Brush head for an oral care device and method of assembling the same

Abstract

A brush head (112, 212, 312, 412) for attachment with a shaft (118, 218, 318, 418) of an oral care device (400), the brush head (112, 212, 312, 412) comprising: a neck (114, 214, 314) having a working head (116, 216, 316, 416), the neck being configured to transmit vibrations from the shaft to the working head; and a spring (102, 202, 302) mounted within the neck, wherein upon insertion of the shaft into the assembled brush head, the spring provides a retention force to retain the brush head on the shaft, characterized in that the spring is in direct mechanical contact with the neck and the shaft.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to brush heads for oral care devices and methods of assembling the same, and specifically, but not exclusively, to brush heads for oral care devices such as electric toothbrushes, which have improved characteristics in terms of manufacture, assembly, and performance. Background Technology

[0002] Oral care devices (such as electric toothbrushes) typically have heads that can be disassembled and replaced according to the user's requirements. These heads usually consist of multiple components assembled together during manufacturing to form the assembled head. Due to the nature of the environment in which such devices are used, dirt, residue, and / or deposits (such as toothpaste) can accumulate at the interfaces between these components.

[0003] Additionally, the production cost of a head with a large number of parts may be higher, and it requires more complex, time-consuming, and costly manufacturing and assembly.

[0004] Therefore, improvements are needed in the field of detachable brush heads for oral care devices (such as detachable brush heads for electric toothbrushes).

[0005] Figure 5 A longitudinal section through the prior art arrangement is shown. A brush head 512, including a neck 514, is inserted onto a shaft 518 of an electric toothbrush. The brush head 512 includes a connector 501 (which may also be referred to as a "spring holder") disposed within and attached to the neck 514. The brush head 512 additionally includes a coil spring 502, which is insertable into the connector 501. The connector 501 and the coil spring 502 are elongated and have a generally circular cross-section, and the shaft 518 is received within a central recess / hollow portion of the connector 501 such that the shaft 518, the connector 501, and the coil spring 502 share a common central longitudinal axis when assembled. When the spring 502 is inserted into the connector 501, the spring 502 applies a radial compressive force to the connector 501, clamping the connector onto the shaft 518, thereby holding the brush head 512 onto the shaft 518.

[0006] The coupling 501 and the spring 502 extend and surround most of the length and circumference of the shaft 518, such that the shaft 518 can be substantially surrounded by the coupling 501 and therefore does not (e.g., substantially not) contact the neck 514 of the brush head 512 (e.g., for the purpose of holding the brush head 512 on the shaft 518).

[0007] US 2014 / 259474 A1 discloses a mechanically driven sonic toothbrush and water flosser.

[0008] WO 2012 / 085752 A1 discloses a brush head for an electric toothbrush having a wedge and a spring-operated interface. Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a head (e.g., a brush head) is provided for attachment to a shaft of an oral care device (e.g., an electric toothbrush), the head (e.g., the brush head) comprising: a neck having a working head configured to transmit vibrations from the shaft to the working head; and a spring mounted within the neck, wherein when the shaft is inserted into the assembled head (brush head), the spring provides a holding force to retain the head (brush head) on the shaft, characterized in that the spring is in direct mechanical contact (e.g., mechanical interlock) with the neck and the shaft.

[0010] The head can be a brush head. The spring can include a spring-loaded key. When the shaft is inserted into the assembled brush head, the key can make direct mechanical contact with the neck and the shaft, and can hold the neck on the shaft. The key can be secured by an opening formed in the spring.

[0011] The brush head may additionally include an inertia ring. The inertia ring may be configured to hold the spring in the neck. The inertia ring can hold the spring in place in the neck circumferentially and / or longitudinally.

[0012] The spring can be fixed to the inertia ring. The inertia ring can be molded onto the spring. The spring can provide fixation for an electronic sensor housed within the neck. When the shaft is attached to the brush head, the neck can abut against the body of the toothbrush (e.g., directly, such as at an abutment interface).

[0013] Springs can be elongated. Springs can be substantially flat. Springs can comprise substantially flat metal plates. Springs can be cantilever springs, supported at one (e.g., only one) or two (e.g., two) or more ends. Springs can be fixed in place at one or two ends. Springs in assembled brush heads may not surround the shaft.

[0014] The brush head does not require a separate connector.

[0015] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided for assembling a brush head and attaching it to a shaft of an oral care device (e.g., an electric toothbrush), the brush head comprising: a neck having a working head configured to transmit vibrations from the shaft to the working head; and a spring mounted in the neck, wherein the method includes inserting the shaft into the neck such that the shaft is in direct mechanical contact with the spring and the neck, the spring applying a retaining force on the shaft and the neck such that the neck is held on the shaft.

[0016] The method may additionally include attaching an inertial loop to the brush head.

[0017] The inertia ring can be integrally formed with the spring before the brush head is assembled (e.g., so that the inertia ring and the spring are attached to the brush head at the same time).

