U.S. patent application number 12/404919 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-27 for electric toothbrush and toothbrush head for the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to Braun GmbH, a German corporation. Invention is credited to Gerhard Kressner.
Application Number | 20090211043 12/404919 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27797785 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090211043 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kressner; Gerhard |
August 27, 2009 |
ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH AND TOOTHBRUSH HEAD FOR THE SAME
Abstract
A toothbrush head of an electric toothbrush, the toothbrush
extending longitudinally and having a hand part, the toothbrush
head including a drive rocker, a brush-head carrier coupled to the
drive rocker, a main bristle carrier and an additional bristle
carrier, both carriers bearing a bristle arrangement and moveably
attached to the brush-head carrier and driven in oscillation by the
drive rocker, and a drive-coupler affixed to at least one of the
bristle carriers and coupled to the drive rocker. The head can
include two separately mounted bristle carriers, supporting bristle
arrangements, which are driven about different movement axes by the
drive rocker to enhance the cleaning action of the toothbrush.
Inventors: |
Kressner; Gerhard;
(Altenstadt, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FISH & RICHARDSON PC
P.O. BOX 1022
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55440-1022
US
|
Assignee: |
Braun GmbH, a German
corporation
|
Family ID: |
27797785 |
Appl. No.: |
12/404919 |
Filed: |
March 16, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10507845 |
Sep 15, 2004 |
7520016 |
|
|
PCT/EP02/12876 |
Nov 16, 2002 |
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12404919 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/22.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 17/349 20130101;
A61C 17/3427 20130101; A61C 17/3436 20130101; A46B 9/04 20130101;
A61C 17/3472 20130101; A61C 17/3454 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/22.1 |
International
Class: |
A46B 13/00 20060101
A46B013/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 15, 2002 |
DE |
102 11 391.2 |
Claims
1-18. (canceled)
19. An electric toothbrush, comprising: a handle; a head having
first and second bristle holders and a longitudinal axis; a neck
disposed between said handle and said head; a motor disposed within
said handle; and a shaft operately connected to said motor, wherein
said shaft pivots in a side-to-side direction and wherein said
shaft is operatively connected to said first and second bristle
holders to move said saecon bristle holder in a side-to-side
direction and to oscilate said first bristle holder about an axis
generally perpendicular to the longitudinal ais of said head.
20. The electric toothbrush according to claim 19, wherein said
second bristle holder moves in a direction substantially
perpendicular to said longitudinal axis.
21. The electric toothbrush according to claim 19, hwerein said
second bristle holder furthere comprises a pivot and said second
bristles holder moves in said side-to-side direction about said
pivot.
22. The electric toothbrush of claim 19, further comprising a
bushing, said shaft being received through and pivoting about said
bushing.
23. The electric toothbrush of claim 22, wherein a bottom surface
of said first bristle holder and a bottom surface of said second
bristle holder contact a top surface of said head.
24. The electric toothbrush of claim 22, wherein said bushing is
oriented approximately about the center of a lengtht of said
shaft.
25. The electric toothbrush of claim 22, wherein said second brisle
holder comprises a depending element which passes through an
aperture of said head.
26. The electric toothbrush of claim 25, wherein waid shaft engages
said depending element of said second bristle holder and engages a
portion of said first bristle holder.
27. The electric toothbrush of claim 25, wherein said second
bristle holder is oriented between said first bristle holder aid
said neck.
Description
[0001] This is a continuation application (and claims the benefit
of priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120) of U.S. Ser. No.
10/507,845, filed Sep. 15, 2004, which is a 371 of PCT application
serial no. PCT/EP02/12876, filed Nov. 16, 2002. Foreign priority is
claimed 35 U.S.C. 119 from German Application 102 11 391.2, filed
Mar. 15, 2002.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This description relates to a toothbrush head of an electric
toothbrush which has a hand part with a drive, with a brush-head
carrier, which can be connected to the hand part, and with a
plurality of bristle carriers which each bear a bristle
arrangement, are mounted in a moveable manner on the brush-head
carrier and can be driven in oscillation by the drive, it being
possible for the bristle carriers to be coupled to a drive
transmitter by means of a drive coupling in each case.
BACKGROUND
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 5,524,312 discloses an electric toothbrush, on
the brush head of which are provided two separate bristle carriers
which are driven by a common drive shaft. One bristle carrier
executes an oscillating rotary movement about an axis which is
perpendicular to the brush handle. The other bristle carrier is
pivoted back and forth about an axis which is parallel to the brush
handle. Although this bristle-carrier arrangement causes an active
relative movement between the clusters of bristles, it is
disadvantageous insofar as it is restricted to a specific drive
mechanism, namely a transmission rod which reciprocates in the
axial direction. The additional bristle carrier, which is arranged
further rearwards in the direction of the hand part, requires a
cylindrical underside with a special curved groove, in which an
engagement protrusion of the longitudinally oscillating drive axis
engages. In addition, the configuration of the clusters of bristles
arranged on the two bristle carriers is not particularly suited for
cleaning spaces between the teeth effectively.
SUMMARY
[0004] According to one aspect, a toothbrush head and a
corresponding toothbrush provide straightforward, effective drive
of the two bristle carriers.
