can thus be provided which enables extremely effective tooth surface cleaning and interdental cleaning by means of the appropriately designed cleaning pad for the toothbrush head.

Due to the special geometric design of the cleaning pad made of an elastically deformable foam material, the stiffness of the pad can be adjusted in a targeted manner Cleaning pads provide improved or optimized power transmission during the cleaning process or cleaning process on the teeth and especially in the spaces between the teeth.

As the following description will make clear, the different configurations of the cleaning pad presented below can be provided in combination or also individually. Thus (1) the inwardly curved recess in the cleaning pad, (2) the (vertical) notch (relief notch) in the main surface area (= the upper cleaning surface) of the cleaning pad, (3) the (e.g. elongated) support structure in the Cleaning pad (which extends from the carrier element into the foam material of the cleaning pad) and (4) the additional cleaning bristles on the carrier element, which are arranged laterally adjacent to the cleaning pad or which surround the cleaning pad la terally, each individually or in one Combination with 2, 3 or 4 of the above configurations (1) to (4) can be provided in order to solve the underlying problem.

Thus, the different configurations of the cleaning pads or the toothbrush head presented above can be applied individually or in a combination (of two, three or all configurations) to the resulting me chanical stability or stiffness (or stability distribution and stiffness distribution) on the Main surface area (= cleaning area) of the cleaning pad to maintain the desired (as high as possible) cleaning performance on the tooth surfaces and interdental spaces.

In particular, the configurations (1), (2) and (3) presented above have the effect that during the tooth cleaning process, when the toothbrush head is pressed against the teeth, the resulting force on the cleaning pad is also effective on the edge area or the edge areas of the toothbrush Cleaning pads is distributed so that the cleaning performance specified above is obtained both on the tooth surfaces and between the teeth.

For example, a support structure in the foam material includes (wholly or as a component) one or more of the following material components: a thermoplastic styrene elastomer material (TPE-S, TPE = thermoplastic elastomer, S = styrene or styrene), such as e.g. B. a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymer or a styrene-buta- diene-styrene copolymer material (SBS), a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer material (TPE-U), a thermoplastic polyamide elastomer material (TPE-A), a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer material (TPE-O), a thermoplastic polyester - Elastomeric material (TPE-E) and/or silicone.

The support structure can also have one or more of the following material components (completely or as a component): TPE (thermoplastics such as polypropylene PP), PA, PE, ABS, PC, PVC, PET, PEEK, PTFE, PUR or PTHF.

The elastic foam material has, for example (entirely or as a component) one or more of the following open- or closed-cell materials in foamed form: Polypropylene (PP), PE (polyethylene), silicone foam, PA (poly amide), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PUR (polyurethane) or a thermoplastic cal styrene elastomer material (TPE-S, TPE = thermoplastic elastomer, S = styrene or styrene), such as. a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymer or a styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer material (SBS), a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer material (TPE-U), a thermoplastic polyamide elastomer material (TPE- A), a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer material (TPE-O), a thermoplastic polyester elastomer material (TPE-E) and/or silicone.

Thus, materials of the base body of a toothbrush can also be used for the materials of the support structure and/or for the foam material of the cleaning pad, which means that the manufacturing costs of a toothbrush can be reduced.

Preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

1a-d schematic perspective (3D) views, cross-sectional views (side views) and top views (partial top views) of a dental cleaning product according to an embodiment;

2a-c schematic top views of different (geometric) configurations and exemplary dimensions of a cleaning pad of a dental cleaning product according to a further exemplary embodiment; 3a-h schematic 3D views and top views of different configurations of a cleaning pad with a vertical notch (relief notch) of the dental cleaning product according to a further embodiment;

4a-h schematic (horizontal and vertical) cross-sectional views of different configurations of a cleaning pad with an (elongated) support structure of a dental cleaning product according to an embodiment;

5a-e schematic 3D views, side views (horizontal cross-sectional views) and top views (vertical cross-sectional views) of different configurations of a dental cleaning product with a cleaning pad and cleaning bristles according to an embodiment;

6a-c schematic perspective (3D) views, cross-sectional views (side views) and top views (partial top views) of a dental cleaning product with a vertical notch (relief notch) according to another embodiment;

7a-j schematic (horizontal and vertical) cross-sectional views of different configurations of a cleaning pad with a support structure of a dental cleaning product according to a further embodiment;

8a-e schematic 3D views, side views (horizontal cross-sectional views) and top views (vertical cross-sectional views) of different configurations of a dental cleaning product with a cleaning pad and cleaning bristles according to a further embodiment; and

9 shows a schematic illustration in a perspective plan view (=3D view) of a main surface region 30-A of a cleaning pad 30 (e.g. abrasively coated over the entire surface) according to a further exemplary embodiment.

Before exemplary embodiments of the present concept are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings, it is pointed out that identical elements, objects, function blocks and/or method steps that have the same function or have the same effect are provided with the same reference symbols in the different figures. so that the description of these elements, objects, function blocks and/or method steps presented in different exemplary embodiments can be exchanged with one another or applied to one another.

Various embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some embodiments are illustrated. In the figures, dimensions of illustrated elements, layers and/or the regions may not be drawn to scale for the sake of clarity.

It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or intermediary elements may be present. On the contrary, when an element is referred to as being 'directly connected' or 'coupled' to another element, there are no intermediate elements. Other terms used to describe the relationship between elements should be construed in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.).

To simplify the description of the different exemplary embodiments, the figures also have a Cartesian coordinate system x, y, z, with the directions x, y, z being arranged orthogonally to one another. In the exemplary embodiments, the x-y plane (x-y plane=reference plane) corresponds to a main surface region (main plane) of the elongate carrier element, with the main direction of extension (longitudinal direction) of the carrier element running parallel to the y-axis. The vertical upward direction with respect to the reference plane (x-y plane) corresponds to the +z direction, and the vertical downward direction with respect to the reference plane (x-y plane) corresponds to the -z direction. In the following description, the term "lateral" means a direction parallel to the x and/or y direction, i. H. parallel to the x-y plane, where the term "vertical" indicates a direction parallel to the +/-z direction.

A dental cleaning product 100, e.g. B. in the form of a toothbrush head of an electric or manual toothbrush, described according to an embodiment. 1a represents a perspective view (3D view) of the dental cleaning product 100, FIG. 1b represents a cross-sectional view (side view) of the dental cleaning product, while FIG. 1c shows a schematic top view (partial top view) of the dental cleaning product 100. 1d shows another cross-sectional view (side view) of the dental cleaning product.

The plane of the drawing in Figures 1b and 1d is parallel to the y-z plane, while the plane of the drawing in Figure 1c is parallel to the x-y plane (reference plane).

As shown in the perspective view of Fig. 1a, the dental cleaning product 10 z. B. a toothbrush head of an electric or manual toothbrush, a support member 20 and a cleaning pad 30 on. The carrier element 20 can, for example, form a toothbrush head, a toothbrush attachment and/or a toothbrush body of an electric or manual toothbrush, with the carrier element 20 being elongate, d. H. a longitudinal extension - along or parallel to the y-direction.

On the carrier element 20, z. B. at an end area or in the vicinity of an end area of the carrier element 20, the cleaning pad 30 (also cleaning or grinding pad, cleaning block or cleaning block) is now arranged, which has an elastically deformable foam material and which is arranged on the carrier element 20 . The cleaning pad 30 is arranged or fixed on the carrier element 20 , it being possible for the cleaning pad 30 to be arranged on the carrier element 20 in a mechanically fixed (eg non-detachable) or detachable (replaceable) manner.

The cleaning pad 30 has a first main surface area 30-A (=front side) that acts as a cleaning surface or polishing surface, and also has a circumferential side surface area 30-B (side wall area) that extends to the carrier element 20. In the side surface area 30-B there is an inwardly curved (concave) recess 32 which, starting from the first main surface area 30-A, extends at least partially or completely vertically through the cleaning pad 30 or in the cleaning pad 30.

The elastically deformable foam material can have, for example, an open-cell (open-pored) or closed-cell (closed-pore) foam material (sponge). The foam material for holding a cleaning fluid or cleaning gels (tooth cleaning gel or toothpaste), based on the porosity of the foam material and the viscosity of the cleaning fluid from the task of the cleaning fluid is adjustable in the application.

A typical foam material is elastically or elastically deformable and has, for example, a density (density or bulk density) of 5 to 500 kg/m ³ , with, for example, a resulting compression hardness of the foam material at 10% compression (or 40% compression) of the foam corresponds to a pressure of 5 to 400 kPa.

The elastic deformability of the foam material means that the foam material returns to its original state after a load and corresponding deformation, ie the elastic deformation persists over time in which a corresponding load acts on the cleaning pad. As long as the mechanical stress is not so great as to damage the foam material, the deformation remains purely elastic, with the restoring forces shaping the foam material back into its basic state.

The support structure includes, for example (entirely or as a component) one or more of the following material components: a thermoplastic styrene elastomer material (TPE-S, TPE = thermoplastic elastomer, S = styrene or styrene), such as. B. a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymer or a styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer material (SBS), a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer material (TPE-U), a thermoplastic polyamide elastomer material (TPE-A), a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomeric material (TPE-O), a thermoplastic polyester elastomeric material (TPE-E) and/or silicone. The support structure can, for example (entirely or as a component) also have one or more of the following material components: TPE (thermoplastic materials such as polypropylene PP), PA, PE, ABS, PC, PVC, PET, PEEK, PTFE, PUR or PTHF.

Thus, materials of the base body of a toothbrush can also be used for the materials of the support structure and/or for the foam material of the cleaning pad, which simplifies the manufacture of a toothbrush.

The carrier element 20 can have a head region 22 (toothbrush head) and a carrier region (carrier) 24 extending parallel to the longitudinal direction. The head area (or carrier element head) 22 of the carrier element 20 can, for example, have a round (circular), oval, elliptical, or essentially rectangular shape with rounded edge areas, for example, with the basic shape of the cleaning pad 30 adapting to the shape of the head area 22 of the carrier element 20 (or its peripheral shape) can be adjusted. For example, the cleaning pad 30 (if no further cleaning bristles are provided, for example) can cover at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 75% or at least 90% of the main surface area 22-A or the entire main surface area 22-A of the head area 22 of the Cover support element 20 (see also Fig. 5e)

Correspondingly, the horizontal cross-section (parallel to the x-y plane) of the cleaning pad 30 can also be round, e.g. B. circular, oval, elliptical, rectangular or any other closed polygon, z. a regular and/or convex polygon (in a section plane parallel to the x-y plane). Correspondingly, the cleaning pad 30 can extend parallel to the z-direction (vertically) as a round, circular, oval, elliptical, rectangular, cuboid or parallelepiped-shaped base body, with the inwardly curved recess 32 in the side surface area 30- B of the cleaning pad 30 and starting from the main surface area 30-A or directly adjacent to the first main surface area 30-A.

