System for cleaning teeth

Abstract

A system for cleaning teeth, the system comprising a handle element (8, 11, 17) and an electric toothbrush (1, 13), the electric toothbrush (1, 13) being configured as a rotating toothbrush, an oscillating toothbrush, or a sonic toothbrush, the electric toothbrush (1, 13) having a brush head (2) at a first end (6) and a handle area (3, 12) at a second end (7), the handle element (8, 11, 17) comprising a base body (23), the base body (23) having a receptacle (18), the receptacle (18) being configured for arranging the second end (7) of the electric toothbrush (1, 13), the base body (23) having a first side element with a first side and a second side element with a second side, the first side and the second side being opposite and spaced apart from each other, the first side the intake (18) is trained,wherein the second side is designed as a convex surface, wherein the handle element (8, 11, 17) is designed such that, in the arranged state of the handle element (8, 11, 17) on the electric toothbrush (1, 13), when the electric toothbrush (1, 13) is used, the second side comes into contact with the palm of a user of the electric toothbrush (1, 13), wherein the diameter of the spherical base body (23) is between 40 mm and 60 mm, wherein the base body (23) of the handle element (8, 11, 17) is spherical, and wherein the second side of the handle element (8, 11, 17) has an opening (15).

Description

State of the art

[0001] Toothbrushes are known in different embodiments, e.g. from US 2021 / 0307501 A1, US 2019 / 0357662 A1 or GB 2 443 888 A.

[0002] Electric toothbrushes are also already known. A known electric toothbrush comprises a brush head at one end, which is movable by means of a drive unit, and a handle at the other end. This known electric toothbrush is gripped in such a way that the user grasps the toothbrush by the handle in such a way that the user's hand at least partially encloses one longitudinal axis of the toothbrush.

[0003] A disadvantage of this grip is that it is relatively difficult for the user to control the force exerted by the brush head on the teeth and gums during brushing. This often leads to brushing with excessive pressure, sometimes unconsciously, which damages both the teeth and gums and can also reduce the cleaning effect.

[0004] For this reason, electric toothbrushes are known to incorporate elastic elements to dampen, for example, the transmission of force from the handle to the brush head. Electric toothbrushes are also known to have a sensor that detects a force or deflection of the brush head relative to the handle and issues a warning signal to the user as soon as a predefined force or deflection is exceeded. Purpose and advantages of the invention

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of providing an alternative system for cleaning teeth, in particular a system with an alternative grip for an electric toothbrush, by means of which the brushing process is improved. For example, to provide an alternative system with an electric toothbrush in which the previously described disadvantage of increased pressure during the brushing process is prevented.

[0006] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0007] The dependent claims specify exemplary and suitable further developments of the invention.

[0008] The invention relates to a system for cleaning teeth, wherein the system comprises a handle element and an electric toothbrush, wherein the electric toothbrush is designed as a rotating toothbrush, an oscillating toothbrush, or a sonic toothbrush, wherein the electric toothbrush has a brush head at a first end and a handle area of ​​the toothbrush at a second end, wherein the handle element comprises a base body, the base body having a receptacle, the receptacle being designed for arranging the second end of the electric toothbrush, the base body having a first side element with a first side and a second side element with a second side, wherein the first side and the second side are opposite each other and spaced apart from each other, the receptacle being formed on the first side, and the second side being designed as a convex surface.The handle element is designed such that, when the handle element is attached to the electric toothbrush, the second side rests against the palm of the user's hand during use. This allows the user to grip the electric toothbrush in such a way that it is rotatably mounted in the user's palm, thereby improving, or for example reducing, the pressure of the brush head against the user's teeth during brushing.

[0009] For example, the electric toothbrush extends from one end to the other along a longitudinal axis. The handle of the electric toothbrush extends along this longitudinal axis to an end face at the other end. With conventional, well-known electric toothbrushes, the handle is designed so that the user grips it with their fingers or hand, thus at least partially enclosing the longitudinal axis of the electric toothbrush.