[0005] The bristle carriers thus each have drive-coupling means by
means of which they can be coupled to a common drive rocker of the
drive, it being possible for said rocker to be rocked transversely
to the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush. A better cleaning
action can easily be achieved by the provision of two separately
mounted bristle carriers, which are driven about different movement
axes by a common drive rocker. The relative movement of the bristle
arrangements mounted on the bristle carriers assists the cleaning
movement, with the result that the cleaning action is not just
produced by the person cleaning their teeth.
[0006] The drive rocker for driving the bristle carriers may be
designed in different ways. According to one configuration of the
invention, the bristle carriers may be coupled to a drive rocker
which can be rocked in relation to a plurality of axes, describes a
double-cone-shaped circulatory path and is assigned to the hand
part of the toothbrush. As an alternative, it is also possible to
provide a drive rocker which can be rocked in relation to just one
axis and of which the rocking axis extends essentially
perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush,
preferably such that the drive rocker can be rocked in a plane
which contains the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush and is
oriented perpendicularly to the main bristle direction defined by
the clusters of bristles, i.e. is located essentially parallel to
the planes defined by the bristle carriers. As an alternative, it
is also possible for the drive rocker to rock in a plane which
contains the main bristle direction and the longitudinal axis of
the toothbrush, in particular when the bristle arrangements are to
be driven with a picking movement. It is preferable, however, to
provide the above described drive rocker which can be rocked in
relation to a plurality of axes and describes a double-cone-shaped
drive movement.
[0007] According to a development of the invention which is
independent of a specific drive, the bristle carriers are each
mounted on the brush-head carrier such that they can be moved about
or along a movement axis in a direction transverse to the
longitudinal direction of the toothbrush, each bristle carrier
having its own movement axis, and these being spaced apart from one
another. The toothbrush head is thus distinguished in that two
bristle carriers which are mounted such that they can be moved
about separate transverse axes are driven by a common
drive-transmitter element, which can execute any desired drive
movements. Irrespective of the actual design of the
drive-transmitter element, such a toothbrush-head configuration has
particular advantages in respect of effective teeth cleaning.
[0008] In particular, it is possible to provide two bristle
carriers. A main bristle carrier, which may be arranged at that end
of the brush-head carrier which is remote from the hand part of the
toothbrush, is preferably mounted such that it can be rotated about
an axis of rotation arranged essentially perpendicularly to the
longitudinal direction of the toothbrush and essentially parallel
to the main direction of the bristles provided on the main bristle
carrier, and can be driven in oscillation by the drive rocker. The
main bristle carrier may be of essentially plate-like design and
have a circular contour. It can preferably be driven in a
rotationally oscillating manner about its axis of symmetry. The
rotationally oscillating drive movement may be combined, if
appropriate, with a picking movement along the axis of rotation of
the main bristle carrier, in order to achieve more thorough
cleaning of the spaces between the teeth. It is possible, for this
purpose, for the main bristle carrier to be mounted on the
brush-head carrier such that it can be displaced in the direction
of its axis of rotation.
[0009] Preferably provided alongside the main bristle carrier is an
additional bristle carrier, which is arranged in the immediate
vicinity behind the main bristle carrier, that is to say closer
towards the hand part of the toothbrush. The additional bristle
carrier may have different movement axes. According to a preferred
configuration of the invention, the additional bristle carrier is
mounted such that it can be pivoted about a pivot axis arranged
essentially perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the
toothbrush, and can be driven in oscillation by the drive rocker,
which also drives the main bristle carrier.
[0010] According to one configuration of the invention, the pivot
axis is arranged eccentrically in relation to the additional
bristle carrier, or the bristle arrangement thereon, in order to
achieve greater movement on a section of the bristle carrier which
is located opposite the pivot axis. The pivot axis of the
additional bristle carrier may be arranged approximately parallel
to the main direction of the bristles, and thus parallel to the
axis of rotation of the main bristle carrier. If the axis is
arranged in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush on a
border section of the additional bristle carrier, the opposite
border section of the additional bristle carrier executes a
transversely reciprocating movement. It would also be possible, in
principle, for the pivot axis to be arranged centrally in relation
to the additional bristle carrier, with the result that the latter,
in a manner similar to the main bristle carrier, itself rotates. It
is preferable, however, for the pivot axis to be arranged, as
described above, in particular at that end of the additional
bristle carrier which is directed towards the hand part, with the
result that the bristles which are adjacent to the main bristle
carrier, and are fastened on the additional bristle carrier, can
reciprocate transversely in the lateral direction and clean out the
spaces between the teeth.
[0011] In an alternative development of the invention, it is
possible for the pivot axis of the bristle carrier to be located
essentially in the plane defined by the additional bristle carrier
and to extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the
toothbrush. The additional bristle carrier, accordingly, executes
an up and down rocking movement, with the result that its clusters
of bristles move up and down with picking action. This rocking axis
of the additional bristle carrier can extend approximately
centrally in relation to the longitudinal extent of the additional
bristle carrier, in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush,
with the result that the rear end and the front end of the
additional bristle carrier rock up and down in opposite directions.
In an alternative configuration of the invention, it is also
possible for the rocking axis of the additional bristle carrier to
be displaced in the direction of one end of the additional bristle
carrier. In particular, the additional bristle carrier may be
mounted on the brush-head carrier such that it can be rocked about
its end which is directed towards the hand part, with the result
that the clusters of bristles which are adjacent to the main
bristle carrier, and are fastened on the additional bristle
carrier, execute an up and down picking movement. It is thus
possible for the spaces between the teeth which are adjacent to
tooth flanks treated by the bristle arrangement of the main bristle
carrier to be cleaned particularly effectively.