1a-b is an example of a basic state I of the cleaning pad 30 and a deflection state II during use, z. B. during a tooth brushing process, the cleaning pad 30 is shown, the cleaning pad 30 after use due to the elastically deformable foam material m ate ri a I s of the deflection state II goes back into the basic state I. As is also shown in Fig. 1a-b by way of example with the dashed arrangement (base structure or step structure) 34 of the cleaning pad 30, the inwardly curved recess 32, starting from the first main surface area 30-A, can only partially extend vertically through the cleaning pad 30 extend, that is, the recess extends over the height h1, while the base region 34 has the height h2. The two partial heights h1, h2 can then result in the total height h of the cleaning pad 30 in combination.

As is shown by way of example in Figs. 1a-d, the inwardly curved recess 32 of the cleaning pad 30 is designed so that it can be connected to the two transition areas 32-A, 32-A (= end areas) of the recess 32 to the adjoining side surface area 30 - B of the cleaning pad 30 to form an edge region 32-A, 32-B (prolongation or lip) on the cleaning pad 30 extending vertically downwards from the first main surface region 30-A. The edge regions 32-A, 32-B extend, for example, vertically or approximately vertically with respect to the carrier element 20, at least partially along the height h1 if the base region 34 is provided, or completely along the height h if no base region 34 is provided provided, on the cleaning pad 30.

The vertical extension h or h1 of the edge areas 32-A, 32-B therefore corresponds to the vertical height of the recess 32 starting from the first main surface area 30-A.

As shown by way of example in Fig. 1a, the carrier element 20 extends along a main extension direction (parallel to the y-direction=longitudinal direction of the carrier element 20), with the main extension direction of the carrier element 20 running parallel to or along a central axis M of the carrier element 20. The inwardly curved recess 32 of the cleaning pad 30 is now, for example, angularly offset or formed transversely to the central axis and longitudinal extent of the carrier element 20 . As shown by way of example in Fig. 1a-d, the carrier element 20 extends along the longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction=y-direction), which is defined by the central axis of the carrier element 20, with the inwardly curved recess 32 of the cleaning pad being formed is so that a lateral connecting line L1 (parallel to the xy plane) of the two transition areas edge areas 32-A, 32-B in the cleaning pad 30 is angularly offset or orthogonal to the central axis (=longitudinal extent) of the carrier element 20. This arrangement of the recess 32 in the cleaning pad 30, in which the edge areas 32-A, 32-B or their lateral connecting line L1 is angularly offset or transverse (= orthogonal) to the central axis M of the carrier element 30, it is sufficient that the cleaning pad 30 designed in this way can not only achieve highly effective surface cleaning of the tooth surfaces, but also extremely effective cleaning in the interdental spaces. This applies in particular since a main direction of movement of the toothbrush head carried out by an operator during a tooth-brushing process takes place along or parallel to the longitudinal extension direction of carrier element 20, even if the operator also makes a circular movement during the tooth-brushing process or a circular or linear or pivoting movement (tilting) deflection of the toothbrush head in an electrically operated toothbrush.

With a circulating (e.g. partially circulating or partially rotating) deflection of the grinding surface 30-A of the cleaning pad 30, the grinding surface 30-A moves (= rotates or circulates) (essentially) parallel to the x-y plane and around the z-axis of the toothbrush head with an electrically operated (oscillating-rotating) toothbrush.

In the case of a linear deflection or pivoting deflection of the grinding surface 30-A of the cleaning pad 30, the grinding surface 30-A moves (=pivots) essentially parallel to the x-direction or in a pivoting range (=side-to-side movement=deflection range). the y-axis of the toothbrush head for an electrically operated toothbrush (e.g. sonic toothbrush).

The configuration of the cleaning pad 30 with the inwardly curved recess 32 allows a better adaptation of the resulting cleaning surface (see deflection state II) of the cleaning pad 30 to the tooth edges or spaces between the teeth and thus a high cleaning performance can be achieved.

By using an elastically deformable foam material for the cleaning pad 30, in addition to a high cleaning performance during a tooth brushing process, an extremely pleasant haptic perception for the user can also be achieved, since the foam material is essentially not noticeable for the user during the tooth brushing process and also the foam material is very gentle on the (often) sensitive gum tissue of the user. The above statements with regard to the high but gentle cleaning performance of the cleaning pad 30 of the dental cleaning product 10 arise in particular during a cleaning process (brushing teeth) due to the elastic (recoverable) deformation of the foam material of the cleaning pad 30, as is exemplified in 1a and 1b.

As is also shown by way of example in FIG. 1c, the cleaning pad 30 has a round (e.g. circular or elliptical) basic shape, with the inwardly curved recess 32 having a round (e.g. circular segment-shaped or elliptical segment-shaped) shape.

With regard to the round (circular) basic shape of the cleaning pad 30 shown as an example in Fig. 1c, a radius R1 with respect to a focal point or center point S of the cleaning pad 30 can be specified as 1.5 to 5 mm and 2 to 4 mm, while the radius R2 of the circle segment with respect to a geometric focus or circle center point S2 of the inwardly curved recess 32 in a range of 0.8 to 5 times or 1 to 2 times the radius R1 of the main body of the cleaning pad 30 can wear.

In general, a diameter (maximum distance between two edge areas of the base body of the cleaning pad 30) can be in a range from 3 to 20 mm or from 3 to 10 mm or from 3 to 8 mm.

Furthermore, an interior angle cp between the two connecting lines 32-C, 32-D (parallel to the x-y plane) of the two edge regions 32-A, 32-B with the center of gravity S (e.g. circle center) of the main body of the cleaning pad 30 in a range between 165° and 60° and in a range between 140° and 90°.

As shown by way of example in FIG. 1d, the cleaning pad 30 can have a flat (planar) grinding surface 30-A, ie a flat (planar) main surface area 30-A, which runs parallel to the surface area or parallel to the central axis of the carrier element 20, for example. exhibit. According to a further exemplary embodiment, the first main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 can have an outwardly curved (convex) main surface area (a convex grinding surface) 30-A, starting from the peripheral edge area or the peripheral line 30-1. According to a further exemplary embodiment, the foam material of the cleaning pad 30 can also be profiled on the first main surface area (the grinding surface) or have a topology, and for example a large number of knobs, pyramids, truncated pyramids, cones, truncated cones, grooves, snail structures (= Spi ral structures) or waves, whereby the removal effect or cleaning effect can be adjusted in a targeted manner by the selection of the profiling or the topology of the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30.

Different geometric and structural configurations and also exemplary dimensions of a cleaning pad 30 of the dental cleaning product 10 according to an exemplary embodiment are shown below with reference to FIGS. 2a-c in a series of schematic plan views.

As shown by way of example in Fig. 2a, the cleaning pad 30 can, for example, have a round (circular) basic shape, with the inwardly curved recess 32 having a round (e.g. circular segment-shaped) shape (cf. also Figs. 1a-d ).

Further possible configurations and exemplary basic shapes of the cleaning pad 30 of a dental cleaning product 10, which is provided with the inwardly curved recess 32 and is arranged on the head region 22 of the carrier element 20, are also shown as an example in Fig. 2b and 2c in a top view or in a (lateral ) Cross-sectional view (=parallel to the x-y plane), the configurations of the geometry of the cleaning pad 30 shown here being to be regarded merely as examples and not as an exhaustive list.

As shown by way of example in FIG. 2b, two inwardly curved recesses 32 and 32-1 can also be provided on the cleaning pad 30, which can be arranged, for example, in mutually opposite side areas (side sections) of the circumferential side surface area 30-B. The two inwardly curved recesses 32, 32-1 on the cleaning pad 30 are arranged opposite one another in the side surface area 30-B, for example with respect to the center point or focus of the cleaning pad 30. Thus, both inwardly curved recesses 32, 32-1 can each form a pair of spaced, vertically extending edge portions 32-A, 32-B and 32-1A, 32-1B in the cleaning pad, angularly offset, transverse or orthogonal to the central axis (longitudinal extension) of the carrier element 20 are formed. The lateral connecting line L1 (parallel to the xy plane) of the two edge regions 32-A.32-B and the lateral connecting line L2 (parallel to the xy plane) of the two edge regions 32-1A, 32-1B in the cleaning pad 30 can be angularly offset or arranged orthogonally to the center axis M (=longitudinal extension) of the carrier element 20 . The lateral connecting line L1 (parallel to the xy plane) of the two edge areas 32-A, 32-B and the lateral connecting line L2 (parallel to the xy plane) of the two edge areas 32-1A, 32-1B in the cleaning pad 30 can be arranged parallel to one another or also at an obtuse angle (eg a<30°) to one another.

As shown by way of example in FIG. 2c, four inwardly curved recesses 32, 32-1, 32-3, 32-3 can also be provided on the cleaning pad 30, for example in mutually opposite side regions (side sections) of the circumferential Side surface area 30- B can be arranged. The four inwardly curved recesses 32, 32-1, 32-2, 32-3 on the cleaning pad 30 are arranged in pairs, for example with respect to the center or focus of the cleaning pad 30, opposite one another in the side surface area 30-B. Thus, the inwardly curved recesses 32, 32-1 can each form a pair of spaced, vertically extending edge regions 32-A, 32-B, 32-1A, 32-1B in the cleaning pad 30, whose lateral connecting lines L1, L2 (parallel to the x-y plane) angularly offset, transverse or orthogonal to the central axis (longitudinal extent) of the support member 20 are formed. Further, the inwardly curved recesses 32-2, 32-3 may each have a pair of spaced, vertically extending edge portions 32-2A, 32-2B and 32-3A, 32-3B (= 32-A, 32-B, 32-1A, 32-1 B) in the cleaning pad 30, whose lateral connecting lines L3, L4 (parallel to the x-y plane) are parallel or only offset at an obtuse angle (e.g. a <30°) to the central axis M (longitudinal extension ) of the Trä gerelements 20 are formed.

These exemplary arrangements of the cleaning pad 30 from FIGS or power transmission is effected. A further embodiment and possible embodiment of the cleaning pad 30 of the dental cleaning product 10, as described above with reference to FIGS. 1a-d and 2a-c, is shown below with reference to FIGS. 3a-h.