[0010] For example, an electric toothbrush has a rotating or oscillating brush head. An electric toothbrush includes a drive unit that enables the brush head to move. It's conceivable that the rotating or oscillating brush head is mechanically driven. It's also possible that the oscillating brush head is driven by sound, such as ultrasound.

[0011] For example, the second side of the handle element is spherically convex. Alternatively, the second side and / or the second side element of the handle element could be hemispherical. It is also conceivable that the second side and / or the second side element of the handle element could be hemispherical, for example, as a half-shell. It is also conceivable that the second side and / or the second side element could be half of a revolution ellipsoid or half of a triaxial ellipsoid. For example, the shape of the second side of the handle element could be adapted to the palm shape of an average person in such a way as to improve the mobility of the handle element on the electric toothbrush in the user's hand. This would improve the joint function of the handle element. For example, the mobility of the handle element during use, in the user's hand, could be defined.

[0012] It is proposed that the handle element be designed such that, when the handle element is attached to the electric toothbrush, the user grips the electric toothbrush exclusively by the handle element when using the electric toothbrush for teeth cleaning. For example, the handle element is designed such that, when the handle element is attached to the electric toothbrush, the user only touches the handle element when using the electric toothbrush for teeth cleaning. For example, when the handle element is attached to the electric toothbrush, the user touches only the first and / or second side of the handle element when cleaning their teeth.

[0013] For example, the second side of the handle element is flat and / or smooth. It is also conceivable that the second side of the handle element is completely flat and / or smooth. Another possibility is that the second side of the handle element is completely closed. This improves the joint function of the handle element. For example, there are no indentations and / or raised features, such as knobs, on the second side of the handle element.

[0014] It is conceivable that in the arranged state of the handle element on the electric toothbrush, the handle element forms a joint head and the hand of a user, which grips the electric toothbrush at the handle element, a joint socket, so that a joint, e.g. a ball joint, is feasible.

[0015] It is further proposed that the receptacle be designed such that the second end of the electric toothbrush, in the arranged state of the toothbrush, is at least partially received into the receptacle of the handle element.

[0016] For example, the receptacle is provided as a recess or a cutout on the handle element and is designed to accommodate the electric toothbrush at the second end of the toothbrush, so that in the assembled state the front face of the electric toothbrush is positioned in the recess. Alternatively, the receptacle is designed as a recess on the first side element.

[0017] It is conceivable that the holder incorporates clamping elements to secure the handle of the electric toothbrush in its installed position. For example, the holder could be designed such that, when the electric toothbrush is in place, the handle element is rigidly connected to the handle area. It is also conceivable that the holder protrudes from the first side and / or the first side element.

[0018] For example, the holder is designed to allow for the detachable attachment of the electric toothbrush. This makes it possible to switch between using the toothbrush as a cleaning tool with the handle attached and charging the electric toothbrush without the handle attached. It also simplifies cleaning the electric toothbrush and / or the handle.

[0019] The second side of the handle element has an opening, e.g., a ventilation opening. For example, the first side has an opening, e.g., a ventilation opening. For example, air can escape from the holder through this opening while the electric toothbrush is attached to the handle element. For example, the opening is connected to the holder. For example, the first side element and / or the second side element has a ventilation channel through which air can escape from the holder while the electric toothbrush is attached to the handle element. It is conceivable that the holder has a ventilation channel through which air can escape from the holder while the electric toothbrush is attached to the handle element.

[0020] It is also proposed that the base body of the handle element has a lateral surface, with the first side connected to the second side via this surface. For example, the base body has a central element that encompasses the lateral surface. It is conceivable that the first and second side elements are connected to each other via the central element. It is also conceivable that the base body is formed in one piece or as a single unit. For example, the first and second sides of the handle element and the lateral surface are integrally connected. It is also conceivable that the base body is formed in multiple parts. For example, the first side element, the second side element, and / or the central element are present as separate elements. It is conceivable that the first side element, the second side element, and / or the central element of the handle element are permanently connected to each other.