[0018] The method may also include the step of attaching a spring to a spring (e.g., before assembling the spring to the brush head).

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, a brush head is provided for attachment to a shaft of an oral care device (e.g., an electric toothbrush), the brush head comprising: a neck having a working head configured to transmit vibrations from the shaft to the working head; a spring insertable within the neck; and an inertial ring, wherein the spring provides a retaining force to hold the brush head on the shaft when the shaft is inserted into the assembled brush head, characterized in that the spring is in direct mechanical contact with the neck and the shaft.

[0020] To avoid unnecessary repetition and textual duplication in the specification, certain features are described only with respect to one or more aspects or embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood that, where technically feasible, the features described with respect to any aspect or embodiment of the invention may also be used with any other aspect or embodiment of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The embodiments disclosed herein can be presented in various forms of components and component arrangements, as well as in various forms of steps and step arrangements. Therefore, the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments. In the drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. Furthermore, it should be noted that the drawings may not be drawn to scale.

[0022] To better understand the invention and to more clearly illustrate how it can be implemented, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings by way of example, wherein:

[0023] Figure 1a A spring for a brush head according to a first embodiment is shown;

[0024] Figure 1b A partial exploded view of the brush head according to the first embodiment is shown;

[0025] Figure 1c This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the assembled brush head of the first embodiment being inserted into the shaft of the electric toothbrush.

[0026] Figure 2a A spring for the brush head according to a second embodiment is shown;

[0027] Figure 2b A partial exploded view of the brush head according to the second embodiment is shown;

[0028] Figure 2c This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the assembled brush head of the second embodiment being inserted into the shaft of the electric toothbrush;

[0029] Figure 2dAn end view of the assembled brush head according to the second embodiment is shown;

[0030] Figure 3a A spring for a brush head according to a third embodiment is shown;

[0031] Figure 3b A partial exploded view of the brush head according to the third embodiment is shown;

[0032] Figure 3c This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the assembled brush head according to the third embodiment being inserted into the shaft of an electric toothbrush;

[0033] Figure 3d An end view of the brush head according to the third embodiment in an assembled state is shown;

[0034] Figure 4a This is a schematic diagram of an electric toothbrush handle;

[0035] Figure 4b An external view of an electric toothbrush, according to the first, second, and / or third embodiments, with its assembled brush head inserted onto the aforementioned shaft is shown; and

[0036] Figure 5 A longitudinal section arranged using existing technology is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Embodiments of this disclosure and their various features and advantageous details are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting examples described and / or illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. It should be noted that features shown in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, even if not explicitly stated herein, and features of one embodiment may be used in conjunction with other embodiments that will be recognized by those skilled in the art. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments of this disclosure. The examples used herein are intended only to facilitate an understanding of how embodiments of the invention can be practiced and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice these methods. Therefore, the examples herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of embodiments of this disclosure, which is defined only by the appended claims and applicable law.

[0038] It should be understood that the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to the specific methods, protocols, devices, apparatuses, materials, applications, etc., described herein, as these can vary. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed embodiments. It must be noted that, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” as used herein and in the appended claims include plural references.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments of this invention pertain. Preferred methods, apparatuses, and materials are described, but any methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the embodiments.

[0040] Oral care device

[0041] refer to Figure 4a and Figure 4b An oral care device, which may be in the form of an electric toothbrush 400, includes a handle 422 and a head, which may be in the form of a brush head 412. The handle 422 includes a shaft 418 that projects (e.g., vertically) from an end face 430 of the handle 422 (e.g., along a central longitudinal axis). The handle 422 may additionally include sealing elements 426, 428 for preventing water from entering the toothbrush handle 422. The handle 422 may include a power source such as a battery (not shown) and a motor (not shown), such that when the motor is operated, the shaft 418 is driven to move and can oscillate during use, for example (e.g., rotate between certain angles, thus forming a rotational arc oscillation).

[0042] The brush head 412 includes a working head 416 at its distal end, an opening 413 (Figures 1, 2, and 3), and a neck 414 disposed between the working head 416 and the opening 413. A shaft 418 can be inserted into the brush head 412 so that the brush head 412 can be held on the shaft 418. The neck 414 is configured to transmit vibrations of the shaft 418 to the working head 416, so that the working head 416 can vibrate during use, and the bristles disposed on the working head 416 can thus be used for personal hygiene, such as cleaning a user's teeth.

[0043] When the shaft 418 is fully inserted into the brush head 412, an interface 424 can be formed between the end faces 120, 220, 320 (Figures 1, 2, and 3) of the brush head 412 and the end face 430 of the handle 422. The brush head 412 and the shaft 418 can be configured such that when fully inserted, the brush head 412 is adjacent to the end face 430, and therefore there is no longitudinal gap 424 between the brush head 412 and the end face 430 that could trap dirt, residue, or deposits.