As already noted above, elements with the same structure and/or the same function have the same reference numbers or the same designation, and a detailed description of these elements is not repeated for each exemplary embodiment. Thus, the above description with regard to FIGS. 1a-d and 2a-c is equally applicable to the further exemplary embodiments as described below. In the following description, the sub-differences or different and additional configurations such. B. additional ele ments, etc., to which in the previously described embodiments and also the technical effects that result, discussed in detail.

Thus, the configurations of the cleaning pad 30 presented above can contribute to achieving the desired (as high as possible) cleaning performance on the tooth surfaces and interdental spaces via the resulting mechanical stability or stiffness (or stability distribution and stiffness distribution) on the main surface area (=cleaning area) of the cleaning pad to obtain.

In particular, the configurations shown have the effect that during the tooth cleaning process, when the toothbrush head is pressed against the teeth, the resulting force on the cleaning pad is also effectively distributed to the edge area or the edge areas of the cleaning pad. so that the cleaning performance specified above is obtained both on the tooth surfaces and in the spaces between the teeth. These reinforced edge areas are formed, for example, transversely to the carrier element 20, which extends in the longitudinal direction.

3a-h show schematic perspective (3D) views, top views and side views (cross-sectional views) of a cleaning pad 30 of the dental cleaning product 10 according to a further exemplary embodiment. Thus, the cleaning pad 30 has a notch or indentation 40 in the first main surface area 30-A. The provided notch 40 can, for example, have the function of a relief notch. The notch 40 extends essentially vertically and in the first main surface area 30-A into the material of the cleaning pad 30. The notch 40 has, for example, opposite side wall areas 40-A which, starting from the first main surface area 30-A (= vertically to bottom) parallel to each other or (on one side or both sides) tapering (= tapering) can be formed.

The depth t of the notch 40 can be less than 60%, less than 50%, less than 25%, less than 10%, but at least 2%, 3% or at least 5% of the material thickness of the cleaning pad 30. The material thickness is the height of the material, ie the vertical thickness h of the foam material, at the location of the notch with regard to a vertical projection.

As shown by way of example in Fig. 3c, the notch 40 can be designed as a depression (also a trench, groove or joint), so that the notch 40 has a width b in a range of up to one millimeter (0.05 mm to 1 mm) or between 5-40% of the maximum diameter of the cleaning pad 30 can have. The notch 40 can be obtained, for example, by removing material using a laser, etc.

Alternatively, the notch 40 can also be formed at least in sections or completely as an incision (also cut or slit) starting from the first main surface area 30-A (vertically) in the cleaning pad 30, so that above the depth t of the notch 40 adjacent areas of the Foam material of the cleaning pad 30 can be mechanically separated from one another, but adjacent (or nearly adjacent) to each other. The notch 40 can be obtained, for example, by a stamping process with a stamping tool, etc.

As shown by way of example in FIGS. 3a-c, the notch 40 can, for example, be offset inwards at least partially or completely circumferentially (laterally) relative to the peripheral line 30-1 of the first main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30. According to an exemplary embodiment, the notch 40 can be formed partially or completely parallel (along) to the peripheral line 30 - 1 on the edge area of the first main surface area 30 - A of the cleaning pad 30 . In a sectional arrangement of the notch 40 along the peripheral line 30-1 of the first main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30, the notch 40 can also be interrupted surfaces (corresponding to a broken line) be formed. The distance a of the notch 40 from the edge area (the peripheral line) of the main surface area 30a of the cleaning pad 30 can be in a range of 0.5 - 2 mm or (typically) 1 - 1.5 mm or in a range of 5% - 40 % of the maximum diameter (maximum distance between two points on the circumference of the cleaning pad 30).

Fig. 3d now shows an example of the cleaning pad 30 provided with the notch 40, the left-hand representation of FIG Use, that is, during egg nes tooth brushing process shows. As can be seen from Fig. 3d (right), the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 can be used to carry out a complete surface cleaning of the side surfaces of the respective teeth, with the edge sections of the cleaning pad 30 being present due to the notch(s) 40 provided reliable interdental cleaning takes place because these edge sections of the cleaning pads 30 (relatively) can penetrate far into the interdental spaces.

According to a further embodiment, as exemplified in Fig. 3e, the notch 40 can be divided into different sections 40-A, 40-B, i.e. section-wise parallel to the peripheral line 30-1 of the first main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 may be discontinuous (corresponding to a dashed line), where the discontinuous portions 40-A may be connected by further connecting portions 40-B, the further connecting portions 40-B extending laterally inward at the first main surface region 30-A. A so-called “trefoil shape” of the area of the first main surface area 30-A encompassed by the notch 40 can thus be formed.

With regard to the notch 40 shown in Figs. 3a-e, which is arranged at least in some areas around the circumference (ie at least in some areas parallel and offset inwards (= spaced) from the circumferential line 30-1) in the first main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30, it can thus be summarized be specified that, for example, via the depth t of the notch 40, a resulting edge region 30-A2 on the main surface region 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 can be defined and obtained in order to adapt the contour of the cleaning pad 30 to the cleaning surface, ie the tooth surfaces, and to thereby the resulting power transmission (compressive force). adjust the cleaning surface as optimally as possible. For example, the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 surrounded by the notch 40 (inner part 30-A1 of the cleaning pad 30) can contribute to surface cleaning of the tooth surfaces, while the section 30-A2 of the main surface area 30-A of the Cleaning pads 30 (outer part 30-A2 of the cleaning pads 30) can be adapted and used primarily for effective cleaning of the interdental spaces. For good cleaning results of the cleaning pad 30, the depth t of the notch 40 can be in a range of 0.5 to 1.5 mm and about 1 mm, while the edge distance a of the notch from the edge of the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 (at least in sections) can be in a range of 1 to 2 mm and have a value of about 1.5 mm. In this case, for example, the depth t of the notch<the edge distance a of the notch 40 (t<a) is selected.

With the notch shape, i. H. the notch 40 arranged in the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30, the cleaning pad 30 separates into separate work surfaces 30-A1, 30-A2 for the tooth brushing process and thus increases the adaptation of the cleaning pad 30 to the individual tooth contour of the respective operator. With a natural axial brush movement (cleaning movement) and a rotary-oscillating movement of the toothbrush head or the cleaning pad 30, the contour notch 40 shown in FIGS. H. The section 30-A1 of the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 lying within the notch 40 encloses the respective surface area (upper and lateral sides of the respective tooth), and therefore achieves an optimal cleaning result with a circular or circular-oscillating movement of the cleaning pads 30, i. H. of the toothbrush head. Due to the edge section 30-A2 of the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 lying outside (outside the notch 40), there is also an increased cleaning effect on the tooth edges or the spaces between the teeth, so that a very high cleaning performance can also be achieved there.

The respective design of the notch 40 provided in the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 can be adapted in connection with the respective toothbrush head movement (rotary or translatory) for a high cleaning performance of the tooth surfaces and the spaces between the teeth, i.e. the tooth cleaning pad 30 can be adapted to the preferred Cleaning type of the user can be turned off. According to a further exemplary embodiment, as exemplified in FIGS. 3 f-h , a single notch or a plurality of (e.g. parallel) notches 40 can also be provided in the first main surface region 30 -A of the cleaning pad 30 . As exemplified in Fig. 3f, there is a single notch 40 in the first major surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30, which as exemplified in Fig. 3f is located symmetrically (centrally) with the curved (e.g. B. circular segment-shaped) or also linear design of the notch 40 parallel to the xy-plane essentially angularly offset or transverse (orthogonal) to the central axis and longitudinal extension (y-axis) of the carrier element 20 of the dental cleaning product 10 is arranged. As exemplified in FIG. 3f, the starting and ending points of the notch 40 may be spaced apart from the edge portion 30-1 of the main surface portion 30-A.

As shown by way of example in FIG. 3h, the end areas of the notch 40 can also extend into the edge area 30-A (on one side or also on both sides) of the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30.

As is now shown by way of example in Fig. 3g, a plurality (at least two) of parallel notches 40 can also be provided in the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30, with the individual notches 40 in Fig. 3a corresponding to the ones shown in Figs. 3f and 3h described notches can be designed. The parallel notches 40 in the first main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 can thus also be “lamellar” and can be angularly offset relative to the x-y plane or transverse to the central axis and longitudinal extension (y-axis) of the carrier element 20 . In FIG. 3g, a possible lamellar support structure 50 is also shown schematically in the cleaning pad 30 as an example, as is described below by way of example with reference to FIGS. 4a-h.

According to the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 3f-h, one (centrally or offset) or a plurality (at least two) of parallel notches 40 can also be provided in the first main surface region 30 -A of the cleaning pad 30 . The parallel notches 40 in the first main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 can thus be of lamellar design. With the lamellar shape of the notch 40 in the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30, the main surface area 30-A (=the grinding surface) of the cleaning pad 30 separates into separate work surfaces and increases the adaptation to the individual tooth contour of the operator. With a natural axial toothbrush movement (cleaning movement) of the operator and a pivoting (about the y-axis) movement of the toothbrush head 10, the adjustment of the foam material at the main surface area is achieved 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 in the form of a dynamic wave on the main surface (abrasive surface) 30-A.

Therefore, the configurations of the notch 40 in the main surface region 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 shown in FIGS. 3f-h, ie the lamellar shape of the notch(s) 40, are particularly suitable for a toothbrush with a pivoting toothbrush head, for example.

The respective design of the notch(s) 40 provided in the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 can be used in conjunction with the respective tooth brush head movement (rotary or translatory) for a high cleaning performance of the tooth surfaces and the spaces between the teeth be adjusted, d. H. the tooth cleaning pad 30 can be turned off to suit the user's preferred type of cleaning.

A dental cleaning product 10, in which the cleaning pad 30 has a support structure 50, e.g. an (e.g. in the vertical direction) elongate support structure 50, is now described below with reference to FIGS.

Here, too, the above description with regard to FIGS. 1a-d, 2a-c and 3a-h is equally applicable to the further exemplary embodiments, as described below. In the following description, the differences or different and additional configurations such. B. additional elements, etc., to those described in the previous embodiments and also the technical effects resulting therefrom, discussed in detail.

Thus, FIGS. 4a-h show different schematic views of a cleaning pad 30 of the dental cleaning product 10 with the support structure 50 according to a further exemplary embodiment. 4a-b, d, e and g show cross-sectional views, while FIGS. 4c, f and h show a perspective view of the cleaning pad 30 with the support structure 50, respectively. According to one exemplary embodiment, the support structure 50 extends from the carrier element 20 into the foam material of the cleaning pad 30, the foam material being arranged on the support structure 50 and surrounding the support structure 50 in regions or in a cap shape. The foam material of the cleaning pad 30 can also be attached to the support structure 50, such as fixed to the support structure 50, for example. The cleaning pad 30 can be arranged on the support structure 50 in a mechanically fixed (eg non-detachable) or detachable (replaceable) manner.