[0021] For example, the first side is spaced from the second side by a width of the lateral surface. It is conceivable that the width of the lateral surface, when attached to the electric toothbrush, extends along the longitudinal axis of the electric toothbrush. For example, the width of the lateral surface, when attached to the electric toothbrush, extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush.

[0022] The base of the handle element is spherical. This makes it relatively easy to implement a ball joint arrangement when attached to the electric toothbrush in conjunction with the user's hand.

[0023] It is conceivable that the base body is shaped like a sphere or an ellipsoid. For example, one outer surface of the base body is continuous without interruptions, except for the area where the base body is mounted. For example, the outer surface of the base body has no interruptions in the form of depressions or protrusions. For example, one outer surface of the base body is completely smooth, except for the area where the base body is mounted.

[0024] For example, the basic body is rotationally symmetric. It is conceivable that the basic body exists as an ovoid.

[0025] For example, the distance between two opposing points on the outside of the base body is always less than 60 mm, e.g., always less than 50 mm. For example, the diameter of the base body is less than 60 mm, e.g., less than 55 mm, e.g., less than 50 mm. For example, every diameter of the base body is less than 60 mm, e.g., less than 55 mm, e.g., less than 50 mm.

[0026] The diameter of the spherical base body is between 40 mm and 60 mm. It is conceivable that the diameter of the spherical base body is between 40 mm and 55 mm, between 40 mm and 50 mm, between 45 mm and 55 mm, or between 45 mm and 50 mm. For example, the diameter of the spherical base body could be 40 mm, 42 mm, 43 mm, 44 mm, 45 mm, 46 mm, 47 mm, 48 mm, 49 mm, 50 mm, 51 mm, 52 mm, 53 mm, 54 mm, 55 mm, or 60 mm.

[0027] Furthermore, it is proposed that the handle element be made of plastic. This makes it relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture. For example, the handle element is available as an injection-molded part.

[0028] It is also proposed that the holder be elastically mounted to the base body. For example, the holder is elastically connected to the base body. This allows for an additional spring effect and thus a reduction in force on the teeth during brushing when attached to the electric toothbrush.

[0029] For example, the handle element is made of two or more components. For instance, the handle element is made of two or more plastic components. It is conceivable that the first plastic component is relatively rigid, while the second plastic component is comparatively elastic. It is also possible that the receptacle, the first side element, and / or the second side element are formed from the first plastic component, and that the receptacle is connected to the first and / or second side element via the second plastic component. This results in the receptacle being elastically mounted relative to the first and / or second side element by means of the second plastic component.

[0030] An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a system for cleaning teeth, wherein the system comprises a handle element according to one of the aforementioned embodiments and an electric toothbrush, the electric toothbrush being configured as a rotating toothbrush, an oscillating toothbrush, or a sonic toothbrush. For example, the electric toothbrush is configured as an ultrasonic toothbrush.

[0031] It is further proposed that the electric toothbrush and the handle are designed as a single unit. For example, the brush head is replaceable and can be attached to the handle of the electric toothbrush. Alternatively, the handle can be integrated into the handle of the electric toothbrush.

[0032] For example, the handle forms one end of the electric toothbrush. It's conceivable that this end is located opposite the brush head on the electric toothbrush. For instance, the end and the brush head could be spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the electric toothbrush.

[0033] For example, the electric toothbrush has a brush head, the brush head consisting of a brush element and a brush handle, the brush handle extending along the longitudinal axis of the electric toothbrush and designed to connect the brush head interchangeably to the handle of the electric toothbrush. It is conceivable that the drive unit of the electric toothbrush is formed in the handle of the electric toothbrush. For example, the drive unit is formed in the handle of the electric toothbrush. For example, the handle is a cylindrical body whose axis extends along the longitudinal axis of the electric toothbrush. For example, a connecting element for attaching the brush handle of the brush head is formed at a first end of the cylindrical body. For example, the handle element is formed at a second end of the cylindrical body.It is conceivable that the first and second ends of the cylindrical body are spaced apart from each other along the cylinder axis and / or along the longitudinal axis of the electric toothbrush.