[0044] Alternatively, the brush head 412 and the shaft 418 can be configured such that the brush head 412 does not abut against the end face 430 when fully inserted, allowing a gap (e.g., a longitudinal gap) 424 to exist between the brush head 412 and the end face 430.

[0045] First Embodiment

[0046] refer to Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c (Collectively referred to as FIG1), showing a first embodiment of a brush head 112 for an electric toothbrush 400.

[0047] The brush head 112 includes an elongated, elastically deformable element (e.g., a spring) 102. The spring 102 includes a first planar portion 103a and a second planar portion 103b, which are connected by a bend 103c such that the two planar portions 103a and 103b are at an angle (e.g., an obtuse angle, such as approximately 160 degrees) to each other.

[0048] The first basic planar portion 103a includes a tip 108 at the distal end of the spring 102, while the second basic planar portion 103b includes a lip 104 at the proximal end of the spring 102.

[0049] The lip 104 includes a first flange 104a that is substantially perpendicular (e.g., between 70 and 110 degrees) to the second fundamental plane portion 103b. The first flange 104a may additionally include a second flange 104b that is substantially perpendicular to the first flange and extends away from the spring 102, such that the second flange 104b can be substantially parallel to the second fundamental plane portion 103b. The lip 104 may be adapted to engage the inertia ring 110, such as the inner circumference of the inertia ring 110.

[0050] The first basic planar portion 103a includes a protrusion 106 disposed along a portion (e.g., one-third or half) of the first planar portion 103a. The protrusion 106 may be a portion of the first planar portion 103a that has been displaced from the plane of the first planar portion 103a (e.g., kinked, bent, or arcuate) such that a continuous surface can be maintained along the length of the spring 102. The protrusion 106 may include a first engagement surface 106a and / or a second engagement surface 106b adapted to engage with a corresponding engagement surface 118a of the shaft 118.

[0051] The spring 102 can be formed by pressing a flat metal sheet using a forming die to produce a non-planar lip 104 and a protrusion 106, as well as the shape of a tip 108 and a bend 103c between two planar portions 103a, 103b.

[0052] The brush head 112 includes a neck 114 and a working head 116, the working head 116 being disposed at the distal end of the brush head 112 and including bristles suitable for personal hygiene, such as cleaning a user's teeth. The neck 114 may be substantially hollow toward its proximal end, such that the neck 114 includes a recess 113 toward its proximal end (e.g., along its central longitudinal axis), the recess 113 having an internal structure suitable for receiving a spring 102 and an inertia ring 110 within the neck 114. The recess 113 within the neck 114 is additionally suitable for receiving a shaft 118 of the electric toothbrush 400. The neck 114 additionally includes means (not shown) for transmitting vibrations of the shaft to the working head.

[0053] The neck 114 may include an end face 120 at its proximal end, the end face 120 being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the brush head neck 114. The end face 120 may be adapted to abut the end face 430 of the toothbrush handle 422. Alternatively, the end face 120 may not abut the end face 430 of the toothbrush handle, such that a gap (e.g., a longitudinal gap) may exist between the end faces 120 and 430.

[0054] The cross-section of the neck 114 may be substantially circular, and its radius may vary along its length. The neck 114 may have a maximum radius at its proximal end and may taper gradually with distance from its proximal end. The neck 114 may include a central portion disposed between the proximal end and the working head 116, the central portion having a substantially constant radius.

[0055] During the assembly of the brush head 112, the spring 102 can be inserted into the neck 114 such that the tip 108 of the spring 102 is received within a recess 108a of the internal structure of the neck 114 (see [link]). Figure 1c The tip 108 can be received in the recess 108a by a press fit or an interference fit. In its inserted position, the spring 102 is positioned substantially against the outer wall of the recess 113. The angle of the proximal taper of the neck 114 can match the angle between the first and second planar portions 103a, 103b of the spring 102. Therefore, in the inserted position (e.g.) Figure 1c In the diagram, the first planar portion 103a of the spring 102 can be configured to be substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the central portion of the neck 114, while the second planar portion 103b can be substantially parallel to the outwardly tapered portion of the neck 114.

[0056] After spring 102 is inserted, inertia ring 110 can be inserted. Inertia ring 110 enhances the security of spring 102 within the assembled brush head 112, ensuring that spring 102 remains in place during use, even when brush head 112 is repeatedly removed from and replaced from shaft 118. Lip 104 of spring 102 engages inertia ring 110, securing the spring within brush head 112. First flange 104a of the spring engages the end face of inertia ring, and / or second flange 104b engages the inner circumference of inertia ring 110. Inertia ring 110 can be held in place by snap-on engagement with the inner surface of brush head neck 114.

[0057] Electronic sensors and / or electronic devices (not shown) may optionally be attached to or inserted into the brush head 112 (e.g., before or after insertion of the inertia loop).

[0058] The brush head 112 having a spring 102 and an inertia ring 110 inserted therein can be referred to as an assembled brush head 112.