According to one embodiment, a main extension direction of the support structure 50 is vertical (parallel to the z-axis) to the main surface 20-A of the carrier element 20 running in the x-y plane or in an angular range of +/- 30° with respect to the vertical to the carrier element 20 (to the main surface 20-A of the carrier element 20 running in the x-y plane). According to one exemplary embodiment, the support structure 50 has a TPE material (TPE=thermoplastic polymer or elastomer).

According to one embodiment, the support structure 50 is elongate, e.g. rod-shaped, bar-shaped, lamellar-shaped, cylindrical (hollow-cylindrical), conical and/or circular (cylindrical or conical), oval or circular arc-shaped (cylinder segment-shaped) with regard to a lateral cross-section.

The support structure 50 may be said to be z-elongated (vertically elongated) because the ratio (aspect ratio) of the base area of the support structure (cross-sectional area parallel to the x-y plane) is smaller (at least by a factor of 2, 3, 4, . .. , 10 or 20) as the cross-sectional area of the support structure 50 parallel to the vertical axis (z-axis) or (generally) as the lateral surface of the support structure 50.

As exemplified in Figs. 4a-c, the elongate (e.g., in the vertical direction) support structure 50 is beam or slat-shaped with a rectangular base cross-section (parallel to the x-y plane), such as e.g. B. a parallelepiped or a cuboid.

As shown in Fig. 4a-c by way of example, the upper side surface 50-1 can also have an inwardly curved depression 52 (height difference inward), so that the edge regions 50-A, 50-B of the support structure are increased or an extension are formed. This arrangement of the support structure with the raised side areas 50-A, 50-B can provide mechanical support for the edge areas of the cleaning pad 30, in particular in the edge areas transverse to the longitudinal direction (y-axis) of the carrier element 20.

As is further exemplified in Fig. 4a-c, the upper side surface 50-1 (dashed line 50-1 in Fig. 4b) can also have a flat or straight shape, so that the upper side surface 50-1 is parallel to the x-y -Plane is designed to obtain the mechanical support of the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 or set it.

Due to the support structure 50 and also due to the concave or flat design of the upper side area 50-1 of the same, an increased counterforce (supporting force) on the edge areas of the cleaning pad 30 can be obtained during a tooth brushing process, so that in addition to cleaning the tooth surfaces, the spaces between the teeth can also be cleaned is reached.

According to one exemplary embodiment, a main extension direction of the elongate support structure 50 is within an angular range of +/-30° or +/-15° to the vertical or else parallel (=0°) to the vertical (=z-direction) with respect to the carrier element ( = with respect to the x-y plane = reference plane).

The support structure has, for example (entirely or as a component) one or more of the following material components: a thermoplastic styrene elastomer material (TPE-S, TPE = thermoplastic elastomer, S = styrene or styrene), such as. B. a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymer or a styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer material (SBS), a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer material (TPE-U), a thermoplastic polyamide elastomer material (TPE-A), a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomeric material (TPE-O), a thermoplastic polyester elastomeric material (TPE-E) and/or silicone. The support structure can also have one or more of the following material components (completely or as a component): TPE (thermoplastics such as polypropylene PP), PA, PE, ABS, PC, PVC, PET, PEEK, PTFE, PUR or PTHF.

Thus, materials of the base body of a toothbrush can also be used for the materials of the support structure and/or for the foam material of the cleaning pad, which simplifies the manufacture of a toothbrush. 4d-f now show further different views of a cleaning pad 30 of the dental cleaning product 10 with an elongated (eg in the vertical direction) support structure 50 according to a further exemplary embodiment.

As shown by way of example in FIGS. 4d-f, the (e.g. in the vertical direction) elongate support structure 50 is arranged in the foam material of the cleaning pad 30 in the form of a beam or lamella. The cleaning pad 30 now has a structure such as that shown in FIGS. which is elongate or elongated with respect to the y direction. An elongate configuration can be considered, for example, when the length L30 of the cleaning pad 30 (parallel to the y-axis) is at least twice or three times the width B30 of the cleaning pad 30 (parallel to the x-axis). The inwardly curved recess 32 in turn has a round, z. B. kreissegmentför-shaped or elliptical segment-shaped, shape. The support structure 50 extends, for example, parallel to the y-direction and is laminated with a relatively linear configuration in the y-direction. As shown by way of example in Figs. 4d-f, the support structure 50 can be tapered in the vertical direction (with tapered side faces) starting from the carrier element 20, but the side faces of the support structure 50 can also be vertical with respect to the x-y plane (and parallel to each other) can be formed. According to one embodiment, the vertical distance Z50 between the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 and the top side surface 50-1 of the support structure 50 can be in a range of 1 to 5 mm or of 2 to 4 mm, and typically a distance of (approx ) 3 mm (± 0.5 mm).

4g-h now show further different views of a cleaning pad 30 of the dental cleaning product 10 with an elongated (e.g. in the vertical direction) support structure 50 according to a further exemplary embodiment.

As shown by way of example in FIGS. 4g-h, the cleaning pad 30 has a round, e.g. B. circular or elliptical, basic shape, wherein the inwardly curved recess 32 is a round, z. B. circular segment-shaped or elliptical segment-shaped, shape. 4g-h the support structure 50 is shown as an example as a wall section (e.g. 1/5, %, 1/3 or the circumference) of a hollow cylinder with a cross-section in the shape of a segment of a circle (relative to the xy plane), but oval or elliptical cross sections of the Support structure 50 (with respect to the xy plane) are equally applicable. The support structure 50 can also be referred to as open curved.

With respect to Figure 4h, it is noted that a portion of the cleaning pad 30 has been omitted for purposes of illustration in order to show the wall portion of the elongate support structure 50 (at least partially) exposed.

As exemplified in Figures 4g-h, the upper side portion 50-1 of the support structure 50 may be planar. According to a further exemplary embodiment, the upper side face 50-1 can also have an inwardly curved recess 52, so that the edge regions 50-A, 50-B of the support structure can be raised or formed with an extension. Furthermore, the support structure 50, starting from the carrier element 20 in the vertical direction, can be vertical with respect to the x-y plane (and parallel to one another) or can also be tapered (with tapered side surfaces), but the side surfaces of the support structure 50 can also be tapered (with tapered side surfaces ) can be trained.

As shown in Figs. 4a-h, the support structure is arranged in the foam material of the cleaning pad 30, with a recess in the cleaning pad 30, e.g. B. in the form of an incision or in the form of a cavity for receiving the support structure 50 is provided.

This open, curved arrangement of support structure 50 allows mechanical support for the edge regions of cleaning pad 30, particularly in the edge regions transverse to the longitudinal direction (y-axis) of carrier element 20, with the open, curved shape of support structure 50 also providing the respective tooth side surface comprehensive (circumferential) support of the foam material of the cleaning pad 30 can be obtained.

The support structure 50 is effective, for example, to transfer the circular (eg, parallel to the xy plane) or linear deflection (eg, parallel to the x-direction) of the toothbrush head in an electrically powered toothbrush to the main surface area of the cleaning pad. The introduction of energy or power transmission to the main surface area of the cleaning pad can thus be increased by the support structure, since the main surface area of the cleaning pad follows the movement of the electrically operated toothbrush head. The support structure 50 can also have a plurality of elements, in which case the elements can then each be designed like the (individual) support structures 50 described above. The support structure 50 can thus have several beams, lamellae, cylinders and/or cones or a combination of the same.

In this way, the force transmission described above to the main surface area of the cleaning pad can be further increased by means of the support structure 50 .

The respective configuration of the support structure(s) 50 provided in the foam material of the cleaning pad 30 can be adapted in connection with the respective toothbrush head movement (rotary or pivoting) for a high cleaning performance on the tooth surfaces and the spaces between the teeth, d. H. the cleaning pad 30 and the support structure 50 provided therein can be turned off to suit the preferred type of cleaning of the user.

With a natural axial toothbrush movement (cleaning movement) by the operator and a pivoting (about the y-axis) movement of the toothbrush head 10, the adjustment of the foam material is achieved by the (also laterally elongated) design of the support structure 50 of the cleaning pad 30 (in the form of a dynamic wave) on the main surface (grinding surface) 30-A is favoured.

Therefore, the configurations of the support structure 50 shown in Figs. 4a-f are in the foam material of the cleaning pad 30, i. H. the lamellar shape of the support structure 50, for example, particularly suitable for a toothbrush with a pivoting toothbrush head, but can also be used with a circulating deflection.

The openly curved (partially hollow-cylindrical) arrangement of the support structure 50, as shown in FIGS. Axis) of the carrier element 20 are formed, with the partial hollow cylinder shape of the support structure 50 also being able to provide (circular) support for the foam material of the cleaning pad 30 that encompasses the respective side surfaces of the teeth with a circulating toothbrush head (rotary head). .

In the event of a linear (pivoting) deflection or pivoting deflection of the grinding surface 30-A of the cleaning pad 30, the grinding surface 30-A moves (= pivots) essentially parallel to the x-direction or in a pivoting range (= side-to-side movement = Deflection range) around the y-axis of the toothbrush head with an electrically operated toothbrush (e.g. sonic toothbrush).

The support structure includes, for example (entirely or as a component) one or more of the following material components: a thermoplastic styrene elastomer material (TPE-S, TPE = thermoplastic elastomer, S = styrene or styrene), such as. B. a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymer or a styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer material (SBS), a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer material (TPE-U), a thermoplastic polyamide elastomer material (TPE-A), a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomeric material (TPE-O), a thermoplastic polyester elastomeric material (TPE-E) and/or silicone.

Thus, materials of the base body of a toothbrush can also be used for the materials of the support structure and/or for the foam material of the cleaning pad, which simplifies the manufacture of a toothbrush. For example, the support structure can be inserted into the base body of the toothbrush in the area of the toothbrush head, e.g. glued in, etc., after the brushes have been attached to the toothbrush head and processed.

A dental cleaning product 10 in which cleaning bristles 60 are arranged on the carrier element 20 is described below with reference to FIGS. 5a-e, the cleaning bristles 60 being arranged laterally adjacent to the cleaning pad 30 or laterally surrounding the cleaning pad 30. Here, too, the above description with regard to FIGS. 1a-d, 2a-c, 3a-h and 4a-h is equally applicable to the further exemplary embodiments, as are described below. In the following description, the differences or different and additional configurations such. B. additional elements, etc., to those described in the previous embodiments and also the technical effects resulting therefrom, discussed in detail.