[0034] For example, the cylindrical body extends along the longitudinal axis of the electric toothbrush and / or along the cylinder axis over a length L2 of 80 mm to 150 mm from the first end to the handle element. It is conceivable that the cylindrical body extends along the longitudinal axis of the electric toothbrush and / or along the cylinder axis over a length L2 of 80 mm to 140 mm from the first end to an edge of the holder. For example, the cylindrical body extends along the longitudinal axis of the electric toothbrush and / or along the cylinder axis over a length L2 of 80 mm to 130 mm, 80 mm to 120 mm, or 90 mm to 120 mm from the first end to the handle element.

[0035] For example, the extension ratio of the handle element (L1) to the handle area (L2), along the longitudinal axis of the electric toothbrush and / or along the cylinder axis, is between 1:4 and 1:2, e.g., between 1:4 and 1:3. For example, the extension ratio along the longitudinal axis of the electric toothbrush and / or along the cylinder axis of the handle element to the handle area is 2:5 or 2:5.5.

[0036] As a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, a 3D printing method for manufacturing a handle element according to one of the preceding embodiments or for manufacturing a system as described above is proposed. This makes the handle element comparatively easy to manufacture or comparatively easy to replace. Character description

[0037] Several embodiments are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings below, including further details and advantages.

[0038] They show: Fig. 1. A perspective view from the side and below of an electric toothbrush with a handle element, Fig. 2 a perspective view from the side and top of the electric toothbrush with handle element according to Fig. 1, where a usage situation is depicted with a user's hand, Fig. 3 a perspective view from the side below of a handle element which is attached to a handle area of ​​an electric toothbrush, Fig. 4 a perspective view from the side and below of a handle element, Fig. 5 another perspective view from the side and below of the handle element according to Fig. 4 and Fig. 6 a perspective view from the side and top of the handle element according to Fig. 4.

[0039] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows an electric toothbrush 1. The electric toothbrush 1 comprises a brush head 2 and a handle 3. For example, the brush head 2 has a brush element 4 and a brush handle 5.

[0040] For example, the handle area 3 is cylindrical and extends along a cylinder axis. For example, the cylinder axis of the handle area 3 extends along a longitudinal axis L of the electric toothbrush 1.

[0041] For example, the handle area 3 extends along the longitudinal axis L from a first end 6 to a second end 7. For example, a connecting element (not shown) for attaching the brush handle 5 is formed at the first end 6. At the second end 7, for example, a handle element 8 is present.

[0042] For example, the handle element 8 is spherical. It is conceivable that the handle element 8 extends along the longitudinal axis L over a length L1. For example, the handle area 3 extends along the longitudinal axis over a length L2. For example, the length L2 extends from the first end 6 to an edge 9 of the handle element 8. For example, the edge 9 is an edge of a receptacle of the handle element 8.

[0043] For example, the length L1 of the handle element 8 extends from the edge 9 of the handle element 8 to an end 10 of the handle element 8 opposite the edge along the longitudinal axis L. For example, a length L1 of the handle element 8 is smaller than a diameter of the spherical handle element 8 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis L. However, it is also conceivable that a length L1 corresponds to a diameter of the spherical handle element 8.

[0044] In Fig. Figure 2 schematically illustrates how the electric toothbrush 1 is gripped by the handle element 8 by a user for a brushing process. It shows that the handle element 8 is designed such that the user grips the electric toothbrush 1 exclusively by the handle element 8.

[0045] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a handle element 11 which is arranged on a handle area 12 of an electric toothbrush 13. For example, the handle element 11 has a receptacle into which the electric toothbrush 13 is inserted.