[0012] It is not absolutely necessary, however, for the additional
bristle carrier to be mounted in a pivotable manner. According to
an advantageous configuration of the invention, it may be provided
that the additional bristle carrier is mounted on the brush-head
carrier such that it can be displaced in a translatory manner along
a movement axis. The corresponding sliding guide of the additional
bristle carrier preferably has a degree of freedom in a direction
transverse to the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush.
[0013] In order for it to be possible, using the bristles arranged
on the additional bristle carrier, to execute a picking movement in
the longitudinal direction of the bristles, the translatory
movement axis of the additional bristle carrier may be located
essentially perpendicularly to the plane defined by the additional
bristle carrier, i.e. essentially parallel to the main bristle
direction defined by the bristles. As an alternative to this, the
movement axis may be located transversely to the longitudinal
direction of the toothbrush in the plane defined by the additional
bristle carrier, with the result that the additional bristle
carrier can be made to reciprocate transversely. It is thus
possible for the bristles arranged on the additional bristle
carrier to be moved in the direction of the spaces between the
teeth and to clean these spaces out correspondingly.
[0014] The drive couplings between the two bristle carriers and the
drive rocker are preferably designed as an articulated connection,
each of which has an articulation axis in a direction transverse to
the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush. Insofar as the drive
rocker, rather than reciprocating in a translatory manner, executes
a pivoting movement at its coupling points to the bristle carriers,
it is possible for the articulated connection between the bristle
carriers and the drive rocker to compensate for the corresponding
angle offset.
[0015] In a development of the invention, the articulated
connections between the drive-transmitter element and the bristle
carriers, in addition to their articulation capability, have at
least one further degree of freedom. In particular, the drive
couplings of the bristle carriers are designed to transmit
exclusively forces and movements transversely to the longitudinal
direction of the toothbrush. No forces are transmitted in the
longitudinal direction of the toothbrush. This makes it possible,
on the one hand, to compensate for the relative movements, between
the drive rocker and the bristle carriers, in the longitudinal
direction of the toothbrush and, on the other hand, to exchange the
toothbrush head in a straightforward manner. This is because the
brush-head carrier preferably has releasable fastening means for
fastening it on the hand part of the toothbrush, with the result
that the brush-head carrier, together with the bristle carriers,
can be removed from the hand part and/or positioned thereon. The
drive couplings preferably have cutouts and/or engagement surfaces
which, when the toothbrush head is plugged on, are introduced
axially onto the drive-transmitter element on the hand part and/or
the drive rocker. The drive couplings are preferably provided
directly on the bristle carriers, i.e. the toothbrush head may be
designed to be free of dedicated drive shafts, rockers or rods, the
drive rocker, which is provided on the hand part, being introduced
directly into a cutout in the additional bristle carrier and in the
main bristle carrier and/or being brought into engagement with
engagement surfaces of the additional bristle carrier and of the
main bristle carrier, when the toothbrush head is plugged onto the
hand part of the toothbrush.
[0016] In order to allow coupling to a drive rocker which can be
rocked in relation to a plurality of axes and executes a
double-cone-shaped drive movement, and in the process for the drive
movement only to be partially transmitted to the bristle carriers,
the articulated connection between the drive rocker and the bristle
carriers may have a degree of freedom in a direction transverse to
the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush. It is possible, in
particular, for the connection between the drive rocker and the
additional bristle carrier and/or the main bristle carrier to be
designed to move freely in a direction transverse to the movement
plane in which the respective bristle carrier is intended to move.
Accordingly, the drive rocker, which moves in the form of a double
cone, transmits just one component of its circulatory movement to
the respective bristle carrier. If, for example, the additional
bristle carrier is to be pivoted about an axis in a direction
perpendicular to the additional bristle carrier, i.e. parallel to
the bristles, the drive rocker may be seated in a longitudinal slot
parallel to the bristle direction in the additional bristle
carrier. The movement component transverse to the longitudinal
direction of the bristles is transmitted to the bristle carrier,
while the movement component of the drive rocker parallel to the
longitudinal direction of the bristles is not transmitted. If, in
contrast, the additional bristle carrier is to be rocked up and
down, then the drive rocker may be seated in a transverse slot
parallel to the bristle-carrier plane, with the result that the
corresponding section is moved up and down, but the transversely
reciprocating movement is not transmitted.
[0017] It is not necessary, however, for the drive rocker to be
seated in a slot-like cutout in the additional bristle carrier. As
an alternative, the additional bristle carrier may have, as drive
coupling, a sliding surface which extends transversely to the
longitudinal direction of the toothbrush and on which the drive
rocker slides. It is preferably possible here to provide a
prestressing device, for example in the form of a spring, which
pushes the additional bristle carrier, by way of its sliding
surface, onto the drive rocker and keeps it in engagement
therewith. It is also possible, if appropriate, to dispense with
such prestressing since, for example when the additional bristle
carrier is to be rocked up and down with a picking movement, the
additional bristle carrier is automatically pushed onto the drive
rocker by the teeth-cleaning reaction forces.