[0059] The assembled brush head 112 can then be attached to the toothbrush handle 422 and the shaft 118 by inserting the shaft 118 coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the brush head 112, such that the shaft 118 is received within the central longitudinal recess 113 of the neck 114. For the user of the toothbrush, the correct orientation for inserting the shaft 118 into the assembled brush head 112 is readily apparent.

[0060] Inserting the shaft 118 into the assembled brush head 112 causes a slight deformation of the spring 102 (e.g., radially outward relative to the neck 114), such that the spring 102 applies a retaining force on the shaft 118. This retaining force applied by the spring forces the shaft against the inner surface of the recess 113 (e.g., on the side of the recess 113 opposite to the spring 102), thus holding the shaft 118 between the neck 114 (e.g., the inner surface of the neck 114) and the spring 102. The shaft 118 is thus in mechanical contact and / or mechanically connected (e.g., direct mechanical contact) with the neck 114 and the spring 102. In the fully inserted position, the engagement surface 118a of the shaft 118 engages a protrusion 106, which includes protruding surfaces 106a, 106b, such that the brush head 112 and the shaft 118 are non-removable until a threshold force is reached.

[0061] The spring may additionally retain and / or provide fixation for electronics and / or sensors that can be inserted into the brush head 112.

[0062] The assembled brush head 112 can be held on the shaft 118 of the toothbrush handle 422 by means of (e.g., only by) the spring 102 and the inner surface of the neck 114 (e.g., no other components of the assembled brush head 112 can hold the brush head 112 on the shaft 118). Note that the shaft 118 will additionally mechanically contact (e.g., directly mechanically contact) other components of the brush head 112 to transmit vibrations of the shaft 118 to the working head 116, but these components may not (e.g., do not) hold the brush head 112 on the shaft 118. Once inserted into the assembled brush head 112, the shaft 118 can therefore be in direct mechanical contact (e.g., only with) the neck 114, the spring 102, and the vibration transmission components (not shown). The shaft 118 may not be in direct mechanical contact with any other components (such as couplings).

[0063] After the shaft 118 is inserted into the assembled brush head 112, the spring 102 may make direct mechanical contact with the neck 114 and the shaft 118. The spring may additionally contact the inertia ring 110 and / or electronics / sensors. The spring may not make direct mechanical contact with any other components (such as couplings) within the assembled brush head 112.

[0064] Similarly, when the shaft 118 is inserted into the assembled brush head 112, the neck 114 may be in direct mechanical contact with the shaft 118, the spring 102, the inertia ring 110 (and optionally the end face 430 of the toothbrush handle 422). The neck 114 may not be in mechanical contact (e.g., direct mechanical contact) with any other components (such as connectors).

[0065] like Figure 1c As shown, when the toothbrush is fully assembled such that the shaft 118 has been inserted into the assembled brush head 112, the end face 120 of the neck 114 may abut (e.g., substantially abut) the end face 430 of the toothbrush handle 422, thus forming an abutment interface. Therefore, there may be no longitudinal gap 424 around the periphery of the abutment interface between the end face 120 of the neck 114 and the end face 430 of the toothbrush handle 422. Alternatively, the end face 120 of the neck 114 may not abut the end face 430 of the toothbrush handle, allowing a gap (e.g., a longitudinal gap) to exist between the end faces 120 and 430.

[0066] The neck 114 may form a continuous outer surface around its circumference between the working head 116 and its end face 120 (e.g., without dents and / or gaps and / or spaces to allow viscous substances / dirt to accumulate).

[0067] The assembled brush head 112 may include a working head 116, a neck 114, a device for transmitting vibration (not shown), a recess 113 with an internal structure, a spring 102, and an inertia ring 110. That is, the assembled brush head may not include other components (e.g., the assembled brush head 112 may not include a connector).

[0068] Second Embodiment

[0069] refer to Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 2c and Figure 2d (Collectively referred to as Figure 2), which illustrates a second embodiment of a brush head for an electric toothbrush. Except as described below, the second embodiment is largely similar to the first embodiment.

[0070] The brush head 212 includes an elastically deformable element (e.g., a spring) 202, which may be elongated. The spring 202 includes a first planar portion 203a and a second planar portion 203b, which are connected by a bend 203c such that the two planar portions 203a and 203b are at an angle (e.g., an obtuse angle, such as approximately 160 degrees) to each other.

[0071] The second basic planar portion 203b includes, at its proximal end, a third basic planar portion 203d connected by a bend 203e, instead of including a lip, such that the second and third planar portions 203b, 203d are at an angle (e.g., an obtuse angle similar to the angle between the first and second planar portions 203a, 203b). Thus, the third basic planar portion 203d and the first basic planar portion 203a can be substantially parallel.

[0072] The third planar portion 203d includes a first flange 204a and a second flange 204b, which extend substantially at right angles (e.g., between 70 and 110 degrees) to the third planar portion 203d. The first and second flanges 204a and 204b may be angled such that the proximal end of each flange 204a and 204b extends further from the third planar portion 203d than the distal end of each flange 204a and 204b.

