Oral care elements and electric oral care appliances

Abstract

The present application provides an oral care element and an electric oral care appliance, wherein the oral care element comprises a main body 10, a contact element carrier 20, a first contact element cluster 30 and a second contact element cluster 40. In the oral care element of the present application, a first channel and a second channel are arranged, and different specifications of the first contact element cluster and the second contact element cluster are implanted in the first channel and the second channel. And by optimizing the area ratio of the first channel and the second channel, the oral care element has both good comfort and sufficient cleaning power.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of oral care appliances, specifically to oral care components and electric oral care appliances. Background Technology

[0002] Electric toothbrushes are common oral care appliances. Their basic structure includes a brush head and a handle. One end of the brush head has bristles on its front surface, and the other end can be coupled to or detached from the handle, which houses a vibrating motor. In use, the user couples the brush head to the handle. When the vibrating motor in the handle is activated, it generates vibrations that are transmitted through the brush head to the bristles, causing them to oscillate at high speed. This high-speed oscillation of the bristles effectively removes food debris and stains from teeth and gums.

[0003] The bristle diameter is an important parameter for electric toothbrushes. Finer bristles offer a gentler feel and better comfort, but with less cleaning power, while thicker bristles provide greater cleaning power but are less comfortable. Current electric toothbrush technology struggles to balance cleaning performance and comfort. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides an oral care element and an electric oral care appliance to solve the problem that electric toothbrushes in the prior art cannot balance cleaning performance and comfort.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an oral care element, comprising: a body including a proximal end and a distal end extending along a body axis, the distal end being for coupling with a drive assembly; a contact element carrier held at the proximal end, the contact element carrier having a front surface, a first channel and a second channel respectively communicating with the front surface, and a transverse axis passing through the center point of the front surface and perpendicular to the front surface; the first channel and the second channel are not interconnected; a first contact element cluster extending from the front surface through the first channel, the first contact element cluster extending along the extension direction of the transverse axis, the end forming a nearly continuous first cleaning area surface; the first contact element cluster is formed by a plurality of first contact elements; a second contact element cluster extending from the front surface through the second channel, the second contact element cluster extending along the extension direction of the transverse axis, the end forming a nearly continuous second cleaning area surface; the second contact element cluster is formed by a plurality of second contact elements; the ratio of the area enclosed by the edge of the first channel to the sum of the area enclosed by the edge of the first channel and the area enclosed by the edge of the second channel is greater than or equal to 0.6, and / or the ratio of the area enclosed by the edge of the second channel to the sum of the area enclosed by the edge of the first channel and the area enclosed by the edge of the second channel is greater than or equal to 0.1.

[0006] Optionally, the ratio of the area enclosed by the edge of the first channel to the sum of the areas enclosed by the edges of the first and second channels is greater than or equal to 0.8.

[0007] Optionally, the ratio of the area enclosed by the edge of the second channel to the sum of the areas enclosed by the edge of the first channel and the edges of the second channel is greater than or equal to 0.15.

[0008] Optionally, the ratio of the area enclosed by the edge of the first channel to the front surface area of ​​the contact element carrier ranges from 0.2 to 0.6.

[0009] Optionally, the ratio of the area enclosed by the edge of the first channel to the front surface area of ​​the contact element carrier ranges from 0.3 to 0.5.

[0010] Optionally, the ratio of the area enclosed by the edge of the first channel to the front surface area of ​​the contact element carrier is in the range of 0.4.

[0011] Optionally, the ratio of the area enclosed by the edge of the second channel to the front surface area of ​​the contact element carrier ranges from 0.03 to 0.15.

[0012] Optionally, the ratio of the area enclosed by the edge of the second channel to the front surface area of ​​the contact element carrier ranges from 0.05 to 0.10.

[0013] 7. Optionally, the ratio of the area enclosed by the edge of the second channel to the front surface area of ​​the contact element carrier is in the range of 0.07.

[0014] Optionally, the cross-section of the first contact element perpendicular to the transverse axis has a maximum diameter or maximum circumscribed circle diameter ranging from 3 mil to 4 mil, and / or the cross-section of the second contact element perpendicular to the transverse axis has a maximum diameter or maximum circumscribed circle diameter ranging from 4 mil to 6 mil. The contact element carrier exists in the cross-sections of the first channel and the second channel. The difference between the maximum length of the first contact element extending from the front surface and the minimum length of the second contact element extending from the front surface does not exceed 3 mm, or the difference between the maximum length of the second contact element extending from the front surface and the minimum length of the first contact element extending from the front surface in the cross-section does not exceed 3 mm.

[0015] Optionally, the contact element carrier includes multiple non-connected first channels.

[0016] Optionally, the contact element carrier includes multiple non-connected second channels.

[0017] Optionally, the first contact element passing through a portion of the first channels has a cross-section perpendicular to the transverse axis with a maximum diameter of 3 mil or a maximum circumscribed circle diameter, and the first contact element passing through another portion of the first channels has a cross-section perpendicular to the transverse axis with a maximum diameter of 4 mil or a maximum circumscribed circle diameter.

[0018] Optionally, the cross-section of the second contact element perpendicular to the transverse axis has a maximum diameter of 5 mil or a maximum circumscribed circle diameter.

[0019] Optionally, the area enclosed by the edges of each first channel shall not be less than 3 mm2.

[0020] Optionally, the area enclosed by the edges of each first channel shall not be less than 10 mm2.

[0021] Optionally, the area enclosed by the edges of each first channel shall not be less than 15 mm2.

[0022] Optionally, the area enclosed by the edges of each second channel shall not be less than 1 mm2.

[0023] Optionally, the area enclosed by the edges of each second channel shall not be less than 1.5 mm2.

[0024] Optionally, the area enclosed by the edges of each second channel shall not be less than 3 mm2.

[0025] Optionally, when the remote end is coupled to and driven by the drive component, it causes the first contact element and the second contact element to swing back and forth. The arrangement of the first contact element cluster and the second contact element cluster satisfies the coefficient k, k = |A1-A2|÷L1, 1.6≦k≦2.4; where A1 is the swing amplitude of the first contact element, A2 is the swing amplitude of the second contact element, and L1 is the distance between the edges of adjacent first and second channels.

[0026] Optionally, the first projection length of the portion of the first contact element cluster extending out of the front surface on the transverse axis is in the range of 5 mm to 12 mm, and / or, the second projection length of the portion of the second contact element cluster extending out of the front surface on the transverse axis is in the range of 5 mm to 12 mm.

[0027] Optionally, the first projection length of the portion of the first contact element cluster extending out of the front surface on the transverse axis is in the range of 6 mm to 11 mm.

[0028] Optionally, the second projection length of the portion of the second contact element cluster extending out of the front surface on the transverse axis is in the range of 8 mm to 13 mm.

[0029] Optionally, the first projection length of the portion of the first contact element cluster extending out of the front surface on the transverse axis is in the range of 8 mm to 10 mm.

[0030] Optionally, the second projection length of the portion of the second contact element cluster extending out of the front surface on the transverse axis is in the range of 8 mm to 10 mm.

[0031] Optionally, there may be another first channel and / or a second channel within a region extending outward from the edge of the first channel with a width of 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm; and / or, there may be another second channel and / or a first channel within a region extending outward from the edge of the second channel with a width of 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0032] Optionally, there may be another first channel and / or a second channel within a region extending outward from the edge of the first channel with a width of 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm; and / or, there may be another second channel and / or a first channel within a region extending outward from the edge of the second channel with a width of 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0033] Optionally, there may be another first channel and / or a second channel within a 0.7mm wide area extending outward from the edge of the first channel; and / or, there may be another second channel and / or a first channel within a 0.7mm wide area extending outward from the edge of the second channel.

[0034] Optionally, the contact element carrier exists in the cross-section of adjacent first and second channels, and the difference between the maximum length of the first contact element extending from the front surface and the minimum length of the second contact element extending from the front surface does not exceed 3 mm, or the difference between the maximum length of the second contact element extending from the front surface and the minimum length of the first contact element extending from the front surface in the cross-section does not exceed 3 mm.

[0035] Optionally, the stiffness of the first contact element is less than or equal to that of the second contact element.

[0036] Optionally, in the cross-section of the first contact element along its extension direction, the end protruding from the front surface is tapered, and in the cross-section of the second contact element along its extension direction, the end protruding from the front surface is arc-shaped or nearly arc-shaped.

[0037] Optionally, the sum of the cross sections of the multiple first contact elements perpendicular to the transverse axis on the front surface is in a ratio of 0.65 to 0.85 to the area enclosed by the edge of the first channel.

[0038] Optionally, the sum of the cross sections of the multiple second contact elements perpendicular to the transverse axis on the front surface is in a ratio of 0.65 to 0.85 to the area enclosed by the edge of the second channel.

[0039] Optionally, the maximum cross-sectional shape of the first contact element is a triangle, a rhombus, or a polygon with no less than four sides, and / or the maximum cross-sectional shape of the second contact element is a triangle, a rhombus, or a polygon with no less than four sides.

[0040] Optionally, in the radial direction through the transverse axis of both the first and second channels, the inner edge of the first channel is located outside the outer edge of the second channel.

[0041] Secondly, the present invention also provides an electric oral cleaning device, including the oral care element described above, and a gripping part. The gripping part includes a housing for gripping, a drive component, an energy element, and a triggering element disposed inside the housing. The drive component is coupled to the oral care element. If the triggering element is triggered, the energy element provides energy to the drive component, so that the drive component can drive the oral care element to reciprocate.

[0042] Beneficial effects:

[0043] By utilizing the structure of this invention, a first channel and a second channel are provided, and first and second contact element clusters of different specifications are implanted within the first and second channels. Furthermore, by optimizing the area ratio of the first and second channels, the oral care element achieves both good comfort and sufficient cleaning power. Therefore, the technical solution of this invention solves the problem in existing electric toothbrushes that cannot simultaneously achieve both cleaning performance and comfort. Attached Figure Description

[0044] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0045] Figure 1 A front view schematic diagram of an oral care element according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0046] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0047] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A side view of a dental care component;

[0048] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0049] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the front surface of the contact element carrier of a dental care component;

[0050] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1A schematic diagram of the structure of the first contact element cluster, the second contact element cluster, and the third contact element cluster of a dental care component;

[0051] Figure 7 It shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the end shapes of the first, second, and third contact elements of a dental care component;

[0052] Figure 8 It shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of oral care components simulating teeth cleaning;

[0053] Figure 9 It shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a vibration amplitude experiment on a dental care component;

[0054] Figure 10 It shows Figure 1 Experimental results of the swing amplitude of the first and third contact elements of the oral care component under different diameters and lengths;

[0055] Figure 11 It shows Figure 1 Experimental results of the swing amplitude of the second contact element of the oral care component under different diameters and lengths;

[0056] Figure 12 It shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the single first contact element, second contact element, and third contact element of a dental care component, omitting the gum line;

[0057] Figure 13 It shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of multiple first contact elements, second contact elements, and third contact elements of an oral care component, omitting the gum line;

[0058] Figure 14 It shows Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of ten samples used in the experiment on the relationship between cleaning power, gentleness and the proportion of each channel of the oral care element;

[0059] Figure 15 It shows Figure 1 Experimental results on the relationship between the proportion of the second channel in oral care components and cleaning power;

[0060] Figure 16 It shows Figure 1 Experimental results on the relationship between the proportion of the second channel and the gentleness of oral care components;

[0061] Figure 17 It shows Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the wear and tear of samples 2, 5, and 8 after cleaning;

[0062] Figure 18 A schematic diagram illustrating the calculation of the total surface area per unit area of ​​the first contact element, the second contact element, and the third contact element is shown.