[0018] If a drive rocker which circulates in the form of a double
cone is provided, the engagement sliding surface of the additional
bristle carrier may be of essentially planar design. In this case,
the drive movement of the drive rocker has two mutually
perpendicular components, with the result that the drive rocker
slides back and forth on the sliding surface and, at the same time,
pushes perpendicularly against the sliding surface and moves the
bristle carrier correspondingly.
[0019] If, in contrast, a drive rocker which rocks in relation to
one axis is provided, it is possible for the sliding surface to
have a cam-like convexity in a direction transverse to the movement
direction of the drive rocker. If the drive rocker moves in a
reciprocating manner over the sliding surface, the cam-like
convexity here produces the desired movement in the direction
perpendicular to the reciprocating movement. If the drive rocker
mounted on one axis rocks in the plane in which the bristle carrier
is also to be moved, the engagement surface may be a
straightforward bearing means.
[0020] In order to utilize the driven movement of the two bristle
carriers, or of the bristle arrangements thereon, to better effect
and to render teeth cleaning even more effective, a plurality of
groups of clusters of bristles which are inclined in different
directions may be arranged on the main bristle carrier and/or on
the additional bristle carrier. It is possible here for the groups
of clusters of bristles which are inclined in different directions
to have different cross sections and/or to be designed with
different properties, such as different stiffnesses, bristle
lengths, bristle heights and the like. The clusters of bristles
arranged on the main bristle carrier are preferably inclined in
different directions to the clusters of bristles on the additional
bristle carrier. According to one configuration of the invention,
differently inclined clusters of bristles may be provided on each
bristle carrier. It has proven expedient here to provide not just
clusters of bristles with a circular cross section, but also
clusters of bristles with a non-circular cross section, in
particular with an elongate, oval or rectangular cross section.
[0021] In one embodiment, the main bristle carrier and/or on the
additional bristle carrier include clusters of bristles having free
working ends which are located at different heights above the
bristle carriers to improve penetration into interstitial spaces
between the teeth and enhance the cleaning action of the brush.
[0022] Further advantages, possible applications and advantageous
features of the invention can be gathered from the following
description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are
illustrated in the figures of the drawing. In this case, all the
features described or illustrated form, alone or in any desired
expedient combination, the subject matter of the invention,
irrespective of how they are summarized in the patent claims or how
they relate back to preceding claims, and irrespective of how they
are worded in the description or illustrated in the drawing.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal section through an electric
toothbrush with an exchangeable toothbrush head according to a
first preferred configuration of the invention,
[0024] FIG. 2 shows a perspective plan view, in detail form, of the
toothbrush head from FIG. 1, this showing two bristle carriers
which are mounted in a moveable manner and are both mounted, and
can be driven, such that they can be pivoted in each case about a
pivot axis parallel to the main bristle direction,
[0025] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view, in detail form, of the
toothbrush head from FIG. 2 showing the drive mechanism and, in
particular, the coupling of the rear, additional bristle carrier to
a drive rocker,
[0026] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view, in detail form, of a
toothbrush head with two moveably mounted bristle carriers
according to a further configuration of the invention, in which
case the rear, additional bristle carrier is mounted, and can be
driven, such that it can be rocked up and down about a transverse
axis at its rear end section,
[0027] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view, in detail form, of the
toothbrush head from FIG. 4 in a different viewing direction, this
showing the drive mechanism for the two bristle carriers and, in
particular, the coupling of the rear, additional bristle carrier to
a drive rocker,
[0028] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view, in detail form, of a
toothbrush head with two moveably mounted bristle carriers
according to an alternative configuration of the invention, in
which case the rear, additional bristle carrier is mounted
approximately centrally such that it can be rocked about a
transverse axis,
[0029] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view, in detail form, of the
toothbrush head from FIG. 6 in a different viewing direction, this
showing the drive mechanism for the two bristle carriers and, in
particular, the coupling of the rear, additional bristle carrier to
the drive rocker of the drive,
[0030] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view, in detail form, of a
toothbrush head with two moveably mounted bristle carriers
according to an alternative configuration of the invention, in
which case the rear, additional bristle carrier is mounted such
that it can be moved up and down about a translatory movement axis
essentially parallel to the main bristle direction, FIG. 9 shows a
perspective view, in detail form, of the toothbrush head from FIG.
8 in a different viewing direction, this showing the drive
mechanism for the two bristle carriers and, in particular, the
coupling of the rear, additional bristle carrier to the drive
rocker of the drive,
[0031] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view, in detail form, of a
toothbrush head with two moveably mounted bristle carriers
according to a further configuration of the invention, in which
case the rear, additional bristle carrier is mounted such that it
can be moved up and down about a translatory movement axis in a
direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the
toothbrush and transverse to the main bristle direction,
[0032] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view, in detail form, of the
toothbrush head from FIG. 10 showing the drive mechanism for the
two bristle carriers and, in particular, the coupling of the rear,
additional bristle carrier to the drive rocker,
[0033] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a toothbrush head of the
toothbrush from FIG. 1 showing the arrangement of the clusters of
bristles on the two bristle carriers,
[0034] FIG. 13 shows a cross section through the axis of rotation
of the main bristle carrier from FIG. 12 along line B-B in FIG. 14,
and
[0035] FIG. 14 shows a longitudinal section through the toothbrush
head from FIG. 12.