[0073] The second planar portion 203b includes a third flange 204c and a fourth flange 204d, which extend at right angles to the second planar portion 203b and in the same plane as the first and second flanges 204a and 204b, but in opposite directions (e.g., upward and downward).

[0074] Similar to the first embodiment, the first planar portion 203a includes a tip 208 at its distal end and a protrusion 206 disposed along a portion (e.g., one-third or half) of its length. The protrusion 206 may again include a first engagement surface 206a and / or a second engagement surface 206b adapted to engage with a corresponding engagement surface 218a of the shaft 218.

[0075] The spring 202 can be formed by pressing a flat metal sheet using a forming die to produce the shape of three planar portions 203a, 203b, 203d, a protrusion 206 and a tip 208, curved portions 203c, 203e and four flanges 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d.

[0076] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the spring 202 is attached (e.g., permanently attached, such as by welding) to the inertia ring 210 before the brush head 212 is assembled. The first and second flanges 204a, 204b engage as follows: Figure 2b The inner circumference of the inertia ring 210 shown makes the inertia ring 210 and the spring 202 rigidly attached.

[0077] The neck 214 of the brush head 212 again includes a central recess 213 having an inner recess 208a for receiving the tip 208 of the spring 202. The tip 208 can be inserted into the recess 208a again, but the tip 208 can be inserted into the recess 208a without a pressing fit; instead, attaching the inertia ring 210 to the inner surface of the neck 214 (e.g., by a snap-fit ​​fit) is sufficient to hold the spring 202 and the inertia ring 210 in place during user removal and replacement of the brush head 212.

[0078] Electronic sensors and / or electronic devices (not shown) may optionally be attached to or inserted into the brush head 212 (e.g., before or after the insertion of the inertia ring 210 and spring 202).

[0079] After the inertia ring 210 and spring 202 are inserted into the neck 214 to form the assembled brush head 212, the spring is again set to be substantially parallel to the wall of the neck 214.

[0080] When the shaft 218 is inserted into the assembled brush head 212, the shaft interferes (e.g., directly interferes) with the spring 202, causing the spring 202 to deform slightly to allow the shaft 218 to be fully inserted into the recess 213. As the shaft is inserted into the recess 213, the deformation of the shaft 218 against the spring 202 causes the spring 202 to exert a retaining force on the shaft, forcing the shaft 218 against the inner wall of the neck 214. The shaft is thus in mechanical contact (e.g., direct mechanical contact) with the spring 202 and the inner wall of the neck 214 and is held by them. At maximum insertion, the engagement surface 218a of the shaft 218 engages the protrusion 206, which includes surfaces 206a and 206b, such that separating the brush head 212 from the shaft 218 requires a threshold force (e.g., a minimum pulling force).

[0081] The spring may additionally retain and / or provide fixation for electronics and / or sensors that can be inserted into the brush head 212.

[0082] Similar to the first embodiment, shaft 218 again engages with means for transmitting its vibrations to the working head of brush head 212; however, the means for transmitting vibrations may not (e.g., indeed does not) hold brush head 212 onto shaft 218. Once shaft 218 is inserted into the assembled brush head 212, shaft 218 can therefore be in direct mechanical contact (e.g., only with) neck 214, spring 202, and vibration transmission components (not shown). Shaft 218 may not be in contact with any other components (such as couplings) (e.g., such as...). Figure 5 (Shown and described) Mechanical contact.

[0083] Similarly, when the shaft 218 is inserted into the assembled brush head 212, the neck 214 may have direct mechanical contact with the shaft 218, the spring 202, the inertia ring 210 (and optionally the end face 430 of the toothbrush handle 422). The neck 214 may not have mechanical contact (e.g., direct mechanical contact) with any other components (e.g., couplings).

[0084] Similar to the first embodiment, the spring 202 is in direct mechanical contact with the neck 214 and shaft 218 (as well as the attached inertia ring 210 and optional electronics). The spring may not be in direct mechanical contact with any other components (such as couplings) within the assembled brush head 212. This configuration allows for a simplified linear / sequential assembly process.

[0085] When the toothbrush 400 is fully assembled such that the shaft 218 has been inserted into the assembled brush head 212, the end face 220 of the neck 214 may abut (e.g., substantially abut) the end face 430 of the toothbrush handle 422, thus forming an abutment interface. Therefore, there may be no longitudinal gap 424 around the periphery of the abutment interface between the end face 220 of the neck 214 and the end face 430 of the toothbrush handle 422. Alternatively, the end face 220 may not (e.g., substantially not) abut the end face 430 of the toothbrush handle 422, such that a gap (e.g., a longitudinal gap) 424 exists between the end faces 220 and 430.

[0086] The neck 214 may form a continuous outer surface around its circumference between the working head 216 and its end face 220 (e.g., without ingress and / or gaps and / or spaces to allow viscous substances / dirt to accumulate).