[0063] Figure 19 It shows Figure 1 Experimental results on the relationship between the hair implantation rate and water absorption rate of oral care components;

[0064] Figure 20 It shows Figure 14 Experimental results of the drying rate of ten samples.

[0065] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0066] 1. First zone; 2. Second zone; 3. Third zone; 4. Fourth zone; 5. Fifth zone; 10. Main body; 11. Proximal end; 12. Distal end; 20. Contact element carrier; 21. Front surface; 22. First channel; 23. Second channel; 24. Lateral axis; 25. Third channel; 30. First contact element cluster; 31. First clean area surface; 32. First contact element; 40. Second contact element cluster; 41. Second clean area surface; 42. Second contact element; 50. Third contact element cluster; 51. Third clean area surface; 52. Third contact element. Detailed Implementation

[0067] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0068] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, an oral care element according to this application includes a body 10, a contact element carrier 20, a first contact element cluster 30, and a second contact element cluster 40.

[0069] The body 10 includes a proximal end 11 and a distal end 12 extending along the body axis, the distal end 12 being used for coupling with a drive assembly.

[0070] The contact element carrier 20 is held at the proximal end 11 of the body 10. The contact element carrier 20 has a front surface 21, a first channel 22 and a second channel 23 respectively communicating with the front surface 21, and a transverse axis 24 passing through the center point of the front surface 21 and perpendicular to the front surface 21. The first channel 22 and the second channel 23 are not communicating with each other. In the radial direction of the transverse axis 24 that passes through both the first channel 22 and the second channel 23, the inner edge of the first channel 22 is located outside the outer edge of the second channel 24.

[0071] A first contact element cluster 30 extends from the front surface 21 through the first channel 22. The first contact element cluster 30 extends along the extension direction of the transverse axis 24, and its end forms a nearly continuous first clean area surface 31. The first contact element cluster 30 is formed by a plurality of first contact elements 32, and the cross-section of the first contact element 32 perpendicular to the transverse axis 24 has a maximum diameter or maximum circumscribed circle diameter ranging from 3 mil to 4 mil.

[0072] The second contact element cluster 40 extends through the second channel 23 and protrudes from the front surface 21. The second contact element cluster 40 extends along the extension direction of the transverse axis 24, and its ends form a nearly continuous second clean area surface 41. The second contact element cluster 40 is formed by multiple second contact elements 42, and the cross-section of the second contact elements 42 perpendicular to the transverse axis 24 has a maximum diameter or maximum circumscribed circle diameter ranging from 4 mil to 6 mil.

[0073] The contact element carrier 20 exists in the cross-section of the first channel 22 and the second channel 23. The difference between the maximum length of the first contact element 32 extending out of the front surface 21 and the minimum length of the second contact element 42 extending out of the front surface 21 does not exceed 3 mm. Alternatively, the difference between the maximum length of the second contact element 42 extending out of the front surface 21 and the minimum length of the first contact element 32 extending out of the front surface 21 in the cross-section does not exceed 3 mm.

[0074] Using the technical solution of this embodiment, along the swing direction of the oral care element, the first contact element cluster 30 and the second contact element cluster 40 of the oral care element have a length difference, and the absolute value of the difference between the longest length of one and the shortest length of the other does not exceed 3mm. This arrangement ensures that the first contact element cluster 30 and the second contact element cluster 40 do not interfere with each other during swinging, thus not affecting the vibration transmission efficiency of the drive assembly coupled to the main body 10, resulting in better cleaning ability. Simultaneously, the maximum diameter or circumscribed circle diameter of the first contact element 32 is smaller than the maximum diameter or circumscribed circle diameter of the second contact element 42. This arrangement makes the first contact element 32 softer, providing a gum-protecting effect and improving the comfort of the oral care element, while making the second contact element 42 harder, improving the cleaning power of the oral care element. In other words, the oral care element balances comfort and cleaning power. Therefore, the technical solution of this embodiment solves the problems of low vibration transmission efficiency and difficulty in balancing cleaning power and comfort in existing electric toothbrushes.

[0075] like Figure 1 As shown, the main body 10 has a roughly rod-like structure, which can be either a hollow rod or a solid rod. Figure 1 In the direction shown, the proximal end 11 of the main body 10 is Figure 1 The upper end, the far end 12 of the main body 10 is Figure 1 The lower end. Among them, the proximal end 11 and the distal end 12 can be understood as the end of the main body 10 that is close to the oral cavity and the end that is away from the oral cavity during use.

[0076] Furthermore, the distal end 12 of the main body 10 is used for coupling with the drive mechanism, and the proximal end 11 of the main body 10 is used for mounting the contact element carrier 20. Therefore, when the drive mechanism starts and generates vibration, the main body 10 can transmit the vibration of its distal end 12 to the proximal end.

[0077] In addition, the outer diameter of the distal end 12 of the main body 10 is larger than the outer diameter of the proximal end 11, which strengthens the structural strength of the distal end 12 of the main body 10 on the one hand, and enhances the vibration transmission effect on the other.

[0078] like Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the contact element carrier 20 is disposed at the proximal end 11 of the main body 10, and the contact element carrier 20 is generally a flattened elliptical structure. The function of the contact element carrier 20 is to mount the first contact element cluster 30 and the second contact element cluster 40 mentioned above. When the drive mechanism is activated and vibrates, the main body 10 transmits the vibration of its distal end 12 to the proximal end 11, and the vibration of the proximal end 11 of the main body 10 is transmitted to the contact element carrier 20. The vibration of the contact element carrier 20 drives the first contact element cluster 30 and the second contact element cluster 40 to swing back and forth at high speed. When the user places the contact element carrier 20 in the mouth, the first contact element cluster 30 and the second contact element cluster 40 come into contact with the gums or teeth, thereby achieving a cleaning effect.

[0079] Those skilled in the art will understand that the main body 10 and the contact element carrier 20 together form the toothbrush head structure.

[0080] from Figure 1 and Figure 3 As can be seen, the front surface 21 of the contact element carrier 20 refers to the surface facing the gums or teeth during cleaning, and the transverse axis 24 is a virtual axis perpendicular to the front surface 21 and passing through the midpoint of the front surface 21. Furthermore, the "cross-section" in the aforementioned "cross-section of the contact element carrier 20 having the first channel 22 and the second channel 23" refers to a cross-section perpendicular to the front surface 21. Figure 5 As can be seen, the front surface 21 of the contact element carrier 20 is provided with a first channel 22 and a second channel 23. The first channel 22 is used to install the first contact element cluster 30, and the second channel 23 is used to install the second contact element cluster 40.

[0081] In this embodiment, the first channel 22 and the second channel 23 are independent and not connected to each other. If, along any radial direction of the transverse axis 24, this radial direction passes through both the first channel 22 and the second channel 23, then in that radial direction, the outer edge of the passed second channel 23 does not exceed the outer edge of the first channel 22. For example, this includes at least the following two cases:

[0082] The first case is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the second channel 23 is located inside the first channel 22. At this time, the outer edge and the inner edge of the second channel 23 do not exceed the outer edge of the first channel 22, nor do they exceed the inner edge of the first channel 22.

[0083] In another scenario, the second channel 23 and the first channel 22 have overlapping portions in the radial direction along the transverse axis 24, but the outer edge of the second channel 23 does not exceed the outer edge of the first channel 22, that is, the outer edge of the first channel 22 is located outside the outer edge of the second channel 23.

[0084] The first contact element cluster 30 is a bristle cluster disposed within the first channel 22. The first contact element cluster 30 extends from the front surface 21 of the contact element carrier 20 and extends axially along the transverse axis 24. The first contact element cluster 30 consists of multiple first contact elements 32, i.e., multiple bristles. Since the lengths of the multiple first contact elements 32 cannot be guaranteed to be absolutely consistent due to manufacturing processes or after a period of use, the ends of the first contact element cluster 30 (i.e., the ends facing away from the front surface 21) form an almost continuous first cleaning area surface 31. The first cleaning area surface 31 is used to clean gums or teeth. As one embodiment, the first cleaning area surface 31 is rounded, making it smoother and more comfortable when in contact with oral tissues such as gums, without stinging, and providing a gentler touch. As another embodiment, the first cleaning area surface 31 can be wavy, arc-shaped, etc., to better conform to the surface of oral tissues.

[0085] In this embodiment, the cross-section of the first contact element 32 perpendicular to the transverse axis 24 has a maximum diameter or maximum circumscribed circle diameter ranging from 3 mil to 4 mil. Specifically:

[0086] When the cross-section of the first contact element 32 is circular, the largest diameter among all the diameters of the first contact element 32 is selected to be between 3 mil and 4 mil.

[0087] For example, the maximum diameter of the cross-section of the first contact element 32 can be selected as 3mil, 3.2mil, 3.4mil, 3.6mil, 3.8mil or 4mil.

[0088] When the cross-section of the first contact element 32 is non-circular, for example, when the cross-sectional shape of the first contact element 32 is a triangle, a rhombus, or a polygon with no less than four sides, the largest circumscribed circle diameter among all the circumscribed circle diameters of the first contact element 32 is selected to be between 3mil and 4mil.

[0089] For example, the maximum circumscribed circle diameter of the cross-section of the first contact element 32 can be selected as 3mil, 3.2mil, 3.4mil, 3.6mil, 3.8mil, or 4mil.

[0090] Of course, the cross-sectional shape of the first contact element 32 can also be an irregular shape, such as a shape composed of curves, or a shape composed of a combination of straight lines and curves.

[0091] The second contact element cluster 40 is a bristle cluster disposed within the second channel 23. The second contact element cluster 40 extends from the front surface 21 of the contact element carrier 20 and extends axially along the transverse axis 24. The second contact element cluster 40 consists of multiple second contact elements 42, i.e., multiple bristles. Since the lengths of the multiple second contact elements 42 cannot be guaranteed to be absolutely consistent due to manufacturing processes or after a period of use, the ends of the second contact element cluster 40 (i.e., the ends facing away from the front surface 21) form an almost continuous second cleaning area surface 41. The second cleaning area surface 42 is used to clean the gums or teeth. As one embodiment, the second cleaning area surface 41 can be configured as wavy, arc-shaped, etc., to better conform to the surface of oral tissues.

[0092] In this embodiment, the cross-section of the second contact element 42 perpendicular to the transverse axis 24 has a maximum diameter or maximum circumscribed circle diameter ranging from 4 mil to 6 mil. Specifically:

[0093] When the cross-section of the second contact element 42 is circular, the largest diameter of the second contact element 42 is selected to be between 4 mil and 6 mil.

[0094] For example, the maximum diameter of the cross-section of the second contact element 42 can be selected as 4mil, 4.2mil, 4.4mil, 4.6mil, 4.8mil, 5mil, 5.2mil, 5.4mil, 5.6mil, 5.8mil, or 6mil.

[0095] When the cross-section of the second contact element 42 is non-circular, for example, when the cross-sectional shape of the second contact element 42 is triangular, rhomboid, or a polygon with no less than four sides, the largest circumscribed circle diameter among all the circumscribed circle diameters of the second contact element 42 is selected to be between 3 mil and 4 mil.