[0036] The toothbrush shown in FIG. 1 comprises a hand part 1 and a
toothbrush head 2 which is seated on a brush tube 3, which forms an
end of the hand part 1 or is connected thereto. The hand part 1 is
formed by a toothbrush housing 4 in which a battery-accommodating
compartment and a drive motor 5 are arranged axially one behind the
other.
[0037] The brush head 2 has two bristle arrangements, namely a main
bristle arrangement 9, which is located directly at the head end,
and a rear, additional bristle arrangement 8, which is located in
the immediate vicinity of the main bristle arrangement 9, on the
side of the latter which is directed towards the hand part 1.
[0038] As FIG. 2 shows, the bristle arrangement, which is located
at the head end, is borne by a main bristle carrier, which is
designed approximately in the form of a circular plate in the
direction of the bristle arrangement and is fastened on a
brush-head carrier 11. As FIG. 13 shows, the bristle carrier 10 is
fitted in a rotatable manner on an axis of rotation 12 which is
anchored in the brush-head carrier 11 and extends, perpendicularly
to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush, approximately parallel
to the main bristle direction of the bristle arrangement 9. The
axis of rotation 12 forms the axis of symmetry of the plate-like
bristle carrier 10.
[0039] The bristle carrier 10 is driven in rotational oscillation
about the axis of rotation 12 by the motor 5, by means of a
transmitter 14 in the form of a drive rocker 15. The drive rocker
15 is a rectilinear, essentially rigid metal rod and is mounted,
between the motor in the hand part 1 and the bristle carrier 10 in
the brush tube 3, in a bearing 16, which may be designed as an
elastic bearing plug in the form of a ring or of a sleeve. The
bearing 16 allows the drive rocker 15 to pivot about axes which are
located in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of
the toothbrush. The drive rocker 15 is driven by an eccentric 17
which is seated in a rotationally fixed manner on the motor shaft,
which extends in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush (cf.
FIG. 1). The drive rocker 15 here executes a double-cone-shaped
tumbling or circulatory movement, the vertices of the two cones
being located approximately in the region of the bearing 16. The
two ends of the drive rocker 15 execute a circular-path movement in
each case in a plane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction of the toothbrush.
[0040] That end of the drive rocker 15 which is directed towards
the bristle carrier 10 is seated in a longitudinal-slot-like cutout
18 in the bristle carrier 10, said cutout being formed in a
circumferential surface of the bristle carrier 10 which is directed
towards the hand part 1 and extending essentially parallel to the
axis of rotation 12 (cf. FIGS. 1 and 14). By virtue of the
longitudinal-slot-like cutout, it is only the component of the
drive movement of the drive rocker 15 in the direction transverse
to the axis of rotation 12 which is transmitted to the bristle
carrier 10. The up and down movement, i.e. the component of the
circulatory drive movement parallel to the axis of rotation 12, is
not transmitted since the drive rocker 15 can move freely parallel
to the axis of rotation 12 in the cutout 18.
[0041] As FIG. 2 shows, the rear bristle arrangement 8, which is
closer to the hand part 1, is borne by an approximately plate-like
additional bristle carrier 13 which, like the main bristle carrier
10, is mounted in a moveable manner on the brush-head carrier 11
independently of the drive transmitter 14. As FIG. 2 shows, the
additional bristle carrier 13 is mounted at its rear edge section,
which is directed towards the hand part, such that it can be
pivoted about a pivot axis 19 which extends essentially
perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush, or
essentially parallel to the axis of rotation 12 of the bristle
carrier 10, and perpendicularly to the plane defined by the
additional bristle carrier 13. Accordingly, it is possible for the
additional bristle carrier 13, in particular its section which is
directed towards the main bristle carrier 10, to pivot transversely
back and forth in the lateral direction, as the arrow 20
illustrates.
[0042] In order to drive the additional bristle arrangement 8 in a
rotationally oscillating manner about the pivot axis 19, the
additional bristle carrier 13 is coupled to the drive rocker 15,
which also drives the main bristle carrier 10. As FIG. 3 shows,
there is provided, on the underside of the additional bristle
carrier 13, a drive coupling 21 which comprises a longitudinal
cutout 22 which is parallel to the pivot axis 19 and in which the
drive rocker 15 is guided. In the configuration depicted, the
longitudinal cutout 22 is defined by two post-like protrusions 23
and 24, between which the drive rocker 15 is guided. The
protrusions 23, 24 extend essentially parallel to the pivot axis
19, with the result that the cutout defined between the protrusions
23 and 24, or the gap, likewise runs parallel to the pivot axis 19.
Accordingly, in this case too, just one component of the
circulating drive movement of the drive rocker 15 is transmitted,
namely in the plane parallel to the longitudinal direction of the
toothbrush, in the direction perpendicular to the pivot axis 19.
The vertical component of the drive movement parallel to the plane
of symmetry of the toothbrush is not transmitted, since the drive
rocker can reciprocate freely in this direction in the longitudinal
cutout 22 between the protrusions 23 and 24.
[0043] Alternative mountings for the additional bristle arrangement
8 or the additional bristle carrier 13 are shown in FIGS. 4 to 11.
The toothbrush heads shown here are likewise envisaged for the
toothbrush shown in FIG. 1 and otherwise correspond to the
previously described toothbrush head so that, in this respect, you
are referred to the description thereof and the same designations
are used for corresponding components.