[0087] The assembled brush head 212 may include a working head 216, a neck 214, a device for transmitting vibration (not shown), a recess 213 with an internal structure, a spring 202, and an inertia ring 210. That is, the assembled brush head may not include other components (e.g., the assembled brush head 212 may not include a connector).

[0088] Third Embodiment

[0089] refer to Figure 3a , Figure 3b , Figure 3c and Figure 3d (Collectively referred to as Figure 3), which illustrates a third embodiment of a brush head for an electric toothbrush. Except as described below, the third embodiment is largely similar to the first and second embodiments.

[0090] The brush head 312 includes an elastically deformable element (e.g., a spring) 302, which is elongated. The spring 302 is substantially planar, such that the spring 302 includes a planar portion 303.

[0091] At its proximal end, spring 302 includes a flange 304a extending generally perpendicularly (e.g., in one direction) to the planar portion 303. The flange 304a may be adapted to engage a recess 309b in the internal structure of the neck 314. Spring 302 may be widened toward its proximal end by wing elements 304b and 304c, which extend in the same plane as the planar portion 303. As described later, the wing elements 304b, 304c may be adapted to engage a longitudinal recess 309a of the neck 414. Spring 302 additionally includes a key 306 that protrudes from the surface of the planar portion 303 along a portion (e.g., half or one-third) of its length and may penetrate the entire thickness of spring 302, such that the key 306 is attached to spring 302 on both sides of the planar portion 303. Compared to one side of the surface of the spring 302, the key 306 can extend higher on the side of the spring 302 opposite to the flange 304a.

[0092] The key 306 may be made of a different material than the spring 302 and may be pre-attached (e.g., molded) to the spring 302 during manufacturing (e.g., the key 306 may be made of plastic and the spring 302 may be made of metal), so that the key 306 and the spring 302 are integral. The key 306 includes an engagement surface 306a adapted to engage a corresponding engagement surface 318a on the engagement shaft 318.

[0093] In an arrangement where the key 306 does not extend substantially around the outer periphery of the spring 302, the spring 302 may contact components other than the key 306 along its length. The key 306 may be positioned on the spring 302 such that the key 306 does not include a large portion of the surface area of ​​the spring 302 (e.g., a large portion of the surface area of ​​the spring 302 may not be surrounded or covered by the key 306).

[0094] Similar to the first embodiment, at its distal end, the spring 302 includes a tip 308 that can be received within a recess 308a of the neck 314. The tip 308 can be received (e.g., positioned) within the recess 308a, rather than being fixed in the recess 308a.

[0095] The spring 302 can be formed by pressing a flat metal sheet using a forming die to produce a planar portion 303, a tip 308, wing-shaped elements 304b, 304c, and a flange 304a. A aperture (not shown) for receiving the key 306 can also be formed by stamping.

[0096] During the assembly of the brush head 312, the spring 302 can be inserted into the neck 314 such that each of the wing elements 304b, 304c engages the longitudinal recess 309a (e.g., by press fit). The recess 309a guides the spring 302 into the neck 314 such that the tip 308 of the spring 302 is received in the recess 308a and the flange 304a is received in the recess 309b (e.g., by interference fit). The wing elements 304b, 304c can be secured within the longitudinal recess 309a by press fit or interference fit.

[0097] In its inserted position, the spring 302 is positioned in the recess 308a at its distal end, but the tip 308 may be received in the recess 308a without a pressing fit. Thus, the spring 302 is supported at both ends. The central region of the spring 302 may be unsupported, and therefore a gap may exist between the underside of the spring 302 and the inner wall of the neck 314.

[0098] After inserting spring 302, inertia ring 310 can be inserted. The spring can be securely secured in the longitudinal recesses 309a and 309b by a press-fit and / or snap-fit, such that inertia ring 310 is not essential for retaining spring 310 (e.g., inertia ring 310 may be optional). Therefore, inertia ring 310 may not engage spring 302 (e.g., once brush head 312 is assembled, the spring and inertia ring may not be in mechanical contact). Alternatively, inertia ring 310 may engage spring 302 for added safety.

[0099] Electronic sensors and / or electronic devices (not shown) may optionally be attached to or inserted into the brush head 312 (e.g., before or after insertion of the inertia loop).

[0100] The brush head 312 having a spring 302 and an inertia ring 310 inserted therein can be referred to as an assembled brush head 312.

[0101] The assembled brush head 312 can then be attached to the toothbrush handle 422 and the shaft 318 by inserting the shaft 318 coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the brush head 312, such that the shaft 318 is received in the central longitudinal recess 313 of the neck 314.