5a-d show schematic 3D views and side views (cross-sectional views and top views) of different configurations of the dental cleaning product 10 with a cleaning pad 30 and cleaning bristles 60 according to an exemplary embodiment, with the cleaning bristles 60 on the carrier element 20 laterally adjacent to the cleaning pad 30 or the Cleaning pad 30 are arranged laterally surrounding.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the cleaning pad 30 can have a flat grinding surface 30-A, as is shown in FIG. 5a by way of example. The planar grinding surface 30-A can be formed parallel to the xy plane, for example. The vertical bristle height h ₆ o of the cleaning bristles 60, the cleaning pad 60 as at least partially or completely laterally surround is at least as large as the height h of the cleaning pad 30, ie h ₆ o eh.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the cleaning pad 30 can have an outwardly curved main surface region (abrasive surface) 30-A, as is illustrated in FIG. 5b by way of example. The peripheral line 30-1 at the edge area encloses the first main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30. The peripheral line 30-1 can be formed parallel to the xy plane, for example. The vertical bristle height h 60 of the cleaning bristles 60, which laterally surround the cleaning pad 30 at least _partially or completely, is at least as great as the height h of the edge region _30-1 of the cleaning pad 30, ie h 60 ie h.

5d shows another schematic top view (partial top view) of the dental cleaning product 100 with typical (lateral) dimensions of the head area of the dental cleaning product and the cleaning pad.

Here, too, the above description with regard to all figures is equally applicable to the further exemplary embodiments, as described below. In the following description essentially the differences or different and additional configurations such. B. additional elements etc., to those in the previously described embodiments and also the technical effects resulting therefrom, discussed in detail.

5d, the raised first main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 can also extend vertically (=height H30-2) over the bristle height Hbo of the cleaning bristles 6, i.e. the elevation (curvature) 30-2 while the peripheral line 30 - 1 of the edge portion of the main surface portion 30 - A of the cleaning pad 30 is vertically below the bristle height Hbo of the cleaning bristles 30 .

5c and 5d also show a schematic perspective view and a plan view of different configurations of the dental cleaning product 10 with the cleaning pad 30 and the cleaning bristles 60, both of which are arranged on the carrier element 20, with different geometric configurations being shown by way of example of the cleaning pad 30 are also shown in order to make it clear that different configurations of the cleaning pad 30 can interact with the cleaning bristles 60 .

As is now shown, for example, in FIG. 5c, the cleaning bristles 60 are arranged laterally adjacent, with the cleaning bristles 60 laterally surrounding the cleaning pad 30 only in certain areas.

As shown in FIG. 5d , the cleaning bristles 60 are arranged laterally adjacent, with the cleaning bristles 60 completely surrounding the cleaning pad 30 .

To optimize the cleaning performance, the relative arrangement of the cleaning pad 30 with respect to the cleaning bristles 60 can be designed depending on the type of dental cleaning product 10, i.e. whether the dental cleaning product is part of a manual or electric toothbrush, with an electric toothbrush still between a circulating or linear Deflection of the toothbrush head can be adjusted accordingly.

As is shown by way of example in FIG. 5e, the head region (or carrier element head) 22 of the carrier element 20 can, for example, be round (circular), oval, elliptical, or im Have a substantially rectangular shape with, for example, rounded edge areas, wherein the basic shape of the cleaning pad 30 can be adapted to the shape of the head area 22 of the carrier element 20 (or its peripheral shape). For example, the cleaning pad 30 (if no further cleaning bristles are provided, for example) can cover at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 75% or at least 90% of the main surface area 22-A or the entire main surface area 22-A of the head area 22 of the T cover carrier element 20.

According to one embodiment, the vertical height of the cleaning pad is between 5 and 14 mm, or in a range from 3 to 20 mm, or from 3 to 10 mm, or from 3 to 8 mm.

According to one embodiment, the area of the first main surface area is in a range from 1 mm ² to 10 mm ² .

With regard to the embodiment of the cleaning pad 30 of the dental cleaning product 10 with the cleaning bristles 60 shown in FIGS. H. if the bristles have a (vertically) varying height contour along the edge region or the peripheral line 30 - 1 of the cleaning pad 30 . Furthermore, the upper side surface 50-1 of the support structure 50 can also be adjusted in order to follow the resulting height contour of the main surface area 30-A within the foam material of the cleaning pad 30 (parallel offset inwards).

Further configurations of a cleaning pad 30 with a vertical notch (relief notch) 40 of the dental cleaning product 10 according to a further exemplary embodiment are described below with reference to the schematic views in FIGS. 6a-c. Thus, the above description of notch 40 in Figures 3a-h is equally applicable to the other exemplary embodiments described below.

According to one embodiment, a dental cleaning product 10 comprises a carrier element 20 and a cleaning pad 30, which has an elastically deformable foam material and which is arranged on the carrier element, the cleaning pad having a first main surface area 30-A acting as a cleaning surface and a Circumferential side surface area 30-B extending around the carrier element, and a notch 40 being provided in the first major surface area of the cleaning pad.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the depth of the notch, starting from the first main surface area in the cleaning pad, is less than 60% of the material thickness of the cleaning pad.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the notch is offset inwards, at least in sections, relative to the peripheral line of the first main surface area of the cleaning pad.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the notch is formed parallel at least in sections along the peripheral line of the first main surface region of the cleaning pad.

According to one embodiment, a plurality of parallel notches are provided in the first major surface area of the cleaning pad.

According to one exemplary embodiment, an inwardly curved recess is provided in the side surface area, which extends at least partially or completely vertically through the cleaning pad, starting from the first main surface area. Thus, the above description of the recess 32 in FIGS. 1a-d and 2a-c is equally applicable to the further exemplary embodiments as described with reference to FIGS. 6a-c.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the inwardly curved recess 32 of the cleaning pad is designed to form an edge region in the cleaning pad at the two transition regions of the recess to the adjacent side surface region, each extending vertically from the first main surface region.

According to one embodiment, the cleaning pad has a support structure 50, which extends from the carrier element into the foam material of the cleaning pad [and on which the foam material is arranged], the foam material being attached to the support structure and the support structure being sectional or cap-shaped surrounds. Thus, the above description of the support structure 50 in FIGS. 4a-h is equally applicable to the further exemplary embodiments as described with reference to FIGS. 6a-c.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the support structure has a TPE material (TPE=thermoplastic polymer) and is also bar-shaped, lamellar-shaped, cylindrical, cone-shaped, circular, oval, elliptical, or arc-shaped.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the carrier element also has cleaning bristles 60, which are arranged laterally adjacent to the cleaning pad or which laterally surround the cleaning pad, with the cleaning pad having a flat grinding surface, with the vertical bristle height of the cleaning bristles that cover the cleaning pad at least in some areas laterally surrounded, at least as large as the height of the cleaning pad, or wherein the first main surface area of the cleaning pad has a main surface area that curves outwards, the vertical bristle height of the cleaning bristles that laterally surround the cleaning pad at least in some areas being at least as great as the height of the edge area of the cleaning pad. Thus, the above description of the bristles 60 in FIGS. 5a-e is equally applicable to the further exemplary embodiments as described with reference to FIGS. 6a-c.

Further configurations of a cleaning pad 30 with a support structure 50 of the dental cleaning product 10 according to a further exemplary embodiment are described below with reference to the schematic views in FIGS. 7a-i (also applicable here). Thus, the above description of the support structure 50 in FIGS. 4a-h is equally applicable to the further exemplary embodiments, as are described with reference to FIGS. 7a-i.

According to one embodiment, a dental cleaning product 10 comprises a carrier element 20 and a cleaning pad 30, which has an elastically deformable foam material and which is arranged on the carrier element, the cleaning pad having a first main surface area 30-A acting as a cleaning surface and a Has carrier element extending, circumferential side surface area 30-B.

Furthermore, the dental cleaning product 10 has a support structure 50 for the cleaning pad 30, the support structure (e.g. elongated in the vertical direction) extending from the support gerelement extends into the foam material m ate ri a I of the cleaning pad, the foam material being attached to the support structure and surrounding the support structure in regions or in a cap shape.

According to one embodiment, a main extension direction of the elongate support structure is formed in an angular range of +/-30° with respect to the vertical or parallel to the vertical (=z-direction) to the carrier element (in the x-y plane=reference plane).

According to one embodiment, the elongate support structure comprises a TPE (thermoplastic polymer) material.

As exemplified in Figs. 7a-c, the elongate (e.g., in the vertical direction) support structure 50 is beam or slat-shaped with a rectangular cross-section of base (parallel to the x-y plane), e.g. B. a parallelepiped or a cuboid.

As shown in Fig. 7a-c by way of example, the upper side surface 50-1 can also have an inwardly curved depression 52 (height difference inward), so that the edge areas 50-A, 50-B of the support structure are increased or an extension are formed.

This arrangement of the support structure with the raised side areas 50-A, 50-B can provide mechanical support for the edge areas of the cleaning pad 30, in particular in the edge areas transverse to the longitudinal direction (y-axis) of the carrier element 20. As is further exemplified in Fig. 7a-c, the upper side surface 50-1 can also have a flat or straight shape, so that the upper side surface 50-1 is formed parallel to the xy plane in order to mechanically support the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 to obtain or set.

7d-f and 7g-h now show further different views of a cleaning pad 30 of the dental cleaning product 10 with an elongated (e.g. in the vertical direction) support structure 50 according to a further exemplary embodiment. In Figs. 7d-f the closed curved support structure 50 is shown as being cylindrical (hollow cylindrical) with a circular cross-section (with respect to the x-y plane), oval or elliptical cross-sections of the support structure 50 also being equally applicable.

7e and 7h, it should be noted that a portion of the cleaning pad 30 has been omitted for purposes of illustration in order to show the cylindrical, elongate support structure 50 (at least partially) exposed.

As is particularly evident from FIGS. 7e-f, the peripheral line 50-1 of the support structure 50 has a height difference, with the support structure 50 in the areas transverse to the longitudinal direction (y-direction) of the carrier element 20 compared to the rest of the peripheral line 50-1 increased. As shown in Fig. 7e and 7f, the peripheral line 50-1 can be raised continuously, so that there is a continuous transition between the raised edge areas 50-A, 50-B of the support structure 50 and the lowered edge areas 50-3, 50 -4 of the support structure 50 is present.

As shown in Figs. 7a-i, the support structure is arranged in the foam material of the cleaning pad 30, with a recess in the cleaning pad 30, e.g. B. in the form of an incision or in the form of a cavity for receiving the support structure 50 is provided. 7d-f it is thus clear that the foam material of the cleaning pad 30 can extend into the inner volume of the sleeve-shaped support structure 50 or the inner volume of the sleeve-shaped support structure 50 can also be left at least partially or completely free .