[0096] For example, the maximum circumscribed circle diameter of the cross-section of the second contact element 42 can be selected as 4mil, 4.2mil, 4.4mil, 4.6mil, 4.8mil, 5mil, 5.2mil, 5.4mil, 5.6mil, 5.8mil, or 6mil.

[0097] More preferably, the cross section of the second contact element 42 perpendicular to the transverse axis 24 has a maximum diameter of 5 mil or a maximum circumscribed circle diameter.

[0098] Of course, the cross-sectional shape of the second contact element 42 can also be an irregular shape, such as a shape composed of curves, or a shape composed of a combination of straight lines and curves.

[0099] like Figure 7As shown, in the technical solution of this embodiment, the end of the first contact element 32 extending out of the front surface in the cross-section along its extension direction is tapered, and the end of the second contact element 42 extending out of the front surface in the cross-section along its extension direction is arc-shaped or nearly arc-shaped.

[0100] That is, the first contact element 32 is a tapered bristle, and the second contact element 42 is a rounded bristle; that is, the first contact element cluster 30 is a cluster of tapered bristles, and the second contact element cluster 40 is a cluster of rounded bristles. Furthermore, the maximum diameter or maximum circumscribed circle diameter of the first contact element 32 is slightly smaller than the maximum diameter or maximum circumscribed circle diameter of the second contact element 42. Therefore, during gum cleaning or tooth cleaning, the first contact element 32 is relatively soft and easily deformable, thus improving comfort and providing gum protection. The second contact element 42 has higher hardness, thus improving cleaning power and ensuring cleaning effectiveness. Therefore, the oral care element of this embodiment balances comfort and cleaning effectiveness.

[0101] In this embodiment, the length of the second contact element 42 protruding from the front surface 21 is greater than the length of the first contact element 32 protruding from the front surface 21. Figure 4 As can be seen, because the first cleaning area surface 31 of the first contact element cluster 30 and the second cleaning area surface 41 of the second contact element cluster 40 are not planar, and are affected by process and wear, the lengths of the multiple first contact elements 32 in the first contact element cluster 30 are inconsistent, and the lengths of the multiple second contact elements 42 in the second contact element cluster 40 are also inconsistent. As one embodiment, the first cleaning area surface 31 and the second cleaning area surface 41 can be configured to be connected in a wavy or arc shape, thereby better conforming to the surface of oral tissues.

[0102] Furthermore, when the distal end 12 is coupled to and driven by the drive assembly, it causes the first contact element 32 and the second contact element 42 on the contact element carrier 20 to reciprocate. The cross-section of the contact element carrier 20 is perpendicular to the axis of the main body 10. The first contact element 32 and / or the second contact element 42 in the same cross-section can reciprocate about the extension direction of the axis of the main body 10 as the center line, forming a swing fan. The center line can coincide with or be parallel to the axis of the main body 10. Because the first contact element 32 and the second contact element 42 have different maximum cross-sectional diameters and different bending stiffnesses, their swing amplitudes differ when driven. Therefore, in this embodiment, the difference between the maximum length of the first contact element 32 extending from the front surface 21 and the minimum length of the second contact element 42 extending from the front surface 21 in the same cross-section does not exceed 3mm, or the difference between the maximum length of the second contact element 42 extending from the front surface 21 and the minimum length of the first contact element 32 extending from the front surface 21 in the same cross-section does not exceed 3mm. The existence of this height difference can effectively avoid the phenomenon of swing interference between the first contact element 32 and the second contact element 42 in the same swing fan surface, so that the first cleaning area surface 31 and the second cleaning area surface 41 at the ends of the first contact element 32 and the second contact element 42 can fully contact and rub with the teeth, interdental spaces and / or gingival tissue, respectively, thereby improving the cleaning effect.

[0103] Furthermore, from Figure 4 As can be seen, the first contact element cluster 30 and the second contact element cluster 40 have a height difference d at their ends facing away from the front surface 21, such that the outer end of the second contact element cluster 40 protrudes beyond the outer end of the first contact element cluster 30, and this height difference d does not exceed 3mm in the same cross-section. By setting this height difference, on the one hand, during the cleaning process, the force point can be effectively placed on the tooth surface through the second contact element cluster 40, preventing the core cleaning force point from being supported by the first contact element cluster 30, which would weaken the cleaning effect and damage the gums, thus achieving both cleaning and gum protection; on the other hand, this height difference ensures that the first contact element cluster 30 and the second contact element cluster 40 do not interfere with each other during high-speed oscillation, thereby better transmitting the vibration of the drive mechanism and improving the cleaning effect. The second cleaning area surface 41 serves as a support cleaning area for cleaning the tooth surface, while the first cleaning area surface 31 serves as a gum protection area to assist in cleaning the gums.

[0104] In this embodiment, there are multiple first channels 22, and the cross-section of the first contact element 32 passing through a portion of the multiple first channels 22, perpendicular to the transverse axis 24, has a maximum diameter or maximum circumscribed circle diameter of 3 mil. The cross-section of the first contact element 32 passing through another portion of the multiple first channels 22, perpendicular to the transverse axis 24, has a maximum diameter or maximum circumscribed circle diameter of 4 mil. The first contact element 32 with a maximum diameter or maximum circumscribed circle diameter of 4 mil can effectively protect the gums, provide a certain cleaning force, and form a transition area between the first cleaning surface 31 and the second cleaning surface 41, providing a good oral tactile experience. That is, the multiple first channels 22 are divided into two parts, one part of the first channel 22 is provided with a finely tapered bristle with a diameter of 3 mil, and the remaining part of the first channel 22 is provided with a finely tapered bristle with a diameter of 4 mil. For ease of description, the first channel 22 with 4mil abrasive bristles will be referred to as the third channel 25, the first contact element cluster 30 in the first channel 22 with 4mil abrasive bristles will be referred to as the third contact element cluster 50, and the first contact element 32 in the first contact element cluster 30 in the first channel 22 with 4mil abrasive bristles will be referred to as the third contact element 52.

[0105] like Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, in this embodiment, the contact element carrier 20 further includes a third channel 25 communicating with the front surface 21. The third channel 25 is not communicating with the first channel 22 or the second channel 23. In any radial direction along the transverse axis 24, if the radial direction simultaneously passes through the second channel 23 and the third channel 25, the outer edge of the second channel 23 does not exceed the inner edge of the third channel 25. If the radial direction simultaneously passes through the first channel 22 and the third channel 25, the outer edge of the third channel 25 does not exceed the inner edge of the first channel 22, thus the third channel 25 is positioned between the first channel 22 and the second channel 23. The third contact element cluster 50 extends through the third channel 25 from the front surface 21, extending along the extension direction of the transverse axis 24, and its end forms an almost continuous third cleaning area surface 51. The third contact element cluster 50 is formed by multiple third contact elements 52. The cross-section of the third contact element 52 perpendicular to the transverse axis 24 has a maximum diameter or maximum circumscribed circle diameter ranging from 3 mil to 4 mil. The contact element carrier 20 exists in the cross-section of the third channel 25 and the second channel 23. The difference between the maximum length of the third contact element 52 extending from the front surface 21 and the minimum length of the second contact element 42 extending from the front surface 21 does not exceed 3 mm. Alternatively, the difference between the maximum length of the second contact element 42 extending from the front surface 21 and the minimum length of the third contact element 52 extending from the front surface 21 in the cross-section does not exceed 3 mm. Thus, this height difference can effectively prevent the third contact element 52 and the second contact element 42 from swinging interference.

[0106] In one implementation, the third channel 25 is disposed at both ends of the contact element carrier 20 along the main body axis and located between the first channel 22 and the second channel 23, to perform gentle auxiliary cleaning, such as cleaning the grooves of teeth.

[0107] In this embodiment, the third channel 25 and the second channel 23 are independent and not connected to each other. Furthermore, if, along any radial direction of the transverse axis 24, the radial direction passes through both the second channel 23 and the third channel 25, then the outer edge of the second channel 23 in that radial direction does not exceed the outer edge of the third channel 25. For example, this includes at least two of the following cases:

[0108] The first case is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the second channel 23 is located inside the third channel 25. At this time, the outer edge and the inner edge of the second channel 23 do not exceed the outer edge of the third channel 25, nor do they exceed the inner edge of the third channel 25.

[0109] In another scenario, the second channel 23 and the third channel 25 have overlapping portions in the radial direction along the transverse axis 24, but the outer edge of the second channel 23 does not exceed the outer edge of the third channel 25, that is, the outer edge of the first channel 22 is located outside the outer edge of the second channel 23.

[0110] In this embodiment, the third channel 25 and the first channel 22 are independent and not connected to each other. Furthermore, if any radial direction along the transverse axis 24 passes through both the first channel 22 and the third channel 25, then the outer edge of the third channel 25 in that radial direction does not exceed the outer edge of the first channel 22. For example, this includes at least two of the following cases:

[0111] The first case is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the third channel 25 is located inside the first channel 22. At this time, the outer edge and the inner edge of the third channel 25 do not exceed the outer edge of the first channel 22, nor do they exceed the inner edge of the first channel 22.

[0112] In another scenario, the third channel 25 and the first channel 22 have overlapping portions in the radial direction along the transverse axis 24, but the outer edge of the third channel 25 does not exceed the outer edge of the first channel 22, that is, the outer edge of the third channel 25 is located outside the outer edge of the first channel 22.

[0113] The third contact element cluster 50 is a bristle cluster disposed within the third channel 25. The third contact element cluster 50 extends from the front surface 21 of the contact element carrier 20 and extends axially along the transverse axis 24. The third contact element cluster 50 consists of multiple third contact elements 52, i.e., multiple bristles. Because the lengths of the multiple third contact elements 52 cannot be guaranteed to be absolutely consistent due to manufacturing processes or after a period of use, the ends of the third contact element cluster 50 (i.e., the ends facing away from the front surface 21) form an almost continuous third cleaning area surface 51. The third cleaning area surface 51 is used to clean the gums or teeth. The third cleaning area surface 51 can mate with the first cleaning area surface 31 and the second cleaning area surface 41 to form waves, arcs, etc., thereby achieving a better fit with the oral tissue surface.

[0114] In this embodiment, the cross-section of the third contact element 52 perpendicular to the transverse axis 24 has a maximum diameter or maximum circumscribed circle diameter ranging from 3 mil to 4 mil. Specifically:

[0115] When the cross-section of the third contact element 52 is circular, the largest diameter of the third contact element 52 is selected to be between 3 mil and 4 mil.

[0116] For example, the maximum diameter of the cross-section of the third contact element 52 can be selected as 3mil, 3.2mil, 3.4mil, 3.6mil, 3.8mil, or 4mil.

[0117] When the cross-section of the third contact element 52 is non-circular, for example, when the cross-sectional shape of the third contact element 52 is triangular, rhomboid, or a polygon with no less than four sides, the largest circumscribed circle diameter among all the circumscribed circle diameters of the third contact element 52 is selected to be between 3mil and 4mil.

[0118] For example, the maximum circumscribed circle diameter of the cross-section of the third contact element 52 can be selected as 3mil, 3.2mil, 3.4mil, 3.6mil, 3.8mil, or 4mil.

[0119] More preferably, the cross section of the third contact element 52 perpendicular to the transverse axis 24 has a maximum diameter of 4 mil or a maximum circumscribed circle diameter.