[0044] According to FIG. 4, the additional bristle carrier 13 is
mounted on the brush-head carrier 11 such that it can be pivoted
about a pivot axis 25 which extends essentially parallel to the
plane defined by the additional bristle carrier 13, or transversely
to the axis of rotation 12 of the bristle carrier 10, and runs
transversely to the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush. The
additional bristle carrier 13 here is mounted in a pivotable manner
by way of its rear edge or end section, i.e. the one directed
towards the hand part 1, with the result that it can execute an up
and down rocking movement about the pivot axis 25. That section of
the additional bristle carrier 13 which is directed towards the
main bristle carrier 10 can rock up and down according to the arrow
26, with the result that the bristles of the additional bristle
arrangement 8 execute a picking movement.
[0045] In order to drive the additional bristle carrier 13 in
oscillation about the pivot axis 25, there is provided on its
underside, as drive coupling, an engagement or sliding surface 27,
by means of which it is seated on the drive rocker 15, which also
drives the main bristle carrier 10. As FIG. 5 shows, the engagement
or sliding surface 27 is formed by the end surface of an elongate
tappet or protuberance 28 which extends transversely to the
longitudinal direction of the toothbrush and projects in the
direction of the drive rocker 15. The surface of the tappet 28 may
be of essentially planar design. The circulating drive rocker moves
transversely over the sliding surface 27, the vertical component of
the circulating rocking movement being transmitted to the tappet or
protuberance 28 and rocking the additional bristle carrier 13 up
and down, the sliding surface 27 being kept in engagement with the
drive rocker 15 by the teeth-cleaning reaction forces acting on the
additional bristle arrangement. It is also possible here, if
appropriate, to provide prestressing of the additional bristle
carrier, for example by means of a spring, which pushes the
additional bristle carrier against the drive rocker. As an
alternative, it would also be possible, instead of providing the
sliding surface 27, to provide a groove-like transverse cutout in a
corresponding section of the additional bristle carrier 13, the
drive rocker 15 being seated in said cutout, with the result that
the drive rocker would push the additional bristle carrier upwards
and pull it actively downwards. Such a transverse groove
corresponds to the arrangement of two parallel sliding surfaces 27
between which the drive rocker 15 is guided.
[0046] According to FIGS. 6 and 7, it is also possible for the
additional bristle carrier 13 to be mounted approximately centrally
about a transversely running pivot axis 29 in the manner of a
rocker. As in the above described configuration, the pivot axis 29
extends, transversely to the longitudinal direction of the
toothbrush, or to the axis of rotation 12 of the bristle carrier
10, approximately in the plane defined by the additional bristle
carrier 13 or a plane parallel thereto, with the result that a
section of the additional bristle carrier 13 which is directed
towards the main bristle carrier 10 and an opposite section of the
additional bristle carrier 13, which is directed towards the hand
part 1, execute up and down rocking movements in opposite
directions. The drive coupling of the additional bristle carrier
may be formed, in a manner identical to the above described
configuration according to FIGS. 4 and 5, by a sliding surface 27
which is provided on a tappet 28 and slides on the drive rocker 15.
In so far as the teeth-cleaning reaction forces act on both sides
of the pivot axis 29 in this configuration, a prestressing device
which keeps the additional bristle carrier in engagement with the
drive rocker 15 may be expedient. It is also possible here, if
appropriate, to provide the above described positive guidance by
means of a transverse groove, in which the drive rocker is
seated.
[0047] According to FIGS. 8 and 9, the additional bristle carrier
13 may also be guided such that it can be displaced in a
translatory manner on the brush-head carrier 11. As FIG. 8 shows,
the additional bristle carrier 13 may be guided along two movement
axes 30 which extend essentially perpendicularly to the plane
defined by the additional bristle carrier, or essentially parallel
to the axis of rotation 12 of the bristle carrier 10. The sliding
guide may be formed, for example, by a cylindrical bolt guide which
is known per se. The sliding-guide axes 30 may be arranged, on the
longitudinal centre plane of the toothbrush, in a rear and front
edge section of the additional bristle carrier 13, as FIG. 8 shows.
In accordance with the translatory movement capability of the
additional bristle carrier 13, the latter can execute up and down
stroke movements, with the result that the additional bristle
arrangement 8 executes picking movements on the additional bristle
carrier 13.
[0048] Here too, the stroke movement of the additional bristle
carrier 13 is produced by a coupling to the drive rocker 15. As
FIG. 9 shows, it is possible to provide, on an underside of the
additional bristle carrier 13, a sliding surface 27 which extends
transversely to the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush and is
formed by the surface of a tappet 28 which projects in relation to
the drive rocker 15. The tappet 28 is expediently arranged
approximately centrally beneath the additional bristle arrangement
and centrally between the movement axes 30, with the result that it
is possible to produce a uniform force distribution and
tilting-free movement. The teeth-cleaning reaction forces acting on
the additional bristle arrangement 8 keep the sliding surface 27 in
engagement with the drive rocker 15.