Thus, FIGS. 7d-f show different schematic views of a cleaning pad 30 of the dental cleaning product 10 with the support structure 50 according to a further exemplary embodiment.

This cylindrical arrangement of the support structure 50 with the raised side areas 50-A, 50-B can provide mechanical support for the edge areas of the cleaning pad 30, in particular in the edge areas transverse to the longitudinal direction (y-axis) of the carrier element 20. Furthermore, due to the hollow cylindrical shape of the support structure 50, a (circumferential) support of the foam material of the cleaning pad 30 that encompasses the respective side face of the tooth can be obtained.

This closed, curved arrangement of the support structure 50 can provide mechanical support for the edge regions of the cleaning pad 30, particularly in the edge regions transverse to the longitudinal direction (y-axis) of the carrier element 20 the respective tooth side surface comprehensive (circumferential) support of the foam material of the cleaning pad 30 can be obtained.

For example, the support structure 50 operates to transfer the circular (e.g., parallel to the x-y plane) or linear deflection (e.g., parallel to the x-direction) of the toothbrush head in an electrically powered toothbrush to the major surface area of the cleaning pad. The introduction of energy or power transmission to the main surface area of the cleaning pad can thus be increased by the support structure, since the main surface area of the cleaning pad follows the movement of the electrically operated toothbrush head.

The support structure 50 can also have a plurality of elements, in which case the elements can then each be designed like the (individual) support structures 50 described above. The support structure 50 can thus have several beams, lamellae, cylinders and/or cones or a combination of the same. In this way, the force transmission described above to the main surface area of the cleaning pad can be further increased by means of the support structure 50 .

Thus, FIGS. 7g-h show different schematic views of a cleaning pad 30 of the dental cleaning product 10 with the support structure 50 according to a further exemplary embodiment. As is particularly clear from FIGS. 7e-f, the peripheral line 50-1 of the support structure 50 has no difference in height and is flat or straight.

This cylindrical arrangement of the support structure 50 can provide mechanical support for the edge regions of the cleaning pad 30, in particular in the edge regions transverse to the longitudinal direction (y-axis) of the carrier element 20, with the hollow cylindrical shape of the support structure 50 also including a tooth side surface (Circumferential) support of the foam material of the cleaning pad 30 can be obtained.

As shown by way of example in FIGS. 7i-j, the cleaning pad 30 has a round, e.g. B. circular or elliptical, basic shape. In Figs. 7i-j, the support structure 50 is shown by way of example as a wall section (e.g. 1/5, 1/2, 1/3 or of the circumference) of a hollow cylinder with a circular segment-shaped cross-section (with respect to the x-y plane), but oval or elliptical cross-sections of support structure 50 (with respect to the x-y plane) are equally applicable. The support structure 50 can also be referred to as being openly curved. 7j, it is noted that a portion of the cleaning pad 30 has been omitted for purposes of illustration to show the wall portion of the elongate support structure 50 (at least partially) exposed.

As shown by way of example in FIGS. 7i-j, the upper side region 50-1 of the support structure 50 can be flat. According to a further exemplary embodiment, the upper side surface 50 - 1 can also have an inwardly curved recess 52 . Furthermore, the support structure 50 can be formed vertically from the carrier element 20 in the vertical direction with respect to the x-y plane (and parallel to one another) or tapered (with tapered side surfaces), but the side surfaces of the support structure 50 also tapered (with tapered side surfaces ) can be trained.

As shown in Figs. 7i-j, the support structure 50 is arranged in the foam material of the cleaning pad 30, with a recess in the cleaning pad 30, e.g. B. is provided in the form of an incision or in the form of a cavity for receiving the support structure 50.

According to one exemplary embodiment, an inwardly curved recess 32 can be provided in the side surface area, which, starting from the first main surface area, extends at least partially or completely vertically through the cleaning pad. Thus, the above description of the inwardly curved recess 32 in FIGS. 1a-d is equally applicable to the further exemplary embodiments, as are described below.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the inwardly curved recess of the cleaning pad is designed to form an edge region in the cleaning pad at the two transition regions of the recess to the adjoining side surface region, extending vertically from the first main surface region.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the cleaning pad has an elongate support structure which extends from the carrier element into the foam material of the cleaning pad, the foam material being attached to the support structure and surrounding the support structure in regions or in the form of a cap.

According to another embodiment, the cleaning pad 30 may have a vertical notch (relief notch) 40 in the major surface area 30 -A of the cleaning pad 30 of the dental cleaning product 10 . Thus, the above description of the notch 40 in Figures 3a-h is equally applicable to the further embodiments described below.

According to one embodiment, a dental cleaning product 10 comprises a carrier element 20 and a cleaning pad 30, which has an elastically deformable foam material and which is arranged on the carrier element, the cleaning pad having a first main surface region 30-A acting as a cleaning surface, and a to the carrier element extending, circumferential side surface area 30-B, and wherein a notch 40 is provided in the first main surface area of the cleaning pad. According to one embodiment, the depth of the notch starting from the first main surface area in the cleaning pad is less than 60% of the material thickness of the cleaning pad.

According to one embodiment, the carrier element can also have cleaning bristles 60, which are arranged laterally adjacent to the cleaning pad or which surround the cleaning pad laterally, the cleaning pad having a flat grinding surface, the vertical bristle height of the cleaning bristles, which laterally surround the cleaning pad at least in regions, is at least as large as the height of the cleaning pad, or wherein the first main surface area of the cleaning pad has a main surface area that curves outwards, the vertical bristle height of the cleaning bristles that laterally surround the cleaning pad at least in some areas being at least as large as the height of the edge area of the cleaning pad is. Thus, the above description of the bristles 60 in FIGS. 5a-e is equally applicable to the further exemplary embodiments as described with reference to FIGS. 7a-j.

Further configurations of a cleaning pad 30 with cleaning bristles 60 of the dental cleaning product 10 according to a further exemplary embodiment are described below with reference to the schematic views in FIGS. 8a-e (also applicable here). Thus, the above description of the bristles 60 in FIGS. 5a-e is equally applicable to the further exemplary embodiments, as are described with reference to FIGS. 8a-e.

According to one exemplary embodiment, a dental cleaning product 10 comprises a carrier element 20 and a cleaning pad 30, which is an elastically deformable foam material and which is arranged on the carrier element, wherein the cleaning pad has a first main surface area 30-A that acts as a cleaning surface, and a peripheral side surface area 30-B that extends to the carrier element.

Furthermore, the dental cleaning product 10 has cleaning bristles 60 on the carrier element 20, the cleaning bristles being arranged laterally adjacent to the cleaning pad or laterally surrounding the cleaning pad.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the cleaning pad has a flat grinding surface, the vertical bristle height of the cleaning bristles that laterally surround the cleaning pad at least in some areas being at least as great as the height of the cleaning pad.

According to one embodiment, the first main surface area of the cleaning pad has an outwardly curved main surface area, the vertical bristle height of the cleaning bristles that surround the cleaning pad laterally at least in some areas being at least as great as the height of the edge area of the cleaning pad.

8a-d show schematic 3D views and side views (cross-sectional views and top views) of different configurations of the dental cleaning product 10 with a cleaning pad 30 and cleaning bristles 60 according to an exemplary embodiment, with the cleaning bristles 60 on the carrier element 20 laterally adjacent to the cleaning pad 30 or the Cleaning pad 30 are arranged laterally surrounding.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the cleaning pad 30 can have a flat abrasive surface 30-A, as is shown in FIG. 8a by way of example. The planar grinding surface 30-A can be formed parallel to the xy plane, for example. The vertical bristle height h ₆ o of the cleaning bristles 60, the cleaning pad 60 as at least partially or completely laterally surround is at least as large as the height h of the cleaning pad 30, ie h ₆ o eh.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the cleaning pad 30 can have an outwardly curved main surface region (abrasive surface) 30-A, as is illustrated in FIG. 8b by way of example. The peripheral line 30-1 at the edge area encloses the first main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30. The peripheral line 30-1 can be formed parallel to the xy plane, for example. The vertical bristle height h _ö o of the cleaning bristles 60, which laterally surround the cleaning pad 30 at least partially or completely, is at least as great as the height h of the edge region 30-1 of the cleaning pad 30, ie h ₆ o eh.

8d shows another schematic top view (partial top view) of the dental cleaning product 100 with typical (lateral) dimensions of the head area of the dental cleaning product and the cleaning pad.

Here, too, the above description with regard to all figures is equally applicable to the further exemplary embodiments, as described below. In the following description, the differences or different and additional configurations such. B. additional elements etc., to those in the previously described embodiments and also the technical effects resulting therefrom, discussed in detail.

8d, the raised first main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 can also extend vertically (=height H30-2) over the bristle height Hbo of the cleaning bristles 6, i.e. the elevation (curvature) 30-2 while the peripheral line 30 - 1 of the edge portion of the main surface portion 30 - A of the cleaning pad 30 is vertically below the bristle height Hbo of the cleaning bristles 30 .

8c and 8d also show a schematic perspective view and a top view of different configurations of the dental cleaning product 10 with the cleaning pad 30 and the cleaning bristles 60, both of which are arranged on the carrier element 20, with different geometric configurations being shown by way of example of the cleaning pad 30 are also shown in order to make it clear that different configurations of the cleaning pad 30 can interact with the cleaning bristles 60 .

As is now shown, for example, in FIG. 8c, the cleaning bristles 60 are arranged laterally adjacent, with the cleaning bristles 60 laterally surrounding the cleaning pad 30 only in certain areas.

As shown in FIG. 8d , the cleaning bristles 60 are arranged laterally adjacent, with the cleaning bristles 60 completely surrounding the cleaning pad 30 . To optimize the cleaning performance, the relative arrangement of the cleaning pad 30 with respect to the cleaning bristles 60 can be designed depending on the type of dental cleaning product 10, i.e. whether the dental cleaning product is part of a manual or electric toothbrush, with an electric toothbrush still between a circulating or linear Deflection of the toothbrush head can be adjusted accordingly.

As shown by way of example in Fig. 8e, the head area (or carrier element head) 22 of the carrier element 20 can, for example, have a round (circular), oval, elliptical, or essentially rectangular shape with e.g. rounded edge areas, the basic shape of the cleaning pad 30 being based on the Shape of the head portion 22 of the carrier element 20 (or its peripheral shape) can be adjusted. For example, the cleaning pad 30 (if no further cleaning bristles are provided, for example) can cover at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 75% or at least 90% of the main surface area 22-A or the entire main surface area 22-A of the head area 22 of the T cover carrier element 20.