[0120] Of course, the cross-sectional shape of the third contact element 52 can also be an irregular shape, such as a shape composed of curves, or a shape composed of a combination of straight lines and curves.

[0121] like Figure 7 As shown in the technical solution of this embodiment, in the cross-section of the third contact element 52 along its extension direction, the end protruding from the front surface is tapered. That is, the third contact element 52 is the same as the first contact element 32 described above, both being tapered brush bristles, and the third contact element cluster 50 is a tapered brush bristle cluster. The difference between the third contact element 52 and the first contact element 32 lies in the maximum diameter of the cross-section or the maximum outer circle diameter. Specifically, the maximum diameter of the cross-section or the maximum outer circle diameter of the first contact element 32 is preferably 3 mil, and the maximum diameter of the cross-section or the maximum outer circle diameter of the third contact element 52 is preferably 4 mil, achieving both cleaning and a gentle touch.

[0122] Furthermore, the length of the third contact element 52 protruding from the front surface 21 may be the same as or different from the length of the first contact element 32 protruding from the front surface 21.

[0123] When the distal end 12 is coupled to the drive assembly and driven by the drive assembly, it causes the first contact element 32 and the second contact element 42 on the contact element carrier 20 to reciprocate. The cross-section of the contact element carrier 20 is perpendicular to the axis of the main body. The first contact element 32, the second contact element 42, and / or the third contact element 52 in the same cross-section can reciprocate about the extension direction of the axis of the main body 10 as the center line, forming a swing fan. The center line can coincide with or be parallel to the axis of the main body 10. The first contact element 32, the second contact element 42, and the third contact element 52 have different maximum cross-sectional diameters and different bending stiffnesses, resulting in differences in their swing amplitude when driven. Therefore, in this embodiment, the difference between the maximum length of the third contact element 52 extending from the front surface 21 and the minimum length of the second contact element 42 extending from the front surface 21 in the same cross-section does not exceed 3mm, or the difference between the maximum length of the second contact element 42 extending from the front surface 21 and the minimum length of the third contact element 52 extending from the front surface 21 in the same cross-section does not exceed 3mm. The existence of this height difference can effectively avoid the phenomenon of swing interference between the third contact element 52 and the second contact element 42 in the same swing fan surface, so that the third cleaning area surface 51 and the second cleaning area surface 41 at the ends of the third contact element 52 and the second contact element 42 can fully contact and rub against the teeth, interdental spaces, and / or gingival tissue, respectively, thereby improving the cleaning effect.

[0124] By setting this height difference, on the one hand, during the cleaning process, the force point can be effectively placed on the tooth surface through the second contact element cluster 40, preventing the force point from being supported by the third contact element cluster 50, which would weaken the cleaning effect and damage the gums; on the other hand, this height difference ensures that the third contact element cluster 50 and the second contact element cluster 40 do not interfere with each other during high-speed oscillation, thereby better transmitting the vibration of the drive mechanism.

[0125] In one embodiment, the stiffness of the first contact element 32 is less than or equal to that of the second contact element 42, and the stiffness of the third contact element 52 is less than or equal to that of the second contact element 42.

[0126] like Figure 5 As shown, the contact element carrier 20 includes multiple non-connected first channels 22, multiple non-connected second channels 23, and multiple non-connected third channels 25.

[0127] The following details the specific structures of the first channel 22, the second channel 23, and the third channel 25.

[0128] from Figure 5As can be seen, the first channel 23 includes two first zones 1 and two second zones 2, that is, a total of four zones. The two first zones 1 are respectively located on both sides of the front surface 21 along the length direction, and the two second zones 2 are respectively located on both sides of the front surface along the width direction. The first zones 1 are roughly arc-shaped, and the second zones 2 are roughly straight-lined. There are gaps between the first zones 1 and the second zones 2, so the first zones 1 and the second zones 2 are independent of each other and not connected. The two first zones 1 and the two second zones 2 form an outer ring structure.

[0129] from Figure 5 As can be seen, the second channel 22 includes four third zones 3 and one fourth zone 4, totaling five zones. The third zones 3 are roughly quadrilateral in shape, forming a two-row, two-column matrix. Adjacent third zones 3 are separated by gaps, meaning they are independent and not connected. The four third zones 3 are located between the two first zones 1 and also between the two second zones 2, i.e., on the inner side of the first channel 22. The fourth zone 4 has a circular structure and is located in the center of the four third zones 3, also at the center of the front surface 21. The fourth zone 4 is separated from the third zones 3 by gaps, meaning they are independent and not connected.

[0130] from Figure 5 As can be seen, the third channel 25 includes two fifth zones 5, that is, a total of two regions. The fifth zones 5 are roughly arc-shaped. The two fifth zones 5 are located inside the two first zones 1, and both fifth zones 5 are located outside the third zone 3, that is, the fifth zones 5 are located between the first zone 1 and the third zone 3. There are gaps between the fifth zones 5 and the first zone 1 and the third zone 3, that is, the fifth zones 5 are independent of and not connected to the first zone 1 and the third zone 3.

[0131] Of course, in some embodiments not shown, the first channel 22, the second channel 23, and the third channel 25 may be arranged in other shapes, and are not limited to the structure described above.

[0132] The following details the basis for the values ​​of each parameter in the oral care element of this embodiment.

[0133] 1. The values ​​of the length and diameter of the first contact element, the second contact element, and the third contact element, as well as the values ​​of the spacing between each channel.

[0134] The length and diameter of the first contact element 32, the second contact element 42, and the third contact element 52 affect the amplitude of each contact element. If the amplitude of each contact element is not properly selected, it will cause interference between the oscillations of adjacent contact element carriers when the oral care element vibrates, resulting in ineffective vibration transmission and affecting the cleaning effect. Therefore, it is necessary to first measure the amplitude of each contact element at the same vibration frequency under different lengths and diameters.

[0135] In one implementation, when the distal end 12 is coupled to the driving component and driven by the driving component, it causes the contact elements on the contact element carrier 20 to swing back and forth. For example, if the plane of the front surface 21 in the static state is taken as the swing amplitude projection plane, and the contact elements swing back and forth between the left and right directions, then the distance between the projections of the rightmost contact element in the cluster when the cluster swings to the right limit position and the leftmost contact element in the cluster when the cluster swings to the left limit position on the swing amplitude projection plane is taken as the swing distance, and the width of the projection of the contact element cluster in the static state on the swing amplitude projection plane is taken as the static distance. The absolute value of the difference between the swing distance and the static distance is the swing amplitude of the contact element cluster.

[0136] For example, if the first contact element cluster 30 oscillates back and forth between the left and right directions, the distance between the projections of the rightmost first contact element 32 when the first contact element cluster 30 oscillates to its rightmost extreme position and the leftmost first contact element 32 when it oscillates to its leftmost extreme position on the swing amplitude projection plane is taken as the swing distance. The width of the projection of the first contact element cluster 30 on the swing amplitude projection plane in its stationary state is taken as the stationary distance. The absolute value of the difference between the swing distance and the stationary distance is the swing amplitude of the first contact element cluster 30. Similarly, the swing amplitudes of the second contact element cluster 40 and the third contact element cluster 50 can be obtained.

[0137] To this end, the applicant conducted numerous experiments, such as Figure 9 As shown, Figure 9 The diagram illustrates the amplitude measurement of a pointed brush bristle with a length of 6 mm and a diameter of 3 mil. Figure 9 The right-hand view shows the position of the oral care component in a static state. Figure 9 The left-hand and middle-view views illustrate the positions of the finely tapered brush bristles at their left and right limits when the oral care element is vibrating. Figure 9 The left and middle views were captured using a high-speed camera.

[0138] from Figure 9 As can be seen, the calculation method for the swing amplitude of the pointed brush bristles is: the distance between the extreme positions of the two ends of the swing of the pointed brush bristles, minus the distance between the two sides of the pointed brush bristles in the static state, according to... Figure 9 The measurement using the middle scale ruler is also known as:

[0139] Swing amplitude = (60.5 - 50.0) - (58.75 - 50.25) = 2.0 mm;

[0140] It should be noted that the amplitude here refers to the amplitude of the tipped brush bristles in the left and right directions, so the amplitude in one direction is 1.0mm.

[0141] according to Figure 9 The measurement method shown involves measuring the swing amplitude of pointed and rounded brush filaments under different lengths and diameters, yielding... Figure 10 and Figure 11 The measurement results (due to space limitations, not all measurement diagrams are shown).

[0142] Figure 10 The chart above shows the oscillation amplitude of a 3 mil diameter tipped bristle at diameters of 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, and 12 mm. The horizontal axis represents bristle length, and the vertical axis represents oscillation amplitude.

[0143] Figure 10 The chart below shows the oscillation amplitude of a 4 mil diameter tipped bristle at diameters of 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, and 12 mm. The horizontal axis represents bristle length, and the vertical axis represents oscillation amplitude.

[0144] Figure 11 The chart above shows the oscillation amplitude of rounded bristles with a diameter of 4 mil for diameters of 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, and 12 mm. The horizontal axis represents bristle length, and the vertical axis represents oscillation amplitude.

[0145] Figure 11 The chart shows the oscillation amplitude of a 5 mil diameter rounded bristle at diameters of 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, and 12 mm. The horizontal axis represents bristle length, and the vertical axis represents oscillation amplitude.

[0146] Figure 11 The chart below shows the oscillation amplitude of rounded bristles with a diameter of 6 mil at diameters of 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, and 12 mm. The horizontal axis represents bristle length, and the vertical axis represents oscillation amplitude.

[0147] from Figure 10 As can be seen, the 3mil and 4mil diameter bristles oscillate relatively stably within the 8mm to 10mm length range. When the length exceeds 10mm, the bristles exhibit abnormal oscillation, including abnormal decreases or increases in the amplitude of the oscillation.

[0148] Therefore, in this embodiment, the first contact element 32 of the first contact element cluster 30 can be selected with a tapered bristle length of 5mm to 12mm. To ensure that the tapered bristle has a large swing amplitude, improves the cleaning range and effect, or ensures the overall coordination of the bristle arrangement, a tapered bristle length of 6mm to 11mm can be selected. To further improve the cleaning range or ensure the overall coordination of the bristle arrangement, a tapered bristle length of 8mm to 10mm can be selected. For example, a 3mil tapered bristle of 8mm to 9.5mm can be used.

[0149] Since the third contact element 52 of the third contact element cluster 50 is also a sharpened brush bristle, its value can be determined with reference to the first contact element 32.

[0150] The applicant discovered through extensive experiments that, for rounded brush bristles, as the diameter increases, the bristle length corresponding to the maximum bristle amplitude gradually decreases, for example... Figure 11 The 4mil rounded bristles are 11mm in diameter, and the 5mil rounded bristles are 10mm in diameter. To ensure that the rounded bristles have a large swing amplitude and a large cleaning range, thereby improving cleaning power, the diameter of the rounded bristles in this embodiment can be selected from 5mm to 12mm in length. To improve cleaning power or the overall coordination of the bristles, rounded bristles with a length of 8mm to 12mm can be selected, and further, rounded bristles with a length of 8mm to 10mm can be selected. For example, the rounded bristles can preferably be 5mil rounded bristles with a diameter of 9mm-10mm.

[0151] As one implementation, for the second contact element 42 of the second contact element cluster 40, in order to ensure the coordination of the oscillation of the rounded brush bristles, it is preferable to have rounded brush bristles with a length of 11 mm or less. At the same time, in order to ensure that the energy of the brush handle can be fully transmitted when the brush head oscillates, it is preferable to have rounded brush bristles with a length of 7 mm or more.