[0049] A further possible mounting for the additional bristle
carrier 13 is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. Here too, the additional
bristle carrier 13 is mounted such that it can be displaced in a
translatory manner on the brush-head carrier 11, to be precise
along two parallel sliding-guide axes 31 which extend, in the plane
defined by the additional bristle carrier 13, transversely to the
longitudinal direction of the toothbrush, or to the axis of
rotation 12 of the bristle carrier 10. As FIG. 10 shows, a rear end
section of the additional bristle carrier 13, said section being
directed towards the hand part 1, and an end section of the
additional bristle carrier 13 which is directed towards the main
bristle carrier 10 may be mounted by the abovementioned sliding
guide. In this case, the additional bristle carrier 13 can execute
transversely reciprocating movements in the lateral direction, as
the arrow 32 illustrates.
[0050] In this case too, the translationally oscillating drive
movement of the additional bristle carrier 13 is produced by the
drive rocker 15. As FIG. 11 shows, the additional bristle carrier
13 is seated on the drive rocker 15 by means of a transverse guide
33. The transverse guide 33, in a manner similar to the
configuration of FIGS. 2 and 3, is defined by two parallel
post-like protrusions 23 and 24 which, between them, define a gap
or a longitudinal cutout 22 which extends essentially
perpendicularly to the plane of the additional bristle carrier 13.
The drive rocker 15 can slide freely up and down in the vertical
direction, i.e. in the longitudinal symmetry plane of the
toothbrush, between the two protrusions 23 and 24. The drive
movement of the drive rocker 15, however, is transmitted in a plane
perpendicular thereto, i.e. in a plane parallel to the two
sliding-guide axes 31, with the result that the additional bristle
carrier 13 reciprocates in oscillation in the direction of the
sliding-guide axes 31.
[0051] A preferred bristle covering of the two bristle carriers 10
and 13 is shown in FIGS. 12 to 14. It goes without saying that the
bristle covering according to FIGS. 12 to 14 may be provided for
each of the above described embodiments of the additional bristle
carrier and/or the mounting thereof.
[0052] The main bristle arrangement 9, which can be driven in a
rotationally oscillating manner, has an approximately
circular-cylindrical outline overall and is formed by a plurality
of clusters of bristles at different inclinations, of different
heights and different cross sections.
[0053] As FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 show, central, first clusters of
bristles 38 are arranged in the middle around the axis of rotation
of the main bristle carrier. They extend perpendicularly to the
plane defined by the bristle carrier 10 and have an approximately
circular or slightly oval cross section. Four first clusters of
bristles 38 are provided. They are located in the middle around the
axis of rotation 12.
[0054] Adjacent to the first cluster of bristles 38 are second
clusters of bristles 39, which, when the bristle carrier 10 has not
been rotated, are located on the longitudinal centre axis of the
toothbrush and in front of, and behind, the first cluster of
bristles 38, as seen in the longitudinal direction. As FIG. 12
shows, the second clusters of bristles 39 have an oval cross
section with a longitudinal axis extending transversely to the
longitudinal axis of the toothbrush. The second clusters of
bristles 39 are likewise arranged perpendicularly to the plane
defined by the bristle carrier 10. They are spaced apart from the
axis of rotation 12 by a greater distance than the first clusters
of bristles 38. The ratio of contour length to contour width is
approximately two.
[0055] The rest of the clusters of bristles of the driven bristle
arrangement are inclined, to be precise in different directions.
The fourth clusters of bristles 40, which are arranged radially
outside the first clusters of bristles 38, as it were on a second
bristle-cluster ring, have an approximately circular cross section
and are inclined radially outwards, i.e. their free working ends
are further away from the axis of rotation of the bristle carrier
than their fastening sections fastened on the bristle carrier 10.
The angle of inclination is acute and less than 20.degree..
[0056] The third clusters of bristles 41 are likewise inclined
radially outwards. However, they have an oval contour or an
elongate cross section, the longitudinal axis of the cross section
being oriented radially. The cross section of the third clusters of
bristles is approximately twice to three times as long as it is
wide. The third clusters of bristles 41 are seated radially outside
the first clusters of bristles 38, adjacent to the latter, on a
bristle-arrangement axis of symmetry running transversely to the
longitudinal direction of the toothbrush.
[0057] The remaining clusters of bristles of the bristle
arrangement 9 are likewise inclined, albeit in the circumferential
direction about the axis of rotation 12. They form the outer edge
or ring of the bristle arrangement 9.
[0058] The fifth clusters of bristles 42 have an oval contour or an
elongate cross section, which is oriented approximately
tangentially to the edge of the bristle carrier 10. In cross
section, the clusters of bristles 42 are approximately twice to
three times as long as they are wide. As FIG. 12 shows, the fifth
clusters of bristles 42 are arranged in pairs in the region of the
longitudinal axis of the toothbrush if the bristle arrangement 9
has not been rotated. They are inclined towards one another in
pairs, with the result that their free working ends are closer
together than their fastening sections anchored in the bristle
carrier 10.
[0059] Finally, sixth clusters of bristles 43 are provided, these
likewise being located on the outer edge of the bristle arrangement
and being inclined in the circumferential direction about the axis
of rotation 12. However, they have an approximately circular cross
section and are arranged in pairs on both sides of the third
clusters of bristles 41 and are likewise inclined towards the
latter in opposite directions. The angles of inclination of the
circumferentially inclined clusters of bristles 43 and 42 located
on the outside are likewise acute and preferably less than
20.degree. to the vertical through the plane defined by the bristle
carrier 10.