[0102] When the shaft 318 is inserted into the neck 314, the shaft 318 can interfere with / impact the spring 302 (e.g., by using the key 306), causing the spring 302 to deflect downwards toward the inner wall of the neck 314 (e.g., bend and / or deflect) and apply a holding force to the shaft 318. Once the shaft 318 is maximally inserted into the neck 314, the spring 302 can apply a holding force to the shaft 318, forcing the shaft 318 against the interior of the neck 314 on the side opposite to the spring 302. This holding force can be transmitted from the spring to the shaft via the key 306. The shaft 318 is thus held within the neck 314 of the brush head 312 by the holding force provided by the spring 302. In this maximum insertion position, the engagement surface 318a of the shaft 318 can engage with the engagement surface 306a of the key 306. The brush head 312 may not be able to be removed from the shaft 318 until a minimum threshold force is reached.

[0103] The placement of key 306 may mean that the metal of spring 302 does not directly contact the metal of shaft 318, thereby reducing the wear rate of shaft 318 and / or spring 302. Additionally, this can reduce noise generated by the toothbrush during use (e.g., due to vibration) and improve the holding force of brush head 312 on shaft 318 (e.g., through frictional grip).

[0104] Similar to the first embodiment, shaft 318 again engages with means for transmitting its vibrations to the working head 316 of brush head 312; however, the means for transmitting vibrations may not (e.g., indeed does not) hold brush head 312 onto shaft 318. Once shaft 318 is inserted into the assembled brush head 312, shaft 318 can therefore be in direct mechanical contact (e.g., only with) neck 214, spring 202 (including key 306), and vibration transmission components (not shown). Shaft 318 may not be in direct mechanical contact with any other components (e.g., couplings).

[0105] Similarly, as in the first embodiment, when the shaft 318 is inserted into the assembled brush head 312, the spring 302 (e.g., via key 306) can directly mechanically contact the neck 314 and the shaft 318. The spring may additionally contact the inertia ring 310. The spring may not directly mechanically contact any other components (such as couplings) within the assembled brush head 312.

[0106] Similarly, when the shaft 318 is inserted into the assembled brush head 312, the neck 314 may have direct mechanical contact with the shaft 318, the spring 302, the inertia ring 310 (and optionally the end face 430 of the toothbrush handle 422). The neck 314 may not have direct mechanical contact with any other components (e.g., couplings).

[0107] When the toothbrush is fully assembled such that the shaft 318 has been inserted into the assembled brush head 312, the end face 320 of the neck 314 may abut (e.g., substantially abut) the end face 430 of the toothbrush handle 422, thus forming an abutment interface (not shown). Therefore, there may be no longitudinal gap 424 around the periphery of the abutment interface between the end face 320 of the neck 314 and the end face 430 of the toothbrush handle 422. Alternatively, the end face 320 of the neck 314 may not abut the end face 430 of the toothbrush handle 422, resulting in a (longitudinal) gap 424 between the end faces 320 and 430.

[0108] The neck 314 may form a continuous outer surface around its circumference between the working head 316 and its end face 320 (e.g., without ingress and / or gaps and / or spaces for the accumulation of viscous substances / dirt / residues / deposits).

[0109] The assembled brush head 312 may include a working head 316, a neck 314, a device for transmitting vibration (not shown), a recess 313 with an internal structure, a spring 302, and an inertia ring 310. That is, the assembled brush head may not include other components (e.g., the assembled brush head 312 may not include a connector).

[0110] Compared to metal-to-metal contact, key 306 can prevent metal-to-metal wear (e.g., between spring 302 and shaft 318), prevent the generation of unwanted excessive noise, and / or achieve (and thus maintain) improved friction between spring 302 and shaft 318.

[0111] advantage

[0112] The inventors understand that a brush head typically includes an intermediate component disposed between a spring and a shaft, which transmits force from the spring to the shaft, thereby holding the brush head on the shaft. Each embodiment of the invention may exclude such an intermediate component, which may be referred to in the art as a connecting element.

[0113] The three embodiments of the present invention include many advantages over toothbrush heads known in the art.

[0114] Brush heads that do not require connectors reduce the number of parts within the assembled brush head, thereby simplifying manufacturing (e.g., reducing the total number of surfaces on different parts that must be joined together) and assembly (e.g., by reducing the total number of assembly steps and / or control steps, as well as the complexity of each step). This can reduce the cost of producing brush heads.

[0115] Without the connector, the outer surface of the brush head neck can form a continuous surface without gaps, which may have previously existed at the interface / joint between the neck and the connector outside the neck. This invention thus reduces the chance of residue / debris / dirt accumulating from the brushing process.

[0116] The inventors also recognized that the neck of the connector and the brush head are often made of different materials, which may lead to different rates of degradation and / or wear, shortening the life of the brush head and resulting in suboptimal performance of the brush head nearing the end of its life.

[0117] Because the spring of this invention is now more securely held within the brush head, fewer inertia rings are required, allowing for a cheaper and simpler inertia ring structure.

[0118] Similarly, the simpler spring construction means it can now apply retaining force directly to the shaft and journal.