[0046] For example, the electric toothbrush 13 is attached to the handle element 11 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the electric toothbrush 13. For example, in the arranged state, the handle element 11, with a rim 14 of the receptacle, encloses the handle area 11 around a longitudinal axis L of the electric toothbrush 13. It is also conceivable that the handle element 11 has an opening 15. For example, the opening 15 is located on a side opposite the receptacle. For example, the opening 15 is connected to the receptacle by means of a ventilation channel 16, so that when the handle area 12 is attached to the handle element 11, air can escape from the receptacle, thus simplifying the assembly of the handle element 11 onto the electric toothbrush 13.

[0047] In the Fig.Figures 4 to 6 show another variant of a handle element 17 in different perspective views. The handle element 17 has a spherical base body 23. For example, a receptacle 18 and an opening 19 are formed on the base body 23. For example, the receptacle 18 is adapted to the outer shape of an electric toothbrush. For example, the receptacle 18 is bounded by a rim 20. It is conceivable that the receptacle 18 is connected to the opening 19 by means of a ventilation channel 21.

[0048] For example, an inner surface 22 of the receptacle 18 is rubberized, so that a grip area of ​​an electric toothbrush located on the receptacle 18 is connected to the handle element 17 due to increased friction. It is also conceivable that the inner surface 22 is relatively elastic, so that the grip area is held elastically on the handle element 17. Reference symbol list 1 toothbrush 2 brush heads 3 Grip area 4 brush elements 5 brush handles 6 End 7 End 8 Handle element 9 Rand 10 End 11 Handle element 12 Grip area 13 Toothbrush 14 Rand 15 Opening 16 ventilation duct 17 Handle element 18 recording 19 Opening 20 Rand 21 Ventilation duct 22 Inside 23 Basic shapes L Longitudinal axis

Claims

[1] System for cleaning teeth, the system comprising a handle element (8, 11, 17) and an electric toothbrush (1, 13), the electric toothbrush (1, 13) being configured as a rotating toothbrush, an oscillating toothbrush, or a sonic toothbrush, the electric toothbrush (1, 13) having a brush head (2) at a first end (6) and a handle area (3, 12) at a second end (7), the handle element (8, 11, 17) comprising a base body (23), the base body (23) having a receptacle (18), the receptacle (18) being configured for arranging the second end (7) of the electric toothbrush (1, 13), the base body (23) having a first side element with a first side and a second side element with a second side, the first side and the second side being opposite and spaced apart from each other,wherein the first side has a recess (18), wherein the second side is formed as a convex surface, wherein the handle element (8, 11, 17) is designed such that, in the arranged state of the handle element (8, 11, 17) on the electric toothbrush (1, 13), when the electric toothbrush (1, 13) is used, the second side comes into contact with the palm of a user of the electric toothbrush (1, 13), wherein the diameter of the spherical base body (23) is between 40 mm and 60 mm, wherein the base body (23) of the handle element (8, 11, 17) is spherical, and wherein the second side of the handle element (8, 11, 17) has an opening (15). [2] System according to claim 1, characterized by , that the opening (15) is connected to the receptacle (18) by means of a ventilation duct (16). [3] System according to one of the aforementioned claims, characterized by, that the receptacle (18) is designed such that the second end of the electric toothbrush (1, 13) is received at least partially into the receptacle (18) of the handle element (8, 11, 17) in the arranged state of the electric toothbrush (1, 13). [4] System according to one of the aforementioned claims, characterized by , that the base body (23) of the handle element (8, 11, 17) has a lateral surface, wherein the first side is connected to the second side via the lateral surface. [5] System according to any of the aforementioned claims, characterized by , that the handle element (8, 11, 17) is made of plastic. [6] System according to any of the aforementioned claims, characterized by , that the receptacle (18) is elastically mounted on the base body (23). [7] System according to one of the aforementioned claims, characterized by , that the electric toothbrush (1) and the handle element (8) are formed as a single unit. [8] 3D printing method for manufacturing a system according to any of the preceding claims.

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