[0060] As FIGS. 13 and 14 show, the clusters of bristles arranged
on the moveable bristle carrier 10 have two lengths. The outer,
fifth clusters of bristles 42, which are located right at the front
and rear, as seen in the longitudinal direction, and of which the
free ends are all located in a single plane, are longer than the
rest of the clusters of bristles. The free ends of the fifth
clusters of bristles 42 define a plane. The difference in height
between the clusters of bristles is in the range of from 0.5 mm to
2.5 mm, preferably approximately 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm. In the
configuration depicted, it is 1.2 mm.
[0061] The clusters of bristles of the additional bristle
arrangement 8 likewise have different cross sections, in terms of
contour and surface area, and, furthermore, are likewise inclined
differently. Clusters of bristles of different lengths are also
provided, as is yet to be described.
[0062] As FIG. 12 shows, roughly speaking three rows of clusters of
bristles, all extending approximately in the longitudinal direction
of the toothbrush, are provided in the additional bristle
arrangement. The central row is located on the longitudinal centre
axis of the additional bristle carrier 13, while the two outer rows
are spaced apart transversely therefrom.
[0063] In the central row of bristles, all the clusters of bristles
are inclined in the direction of the hand part 1. All the clusters
of bristles have an elongate or oval cross section, but different
cross-sectional surface areas. First clusters of bristles 44 of the
fixed bristle arrangement 8 have an oval cross section, of which
the longitudinal axis is approximately double the length of the
transverse axis. The first clusters of bristles 44 alternate in the
central row with clusters of bristles 45, which are referred to
hereinbelow as fourth clusters of bristles and are likewise
inclined rearwards in the direction of the hand part. The fourth
clusters of bristles 45 likewise have an oval cross section, but
are of considerably narrower design and have a smaller
cross-sectional surface area than the first clusters of bristles.
In accordance with the configuration depicted, the elongate cross
section is approximately--roughly speaking--three times as long as
it is wide. The length of the oval cross section here is slightly
smaller than the length of the cross section of the first clusters
of bristles 44.
[0064] The two outer rows of the clusters of bristles of the fixed
bristle arrangement 8 comprise second and third clusters of
bristles. Second clusters of bristles 46 have an oval cross section
with a relatively narrow contour. The longitudinal axis of the
elongate cross-sectional contour is approximately three times the
width of the cross-sectional contour. The third clusters of
bristles 47 have an approximately circular cross section, the
diameter of the cross section being somewhat more than half the
longitudinal axis of the cross section of the second clusters of
bristles 46. As FIG. 12 shows, the third clusters of bristles 47
are spaced apart differently from the longitudinal centre axis of
the brush head 2. The distance from the longitudinal centre axis
decreases in the direction of the hand part 1. The third clusters
of bristles 47, however, are still located one behind the other to
the extent that their contour is located approximately behind the
contour of the much wider, second clusters of bristles 46. The
second and third clusters of bristles 46 and 47 are each inclined
forwards, i.e. in the direction of the drivable bristle arrangement
9, at an acute angle, to be precise at an acute angle which may be
preferably 12.degree. to 15.degree.. All the clusters of bristles
of the additional bristle arrangement 8 are preferably inclined in
the longitudinal centre plane of the brush head 2 or planes which
are parallel thereto. In contrast, all the clusters of bristles of
the main bristle arrangement 9 are inclined differently or in a
different direction.
[0065] The clusters of bristles of the additional bristle
arrangement 8 define two working planes, as FIG. 14 shows. The
circular, third clusters of bristles 47 in the outer rows and the
thicker, first clusters of bristles 44 in the central row are of
shorter design and define, with their free working ends, a
lower-level plane which coincides with the plane which is defined
by the first, second, third, fourth and sixth clusters of bristles
of the main bristle arrangement 9. A higher, second plane, in
contrast, is defined by the longer, fourth clusters of bristles 45
in the central row and the second clusters of bristles 46 in the
two outer rows. This higher plane coincides with the plane which is
defined by the longer, fifth clusters of bristles of the main
bristle arrangement 9. In the additional bristle arrangement 8, it
is thus the case that the narrower, oval clusters of bristles are
longer than the thicker clusters of bristles.
[0066] In contrast to the main bristle arrangement 9, the
additional bristle arrangement 8, rather than having a circular
contour, has an elongate contour overall which, at its end which is
directed towards the rotating bristle arrangement 9, encloses the
latter.
[0067] As FIG. 1 shows, the brush head 2 is fastened in a
releasable manner on the brush tube 3. It can easily be drawn off
from the brush tube 3, and pushed onto the same, in the axial
direction. For this purpose, the brush-head carrier 11 has a
fastening section 34 by means of which it can be pushed onto or
into a corresponding fastening section 35 at the end of the brush
tube 3. The two fastening sections 34 and 35 are both designed
approximately in the form of half-shells in each case and
supplement one another in a precisely fitting manner, with the
result that, in the pushed-together state, they form a hollow
profile which continues the brush tube 3.
[0068] In order to secure the brush head 2 in the axial direction
on the hand part 1 and/or the brush tube 3, there is provided,
between the brush-head carrier and the hand part 1, a latching
device 36 which, when the brush head 2 is pushed on, latches
automatically in the axial direction and, on the other hand, can be
released again by radial pressure being applied to the brush tube 3
or the brush-head carrier. When the brush head 2 is pushed on, the
drive rocker 15 is automatically coupled, at the same time, to the
two moveable bristle carriers 10 and 13.
* * * * *