[0152] More preferably, since the characteristics of rounded bristles and pointed bristles are different, and in order to maintain overall shape coordination with the second contact element 42, the first contact element 32 and the third contact element 52 are preferably 7mm to 10mm in length, and the second contact element 42 is preferably 7mm to 10mm in length.

[0153] Based on the length ranges of the first contact element 32, the second contact element 42, and the third contact element 52 mentioned above, the size ranges of the first contact element cluster 30, the second contact element cluster 40, and the third contact element cluster 50 are given below.

[0154] When only 3mil diameter tapered bristles are set in the first channel 22, that is, when the third channel 25 is not set:

[0155] Preferably, the first projection length of the portion of the first contact element cluster 30 extending out of the front surface 21 on the transverse axis 24 is in the range of 5 mm to 12 mm.

[0156] Preferably, the first projection length of the portion of the first contact element cluster 30 extending out of the front surface 21 on the transverse axis 24 is in the range of 6 mm to 11 mm.

[0157] Preferably, the first projection length of the portion of the first contact element cluster 30 extending out of the front surface 21 on the transverse axis 24 is in the range of 8 mm to 10 mm.

[0158] Preferably, the second projection length of the portion of the second contact element cluster 40 extending out of the front surface 21 on the transverse axis 24 is in the range of 5 mm to 12 mm.

[0159] Preferably, the second projection length of the portion of the second contact element cluster 40 extending out of the front surface 21 on the transverse axis 24 is in the range of 8 mm to 12 mm.

[0160] Preferably, the second projection length of the portion of the second contact element cluster 40 extending out of the front surface 21 on the transverse axis 24 is in the range of 8 mm to 10 mm.

[0161] When the first channel 22 is equipped with two types of tapered bristles with diameters of 3mil and 4mil, that is, when a third channel 25 is needed as part of the first channel 22:

[0162] Preferably, the third projection length of the portion of the third contact element cluster 50 extending out of the front surface 21 on the transverse axis 24 is in the range of 5 mm to 12 mm.

[0163] Preferably, the third projection length of the portion of the third contact element cluster 50 extending out of the front surface 21 on the transverse axis 24 is in the range of 6 mm to 11 mm.

[0164] Preferably, the first projected length of the portion of the third contact element cluster 50 extending out of the front surface 21 on the transverse axis 24 is in the range of 8 mm to 10 mm.

[0165] The spacing between the first channel 22, the second channel 23, and the third channel 25 should meet the following requirements: when the oral care element vibrates, the oscillation of the contact element clusters on the two channels should not interfere (the two channels can be: the first channel 22 and the second channel 23, the first channel 22 and the third channel 25, the second channel 23 and the third channel 25, two first channels 22, two second channels 23, or two third channels 25), so as not to affect the transmission of vibration, and to ensure that the two contact element clusters fit tightly together when oscillating. Based on the oscillation amplitude of various sizes of pointed and rounded bristles, the following is the calculation method for the distance between each channel:

[0166] When only 3mil diameter tapered bristles are set in the first channel 22, that is, when the third channel 25 is not set:

[0167] When the remote end 12 is coupled to the drive component and driven by the drive component, it causes the first contact element 32 and the second contact element 42 to swing back and forth. The arrangement of the first contact element cluster 30 and the second contact element cluster 40 satisfies the coefficient k.

[0168] Where, k = |A1-A2|÷L1, 1.6≦k≦2.4;

[0169] Furthermore, A1 is the swing amplitude of the first contact element 32, A2 is the swing amplitude of the second contact element 42, and L1 is the distance between the edges of the adjacent first channel 22 and the second channel 23.

[0170] Among them, taking any channel as the reference and its edge as the baseline, if there is another channel within the range of the width P1 extending outward, and P1 does not exceed the preset value, then the two channels are determined to be adjacent channels, and P1 is the distance between the edges of the adjacent channels.

[0171] For example, if there is a second channel 23 within a range of width P2 extending outward from the first channel 22 as a reference and its edge as a baseline, and P2 does not exceed a preset value, then these two are determined to be adjacent first channel 22 and second channel 23, and P2 is the distance between the edges of adjacent first channel 22 and second channel 23.

[0172] In the above calculation formula, |A1-A2| calculates the swing difference between the first contact element 32 and the second contact element 42. After dividing this value by L1, the coefficient k is obtained. Those skilled in the art can understand that the larger the value of k, the denser the arrangement of the first contact element cluster 30 and the second contact element cluster 40. The smaller the value of k, the more dispersed the arrangement of the first contact element cluster 30 and the second contact element cluster 40.

[0173] The applicant's experiments revealed that when k is 2.0, the two contact element clusters oscillate closely without interference. If k is below 1.6, the two contact element clusters appear scattered, which is detrimental to oral hygiene. If k is above 2.4, significant interference will occur when the two contact element clusters oscillate, which is detrimental to vibration transmission.

[0174] Therefore, in this embodiment, k is between 1.6 and 2.4, and preferably 2.

[0175] For example, if the first contact element 32 of the first contact element cluster 30 in the first channel 22 uses a finely pointed brush bristle with a length of 7 mm and a diameter of 3 mil, and the second contact element 42 of the second contact element cluster 40 in the second channel 32 uses a rounded brush bristle with a length of 10 mm and a diameter of 5 mil, then... Figure 10 and Figure 11 The charts shown have an amplitude of 2mm for the former and 3mm for the latter. The preferred value of k is 2. According to the formula above, the spacing between the first channel 22 and the second channel 23 can be selected as 0.5mm.

[0176] When the first channel 22 is equipped with two types of tapered bristles with diameters of 3mil and 4mil, that is, when a third channel 25 is needed as part of the first channel 22:

[0177] When the remote end 12 is coupled to the drive component and driven by the drive component, it causes the third contact element 52 and the second contact element 42 to swing back and forth. The arrangement of the third contact element cluster 50 and the second contact element cluster 40 satisfies the coefficient k.

[0178] Where, k = |A3 - A2| ÷ L2, 1.6 ≦ k ≦ 2.4;

[0179] Furthermore, A3 is the swing amplitude of the third contact element 52, A2 is the swing amplitude of the second contact element 42, and L2 is the distance between the edges of the adjacent third channel 25 and the second channel 23.

[0180] In the above calculation formula, |A3-A2| calculates the swing difference between the third contact element 52 and the second contact element 42. After dividing this value by L2, the coefficient k is obtained. Those skilled in the art can understand that the larger the value of k, the denser the third contact element cluster 50 and the second contact element cluster 40 are arranged, and the smaller the value of k, the more dispersed the third contact element cluster 50 and the second contact element cluster 40 are arranged.

[0181] The applicant's experiments revealed that when k is 2.0, the two contact element clusters oscillate closely without interference. If k is below 1.6, the two contact element clusters appear scattered, which is detrimental to oral hygiene. If k is above 2.4, significant interference will occur when the two contact element clusters oscillate, which is detrimental to vibration transmission.

[0182] Therefore, in this embodiment, k is between 1.6 and 2.4, and preferably 2.

[0183] Of course, the above formula can also be used to calculate the distance between two adjacent first channels 22, two adjacent second channels 23, or two adjacent third channels 25. Taking two adjacent first channels 22 as an example, when the specifications (diameter and length) of the first contact elements 32 of the two first contact element clusters 30 in the two adjacent first channels 22 are different, the distance between the two adjacent first channels 22 can be calculated by substituting the swing amplitude data of the two first contact elements 32 into the above formula and appropriately selecting a value for k.

[0184] In addition to calculating the spacing between adjacent channels using the formula mentioned above, this embodiment also provides an optimal value for the spacing between adjacent channels. Specifically, if the spacing between two adjacent channels is too large, fewer bristles can be implanted, and the bristles being too sparse will result in blind spots for oscillation, leading to poor cleaning performance. If the spacing between two adjacent channels is too small, the structural strength of the bristle implant, i.e., the carrier of the contact element, will be insufficient, and the excessive bristle density will hinder air drying and promote bacterial growth. Therefore, the spacing between adjacent channels should be neither too large nor too small.

[0185] When only 3mil diameter tapered bristles are set in the first channel 22, that is, when the third channel 25 is not set:

[0186] With the edge of the first channel 22 as the baseline, there exists another first channel 22 and / or a second channel 23 extending outwards from the edge with a width of 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm. That is, the distance between adjacent first channels 22 and second channels 23 is in the range of 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm, and the distance between two adjacent first channels 22 is in the range of 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0187] Preferably, another first channel 22 and / or a second channel 23 exist within a region extending outward from the edge of the first channel 22 with a width of 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm. That is, the spacing between adjacent first channels 22 and second channels 23 is in the range of 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm, and the spacing between two adjacent first channels 22 is in the range of 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0188] Preferably, within a 0.7mm wide area extending outward from the edge of the first channel 22, there exists another first channel 22 and / or a second channel 23. That is, the spacing between adjacent first channels 22 and second channels 23 is selected as 0.7mm, and the spacing between two adjacent first channels 22 is selected as 0.7mm.

[0189] With the edge of the second channel 23 as the baseline, there exists another second channel 23 extending outwards from the edge with a width of 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm. That is, the distance between two adjacent second channels 22 is in the range of 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0190] Preferably, another second channel 23 exists within a region extending outward from the edge of the second channel 23 by a width of 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm. That is, the spacing between two adjacent second channels 22 is in the range of 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0191] Preferably, another second channel 23 exists within a region extending outwards by 0.7 mm from the edge of the second channel 23 as a baseline. That is, the spacing between two adjacent second channels 23 is selected as 0.7 mm.

[0192] When the first channel 22 is equipped with two types of tapered bristles with diameters of 3mil and 4mil, that is, when a third channel 25 is needed as part of the first channel 22:

[0193] With the edge of the third channel 25 as a baseline, a first channel 22 and / or a second channel 23 exist within a region extending outwards from the edge with a width of 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm. That is, the spacing between adjacent third channels 25 and first channels 22 is in the range of 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm, and the spacing between adjacent third channels 25 and second channels 23 is in the range of 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0194] Preferably, a first channel 22 and / or a second channel 23 exist within a region extending outward from the edge of the third channel 25 with a width of 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm. That is, the spacing between adjacent third channels 25 and first channels 22 is in the range of 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm, and the spacing between adjacent third channels 25 and second channels 23 is in the range of 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0195] Preferably, a first channel and / or a second channel exist within a 0.7mm width region extending outward from the edge of the third channel 25. That is, the spacing between adjacent third channels 25 and first channels 22 is selected as 0.7mm, and the spacing between adjacent third channels 25 and second channels 23 is selected as 0.7mm.

[0196] In one embodiment, the contact element carrier 20 exists in the cross-section of adjacent first channels 22 and second channels 23, where the difference between the maximum length of the first contact element 42 extending from the front surface 21 and the minimum length of the second contact element 42 extending from the front surface 21 does not exceed 3 mm; or, the difference between the maximum length of the second contact element 42 extending from the front surface 21 and the minimum length of the first contact element 32 extending from the front surface 21 in the cross-section does not exceed 3 mm. Thus, the existence of this height difference effectively avoids the phenomenon of oscillation interference between contact elements in adjacent first channels 22 and second channels 23 within the same oscillating fan surface. Adjacent first cleaning area surfaces 31 and second cleaning area surfaces 41 can respectively fully contact and rub against teeth, interdental spaces, and / or gingival tissue, improving the cleaning effect.