[0119] Therefore, brush heads with fewer parts (e.g., due to the absence of couplings) have fewer interfaces between the parts. This reduces the amount of vibration, thereby reducing noise generated by the parts within the brush head.

[0120] Similarly, removing the coupling can improve the retention of the brush head on the shaft because the coupling itself does not conform to the retention force and / or absorbs the retention force when transmitting the retention force to the shaft.

[0121] The design and configuration of springs 102, 202, 302 and inertia rings 110, 210, 310 in the first, second, and third embodiments are compatible with existing designs of the external features of the brush head neck. Therefore, the brush head neck does not require redesign, and existing tools can be used to continue producing the brush head neck. Adjustments may be needed to the internal recesses in the production of the brush head neck. The brush head of the present invention can be mounted onto existing handles and shafts of used electric toothbrushes.

[0122] The inventors recognize that in prior art brush heads that include a coupling, removing and replacing the brush head on the shaft can cause the coupling within the brush head neck to loosen. This is undesirable (e.g., because it may force the toothbrush user to reassemble the brush head themselves, or the coupling may no longer be able to perform its function of facilitating the brush head's retention on the shaft). This loosening can lead to a greater rate of brush head detachment from the toothbrush shaft, for example, during use.

[0123] The above three embodiments thus form alternative solutions to the technical problems outlined in the background section of this disclosure.

[0124] Those skilled in the art will understand that while the invention has been described by way of example with reference to one or more exemplary examples, the invention is not limited to the disclosed examples and alternative examples can be constructed without departing from the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims. For example, although the invention has been described primarily in the context of electric toothbrushes and electric toothbrush heads, those skilled in the art will understand that the invention is equally applicable to other oral care devices and detachable brush heads for other oral care devices, such as water flossers. Similarly, in the case of reference to "means for transmitting vibration to the working head," it should be interpreted to include any means for causing the brush head to function, such as the transmission of water or non-oscillating motion.

[0125] Although only a few exemplary embodiments have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily understand that many modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure. The above embodiments of the invention can be used advantageously independently of any other embodiment or in any feasible combination with one or more other embodiments.

[0126] Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the embodiments of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims. In the claims, the device plus function clause is intended to cover structures described herein as performing said functions, and includes not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.

[0127] Additionally, any reference numerals placed in parentheses in one or more claims should not be construed as limiting the claims. The words "comprising," "comprises," etc., do not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in any claim or the entire specification. A singular reference to an element does not exclude a plural reference to such element, and vice versa. One or more embodiments may be implemented by hardware comprising several different elements. In a device or apparatus claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by the same item of hardware. The fact that certain measures are enumerated only in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

Claims

1. A brush head (112, 212, 312) for attachment to a shaft (118, 218, 318, 418) of an oral care device (400), said brush head comprising: A neck (114, 214, 314) having a working head (116, 216, 316), the neck being configured to transmit vibration from the shaft to the working head; and Springs (102, 202, 302) installed inside the neck. When the shaft is inserted into the assembled brush head, the spring is in direct mechanical contact with the neck and the shaft. The spring provides a retaining force that holds the brush head on the shaft by forcing the shaft radially against the neck, thus holding the shaft between the neck and the spring. The brush head additionally includes an inertia ring (110, 210, 310) configured to hold the spring in the neck.

2. The brush head of claim 1, wherein the spring includes a resilient key (306) wherein, when the shaft is inserted into the assembled brush head, the key directly mechanically contacts the neck and the shaft and holds the neck on the shaft.

3. The brush head according to claim 2, wherein the key is secured through an opening formed in the spring.

4. The brush head of claim 1, wherein the inertia ring holds the spring circumferentially and / or longitudinally in place in the neck.

5. The brush head according to claim 4, wherein the spring is fixed to the inertia ring.

6. The brush head of claim 5, wherein the inertia ring is molded onto the spring.

7. The brush head according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the spring provides fixation for the electronic sensor disposed within the neck.

8. The brush head according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the spring is elongated.

9. The brush head according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the spring is substantially planar.

10. The brush head according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the spring is fixed at one end.

11. A method of assembling a brush head and attaching the brush head to a shaft of an oral care device (400), the brush head (112, 212, 312, 412) comprising: A neck (114, 214, 314) having a working head (116, 216, 316, 416), the neck being configured to transmit vibrations from the shaft to the working head; as well as Springs (102, 202, 302) are installed in the neck. The method includes: The shaft is inserted into the neck such that the spring is in direct mechanical contact with both the shaft and the neck. The spring applies a retaining force to hold the brush head on the shaft by forcing the shaft radially against the neck, thus holding the shaft between the neck and the spring. An inertia ring (110, 210, 310) is attached to the brush head to hold the spring in the neck.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the inertia ring is integrally formed with the spring before the brush head is assembled, such that the inertia ring and the spring are simultaneously attached to the brush head.

13. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 12, further comprising the step of attaching a resilient key to the spring before assembling the spring to the brush head.

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