With regard to the embodiment of the cleaning pad 30 of the dental cleaning product 10 with the cleaning bristles 60 shown in FIGS Bristles along the edge area or the peripheral line 30-1 of the cleaning pad 30 have a (vertically) varying height contour. Furthermore, the upper side surface 50-1 of the support structure 50 can also be adjusted in order to follow the resulting height contour of the main surface area 30-A within the foam material of the cleaning pad 30 (parallel offset inwards). According to one exemplary embodiment, an inwardly curved recess 32 can be provided in the side surface area, which, starting from the first main surface area, extends at least partially or completely vertically through the cleaning pad. Thus, the above description of the inwardly curved recess 32 in FIGS. 1a-d and 2a-c is equally applicable to the further exemplary embodiments, as will be described below.

According to one embodiment, a notch 40 is provided in the first major surface area of the cleaning pad. Thus, the above description of the notch 40 in Figures 3a-h is equally applicable to the other embodiments as described below.

According to one embodiment, the notch is offset inwards at least in sections relative to the peripheral line of the first main surface area of the cleaning pad or is formed in parallel sections along the peripheral line of the first main surface area of the cleaning pad.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the cleaning pad has a support structure that extends from the carrier element into the foam material of the cleaning pad, the foam material being attached to the support structure 50 and surrounding the support structure in regions or in a cap shape. Thus, the above description of the support structure 50 in FIGS. 4a-h is equally applicable to the exemplary embodiments as described with reference to FIGS. 8a-e.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the support structure is a TPE material (TPE=thermoplastic polymer) and is also bar-shaped, lamellar-shaped, cylindrical, cone-shaped, circular, oval, elliptical, or arc-shaped. The other exemplary embodiments, as described below, are equally applicable to all of the preceding exemplary embodiments.

9 now shows a schematic illustration in a perspective top view (=3D view) of a main surface area 30-A of a cleaning pad 30 (e.g. abrasively coated over the entire surface) according to a further exemplary embodiment.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the cleaning pad 30 has an abrasive surface covering 70 on the main surface area 30 -A, with the abrasive surface covering 70 having abrasive functional particles 72 .

According to one exemplary embodiment, the abrasive surface covering 70 also has a thermoplastic binder 74 for an adhesive bond between at least some of the abrasive functional particles 72 and the foam material, with at least some of the abrasive functional particles 72 being attached to the first main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 partially embedded in the foam material m ate ri a I and connected to the foam material.

According to one embodiment, at least some of the abrasive functional particles 72 on the surface area 30-A of the foam material are also partially embedded in the thermoplastic binder 74, the thermoplastic binder 74 being bonded to the abrasive functional particles 72 and the foam material material of the cleaning pad 30 is connected.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the abrasive functional particles 74 have a thermoplastic material.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the abrasive surface covering 70 has an additional material 76 in the form of nano or micro particles with an antibacterial and/or antiviral effect.

According to one embodiment, the dental cleaning product 10 forms a toothbrush head or toothbrush attachment of an electric or manual toothbrush.

According to one embodiment, the carrier element 20 is part of a toothbrush head 10 or a toothbrush attachment of an electric or manual toothbrush. According to one embodiment, the cleaning pad 30, z. B. on the first main surface area 30-A of the same and optionally at least partially or completely on the side surface area 30-B of the cleaning pad 30 of the abrasive surface coating (abrasive coating) 70 is arranged. In this context, an abrasive surface coating is referred to as abrasive if it has a rubbing or grinding effect on the tooth to be cleaned, with this rubbing or grinding effect in turn having a smoothing and cleaning effect on the tooth to be cleaned.

In the context of the present description, thermoplastic materials (thermoplastic or plastomer) are plastic materials that can be “thermoplastically” deformed in a specific temperature range. This process is reversible, i.e. it can be hardened again by cooling down. As long as there is no overheating of the thermoplastic material (= a so-called "thermal decomposition"), the properties of the thermoplastic material remain unchanged before and after heating or are retained, i.e. before and after application to the coated abrasive tool 10, since the Molecular chains of the thermoplastic material are not destroyed or separated. This is an essential property of the thermoplastic binder 18, in particular for the production process illustrated with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

According to one embodiment, the abrasive functional particles 16 can be designed as hard particles or grains and e.g. corundum, zirconium corundum, silicon carbide, boron nitride, glass, minerals, e.g. apatite, natural materials, e.g. crushed or crushed shells, nut shells, etc., or diamond with a particle size between 100 nm and 2 mm. According to one embodiment, the functional abrasive particles 16 may comprise an inert material, e.g., a material that is stable and unreactive under given conditions. The resulting removal of the abrasive tool 10 (with a defined contact pressure) can now also be adjusted via the concentration and/or hardness of the abrasive functional particles 16 in the abrasive surface covering 14 .

According to one exemplary embodiment, the abrasive functional particles 16 can have silicates, calcium phosphates, silicic acid, diamond and/or a thermoplastic. Diamonds (industrial diamonds), for example, can be used as abrasive functional particles, with the grain sizes (average diameter d1) being able to vary depending on the intended use of the dental cleaning product. If the dental cleaning product 50 is designed for daily use, the grain size can be in a range from 0.5 to 5.0 μm, from 2 to 4 μm or around 3 μm±0.5 μm. If weekly use of the dental cleaning product is intended, the particle size d1 can be in a range of 5 to 15 μm, 7 to 11 μm or 9 μm ± 1 μm. If, for example, the dental cleaning product 50 is to be used monthly for cleaning teeth, the average particle size d1 can be 15 to 25 μm, 17 to 23 μm or 20±2 μm.

According to one embodiment, the coated abrasive tool 10 may include a thermoplastic binder 18 comprising a thermoplastic polymeric material such as polypropylene (PP), PE (polyethylene), PA (polyamide), PC (polycarbonate, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) , PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PEEK (polyether ether ketone), PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), PUR (polyurethane), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) or PTHF (polytetrahydrofuran).The carrier material can also be flexible or elastic, for example with the abrasive functional particles, i.e. the abrasive or the abrasive materials, being reliably bonded to the same, e.g. in a form-fitting manner.

According to one embodiment, the foam material of the cleaning pad 30 can be designed to hold a cleaning fluid, with the release of the cleaning fluid (cleaning liquid or cleaning gel) during use (the tooth brushing process) being adjustable based on the porosity of the foam material and the viscosity of the cleaning fluid.

According to one embodiment, the abrasive functional particles can also be formed by the thermoplastic material itself, or alternatively a (further) thermoplastic material can be used, the further thermoplastic material of the abrasive functional particles being harder than the thermoplastic binding agent, for example.

According to one embodiment, the abrasive surface covering can have an additional material in the form of nanoparticles or microparticles with an antibacterial and/or antiviral effect. The antibacterial and/or antiviral nanoparticles or microparticles can be in the thermoplastic binder and/or an additional antibacterial and/or antiviral layer applied to the abrasive surface covering. The additional antibacterial and/or antiviral material in the form of nanoparticles and/or microparticles can, for example, have Ag, Cu, and/or Zn particles or alloys thereof and be embedded in the thermoplastic binder or arranged thereon.

The coated abrasive tool or cleaning pad 10 has a foam material (sponge) which is, for example, open-pored. Such a foam material of the cleaning pad 10 is particularly suitable for absorbing very low-viscosity fluids, e.g. liquid or gel-like cleaning additives (toothpaste), and for dispensing or releasing the same in a metered manner after the foam material has absorbed the fluid or has been soaked with it . A lower viscosity of the gel (compared to a conventional toothpaste) generally leads to better distribution during use. Because it is designed as a foam pad, cleaning pad 30 can absorb any gels or liquids that can also contain fragrances, essential oils, fluorides, medicines and/or anti-inflammatory additives.

The dispensing or dosing of the cleaning additive can be controlled by the average porosity of the foam material of the cleaning pad 30; H. during the cleaning process for a relatively long period of time, e.g. B. cleaning process throughout the tooth, are made available relatively evenly. The cleaning pad can thus have a double effect or double use, in that the abrasive surface covering leads to cleaning of the surfaces of the teeth, while the foam material can ensure fluid application. In particular, essentially liquid additional cleaning agents can be used, which, for example, can be picked up hygienically by a fluid dispenser, essentially without contact.

In one possible method for producing a coated abrasive cleaning pad 30, the starting material for coating is first provided, with the abrasive functional particles (=cutting materials) being mixed with a thermoplastic binding material or polymer material. The abrasive functional particles can already be bonded to the thermoplastic binder or alternatively (or additionally) the abrasive functional particles and the thermoplastic binder (e.g. polymer particles) can be fed homogeneously distributed to an injection device (plasma injection device). The concentration of the polymer material can be in a range between 5 and 95% (MP), for example. The compound of the starting material, ie the abrasive functional particles and the thermoplastic binder with the foam material takes place by means of a thermokinetic process. Optionally, after the application of the abrasive surface covering 14 to the cleaning pad 30, a thermal pressing process (to exert mechanical pressure) at an increased temperature can follow.

Although some aspects of the present disclosure have been described as features in the context of an apparatus, it is clear that such a description can also be regarded as a description of corresponding method features. Although some aspects have been described as features associated with a method, it is clear that such a description can also be regarded as a description corresponding to the features of a device or the functionality of a device. Some or all of the method steps may be performed by (or using) hardware apparatus, such as a microprocessor, a programmable computer, or electronic circuitry. In some embodiments, some or more of the method steps may be performed by such an apparatus. Depending on particular implementation requirements, embodiments of the invention may be implemented in hardware, or in software, or at least partially in hardware, or at least partially in software.

In the foregoing Detailed Description, in part, various features were grouped together in examples in order to streamline the disclosure. This type of disclosure should not be interpreted as an intention that the claimed examples have more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, subject matter may lie in less than all features of a single disclosed example. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim being able to stand on its own separate example. While each claim may stand as its own separate example, it should be noted that although dependent claims in the claims refer back to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other examples also include a combination of dependent claims with the subject matter of each other dependent claim or a combination of each feature with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are contemplated unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended. It is also intended that a combination of Features of a claim is comprised with any other independent claim, even if that claim is not directly dependent on the independent claim.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a variety of alternative and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and illustrated therein without departing from the subject matter of the present application. This application text is intended to cover any adaptations and variations of the specific embodiments described and discussed herein. Therefore, the present application subject matter is limited only by the language of the claims and the equivalent embodiments thereof.