[0197] In one embodiment, the contact element carrier 20 exists in the cross-section of adjacent third channels 25 and second channels 23. The difference between the maximum length of the third contact element 52 extending from the front surface 21 and the minimum length of the second contact element 42 extending from the front surface 21 does not exceed 3 mm, or the difference between the maximum length of the second contact element 42 extending from the front surface 21 and the minimum length of the first contact element 32 extending from the front surface 21 in the cross-section does not exceed 3 mm. Thus, the existence of this height difference effectively avoids the phenomenon of oscillation interference between contact elements in adjacent third channels 25 and second channels 23 within the same oscillating fan surface. Adjacent third cleaning area surfaces 51 and second cleaning area surfaces 41 can respectively fully contact and rub against teeth, interdental spaces, and / or gingival tissue, improving the cleaning effect.

[0198] II. Area percentages for the first, second, and third channels

[0199] In this embodiment, the first channel 22 and the third channel 25 are implanted with tapered bristles, and the second channel 23 is implanted with rounded bristles. Therefore, the area ratio of the first channel 22, the second channel 23, and the third channel 25 is actually the ratio of the tapered bristle area to the rounded bristle area. Figure 12 As shown, for a single rounded bristle, a thicker rounded bristle has stronger resistance to deformation, and the pressure is mainly transmitted to the gingival tissue through the tip of the bristle. For example, the pressure area of ​​a single 5mil rounded bristle is πr. 2 =π × 0.1272 = 0.051mm 2 For a single pointed bristle, the finer bristles have weaker deformation ability, and the pressure is mainly transmitted to the gingival tissue through the side of the bent bristle. For example, the pressure area of ​​a single 3mil pointed bristle is 2*r*L / 2=2×0.0762×1 / 2=0.0762mm. 2 .like Figure 13As shown, for multiple rounded bristles, the coarser rounded bristles move primarily in a straight line, and pressure is only transmitted to the gingival tissue through a portion of the bristles. The number of rounded bristles per unit area is 206 pcs / (R=1mm). For multiple tapered bristles, the finer tapered bristles move primarily in a curved shape, and pressure is transmitted to the gingival tissue through almost all of the tapered bristles. The number of tapered bristles per unit area is 592 pcs / (R=1mm).

[0200] Therefore, it is evident that finer bristles have a larger contact area per bristle, resulting in more bristles per unit area. Furthermore, the softer bristles allow for greater contact with the gums, making the gums feel "gentle" and improving comfort. Conversely, coarser bristles have a smaller contact area per bristle, applying greater pressure to the teeth and gums. This makes them more effective at removing food debris and plaque, resulting in better cleaning.

[0201] As mentioned above, tapered bristles offer better comfort, while rounded bristles offer higher cleaning power. Therefore, the area ratios of the first channel 22, the second channel 23, and the third channel 25 will affect the comfort and cleaning power of the oral care element in this embodiment.

[0202] To select the optimal ratio of the first channel 22, the second channel 23, and the third channel 25, in this embodiment, the first region 1, the second region 2, the third region 3, the fourth region 4, and the fifth region 5 are respectively implanted with either pointed or rounded brush bristles, resulting in different proportions of pointed and rounded brush bristle areas on the front surface. Ten samples were formed as one implementation method. Figure 14 As shown.

[0203] It should be noted that the light-colored areas of the sample are implanted with tapered bristles, while the dark-colored areas are implanted with rounded bristles. Figure 14 The region of the middle sample, and Figure 5 The first zone (1), second zone (2), third zone (3), fourth zone (4), and fifth zone (5) shown correspond to each other. The specific details of each sample are described below.

[0204] Sample 1: All areas 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 were implanted with pointed bristles. The area ratio of rounded bristles was 0%. The number of rounded bristles in a unit circle with r = 1 mm was 0, and the number of pointed bristles was 592.

[0205] Sample 2: tapered brush bristles were implanted in Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3, and Zone 5, and rounded brush bristles were implanted in Zone 4. The area ratio of rounded brush bristles was 2.03%. The number of rounded brush bristles in a unit circle with r = 1 mm was 4, and the number of tapered brush bristles was 578.

[0206] Sample 3: A pointed brush bristle was implanted in Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4 and Zone 5, and a rounded brush bristle was implanted in another Zone 5. The area ratio of the rounded brush bristle was 5.44%. The number of rounded brush bristles in a unit circle with r = 1 mm was 11, and the number of pointed brush bristles was 560.

[0207] Sample 4: tapered brush bristles were implanted in Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3 and Zone 4, and rounded brush bristles were implanted in Zone 5. The area ratio of rounded brush bristles was 10.86%. The number of rounded brush bristles in a unit circle with r = 1 mm was 22, and the number of tapered brush bristles was 528.

[0208] Sample 5: tapered brush bristles were implanted in Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 4, and Zone 5, and rounded brush bristles were implanted in Zone 3. The area ratio of rounded brush bristles was 14.19%. The number of rounded brush bristles in a unit circle with r = 1 mm was 29, and the number of tapered brush bristles was 508.

[0209] Sample 6: tapered brush bristles were implanted in Zone 1, Zone 2, and Zone 5, and rounded brush bristles were implanted in Zone 3 and Zone 4. The area ratio of rounded brush bristles was 16.22%. The number of rounded brush bristles in a unit circle with r = 1 mm was 33, and the number of tapered brush bristles was 496.

[0210] Sample 7: tapered brush bristles were implanted in the first zone 1 and the second zone 2, and rounded brush bristles were implanted in the third zone 3, the fourth zone 4 and the fifth zone 5. The area ratio of rounded brush bristles was 27.08%. The number of rounded brush bristles in a unit circle with r = 1 mm was 56, and the number of tapered brush bristles was 432.

[0211] Sample 8: tapered brush bristles were implanted in Zone 1 and Zone 5, and rounded brush bristles were implanted in Zone 2, Zone 3 and Zone 4. The area ratio of rounded brush bristles was 50.75%. The number of rounded brush bristles in a unit circle with r = 1 mm was 105, and the number of tapered brush bristles was 292.

[0212] Sample 9: tapered brush bristles were implanted in Zone 3 and Zone 4, and rounded brush bristles were implanted in Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 5. The area ratio of rounded brush bristles was 83.78%. The number of rounded brush bristles in a unit circle with r = 1 mm was 173, and the number of tapered brush bristles was 96.

[0213] Sample 10: All areas 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 were implanted with rounded bristles, with a total area ratio of 100%. The number of rounded bristles in a unit circle of r = 1 mm was 206, and the number of pointed bristles was 0.

[0214] The ten samples mentioned above were subjected to cleaning power and gentleness tests, and the results were as follows: Figure 15The chart showing the ratio of cleaning power to the area of ​​the rounded bristles, and the results obtained as follows Figure 16 The chart shows the ratio of softness to the area of ​​the rounded bristles. Among them, Figure 15 In the figure, the horizontal axis represents the area ratio of the rounded bristles, and the vertical axis represents the cleaning power of the corresponding sample. The stronger the cleaning power, the larger the corresponding cleaning power value; the weaker the cleaning power, the smaller the corresponding cleaning power value. Figure 16 In the figure, the horizontal axis represents the area ratio of the rounded bristles, and the vertical axis represents the softness of the corresponding sample. The lower the surface pressure of the clean area of ​​the sample, the higher the softness value, and the higher the surface pressure, the lower the softness value.

[0215] It should be noted that, Figure 15 The cleaning power of the graph can be measured using testing equipment. Figure 16 The softness rating in the chart is calculated by multiplying the number of bristles by the area of ​​contact. The higher the softness rating, the higher the comfort level, and the lower the softness rating, the lower the comfort level.

[0216] The applicant, through extensive experimentation, discovered that, generally, cleaning power increases with the increase in the proportion of rounded bristle area. When the proportion of rounded bristle area is below 18%, the cleaning power increases rapidly as the proportion of rounded bristle area rises. When the proportion of rounded bristle area is above 18%, the increase in cleaning power slows down, and the trend line approaches a straight line. Those skilled in the art will understand that from... Figure 15 It can be concluded that when the proportion of rounded bristles exceeds 20%, further increasing the proportion of rounded bristles reduces the effect on improving cleaning power. According to the applicant's oral hygiene tests on samples 1 to 10, when the proportion of rounded bristles exceeds 10%, the oral care element is sufficient to meet daily cleaning needs.

[0217] The applicant, through extensive experimentation, discovered that, overall, as the proportion of rounded bristles increases, the softness decreases, and the trend line approaches a straight line. Furthermore, combined with... Figure 17 As can be seen, with the increase in the proportion of rounded bristle area, the scratches formed by the reciprocating vibration of the oral care element on the sample gradually become more severe and wider, indicating that the comfort of the oral care element is continuously decreasing. Combined with... Figure 16 Those skilled in the art will understand that, while ensuring cleaning power, the proportion of the area occupied by the rounded bristles should be reduced as much as possible.

[0218] Based on the above experiments, the following gives the range of the area proportions of the first channel 22, the second channel 23, and the third channel 25.

[0219] When only 3mil diameter tapered bristles are set in the first channel 22, that is, when the third channel 25 is not set:

[0220] Preferably, the ratio of the area enclosed by the edge of the first channel 22 to the sum of the areas enclosed by the edges of the first channel 22 and the second channel 23 is greater than or equal to 0.6. That is, the area of ​​the bristle-tipping region accounts for greater than or equal to 60%.

[0221] Preferably, the ratio of the area enclosed by the edge of the first channel 22 to the sum of the areas enclosed by the edges of the first channel 22 and the second channel 23 is greater than or equal to 0.8. That is, the area of ​​the bristle-tipping region accounts for greater than or equal to 80%.

[0222] Preferably, the ratio of the area enclosed by the edge of the second channel 23 to the sum of the areas enclosed by the edge of the first channel 22 and the edge of the second channel 23 is greater than or equal to 0.1. That is, the area of ​​the rounded bristle region accounts for greater than or equal to 10%.

[0223] Preferably, the ratio of the area enclosed by the edge of the second channel 23 to the sum of the areas enclosed by the edge of the first channel 22 and the edge of the second channel 23 is greater than or equal to 0.15. That is, the area of ​​the rounded bristles accounts for greater than or equal to 15%.

[0224] When the first channel 22 is equipped with two types of tapered bristles with diameters of 3mil and 4mil, that is, when a third channel 25 is needed as part of the first channel 22:

[0225] Preferably, the ratio of the sum of the areas enclosed by the edges of the first channel 22 and the third channel 25 to the sum of the areas enclosed by the edges of the first channel 22, the second channel 23, and the third channel 25 is greater than or equal to 0.6. That is, the area of ​​the bristle-tipping region accounts for greater than or equal to 60%.

[0226] Preferably, the ratio of the sum of the areas enclosed by the edges of the first channel 22 and the third channel 25 to the sum of the areas enclosed by the edges of the first channel 22, the second channel 23, and the third channel 25 is greater than or equal to 0.8. That is, the area of ​​the bristle-tipping region accounts for greater than or equal to 80%.

[0227] Preferably, the area enclosed by the edge of the second channel 23 is greater than or equal to the sum of the areas enclosed by the edges of the first channel 22, the second channel 23, and the third channel 25. That is, the area of ​​the rounded bristles accounts for greater than or equal to 10%.

[0228] Preferably, the ratio of the area enclosed by the edge of the second channel 23 to the sum of the areas enclosed by the edges of the first channel 22, the second channel 23, and the third channel 25 is greater than or equal to 0.15. That is, the area of ​​the rounded bristles accounts for greater than or equal to 15%.

[0229] Furthermore, this embodiment also provides the proportion of the first channel 22 and the second channel 23 on the front surface 21, as well as the range of area values ​​for each first channel 22 and each second channel 23.

[0230] Preferably, the ratio of the area enclosed by the edge of the first channel 22 to the area of ​​the front surface 21 of the contact element carrier 20 is in the range of 0.2 to 0.6.

[0231] Preferably, the ratio of the area enclosed by the edge of the first channel 22 to the area of ​​the front surface 21 of the contact element carrier 20 is in the range of 0.3 to 0.5.

[0232] Preferably, the area enclosed by the edge of the first channel 22 is in the range of 0.4 to the area of ​​the front surface 21 of the contact element carrier 20.

[0233] Specifically, the larger area of ​​the first channel 22 allows for more finely bristled bristles to ensure a gentle touch and mild cleaning of the gums. However, if the area of ​​the first channel 22 is too large, it will reduce the structural strength of the contact element carrier 20 and decrease its practicality.

[0234] Furthermore, when a third channel 25 is provided, the area enclosed by the edges of the first channel 22 refers to the sum of the areas enclosed by the edges of each first channel 22 and the areas enclosed by the edges of each third channel 25.

[0235] Preferably, the ratio of the area enclosed by the edge of the second channel 23 to the area of ​​the front surface 21 of the contact element carrier 20 is in the range of 0.03 to 0.15.

[0236] Preferably, the ratio of the area enclosed by the edge of the second channel 23 to the front surface area 21 of the contact element carrier 20 is in the range of 0.05 to 0.10.

[0237] Preferably, the ratio of the area enclosed by the edge of the second channel 23 to the front surface area 21 of the contact element carrier 20 is in the range of 0.07.

[0238] Specifically, setting a second channel 23 with an appropriate area proportion to accommodate rounded bristles ensures cleaning power. However, if the area occupied by the second channel 23 is too large, it will cause a stinging sensation and reduce comfort. At the same time, the overall area of ​​the first channel 22 and the second channel 23 should be reasonably proportioned, and their combined area should not excessively occupy the total area of ​​the front surface 21 of the contact element carrier 20, otherwise it will reduce the structural strength of the contact element carrier 20.

[0239] Preferably, the area enclosed by the edges of each first channel 22 is not less than 3 mm². 2 Here, the first channel 22 refers to the first channel 22 with a diameter of 4 mil tapered bristles.

[0240] Preferably, the area enclosed by the edges of each first channel 22 is not less than 10 mm². 2 .

[0241] Preferably, the area enclosed by the edges of each first channel 22 is not less than 15 mm². 2 Here, the first channel 22 refers to the first channel 22 with a diameter of 3mil abrasive bristles. Only when the first channel 22 has a large area can it provide good support for the finer diameter abrasive bristles.

[0242] Preferably, the area enclosed by the edges of each second channel 23 is not less than 1 mm². 2 .

[0243] Preferably, the area enclosed by the edges of each second channel 23 is not less than 1.5 mm². 2 .

[0244] Preferably, the area enclosed by the edges of each second channel 23 is not less than 3 mm². 2 .

[0245] III. Hair grafting rate values ​​for the first, second, and third contact element clusters

[0246] The bristle density of the first contact element cluster 30, the second contact element cluster 40, and the third contact element cluster 50 affects their absorbency and comfort. A higher bristle density results in a larger bristle surface area, higher absorbency, and a longer drying time after cleaning, making them more prone to bacterial growth. However, an excessively low bristle density will cause the oral care element to lose its softness and reduce comfort. Therefore, the bristle density of the first contact element cluster 30, the second contact element cluster 40, and the third contact element cluster 50 needs to be reasonably selected.

[0247] Firstly, from Figure 18As can be seen, within the same unit area, tapered bristles have a higher bristle density and a larger overall surface area compared to rounded bristles. In a unit area of ​​R = 1 mm, a bristle cluster with tapered bristles of 3 mil diameter has an overall surface area 1.72 times larger than a bristle cluster with rounded bristles of 5 mil diameter.

[0248] Figure 19 A graph showing the trend of the change in the area ratio of rounded bristles and the water absorption rate of oral care components is presented. The test method involves wetting the sample, shaking it dry, and measuring the residual water content. The horizontal axis represents the area ratio of the rounded bristles, and the vertical axis represents the water absorption of the sample; the greater the water absorption, the larger the value on the vertical axis.

[0249] from Figure 19 As can be seen, as the ratio of rounded bristles increases and the bristle density decreases, the water absorption after wetting decreases, which is beneficial for the brush head to dry under the same air-drying efficiency.

[0250] Figure 20 A graph showing the trend of the drying rate of oral care components in relation to the ratio of rounded bristles is presented. Each test line represents the test results for samples 1 to 10, i.e., the drying rate test results for different ratios of rounded bristles. The test method involved measuring the residual water in the brush head every hour after the sample was wetted. The horizontal axis represents the drying time, and the vertical axis represents the water absorption of the sample; the greater the water absorption, the larger the value on the vertical axis.

[0251] from Figure 20 As can be seen, the slopes of each test line are basically the same, meaning that the ratio of different rounded bristles to the area of ​​the rounded bristles has little impact on the drying rate of oral care components.

[0252] In summary, the factors considered in determining the hair grafting rate of the first contact element cluster 30, the second contact element cluster 40, and the third contact element cluster 50 in this embodiment include:

[0253] 1. The hair grafting rate should be at least greater than 65%. A hair grafting rate below 65% will lead to a decrease in the product yield.

[0254] 2. When the hair grafting rate is greater than 70%, the user experience is better;

[0255] 3. Considering both comfort and drying efficiency, the optimal hair grafting rate is 80%.

[0256] 4. The technological limit for the hair grafting rate is 85%.

[0257] In summary:

[0258] When only 3mil diameter tapered bristles are set in the first channel 22, that is, when the third channel 25 is not set:

[0259] Preferably, the ratio of the sum of the cross sections of the plurality of first contact elements 32 perpendicular to the transverse axis 24 at the front surface 21 to the area enclosed by the edge of the first channel 22 is between 0.55 and 0.85. That is, the flocking rate of the first contact element cluster 30 is between 55% and 85%.

[0260] More preferably, the sum of the cross-sections of the multiple first contact elements 32 perpendicular to the transverse axis 24 at the front surface 21 is 0.7 times the area enclosed by the edge of the first channel 22. That is, the flocking rate of the first contact element cluster 30 is 70%.

[0261] Preferably, the ratio of the sum of the cross sections of the multiple second contact elements 42 perpendicular to the transverse axis 24 on the front surface to the area enclosed by the edge of the second channel 23 is between 0.55 and 0.85. That is, the flocking rate of the second contact element cluster 40 is between 55% and 85%.

[0262] More preferably, the sum of the cross-sections of the multiple second contact elements 42 perpendicular to the transverse axis 24 on the front surface is in ratio to the area enclosed by the edge of the second channel 23 of 0.7. That is, the flocking rate of the second contact element cluster 40 is 70%.

[0263] When the first channel 22 is equipped with two types of tapered bristles with diameters of 3mil and 4mil, that is, when a third channel 25 is needed as part of the first channel 22:

[0264] Preferably, the ratio of the sum of the cross sections of the multiple third contact elements 52 perpendicular to the transverse axis 24 at the front surface 21 to the area enclosed by the edge of the third channel 25 is between 0.55 and 0.8. That is, the hair-planting rate of the third contact element cluster 50 is between 55% and 85%.

[0265] More preferably, the sum of the cross-sections of the multiple third contact elements 52 perpendicular to the transverse axis 24 on the front surface is 0.7 times the area enclosed by the edge of the third channel 25. That is, the flocking rate of the third contact element cluster 50 is 70%.

[0266] The following shows the relationship between the bristle density and the number of finely tapered bristles with a diameter of 3 mil within a unit circle with a radius of 1 mm, to balance the comfort and drying speed of oral care components.

[0267] The bristle rate is 0%, and the number of tapered bristles is 0.

[0268] The bristle rate is 5%, and the number of tapered bristles is 34.

[0269] The bristle rate is 10%, and the number of tapered bristles is 69.

[0270] The bristle rate is 20%, and the number of tapered bristles is 138.

[0271] The bristle rate is 30%, and the number of tapered bristles is 207.

[0272] The bristle rate is 40%, and the number of tapered bristles is 276.

[0273] The bristle rate is 50%, and the number of tapered bristles is 344.

[0274] The bristle rate is 60%, and the number of tapered bristles is 413.

[0275] The bristle rate is 70%, and the number of tapered bristles is 482.

[0276] The bristle rate is 80%, and the number of tapered bristles is 551.

[0277] Furthermore, when the first channel 22 is equipped with two types of finely tapered bristles with diameters of 3mil and 4mil, that is, when a third channel 25 is required as part of the first channel 22, the relationship between the bristle planting rate and the number of finely tapered bristles with a diameter of 4mil can be referenced to the values ​​mentioned above.

[0278] The following shows the relationship between the bristle rate and the number of rounded bristles with a diameter of 5 mil within a unit circle with a radius of 1 mm, in order to balance the cleaning power and drying speed of oral care components.

[0279] The bristle implantation rate is 0%, and the number of rounded bristles is 0.

[0280] The bristle rate is 5%, and the number of rounded bristles is 12.

[0281] The bristle rate is 10%, and the number of rounded bristles is 25.

[0282] The bristle rate is 20%, and the number of rounded bristles is 50.

[0283] The bristle rate is 30%, and the number of rounded bristles is 74.

[0284] The bristle rate is 40%, and the number of rounded bristles is 99.

[0285] The bristle rate is 50%, and the number of rounded bristles is 124.

[0286] The bristle rate is 60%, and the number of rounded bristles is 149.

[0287] The bristle rate is 70%, and the number of rounded bristles is 174.

[0288] The bristle rate is 80%, and the number of rounded bristles is 198.

[0289] In addition to the above-mentioned relationship between the bristle density and number of bristles for pointed and rounded bristles, this embodiment also provides the range of the number of bristles for the first contact element 32 and the second contact element 42 within a circle of radius 1 mm:

[0290] Preferably, the number of first contact elements 32 within a circle with a radius of 1 mm ranges from 210 to 590.

[0291] Among them, 210 represents the number of 4mil diameter finely pointed brush filaments with a bristle grafting rate of 65%, and 590 represents the number of 3mil diameter finely pointed brush filaments with a bristle grafting rate of 85%.

[0292] Preferably, the number of second contact elements 42 within a circle with a radius of 1 mm ranges from 90 to 329.

[0293] Among them, 90 represents the number of rounded bristles with a diameter of 6mil at a bristle attachment rate of 65%, and 329 represents the number of rounded bristles with a diameter of 4mil at a bristle attachment rate of 85%.

[0294] Preferably, the number of first contact elements 32 within a circle with a radius of 1 mm ranges from 440 to 590.

[0295] Among them, 440 represents the number of 3mil diameter finely pointed brush filaments with a bristle attachment rate of 65%, and 590 represents the number of 3mil diameter finely pointed brush filaments with a bristle attachment rate of 85%.