Claims

patent claims

1. Dental cleaning product (10), with the following features: a carrier element (20), and a cleaning pad (30), which has an elastically deformable foam material, and which is arranged on the carrier element (20), the cleaning pad (30) having a first main surface area (30-A) that acts as a cleaning surface, and a peripheral side surface area (30-B) that extends to the carrier element (22), and wherein in the side surface area (30-B) there is an inwardly curved recess (32) is provided which, starting from the first main surface area (30-A), extends partially or completely vertically through the cleaning pad (30).

2. Dental cleaning product according to claim 1, wherein the inwardly curved recess of the cleaning pad is designed to form an edge region in the cleaning pad at the two transition regions of the recess to the adjoining side surface region, each extending vertically from the first main surface region.

3. Dental cleaning product according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier element extends along a longitudinal direction which is defined by a central axis of the carrier element, the inwardly curved recess of the cleaning pad being angularly offset or transverse to the central axis of the carrier element.

4. Dental cleaning product according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier element extends along a longitudinal direction which is defined by a central axis of the carrier element, wherein the inwardly curved recess of the cleaning pad is formed so that a lateral connecting line of the two transition areas extends into the cleaning pad is angularly offset or orthogonal to the central axis of the support member.

5. Dental cleaning product according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a notch (40) is provided in the first main surface region of the cleaning pad.

6. Dental cleaning product according to claim 5, wherein the notch is at least partially offset inwards to the peripheral line of the first main surface area of the cleaning pad or is partially parallel along the peripheral line of the first main surface area of the cleaning pad.

7. Dental cleaning product according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein a plurality of parallel notches are provided in the first major surface region of the cleaning pad.

8. Dental cleaning product according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning pad has a support structure (50) which extends from the carrier element into the foam material of the cleaning pad, the foam material being attached to the support structure and surrounding the support structure in regions or in the form of a cap.

9. Dental cleaning product according to claim 8, wherein the elongate support structure comprises a TPE material (TPE=thermoplastic polymer) and is further bar-shaped, lamellar-shaped, cylindrical, conical, circular, oval, elliptical or arc-shaped.

10. Dental cleaning product according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier element also has cleaning bristles (60) which are arranged laterally adjacent to the cleaning pad (30) or laterally surrounding the cleaning pad (30), the cleaning pad having a flat grinding surface, the vertical bristle height of the cleaning bristles, which laterally surround the cleaning pad at least in some areas, is at least as great as the height of the cleaning pad, or wherein the first main surface area of the cleaning pad has an outwardly curved main surface area, wherein the vertical bristle height of the cleaning bristles that surround the cleaning pad at least in some areas laterally is at least as great as the height of the edge area of the cleaning pad.

11. Dental cleaning product (10), with the following features: a carrier element (20), and a cleaning pad (30), which has an elastically deformable foam material, and which is arranged on the carrier element (20), the cleaning pad (30) having a cleaning surface effective first main surface area (30-A), and to the carrier element (20) stretching, circumferential side surface area (30-B), and wherein in the first main surface area (30-A) of the cleaning pad (30) a notch ( 40) is provided.

12. Dental cleaning product according to claim 11, wherein the depth of the notch starting from the first main surface area in the cleaning pad is less than 60% of the material thickness of the cleaning pad.

13. Dental cleaning product according to one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the notch is offset at least in sections inwards to the peripheral line of the first main surface area of the cleaning pad.

14. Dental cleaning product according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the notch is formed parallel at least in sections along the peripheral line of the first main surface area of the cleaning pad.

15. Dental cleaning product according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein a plurality of parallel notches is provided in the first main surface area of the cleaning pad.

16. Dental cleaning product according to one of claims 11 to 15, wherein an inwardly curved recess (32) is provided in the side surface area, which extends at least partially or completely vertically through the cleaning pad, starting from the first main surface area.

17. The dental cleaning product according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the inwardly curved recess of the cleaning pad is designed in order to form an edge region in the cleaning pad at the transition regions of the recess to the adjoining side surface region, each extending vertically from the first main surface region form.

18. Dental cleaning product according to one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the cleaning pad has a support structure (50) which extends from the carrier element into the foam material of the cleaning pad, the foam material being attached to the support structure and surrounding the support structure in regions or in the shape of a cap .

19. Dental cleaning product according to claim 18, wherein the support structure comprises a TPE material (TPE=thermoplastic polymer) and is also bar-shaped, la lamellar, cylindrical, conical, circular, oval, elliptical or arc-shaped.

20. Dental cleaning product according to one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the carrier element also has cleaning bristles (60) which are arranged laterally adjacent to the cleaning pad or laterally surrounding the cleaning pad, wherein the cleaning pad has a flat grinding surface, the vertical bristle height of the cleaning bristles that laterally surround the cleaning pad at least in some areas, is at least as large as the height of the cleaning pad, or wherein the first main surface area of the cleaning pad has a main surface area that curves outward, the vertical bristle height of the cleaning bristles that surround the cleaning pad at least in some areas laterally, at least as great as the height of the edge area of the cleaning pad.

21. Dental cleaning product (10), with the following features: a carrier element (20), a cleaning pad (30), which has an elastically deformable foam material, and the carrier element on the T (20) is arranged, wherein the cleaning pad (30) a first main surface area (30-A) effective as a cleaning surface, and an elongate support structure (50) for the cleaning pad, the elongate support structure (50) extending from the carrier element (20) into the foam material of the cleaning pad (30), wherein the foam material is arranged on the support structure (50) and surrounds the support structure (50) in regions or in the shape of a cap.

22. Dental cleaning product according to claim 21, wherein a main extension direction of the elongate support structure is formed in an angular range of +/- 30° with respect to the vertical to the carrier element.

23. Dental cleaning product according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the elongate support structure comprises a TPE material (TPE=thermoplastic polymer).

24. Dental cleaning product according to one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the elongate support structure is bar-shaped, lamellar-shaped, openly curved or closed-ge curved.

25. Dental cleaning product according to one of claims 21 to 24, wherein an inwardly curved recess (32) is provided in the side surface area, which extends at least partially or completely vertically through the cleaning pad, starting from the first main surface area.

26. The dental cleaning product according to any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the inwardly curved recess of the cleaning pad is designed in order to form an edge region in the cleaning pad at the transition regions of the recess to the adjoining side surface region, each extending vertically from the first main surface region form.

27. Dental cleaning product according to one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the carrier element also has cleaning bristles (60) which are arranged laterally adjacent to the cleaning pad or which laterally surround the cleaning pad, wherein the cleaning pad has a flat grinding surface, the vertical bristle height of the Cleaning bristles, which laterally surround the cleaning pad at least in some areas, are at least as large as the height of the cleaning pad, or the first main surface area of the cleaning pad has a main surface area that curves outward, the vertical bristle height of the cleaning bristles that surround the cleaning pad at least in some areas laterally , At least as large as the height of the Randbe is rich of the cleaning pad.

28. Dental cleaning product, having the following features: a carrier element (20) and a cleaning pad (30) which has an elastically deformable foam material and which is arranged on the carrier element (20), the cleaning pad (30) having an effective cleaning surface first main surface area (30-A) and a peripheral side surface area (30-B) extending to the carrier element (20), and

Cleaning bristles (60) on the carrier element (20), the cleaning bristles (60) being arranged laterally adjacent to the cleaning pad (30) or laterally surrounding the cleaning pad (30).

29. Dental cleaning product according to claim 28, wherein the cleaning pad has a flat grinding surface, wherein the vertical bristle height of the cleaning bristles that laterally surround the cleaning pad at least in some areas is at least as great as the height of the cleaning pad.

30. Dental cleaning product according to claim 28, wherein the first main surface area of the cleaning pad has an outwardly curved main surface area, and wherein the vertical bristle height of the cleaning bristles that laterally surround the cleaning pad at least in some areas is at least as large as the height of the edge area of the cleaning pad .

31. Dental cleaning product according to one of claims 28 to 30, wherein an inwardly curved recess (32) is provided in the side surface area, which extends at least partially or completely vertically through the cleaning pad, starting from the first main surface area.

32. Dental cleaning product according to one of claims 28 to 31, wherein the inwardly curved recess of the cleaning pad is designed in order to have an edge region in the cleaning pad that extends vertically from the first main surface region at the transition regions of the recess to the adjacent side surface region to build.

33. Dental cleaning product according to one of claims 28 to 32, wherein a notch (40) is provided in the first main surface area of the cleaning pad.

34. Dental cleaning product according to claim 33, wherein the notch is offset inwards at least in sections from the peripheral line of the first main surface area of the cleaning pad or is formed in sections parallel along the peripheral line of the first main surface area of the cleaning pad.

35. Dental cleaning product according to claim 33 or 34, wherein a plurality of parallel notches is provided in the first main surface area of the cleaning pad.

36. Dental cleaning product according to one of claims 28 to 35, wherein the cleaning pad has an elongate support structure (50) which extends from the carrier element into the foam material of the cleaning pad, the foam material being attached to the support structure and the support structure being partially or surrounded by a cap.

37. Dental cleaning product according to claim 36, wherein the elongate support structure comprises a TPE material (TPE=thermoplastic polymer) and is also bar-shaped, lamellar-shaped, cylindrical, conical, circular, oval, elliptical, or arc-shaped.

38. Dental cleaning product according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical height of the cleaning pad is between 5 and 14 mm.

39. Dental cleaning product according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the area of the first main surface area is in a range of 1 mm ² to 10 mm ² .

40. Dental cleaning product according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning pad has an abrasive surface covering (70) on the main surface area, wherein the abrasive surface covering (70) has abrasive functional particles (72).

41. Dental cleaning product according to claim 40, wherein the abrasive surface coating also has a thermoplastic binder (74) for an adhesive bond between at least some of the abrasive functional particles and the foam material, with at least some of the abrasive functional particles on the first main surface area of the cleaning pad partially embedded in the foam material and connected to the foam fabric m ate ri a I.

42. Dental cleaning product according to claim 40 or 41, wherein at least a part of the abrasive functional particles on the surface area of the foam material is also partially embedded in the thermoplastic binder, wherein the thermoplastic binder is connected to the abrasive functional particles and the foam material.

43. Dental cleaning product according to one of claims 40 to 42, wherein the abrasive functional particles have a thermoplastic material.

44. Dental cleaning product according to one of claims 40 to 43, wherein the abrasive surface covering has an additional material (76) in the form of nano or micro particles with an antibacterial and/or antiviral effect.

45. Dental cleaning product according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dental cleaning product forms a toothbrush head or toothbrush attachment of an electric or manual toothbrush.

A dental cleaning product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier element is part of a toothbrush head or a toothbrush attachment of an electric or manual toothbrush.