[0296] Preferably, the number of first contact elements 32 within a circle with a radius of 1 mm ranges from 210 to 330.

[0297] Among them, 210 represents the number of 4mil diameter finely pointed brush filaments with a bristle attachment rate of 65%, and 330 represents the number of 4mil diameter finely pointed brush filaments with a bristle attachment rate of 85%.

[0298] Preferably, the number of second contact elements 42 within a circle with a radius of 1 mm ranges from 90 to 220.

[0299] Among them, 90 represents the number of 5mil rounded bristles with a bristle attachment rate of 65%, and 220 represents the number of 5mil rounded bristles with a bristle attachment rate of 85%.

[0300] This application also provides an electric oral care appliance. An embodiment of the electric oral care appliance according to this application includes the above-described oral care element and a gripping part. The gripping part includes a housing for gripping, a drive assembly, an energy element, and a triggering element disposed inside the housing. The drive assembly is coupled to the oral care element of the above embodiment. If the triggering element is triggered, the energy element provides energy to the drive assembly, enabling the drive assembly to drive the oral care element to reciprocate.

[0301] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the electric oral care device is an electric toothbrush. The aforementioned driving component can be a motor, the aforementioned energy element can be a battery, and the aforementioned triggering element can be a manual switch.

[0302] When using the electric toothbrush, the user flips the manual switch, the battery powers the motor, and the motor starts, causing the housing to vibrate. This vibration is transmitted to the main body 10 and the contact element carrier 20 at the end of the main body 10. When the contact element carrier 20 vibrates, it drives the first contact element cluster 30 and the second contact element cluster 40 to oscillate at high speed. The user then places the contact element carrier 20 inside their mouth to clean their oral cavity.

[0303] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An oral care element, characterized in that, include: The body (10) includes a proximal end (11) and a distal end (12) extending along the body axis, the distal end (12) being used for coupling with a drive assembly; A contact element carrier (20) is held at the proximal end (11), the contact element carrier (20) having a front surface (21), a first channel (22) and a second channel (23) respectively communicating with the front surface (21), and a transverse axis (24) passing through the center point of the front surface (21) and perpendicular to the front surface (21); the first channel (22) and the second channel (23) are not communicating with each other; The first contact element cluster (30) extends through the first channel (22) and out from the front surface (21). The first contact element cluster (30) extends along the extension direction of the transverse axis (24) and its end forms an almost continuous first cleaning area surface (31). The first contact element cluster (30) is formed by multiple first contact elements (32). The first contact element cluster (30) is a cluster of sharpened brush bristles. The second contact element cluster (40) extends through the second channel (23) and protrudes from the front surface (21). The second contact element cluster (40) extends along the extension direction of the transverse axis (24) and its end forms an almost continuous second cleaning area surface (41). The second contact element cluster (40) is formed by multiple second contact elements (42). The second contact element cluster (40) is a rounded bristle cluster. The area enclosed by the edge of the first channel (22) is greater than or equal to the sum of the area enclosed by the edge of the first channel (22) and the area enclosed by the edge of the second channel (23) in a ratio greater than or equal to 0.6, and / or the area enclosed by the edge of the second channel (23) is greater than or equal to the sum of the area enclosed by the edge of the first channel (22) and the area enclosed by the edge of the second channel (23) in a ratio greater than or equal to 0.1; The first contact element (32) has a cross-section perpendicular to the transverse axis (24) with a maximum diameter or maximum circumscribed circle diameter ranging from 3 mil to 4 mil, and / or the second contact element (42) has a cross-section perpendicular to the transverse axis (24) with a maximum diameter or maximum circumscribed circle diameter ranging from 4 mil to 6 mil. The contact element carrier (20) exists in the cross-section of the first channel (22) and the second channel (23), wherein the difference between the maximum length of the first contact element (32) extending out of the front surface (21) and the minimum length of the second contact element (42) extending out of the front surface (21) does not exceed 3 mm, or the difference between the maximum length of the second contact element (42) extending out of the front surface (21) and the minimum length of the first contact element (32) extending out of the front surface (21) in the cross-section does not exceed 3 mm; The first projection length of the portion of the first contact element cluster (30) extending out of the front surface (21) on the transverse axis (24) is in the range of 8 mm to 10 mm, and / or the second projection length of the portion of the second contact element cluster (40) extending out of the front surface (21) on the transverse axis (24) is in the range of 8 mm to 10 mm.

2. The oral care element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ratio of the area enclosed by the edge of the first channel (22) to the sum of the areas enclosed by the edge of the first channel (22) and the areas enclosed by the edge of the second channel (23) is greater than or equal to 0.

8.

3. The oral care element according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first contact element (32) passing through a portion of the first channel (22) has a maximum diameter or maximum circumscribed circle diameter of 3 mil in a cross section perpendicular to the transverse axis (24), and the first contact element (32) passing through another portion of the first channel (22) has a maximum diameter or maximum circumscribed circle diameter of 4 mil in a cross section perpendicular to the transverse axis (24).

4. The oral care element according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second contact element (42) has a cross section perpendicular to the transverse axis (24) with a maximum diameter of 5 mil or a maximum circumscribed circle diameter.

5. The oral care element according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the distal end (12) is coupled to and driven by the drive assembly, it causes the first contact element (32) and the second contact element (42) to reciprocate. The arrangement of the first contact element cluster (30) and the second contact element cluster (40) satisfies the coefficient k. k=|A1-A2|÷L1, 1.6≦k≦2.4; Wherein, A1 is the swing amplitude of the first contact element (32), A2 is the swing amplitude of the second contact element (42), and L1 is the distance between the edges of the adjacent first channel (22) and the second channel (23).

6. The oral care element according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first projection length of the portion of the first contact element cluster (30) extending out of the front surface (21) on the transverse axis (24) is in the range of 5 mm to 12 mm, and / or the second projection length of the portion of the second contact element cluster (40) extending out of the front surface (21) on the transverse axis (24) is in the range of 5 mm to 12 mm.

7. The oral care element according to claim 2, characterized in that, The stiffness of the first contact element (32) is less than or equal to that of the second contact element (42).

8. The oral care element according to claim 2, characterized in that, In the cross-section of the first contact element (32) along its extension direction, the end protruding from the front surface is tapered, and in the cross-section of the second contact element (42) along its extension direction, the end protruding from the front surface is arc-shaped or nearly arc-shaped.

9. The oral care element according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sum of the cross sections of the plurality of the first contact elements (32) perpendicular to the transverse axis (24) at the front surface (21) is in the ratio of the area enclosed by the edge of the first channel (22) to between 0.65 and 0.

85.

10. The oral care element according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sum of the cross sections of the plurality of second contact elements (42) perpendicular to the transverse axis (24) on the front surface is in a ratio of 0.65 to 0.85 to the area enclosed by the edge of the second channel (23).

11. The oral care element according to claim 2, characterized in that, The maximum cross-sectional shape of the first contact element (32) is a triangle, a rhombus, or a polygon with no less than four sides, and / or the maximum cross-sectional shape of the second contact element (42) is a triangle, a rhombus, or a polygon with no less than four sides.

12. The oral care element according to claim 2, characterized in that, In the radial direction of the transverse axis (24) that passes through both the first channel (22) and the second channel (23), the inner edge of the first channel (22) is located outside the outer edge of the second channel (23).

13. The oral care element according to claim 2, characterized in that, With the edge of the first channel (22) as a baseline, there exists a region extending outward from the edge with a width of 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm containing another first channel (22) and / or a second channel (23); and / or, There exists another second channel (23) and / or the first channel (22) within a region extending outward from the edge of the second channel (23) by 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm.

14. The oral care element according to claim 13, characterized in that, With the edge of the first channel (22) as a baseline, there exists another first channel (22) and / or a second channel (23) within a region extending outwards from the edge with a width of 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm; and / or, There exists another second channel (23) and / or the first channel (22) within a region extending outward from the edge of the second channel (23) by 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm.

15. The oral care element according to claim 13, characterized in that, In the cross-section of the contact element carrier (20) with adjacent first channel (22) and second channel (23), the difference between the maximum length of the first contact element (32) extending out of the front surface (21) and the minimum length of the second contact element (42) extending out of the front surface (21) does not exceed 3 mm, or the difference between the maximum length of the second contact element (42) extending out of the front surface (21) and the minimum length of the first contact element (32) extending out of the front surface (21) in the cross-section does not exceed 3 mm.

16. The oral care element according to claim 2, characterized in that, The contact element carrier (20) includes a plurality of non-connected first channels (22).

17. The oral care element according to claim 16, characterized in that, The area enclosed by the edges of each of the first channels (22) is not less than 3 mm. 2 .

18. The oral care element according to claim 16, characterized in that, The area enclosed by the edges of each of the first channels (22) is not less than 10 mm². 2 .

19. The oral care element according to claim 16, characterized in that, The area enclosed by the edges of each of the first channels (22) is not less than 15 mm². 2 .

20. The oral care element according to claim 2, characterized in that, The contact element carrier (20) includes a plurality of non-connected second channels (23).

21. The oral care element according to claim 20, characterized in that, The area enclosed by the edges of each of the second channels (23) is not less than 1 mm. 2 .

22. The oral care element according to claim 20, characterized in that, The area enclosed by the edges of each of the second channels (23) is not less than 1.5 mm. 2 .

23. The oral care element according to claim 20, characterized in that, The area enclosed by the edges of each of the second channels (23) is not less than 3 mm. 2 .

24. The oral care element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The area enclosed by the edge of the second channel (23) is greater than or equal to the sum of the area enclosed by the edge of the first channel (22) and the area enclosed by the edge of the second channel (23).

25. The oral care element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ratio of the area enclosed by the edge of the first channel (22) to the front surface area of ​​the contact element carrier (20) is in the range of 0.2 to 0.

6.

26. The oral care element according to claim 25, characterized in that, The ratio of the area enclosed by the edge of the first channel (22) to the front surface area of ​​the contact element carrier (20) is in the range of 0.3 to 0.

5.

27. The oral care element according to claim 25, characterized in that, The ratio of the area enclosed by the edge of the first channel (22) to the front surface area of ​​the contact element carrier (20) is in the range of 0.

4.

28. The oral care element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ratio of the area enclosed by the edge of the second channel (23) to the front surface area of ​​the contact element carrier (20) ranges from 0.03 to 0.

15.

29. The oral care element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ratio of the area enclosed by the edge of the second channel (23) to the front surface area of ​​the contact element carrier (20) is in the range of 0.05 to 0.

10.

30. The oral care element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ratio of the area enclosed by the edge of the second channel (23) to the front surface area of ​​the contact element carrier (20) is in the range of 0.

07.

31. The oral care element according to claim 1, characterized in that, With the edge of the first channel (22) as a baseline, there exists another first channel (22) and / or a second channel (23) within a 0.7 mm wide area extending outward; and / or, With the edge of the second channel (23) as the baseline, there is another second channel (23) and / or the first channel (22) in a field extending outward by 0.7 mm.

32. An electric oral care appliance, characterized in that, Includes the oral care element as described in any one of claims 1 to 31, and a grip portion, The gripping part includes a housing for gripping, a drive assembly, an energy element, and a triggering element disposed inside the housing; The drive assembly is coupled to the oral care element. If the triggering element is triggered, the energy element provides energy to the drive assembly, which in turn drives the oral care element to vibrate reciprocally.

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